Everton Independent Research Data

 

TEAM NEWS AGAINST BURY
September 1 st 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
The fixture list at this period of the season is always crowded, but rarely has a club had to play ten matches in the space of less than five weeks, this the programme, however, which Everton started on Saturday and today the Goodison park is due at Gigg Lane to meet bury. Everton are making several forward changes from the side, which was beaten at Tottenham.
T. Parker a lancashire county amateur, who played for Stalybride Celtic last year, and who showed great promise in the trial game, is to fill the outside right berth in place of Irvine, who is moved to the centre-forward position in place of john O'Donnell, with batten at inside left, instead of Kennedy. The Goodison club will therefore have two amateurs in the side.
DailyCourier.
The Everton team to met Bury at Bury (kick off 6p.m) tonight: - B.H. Baker; Raitt McDonald; Brown, Reid, and Hart; Parker, Dominy, Irvine, Batten, Weaver. The Reserves side to Meet West Bromwich Albion Reserves at Goodison (Kick off 6-30) is Davies; Wilcox, Kerr; Rooney, Bain, Virr; Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, Troup. The brothers Walter and Bob Curr who play for Orrell have signed amateur forms, for Everton. Walter is an inside forward and Bob a full back.

ALTERNATIONS
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, September 1, 1926
Bee’s Notes
One had imagined that the side representing Everton at London, against the Spurs, would not be touched for the Bury game to-night, whereas one finds Parker, the Stalybridge amateur, getting his first run in senior football, and Irvine goes to centre-forward with Batten reappearing for Kennedy at inside left.  Frankly, these changes have surprised me, although I quite see the reasoning of the Everton directors.  They have tried to gain in combination and speed in the attacking division.  White, the Somerset bowler, has met with an accident.  In putting up the hood of his motor-car he caught his left hand in the woodwork, the mishap being so serious that the top of the third finger was practically severed.  Everton meet West Bromwich Albion in a Central League match at Goodison Park, this evening at 6.30, the Everton team being;- Davies; Wilcock, Kerr; Rooney, Bain, Virr; Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, Troup.  It will be seen that Troup and Moffatt, who have been on the injured list, are to play. 

BURY 5 EVERTON 2
September 2nd 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
SEVEN GOALS AT GIGG LANE.
BULLOCK THREE FOR BURY
By “Bee.”
Everton gave a disappointing display at Bury last night, and were beaten by five goals to two. Bury made no changes from Saturday, and Everton made vital alterations from the eleven beaten by Tottenham Hotspur. Batten came in for Kennedy, Irvine, went to centre, and Parker the Stalybridge amateur, made his debut at outside right. The wind was a frolic, and sweeping as it did around and through the small stands, it made play difficult. Much of the play was of the handling character. From a throw-in, or in the matter of goalkeeping a lively ball added to the difficulty of the players, and Bury having won the toss, had offered them a priceless chance of making good. Bury's forwards, however, were not in direct touch for half an hour. Certainly Baker made two enlivening saves –one a high ball, which he took from the crossbar; the other a low drive from Amos, who has a good habit of pushing into the inside left, and even as far as centre. Apart from this Ball and Bullock had been wakeful. Soon after the half hour Bury took the lead, through Bullock making a lobbing shot close in and over Baker's head. Amos and Stage had made the goal lead possible, and it was no more than Bury deserved, as they had the better of the play.
EVERTON MISS CHANCE.
Everton's forwards showed little sign of combination. When the grit of a goal was offered to Everton they did not snap it up. It was gilt-edge security when Irvine got the ball from one of Bury's few defensive errors, but Irvine failed with his attempted shot. Yet the screw on the ball was so pronounced that Dominy was left with no one to beat. He placed the ball, which gently touched the foot of the upright and rolled across the goal line. That the gods do not forgive was shown when with the last kick of the first half, Stage scored the home side's second goal. He got the rebound of a very fine pat down save from six yards out per Matthews. This was a stinging blow, and came so late on that the centre could not be taken. Everton in the last moment had allowed a frail lead to become as a millstone around their necks. The solitary question now was whether Everton would get more value out of the wind than Bury had. Also whether the Everton half backs could make more impression upon the lively Bury forwards.
FOUR LEAD.
The answer was to come all too quickly. After Baker had flung himself at a low shot Bullock shot and Reid had nearly headed through a goal from Ball, who hit Baker's leg with a warm one from close in. This was in four minutes, and two minutes later Baker ran out to make quite a rational clearance, tripped up, and saw Matthews shoot against the upright, Bullock meeting the rebound and pushing the ball into the still empty goal. A fourfold lead was top fulsome for a weak Everton side. Waever Everton's most dependable forward went close with a corner kick, and also offered a nice chance to Irvine. Hart, the losers best half-back –the half-back line was poor on the whole –centred from the touch line, and Dominy, running up, headed in to score readily. Everton now got busier, and when Heap bumped his own goalkeeper out of possession, he left Irvine with nothing to do save punt the ball for a second goal. Bury's answer was a shot by Ball, who hit the upright, the rebound being placed at the opposite end, where Baker made one further addition to a number of clever saves and clearances. The game had now brightened up considerably, yet there was much to find fault with in Everton, save the last two lines of defence; which had wore well. Dominy looked to be well through when Richardson came to the forefront for the first time. A goal at that point would have led to a fighting finish. As it was, defeat stirred at Everton, and only Baker's further solid punches away from Amos and Ball kept the scorers to a rational figure. The referee had been variable in his corner kick decision, but now erred grievously when he allowed Bullock to go on from an offside position and score this third goal of the day. This completed Everton's discomfiture, and they were well and truly beaten 5-2. They had been very disappointing. Teams;- Bury: - Richardson, goal, Heap, and Adamson, backs, Porter, Bradshaw, and Ward, half-backs, Matthews, Stages, Bullock, Ball, and Amos, forwards. Everton: - B.H. baker, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, T. Parker, Dominy, Irvine, Batten, and Weaver, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 1
September 2 nd 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 2)
About 10,000 spectators attended the Centrel League match at Goodison Park. Everton had numerous of chances of taking on early lead, but the shooting of the inside forwards was, at times woefully weak. Nearing the interval, Sprosan made a couple of great saves from Troup and Murray. On resuming Murray tried hard to get his line working smoothly, but without success, Edwards scored for West Bromwich from a perfect centre from Fotton. Everton: - Davies goal, Wilcox, and Kerr, backs, Rooney, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON’S DOLEFUL POSITION
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, September 2, 1926
Bee’s Notes
THE INQUEST
On Saturday Everton played quite a good game, and by arrangement with Spurs followers were worth a draw instead of a defeat of 2-1. 
Sequel- The directors thought fit to change the side which had made its first effort.  Wednesday.- The revised side failed 5-2 at Bury. 
Sequel.- Same team for Saturday against West Ham.  The directors are not panicky.  Now, candidly, I can’t balance these things in my scales.  If the side that lost heavily yesterday is to have a second run I cannot trace the reason for leaving the scorer of Saturday out of the team; nor can I picture any reason for other changes in the forward line.  Of yesterday’s show at Bury the less said the better; I had made up my mind to go deeply into the matter, but the selection of the team scotches, to a degree, the criticism thereon, in that it is damaging the team’s chance for Saturday.  But having given a pretty strong hint in yesterday’s notes that surprise was felt at the change of Saturday’s eleven, I must go on with views of the Everton outlook. 
BLACK
It is distinctly black.  The programme is a very severe one for nine games; Dean’s absence is a blow of blows- he starts light training to-day, I believe –all the others injuries the club has sustained are fully noted, and after all one comes to the very solid view that the team is lacking a forward line.  A whole line, and nothing but a line. As they played ay Bury there was no semblance of combination and order; each was a unit, each was easily disturbed and dispossessed; there was little effort at co-ordination, and one felt sorry for the extreme wingers, who had so little chance to do their bit.  Weaver made a pass, called for a return pass, leapt into his stride, scooped up five yards of open space, was unmarked and-the forward receiving the ball began to wheel about and waste time in letting the opposition crowd on him.  Parker, making his debut, rarely had a chance.  He is a bright, sturdy, young man, full of pluck and “go” but you can’t go if you have not the ball at your feet.  Candidly I don’t think Irvine likes centre-forward, and as the inside position are so vital in these days of new offside rules it is necessary that the three inners shall be very practical and swift footballer.  On the game, Bury showed last night we have not that trinity, and in the reserves game with West Bromwich it was suggested that there, too, we had small forwards and no first team prospectors!  It is all very aggravating but candour compels me to say that on what was seen yesterday Everton require two or three brand new young forwards.  It is easily said, I shall be told; was, that is quite true, but it is better said to-day then hidden till Christmas when the “home” are given out.
“ALSO RAN.”
Not that the forwards were alone in their failings; I faulted David Reid, for instance-quite an uncommon thing to say; and each of the three half-backs found the nippiness of the Bury forward line a trouble to them.  That was natural enough, for Bury have a right good attack in the best sense of the word; but the Everton half-backs are usually so sound in their upward passing that when they began to push the ball to an opponent one sat up and took a note of the fact.  All through the piece the wind played havoc with one’s football ideas, and winning the toss should have meant winning the game- that is the one kind word one can say of the Everton side; the toss would have beaten most sides.  But Everton were only a goal down, and would have equalized if Dominy had not scraped an empty goal by touching the foot of the upright; so that the losers were beaten when having the wind at their backs!  Their real bad luck came when with the absolute last kick of the first half Bury scored.  Had they guarded that goal, they would have gone off with the same confidence, because one is neither here nor there; two is a handicap.  There are those who incline to the belief that the goalkeeper was faulty.  I am not in agreement with that; Raitt, McDonald, and Howard Baker played an heroic game.  The amateur goalkeeper undoubtedly does pat-out a hot ball where others would catch it, and it is a style one remembers Mitchell, of Manchester, adopting.  But I am going to say that but for Baker’s clever goalkeeping the score would have been a very big one. 
BULLOCK’S THREE
The goalkeeper had little hope when the Bury forwards had broken clean through.  All of them are hot shooters, Amos in particular, for he sweeps in to inside left or even centre forward, and bangs away at goal with hit little feet.  Bullock got three, and there was an unselfishness about the whole line that could be copied; each played for the other; anybody can get goals so long as they are gotten.  That’s their spirit, I wish we had their shooting boots.  For the reason that they were frequent shooters I attach no blame to Baker; he was tripped up once when a goal came; another goal came through a rank offside decision, but at the moment one was a saving to the other.  “What is one among so many?”  Everton were truly disappointing and well and truly laid by the heels, and it was not touching the spot to being the goalkeeper into the cause thereof.  He made half a dozen rasping saves, and could not be accused of leaving his guard, as was his want for some seasons.  The position is black; it would be folly to ignore it or deny it; the great need is for young, strong go-ahead forwards of speed and not necessarily ultra-clever.  May they be landed soon is my worst wish.  On the Bury side the goalkeeper presented Irvine with a goal, and was beaten by a good header from Dominy.  Adamson was a great back.  Bradshaw, the light-hearted pivot, did not stress himself, and was rather below par till the second half.  He is Scotland’s best, spite of Dr. Milne and company.  If Amos is not the best club left-winger in the land please let me sign the next best. 

WEST HAM SIDE V EVERTON
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, September 2, 1926
West Ham have chosen Hufton; Hebden, Earl (A.); Bishop, Bennett, Collins; Yews, Earle (S.), Watson, Moore, and Ruffell for the match against Everton at Goodison Park.  Everton announce the opening of the new Bullens-road stand on Saturday.  The shareholders’ stand is all seated, and the members’ stand has from 600 to 700 fixed seats.  As the south end of the new stand will not be ready until the following Saturday, only the north portion (Gwladys-street end) is available for Saturday.  Fuller particulars in “Bee’s Notes” tomorrow. 

STOKE CITY PLAYER TRANSFERRED
Staffordshire Sentinel-Thursday, 02 September 1926
J. CLENNELL GOES TO BRISTOL ROVERS
Joe Clennell the Stoke City inside-left, has this morning been transferred to Bristol Rovers, the Third Division Southern Section club.  Clennell, who was signed by Stoke from Cardiff City in February last year, is a native of Seaham Harbour, and first came into promince with Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers.  He moved from the latter club to Everton.  While at Goodison Park he was a prolific goal scorer, and he played for the English league against the Irish League in 1920.  He was then the victim of knee injuries, and it was thought that his playing days were over.  But Cardiff City secured his transfer, and it proved one of the best bargains the Welsh club ever made.  When Clennell was secured from Cardiff by the Stoke club near the end of the 1924-25 season, it was part of an endeavor to avoid relegation, with which the club was threatened.  Though that fate was escaped at the time, subsequent history has shown that it was only putting off the evil day.  Last season Clennell played in 24 Second Division matches for the City and scored eight goals.  He is in the veteran class now, but his ripe experience may be of value to the Bristol club. 

WEAK SHOOTING
Birmingham Daily Gazette-Thursday, September 2, 1926
EVERTON CONCEDE CENTRAL LEAGUE POINTS TO ALBION
EVERTON RESERVES 0, WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 1
West Bromwich Albion deserved their narrow Central League victory at Goodison Park.  Though they were only one goal better in the actual score, they were the superior side.  More progressive, they found holes in Everton’s armour, and but for several good saves by the Everton goalkeeper would have added to Edwards goal- obtained in the second half from a centre by Fitton.  Everton’s attack was poor and but for one save by Sproson when one of his own defenders deflected the ball, they never looked like scoring, so poverty-stricken was their shooting. 

EVERTON'S NEW STAND
September 3 rd 1926. The Daily Courier.
Everton announce the opening of the new Bullen's road stand at Goodison Park for the West Ham United match on Saturday. The shareholders' stand is all seated, and the member's stand his from 600 to 700 fixed seats. As the South end of the new stand will not be ready until the following Saturday, only the north portion (Gwlady's street end) is available for Saturday.

HAMMERS AT THE EVERTON GROUND
Liverpool Echo- Friday, September 3, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Alf Harland has got a free transfer from the Everton club.  Here, then, is a good and cheap find. 
It is most appropriate that West Ham should visit Goodison Park to open the Goodison season, because as you know Everton have had the summer-time spent in making their new Twickenham stand, and Hammers have been going at it hard and strong all through that period.  In tomorrow’s match the London “Hammers” will be certain to make every post a winning post because they have not kicked off too well, and they will be anxious to get points at a ground which has not been exactly “blessed” to them.  Although they won 4-2 last season.  The West Ham side have much to commend them, and in the forward line they have the international, Ruffel and Victor Watson, always a joyful sort of centre to watch; in fact the London eleven have produced more first-class centre forwards than any team I can remember.
TO THE CROWD
I have a special request to make to the crowd at the new stand.  There have been no partition wires in the new stand.  In similar circumstances at other grounds it has not been found necessary to use these things, and they are undoubtedly a barrier to the view of the spectators.  But- here’s the rub- the club say that if spectators in the grandstand do not behave like little gentlemen, and are found climbing over the various stand-erection, then at once the wire-netting will have to be put up-and it will be a nuisance to all these who want a clear view, such as Bullens-road has always given.  I am sure one word from me will have the desired effect.  We must start right.  The stand is a remarkably fine one, and is a credit to these responsible for it.  It will always ring as “true as a bell” because the form of J.H. and W. Bell have been responsible for the erection of the steelwork, and have now taken up their chattels to Epson Downs, there to make the new Derby course something like ship-shape, which it has never been; in fact, it has been a disgrace, considering the world’s greatest race is run there.  They also put up the Blackpool Tower “lines.”  The public, judging by their letters to me and by their statements, have been rather startled by the changes made by Everton for the Bury match.  After all, Saturday was a very awful day for any footballer, and I am a great believer in letting an original choice settle to its game.  However, the directors made changes, and have now, as you know, given the second selection a further chance.  Everyone wishes them well, and hopes for a jolly good game.  The players are sure to be desperately keen to prove the faith reposed in them was justified.  Everton; B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; T. Parker, Dominy, Irvine, Batten, Weaver.  West Ham; Hufton; Bebden, Earl (A.); Bishop, Bennett, Collins; Yews, Earles (S.), Watson (V.), Moore, Ruffell. 
The Twickenham stand at Goodison Park will be opened to the public.  The shareholders’ stand is all seated, and the members stand has from 600 to 700 fixed seats.  As the south-end of the new stand will not be ready until the following Saturday, only the north portion (Glwadys-street end) will be available for next Saturday.  For the pens’ “pen” which is also at the Gladys-street end, entrance is as last season.  The north end of the new paddock will be open, together with the whole of the first portion.  The prices are;- Boys 6d, paddock 1s 6d, North Bullens-road 2s 4d, and members’ portion 3s 6d.  Spectators entering stand or paddock should take notice of means of getting to the various parts. 
LATE FOOTBALL WIRES
WEST HAM LAST-MINUTE CHANGE V. EVERTON
West Ham have been forced to make a last-minute change in their team to visit Goodison park to-morrow.  A. Earle, the left back, has injured his thigh, and will be unable to play.  Barrett will go to his old position at left back, while Cater will deputise at centre half.  The team will be; Hufton; Bebden, Barrett; Bishop, Carterm Collins; Yews, S. Earle, Watson, Moore, Ruffell. 

GEORGE BREWSTER
Linlithgowshire Gazette - Friday 03 September 1926
George Brewster, the ex-Aberdeen, Everton, and Scottish international centre half has been again appointed trainer-coach to Inverness Caledonian. 

AMATEUR PLAYER PARKER.
September 4 TH 1926. The Liverpool Echo
Everton appear to have pick up a smart young amateur in Thomas H. Parker, who was given his chance in the reserve team on the opening day of the season, and promoted to the League the following Wednesday at bury. A Boltonian, Parker stands only 5ft 6ins; but he weights 10st; and is fraid of nothing, being fast and possessing good control of the ball. When at the Bolton Church Institute School he played both outside right and centre forward, and since then he has played in the wings for St. Phillips, in the Bolton .S.F. League, Eccles United, in the Lancashire Combination, and Cheshire County League, and Stalybridge Celtic, in the Cheshire County League, being with the last named club a season ago. A member of the Bolton Harriers and Athletic club, Parker is employed by a firm of chartered accountants. He has a brother who plays left back for Bolton St. Philips.

EVERTON'S FIRST HOME GAME
September 4 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton open their home season with a visit from West ham United, whom they defeated by 2-0 in the corresponding match last term. So far the Goodison Park club has fulfilled two away engagements, and the play of the side, has not been altogether encouraging. At Tottenham, the team did not have the best of luck, but the heavy defeat at Bury came as a surprise. The eleven which did duty on that occasion is to have another opportunity today, and special interest will be shown in the forward line, where T. Parker, the Stalybridge amateur, and Dominy, the former Southampton forward, consistute the right wing. The high wind at bury perhaps upset calculations, and Everton are hoping to do much better on this occasion. Last Saturday the Upton Park side drew with Leicester City, but Everton should win on this occasion. The kick off is at 3-15 and the teams are: - B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; T. Parker, Dominy, Irvine, Batten, Weaver. West Ham: - Huffon; Hebden, Barrett; Bishop, Carter, Collins; Yews, S. Earle, Watson, Moore, and Ruffell.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 04 September 1926
STOKE CITY V EVERTON
STTOKE CITY 3 EVERTON 0
The Victoria Ground appeared to be in capital condition to-day.  Stoke had to make one change owing to Spencer’s injury, Dawson being taken to assist the first eleven.  The teams were;- Stoke City; Knott, goal; Robson and Eyres, backs; Armitage, Watson and Jackson, half-backs; F. Watkin, Bussey, Kelly, Foster, and Hallam, forwards.  Everton; Davies, goal; Wilcox, and Kerr, backs; Hamilton, Bain and Rooney, half-backs; Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, O’Donnell, and Kennedy, forwards.  Referee; Mr. W. Waldon, of Derby.
THE GAME
Everton won the toss and Stoke were placed to face the brilliant sun, but they were the first to advance.  Hallam and Foster being checked by Hamilton who transferred to the centre for Bain to give to Murray, but Watson intervened.  The ball came into the centre, and Bain transferred to Moffatt, who, in trying to get through, was challenged by Eyres, but the Stoke man only managed to touch the ball in its flight towards Knott, and a corner followed, but nothing accrued from it.  stoke then went down again, Davies saving from Foster.  After two attempts by the Everton left wing Knott cleared from a pass back by Robson.  Stoke then made substantial progress, and nine minutes from the start BUSSEY, with a clever header, converted a centre from Hallam which gave Davies no chance.  Immediately following their success Stoke went down in a body and made another attack, Foster being brought down on the fringe of the penalty area, but the free kick went just over the bar.  It was a narrow shave.  Everton not slow to take advantage from the goal kick, and Eyres was challenged by Woodhouse and Moffatt, but he managed to clear on each occasion.  At the other end F. Watkin put in a fine centre, but before Bussey could turn it to account, Kerr passed out to Bain.  Everton were very persistent and Knott had to save a dropping shot from Woodhouse.
CITY MAINTAIN PRESSURE
Stoke pressed severely, and Davies was called upon to show his skill.  Another flag kick proved fruitless, and the Everton goal escaped further downfall.  Play was very fast and Everton were soon around Knott, who saved from O’Donnell.  Bussey again only missed by inches after a nicely combined run.  It seemed that Stoke were bound to add to their score, but the Everton defence prevailed.  Stoke continued to hold the balance of the play, and after Watkin had dropped the ball in, Bussey sent it over the bar.  Knott them handled from Rooney.  Stoke were being well served by Eyres at back.  Six minutes from the interval, following midfield play, Bussey secured and put in a nice square centre low down for KELLY to turn past Davies for Stoke’s second goal.  Half-time;
STOKE CITY 2, EVERTON 0
Play was evenly contested in the first five minutes of the second half.  Knott handled only once in a considerable period, but Davies had a hard task to keep his charge intact.  Stoke wore down the Everton defence, but they failed to score.  A long cross shot from Hallam might have been easily turned to account, but the ball was allowed to roll our side.  Everton tied up the Stoke defence completely on one occasion, but they could not score.  Play deteriorated somewhat at this stage, but later Moffatt got away from all this pursuance and put in a fine centre which went into the side net. Rough and tumble play continued, and then Kelly was careering for goal he was fouled in the penalty area.  ARMITAGE took the kick and scored after 29 minutes play of the second half.  Just on time Watkin fired in a fine shot which Davies saved at the expense of a corner. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 4, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

BEE’S WEEKLY DIARY
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 4, 1926
Everton appear to have picked up a smart young amateur in Thomas H. Parker, who was given his chance in the reserve team on the opening day of the season and promoted to the League the following Wednesday at Bury.  A Boltonian, Parker stands only 5ft 6ins, but he weighs 10st, and is afraid of nothing, being fast and possessing good control of the ball.  When at the Bolton Church Institute school he played both outside right and centre-forward, and since then he has played on the wing for St. Philips’s in the Bolton S.S.S. League, Eccles United, in the Lancashire Combination and Cheshire County League; and Staleybridge Celtic, in the Cheshire County League, being with the last named club a season ago.  A members of the Bolton Harriers and Athletic Club, Parker is employed by a firm of chartered accountants.  He has a brother who plays left back for Bolton St. Philp’s. 

BRILLIANT HAMMERS
Reynold’s Newspaper-Sunday 05 September 1926
EVERTON OUTPLAYED IN CONVINCING STYLE
A GREAT HALF-BACK
EVERTON 0, WEST HAM UNITED 3
By Merseysiders
West Ham fully deserved their lead of two goals at the interval, scored by Watson and Moore, and the wonder was that the margin was not greater.  Everton started well, and for a time premised great things, but they faded out completely after fifteen minutes, and the Hammers gradually assumed the upper hand.  A great feature of the visitors side was the splendid work at centre half of Cater.  He completely subdued Irvine, and with Everton’s best forward out of gear the remaining of the line was sadly disorganized.  Irvine went to inside left after half an hour, and a little later inside right, but all to no avail.  The Everton front line simply could not get going.  Watson scored a splendid goal after twenty-two minutes, but it was so simply yet cleverly done that it looked almost commonplace.  He received an up the middle pass on the run, deftly rounded an opposing back, and at the same time slipped the ball well out of the reach of Baker into the net.  The same player was responsible for the second goal, for on finding himself crowded out he unselfishlessly passed to Moore, and presented that player with a gift chance from two yards out.  Everton were at sixes and sevens after this, but even so Baker was not greatly troubled in goal, as the shooting of the visitors’ forwards was rather weak in direction. 
EVERTON IMPROVE
The second half was much more in favour of Everton, but West Ham still had the whip hand where skill was concerned, and they deserved every goal they got, and Hufton played so well that the Hammers deserved a clean sheet.  His backs also did famously, and with Cater playing a great game the home side were left in despair, thanks to their slow-moving forwards and half-backs.  West Ham won through ability to combine, and much of this was due to the fine work of Watson and Earle, who were very instricately clever.  Hufton made a great one-handed save from Dominy, who had a bad match.  Parker was Everton’s best forward, but the line altogether was without ideas of combine and they were easily held by Hebden and Barrett, both of whom were ideal.  The sun bothered West Ham right through the second half, and Yews was damaged and quite unable to raise a gallop, therefore Watson’s third goal was the more praise-worthy. 

EVERTON 0 WEST HAM UNITED 3
September 6, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S THIRD DEFEAT.
Everton were soundly beaten when they made their first appearance for the season at Goodison Park on Saturday, and the margin of three clear goals in favour of West Ham did not overstate the case against the Goodison side. It was Everton's third successive defeat, and although they gave such a disappointing display it may be recalled that in the year when Burnley had such a remarkable run of success they open with three successive defeats. At present the outlook at Goodison is the reverse of cheerful, and it is many a long day since the side, as a whole played so poorly. It was that West ham showed any outstanding ability. They were just an average side playing good methodical football without any pretence at brilliant movements, yet Everton were the interior side. The forwards had a poor conception of constructive work. They lacked a big personally capable of devoping ideas that ensure sound progressive work. They laboured and toiled without any definite plan, and were so conscious of their failings that at the end of half an hour's play they rearranged their attack, with Batten as centre forward and Irvine inside left. The forwards were not alone to blame because Baker in the Everton goal, did not inspire confidence by his risky manceuvres and general lack of skill in dealing with ordinary shots.
PARKER'S DISPLAY.
The one bright spot in Everton's display was the part played by Parker, the youthful outside right. He played with a purpose, spent little time in finessing, and usually got the ball across at a nice pace. Weaver did some good things, but Irvine was too obsessed with the importance of dribbling to be ever dangerous. Batten did better in the centre. He was a more trustful leader than Irvine while Dominy was just a useful link in a very moderate attack. Possibly Hart should not have played because he did not stay the pace and faded out after a promising start. Peacock, who took the place of Brown (injured) was very poor. He found Ruffell too fast for him, and was rarely in touch with his own forwards. Reid worked hard, and was better in defence than attack. Of the full backs, McDonald was better than Raitt although both were much below their usual form.
PASS BACK DANGER.
Raitt was really responsible for the second goal, because he made a pass back that was intercepted and Moore had an easy task in netting the ball. Hufton, in the West Ham goal, had far more to do than Baker and he did it well. He was much troubled in the second half, when the Everton forwards certainly shot oftener than in the first period. Still Hufton was left off far too easily, chiefly because the Everton forwards did not press home their attacks with definite and direct shooting. The backs tackled and kicked well and one of the best performers was Carter, a hard working bustling type of pivot, who allowed the opposition little latitude. Bishop did well early on, while Earle played his usual attractive game with clever passes and skilful touches. Watson led the line well, and always ready to snap up openings. He scored the first goal (twenty-three minutes) with a clever shot, and at thirty-four minutes he provided Moore with a grit chance which the latter converted. At eight-one minutes Watson scored West ham's third goal, when he took up a short pass by Yews, who had responded well to Watson,'s preliminary movements. Teams; - Everton: - B.H. Baker, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Peacock, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Parker, Dominy, Irvine, Batten, and Weaver, forwards. West Ham United: - Hufton, goal, Hebden and Barrett, backs, Bishop, Carter, and Collins, half-backs, Yews, Earle, Watson, Moore, and Ruffell, forwards.

STOKE CITY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
September 6 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 3)
Everton received a setback at the Victorian ground, where they were beaten by a side who snapped up their chances. The visitors were deservedly beaten, but the margin of success flattred the City, who never entirely held the upperhand. The scoring was opened by Bussey after nine minutes' play, and Kelly scored again six minutes before the interval. Everton challenged the issue strongly following the resumption, but the forwards, spoiled good work in the field by weak finishing, and they were well beaten when Armitage scored from a penalty sixteen minutes from the end. The Everton defence could not be blamed for the defeat; Wilcox and Kerr were sound enough and both kicked with good directions. Bain was the best of a solid and useful intermediate trio. Forwards were disappointing, but Woodhouse and O'Donnell showed clever touches without being trustful the attack lacked a marksman. Everton: - Davies goal, Wilcox and Kerr backs, Rooney, Bain, and Virr backs, Moffatt, Woodhouse, O'Donnell, Kennedy and Troup, forwards .

NEW BRIGHTON RESERVES 4 EVERTON “A” 6
September 6 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
At rake-Lane. Everton made a splendid recovery early on New Brighton held a commanding lead, but Everton stuck to their task and playing the better football in the second half scored five goals to New Brighton one. New Brighton paid the penalty of throwing away chances, evidently thinking the game won. The scorers were for New Brighton. Nicholes (2), Voar, and Wilson. For Everton “A”, Harrison (2), Manville, Murray, Davies, A. Haspey

EVERTON’S LAPSES. 
Athletic News, Monday, September 6, 1926
WEST HAM DESERVE WIN DESPITE LUCKY GOALS
EVERTON 0 WEST HAM UNITED 3
Everton players gave a poor account of themselves in the opening game at Goodison. They opened confidently enough, and as the game went on, all that was lacking was a really skilful centre-forward to crown their efforts.  Then came a complete change, for the West Ham forwards moved along at a rapid pace, quickly making up their minds, and executing effective rounds of passing high speed. Contrary 'to the methods adopted by the Everton forwards, they went for the ball, and did not wait for it to arrive.  , It was here that the West Ham front line excelled. Movements were so ably executed with dribbling close and clean that the efforts of Everton s half-backs to prevent their progress often appeared feeble.  As if to add to the discomfiture of Everton, certain players blundered to such extent as to make possible the three goals recorded by the United.  In the case of the first, which arrived after twenty-four minutes play, Raitt misjudged the pace of Watson, Carter placed the ball ahead, and it seemed to me that the Everton right back could easily have got there first, but with a leap forward Watson turned the ball, drew out Baker, and placed swerving ball Into the right-hand corner the of net.  Ten minutes later Raitt, in passing the ball back, did not apply sufficient power, and Ruffell, pouncing on to it, Baker had perforce to again come out, only to find Moore taking the pass from his colleague to place the ball into an untenanted goal. 
REAL BALL CONTROL. 
Yet another lapse, eight minutes from time, rendered the position hopeless so far as Everton were concerned.  Hart failed to arrest Yews, who had been limping, and the -ball was middled for Watson to complete the scoring with Baker helpless.  Apart from these incidents that brought in their train such disastrous results, there could be no denying the fruits of victory to the London team.  After the first few minutes they gave an object-lesson in ball control, which, at times, was above the average standard, and with the exception a period in the second half, when they appeared inclined to rest upon a two goals lead, they played an attacking game. Towards the close of the first half, when Irvine and Batten changed positions, Hufton's charge was severely bombarded, but packed defence, persistently active, kept their position intact.  In the second half Everton's forwards and half-backs were seen in better vein, but opposed to rock-like defensive measures, in which Hebden stood out above his fellows and Hufton in brilliant form in goal, all efforts to reduce the margin were thwarted.  Yews and Earle formed wing that exacted much quarter from Hart, and it was well that McDonald was in brilliant mood, for up to the time that the wing player was injured, most of West Ham’s incisive movements came from this quarter.  Ruffell and Moore, too, gave Peacock a very anxious time, and Watson completed a forward line that adapted their movements to the beat advantage. 
BRILLIANT HUFTON
Behind them was Cater, who came into the side to enable Barrett to drop back in place of Earl (A.), who was injured, and the pivot had a great deal to do with the success of his side.  Hebden was the outstanding defender in front of Hufton, who, as I indicated, saved his charge in brilliant fashion.  The Everton forwards were disjointed.  They were not ably led, and it was surprising that so little support was accorded Parker who, excepting Weaver on the other flank, was the one player that made good use of the ball when it came his way and put in centres that ought to have brought better results.  Everton; B. Howard-Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Reid, Hart (Captain); T. Parker, Dominy, Irvine, Batten, and Weaver.  West Ham United; Hufton; Hebden, Barrett; Bishop, Carter, Collins; Yews, Earle (S.), Watson, Moore, and Ruffell.  Referee; Mr. C.E. Lines, Birmingham. 

EVERTON CHANGES
Liverpool Echo- Monday 6 September 1926
For their match with West Bromwich Albion, at the Hawthorns, tonight, Everton will have O’Donnell for Irvine and Brown for Peacock. 

NOT CAUSING
Liverpool Echo-Monday, September 6, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Really some of the football results make one smiles; but behind the smile there lurks a sardonic, satanic sneer and leer.  It is a pantomime season, and we are not altogether enjoying ourselves in this city owing to the inability of the Everton side to gain a victory to cheer us.  They have been lamentable so far, and the latest out-burst of failure will probably drive some of the supporters to despair.  I counsel them not to be hasty; to remember that Dean, Virr, and others were looking on instead of playing, and the club has without doubt had tragic misfortune.  But I am not going to say the club has not had something else; I think the club had the temerity to change the first side that stood for them, and they had no justification for so doing, and that lapse has let them in for a load of mischief and trouble; for this reason, they started with Irvine as outside right.  Now if he was worth a trial his game at Spurs should have led him to more than one attempt to play there; but having taken him therefrom they make him a centre forward, which I do not believe he can ever be.  He had one run at that post, and during the game on Saturday, he was moved to Batten’s place at inside left.  In short, Irvine, an inside right for many years, is played everywhere save in his known best position! There may be sound reckoning for that way of building a team, but I can’t fathom it, and I shall be happy to be enlightened.
I am sure the club officers will acquit me of any idea of being caustic when I make three criticisms.  I want to show as far as in me lies a way towards a better team; we hear much of the rising about constructive criticisms, and we read little or none.  First of all I think the club took a risk playing Hunter Hart, who was plainly worried about a limb or a muscle; I would never take a risk with a doubtful starter; the club did something similar with Chedgzoy at Brighton, and the result was a defeat in the cup.  Then I would choose young men for the attack who would attempt to keep the ball on the ground and make progress in the simple yet effective way West Ham made progress; direct methods with the short, sharp, pass or the elongated swinging pass to the other wing.  West Ham can’t be world beaters, judged by what we done to them by Leicester City, and, therefore, to be beaten by West Ham may mean that we are not half as good as we think we are.  The opening matches of the Everton club are severe, the need for sympathy is severe; so, equally, is the necessity for fair and frank criticism.  I gave some of the latter after the Bury match, and was really genuinely surprised to find the same team had been selected when it had plainly failed them. 
A BRIGHT SPOT
Fortunately, if the games have done nothing else they have shown us a bright youth of whom I gave particulars in Saturday’s “Football Echo,” I refer to T. Parker, the amateur, who is sprightly, determined and not easily shaken from the ball; rather slight in build, but very definite in his centres and his manner of dodging.  He does not keep his feet very well just lately, but the top turf may be the cause, and in any case the fault is a slight one.  He and Weaver have been our dependable forwards, but elsewhere we shall have to have alterations.  The half-back line was not life-like in certain phases; the fault was too patent for further mention, and I doubt not that when the wet grounds come along that the three of them will find “the other side” coming back to them.  But can the club wait that length of time? That’s the question.  Raitt, who had played two grand games, now faltered under stress, and he like Reid did not always keep a tight rein on the tamper-for which I for one am sorry.  There are those again who would blame the goalkeeper; I claim that he was not to blame for any of the scoring shots, but that his kicking was not so good as it has been.  The team has struck a rock; they must strike the right vein shortly and turn to the streak of light-hearted confidence.  They are sadly lacking in confidence.
REAL HAMMERS
West Ham has always fielded good centre-forwards and though Watson got two goals and gained the other for Moore I should award the palm to the long-legged frail-looking Stanley Earle, who is nowadays playing a Corinthian game with a better physique than he carried eighteen months ago.  Training nearly beat him early on, but now he has caught up to the ideas and is playing his own delightful close-dribbling style he is a joy to watch and the whole line in which he operates shows the faculty for yielding to another anything that is likely to be done better by the unmarked player.  That was the secret of their success; they had a bonny worker at centre half-back, a good man in Bishop, and a brainwave down the middle.  Neither extreme winger have yet convinced me, but they tell me Ruffel is a gem on his best days; so far he has done nothing in this city.  Perhaps it is as well for us! Ah, well, we go to the Midlands to-night for another all-night “commons” sitting- Everton v Albion.  Would that I could promise you a pleasant surprise to-morrow. 

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 3 EVERTON 2
September 7, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
EVERTON STRONG FINISH.
BEATEN AFTER THEIR BRIGHTEST DISPLAY
By “Bees”
Everton were beaten at the Hawthorns, last night by 3 goals to 2, before 20,000 spectators. Everton played O'Donnell for Irvine, and Brown returned vice Peacock. There was a startling opening, S. Davies, a former Everton player, scoring through McDonald erring badly. This goal shook Everton into left rather disturbed their confidence and it was no surprise when O'Donnell hooked an equaliser that Ashmore could not hope to reach, owing to his having gone down immediately before to a ball travelling away from him. O'Donnell had been shooting hard and true, and one of his high drives had made Ashmore concede a corner, from which, indirectly, came Everton's well-deserved and well-earned equaliser, but the success was undone afresh when Reid astoundingly pulled the ball back with his hand.
A PENALTY
A goal resulted from the penalty kick , Davies being the scorer. This was a blow that shook the Everton side, and at the thirty-six minute Carter broke through and scored no.3 with an ease and nonchalance that showed the confidence of the man. Thus, as at the Spurs' ground, Everton, after having most of the play and showing capital form, had a weak five minutes and had fallen behind. It was an electric and surprise lead that the Albion held at half-time. On the run of the play there were not two goals between the teams, yet there it was a 3-1 lead for the home side. Raitt did fine work, and Dominy and the sprightly Parker had been thorns in the Albion's backs, well though Howarth had operated at half-back in the first half. O'Donnell reappearance meant more punch to the forward line, his swerving shots trying Ashmore to the full. When twenty-five yards out he elected to try a shot, and Ashmore made a beautiful one handed save. Batten also had a good try, and Hart's energies once took him across the field to the right side of the touch line. Baker might have saved the third goal, as against that there was an instance where Carter hit the crossbar, and Davies kicked a divot instead of the ball when the goal gaped at him. In the second half Reid joined the shooting list, and Parker, as ever, was always going ahead smartly and with practical footwork, whereas Weaver got a few chances. Raitt was particular good in stemming the Byers tide, and the Albion forwards, as usual, were nothing if not nippy, Carter coming near to his best form of a year ago, without finding either of his extreme wing men so prominent as usual. O'Donnell nearly reduced the lead, the ball hitting Magee who had fallen. Ashmore was a busy man for some time and was troubled to keep the opposition out, even falling to the ground and being surrounded by rivals.
BAKER'S FINE CATCH.
Baker was also employed and one catch near the crossbar from James was a gem. Away went Everton to the other end, and when Weaver wheedled the ball to the centre and Dominy running in, as he did in the Bury match headed a goal to make the issue open again. There were now twenty-three minutes to go, and at once Stanley Davies sent in a rocket shot that Baker caught. James, however, missed a sitter after McDonald had blundered. On the other hand, Raitt, cutting across, did well to stop Glidden's drive from eight yards range. Byers at length raced beyond all opposition to the middle of the field, and Baker by running put, stopped a certain goal by a timely kickaway. Back came Everton with almost surprising ruggedness and O'Donnell lashed out when Perry missed the kick. Ashmore, running out, had the good fortune to feel the ball hit his leg. This was good luck rather than good management. Everton had the whip hand in the closing ten minutes, and in spite of another good catch by Baker, from Davies, Everton were the more dangerous side. The Albion broke away again through Davies, yet the Albion were on tenterhooks to the finish of a hard and fast game, in which Everton, though beaten were far from disgraced. In fact it was their brightest display of the season. The Albion welcomed the final whistle. Teams: - West Bromwich Albion: - Ashmore goal, Perry, and Baugh, backs, Magee, Reed, and Howarth, half-backs, Glidden, Carter, James, Davies, Byers, forwards. Everton: - B. Howard, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain) half-backs, Parker, Dominy, O'Donnell, Batten, and Weaver, forwards.

LIGHT BURNING AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, September 7, 1926
A MARKED IMPROVEMENT
Bee’s Notes
Everton sit at the foot of the League figures-the only club in the three tourneys with a nought in the points column.  But there is a light shinning in their wilderness of defeat.  It was seen to brighten the defeat at West Bromwich Albion’s ground.  Let me concentrate my criticism, thus;-

  1. First goal due to McDonald’s mistake Admitted.
  2. Everton well on top by good, combined football.  O’Donnell score equalizer.  Well deserved.
  3. Davies make it 2-1 through a penalty decision for hands- wholesale, and unhesitating hands, against Reid
  4. Carter makes it 3-1 in a few minutes.  Thus a slight collapse and the team on top in form, in fanciful and effective football, suddenly finds itself two goals down.  At ‘Spurs’ ground a similar lapse of three minutes cost two goals
  5. Thus you have one goal from a mistake, one from a penalty, and one I thought might have been saved by Baker, who, nevertheless, made some stirring saves and catches, and by judicious running out-he has toned down a natural desire to take abnormal risks, and his game is all the better for it; yesterday he ran out and cleverly saved a goal.
  6. And the best of all the points; O’Donnell’s come-back led to a stiffening of the forward line and a ruggedness and “punch” that had been absent.  The whole side fought back with a resoluteness that was almost foreign to the name Everton. 

They had Albion earnestly packing their goal and fearing the equalizer; they had the Albion “asking the time”; they had the great good fortune to find when O’Donnell crashed in a beautiful shot that the ball hit Ashmore’s legs.  Hence it was no surprise when the Albion people said after the game, “We were delighted to hear the whistle go.” 
GOOD, GOOD, GOOD!
The Albion players and officials are good sports, and they generously conceded the fine form shown by Everton.  But I fear that in their generosity some of these clubs say, By jove, you should have drawn.”  And they pocket their two pounds win, saying, “Well, the opposition are a decent lot of sports.”  You see the points and pounds are safely tucked away.  Hence my considered verdict that though Everton had some ill-fortune they were value for the score they got, and not for a draw.  I admit at once that O’Donnell was grossly unfortunate when Ashmore accidentally saved a goal at a very vital and late-on juncture of the game.  That apart, I seem to remember something that must have been forgotten by the folk there.  The Carter hit the crossbar and that Albion missed three sitters.  That is Albion’s fault and one cannot put it to Everton’s list, but in judging the side for future games one must be frank with one’s own good eyesight and state that Everton were very, very good and wondrously improved as compared with the game against West Ham, but they were barely worth a drew.  Everton on this showing have no need to go into the dumps; they were resolute, methodical, fastish on a beautiful carpet turf (that would have been cut but for the rain of the morning) and in general showed a beauty of football and a sting, enterprising liveliness that must bring them victory shortly.  We must not forget, too, that Everton have played three out of their four games away from home. 
A “HARDMAN” AT EVERTON
One of the joys of the game at the Midlands was the display of young Parker, the Stalybridge Amateur, who danced around the Albion defenders and worked in a way that compelled the admiration of all present.  He is a real goer, and a dodger of twinkling character, so dear to the crowd.  Not until well on in the second half did he falter, through hesitance and over-dribble, and one hopes he will not develop on these lines, for his original game is the right one and the damaging one.  He much resemble a former Everton winger in Harold Hardman on the score of pluck, and if only one could add a few inches to his stature he would be hailed as a real outside right.  He and Dominy are working into a nice pairing fashion, and Dominy’s second goal per the head –it was like the Bury goal- should lead him to continued confidence in his new class.  None of the forwards have played better this season, and the more one reviews the latest game the more troublesome is it to remember that after a solitary trail the forward line at the Spurs’ ground was cut into by the selectors.  That was a blunder in my humble estimate.
PURELY PERSONAL
O’Donnell is a “working man” in any position and just the type that gets a bundle of goals in this new football.  I have a great belief in his daring dives and drives and his surprise shots.  We do not want that ultra-clever player in the middle; the man who will shoot rather than meander about pitting and patting is sorely needed these days.  The half-back work was a revelation compared to Saturday’s’ even so, Reid was not secure with his passes.  I think he will come to his best again when he feeds the extreme wing men.  At back Raitt played great football and McDonald strove hard to redeem his blunder.  On the left wing Weaver “wheedled” the ball to the centre for Dominy’s goal and Batten was ever enterprising in heading and dribbling, while one of his shots showed the boot power of the man.  One could have wished that he had kept his winger more keenly engaged.  Albion were very good in goal, variable at back and poor at centre-half back, Reed having gone back a bit, and in the forward line Stan Davies continues to get goals and Carter is coming back to his best and brightest, whereas the extreme man, Glidden, like James is not coming on at the rate one was entitled to expect.  I have a lot of Everton team-building letters.  But at the moment space is too valuable to allow them light of day; moreover, I think policy should now be adopted in view of the capital form and fighting propensity shown yesterday by the chosen eleven. 

EVERTON’S MISLEADING LEAGUE RECORD
Birmingham Daily Gazette-Tuesday 07 September 1926
STERLING DISPLAY AT THE HAWTHORNS
ALBION WIN, BUT ONLY JUST
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 3, EVERTON 2
By “The Throstle”
The majority of the 12,000 spectators at the Hawthorns last night, if allowed any liberties with the First Division table, would assuredly feel tempted to turn it upside down, so that some tribute might, in fancy be paid to the sterling worth of Everton.  They lost, it is true, but they shared the intangible honours of a very pleasant, and at times strenuous contest, the end of which found three goals credited to Albion and two to Everton.  This score ran somewhat contrary to the game, which was sharply divided into spasms of alternating mastery.  Albion began in deadly earnest, and Davies gave them the lead within two minutes.
O’DONNELL’S REMARKABLE SHOT
Then for quite half an hour the game ran in Everton’s favour, and O’Donnell equalized with a remarkable hook shot after Ashmore had made two splendid saves.  Events took another turn at the end of half an hour, when the persistency of Byers disturbed the serenity of the Everton backs, and Carter struck the bar at the end of a clever movement.  From the rebound James missed the first of three “sitters” which must be debited to his account, but in the subsequent scrimmage Reid handled and Davies converted the penalty.  A minute or two later Byers again provided Cater with an opening and this time he made better use of it. 
EVERTON’S FINE EFFORT
Thus at the interval Albion were in possession of a two goal lead, but the subsequent play demonstrated clearly enough that this was more a challenge to Everton than an inducement to give up the struggle and the reward of much splendid forward play was a neat second goal by Dominy.  The contest waxed fast and furious from this point to the end, but the defences were not again overcome, severely tested though they were at times.  Everton frankly surprised the West Bromwich crowd by their admirable football.  Crisp, swift advances by the forwards; excellent support by the middle line, and sturdy volleying by the backs were factors in a fascinating display, and a little more deadliness in front of the net would certainly have given Albion abundant cause for uneasiness. 
ALBION’S ADVANTAGE
Where Albion enjoyed the advantage was in their greater dash, and the power they evinced to turn defence into attack by quick threats on either flank.  Howard Baker distinguished himself by making many spectator clearance, but he must have blinked his observant eyes in wonderment when Glidden and James (twice) frittered away really gilt-edged chances.  All were worked out for them by the subtleties of Cater, and there was no excuse for the feeble efforts made by his two colleagues to finish off his clever play.  Only one such simple opening fell to Everton and then Ashmore smothered O’Donnell’s shot, which would never have been made but for a bad miskick by Perry. 
NOT AN EASY WIN
From this review of the salient happenings of the match it will be seen that Albion only just contrived to win.  They had a more powerful opposition to contend with than at Cardiff on Saturday, and they produced just that extra effort which the occasion demanded.  No one stood out in defence with more prominence than Ashmore, the backs and halves being even, whilst Byers again outshone his colleagues in attack.  West Bromwich Albion; Ashmore; Perry, Baugh; Magee, Reed, Howarth; Glidden, Carter, James, Davies, Byers.  Everton; Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Parker, Dominy, O’Donnell, Batten, Weaver.  Referee; Mr. A. Joesphs (South Shields). 

EVERTON UNCHANGED.
September 8, 1925. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Against the Wednesday, at Sheffield on Saturday, Everton will be represented by the same side as that beaten at West Bromwich Albion; Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Parker, Dominy, O'Donnell, Batten, and Weaver. The Reserves side to meet West Bromwich at the Hawthorns, this evening is Davies; R Curr, Kerr; Rooney, Bain, Virr; Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, and Troup.

EVERTON SIT STILL
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday 08 September 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton have made no change for Saturday against Wednesday, where they last went in connection with a cup-tie and collared the verdict by one goal to nil.  It is wise that the team chosen for the Albion match should be tried afresh; there is no other remedy for “lack of confidence and inability to settle down.”  Later on wise alternations could be made, but for the moment a settling-down policy was proved necessary. 
EVERTON UNCHANAGED
Against The Wednesday, at Sheffield on Saturday.  Everton will be represented by the same side as that beaten at West Bromwich;- H. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; T. Parker, Dominy, O’Donnell, Batten, Weaver.  The reserve side to meet West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, this evening, is; Davies; Curr (R), Kerr (J); Rooney, Bain, Virr; Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, Troup. 
FOOTBALL AND THE CHURCH
St. Cyprian’s Church (Edge-lane) hold a “Football Afternoon” on Saturday at three o’clock.  The speaker is the Rev W. C. Jordan, M.A. an ex-international and former Everton player.
ACCOUNTANT
One of the most impressive players Everton F.C have fielded so far is young Tom Parker, the Stalybridge player, who was originally “discovered” by Hunter Hart, the Everton captain, who had gone on another mission and struck this good little gold mine.  Parker is an accountant and goes for his final examination this month. 

AFTER 13 YEARS
Manchester Evening News-Wednesday 08 September 1926
TOM BROWELL ON TRANSFER LIST
Manchester City supporters will be surprised to hear that Tom Browell, the club’s popular forward, has been placed on the transfer list at his own request.  Browell, who came to Manchester in 1913 from Everton has done yeoman service for Manchester City.  He has not appeared with the first team this season, but last year played in 32 League games and was a member of the team beaten by Bolton Wanderers in the Cup Final last April. 

WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
September 9, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 4)
Both Everton and West Bromwich fielded strong sides for the Central league match at the Hawthorns ground last night. The football was of an entertaing character, but they was a marked lack of penetrative power. Neither goalkeeper had much to do before the interval, though Davies made one spectator save from Short. Their was more life in the rival attacks in the second half and great excitement prevailed, when Edwards scored for Albion, Everton protested because Short was in the net, but the referee allowed the point after consulting the linesmen. Murray equalised for Everton, and than Short gained the lead for the Albion. Everton: - Davies, R. Curr and Kerr, backs, Rooney, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Moffatt Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Birmingham Daily Gazette-Thursday 09 September 1926
WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 2, EVERTON RESERVES 1
Not until the second half did any excitement enter into the proceedings at The Hawthorns last night, when West Bromwich Albion and Everton met in the return Central League match.  Attacks marked more by science than sting were futile against sound defenders, and neither side had scored at the interval.  When play was resumed, the crowd livened things up by cheering every attack by the home team, and in an exciting siege Edwards netted, whilst Fitton was at the back of the net.  Everton protested against the point, but after consulting the linesmen the referee allowed it to stand.  Murray equalized soon afterwards, and then Short scored what proved to be the winning goal for Albion. 

HARLAND JONS RUNCORN
September 10, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Harland the Everton and Irish international goalkeeper has signed for Runcorn, and he will play for his new club on Wednesday next at Congleton in the Cheshire county league. At his best Harland proved one of the leading goalkeepers in the country, but he sustained a nasty injury at Chelsea a few season ago and he took sometime to regain his confidence. He is still a good goalkeeper and he should render Runcorn great service.

“SAME AGAIN”
Liverpool Echo-Friday, September 10, 1926
Bee’s Notes
The last time Everton went to Sheffield they took with them a crowd of supporters and won 1-0, Crossley scoring through work by John Blair.  After the game Everton had what are known as cup eyes, and when they were drawn against Wolves at Goodison Park in the fourth round they had visions of easy work for the semi-final.  But Wolves once again showed how to beat the senior side, and one goal against sent Everton out of the cup.  Since then Wednesday have gone back a lot, but having risen to their rightful place we welcome them.  Those who follow them regularly tell me that Wednesday, spite of their big deficits of the first few games, are a much better side than their figures show, and that Everton will have to be good and lasting if they are to have a chance of making a draw.  Everton are showing improvement by easy stages, it would seem, after their Albion visit, and as the directors have very wisely refrained from making a change this week there should at least be some sense of team spirit and knowledge of what each man requires.  It will be a stern test, for Wednesday have realized that their new school is a hard school.  Everton without a victory will be keen to alter that vexatious nought in the wins column.  Hence the rush and crush of interest and concern in to-morrow’s main issue.  Everton; B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; T. Parker, Dominy, O’Donnell, Batten, Weaver.  The Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Blenkinsopp; Keen, Froggatt, Marsden; Williams, Lowdell, Trotter, Aneties, Wilkinson.
Everton Reserves to-morrow at 3.15 tackle Wednesday Reserves, and there may be one change, but in any case we shall see a local at full back, which is rather a joy.  Curr of Orrell many partner Kerr, otherwise Duke Hamilton will play.  Team; Davies; Hamilton or Curr and Kerr; Rooney, Bain, Virr; Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, and Troup. 

EVERTON AT HILLSBOROUGH
September 11 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton renew acquaintance with the Wednesday, a club, as Sheffield Wednesday, with which the Goodison Park side had had many hard tussles. So far neither team has done well, but whereas the Wednesday won their first match during the week; Everton are without a single point out of four games. The only club in the first Division thus situated. The position is desperate, but after the teams improved display at the Hawthorns hopes are entertained that Everton will this time break the ice. The Sides which did duty in the last match will again turn out. The Wednesday posses a sprightly combination, and they will press Everton hard but the visitors should at least gain a point. The Teams are B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Reid; T. Parker, Dominy, O'Donnell, Batten, Weaver. Wednesday: - Brown; Felton, Blenkinsopp; Lowdell, Keen, Marsden; Williams, Hill, Trotter, Austiss, and Wilkinson.

KENNEDY OF EVERTON OFFERED TO OTHER CLUBS
September 11 th 1926. The Liverpool Football Echo
I hear that Kennedy has been put on the transfer list by the Everton club. This is probably due to the little contretemps that followed the first game, when Kennedy like O'Donnell, was dropped after, the initial run of the season. Kennedy, with Manchester United, was a bonny player, and when he came, he was hailed as a shooter and a schemer. But he had lost some of his “tricks” and hardly fitted the local forwards possibly because he, like some of the line, is of short built. Already the club have had inquires about his transfer, notably from the Midlands.

HARLAND FOR RUNCORN
Staffordshire Sentinel-Saturday, 11 September 1926
A Harland, the ex-Everton and Irish International, is settling down to a business in Runcorn, and he has been approached by the Runcorn club, and he is considering the proposals and will give a definite answer shortly. 

H. YOUNG
West Middlesex Gazette-Saturday 11 September 1926
H. Young the outside left Brentford secured from Aberdare two seasons ago, has been signed by Bargood F.C, a Welsh League club.  He was formerly with Everton. 

TROTTER SETS WEDNESDAY’S FIRST “HAT TRICK” IN FIRST DIVISION. 
Star Green 'un - Saturday 11 September 1926
EVERTON WELL BEATEN AT HILLSBORO’
BLUE AND WHITES SHOW FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE IN A MODERATE GAME
WEDNESDAY 4, EVERTON 0
By Free Lance
Wednesday and Everton are old foemen; many a stirring game have they played in time past, and Wednesday were happy to renew acquaintance with the Merseyside club, under First Division auspices,  at Hillsborough this afternoon.  Wednesday won their first League match of the season on Monday, but Everton came to Sheffield without a victory to their credit.  The visitors have had a lot of bad luck in patter of injuries, to players, the worse being the serious motor accident to Dean, their centre-forward, who will not able to play football for some time. It was another hot day, but the crowd was on the small side at the start. Wednesday played as selected, as did Everton, the teams being:—Wednesday; Brown; Felton, and Blenkinsop; Lowdell, Kean, Marsden; Williams, Hill, Trotter, Anstias, Wilkinson.  Everton; B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart (Captain); T. Parker, Dominy, O’Donnell, Batten, Weaver.  Referee; Mr. J, J. O’Donnell (Newcastle).  Everton kicked off facing the sun, and Wednesday were in their half for the first five minutes.  In the course of this time there were two or three interesting move" First Howard Baker ended one by booting the ball on to the top of the Vere Road stand, arousing much mirth. Then there was a very clever bit of combination on the Wednesday right, and from Lowdell’s pass Trotter headed just over. 
HANDLING PASSED OVER. 
In another assault on the right Macdonald, the Everton left back, fell trying to check it, and on the ground he handled the ball. The incident was in the penalty area, and the majority of the crowd felt that it was deliberate offence, but the referee passed it over.  The same player handled again outside the penalty area, but this time the free-kick, taken Kean, did not worry Baker.  Baker had next to run out to save from Williams and then to rush back to collect another effort from Anstiss.  There was one sparkling Everton movement.  The ball was flung out to Weaver, who made progress, saved the ball near the line, and centred Batten, who made a really wonderful shot. The ball flashed the wrong side of the past, but there might have been a goal.  Afterwards Everton had another narrow escape from free-kick. Kean shot for the goal and Trotter headed it as it was passing.  The ball struck the upright and went out.  TWO FINE GOALS FOR WEDNESDAY. 
However, after 17 minutes, Wednesday took the lead. Williams centred finely, and ANSTISS volleyed the ball into the middle of the net with tremendous force. It was an unstoppable shot.  The success inspired Wednesday. They began to play splendid football. The left wing made a raid and TROTTER moved off to help, receiving the ball to the left of the penalty area. He was tackled two men, but held on, and, in spite of Baker rushing out and others closing in, the centre-forward scored Wednesday’s second goal with a beautiful oblique drive to the far corner. It came three minutes after the first one.  Once or twice Everton made a trip to Brown, but for the most part the Wednesday occupied the picture.  They made attack after attack and were playing beautiful football.  There were three distinct cases where, with a little luck, they would have scored.  One was when Wilkinson ended an advance by working right through, and, as Baker went towards him, put the ball to the goalkeeper’s left, and Hill, underneath the bar, actually put over.  It was a remarkable escape for Everton.  There were two other cases where Everton escaped practically similarly. 
WEDNESDAY IN GREAT FORM
Everton never settled down.  Wednesday would not let them.  Indeed the Sheffielders were giving a fine display, a fine display, and from the chances they had they might easily have had eight goals.  For instance, Hill got right through and shot from very close range.  Baker stopping the ball by sticking out his foot.  He did that once or twice later.  Anstiss was making a very good partner for Wilkinson, and Lowdwell was prominent in the half-back line; indeed, all the fellows were on their mettle.  One might mention an Everton run on the left.  It was pretty but Batten’s final shot had no punch about it.  Wednesday were much too good for Everton.  Wilkinson was sent away, and Mcdonald headed towards his own goal, Baker having to be alert to save.  There was an Everton flash just before half-time.  O’Donnell drove in a glorious long shot, which Brown handled very sufficiently. 
Half-time;- The Wednesday 2, Everton 0.
Baker got a clear all to himself when he went to defend the Leppings Lane goal.  He is very popular.  There were about 20,000 spectators when the second half started.  Wednesday opened badly, consequently Everton got too near Brown to be pleasant.  Weaver netted the ball once, but the whistle had gone for off-side.
EVERTON IMPROVE
Everton were shaping much better now, but for all that the game became very stodgy.  Wednesday improved a little, and for them it can he said that they were far more virile in the goal region than Everton.  The latter made one or two pretty midfield moves without their being anything tangible at the end of them.  Kean and Trotter made some long passes to Wilkinson, who centred accurately, but generally Everton’s backs and Baker stood in the way.  It was remarkable what a change had come over the Wednesday, and one wouldn’t have thought that it was the same team that had been so successful in the first half.  Everton combined much better here-about.  Their play was of the drawing room style, there being too many maneuverings and the crowd were very impatient at the work of both teams.  For the Blue and White accurate shots were made by Williams, Hill, Kean, and Anstiss, but the power behind them was not enough to harass Baker.  Later on the men were at fault with back passes.  Contrary to expectations, a goal came when a half had been in progress 25 minutes, Williams pushed the ball across and TROTTER with a praiseworthy oblique shot, completely beat Baker.  A time or two Wilkinson was prominent with some very nice footwork.
HAT-TRICK FOR TROTTER
That third goal braced Wednesday up.  It was a tonic.  The result was that both wings loomed large.  Trotter led the line very effectively.  Marsden got in a pile-driver which baker saved, and Wilkinson was twice unlucky when good shots were blocked.  However, after thirty-four minutes, TROTTER scored again, this being his third goal in succession.  It was due chiefly to a centre from Wilkinson improved upon by Hill who fed Williams, and when the Welshman put over Trotter headed in wide of the goalkeeper.  The whole movement was cleverly executed.  Everton rallied their forces after this fourth reverse and there was some accurate shooting, yet the only effort which seemed a winner was a fine header by O’Donnell.  Brown could only save with his right hand far flung, yielding a corner.  This was dealt with.  Result;- Wednesday 4, Everton 0’  

MURRAY’S “HAT-TRICK”
Green Un, Saturday, September 11, 1926
EVERTON RES OVERWHELM THE WEDNESDAY
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton Res, met The Wednesday Res at Goodison Park this afternoon.  Teams;- Everton; Davies; Hamilton and Kerr; Peacock, Bain and Curr; Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, and Troup.  The Wednesday; Mellors; Hodgkiss and Ferrans; Burridge, Leach, and Powell; Crickshank, McIIvenny, Packham, Marson, and Prince.  Everton introduce Peacock for Rooney, while the Wednesday made no changes.  Winning the toss, the visitors set Everton to face the sun.  The home team’s first move terminated in Mellors touching a high ball from Woodhouse over, and the goalkeeper followed this by picking up smartly from Everton’s left flank.  After four minutes Everton were a goal to the good, a penalty for a charge in the back by a Sheffield defender on Woodhouse being converted by TROUP, who gave Mellors no chance with a ground shot.  After smart individual footwork by Peacock that prevented the visitors becoming dangerous, Everton went further ahead.  Moffatt sent into goal a fast ball that Mellors lost grip of, and MURRAY, fastening on to the ball scored Everton’s second goal.  The home custodian’s first save was to pull down a good shot from Packham.  The combination of The Wednesday was not so good as Everton’s who came neat increasing their lead through Moffatt, who granted the crossbar with a terrific drive.  A perfect centre from Cruickshank led to McIIvenny making Davies effect a smart save. 
EVERTON’S BIG LEAD
The visitors middle line was not able to hold Everton’s fast-moving forwards and Mellors was at fault when he failed to hold a strong shot from KENNEDY.  Thus Everton had a three goals lead after 15 minutes’ play.  Try as they might the visitors could not get going.  Good forward combination between the home halves and forwards resulted in TROUP scoring a fourth goal for Everton.  Sheffield went away on the left, but Davies easily cleared Prince’s shot.  Marson missed a glorious chance when he kicked around a pass from Prince when ten yards out.  The visitors defence was proving decidedly weak under pressure, and MURRAY scored a fifth for Everton.  The Sheffielders’ best effort came when McIIvenny fired in a terrific shot, but Davies saved.  Powell was playing a fine defensive game at left half, and one movement that led to him outwitting Moffatt was warmly applauded.  He again saved a further goal when he thwarted Everton’s winger in the goal area.  Wednesday eventually got the better of the Everton defence and when the ball was crossed from the right, PRINCE easily scored a few minutes from the interval.
Half-time; Everton Res 5, The Wednesday Res 1.
The home side, on their first half display, fully deserved the commanding lead, for their attack had been faster than the Sheffielders, whose spasmodic raids, although dangerous, lacked finish and power when within goal range. Murray scored Everton’s sixth goal, and then PACKHAM gained a praiseworthy goal when he smartly wended his way up the centre and deceived the home keeper with a good drive.  Later a brilliant save by Davies prevented the same player again finding the net. 
Final; Everton Res 7, The Wednesday Res 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, September 11, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

KENNEDY OF EVERTON OFFERED TO OTHER CLUBS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, September 11, 1926
I hear that Kennedy has been put on the transfer list by the Everton club.  This is probably due to the little centrestamps that followed the first game, when Kennedy like O’Donnell was dropped after the initial run of the season
Kennedy, with Manchester United, was a bonny player, and when he came here he was hailed the local forward, possibly because he, like some of the line, is of short build. 

EVERTON AT SHEFFIELD
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 11, 1926
“BEE’S STORY OPF HOW WEDNESDAY SHAPED AGAINST POINTLESS EVERTON
TWO GOALS DOWN AT THE INTERVAL; BAKER BUSY
Everton; B. Howard-Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; T. Parker, Dominy, O’Donnell, Batten, Weaver.  The Wednesday; Brown; Felton, Blenkinsop; Lowdell, Kean, Marsden; Williams, Hill, Trotter, Anetiss, Williamson.  Everton by losing the toss, had to face the wind and the sun, both of which were pretty strong.  At once the players got to grips with incidents of point and merit, not forgetting debate.  Howard Baker with his first effort to kick away screwed the ball over the grand-stand.  Then came another lofting effort which Trotter headed over. 
APPEAL FOR PENALTY REFUSED
Kean stopped “O’Donnell’s rush-shock tactics, and away went the busy buzzing Hill (ex-Notts County) to beat McDonald, who, finding earth, handled the ball in the penalty area.  Wednesday, as with one voice, said “Penalty.”  Referee O’Donnell, of Newcastle, with one voice, said “Not on your life.”  I have seen many a spot kick for a similar offence.  But a moment had gone when McDonald being beaten by the bounce of the ball, and realizing Trotter was clean through, decided to handle the ball.  There was no danger this time, as McDonald was thirty yards from goal.  Howard Baker wisely ran out to punch away and better still ran back to his post to gather the return shot which duly came.  For a time Everton were hard pressed, but when O’Donnell fed Weaver and the latter screwed a centre from the goal line parallel, Batten a smashing first time shot that was not half a foot from goal with Brown helpless to save. 
ONE FOR WEDNESDAY
Wednesday were warmed into action as a consequence and when a free kick against Weaver for elbowing was granted, Trotter, back-heading the ball, was a cost of paint from a goal, the ball touching the upright before it passed out.  David Reid was playing his best game, which was so different from the last two games.  However, he could not prevent the former Villa player scoring in 17 minutes.  The Wednesday right wing engineered the goal, and Anstiss completed it in about as practical a manner was one could desire.  He caught the ball knee high, and without fuss or trimmings rammed it home at great pace, Baker probably not being able to see it, but undoubtedly hearing the swish caused by the pace of the ball. 
TROTTER SCORES WITH EASE
As if this was not sufficient Trotter, Sheffield’s crack scorer, burst through and beat McDonald in a close tackle to score with a certain amount of ease, he having no opposition save the goalkeeper.  Worse looked like following when Hill raced through to smother a centre from Williams and edged the ball across the goal.  Hill could not stop his run and found himself hung up in the strings of the goal netting.  The Wednesday forwards were hot on the trail, and were finding a hole in Everton’s lines.  Fortunately, when Trotter was again the centre-piece of action in front of goal with no one but Baker as his barrier the amateur goalkeeper quite rightly advanced six yards and cleverly smothered Trotter’s ground shot.  Williams, a little sandy-haired winger, also came near breasting a ball through the goal, after which Baker made a superb save from Hill
REID INJURED
Nothing would go right with Everton, and Reid was injured and off for a time, and was in much pain when he resumed.  Hart had gone centre half and Batten left half.  Nothing seemed to worry Wednesday, who ploughed through with ease and Williams went so close to the goal mouth that a goal should have been easy instead of which Baker again covered the shot.  Really, Everton were not looking a bit dangerous, and with Batten and Weaver changing places, through Batten being damaged, matters were not improved.  The left wing was soon back to its proper positions, and Baker had to be alive to the requirements of the day when Hill was unhampered near goal. 
BAKER KEPT BUSY
There was no stopping the Wednesday side, and there was no starting the Everton side, albeit O’Donnell, in desperation, tried a long shot from far range with little hope of beating Brown, the goalkeeper, who defied Tottenham Hotspur in the Cup-tie.  One of Howard Baker’s best saves was a magnificent catch to a ball that twisted away from McDonald, while a minute later O’Donnell with a rasping shot made Brown perform his first work.  Half-time-Sheffield Wednesday 2, Everton 0. 
BARKER’S MANY BRIGHT SAVES V WEDNESDAY
The Everton forwards had barely been seen in the first half, but now they were off the mark in such a spritely manner that they actually netted from Parker’s centre, only to find an offside verdict.  Moreover, Felton, the full back, made a mistake in front of his goal and was soundly bustled by O’Donnell.  This was a happy promise of an improved outlook, yet one felt that the leeway was severe and as the sun had gone to rest the Wednesday defenders offered up a prayer to the dark clouds.  Dominy attempted to score with an overhead kick, and O’Donnell risked injury in a close-up duel with Brown, the goalkeeper. 
THAT COCAINE FEELING
Everton had shown in the first five minutes more sense of direction and wisdom in combination than at any point of the first half, but O’Donnell was surely unwise to shoot as far as forty yards.  He had five teeth taken out during the week as a consequence of a blow from a boot at West Bromwich and possibly the cocaine had left him with a too confident belief in his abilities.  Marsden, a wing-half back from Sunderland, and to be Charlie Buchan’s deputy.  He has now become a half-back and by the deliberation he took with a free kick one expected more than a scoring shot.  It has been said that Wednesday were a ninety minutes’ team but at this point they were not slowing signs of it even if one had to confess that Everton were still far from convincing. 
AN UNSEEN WING
Baker, however, was holding the feet like a real sentinel, and he pushed away a difficult cross shot from Wilkinson.  Young Parker, of Stalybridge, had very few chances.  In fact, so far nothing had been seen of the right wing, except that now Dominy conceded a foul from which free kick Baker had to make a catch.  O’Donnell again tried to open the goal account from too far out and was followed by a useful solo attempt by Dominy.  Wednesday had gone very cold despite the heat of the day, and to me there seemed to be a kind of windiness about the side.  Perhaps it was the heat of the day that caused the referee to make a shocking corner-kick decision and refuse to consult the linesmen when hart appealed. 
ONLY ONE TAKES HONOURS
Even when Brown took abnormal risks in goal he was not made to pay full price.  This was a pity, because to pierce Wednesday’s goal once suggested that the side would fall away considerably.  Howard Baker made two additional clearances and punts, and was alone on the Everton side in the honours list.  Again goalkeeper Brown was faulty in a clearance and Dominy had hard lines in being unable to gather the ball in time to make a sure thing of it. 
TROTTER’S SECOND GOAL
Raitt, and then Baker, kept the score down by superhuman efforts, only to find that with twenty minutes to go Trotter neatly concerted a centre from Wilkinson to make the lead 3-0, at which point Reid’s injury caused him to go outside left, Weaver becoming inside-left, Hart centre-half, and Batten left-half.  Hart collided with Marsden to the latter’s discomfiture, and one was almost tired of saying it, but the fact remained that here again one has to quote and re-quote- Baker made another very fine catch. 
THE HAT TRICK
Trotter completed his hat trick at the seventy-sixth minute, nodding a ball very deliberately to the corner of the net after Williams had done the scheming and the centering.  Thus were Everton swamped by a side that had become somewhat used to big scores being put up against them, save in their only victory in mid-week.  O’Donnell made a storming back header in an endeavor to reduce the lead, and Howard Baker had a great cheer for his perfect handling of a rocket shot. 
Final; Wednesday 4, Everton 0. 

EVERTON RES V SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 11, 1926
At Goodison Park, Everton throughout the opening stages, dominated the game, and at the end of eighteen minutes led by four goals.  The Wednesday were slow from the start, while the Everton forwards were irresistible, their combination being superb.  The goals started with a penalty converted by Troup for a charge in the back on Wednesday by a Sheffield defender.  Then Murray snapped a ball that Mellors, the Wednesday custodian, had lost hold of, and easily scored the second.  Kennedy from long range got the third and Troup the fourth.  Meanwhile the Sheffielders had only indulged in at least three raids.  Bain cleared the first with a header.  Then Davies cleverly took a high ball from McIIvenny and the third was a very dangerous move that was cleared by Hamilton after Marson had missed a great scoring chance.  Murray later scored Everton’s fifth goal.     The visitors improved, but never sufficiently to fully extend Everton, who would have scored more goals but for Powell’s work at left half.  Prince reduced Everton’s lead.  Half-time Everton Res 5, Wednesday Res 1. 
Shortly after resuming Murray scored a sixth and Packham scored a second for the Wednesday.  Three-quarter time; Everton 6, Wednesday 2.  Woodhouse scored a seventh for Everton;
Final; Everton Res 7, Sheffield Wednesday Res 2. 

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 4 EVERTON 0
September 13 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S FIFTH DEFEAT.
WEDNESDAY'S WIN AND THE REASON OF IT.
By “Bees”
Everton left Hillsborough crest fallen, weary and wondering what next would befall them. When studying their results one has always to remember that they have had only one home appearance; but allowing for that the collateral form of the clubs rather tends to make one wonder how Everton can escape the range of defeat. Without being harsh or desiring to be harsh with the eleven triers, one is faced with a dismal situation after Everton trooped off with neither a goal nor a prospect. They had been whipped thoroughly by Sheffield Wednesday, a newly promoted club, who had until then one solitary win (v West Ham), and a pile of goals against, yet this was the side competent to gain four clear goals against Everton without response.
TROTTER'S HAT TRICK.
There were two in each half, and Trotter took the big spoils with a “hat-trick” performance. Anstiss, a former Aston villa player, having been brought into the attack and making a deadly first time effort which opened the score-sheet. It is only fair to B. Howard Baker to say that he kept a splendid goal, took rational risks, handled clean and well, and was only faulted on the score of his punting, which led the ball to “touch” with frequency. He caught high and low balls, hot and pot shots, and many times he smothered shots that must have been meant goals, as there was no one but the goalkeeper for a forward to face. It was a galling and pronounced defeat, and only for a few minutes did the opposition quiver and when this occurred there was no sting in the attack. Batten started with a stinging drive that augured well, but against the wind and sun Everton lost “weigh” and never recovered their balance, their confidence seemed to go instantly they were a goal down and with Reid and Batten going lame, and a general shuffling of positions arising as a necessity, Everton had not the framework of an eleven. Reid's case was a real misfortune as up to his accident he was revealing his best form.
TOO SLOW.
Everton lost because of their slowness, as compared to the nippy and fast Wednesday team. O'Donnell was ready, willing, and too anxious 0his shooting from outrageous range was useless. Not one of the forwards showed to advantage, and while it is true to declare that they got little help from the half-back line, it is equally true to state that when they had possession they made poor use of the ball, and as a line they lacked pace and punch. Wednesday are not nearly the good side this 4-0 victory suggests; they have, however, the elements of present day success; they keep a good position, the ball on the ground, and their heads in front of goal. Everton on the other hand, blundered through and only Raitt and B.H. Baker showed the skill one expects from an Everton eleven. It is patent that wholesale changes will become necessary.
WEDNESDAY'S WISE PASSING.
The opposition side was chiefly noteworthy for the manner of making progress by the wise pass to the man nicely placed for such a pass. Therein they were a grade above any part of the Everton side. But chief of all; the forwards worked harmoniously with the ball on the turf and finality shot delivered without any sign of waiting. I should not class Wednesday as a good side, because their half-backs work had not been of a great character, save that Kean a busy intervenes. However, they are a workmanlike side and any team like that will beat Everton as they are constituted today. The home backs were sturdy in their kicking and not altogether good in their direction, but they saw to it the ball went as far away from danger as possible. In goal Brown took abnormal risks, and should have paid the penalty for such folly, for folly it was in that there was no need for electricity shocks when he caught the ball clear of all. His making a difficulty over simplicity caused his goalkeeping to be “jumpy.” Wednesday were plainly affected by the early second half display by Everton and if Everton has scored them the whole tenor of the game would have changed, because Wednesday showed they had distinct affliction of nerves until they got far ahead on the score sheet. Teams : - Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown, goal, Felton, and Pienkinsopp, backs, Lowdell, Kean, and Marsden, half-backs, Williams, Hill, Trotter, Anitist, and Wilkinson, forwards. Everton: - B. Howard Baker, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, T. Parker, Dominy, O'Donnell, Batten, and Weaver, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 7 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 2
September 13 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 5)
Everton's second Saturday home match, like the first game, resulted in them inflicting a 7-2 defeat on their opponents. Within twenty-five minutes of the start Everton were enjoying a five goal lead. Troup opening from a penalty. Goalkeeper errors led to Murray getting the second and Kennedy the third, while Troup scored the 4 th and Murray the fifth. Meanwhile Davies the Everton custodian had saved shots, from Mcllvenny and Packham, and five minutes from the interval he was beaten by Prince. Further Everton goals, were scored by Murray, and Woodhouse, and Packham notched a good goal for the visitors. All the home side worked hard and well for the victory. The display of the halves Peacock, Bain, and Virr, and of Murray, Moffatt, and Troup of the forwards being just a shade in front of their colleagues. Everton: - Davies, goal, R. Curr and Kerr, backs, Rooney, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Moffatt, Woodhouse, Murray, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards.

BURSCOUGH RANGERS 5 EVERTON “A” 3
September 13 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
At Burscough. The home side were well balanced and Bennett (Centre) and Chatburn (Centre-half) were the best of a good team, whose Everton's three goals were due largely to the slackness of Ashurst, the home right back. Murray opened the scoring for Everton, and Pye equalised, but before the interval Davies broke away and gave Everton the lead. Two goals from Rawlins in the second half put Burscough in a winning position, and goals were added by Bennett and Walle. Murray scored a third goal for Everton. Farrington for Everton, saved a penalty.

EVERTON’S DISMAY
Liverpool Echo-Monday, September 13, 1926
Bee’s Notes
It was all very engrossing, and so far as Everton were concerned it was very enveloping for it meant that they yielded two further points, and by a margin that did not do the winners any too much justice.  But before we think of Everton’s memorial card let us ponder over the might and high scorers put up.  Are they good for the game?  Yes, I think no, if your side happens to be putting up the high scores.  Otherwise they are a tragedy, and are sure to find their reflex in the attendance at the various games.  I am firmly of opinion that these comic-cuts results are bad for the game, and tend to reveal the utter weakness of present-day football under the new ruling.  I may be wrong, but I am following the cause and effect, and I find that even allowing for trade depression all-round the country gates have fallen perceptibly.  There is a joy in the shout for goal; but goals at ten a penny become too cheap, and the results are so flagrantly lopsided week after week that nothing is certain save that we know nothing.  There is no collateral form; there is no charm in consistency, and the game is undoubtedly suffering in quality. 
ONE ATTENDANCE
At Sheffield Wednesday’s spacious ground they took 1,100 pounds from 23,000 spectators.  That isn’t a good gate as First Division football goes.  This is a new side to First Division football-for many years at any rate- and though he town is hard pressed financially there should have been a bigger attendance after the opening win against West Ham.  Perhaps this new win of 4-0 over Everton will put new life into the spectators.  It will put old age on some of the officials and players of the Goodison club.  I have been charged by some people with being over-blind to Everton; it has bene said that I boosted them when they were a bad side.  Well, by a more chance, I have seen a lot of Everton this season and I have formed definite opinions, so much so that I think the club rather looked askance at my verdicts after a visit to the Albion ground, where I said the score was a fair one, whereas they thought they should have drawn and deserved to.  It isn’t nice to criticize a side when it has five defeats to its name.  The players feel their position keenly, and the directors know not what to do for the best.  I have deliberately held up the correspondence that has flown in, but I must now break the spell, for this reason; the side isn’t a side at all; it is a conglomeration of players without belief, half-beaten before they go on to the field, and totally lacking in spirited forward work. 
A PLAIN STATEMENT
They began playing well at Spurs ground; the selection committee right away cut into the forward line; then lost 5-2 to Bury-it might have been 8-1-and the directors, seeing the poorer quality of forward work, could then have stopped in with changes.  They preferred to stay their hand on a bad forward line, refusing to be (what they had been the week before) panicky!  Next they try Irvine at centre and inside left respectively, and wind up by making him twelfth man.  I know Irvine’s fault, just as they knew it.  He will dribble.  But he is a footballer, and this season when he got a chance he did some good with the ball.  On Saturday there was not a man who did himself justice, save Howard Baker and Raitt.  There was a general rot, and one wondered how the team could be mended, because the reserve team forward line is of diminutive size, save perhaps Murray, and a week or so ago mot one, according to testimony, was worthy of inclusion in the first team.  Well, to be defeated by Wednesday at Sheffield 4-0 in a game which might easily have brought a seven-nil verdict but for Baker’s brilliance, is the last straw, for Wednesday are simply a quick-moving side with sharp shots at the first driving chance; their goalkeeper, Brown is abnormally risky and showry, and Wednesday, after their pile of goals against, got so windy in the first five minutes of the second half, that one realized they would crumble to nothing if he goal could be obtained.  But that forward line never looked like combining or scoring-not if they played together for a generation.  They had no ideas, no constructive ability, and O’Donnell, getting thoroughly fed up with things in general, began to drive outlandish balls from forty yards, in the hope or four! O’Donnell was wrong, but so was the whole line wrong, they lacked snap and the upward pass. 
ALL-ROUND BLAME
Not that they can be blamed entirely; every man must take his part in the game and his share in the defeat.  The half-back work was of a useful standard early on, and Reid played well until he was hurt; but the way the extreme wingers Williams and Wilkinson “helped themselves” with yards of space, showed that the half backs had too much thrown upon them.  What, then, should the directors do for the home game with West Bromwich on Wednesday?  First of all, they must not get panicky-if not that already-second, they must introduce some of the younger school who have done so well for the Goodison club.  At half back there is talent to draw upon if it calls for an insistent try-out; not a week in and a week out; Murray is a better forward than some imagine; so is Weaver.  O’Donnell is a man to have in your side when your forward line is not getting in its shots; he will fire imagination by his shots.  T. Parker is nippy and good, but, like Weaver, cannot move off without the ball; there is a call in certain directions for the younger defences; I am not in a hurry for such a move until the half-back line and forward line have been tried, but certainly there must be wholesale changes for Wednesday otherwise Everton will go to a place that has never before known them-by relegation or proxy votes! The position at the moment is terrible for the old club, but if they make the insistent changes called for at inside forward a bright light may appear on their horizon. 

EVERTON’S DISTRESS
Athletic News - Monday 13 September 1926
EASY PREY FOR THE WEDNESDAY
TROTTER’S HAT-TRICK AGAINST FEEBLE EVERTON
THE WEDNESDAY 4, EVERTON 0
By Nemo
Following the three defeats which came to discourage The Wednesday on their re-entry into the First Division, there has come an awakening at Hillsborough.  Declining to be discouraged, the team began upward movement last Monday with penalty goal victory over West Ham United. On Saturday they overwhelmed Everton, who, at Hillsborough, gave a display inferior to that which many a Second Division team had given on that ground in recent years.  Winning by four clear goals, The Wednesday were not at all flattered by the score. They were easily the better team to that extent, and all their goals were good ones.  With breeze and sun behind them, The Wednesday forwards soon began to worry a pair of backs who lacked the skill to hold them, and enjoyed just reward for their efforts seventeen minutes from the start, when Anstiss took the ball on the bounce as it came across from Williams, and it was in the net before Howard Baker, in the visitors’ goal, and the 24,000 spectators had realized that the recruit from Rochdale was making shot.  Anstiss, who had played inside right in the first game of the season and then been dropped, came in as inside left because of injury to Sam Powell. 
BAKER'S FINE SAVES. 
Three minutes after opening the score the Sheffielders met with a second success. Wilkinson took the ball along his wing, pushed it across to Trotter, who dashed past Raitt and gave Baker no chance with a furious drive.  Everton had to thank Baker greatly that the score was not further increased before half-time. Two saves which he made from Trotter and Hill were very fine.  Although the Everton forwards seldom made much impression those resolute and skilful full-backs, Felton and Blenkinsop, there were two occasions in the first half when the Wednesday goal was seriously jeopardy.  Once was when, from a pass by Weaver, Batten with a very clever kick flicked the ball barely wide, and again just before the interval when Dominy tried a long drive which Brown only just kept out. 
EVERTON IMPROVEMENTS. 
On the change of ends there came a marked improvement in the play of the Everton forwards, well helped by Reid, and some bouts of neat passing brought periods of anxiety for Wednesday’s defence, but the visitors’ vanguard lacked the force and accuracy to push their attacks home.  However, the Wednesday half-backs, from amongst whom Froggatt, the captain, was again an absentee owing to illness, gradually obtained the mastery, and the forwards awoke to their liveliness of the first half.  Especially busy were the right wing, where Williams was great form. The little Welshman at length put across a centre to which Trotter applied the side of his foot and turned the ball well out of Baker’s reach.  A few minutes later, more clever work by Williams gave, Trotter another opening, and with his head the Wednesday centre-forward competed his hat-trick.  In the easily vanquished Everton side it was difficult to find anyone to commend, unless it be Howard Baker in goal. Still weakened by the absence of several prominent players, owing to injuries, they gave most depressing display, and one can understand their League position.  The Wednesday—Brown; Felton. Blenkinsop; Lowdell, Kean, Marsden; Williams, Hill, Trotter, Anstiss, and Wilkinson.  Everton. —Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart: Parker,  Dominy, O’Donnell, Batten, and Weaver.  Referee L.L. O’Donnell, Newcastle. 

WEDNESDAY’S GREAT DISPLAY
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 13 September 1926
EVERTON FAIL TO SCORE.
The Wednesday of Sheffield are finding their feet in the First Division, and at Hillsborough, before 24,000 people, gained their second victory of the season, defeating Everton in very pronounced fashion.  Helped by breeze and sun in the early part of the game the Wednesday’s lively forwards gave the visitors rather unsteady backs a very busy time, and when the game had been in progress 17 minutes they opened the scoring. A neat pass by Hill enabled Williams to centre and Austiss with a very fast shot gave Howard Baker no chance of saving.  Three minutes later came a second goal, Wilkinson passing to Trotter, who dashed past the Everton backs and Baker was again helpless at a fierce drive.  Everton’s amateur goalkeeper, though twice beaten in this manner, did much fine work.  Little was seen of the visitors’ forwards.  After change of ends Everton improved and their forwards displayed clever combination, but most of their shooting was from long range, and did not seriously trouble Brown in the Wednesday goal.  After a  time the Sheffielders resumed command of the game, and Trotter utilized a centre by Williams to shoot a third goal.  Following more good play by Williams Trotter headed a fourth goal, the Wednesday centre forward thereby completing his hat trick.  Everton rallied, but Brown made a clever save from O’Donnell and the game ended in a victory for the Wednesday by 4 clear goals.  Teams; The Wednesday—Brown; Felton, Blenkinsop; Lowdell, Kean, Marsden; Williams, Hill, Trotter, Anstiss, and Wilkinson.  Everton. —Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart: Parker,  Dominy, O’Donnell, Batten, and Weaver.  Referee L.L. O’Donnell, Newcastle. 

TROTTERS TRIO AGAINST EVERTON
Sheffield Independent - Monday 13 September 1926
WEDNESDAY EMPHATIC IN THEIR SUCCESS
WELCOME CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
THE WEDNESDAY 4 EVERTON 0
By Centre Forward
An emphatic victory over Everton rewarded the efforts of The Wednesday at Hillsborough, on Saturday, and gave them their second victory of the season.  The score of four clear goals in their favour did not in the slightest exaggerate their superiority.  For the second match in succession their defence was unpenetrated.  Change of fortune very welcome after the scoring of 15 goals against them in the first three matches since their return to the First Division.  As for the attack, The Wednesday forward line, especially the right wing, Williams and Hill, were very smart, and Trotter once more justified his reputation as a goal-getting centre-forward by doing the “hat-trick.” 
EARLY ESCAPES
Though still weakened by the absence of several notable players on the injured list, Everton had the same side who ran West Bromwich Albion to the odd goal in five last Monday, at The Hawthorns.  The Wednesday made one change from the team who defeated West Ham, Anstiss coming in at inside-left instead of Sam Powell, who was injured.  The attendance numbered 24,000.  Kean, who in the absence of Froggatt owing to illness, captained the Sheffielders, won the toss, and this gave the double advantage of sun and a light breeze in defending the goal at the Leppings Lane end.  During the early stages of the play each goal had a narrow escape.  Following a run on the Everton left by Weaver, Batten, with a clever kick, turned the ball barely wide of The Wednesday’s citadel.  From a free kick taken by Kean a back-header by Trotter hit the Everton upright, and the ball glanced out. 
UNSTOPPABLE SHOTS
The scoring began 17 minutes from the start, and the first goal was the outcome of smart play on the right wing.  Taking a neat pass by Hill, Williams swung the ball across and Asstiss, at whose foot it dropped, instantly volleyed it into the net with great force, Howard Baker being helpless to save.  Three minutes later good play on the left paved the way to a second goal for Wednesday.  Wilkinson gave Trotter a nice pass, and the centre-forward, dashing past an opponent, who challenged him, drove the ball home with great power, the Everton goalkeeper again having no chance.  There were thrilling scenes near the visitors’ goal as the Sheffielders fought hard to increase their lead, and Baker had a busy time in goal, two saves which he made from Hill and Trotter being fine.  At the other end Brown also made a good save from Dominy just before half-time. 
TROTTER TAKES CHANCES
The Wednesday were well worthy of their two goals lead at the interval, but for a period afterwards they deteriorated.  We now saw more of the Everton forwards, who combined nicely, without, however, giving Brown anything but ineffective long shots to deal with.  However, the Sheffielders at length rallied, and 26 minutes after change of ends a centre by Williams was utilized by Trotter to add a third goal.  More good work by Williams resulted in Trotter completing his hat-trick with a perfect header.  This ended the scoring, although O’Donnell was only prevented from getting a goal for Everton by a brilliant save at close quarters by Brown.  Wednesday’s four goals were all splendidly worked for, and skillfully scored.  Everton, whose general form was quite unworthy of the high reputation of the club, were thoroughly beaten.  Teams; The Wednesday; Brown; Felton, Bleninsop; Lowedell, Kean, Marsden; Williams, Hill, Trotter, Anstiss, and Wilkinson.  Everton;- B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Parker, Dominy, O’Donnell, Batten, and Weaver.  Referee; Mr. J.J. O’Donnell (Newcastle-on-Tyne). 

EVERTON RES 7 THE WEDNESDAY RES 2
Sheffield Independent - Monday 13 September 1926
A Penalty kick, from which Troup scored, after three minutes’ play, upset The Wednesday defence, and with 15 minutes from the start Everton had a four goal lead.  The home side played brilliant football, but Mellors should easily have saved shots by Murray and Kennedy, which beat him.  He has no chance, however, with a great shot by Troup.  The Sheffield forwards, well led by Packham, were giving a splendid account of themselves in the open, but their finishing was a weak point.  Before the interval, Murray scored the home side’s fifth goal, Prince reducing the lead a few minutes later.  In the second half Murray and Woodhouse scored further goals, The Wednesday responding through Packham.  The game was not as one-sided as the score suggests, although Everton, in addition to scoring seven times, hit the woodwork on three occasions, with Mellors well beaten.  The Wednesday ‘keeper retrieved a bad start by later making some brilliant clearances. 

EVERTON’S GAME TO-MORROW
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, September 14, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton tackle West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park tomorrow, and everyone will hope that, whatever team the Everton Selection Committee decide upon at their meeting to-night, they will produce an eleven that shall have understanding one with the other, and one that will have the sharpness necessary to catch these quick-witted and sharp-moving West Bromwich were beaten 7-3 at Bury, and when I interviewed the Albion secretary to-day about that funny result he said, “Bury are a fine side, and every shot came off for them.  They hit the crossbar, but the ball curled in where it generally shoots out. We are not complaining of our luck, but we do say that to score three goals, as we did, is generally sufficient to win a game, and that when we got into touch with the goalpost the ball came out instead of in.  We shall give Everton a good game.”  Asked about Everton, Mr. Everiss said, “We can’t understand t; they played well enough against us.”  So you see, Mr. Spectator, the Everton side has played well this season, spite of your belief that they have not.  Everton; ? West Bromwich Albion; Ashmore; Perry, Baugh; Magee, Reed, Howarth; Glidden, Carter, James, Davies, Byers. 
EVERTON CRITICS
“E.C.A” says; Renovating ground is excellent, but what good will it all avail if we lose our status in the League, and play to half-empty stands?  This letter is written in no panic-stricken spirit; the season is young, but the time to be up and doing is now.  I am certain each one of you is sorely disappointed with the failures on the football field.  As custodian of a famous club I am sure you realise the grave responability that rests upon your shoulders.  I am aware that all clubs have lean seasons at times; honours and misfortunes run in cycles, bun Everton’s unfortunate seasons have run concurrently for more than a few seasons.  You know the plain, unvarnished truth; the League team as it stands to-day is not good enough.  The accidents to Hardy and Dean were pure misfortunes, but I venture to say if Hardy and Dean returned to the team to-morrow, Everton would still be not good enough.  New men must be had, and quickly; and while the search and team building goes on give your reserve eleven a chance to give us our first league victory.  As a combination, they are streets in front of the man who have failed.  Being greatly interested in Everton F.C., and also a supporter for many seasons, it grieves me very much to witness the deplorable composition of the present team (says “True Blue”).  In the interests of the club, I would suggest the signing of a back, two halves, and an inside left. 
   “Corny” writes;- As a weary, age-old follower and supporter of Everton F.C., I would like to give vent for the first time to a little just criticism.  Everton will never have a match-winning team until they appoint selectors who can differentiate between a first-class footballer and (to use slang) “a stiff” I bear no personal animus against players or management, and base my criticism purely on fact.  Which selectors were responsible for bringing Broad to the club?  Why should Everton side fit to include Dominy in their ranks when Southampton pass him over?  He is still able to play football, but not to the standard required of a First Division team.  What good have Kennedy, Batten, Weaver, and others I could mention been to the Blues?  I doubt if there is any club in the League that procures more players and shows such poor match results.  Everton have wanted a man for a few seasons who can judge the correct type of players with which to strengthen their ranks.  Why is Bain wasting his time with the second eleven when he is the best worker, captain, and perhaps enthusiast of the whole twenty-two?  Why are two new midget forwards brought to the club when the front line have already to carry lightweights?  The only players of proved ability Everton selectors have captured within the last few years have been Dean and Dean, Everton require selectors.
Mr. H. Clunas writes;- The thanks of all sportsmen are due to you for your timely and outspoken criticism of Everton.  As you say, better now than when the sands are fast running out.  The mentality of the directors is very puzzling.  The club is setting up as a depository for men who are not class enough for the lower grades.  Frankly, Mr. Bee, it is an insult to Liverpool (in the wide sense, I mean) football to bring players here who could not secure a place in the clubs with which they were connected in the Second and Third Division. It is no use pleading bad luck.  It is rank bad judgement, for which there is no excuse.  Memory is sometimes short-lived, but it is vivid enough to recall the fact that the inside forwards of Everton (Dean excluded) were as “harmless as doves” in the goal area last season, and that Dean carried the goal-scoring on his own shoulders.  Hence, the urgent need of strong young fellows.  And nothing has been done save the signing of third raters! To my mind there are only two forwards on the Everton books fit for the First Division, and neither has yet played, through injury, in a match.  Do not blame the players (continues this correspondent).  They are not at fault; the defence, too, there are flaws too patent to be overlooked.  In a word the whole team is out of gear and class, and without a personality.  The latter is an important factor.  A leader who can inspire men is worth his place even if he is less clever than others. 
    “Spud” writes;- No doubt after the West Ham result they despatched some of the management to the wilds of Lanark and Ayrshire in search of inside forwards, but I ask them is it a crime to be born in Liverpool?  Players like Virr and Rooney are wasting their time in the second team.  Here we have height, weight and ability, the first an asset sadly wanted in the attack. 
McLACHLIN CUP
The final of the MaLachlan Cup (open to schools in the Netherfield-road Ward) takes place on Everton “A’s” perfect ground, at Strawsberry-lane, Clubmoor, to-morrow, at six o’clock.  The teams are Heyworth-street and St. George’s.  This tourney has been held for the last sixteen years and in every case the total proceeds are given to the Children’s Infirmary, the whole of the expenses in the competition being “stood” by Councillor McLachlan. 

ALTERATIONS TO EVERTON
September 15, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Drastic alterations have been made in the Everton team to meet West Bromwich at Goodison today. The match is creating the liveliest interest and it is hoped that it will mark the turning point in the club's fortunes. Everton have still to gain their first point, but though beaten at West Brom they played well and a big effort is to be made to improve the position this afternoon. It will be noticed that Brown is the only one of the original half-back line retained, but Bain and Virr are experienced performers who have rendered good service in the past. Virr was injured last back-end of last season, but he has recovered, and has been playing well with the reserve side. A remark which applies to the forward. Moffatt, whom Everton secured from Luton injured a foot in training, and was not available at the outset but he is now fit. Moffatt and Troup must be the smallest wingers in the country, but both are clever and shot hard and often. Murray the South Africa player has also shown good form with the reserves and he obtained three goals last Saturday.

EVERTON AT HOME
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, September 15, 1926
ALBION FIRST TO FACE THE NEW TEAM
BAKER AS CAPTAIN
ASHMORE’S SAVE PREVENTS FIRST HALF GOALS
By Bee
This afternoon Everton, refurnished in the forward and half-back lines, had their second innings against West Bromwich.  Moffatt, of Luton, was making his English League debut, and much concern and interest were taken in the wholesale changes of a side that had not won a game in five efforts.  Everton; B. H. Baker (Captain) ; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Moffatt, Irvine, Murray, Kennedy, Troup.  West Bromwich Albion; Ashmore; Perry, Baugh; Magee, Reed, Howarth; Glidden, Wilson, James, Davies, Byers. 
HOWARD BAKER CAPTAIN
Carter was unable to play owing to tonsillitis and Wilson took his place.  To the general surprise of the home crowd, which numbered about 15,000, Howard Baker captained the Everton side.  He began in a right manner by winning the toss, and having the sun and wind shield.  James was at once a trouble, but McDonald got to grips with him, and away went Everton on the right, thanks to a wise swinging pass by Kennedy.  Irvine diddled and middle the ball for Moffatt’s benefit, but the latter overran the ball, and later slipped at an inconvenient moment.  The first stoppage was a knock-out blow to Perry, who headed the ball in correct manner, but apparently had no knowledge he had done so owing to the sunshine.  He soon resumed, and Everton again found McDonald too good for the opposition.  There was no doubting Everton’s earnestness, nor yet their enterprise, but, with a rather gusty wind blowing, it was natural that both sides failed to settle down quickly.  Raitt beautifully stemmed a long pass intended for James, and when Murray back-heeled the ball in canny fashion, he opened a way to goal for the right wing, but they seemed too surprised to realize the position.
A STROKE OF LUCK
As usual the Albion played a sharp, sporting game.  They are the sort of side that allows their opponents to play good football, but they seemed to have a stroke of luck when they got the linesman’s verdict for a foul throw the free kick of which led to Reid heading quite near.  James wanted very little room in which to work or shoot, and Raitt and McDonald took particular care that he did not get in the danger zone.  For the first ten minutes play was of a distinctly scrappy character, with each side fearing the other, but although Everton failed to do anything startling there seemed more sense of confidence in the front line than for some weeks.  Moffatt’s persistence brought a chance of scoring, until Baugh headed away in his customary stern manner.  Play improved after a quarter of an hour and the crowd showed its appreciation, Kennedy being particularly clever and dogged while Virr kept a hard and fast grip on the Albion right wing.  Raitt stopped Byers cleverly, and after Kennedy and Troup had dovetailed on the left Irvine fell, otherwise he must have scooped a goal with ease. 
OVER ANXIOUS
Albion were the under dogs for some time, and after James had nearly got through there was a rare mix-up in front of the Albion goal, Murray, Irvine, and Moffatt each having an attempt at goal without making their shot reach Ashmore.  Over Anxiety was the cause of the poor shooting.  James bothered Glidden, his own partner, otherwise Albion must have opened the score.  As against that Reed took the ball on the goalmouth just as Murray was about to shoot.  Corners were Everton’s greatest bother.  First Baker saved at the second time of asking, and later, from a similar kick, he half punched away and the goal as gaping.  However, the ball passed outside and Everton, thanks for Troup, offered strong pressure. 
ASHMORE’S FINE SAVE
Mercifully, when Raitt was injured, he was only off the field for a minute.  Five minutes before half time the crowd broke out of its sleepy way, being aroused by a surprise daisy cutter shot on the part of Kennedy, Ashmore falling to make a full length and fine save. 
Half-time; Everton nil, West Bromwich Albion nil.
In the second half Stanley Davies and Wilson changed places.  It must be confused that the Albion forward line had done little to justify themselves.  Irvine went close with a swerving shot after Kennedy had his shot headed out, Byers broke through in a dangerous manner, and Baker running out sliced the ball.  The Everton defence stopped awhile in the belief that a linesman had signaled offside, and this proved to be one of the Albion’s most dangerous raids. 
BAIN BANGS IN
Murray’s slowness at centre forward prevented his getting in a shot, but it could be said that he tended towards combination.  The crowd got its second chance to be enthusiastic when Bain, from half-back, ploughed through to inside right and delivered a great shot which Ashmore fisted out with his right hand.  It was a bright piece of football, and Everton sadly needed the benefit of a goal, because they were now finding the difficulty of the glaring sunshine. 

EVERTON 0 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0
September 16, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
EVERTON'S FIRST POINT.
GOALLESS DRAW WITH WEST BROMWICH ALBION.
POOR FORWARD PLAY
B. HOWARD BAKER FIRST EVERTON GOALKEEPER TO BE NAMED CAPTAIN.
By “Bees.”
Everton have broken the ice of despair. They have moved one pace to the right, and have thus shown some sign of getting away from the bottom of the First Division. Yesterday they shared in a goalless draw at Goodison park with a side that had beaten them 3-2 a week or so earlier. The two games were totally different. At West Bromwich there was life and effort and some skill, with Everton making brave show and some people imagined proving worth a draw. Yesterday the weight of oppression seemed to pall on the Everton side. They strove too hard, it is to be feared, and forgot that football is best played when the ball is kept on the ground. Admittedly the strained situation facing them was of a dark character; every man knew that the wholesale changes at half back and forward –the forward line was quite new for this season –meant that each man was playing for his place, and the result was that over-anxiety tended to spoil the day's pleasure, for rarely has a game given so little pleasure as the goalless draw of yesterday when the Albion seemed to come to Everton's lowly measure. Neither side on the day's play, will go far.
CARTER ABSENT.
West Bromwich Albion regretted the loss of a schemer such as Carter, one of the best inside forwards in the County. His loss led to Wilson coming in, but he and James have both failed to come ahead as they promised to do. In fact, on either side there was as abundance of poor forward work that made the defensive attitude an easy one. It struck me that there was more chance of goals from the forward line fielded by Everton yesterday than there was from the line that had represented them at Sheffield and Bury. They have got a shot in their locker, and Kennedy and Troup had a working agreement that paved the way to some semblance of methods and attacking devices, but Murray's slowness rather jarred. It had been said that he kept the line going smoothly, but little was seen of this yesterday, nor yet his known shooting power. On the right wing Irvine wheeled hither and thither at will, and generally found one too many for him, but he is certainly the best inside right at the club's command, for he occasionally has a shot at goal, and one of his efforts would have been crowned but for Ashurst bringing off a mighty save.
ASHMORE'S SAVES.
Ashmore made three saves of real merit –one from Irvine, another from Bain, who worked his own way through to inside right from the centre-half, and wound up with a brilliant shot which Ashmore turned over with an outstretched hand, and finally, the same man kept Kennedy from the reward of his good day's work. On the other hand B. Howard Baker appointed captain for the first time in his career I should imagine had a comfortable time and really touched his previous “home form” rather than the convincing display pattern he has shown in his away games. His kicking of the ball when running out to clear is not clean, and there was a time when he tried to hand out the ball and failed, with the result that a goal should have been scored. He was not to blame, however, when McDonald tried to force a goal kick and the winger rounded him off and offered Wilson a perfect chance. Had it not been for Raitt's sudden drop back to the goal-line another defeat would have been staring the club in the face.
STRONG BACKS.
Raitt and Baugh were the best backs of the day and both were busily engaged. At half-back Reed, the Albion captain, was a captain in something more than name, directing affairs and by his wholeheartedness showing a way to the other members of the side. Virr as wing half-back, had a splendid half, and did not need to have a good second half, so poor was the wing against him; while Brown gave a capital display against the Albion left wing, which wing, it should be noted, was transformed in the second half, Davies going to inside right after he had played inside left in the first half. Davies save for one or two passes, and a string driving forcing shot, was “moody” and below par, as was the whole of the remainder of the line. Everton have a long way to go before they regain their lost confidence, but time may do much with them. At the moment they lack a personality in the middle. On the showing of the game yesterday, Murray is too slow at centre forward and Moffatt making his debut in First Division football after being signed from Luton, was not so good and Sharp as the amateur T. Parker. It was Everton's first “draw” of the season. A win against Leicester City on Saturday, at Goodison Park would brighten things considerably. It is a big task. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy (captain), goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Brown, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Moffatt, Irvine, Murray, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Ashmore, goal, Perry and Baugh, backs, Magee, Reed (captain), and Howarth, half-backs, Glidders, Wilson James, Davies, and Byers, forwards.


WHY BAIN BECOMES CENTRE FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, September 16, 1926
Bee’s Notes
The best news of to-day is a cherry word about Dixie Dean.  I saw him yesterday and he looked wonderfully fresh and bright and told me he was starting serious training next week.  But, better still, I hear that the specialist’s report concerning his possibilities of playing shortly are exceedingly bright.  For a long time there has bene a doubt; now that doubt seems to have been put to rest.  Everyone will be delighted to hear the glad tidings.  It is even suggested that Dean will be playing in October. 
ANOTHER CHANGE
Everton last night decided to bring in Bain or Murray at centre-forward against Leicester City, and to try Hunter Hart at centre half.  Possibly if the game develops into a certain groove Virr might become pivot and Hunter Hart go to his customary place.  This is not an official view; it is simply my own reading of the possibilities.  Certainly, yesterday’s game at Goodison Park was not very enlightening, but it had points that one could not overlook, one of them being the really notable game played on the left wing, where there was fire and some idea of constructive combination by Kennedy and Troup.  It made me wish more than ever that Kennedy had been given a further chance in the second game of the season.  Murray started in a way that went to prove what had been claimed for him, namely, that he “held” the line together.  But his natural slowness and his absence of shot have led him to a single show with the senior side.  Moffatt, too, was a disappointment, and it is stated that the amateur, Parker could not play owing to business calls. 
GOOD GOALKEEPING
Ashmore’s goalkeeping showed the value of his shadow-goalkeeper at home.  He spends more time at home fielding imaginary shots than any goalkeeper I have ever known, and he also gets a brother to throw the ball to certain quarters of a room, so that he can take one position, and the ball going away from him not once, but for half an hour on end.  Ashmore’s three brilliant saves, from Irvine, Bain, and Kennedy, were gems of the purest character.  Contrariwise the Everton goalkeeper was not a busy man, Albion playing just as poorly in attack as the Everton side had done.  Bain’s solo run was one of the best things of a dully match, in which there was one endeavor to keep a visitor from the ball, which was travelling towards a goal kick; the result was nearly fatal, Raitt alone saving the goal from the goal-line.  Raitt and Baugh were magnificent backs. 
CHEDGZOY ‘IN”
Here’s a line about our pilgrim, Sam Chedgzoy;-
Sam Chedgzoy, the soccer start signed by New Bedford, but who has been held up at the Canadian border as result of difficulties with the immigration authorities, has finally been admitted and the management announces that he will be in New Bedford to-day.  This is welcome news, for Chedgzoy, one of the leading forwards of England, is admitted to be the biggest catch made by any American league club this year.  Chedgzoy’s coming will give the Whalers the greatest set of forwards in the league.  With the British star added to Stevens, Britton, Maxwell, Best, and McLeaver, New Bedford need not worry. 
TAKING A LOCAL
Everton have signed a local in James Tyson, centre forward, of Orrell, a Hutchinson Mill man, 5ft 9ins, and 11 stone; he plays first game against Marine on Saturday. 

EVERTON RING THE CHANCES
Sheffield Independent - Thursday 16 September 1926
NEW FORWARD LINE FAILS TO GET THE FIRST WIN
EVERTON 0, WEST BROMWICH 0
Following five successive reverses Everton made many changes for their home game with West Bromwich Albion yesterday, and succeeded in obtaining their first point of the season by reason of a goalless draw.  No fewer than seven alterations were made in the Everton side, including a new forward line.  But, although they played good football in midfield, the shooting left much to be desired.  Troup alone causing the visiting custodian trouble.  The Albion also failed in the neighbourhood of goal, and on one occasion Glidden missed badly with only Howard Baker to beat.  After the interval Everton exerted much ineffective pressure, the best attempt at scoring being made by Bain.  Owing to an injury to Howarth, the Albion were compelled to re-arrange their forward line, but nevertheless they put up a splendid fight.  Following a fine shot by Howarth, James, has a great opportunity of giving the visitors the lead, but, although only a few yards from the goalline, he could not force the ball into the net. 

DEFENDERS WELL ON TOP
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Thursday 16 September 1926
ALBION & EVERTON FORWARDS SUBDUED AT GOODISON
DISMAL EXHIBITION
EVERTON 0, WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0
By the Throstle
Variety being the spice of life, West Bromwich Albion may be said to be “enjoying” a highly favoured existence.  Having participated in a feast of goals on Saturday, they experienced a famine at Goodison Park yesterday, and their goalless draw with Everton presented the Liverpool club with their first point of the season.  It was a dismally poor game, dull and lifeless in the first half, and only just alive in the second.  The occasions upon which either goal looked like falling could be counted on the digits of one hand, and the only satisfaction that either side could derive from the encounter was that they avoided defeat.  It was to this end-saving one point rather than capturing two-that the energies of both teams were directed long before the end and as a spectacle the match was decidedly depressing. 
EVERTON’S DRASTIC CHANGES
Everton sprung a big surprise upon their disheartened followers by making a wholesale change of their team, only the defence and one half-back surviving from the eleven which played at the Hawthorns ten days ago.  The effect of this drastic re-shuffle was that the team never settled down into a workmanlike combination at all, and only twice did they really beat the Albion defenders.  Ashmore then came to the rescue of his side, and a full-length plunge, gathering the ball in his drive, was the best thing of the match.  Against a background of individual mediocrity this feat shone like “a good deed in a naughty world.”  Once previously the Albion goalkeeper had proved his worth, if ever it is questioned, by a spectacular clearance from Bain.  Where at Bury, it was the defence who wavered, at Goodison it was the attack, and they have rarely given such a disappointing display.  How far it was due to Carter’s absence- for which an attack of tonsillitis was accountable –is problematical, but that does not explain, nor excuse all the faults of the performance. 
BYERS AGAIN
One forward alone did himself justice, Byers and when an injury to Howarth compelled a readjustment of the line, the winger was transferred inside, and he was the chief embarrassment to the opposition. He once managed to deceive Parker by a swift header, but Raitt perverted a goal by using his knees, and James was too cumbrous to take advantage of the chance.  Davies, an inside forward, mark you, conceived it to be his duty to watch operations in the Everton penalty area from a position somewhere near the halfway line, and all his shots were delivered from a range which discounted the velocity he imparted to them.  Glidden was the thinnest shadow of his normal self, and threw away a fairly simple chance quite early in the game.  James, with all the “go” in the world, failed to unify his line, with the result that in the last half-hour the four forwards were roving all over the field a place for no one and no one in his place. 
THE BRIGHT SPOTS
The bright spots in Albion’s display were the steady resistance offered by Reed and Magee, and the good play of Perry.  The latter made some astonishingly sound clearances from awkward situations, and Baugh, without attaining his full stature, also showed improvement.  Wilson, as emergency half-back in the second half, worked energetically to aid the other halves, and the reward of the defence was that the goal was preserved intact.  Taking the game through it represents the poorest in which the Albion have participated this season, and if contact with an admittedly poor side has this effect upon their football, the players themselves would probably prefer to meet the top class. Everton; Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Moffatt, Irvine, Murray, Kennedy, Troup.  West Bromwich Albion; Ashmore; Perry, Baugh; Magee, Reed, Howarth; Glidden, Wilson, James, Davies, Byers.  Referee; Mr. I. Baker (Crewe). 

EVERTON’S EFFORT AGAINST OLD MERSEYSIDES
Liverpool Echo-Friday, September 17, 1926
Bee’s Notes
May Everton get a win against Leicester City is my first and firm wish.  No one wants to see the good old club, known throughout the length and breadth of the game for its cleanliness and its clever play, groveling in the mire.  It will be necessary to pull hard and true and long to-morrow at Goodison if victory is to come; but I am sure that if the spectators take the law into their own hands and give the men vocal encouragement the men will do all the better for the assistance received from the crowd.  Now, therefore, get a good voice for the match, and encourage the player to go in those yards at that extra speed! 
PLEASANT VISITORS
We shall always be glad to see Leicester City among us, for they look like carrying Merseyside associations to the end of their days.  They have made most admirable signings from this part of the globe, notably in the case of Kenny Campbell (the K.C. of football, as I christened him when, long since, I was keen to see his name on the Everton books- he was just what was wanted, and could have been obtained at small cost at the time), who has seen service at Anfield, New Brighton, and Stoke.  The joke of Stoke is this; I published his transfer some days before he penned his name, and denials from New Brighton officials did not shake my exclusive.  A directorial friend approached me with his niblick at one of the golfing holes and said. “Boy, you’re all wrong.  But you know how Campbell within a few weeks signed for Stoke, and thus we holed out another starter in one! Kenny refuses to grow old, and will be watched with joy tomorrow, for he is a bonny goalkeeper to sturdy.  Then we have our own “kid” otherwise.  Wadsworth, jun. Walter’s protégé Harold skirts the wing with a romping manner that may not be nice to the esthetic taste, but he gets there, as does the little flea, “Just the same.”  Then there is Jack Bamber, whom Liverpool realized they released a shade too early.
A PROPHECY
A big local man has taken 20 to 1 Leicester City and Bury coupled that they win the League.  He banks on Leicester City because they are so fast and stern.  He reckons they were a good side last season, and needed just a touch of fortune to make their eleven a great name.  Now they are playing well together, and are near the top.  Thus Everton know exactly what they have to contend with, and they must make a special mark of men of the standing and shooting of Adcock and Chandler.  Chandler is the mainstay of the City side, and is a great schemer as well as a great shot- the two things do not often go together.  Everton; B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Hart, Virr; Moffatt, Irvine, Bain, Kennedy, Troup. 

LEICESTER CITY AT GOODISON PARK.
September 18 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Leicester City visit Goodison Park this afternoon with a record of 8 points from 6 games, and they share with Burnley the distinction of not being beaten. They have won two games and drawn four, so that they may be expected to make a bold bid for the points on this occasion. Everton, however, are a desperate mood just now and it is hope that the alterations decided on after Wednesday's drawn game will provide the necessary finish to the attack. Bain is no stranger to the centre-forward berth, and he domstratated against the Albion that he has the ability and determination to force his way through and shoot. T. Parker will return to outside right, while Hart will be in the centre-half berth. The kick off is at 3-15 and the teams are: - B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Hart, Virr; T. Parker, Irvine, Bain, Kennedy, Troup. Leicester City; Campbell; Black, Osborne; Duncan, Watson, Bamber; Adcock. Hine, Chandler, Lockhead, Bell.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 18, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

MORE EVERTON CORRESPONDENCE
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday September 18, 1926
Bee’s Weekly Diary
Everton are said to be offering, per list, a number of players who have been with the club some time.  Hardy, the Everton goalkeeper, by the way, has had much trouble with his ankle.  It is said that a bone is splintered.  The club has had much bad fortune with players, and correspondence continues to arise regarding the selections.  Letters are given below.
“Truth at Last” writes;-
Splendid! “Bee” Splendid!! First your outspoken remarks on Monday re Everton, and to-day your goodness in finding room to print the criticisms of “Corny” and H. Clunas.  How many thousands must “echo” the sentiments expressed therein.  “Corny” hits the nail right on the head.  My own observations lead me to say deliberately that however the directors juggle the players about, they will never make a championship team of the material at Goodison Park.  The remedy is to get someone who understands talent and knows the difference between a coming footballer and a “has been.” 
   “E.B” writes;- It is common knowledge that their chief weakness is at inside forward.  As Wainscoat, of Leeds United, has been placed on transfer would it not pay Everton to secure his services?  Leeds are not blessed with huge “gates” and would, I think, be only too pleased to pocket the transfer fee.  Could you use your influence to this end?  Until Hardy and Dean are ready, the following is the best team in my opinion;- Howard Baker; Raitt and McDonald; Brown, Bain, and Virr; T. Parker, Irvine, Murray, O’Donnell, and Troup. 
Hark what the week-end Press are saying-Everton’s next term in the Second Division.  Wouldn’t be better to stop the rot now by appointing a new board (asks “Quickenham”).  The present one has been found wanting in many instances. 
I venture to suggest the following team to be picked out of the players on hand, says “Old Supporter: Hardy; McDonald, Kerr; Rooney, Bain, O’Donnell; Moffatt, Dominy, Murray, Troup, Weaver. 
  The letter published in your notes are all quite to the point as regards Everton affairs, but there is just one more instance of “freak” team selection which may have escaped notice (says “Drying Out”).  Whilst you were at Bury, reporting the day’s match, we at home paid to see a reserve encounter.  Everton v. W.B.Albion Res., and the forward line was most inept.  Everton have no forwards worthy of the name.  Wishing yourself and the “Echo” the best of success and hoping you will continue with your fair criticism as in the past. 
Why the (extra) 4s (2s 4d) for the ends of the new Everton stands?  (ask “Disgusted”).  Why is the Everton team like the new stand? Because it is nearly finished!
H.G.E.
The whole team is simply not good enough for First League games (says “Anfield”) As now constituted it is the worst team ever got together under the clubs colours.  Oh, for the shades of Booth, Wolstenholmes, and Abbott.  The trouble has been the formation of “The Syndicate” –a sort of American Tammany.
Mr. Charles Clough says;- As a life-long supporter of the “Blues” I am grieved beyond measure at their lack of success since the war, culminating in the tragedy of this season.  The general tenor of opinion as expressed by your correspondents is that the board are to blame, and no observant critic can quarrel with this view.  Bain should have been left at centre half as he was a success.  The spectators should refrain from blaming the players.  The fault is not theirs.
THE DUTCH “DIXIE”
Holland has its “Dixie” and a colleague who has recently returned from a Continental tour tells me of an amusing incident in which the name of our own “Dixie” was coupled with the Dutch variety.  A party of tourists were waiting for a ferry boat of the Dutch port of Flushing after a day spent in Middlebourg (Walcheran), the quaint old Zealand town with its world-famed butter market.  During the period of waiting vendors of souvenirs and sundry articles piled their trade, and among them was an “ice-cream man.” He cried “Ices” in the approved English style, and then he appeared with small cartons of ice-cream, and called “Dixie ice! Dixie! Five francs.  Immediately a voice came from the crowd, “Dixie? He’s not playing, chum! To be followed by “Give it to him!” each time the “Dixie” call was raised, greatly to the unmusement of the tourists, among whom were a large number of Liverpolitans.  Such to fame! 

EVERTON AFTER FIRST WIN
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 18, 1926
STORK’S SPECIAL COMMENTS ON LEICESTER CITY’S VISIT TO GOODISON PARK
ASTONISHING UPHEAVAL; BAIN, IRVINE AS MARKSMEN
Everton; B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Hart (Captain), Virr; T. Parker, Irvine, Bain, Kennedy, Troup.  Leicester City; Campbell; Black, Osborne; Duncan, Carrigan, Bamber; Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead, Bell.  The brightness of the morning had vanished, leaving in its place a dull outlook which suggested rain, which perhaps the players would have relished.  It was warm, but there was a cross breeze which tempered down the heat.  Both teams made a change, Everton preferring T. Parker to Moffat, while Carrigan deputized for the injured Watson.  Hart won the toss, and taking the breeze was a big advantage.  However, this did not help Everton to any great extent, and Baker to make two saves at a very early stage in the game, and it must be admitted that he was not too clean in his work, although he safely disposed of the danger.  Leicester played very pretty and effective football, but at the same time I had an idea that it was of a type that would suit the Everton half backs, for it was close play which asked to be nipped in the bud. 
BAIN BREAKS A “RECORD”
As so often proves the case in this great winter game the side which had done the bulk of the pressing was the side to be placed in arrears, and when Bain scored the first goal for Everton on this ground this season the crowd gave him a great cheer.  It was a simple-looking movement which brought the valued point and truth to tell it had not promised a goal, but when Irvine passed, instead of trying one of his usual dribbles, it gave Bain his scoring chance.  Although Campbell scrambled across his goal in his effort to keep the ball out, it was obviously an impossible task that he had set himself.  Parker was again showing fine form, and Campbell had to make particularly smart saves.  Parker a second time was the instigator of a movement which would have troubled Campbell if Troup had not been a shade too high with a magnificent drive which topped the bar.  While this was an escape for Leicester, Everton had one a few minutes later when Lockhead, from almost point blank range, hit a ball straight into Baker, who, with hands down and legs closed, blotted out any possibility of a goal; but for all that there was little luck about the clearance.  Everton were showing much better form than has been the case at any other time this season. 
A POLISHED GOALKEEPER
There was much more bite in their attack, sterner methods in their middle line, and a greater understanding in defence.  Campbell had the more difficult work to perform, but as Liverpool people are aware, Campbell on his form is a difficult proposition for any forward.  He proved his worth to-day by making some really brilliant saves.  Irvine tested him to the full with a great shot, which he edged round the upright.  This was a good save, but even better was to follow.  He once obtained possession and held on, despite numerous efforts to dispossess him, and then came a great one-handed save, and he was forced to run the full length of his goal.  Leicester went on with their tip-tapping, but made little impression on the Everton defence until Duncan seemed to drop from the clouds to take a header and force Baker to tip over the bar for a corner. 
IRVINE HEADS THE SECOND
This was a better save than it appeared to the looker-on.  He wind was a troublesome factor to Leicester, for several well-meant passes were carried astray, and this undoubtedly interfered with the City’s ideas.  There were a few dull minutes of midfield play, which proved of no advantage to either side, but when Troup, in trying a shot, glanced the ball off a defender for a corner, it was fatal to the Leicester defence.  Although this corner was safely negotiated, another followed right in its train, and the Leicester goal fell for the second time at the 33rd minute.  Troup’s flag kick was of such perfect length and height that Irvine, the scorer, had no difficulty in heading the ball into the net.  Campbell being a shade late with his punch.  This unexpected reverse brought Leicester to a “fighting” stage, but it was really Everton who did the “fighting.” 
DOUBLE BY IRVINE
They put so much vim and good work into their play that Campbell had to make a timely dive to keep them out, and when Troup who was shooting with great deliberation, gave Campbell a warm handful, which he was unable to hold, Bain tried to apply the finishing touch and was only just prevented from doing so.  However, the third goal, which Everton’s determination had promised, came at the end of thirty-eight minutes.  Irvine snapped up the ball as it was cleared from the Leicester goal, and with a great rising drive shook the back netting, Campbell being quite unable to do anything.  This success brought tremendous cheering, and Everton, spurred on by this glad tone, proved themselves masters of their rivals, for even when Lochhead was offered a gift goal by Hine he failed to make good use of it.  Leicester’s great marksmen had been held as they have never been held before. 
Half-time; Everton 3, Leicester 0.
EVERTON THWAIER
MANCHESTER WIN BY FOUR TO THREE
When matters were resumed Everton not only had to face the breeze, but also the glazing sun, which made it appearance during the interval.  Irvine was early with a movement that fooled not only the enemy, but Bain as well.  It was a very old trick of the Irishman’s to let the ball go through his legs; the only pity was that Bain had not foreseen the move.  It would have meant a goal, I’m sure.  Leicester came very near to opening their amount a few minutes later, and it was only Chandler’s inability to bring the ball down and under control that saved Everton’s goal, for Chandler was alone in front of Baker’s charge at the time. 
LEICESTER AROUSED
The wind troubled Everton just the same as it had done Leicester, the latter making full use of its help, and Hine with a wide stiff wise pass to Bell, on the extreme left was the forerunner to a goal for Bell’s centre went right to Chandler who dashed it beyond Baker at the 52nd minute.  It was a different Leicester we saw now and the Everton defence were unable to duel so successfully with the forwards as had been the case earlier on. 
SWIFT DOUBLE BY CHANDLER
When Chandler scored a second goal at the 54th minute the rosy outlook was somewhat dulled, for Leicester at this time were playing like a winning team, and even Jack Bamber found time to deliver a shot which Baker saved smartly.  Everton, battling against a strong enemy and an equally strong wind, found progress a difficult business; but for all that Troup gave Parker a chance to distinguish himself, but the amateur’s shot was not true, and so Campbell escaped without difficulty.  However, he was busy a few minutes later when Bain, gaining possession through the ball cannoning off a defender, took the ball close in and was only beaten at the very last moment.  Troup got possession and shot hard and true for the net, but Campbell was fortunate enough to get his hand to the ball and turn it right across his goal and ever the goal-line.  It was apparent that Everton were not going to lose what they had gained if they could help it, and by the same taken Leicester were not going to suffer their first defeat of human could prevent it. 
A STRINGING SHOT
Hine, known to put terrific power behind his shots, proved this when he took a long length drive at Baker.  Such was the strength of it that Baker was unable to hold it at the first attempt.  Leicester made an emphatic claim for a penalty for hands when Adcock had centred and McDonald appeared to have handled.  The referee, however, was right on the spot, and must have been able to decide for himself whether it was intentional or not.  In any case, he would not hear of the claim, and to show their displeasure Leicester renewed their attacks with greater vigour.  It was only some good goalkeeping by Baker that kept the Leicester score at 2 goals.  He was inundated with shots, Hines in particular being his greatest menace, and three efforts by this player were worthy of a better fate.  However, as Baker saved them credit is due to him alone.  Everton were without a shadow of a doubt over run, and Hines, after some clever work on the right, worked his way over to the left and scored a capital goal.  This was followed almost immediately by Leicester’s fourth and leading goal, Duncan in this instance being the score.  Everton were given the opportunity to equalizes when they were awarded a penalty kick, but to the consternation of all Troup’s shot hit the upright the ball going over the bar. 
THWARTED AT LAST
This was almost the concluding incident of the game, although a piece of bad judgement by the Leicester backs might have brought about an equalizer.  Final; Everton 3, Leicester City 4. 

OLDHAM RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 18, 1926
For the greater part of the first half the Athletic had the advantage, and were almost continually on the attack.  After 15 minutes Hey opened the score, and seven minutes from the interval Kirkpatrick added a second goal.  The only two dangerous forwards on the Everton side were Weaver and Woodhouse, the former on one occasion skimming the crossbar with a fine shot.  Half-time; Oldham Res 2, Everton Res 0. 
Twelve minutes after the interval Taylor scored the Athletics’ third goal. 

EVERTON 3 LEICESTER CITY 4
September 20, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON STILL WITHOUT A WIN
TROUP MISSED PENALTY
EVERTON THREE UP AT HALF TIME.
Everton on Saturday missed a splendid opportunity of sending their supporters home in a happy frame of mind when they lost to Leicester City 4-3 after holding a lead of three clear goals at the interval. Everton defeat came as a surprise after their good work and excellent lead in the first half but it cannot be overlooked that well as Everton played Leicester did better in the second half than Everton had done in the first period, and on the balance Leicester were the more impressive side. It certainly looked as though Everton's tide of misfortune had turned, for the side played with more spirit and determination than in the first home game, and at times their work was of high standard. Yet it was not good enough to prevent Leicester springing a dramatic surprise and earning the full points. It was a game of bright football, thrills and sensations that did not end till the final whistle. Even in the last stages of the game (eighty-seven minutes) Everton narrowly missed dividing the points when Troup failed to convert a penalty kick , his shot striking the crossbar and going over. All things considered however, Everton are entitled to view their position more hopefully. There was a definite improvement in the attack and with a stiffening in the middle line the side should further improve.
HALF BACK FAILURES.
Baker did splendid work in the Everton goal. He did not always handle the ball securely, and was rather shaky at the start, but he made some remarkably good saves, and generally did his work well. Raitt and McDonald were a sound pair of backs, although they had far too much to do in the second half when the Leicester forwards made telling raids. This was chiefly due to the failure of the half backs. They were incapable of holding the City forwards, and Raitt and McDonald were overworked. Hart did much useful work in the first half, as did Brown and Virr, but afterwards the wing half-backs fell away considerably, Virr being the weakest in the line. Bain was not an ideal centre although he added force to the attack. Irvine was a more effective unit, because he did not overdribble, and devoted more time to shooting, which proved to be one of his strong points, Parker had a good first half, but lacked opportunities in the second period. Troup and Kennedy made the better wing. The former was clever and effective, and a fine shooter.
CAMPBELL'S WORK.
Campbell was bear witness to the deadliness of the Everton shooting. He had anything but an easy day, and made some brilliant saves. The Leicester backs were not impressive, although they improved, while the half-backs played an even game. Chandler was a splendid leader and provided he gets the ball in the right position there are few more deadly shooters. Lockhead and Hine were splendid inside forwards and Bell Adcock completed an excellent line. The goals were scored in the following order –Bain (5 mins), Irvine (35 mins), Irvine (38 mins), Chandler (52 mins), Chandler (54 mins), Hind (84 mins), Duncan (85 mins). Teams: - Everton: - B. Howard Baker, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Parker, Irvine, Bain, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Leicester City: - Campbell, goal, Black, and Osborne, backs, Duncan, Carrigan, and Bamber, half-backs, Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lickhead, and Bell forwards .

OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
September 20 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 6)
In a hard-fought game, Oldham Athletic well-meited their victory at Boundard Park, Hey and Kirkpatrick scored the first two goals in the opening half, and Taylor added a third twelve minutes after the interval. Weaver and Woodhouse provided Everton with many good chances, but were badly supported by the rest of the forwards.

POULTON ROVERS 1 EVERTON “A” 3
September 20 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Poulton, Everton were much the superior team, Gaskill, and Harrison playing well. Westcott was the most prominent player for the home team and Futton in goal thoroughly beaten 3 times made some good saves. Gaskill scored twice for Everton “A”, one from a penalty, ands Harrison added the third. Westcott scored for Poulton from a penalty.

THREE GOALS NOT SUFFUCENT TO WIN A MATCH
Liverpool Echo-Monday, September 20, 1926
By Stork
SMILES AND TEARS
It was astounding.  It was inconceivable.  But it had to be acknowledged, for all that, however much we disliked it.  Everton had buoyed us up to expect a convincing victory by their fine first half display against Leicester City, what time they had scored three goals and completely held the City sharpshooters; and during the interval smiling faces were to be seen everywhere; but before the end and those smiles were turned to tears, and the despondency which had temporarily been lifted off our shoulders enveloped us once again, perhaps not quite so heavily as it had done previously, for Everton had showed that they were capable of goal-scoring; and that is something which bodes well for the future.  A three goal lead will win more matches than it will lose, but against a side of the calibre of Leicester City even such a wide margin was insufficient.  It was not that Everton played badly- they did not- but Leicester proved themselves a much better side; and, although it goes against the grain to admit it, one has got to be just and say.  “The points went to the better team.”  Leicester’s victory was a glorious one.  If you take part in any game and your opponent gets away with a flying start you know the difficulty there is in rubbing out that advantage.  Its moral effect is tremendous, and more often than not the handicap and its effect proves too great for you.  Not so with Leicester.  They had fought Everton and the wind gallantly but unsuccessfully, and had seen Everton take what help the atmospherics offered and made up their minds that they would accept this help with both hands in their endeavor to prevent Everton from inflicting upon them their first defeat. 
REAL FOOTBALL
It was an entirely different Leicester we saw after the interval; and Everton troubled by the wind, &c., were shaken to the roots by football which had kept the City in the top flight.  It was clever football; fast and artful and best of all was played on the ground and not in the air.  The Everton half-backs, who had held this team in the hollow of their hands, were now unable to stay the powerful attacks launched at Baker and his goal.  I question if there is a better all-round forward line than Leicester’s in the First Division.  Not only does it include goal-scoring forwards, but schemes as well, and the combination proved too much for the Blues, strive how they would; and let me tell you Baker strove with might and main to make that promised victory a reality, but he could not do anything with the four goals that beat him.  Leicester attack was invincible at this point just as Everton’s had been, or more so; and when Chandler had rubbed off two of Everton’s lead one could almost see a defeat staring Everton in the face, for Leicester were complete masters and two further goals by Hine, the greatest menace to Baker, and Duncan was the last straw. 
THE LAST STRAW
Even then we had a chance to share the points for Everton were granted a penalty with two minutes remaining for play.  Troup, who had been shooting with great accuracy throughout, was entrusted with the kick, but he lifted the ball on to the crossbar from whence it sped into the paddock; and the spectators left the ground wondering when fare was going to bestow some if its favours on the Everton club.  It was a calamity to miss a penalty at this stage, and I was full of sorrow for the wee Troup.  It was my first view of Everton this season, and I was not at all disappointed with their play, I do not mean that it was flawless –it was not- but it was admittedly the best they have given this season.  Leicester City, on Saturday’s form, will consolidate their position as leaders, for they are a brilliant collection of footballers.  Everton forwards moved along with zip that I have not seen for some time, while their shooting –Bain and Irvine (2) scored- was accurate and hefty, as Campbell will agree, for he had to save many that were equally as good as the ones which beat him.  The half backs were hard put to it in the second half –any middle line would have been rattled under similar circumstances –while Raitt and McDonald were superior as a pair to Black and Osborne.  Baker, after a none too steady start did remarkably well under trying circumstances and saved many goals.  It has been said that Everton are not a ninety minutes team.  I have even said as myself ere now, but I am firm in my belief any side would have tired under the pressure Leicester brought to bear in this remarkable game. 

EVERTON’S LATEST CHANGE
Liverpool Echo-Monday, September 20, 1926
At St. Andrew’s to-night against Birmingham, Everton play Millington, ex-Oswestry, a speedy winger, Parker, the amateur, not being able to get away from work.  This is the only change; there might have been other alterations, but the reserve team players wanted were damaged. 

SURPRISING FEAT AT EVERTON
Athletic News- Monday, September 20, 1926
SO NEAR AND YET FAR FROM VICTORY
EVERTON THREE GOALS UP AND THEN BEATEN-AND A MISSED PENATY
EVERTON 3, LEICESTER CITY 3
By Junius
THERE was something akin to consternation at Goodison Park, where Everton, holding a three goals lead at the interval, had to submit to defeat.  The transformation came about in the first five minutes of the second half, when the Everton backs seemed to have no line defence, and within a minute Leicester put on couple of goals. Six minutes from time the scores were level and Leicester took the lead a minute later.  Then came an opportunity for Everton to draw level from penalty kick, but the ball went too high.  Wind and sun had a bearing upon the ultimate result, and it was by the assistance these factors that Everton largely owed their pronounced lead at the interval.  With the conditions against them, Everton became anxious, and Leicester fought the issue with great determination.  Their cleverness was apparent throughout, and Everton had to crowd out the forwards to prevent their persistent efforts close in from bearing fruit.
UNDERSTOOD ONE ANOTHER. 
That Leicester are a clever side was fully demonstrated after they had quickly reduced the leeway to play really great football. They were faster man for man, and had a good knowledge of each other’s requirements.  In midfield operations they were very effective, crafty footwork and clever control often unhinging the opposing plan of defence, but they overelaboratedat close quartets.  The forwards, always swift moving, generally contrived to keep the ball on the turf, and one could scarcely desire to see better combination.  Defence was of the dour type throughout, and excepting the Everton lapses referred to there could be little to choose between the sides.  Everton opened the scoring as the result of a side flick from Parker, who displaced Moffat. Bain was well up, but though there was not much power behind his ground drive, Campbell failed to get to prevent it entering the far corner of the net.  This provided a tonic for further onslaughts, and Irvine, at the end of 32 minutes, followed with a second, and third six minutes later, both resulting from corner kicks.  Four minutes after the interval Bell provided Chandler with an opportunity of reducing the lead, and following up a through pass Chandler got a second a minute later.  It was only in keeping with the run of the play when Hine, six minutes from the finish levelled the scores, for Duncan to give his side the lead within a minute.  In the last fleeting moments Lochhead elbowed out the ball from a corner and the spot kick was entrusted to Troup.  The responsible position evidently unnerved him, for the ball passed over.
WISE TO INCLUDE BAIN.
To Everton some need of commiseration is due, for the re-organised team put up a brave display against an exceptionally good side.  Bain was brought in to lead the forwards, and considering the present limited resources of the club his inclusion was a wise move, for more life was infused into the attack, and though inclined to get offside he will improve with further trials.  Then Hart, drafted into the centre-half position, did not fare at all badly, and the team as a whole may be said to have done well, when the character of the opposition as taken into account.  Troup was outstanding but out of luck, and on the other extreme Parker blended nicely with Irvine especially in the first period. 
HARMONY IN ATATCK
Virr, too early on, was a tower of defence, his attacking role also being a paying one, but in Adcock he had an opponent who was a veritable box of tricks, for he required but a few inches of space to do his work.  Complete harmony existed between the Leicester half-backs and forwards, and though Bamber had a lean time in the first half he came well to the front in the second.  Osborne was the best back on view, and no adverse comment could be made against the respective keepers.  It was a keenly contested game in which Leicester, three goals down, fought and won by very clever play which deserved victory.  Everton.- B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Hart, Virr; T. Parker, Irvine, Bain, Kennedy, and Troup.  Leicester City;- Campbell; Black, Osborne; Duncan, Carrigan, Bamber; Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead, and Bell.  Referee; Mr. P.G. Stronther, Nottingham.
 
BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 EVERTON 0
September 21 ST 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
BEATEN BY A GOAL.
EVERTON'S GOOD FIGHT AT BIRMINGHAM
MILLINGTON'S FINE DISPLAY.
Everton made tremendous, yet unavailing efforts to win their first match of the season at St. Andrews's last night, when Birmingham defeated them by 1 goal to nothing, the point being scored by Briggs after twenty-four minutes play. Everton played Millington for Parker, whose business prevented him from appearing. Although the game as a whole was poor, especially in the second half, Everton must have been heartbroken by three great saves, made by Tremelling before Birningham had scored. Kennedy was the shooter on each occasion, and it was obvious that he was out to shoot hard and often. This he did with deadly accuracy, and his work being fruitless, Everton from this point rarely got home a shot of any sting. Birmingham were worth a victory, if only for their smartness in every department. Still they were little better than Everton who had almost as much of the play during the first half as the home side.
THE DECIDING GOAL.
They were not upset by Brigg's goal, which was a surprise. It arose from a corner taken by Thirlaway, who put the ball into the goalmouth. Baker slapped rather than punched, the ball away, and the result was the goal. Crosbie heading to Briggs and the latter past baker. From that point the home side were never sure of a win, so forceful were Millington and Bain. The centre-forward tried to get the line moving chiefly by his headwork to right and left, but his only consolation was the wing work of the speedy Millington. One of the features of the match, in fact, was the manner in which Millington caught up when the chances of reaching the ball appeared small. The second period of the match proved to be a replica of the first, a replica in the sense that each side played poor football, Birmingham being wasteful with good chances. A rather panicky Everton defence held out and the halves continued good destructive work without making much shape at setting the front line working.
MILLINGTON'S SPEED.
Millington was again the star forward, and his only failing was the finish of his clever runs, which invariably ended with a low centre. Everton lost because they had only one forward who played well from start to finish. Kennedy was brilliant in long rang work, in the first half hour. Troup never got going, Bain found little support, Irvine played a unusually tame game, and thus it was left to Millinghton to get most from his speed. Brown was the best half, though all did well as attack breakers and Raitt and McDonald got through an enormous amount of work with far credit. Howard Baker seemed to have little chance of saving the header which brought the goal, and that apart made several daring saves. He, however, did not inspire confidence in several cases when he had to puck up from ground shots. Jones, Dale, Crosbie, and Briggs were outstanding Birmingham players. The attendance was 12,000. Teams: - Birmingham City: - Tremelling, goal, Smith, and Jones backs, Liddell, Cringan, and Dale, half-backs, Harris Crosbie, Briggs, Russell, and Thirlaway, forwards. Everton: - B. Howard Baker, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Millington, Irvine, Bain, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. F.H. Warris, Sheffield.

BIRMINGHAM TAKE LEAD THROUGH VICTORY OVER EVERTON
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, September 21, 1926
I am sorry to hear that Hardy, the goalkeeper, has just made trouble with his damaged ankle, and it looks as if he will not play for a considerable time.  A cause on the trial games, one can hear the Everton folk crying. 
EVERTON’S LATEST
Everton not a much over-rated side at St. Andrews last night when they were beaten 1-0.  Although they are still without a victory, they put up a good flight, and but for three brilliant saves by Tremelling, would have taken as early lead in the game.  Kennedy was the only shooter in the line during the first half-hour.  His work was mostly from long range, and it was obvious that he intended to make first-time efforts from start to finish.  However, he was as unimpressive as his colleagues in the second half, but unfortunately for Everton, he had a successor in Millington, who made some wonderful runs on the right wing, where Parker, the amateur, would have played but for business.  Briggs’ goal was well worked.  Baker headed away Thirlaway’s corner kick with the flat of both hands, Crosbie leaving to Briggs, and Briggs putting past Baker’s left hand.  Birmingham deserved victory, but they were only slightly the better side, shooting poorly in the second half.  Everton lost because the forward line did not knit.  Apart from Kennedy in the first half, and Millington in the second they were almost lifeless, and Bain, though watchful, found few chances.  Irvine was hardly ever seen in a movement, and Troup, after two wide efforts at scoring with hefty shots, seemed too eager to be able to keep the ball in play.  All three half-backs destroyed well, but failed to construct.  Brown was the best of the three, but each did valuable work.  Raitt and McDonald played a “safety first” game, and looked far from confident with easy work.  Baker saved the awkward stuff easily, and made the easy stuff look awkward.  Birmingham played nippy football, and were defensively strong, Smith, the old Albion back, making his first appearance in place of Womack, who is in his nineteenth season with the Birmingham club.  Briggs and Crosbie were the best forwards.  Both, however, were inclined to over-dribble, hence Everton’s defeat by only one goal. 
EVERTON CRITICS
The epistles penned by your correspondents, and by “Corny” in particular, regarding the fluctuating fortunes of the Everton F.C., reveal an ignorance of the difficulties facing the directors of a first class club (says “Twickenham”).  After wading through “Conray’s” painful tirade, I gather that all the clubs wants is a brand new board of directors!  Now, if “Coray” knows of any poor, unemployed directors, the club will, no doubt, be glad to install them in office, and doubtless the present directorates will gracefully make way for them (?).  Personally, I have always defined a sportsman as a man who can take a licking with a smile, but apparently your carping correspondents do not come under this head, inasmuch as defeats sustained by the club they claim to suggest being forth but growls and fantastic suggestions.  Cannot these so-called supporters realize that the “Blues” have been badly handicapped with an abnormal list of injuries?  If so, let them make due allowance for the poor match results and give the players more encouragement to do better things.
BENEFIT MATCH
Everton are sending a strong side to play a chosen team from the Liverpool League at Aintree Locas Ground, on Wednesday afternoon in aid of one of the Locos players who was damaged whilst playing football.  Fern, the Port Vale and ex-Everton goalkeeper, has promised to play. 

FORWARDS TOO EAGER IN FRONT OF GOAL
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Tuesday 21 September 1926
A FAILING THAT ‘BLUES’ WOULD DO WELL TO REMEDY
EVERTON NARROWLY BEATEN
BIRMINGHAM MUCH SUPRERIOR BUT SCORE ONLY ONCE
BIRMINGHAM CITY 1, EVERTON 0
By Forward
As a result of their success over the “wooden spoonists” at St. Andrew’s last evening Birmingham have reached the head of the League chart, and are to be complimented on their fine work which has brought them so early into prominence, but in order to maintain their exalted position they must pay every attention to their failings rather than look to success carrying them on to further successes.  It is essential that they should keep their heads –and this applies to the attack more than to any other department of the side.  They well deserved their triumph over Everton, and but for the fine work of the visitors’ amateur goalkeeper the victory would have been more pronounced.  There was, however, a tendency for the attack to reply upon is superiority rather than pursue the bustling methods continuously, and the comparative infrequent incursions of the Everton forwards might have brought about an unexpected and underserved result to the match.
CROSBIE’S GOOD EXAMPLE
The Birmingham forwards would do well to look to Crosbie as an example, and make every effort to retain the balance of the line when once victory is in sight.  There was not the slightest doubt as to Birmingham’s superiority.  They thoroughly deserved to win the match and the margin in their favour would have been more pronounced had the forwards shown the coolness in front of goal necessary for a convincing victory.  Briggs again demonstrated that he is one of the brightest and most effective leaders in the country at the present time, but, without criticizing such a whole-hearted player, he should remember there are other good men in the attack and not be afraid to pass the ball on to a comrade. 
BRIGGS’ MISTAKE
There were times when he could have parted with the ball to advantage instead of hanging on until covered, and consequently his cleverness proved of no service or such occasions.  There were other men in the attack who were also guilty of similar failings.  The forwards must inevitably remain cool and retain their judgement if they are to carry on the good work.  They have achieved their present lofty position by sheer good play and it is only with the desire of seeing them maintain the leadership that the helpful criticism is offered.  Had the forwards retained their wits when the game was wholly in their favour the success would have been far more pronounced. 
EVERTON NET HOPELESS
Everton have struck an unhappy patch, but they should not remain long at the bottom of the League chart.  Probably the repeated shuffling of the side has had a lot to do with their failures, but the form of the team at St. Andrew’s last evening suggested that with a little more understanding they might easily achieve much better results and commence to ascend the table.  Bain, however, is not a good leader, and the only real marksman in the side is Kennedy, who proved quite conclusively that he can shoot straight and hard.  Tremelling will bear witness to this fact for almost every one of the inside left’s shots the goalkeeper had to tip over the post.  The half back department of Everton is not at all sound and the defence suggested by their methods that they only required close pressing and keen tackling to crack up completely. 
HOWARD BAKER EXCELS
Howard Baker in goal, however, was as sound as safe as the proverbial rock.  His long arms and sure hands appeared successfully almost every time the ball was going towards the net, and it was due to him, more than any other defender, that Everton got off so lightly.  Birmingham took command of the game right from the start and with the chances that came to them they should have made doubly certain of success.  More than once in the course of the match openings arose which should have increased the score in favour of the home side, but their enthusiasm rather got the better of them and the Everton goal escaped.  Russell, who showed any amount of enthusiasm and often real cleverness in his play, could not put the finishing touch to good work when the occasion arose, though once he came very near to adding to the score, and Briggs did not sustain his usual liveliness throughout the match.
A DISAPPOINTING FEATURE
The whole line in fact, was rather lacking when it took command of the game and the 15,000 spectators were somewhat disappointed that the forwards did not make success absolutely certain.  One of the most successful of the home players was Dale.  He had a difficult wing to watch, but he carried on the good work quite unostentatiously and was probably the most effective half back on the field.  Cringan too, was good, and held Bain quite safely, but there were times when he could have passed the ball advantageously instead of trying to dribble it through.  Liddell, despite an early injury, was highly successful.  The defence was quite satisfactory and Joe Smith, who made his League debut with Birmingham, proved conclusively that he is an admirable stand-by for the club. 
THE ALL-IMPORTANT GOAL
Briggs got the goal that placed Birmingham at the head of the League after 22 minutes play.  Following a corner there was a hot tussle in front of the Everton goal until Crosbie, who was always ready and eager to place the ball to the utmost advantage, lobbed it forward to Briggs and the latter flicked it into the corner of the net with his head well out of the reach of the smart amateur goalkeeper.  It was a good goal and placed Birmingham in the position they deserved.  Unquestionably Birmingham are a good side and if they continue to show the right team spirit they will continue to head that League table.  It is essential, however, that they retain that coolness and judgement which is necessary to further successes.  The friendly criticism is offered in the hope that they will maintain the leadership, a position which was attained by undoubted superiority over the luckless Everton side.  Birmingham; Tremelling; Smith, Jones; Liddell, Cringhan, Dale; Harris, Crosbie, Briggs, Russell, Thirlaway.  Everton; B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Hart, Virr; Millington, Irvine, Bain, Kennedy, Troup.  Referee.- Mr. F.H. Warriss (Sheffield). 

EVERTON’S IMPORTANT DECISION
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, September 22, 1926
Bee’s Notes
I understand that the Everton directors, hold a very important meeting last night, and the question of the team’s lack of success was studied very seriously –not for the first time, of course.  The directors considered their position and a policy, and I understand that it was decided that in view of the present side being of insufficient strength that the club should, in common parlance, go out for some first-class new men.  Money will have to be spent to pick up new men, because really good players are not released nowadays without much thought by their clubs, but the Everton board has apparently decided that they must refurnish the eleven.  Many believe that not only is the first team not nearly good enough to get away from the lower rungs on the ladder, but also that the reserve side needs players of a bigger physique.  One can therefore look forward to some big signings in the near future.  The club has had a wealth of bad fortune; but that has not been off; there has been a lack of personality and play this season that suggests the team has lost confidence and stamina.  It is perhaps natural that the Everton directors should be ultra-cautious in the matter of spending (says Mr. W. Liman).  If this is the case, then it is obvious that the reserve team should be their remedy; yet with perhaps three or four exceptions, there are no reserves capable of taking their place in the senior team.  I think Everton would be wise if they secured a first-class inside left, and in the meantime gave Woodhouse a chance in this position.  If the following team was given a prolonged run I think they would go far to redeem the earlier failures;- Baker; Hamilton and Kerr; Brown, Bain, Virr; Parker, Irvine, Murray, Woodhouse, and Troup.  In conclusion here’s luck and success to the Blues in the very near future; perhaps next Saturday. 
EVERTON V EVERTON
THE FIRST EVER AT ANFIELD GROUND
My well-versed friend, “Wirralite”-You may recall our little chat last season on the first league match ever played between the great rivals, which took place on October 13, 1894, before an unheard of “gate” of 1,000 pounds.  The return game was “fought” out on November 17, 1894, before the largest assembly ever gathered at Anfield-proceeds about 700 pounds.  I have the quant little orange-coloured “Official programme” before me as I write, and among a few short notes appear the following prophetic words; “Its seems obvious now that we shall have the greatest difficulty in escaping the dreaded test match.”  The “Livers” did not escape the test, at the close of the season were “bury-ed” by 1-0, and went below.  Another note reads;- “One gentleman informs us that he won’t spend another ‘tanner” (sic) so long as the team is playing ‘rotten.’:  The official retort reads;- “Good sportsmen! Can’t take a licking manfully.  Some people we know have more than sixpence at stake, but a great deal less to say.”  The older generation will know to whom was referred.  They were “holding” the fort against great odds those days –and won through, too! Let the Blues, therefore, take courage. 
However, to the game.  The writer remembers wondering how many had stayed away to avoid the crush, as there seemed to be lots of room to spare.  The game was remarkable, principle for the furious pace at which it was played from first to last, for the rough and tumble characteristics of the play, for the ever-prevailing doubt as to the ultimate result, and for the unexpectedness and peculiarity of that result when it came.  Another feature of the game was the frequency of free kicks for fouls, and yet the game was by no means a really rough one.  The one and only John Lewis (of Blackburn) was in charge.  Up to the date of the game under review the “Livers” had won but one match out of 13 played and figured as wooden-spoonists, while the “Blues” were regarded as strong favourites for championship hnours.  Extremes were, therefore, meeting.  The worm, however, turned and the Livers were very unfortunate not to win even although only equalizing in the last two minutes from a penalty kick given against Kelso for pitching Davie Hannah a somersault over his back.  The writer well recalls the pandemonium which ensued when “Jimmy Ross,” after feinting to kick the ball twice over, finally fired into the net, giving Cain no chance.  Each side scored a beautiful goal in a legitimate manner, and each side also scored from a penalty kick.  The outstanding incident of the game, however, was one that genial “Mattie” McQueen will probably have a vivid recollection of.  “Mattie” was in goal for the “Livers” and just before half-time had fisted out a shot when he was violently charged by John Bell, and lay for some time in great pain while the crowd alternately hooted and applauded, according to their particular bent.  McQueen was not able to resume for quite a while. However, as the players were leaving the field for the interval, Bell went to Mattie and apologized for his share in the incident which held to the Liverpool goalkeeper being injured.  Such a frank expression of regret evoked a great outburst of applause, and I have little doubt that the apology was accepted by McQueen in the same spirit in which it was tendered.  The game finished 2-2.  Half-time was 1-0 for Everton.  Kelso and Latta scored for Everton and D. Hannah and Ross for Liverpool.  The incident referred to and Mattie McQueen’s heroic display in goal are the writer’s outstanding recollections of a great game.  Thirty-two years ago! Ah, me, how time rolls away.- WIRRALITE.

A POINTER FROM THE EVERTON CLUB
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, September 22, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Edmed for Walsh is the solitary change made by the Liverpool club for the Derby day fixture at Goodison Park, on Saturday.  Edmed has been injured for some weeks.  Everton F.C. do not make a selection until just before the match.  There are some big things in the offing.  They have, as I said yesterday, a settled plan of campaign, and big alterations can be expected any time.  The club have taken their trouble by the core.  Liverpool make one change when they produce Edmed again at outside right vice Walsh; otherwise the team is the usual one.  What pleases me even more is the change of front noticed at Anfield yesterday when the Reds’ reserve side gave a bright and enlightening display.  For some years the reserve strength there has been of a poor quality, and has suffered much criticism; but here was a combine of young and capable, experienced men, blended together to make a resolute and appealing whole.  They were not worth their seventh goals lead but they were worth praise for a go-ahead style of game.  I liked the way Clarke got out of the danger zone and put the ball in the danger zone; McMullan, at left back, was a revelation; and Done in a back who is coming on and gaining experience through the aid of men such as Jackson and Pratt.  The latter at centre half did a wealth of work, and was as good in attack as in defence.  Bolton had a good side out, and could not hold, even with their tall men, such rousing players as Reid at centre, McDade as wing half-back, and Charters, who has a bright outlook, judging on the game.  During and after the game one had other pleasantries, namely, the appearance of our Hippodrome favourite, Billy Matchet, twiddling his thumbs ad gaging to the players’ enjoyment, together with the effervescing young ped, and comedian Fred Morrisey, who is a veritable book of words and dates, so far as football is concerned.  He blends pantomime with football.
BLAME “BEE.”
“Nil Desperandum” writes blaming me.  I ought to have known someone would make me the cause celebre. 
Since the present football season opened I have become somewhat “fed up” You criticize, therefore I presume you are open to criticism (says he).  I think you have said very often that you do not agree with present-day football (under the new rule I mean).  You said it all last season, and you have said it this season.  Everyone who is interested in football knows that “Bee” does not agree with the new rule.  I think you have told us too often.  Secondly, your criticism of Everton.  To my mind, you are harping on the unnecessary changes after the Tottenham match; you have told us of that too often.  Just prior to the Bury match you criticizedthe Everton team, and finished up by saying you would wait until after the match before you criticized too much, as to do so before may damage the side’s chances.  To my mind, the damage was already done.  You had said as much as you could.  Now, after you have ribboned the team to pieces, you ask the directors not to get “panicky.”  Your report up to this point (after reminding us once again that you do not like the new rule) is full of real “panic.”  Near the end of your article you suggest “wholesale changes,” after saying not one of the reserve side is worthy, or was worthy, of inclusion a week ago, and your very last statement is, “The position of the old club at the moment is terrible.”  If this is not “panic” –well, what is it?  There have only been five matches, and four of them away, with about seven men on the injured list.  To my humble mind, your criticism is on wrong lines; you do not offer one word of encouragement or sympathy.  You remind us of certain things far too often, and you are far too “panicky.” I hope you will excuse my speaking straight to you, but, as I have said before, I presume you are open to a dose of your own medicine. 
   Sir.- I think you.  I am sorry if I have bored you with the dislike of the new rule; at Bury, Everton were lucky to escape a very severe drubbing (they got 5-2); when I called for wholesale changes I did not say in the team- I had an idea of new players –and if I said the position was terrible, whether I was panicky or not, I was certainly supplying facts.  It would have been poverty of criticism not to have seen what was coming to Everton after three matches; I stated my criticisms in as fair a way as possible, but you possibly know that when defeats are growing any criticism is looked upon as biting, unfair, unprecedented, and totally wrong.  I stand by all I have said.
NOW!
“Teambuilder” writes; “Twickenham” is very wide of the mark when he states that the board would willingly give way to others.  The fact that the present directors did not relax their efforts one iota until their predecessors were ousted from office (although Messrs Clayton, and Co., have a much more brilliant record of team building, &c, than the present members) proves beyond doubt how they would treat “Twickenham’s” suggestion that they would give way.  His further contention that the old club has an abnormal list of injured members is also very amusing, especially when one remembers that the only two players at present laid aside with injuries who could possibly hope for inclusion in the League side are Hardy and Dean.  I am afraid we are brought face to face with the fact that the season was opened with a playing staff which lacked both quantity and quality, and although we are reminded in this morning’s Press that almost a fifth of the fixtures have already been cleared off, there is still time to save the situation.  There is no more time to be lost, and money talks more than ever these days, so they have no excuse on that score.  When the present board first assumed office we were promised a team worthy of the old days, but that promise has still to be fulfilled.  Now is your opportunity, Messrs Cuff and Co. 
  “Mack” writes;- I must say that “Corney’s” letter to you is one of the best I have read.  “Twickenham” attacks him, and states “give me the man that can take a licking with a smile.”  I say give me the man that can argue without sarcasm.  “Twickenham” states that Everton are hard hit with injuries.  In the name of goodness where are they, bar the goalkeeper and “Dixie” worth talking about.  Give Mr. Cuff a free hand, then you will see more like Settle, Young, and Hardman, the real Everton. 
HIS BELIEF IN EDMUNDS
 “Metro Toffee,” of London, writes;- For many years while resident in New Brighton, I was keenly interested in the Everton Club.  Although I have been living in London since the war I have still a very lively affection for the “Toffeemen,” and have the “Echo” sent me every week to follow their career.  Their present position, and the painfully obvious need of a good centre-forward deputy for Dean prompts me to suggest to you that the club might be well-advised to look after Edmunds, recently transferred from Fulham to Watford, I saw him play many good games for Fulham.  He is not a Second Division type, however, and was displaced by the hefty Pape, of Orient and Manchester.  Edmunds has lots of experience, footcraft, a good shot with either foot, and any amount of courage and perseverance.  He is also that comparatively rare thing, a genuine good sportsman.  Never disputes a referee’s decision or retaliates upon on opponent, whatever the provocation.  I have often thought that he would probably do extremely well with a First Division team who play the best scientific type of game, such as Everton, Villa, Newcastle, or Spurs.  This as opposed to the many First and Second Division clubs who specialize in the “kick, rush, and knock him off the ball” variety.  I write this from sincere interest in the matter and with no axe to grind.  I am afraid Edmunds is beyond the age at which a player will do Everton any lasting good.  Everton in taking new players must aim at the youngest and brightest.  They are now building for a future year, not alone the present situation. 

DERBY DAY’ EVERTON STILL UNDECIDED
Liverpool Echo-Friday, September 24, 1926
Bee’s Notes
The Merseyside “Derby” can never be judged by ordinary standards; have you are faced with probability, improbability, and a host of sensational arising that can make the man who attempts to be dogmatic about the result look very foolish.  One of the joys of the local “Derby Day” series is the fact that we have for a generation past had the pleasure of recording first-class, sporting football and I hope that to-morrow, whate’er else betide, we shall not find any of the new players to the “Derby” series indulging in anything that might spoil the beautiful name we have justly claimed for Liverton football.  Each year some new entrant to fame comes into these games, and it is only right he should be told what is expected of him always, but more especially in the biggest of local games.  We don’t want a dog fight in a football arena.
STILL UNSETTLED
There is no doubt that Everton have lost their confidence.  There is also no doubt that they are not satisfying their supporters, themselves, their officials, nor even their rivals.  But this is just the sort of special occasion that will produce from them a pronounced improvement and a determined effort.  Say “Liverpool” to a Goodison Park side and you transform and inspire the latter side.  And vice versa.  There is no need to hide the fact that Everton have hidden their selection of the eleven until the last second, because they believed they would by this time have got a new player or new players who will help to mend the weak places of the Walton eleven.  The Everton side that played so well at the Hawthorns and Spurs’ ground must surely be able to produce similar form for the Goodison Park followers some time.  The team is not yet settled, the team has been unsettled, but Liverpool need not imagine they can walk through the ranks of their rivals to-morrow without a very special effort. 
ANFIELD GOES A WLAK
Liverpool are nothing if not superstitious.  Hence the usual formula took place to-day.  The players went to Hoylake, per Meols, and en passant they saw the usual golfing element, and doubtless wish they could have taken part in the alleged “fun.”  At night they go to a show, and to-morrow they see Red.  Edmed will see his first derby message calling him to put forth his best foot; and he has two of the best, remember.  That is their only alteration, and it is a natural one when one remembers how well Edmed had been playing before.  Come to think of it Liverpool continue to juggle with their players.  At outside right they have Edmed, Walsh (when needed), Oxley (progressing after operation), and Charters.  They are a lucky side to have such striking duplications.  It is not too much to say that some of those duplications have been caused through a stroke of genius; others have arisen through the club talking great pains to give a man a chance, and recognizing that his wage is a mere bagatelle when pitted against the possibility of having to go out and buy a new man at, say 3,000 pounds.  I have drifted from the debate as to who will win, you’ll notice.  Reason? Well, it can be given in one word; I fancy Liverpool; one can hardly be expected to fancy otherwise, if you are unbiased or not an Evertonian.  But these “Derby” games are proverbially uncertain, and I would not wager a banana to a broom that my verdict will turn out right.  Anything can happen when the following eleven turns out against the query-marked eleven;- Liverpool; Riley; Lucas, Longworth; Shears, Cockburn, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Forshaw, Chambers, Hopkin.  Everton; ? 
EVERTON CRITICS
“Ranger” writes;- “I don’t want to squeal now that the club are doing badly; it’s not British; but if you will recollect that this same nom-de-plume did a little grousing last season when the club were doing a little better.  “Bee.” It’s no use beating a retreat all the while; stand your ground.  Excuses never made any football club, nor helped.  What Everton want is an entirely new defence; centre half and backs.  Last season when Everton forwards were scoring in nearly every match, the defence let them down.  Directors went to Southampton, Preston, and Luton, and brought back forwards.  What we want to see is a Jimmy Galt at centre half, and two McConnachies at back.  I know it looks all right on paper, “Bee,” and that these men are not to be had at any price.  They are to be had.  If Everton will send a few feelers out to Patrick Thistle and inquire about Gibson, their centre half, it would give Everton a surprise.  Also if Everton would call at Clyde F.C,’s ground and inquire about Blair, left-full, I don’t think they would say ‘no.’ This left-full is reputed to be one of Scotland’s coming defenders.  He is only a youngster.  While a little more north there is a back (right) playing for Cowdenbeath, called Murray, who I do know would not be adverse to a trip to Everton.  Last summer and this summer he held out for a little more consideration.  But eventually signed.  ‘Bee,’ this man is the man Everton have wanted for years.  Pass the mod, Bee!” 
WATCH THE LADS
“An old player” writes;- In my opinion and many others who have been players (some in League 1) the Everton team is where it deserves to be and where it is likely to remain.  They have not one sound line.   It seems a pity the directors don’t go and watch some of the junior teams of the district, for they would find quite a few players that would knock the head off some of their first team. 
My turn for a grouse and about time, says “Compres.”  Can you tell me why the best inside left of the Blues’ team, O’Donnell to wit, is left out?  If injured, for the sake of the prestige of the finest football team in the country let the directorate wake up and get a first-class 6ft, 12st, inside left.  The crucial post of centre half has not yet been filled.  A good inside left and centre half last Saturday at home and at Birmingham would have brought Everton 4 points.  I have seen all the games.
   “Seven Hedges” is quite right in his remarks regarding certain spectators at Goodison, says “Red Rick.”  Still, as an Evertonian, I must admit that Leicester deserved the applause of every individual for their “never-t0-be-forgotten finish” But what tremendous cheering when Troup missed the penalty! May I ask a question?  Will Leicester receive the same support from the “shrieking Reds” when they visit Anfield in October? I wonder. 
   “Tin Tack” writes;- We all know how unfortunate the team have been with regards to injury to Hardy and also “Dixie” Dean’s accident; but what have the directors done about it?  As far as I can see, nothing.  Is there nothing doing with Huddersfield?  How about C. Wilson?  He was A1 until Brown came along and took his place (through injury, I think), and then again Wainscot, of Leeds United, is on the list, why not have a shot at getting him?  Why hasn’t Woodhouse had a chance with the first team? 

LATE FOOTBALL WIRE
Liverpool Echo-Friday, September 24, 1926
EVERTON CHOSEN THEIR TEAM V LIVERPOOL
Everton have, so far, been unable to land the catches they sought in Scotland and elsewhere.  They have therefore chosen their side for to-morrow as follows;- B.H. Baker; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Hart, Virr; T. Parker, Irvine, Bain, O’Donnell, Troup.  Davie Reid and Raitt are injured.  Spectators please note that the whole of the turnstiles of the new stand and paddock will be opened tomorrow.  There are new turnstiles at the south-end of the stand to admit spectators to the shilling part of the ground; spectators by using these will relieve the pressure on the Goodison side. Gates will be opened at 1.15. 
MARINE (v. EVERTON “A”)
Marine play Everton “A” at Collage-road, Crosby, 3.30.  The home side will be without Nichols, Moneypenny, Gilmour, and Clayton, Who are playing in representative matches.  Team; Davies; Percy,. Shaw; Strong, Southern, Graham; Goldberg, Parry, Garvey, Sharp, and McKenna. 
GAULT’S NEW PORT
Ernie Gault, the former Everton player, has signed on for Ellesmere Port F.C., and will play centre forward against Ashton National at Ashton to-morrow. 

WILFRED CHADWICK SECURED FROM LEEDS UNITED
Birmingham Daily Gazette-Friday 24 September 1926
“Wolves” have been sorely in need of an inside-left since the season opened, and yesterday they secured the transfer from Leeds United of Wilfred Chadwick, who can also take the inside-right position if necessary.  He is powerfully made, and has had considerable experience in first-class football.  Chadwick is a native of Bury, and originally played for Blackpool.  Later, he went to Everton and finally to Leeds.  In the 1923-4 season he scored no fewer than 28 goals for Everton and as he is now only 26 years old he should be good for many more.  Described as a wonderful shot, Chadwick is 5ft 1oins, in height and weighs 12st.  He will play against Middlesbrough at Molineux to-morrow, but apart from the newcomer the side has not yet been selected. 

DERBY DAY
September 25, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
The fifty third meeting between Everton and Liverpool as the outstanding feature. The holding capacity of Goodison Park will be fully taxed, and the addition space on the new stand will be needed. The kick off at 3-15, and there is likely to be a keen and exciting game, for Everton are in desperate mood, while Liverpool are anxious to maintain their good beginning. On form the Anfield side are likely winners, and as they have gained many success at Goodison Park in recent years they are hoping to finish on the right side once more. Certainly the team is more convincing than, that of Everton, and all the chances are in their favour. Everton have made changes in the side, Kerr, the Reserves full back, being introduced at left back in place of Raitt, who is injured, McDonald is crossing over. The half-backs remain the same as at Birmingham, and in the forward line T. Parker returns in place of Millington, and O'Donnell returns to inside left in place of Kennedy. For Liverpool Edmed resumes at outside right in place of Walsh. The teams are: - B. Howard Baker; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Hart, Virr; T. Parker, Irvine, Bain, O'Donnell, Troup. Liverpool: - Riley; Lucas, Longsworth; Shears, Cockburn, and Bromilow; Edwards, Hodgson, Forshaw, Chambers, Hopkins.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 25, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

DEAN’S HAPPY VEDICT
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 25, 1926
I saw Dixie Dean amongst the spectators on the stand, and was delighted to hear that in his training he has been heading a ball.  This is wonderful turn-up surprise and pleasure for, of course, the head was the doubtful quantity in Dean’s case.  Everyone will be thoroughly delighted to realize that he is recovering to the full extent of his mental and physical ability.  It is great news. 

EVERTON V LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 25, 1926
FIFTY-THIRD MEETING OF LOCAL FIRST LEAGUERS
BEE’S VIEW OF THE GOODISON PARK “DERBY”
FIRST HALF GOALLESS BUT FULL OF INCIDENT
Liverpool; Riley; Lucas, Longworth; Shears, Cockburn, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Forshaw, Chambers, Hopkin.  Everton; B. Howard Baker; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Hart (Captain), Virr; T. Parker, Irvine, Bain, O’Donnell, Troup.  It was a blustery day, wet, fine, and “hailing” in turn, and cold most of the time, with a wind that was likely to play tricks with both Everton and Liverpool.  Liverpool made one change, Edmed, recovered, came back to the outgoing of Walsh.  Everton, who expected some big signings form Scotland, could not charm the natives to give up two or their good ones.  Hence they decided to bring in O’Donnell at inside left, and to play Kerr, the sturdy young Scot, for Raitt, damaged.  Owing to the coal strike and the cold snap the crowd was much below what we had become accustomed to in these matches.  There seemed to be no more than 38,000 present at the start.  Liverpool won the toss, faced the sunshine, and had the slight benefit from a gusty wind.  After Longsworth had only half headed down a pretty easy ball, Chambers meandered to inside-right and offered the ball to Shears.  The Anfield half-back slipped, but was able to regain his foot and shoot, Baker punching away with both hands.  The ball sped on its way to Chambers, who turned it towards an empty goal, Baker, running back, used his great height to turn the ball over the bar by the narrowest of margins. 
A FRONTAL ATTACK
Edmed made merry on the right, and his centre went out to a point towards Hopkins, and when the latter centred a shot was delivered with a half volley effort by Chambers whose shot caught Hart in the face and laid him out.  Brown and Longsworth were very much to the fore at this point, and when O’Donnell burst through and delivered a shot, Riley showed the extent of his reach and made a beautiful one-handed save to do no more than touch the ball.  Bain, running up, made a wild attempt to break the back net.  A gentle tap would have bene fatal to Liverpool’s chances.  Longsworth again felt the pressure of time and the slipperiness of the wet ball, but Lucas covered him in his own sweet manner. 
A SHOT THAT FAILED
Cockburn was hurt, and limped for some time, and when he recovered Forshaw got the ball to hand, whereas Bromilow scraped a shot outside.  Chambers cajoled Forshaw, who, running on, had a natural swerve of the body which prevented him from reaching the ball, otherwise a goal must have arisen.  Matters were not improved when McDonald and Baker were bunched together in an affair that should have been a one-man job.  The goalmouth was left empty, and if Hopkin had known that he would have shot instead of centring.  Everton now realized that they must shake a leg and produce more enterprise and dash.  The result was that when Shears most unfortunately back-headed the ball to Bain, the home centre was left with a choice gift.  He took time and one dribble ere making his shot, and then was astounded to find that his aim was all wrong.
FORSHAW USED HIS HEAD
A second later Bain again came into the shooting area and tested Riley.  To this Forshaw and his left responded with a fine concerted action from which Forshaw headed half a yard out of range.  The play was of an attractive character, even if it was not so full of shooting fire and goalkeepers’ work as in some other games one could recall.  Troup did very little wrong and much that was right and clever, and O’Donnell was perhaps over-anxious to score from his partner’s work.  Certainly, Hart stopped a certainty from Chambers when no more than six yards out, and in addition Hart offered some priceless forward passes to Bain, who was also well served by Irvine when the defence was looking for a pass to Parker.  Lucas faltered, and fouled found Bain right on top of the chance, but Lucas’s powers of recovery are remarkable, and he gained applause for saving the situation he had made.
A FREE KICK MISS.
Hart again came into the middle piece with a trick, and unfortunately, he took too much turf with his clearance, and, as a consequence, Chambers was well placed for goal.  From a free kick, Chambers missed an open goal from not more than three yards away from the spot that counts.  The Everton right wing had not had a good time, little being seen of Parker now that Bromilow and Longsworth had sized up the position.  There was plenty of point and excitement in front of Baker when he was charged over by Forshaw.  The ball went out to Hopkin, and Baker was about to save by punching when McDonald headed away.  It was a trying minute for the home defence.  Baker ran out on another occasion, and in doing so took the only course open to him.  Later he was called upon to attend to a very long shot from Longworth, and he should have had no chance in view of the way Hopkin was toying with the right flank, but Hopkin centred in a frail manner. 
REBUKE FROM THE REFEREE
Forshaw had been on his toes, but had not had nearly the number of passes up the middle vouchsafed to Bain.  However, at this point Forshaw made a drive that Baker touched out for a corner, after which came two free kicks.  The game had been splendidly clean, but here Hart had to complain of an ankle tap, and the free kick led to Irvine cracking his head against Cockburn.  Right on half-time Kerr bumped Forshaw in a way that entailed a rebuke from the referee, and there were some boos as the young reserves left the field.  Half-time; Everton 0, Liverpool 0.
COMMENTS ON FIRST HALF
It had been a fine game to watch.  The absence of goals prevented it being a brilliant game.  Both sides should have scored, Liverpool having open chances and Bain being provided with ideal passes which he should have converted.  Liverpool had the more coherent forward line, and there was a steadiness in their defence that one did not always notice in the Everton rank. 
EVERTON GAIN THEIR FIRST VICTORY
A GOAL OF THUNDER CELEBRATES THE EVENT
O’DONNELL’S GOAL
The second half was not a second old when Edmed shot across and Baker got down to the ball with apparent ease.  Everton attacked in rare formation in reply after Lucas and O’Donnell had collided and results to O’Donnell’s leg, and Bromilow had to clear after Riley had in extreme through falling.  This was Liverpool’s greatest danger so far, and when the right wing pair began to over-dribble they played into the hands of Troup and others, and the outcome was a long shot from Hart which swung over the bar. 
O’DONNELL’S GREAT GOAL
Liverpool’s over-dribble was their downfall.  Cockburn hesitated and the ball went out of play.  From the throw-in, Parker centred, and O’Donnell headed into the extreme left-hand corner.  Riley was powerless to save, and there could be no doubt that this goal tended to upset the easy nerve of the Liverpool side, who had, until now, thought they could win almost any time.  As a matter of fact, O’Donnell nearly got his second goal in the space of 60 seconds, Riley coming out to make a good pat-down save.  Everton deserved their lead in that they had certainly beaten the goalkeeper, and had worried a confident side into an unnerved state.  Having tasted a goal, Everton were 20 per cent better than earlier, and, in spite of the continued lack of success at outside right, they began to pile on trouble for the defence. 
TACTICS IN DEFENCE
Troup nearly beat Riley, and Irvine got the goalkeeper unsighted and made him save in a scrambling manner, and in another moment Irvine was at it again, the ball sailing just over.  As against this, one noticed a certain liveliness on the part of Kerr, who had certainly not let his side down; in fact, there were certain stages when one found him holding the fort on his own, McDonald having moved up and Virr being inclined to fall back.  However, Virr had an east time, because Edmed had little chance of using the ball, rarely being offered it.
MILD SENSATIONS
Sensations began to crowd upon each other after Forshaw had a goal disallowed in a melee, Baker rushing out of goal to make urgent appeal that someone had broken the rules.  The referee was on the spot, and had no hesitation in refusing the goal.  After that end had the extraordinary experience of seeing Longworth cautioned.  He caught Parker sharp on the leg and, in my estimation, was kicking at where the ball was; but the speed of the youngster had led the ball away.  The result was that Longworth seemed to be kicking at his rival- which is absurd to anyone who knows him.  Longworth took the matter up with the referee at the second sitting; and then Liverpool went off again on their mission of trying to get an equalizer. 
PROCLAMINED BY THUNDER
The game began to get scrappy and naggy and a trifle upset.  Hodgson was captioned, and Everton looked upon their goal as particularly sweet and as likely to produce sufficient leeway to give them their first victory in the competition.  Everton, of course, concentrated on defence.  At this moment a peal of thunder was heard celebrating Everton’s victory! Final; Everton 1, Liverpool 0.

MARINE V EVERTON “A”
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 25, 1926
McKenna later opened the score from a penalty.  The visiting forwards got going, and a miskick by Davies let in Hapsey, who equalized.  After half an hour; Marine 1, Everton A 1 Everton made play a once on the right, and a shot from Tyson looked like entering the net, but Percy luckily hooked it out.  At the other end Marine had a good opportunity of taking the lead, but Garvey put over.
Final; Marine 3, Everton “A” 1

THEIR FIRST –AND WHAT A BEAUTY
Liverpool Echo- Monday, September 26, 1926
A NEIGHBOURLY TRICK
MERSEYSIDE’S BIG FOOTBALL BATTLE
DEAN’S WELCOME VOICE
Bee’s Notes
It was a thunderous victory obtained by Everton, but it was attended with thunder from the heavens and gratitude from the hearts of the thousands of loyal folk who follow the fortunes of the side that has been their be-all-and-end-all in the football world since they left home to go to Standard !.  It was a goal that divided the sides; and it was a narrow thing; in fact, it was a victory hard-earned and worthily taken by the home side.  Some there are thinking Riley to blame for being surprised by the glancing-header given out by O’Donnell; I don’t blame the goalkeeper; he could hardly move in the time, the turf was wet, and the ball was travelling further and further away to the left the longer it travelled.  No, I don’t put the blame at Riley’s door; rather do I put it at the door of the Liverpool forwards who, as a line, did not rise to the occasion.  They played as if they thought they had nothing to fear and nothing to beat.  Had they forgotten the old stories of Liverton history? 
CAUSE AND EFFECT
It would seem that they had not read their history books or they would have made every post a winning post.  They had the game in the hollow of their hand when they were offered a goal that was marked “Goal to let.”  There was no one at home; and really it is surprising how an empty goal can escape in the hurry and scurry of a cup final of a Derby day.  It was so now; a goal at that point would have upset Everton morally, and would have led them to believe that nothing would ever go right for them, and I gloried in Everton’s persistency.  They were not a great or a good side; but they were the heartier side in attack, and perhaps a little nippier in attacks; for after Chambers and Hopkin had done their pairing business of the first half and had gained no goals from it they rather petered out, and all the time the right wing was suffering through the long leg of Virr making Hodgson appeal slow.  Virr and Shears, without fuss or rushing, were the heroes of the match.
OUT OF PLACE
I thought both of them did fine work, without undue show; in fact, Shears nearly got a goal to aid and the good work.  On the other hand there was much that was faulty in the half back work, just as in the forward work.  I do not include in this Hunter Hart, who saved a cert, and provided what might have been three sure goals if the forward had taken the ball in his stride.  So rarely does one see a pass up the middle that it was heartbreaking not to see it clinched with what it desired, a shot! Bain, of course, finds himself out of place a bit; but Hart has tumbled to pivotal work and has shown the necessary skill in wheedling the ball upward.  In spite of this we saw precious little combination; it seems to be a lost art; and while players get out of position, as they do in basketball, they do not go out of position to any purpose- which is where their methods differ from those of basket-ball.  It was conglomeration football; haphazard, exciting, a fine first half; a ragged, insipid second half, if you forget that here was a Derby day between two old feudal football sides.
PERSONELITIES
Certainly the goalkeeping was good- when it was needed.  The stuff they dealt with was awkward rather than direct.  Riley had the more to do eventually, and did it well, but at full back there was resolution, skill, and daring with much “bite” added to sauce the proceedings.   Kerr is the fearless young man of the smiling face; he fears nought, no not he; but he is liable to do harm in his rushes; that is the reason for counselling him to temper his massive strides and strength with wisdom.  His fiery kicking and his cutting in were alike admirable until one remembered that when he threw his feet at the ball, and he sat on the earth, he was only successful if he had cleared the ball.  There will come a time when he will attempt this trick, and he will not be able to recover.  That is the difference between his tackling and that of Lucas, who is a gem-back.  Strangely enough, while the game was not by any means dirty, there were three cautions; Kerr, Hodgson, and- shush! -Longworth, I doubt not that Longworth will be in shortly to complain of the referee.  He is very jealous of his sporting name, and has had truck with a referee before to-day who suggested he had done things which he ought not to have done.  I acquit him, whatever the home crowd may think; I don’t care what his name is; I judged him as a player, and I reckoned it was no offence; a mere accident due to a slippery little winger moving the ball quickly, and Longworth having slowed in his attempt to kick the ball.  The ball had gone; that was the sole reason it looked like a hack or kick. 
LIBERTIES
I think Parker troubled Bromilow late on, because Bromilow had a happy time against the amateur, who, however, is nothing if not plucky and nipped in to make danger in the last few moments.  Bromilow must have heard the ethereal voice of Chedgzoy wishing he could be “over here,” for Bromilow used to edge Sam to the touchline with a frequency that was really startling to the Everton man.  If one goes through the various lines for praise, one starts with the winners’ goalkeeper and passes on to the backs, thence to serve up half-back praise, and to award Irvine the plum for graft and good footwork.  Troup began well, and O’Donnell was always buzzing around; but the line lacks that combined look without which one cannot hope to mend the forward line.  It was a joyful victory, the first of its kind in the tournament; but, as Everton will have by Wednesday, when they tackle Bury at home at 3.15, got through a quarter of their fixtures thus early, one realizes how severe is the lack before them.  They must not bank heavily on the victory; they were not convincing, but they were at least persevering, showed confident signs and a go-aheadness that promises to serve them better than for many a week.  Liverpool were frankly disappointing.  The goalkeeper and backs did well, but Irvine found a hole in the centre half-back armour, while in the attacking division there was a lack of polish and push on the right wing, where Edmed got few chances- and we know he’s so clever. 
NOT THE GLOOMY DEAN
The glad tidings I was able to broadcast regarding “Dixie” Dean have been read, no doubt, with great pleasure by all Goodison people and all good sports.  Dixie is yearning to be back; and though he cannot be hurried it is a great tribute to his medical help and to his sturdy frame and determination of youth that he has already dared to head a ball!  We must not except much for some time, but the very fact of his being able to head a ball is sufficient to make me jump for joy.  If he had not been able to do so it would have been one of the greatest tragedies the game has known, and there is no need to hide the fact now that it was feared at one time that he would not be able to play again; in fact, the Tranmere secretary, Mr. Cooke, still recalls the first night’s sitting, when he though Dixie could not last the evening, let alone that night.  Gloomy in the name given to one Dean; but to “Dixie” there’s no gloom, only a hearty handshake. 

EVERTON 1 LIVERPOOL 0
September 27 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
KERR'S CLEVER DISPLAY.
EVERTON'S VICTORY IN DERBY GAME
O'DONNELL'S GOAL.
Everton won their first game of the season at Goodison Park, The only goal of the contest was scored by O'Donnell after fifty-five minutes' play, and it was sufficient to enable Everton to break their long spell of abortive efforts. There have been many better games between Everton and Liverpool, and the play has been more constructive and satisfying. It might truthfully be said that Saturday's game was far below the average in point of skill and interest, and for this Everton cannot afford to rest satisfied with their display. They may obtain a measure of contentment at having turned the corner, but it was a convincing win, because Liverpool played much below their normal form. The standard of play, taking the game as a whole, was poor. True, there were times notably in the first half, when both sides played with Great Spirit and earnestness, but the contest was never brilliant. It was often ragged and disjointed, and lacking in the finer points of the game.
CHANCES MISSED.
Both sides missed fine scoring chances as for instance, when Chambers lobbed the ball over the bar in the first half from a position that seemed to offer a great chance, and again when Bain was given the ball near the Liverpool goal only to shoot wide. Similar chances never came in the second half as after Everton scored they played for safely and the Liverpool forwards were not able to formulate a decent attack. Liverpool did certainly get the ball into the net, but Forshaw had the misfortune to be thrown forward and he touched the ball with his hand just as it was crossing the Everton goal line, the point being disallowed. Baker did his work well in the Everton goal. He was several times under severe pressure, but he was confident all through. Riley on the other hand was not as sound as usual. He did not make any serious mistakes although he appeared rather slow in making an effort to stop the shot that beat him.
KERR'S ABILITY.
The injury the kept Raitt out of the game had at least one good point for Everton. It gave Kerr an opportunity to display his ability, and he was certainly a success. Keen and smart on the ball, he never hesitated to tackle and used the ball well. McDonald was not so certain. Both Lucas and Longsworth were serviceable backs, with Longsworth little inferior to the Liverpool captain. At half-back Everton held the advantage. Hart was good in defence, and with useful touches kept the forwards well supplied with good openings. Brown too did good work, but Virr was variable. The Liverpool halves were weak and did not support the forwards as they had a right to expect, Shears being the best of a poor line. It was this weakness that played such an important part in Liverpool's fortunes, especially in the second half. Edmed for instance was rarely given the ball and Hodgson was slow and ineffective compared to what he can be. Forshaw was too well held to be often dangerous. Hopkins was the best of the line with Chambers a good second.
FORWARD TROUBLE.
Everton have not yet solved their forward troubles. The line as constituted on Saturday did not blend effectively. There was plenty of hard honest efforts, but little cohesion. Parker had his limitations, Irvine was trustful, and often clever, but Bain, hard as he tried, was not a successful leader. Troup put across some capital centres, and his elusiveness helped him to make useful raids, while O'Donnell, although inclined to leave his position, was a splendid worker. Teams : - Everton: - B. Howard Baker, goal, McDonald, and Kerr, backs, Brown, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Parker, Irvine Bain, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards. Liverpool: - Riley, goal, Lucas (captain), and Lonsworth, backs, Shears, Cockburn, and Bromilow, half-backs, Edmed, Hodgson, Forshaw, Chambers, and Hopkins, forwards.

MARINE 3 EVERTON “A” 1
September 27 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
Marine had to field four Reserves at Rossett Park. Both sides put up a good game, the forwards combining well, McKenna opened the home team's account from a penalty, but Hapsey soon equalised. Before the interval Parry restored the lead. The second half was keenly fought, some clever midfield play being witnessed and Farrington in the Everton goal made some clever saves. Five minutes' from the end the home team scored again through Sharp.

BRIGHTER EVERTON TURN THE CORNER AT LAST
Athletic News - Monday 27 September 1926
HOW HALF-BACKS MAY WIN MATCHES
EVERTON OVER THE HURDLE
PERILS LIVERPOOL MAY SHARE
EVERTON 1, LIVERPOOL 0
By Ivan Sharpe
THE Goodison-park football ground can tuck away 45,000 people under cover. So, though it rained while the good people of Liverpool were having lunch and teemed during coffee, Everton didn’t much care if it snowed. Liverpool were their visitors-in  the first of the two annual contests for the championship of Merseyside—and  what win-less Everton wanted was a victory.  The weather suited the day. It was an omen. First it rained in torrents; then the sun shone through the Goodison clouds.  And Everton, at the ninth attempt, gained their first victory and showed signs of weathering the season’s storm.  Moreover, the rally came at the cost of the old foe, and the players in flaring red from over the way, on the whole, were satisfactorily beaten.  Indeed, the game told the truth: there is a lot of fortune in football. It indicated that the table tells fibs—flatters one team and harshly inflicts anxiety on another pretty well strong. From all of which it may be gathered that the game showed small reason why Liverpool should be nearer the top than the bottom of the list and Everton right at the foot. Indeed, one takes the long view, the peep into the future suggests that Liverpool must look out. They have a little circle trusted servants on whom Time is taking toll. 
LIVERPOOL'S OUTLOOK. 
It seemed from this game—a thrilling battle for hour—that both clubs must watch their step. Liverpool are where they are, should say, because of an ability to raid suddenly and tactfully and strike hard, but they are by no means an impressive team. Of sustained cohesion there was little, and attack all too much depended on the familiar, piercing pass of Chambers—not now much of a force as a marksman, apparently—the adroitly-placed centre of his partner, Hopkin, and the application of a finishing touch by Forshaw, a progressive leader with a quick foot. This seems insufficient ammunition for the season’s long siege. Snap success appears only to be provided for. Consistent progress is much less likely.  To me, Liverpool’s performance was the surprise of the match. Their defence was streaky and there was no substantial quality in the team’s display.  That Everton won was not surprising.  While they have half-backs of the constructive ability of Hart and Brown-two members of that delightful line of a season or so ago—the forwards will be encouraged to play; the way will be paved for advance and such talent as exists will be coaxed from the toes of the forwards in front. If forwards cannot play ahead of such half-backs, they are out of their class.  Half-back play earned Everton’s first victory, though Virr had the skill of his two colleagues.  Hart, in the centre, trapped, held, passed the ball and persuaded the forwards with true half-back touch; Brown was rather more forceful and almost equally accurate in support. Good half-back play told, and how far ahead it was of that Liverpool!  Alongside Hart, Cockburn laboured like a carthorse, and the three only.  Bromilow—quiet, deft, and subtle-touched the true First Division standard.  Of course, a forward—O’Donnell—got the goal, but Hart and Brown were the match-winners, aided mainly by Irvine in the forwards, and Kerr at left full-back.  Irvine is one football’s personalities.  He has now a more dainty touch, possibly, than any forward at play and his swerve with the ball at his toe is ball-control—the game’s great need—in its most fascinating phase.  But, far, he has been rather like the comic conjurer who performs his trick and then lets you see the missing bird-cage banging down his back. Irvine has conceived and executed the choicest tricks, and having performed the hardest part, has come to earth in front of goal. His shooting was much better in this match and none could complain, but he is a provider of opportunities rather than a scorer, and the scorer to aid him still Everton's need.  EVERTON'S NERVES. 
Kerr is a back the electrio type. My first impression of him is distinctly favourable. In this game, anyway, he played with refreshing inspiration, was more alive and more effective as the game grew old and others were fading out before the exacting pace the up-and-down battle, and to a team the doldrums—suffering obviously from lack of confidence—his example must have been cheering.  It would be absurd to pretend that Everton’s troubles are over, but there is substance the defence. Howard Baker, like Riley, fielded the greasy ball wonderfully well, and in the first half made a recovery that only player of his exceptional reach could have hoped to achieve. When fisted ball out Chambers headed in, and Liverpool had scored half a goal when Baker, leaning back, tipped the ball over the bar.  But he did not always get the hall when he darted out, and how Chambers failed to hook the ball through on such an occasion in the opening half, the player himself can be left to explain. He guided it over the bar and Liverpool gasped; the crowd seemed too surprised to make a shout about it.  McDonald wag a source of uncertainty in Everton’s defence, and there were also failings in attack, where neither Bain nor O’Donnell revealed the cuteness or quickness to share or profit by Irvine’s eel-like leads. Bain was a worrying leader, but Dean will be welcome, for, apart from the Irishman, Everton had very effective forward.  We know what Troup can do, but why should an outside left become a defender when a goal—the one thing for which all the day’s labour had been spent—has been secured? Everton’s policy of falling back defence after O’Donnell had headed a clever goal ten minutes after the interval was a mistake.  It conceded the initiative to Liverpool at a time when Everton were promising to come to fuller power. But, then, they were over-anxious. Having got over the opening hurdle, this policy may, and certainly should be discarded. 
ABOUT AN ARGUMENT. 
Liverpool might have caused more frowns in Everton homes if Chambers had not failed with the golden chance of the game in the opening half, when, the ebb and flow of the fight provideda battle of thrills and a whole long series of gasps. They lacked little in defence against an attack that failed to test the pace of Longworth, who refused to be raced because he took up good positions.  Even so, a capable centre-forward could have set his outside right running, hesitant though Parker was in this rather trying game.  Lucas fought honestly and well, but was the captain, at right full-back, quite in position to join in the strenuous argument which Liverpool started when a goal from a melee was disallowed at the opposite end? Being totally unable, from my long view, to see what happened, I was content to leave it with Mr. Caswell, who was well up with the play.  An hour of entertainment and thrill, and thirty minutes of frantic football as a finale. However, Everton seem to be getting out of the groove.  Everton; B. Howard. Baker; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Hart, Virr; T. Parker, Irvine, Bain, O’Donnell, and Troup.  Liverpool;- Riley; Lucas, Longsworth; Shears, Cockburn, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Forshaw, Chambers, and Hopkins.  Referee; I. Caswell, Blackburn. 

EVERTON’S DASHING BACK
Athletic News-Monday, September 27, 1926
Everton, in an effort to find a winning side have to date, called upon no fewer than twenty-one players.  Changes in the forward line have been freely resorted to, but on Saturday the constitution of the full-back division was altered for the first time by the introduction of Kerr.  He was highly successful, and helped materially towards the club’s first victory.
Jasper Kerr, who went to the club three seasons ago, learned his football with Larkhill Thistle, later joining Bathgate, and although his association with the latter organization was only of short duration he built up a good reputation in Scottish Second Division circles.  Born at Burnbank 24 years ago, Kerr comes of a football family, and is a younger brother of the former right back of Hamilton Academicals, while his father played in the same team as Everton’s late trainer Jack Elliott, before the latter joined Everton over 30 years ago.  Kerr, is a dashing back, and his spirit and skill during Saturday’s victory over Liverpool were highly encouraging. 

EVERTON’S MATCH WITH BURY TO-MORROW
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, September 28, 1926
Bee’s Notes
The Everton team for to-morrow afternoon’s match is not yet chosen, but we can take it for granted there will be no change, unless T. Parker is unable to leave his business.  Bury beat us away from home by a 5-2 margin that might easily have been much weightier.  Their team is looked upon in all circles as one of the brightest and swiftest in the League; they have spasms of poor play, but generally speaking they have the credit of five of the best and brightest forwards in the land, backed by one of the best pivots in the game.  Tiny Bradshaw makes an additional forward, and shows a fine idea of trapping, which is to-day one of the lost arts of the footballer’s locker! It is sure to be a rousing game, because Everton must mend their three points column, and Bury, having won against them, believe they can score a double. 
PLYMOUTH “SOUNDS”
Everton are prosecuting their inquiries into the far and near states.  I have information that they spread their wings recently and could hear the Plymouth “Sounds.”  Someone may say,  “Yes, we heard them before.” That is quite true.  What are the wild waves saying about a certain clever forward? 
  “Seftonian” offers the following instruction;- “I have come to the conclusion that amongst the following names Everton could sign the very men they require; players of marked ability, who have the knack of rising to a great occasion;-
Backs Harris (Grimsby), Keeping (Southampton)
Halves.- Connelly and Maddison (Port Vale)
Forwards.’ Lowe and Kirkham (Port Vale), Carmicheal (Grimsby), Thompson (Swansea), Cook (Plymouth), Barry (Notts County). 
Their real need has been a dominating centre-half, although Hart played a good game on Saturday.  Is it beyond Everton’s purse to make inquiries regarding Thomas, of Derby County?
Everton “A” are down to play Whiston next Saturday.  Whiston are engaged n a cup-tie, so Everton have arranged their League match with Garston Royal to take place at Everton’s ground, Strawberry-lane. 

TODAY'S MATCH AT EVERTON
September 29 th 1926. The Daily Courier
Everton, at Goodison Park today, play their tenth match of the season. Bury will be the visitors, one change has been made in the side which defeat Liverpool Millington taking the place at outside right of T. Parker, who is not available. Millington, is a fast wing forward, who plays well in the match against Birmingham, at St. Andrews last week. The kick off is at 3-15, and the team is: - B. Howard Baker; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Hart, Virr; Millington, Irvine, Bain, O'Donnell, Troup. The victory last Saturday should give the players confidence to face what is likely to prove itself, for Bury are an enterprising side, who won the last game between the sides at Bury 5-2. Bury have won 3 games and drawn four, out of seven, and includes some excellent exponents, notably Bradshaw the centre half-back. The Bury team will probably be: - Davies; Heap, Adamson; Porter, Bradshaw, Ward; Matthews, Stage, Bullock, Ball, Amos. The Everton Reserves team to meet Bury at Gigg Lane, today, includes Murray, the South African, at centre half-back. The side is Davies, Curr, Hamilton; Peacock Murray, Rooney; Moffatt, Dominy, Batten, Woodhouse, and Weaver.

EVERTON ONE CHANGE
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, September 29, 1926
Bee’s Notes
TEAM SHEET
Everton at Goodison Park, today, play their tenth match of the season.  Team;- B. Howard Baker; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Hart, Virr; Millington, Irvine, Bain, O’Donnell, Troup.
The Everton Reserves team to meet Bury at Gigg lane, today, includes Murray, the SouthAfrican at centre half-back.  The side is; Davies; Curr, Hamilton; Peacock, Murray, Rooney; Moffatt, Dominy, Batten, Woodhouse, Weaver. 
LANCASHIRE CUP-TIE
Everton v Bolton Wanderers, Wednesday, 6th October, kick-off 3.15 p.m.

A HART-Y SHOT
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, September 29, 1926
EVERTON CAPTAIN’S FIRST GOAL
BURY IN ARREARS
COMMENT FROM GOODISON
By Bee
Everton met Bury to-day at Goodison Park, before 15,000 spectators.  Teams;- Everton; Baker; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Hart (Captain), Virr; Millington, Irvine, Bain, O’Donnell, Troup.  Bury; Davies; Heap, Adamson; Porter, Bradshaw, Ward; Matthews, Stage, Bullock, Ball, Amos.  Everton won the toss, and instantly Millington got into one’s good books by his speed and judgement.  Irvine wafted the ball to Bain, whose shot was of the dragging quality.  A free kick against Bradshaw for alleged hands proved a peck of trouble.  The Bury defenders sopped playing in the belief that a free kick must arise, but play went on and so did Troup, and the left-winger delivered a shot from a few yards from goal which Davies smothered and threw over his head when he fell to the ground –a brilliant save.  Bury’s reply to this was a fine effort in which Ball headed in and Baker took the ball cleverly in a half-volley fashion.  Hart was particularly good in defence and attack, and his method of keeping a hold on Bullock was very praiseworthy.  The Bury forward line was nippy and skilled, as usual, but it lacked much when neat goal.  However, O’Donnell from a centre tried his heading trick as against Liverpool, but Davies made a good catch. 
BAIN’S GOAL
The thirteenth minute was unlucky for Bury.  Troup offered something that Hart had offered on Saturday, namely, a pass straight up which had to be taken first time or not at all.  Bain this time took the shot without demur, and squeezed it into the right-hand portion of the goal- which only goes to show you how readily a goal can come if forwards will take a chance and shoot without unnecessary fuss or elaboration.  Stage is an old-fashioned football member.  Much of his work bore a hall mark, but he met a resolute half-back line which so far had been in front of the standard set by the Bury half-backs. 
THE MARK OF AMOS
In seventeen minutes Amos, who had been unemployed, scored the equalizer.  He is a man who has got more goals than any other outside left.  In a sense he was lucky to get a second chance from a bad pass, and as he careered inward, he shot and Baker could not get to the ball, which hit the upright and cannoned inward to pass the goal-line very definitely, and in a manner that allowed no points of argument with Referee Tate, of Halifax.  Bradshaw was inclined to take things as though he were appearing in a pantomime cast.  He could not afford to be too dainty in view of the desperate positon of the opposition and in view of the score of 1-1.  Moreover, Troup had been let in with a possible lead, but he put the ball nearer the corner flag than the goalpost.  For a time Bury had to work without Ward, their left back, and while Virr went off for a moment, he was able to resume in quick time.  O’Donnell went near and Irvine went near, the latter player having a very easy chance of becoming famous as the man who took the lead.
HART’S INITIAL GOAL
At thirty-three minutes Hart’s good work bore fruit.  He elected to shoot when ten yards outside the penalty box.  It was a clean high shot, and presented Hart, the captain with the first goal he has scored since he came to Everton.  Naturally there were many congratulations.  Within a minute of the handshake, Virr, from a corner, hit the foot of the upright with the goalkeeper well beaten.  Ball, fortunately for Bury cannoned it into play.  Just before half-time, when there were 20,000 spectators, O’Donnell and Troup fired in good shots which narrowly missed the goal. 
Half-time; Everton 2, Bury 2
AN ACCIDENT
It transpired that although Ward, the Bury half-back, returned to play he was suffering, it was feared, with a dislocated shoulder.  Everton resumed with a merry rattle, and Troup released a strong shot, which Davies patted outside for a corner.  Ball was to the fore with a clever hook, yet it must be confessed that Amos was not seen in his usual sprightly form.  He made one perfect raid, and arriving at centre-forward, passed to Ball, who screwed round the ball.  Ward was plainly a passenger, and was unable to do himself justice, but he pluckily stayed on and helped in the endeavor to gain an equalizer.  Bury began to work the offside trick and were helped on occasion by the referee’s fault.  Amos elected to try a shot from the range at which Hart had scored, and went quite close with a daisy-cutter.  Bury for a time were on top.  During this period Baker made a first-class save from Bullock, who had drifted to inside left. 

EVERTON 2 BURY 2
September 30, 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
POINTS SHARED AT GOODISON.
BURY'S FIGHT AGAINST ODDS.
HART'S FORST GOAL FOR EVERTON.
By “Bees.”
Everton and Bury made a draw of two goals each at Goodison Park, yesterday, before some 16,000 spectators. It was a good game to watch, but it was disappointing to local enthusiasts, who expected Everton to continue the winning way they had found against Liverpool. Well, they had their chances, and cannot complain that the draw was an unfair verdict, because Bury fought under the great disadvantage of having Ward, their half-backs, damaged to the extent that he felt he had dislocated his shoulder. Ward continued through the second half, and was of some service to his side, but of course he could not take any risks in tussels with the home right wing. Then Bradshaw the big and clever centre half-back of the Bury side, had a deep cut over the right eye owing to a collision with one of his own men, and though he was off for a short time only it served to reduce Bury's playing strength and to make Everton believe that their second victory was in sign.
BAIN'S GOAL.
Twice the home side led, first and early on through a swift piece of draughtsmanship; Troup centred, and Bain took the ball on the run and scored a clean-cut goal, a joyful affair duly acknowledge by shooter and the man who centred. Amos scored an equaliser soon afterwards, the ball hitting the upright ere it passed a foot over the line. Everton regained their lost confidence when hart taking a bow at a venture, at full distance, shot into the corner of the net, a fine effort that beat so good a young deputy goalkeeper as Davies. This was the first goal ever scored by the Everton captain in the Goodison colours, and it should have sufficed, except that Bury's subtle forward work always had one believing that there was danger lurking in the offing and that the slightest slip would lead to a goal. Kerr was beaten adroitly by Ball, who at once fired into the corner of the net.
BAKER'S METHOD.
Ball has great driving power from his strong limbs, and it were folly to complain that Baker should have saved, as some did yesterday. He had no chance with either shot. His manner of fielding the shots late on was excellent, and two high balls were fielded with a sure catch and a nice discretion. Where Baker makes the crowd gasp is in endeavour to pick up a bouncing ball; at times the ball cannons from his chest; there is no danger of goal, but "“he look of the things” is troublesome. His manner of picking up one ball in a half-volley fashion was thoroughly expert. He was not to blame; the inside forwards were to blame for their haphazard methods. Had they taken Bury as their example they would have done well, for Bury are at least tacticians in their movements; they work the ball on the ground, position themselves with a fine insight as to the next move, and they bring the ball to earth, where it is supposed to be, whereas the inside Everton forwards were too inclined to head a ball and to make blind drives. Irvine's shooting was wide of the goal posts; Millington did not do badly at outside right vice T. Parker, who was hurt and had business calls in addition. Millington has speed and some dash, and his hanging centre is of good quality. At centre Bain was a trier, without much result, and O'Donnell, who was damaged and changed places with Troup in the second half, was looking out for snap-shots, and looked in vain. Troup and Millington were the dependable forwards, with Troup making rather vague smashing shots at an angle. At half-back Hart put up another good game, perhaps his best this season; he offered passes and went in for constructive play. Indeed, each of the half-backs was capable against a live line of forwards that twisted in and out, and had a fine appreciation of each other's needs.
A FINE WING.
Bullock was below what one remembers of his best, but Ball and Amos were a fine left wing, Amos inclining towards cutting in, as should every extreme winger if he can be certain his partner knows his perspective move. The right side of the attack brought to light the dainty touch of the veteran Stage, but Matthews was poor. At half back there was a mixture, owing to the cutting up process, consequent upon injuries to two of the members, and at full back Adamson and Heap showed judgement, and did not incline to the hefty booting of the ball when a placed pass promised better results. Davies in goal for Richardson, was not too convincing early on, but later he took no risks with balls that cross the goalmouth, and his manner of getting back to a ball he had overreached was distinctly clever, and showed a nice appreciation of the angle of the goal and the crossbar. In spite of his body being inclined towards his goal, he lifted the ball over the bar with the fingertips. It was a just verdict that each side should take two goals and a point. Teams: - Everton: - B. Howard Baker, goal, McDonald, and Kerr, backs, Brown, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Millington, Irvine, Bain, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards. Bury: - Davies, goal, Heap, and Adamson, backs, Porter, Bradshaw, and Ward, half-backs, Matthews, Stage, Bullock, Ball, and Amos, forwards. Referee Mr. Tate, of Halifax.

BURY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
September 30 th 1926. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 7)
This game at Bury thoroughly entertained 4,000 spectators. The Everton were very smart on the ball, collaborating splendidly and showing effectiveness in front, Dominy, and Weaver betting inside twenty-five minutes, and Gale two minutes later for Bury. Bury quickened in the second half Gale equalising after twenty minutes. Everton improved and Dominy hit the woodwork with Harrison helpless. The game was fought at a furious pace to the finish, and a draw was a far reflex. Everton: - Davies goal, R. Curr and Hamilton, backs, Peacock, Murray, and Rooney, half-backs, Moffatt, Dominy, Batten, Woodhouse, and Weaver, forwards.

EVERTON SHARE A POINT AND PROMISE-WHAT?
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, September 30, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Quite an informal affair was enacted at the North-Western Hotel yesterday, when the busy management committee of the English Football league who had been engaged overnight, and had been further engaged yesterday morning for hours at a stretch, working the multitude needs of the Football League, were entertained by the Everton Football Club.  These are delightful functions and produce the spirit of sportsmanship so rampant among League clubs.  In the chair was Mr. W.C. Cuff, and by his side were various members of whom I noticed the following-Mr. and Mrs Hall, of London, Rinder (Villa), J. McKenna (President of the League).  T. Barcroft (Blackpool), Arthur Dickinson (Sheffield Wednesday), H. Keys (West Bromwich), and secretary T. Charnley.  The Everton directors present were; Messers Wade, Banks, Coffey, Sharp, Sawyer, and Secretary T. McIntosh.  Speeches were taboo, but Mr. McKenna begged leave to interpose to say how grateful they were to the Everton Club, and Mr. Cuff replied telling the club’s pleasure in having the League management committee with them in spirit and at meal-time. 
Mr. C.E. Sutcliffe was also present and was naturally proud of a very fine case of cutlery, presented to him by the League members, and the management committee, to mark a recent notable occasion-his wedding.  Mr. McKenna made the presentation in his customary felicitous manner, and thus the English League followed in the tracks of the Lancashire Football Association.  In the interim Mr. Jack Sharp was a busy man with the new ancient order styled “A.O.F.B.” which is undiluted charity.
EVERTON’S “HALF”
Everton looked to be winners on two occasions against Bury, but lurking in one’s mind was the ever-present thought that here was a combined, concerted forward line which kept the ball on the turf, positioned itself so that it could receive a pass, and shot with distinction if not frequency.  That sort of line as compared to a line with no “innards,” otherwise inside forwards, was bound to get up and steal a point; and I am not at fault, I believe, when I say they earned a point, because twice they were lacking in half-back strength through injury, and when I saw Tiny Bradshaw after the game I found he had a deep cut in the right eye, and Ward feared he had dislocated his shoulder.  How he played through the second half I do not know; but he certainly was of help in his eleven.  Bury had the better ideas, the better placing, and the more certain shots; when Baker saved two high and hot ones he did well; there were those who said he should have saved both goals netted beyond his grasp.  I disagree and go on to say that at inside forward the home club was sadly lacking in the marking of forward moves, and the haphazard, up-in-the-air game will never do them any good, because they cannot get the ball down to the foot to shoot it.  Heading is pretty; it is pretty well useless in goal-getting, save from a centre.  These were offered by Troup and Millington, but there was, other than this, little ‘collective” football.  It was the outstanding need of the day. 
THE BUMPING BALL
Ball has great driving power from his strong limbs, and it were folly to complain that Baker should have saved, as some did yesterday.  He had no chance with either shot.  His manner of fielding the shots late on was excellent, and two high balls were fielded with a sure catch and a nice discretion.  Where Baker makes the crowd gasp is in his endeavor to pick up a bouncing ball; at times the ball cannons from his chest; there is no danger of goal, but “the look of the thing” is troublesome.  His manner of picking up one ball in a half-volley fashion was thoroughly expert.  He was not to blame; the inside forwards were to blame for their haphazard methods.  Had they taken Bury as their example they would have done well, for Bury are at least tacticians in their movements; they work the ball on the ground, position themselves with a fine insight as to the next move.  Troup and Millington were the dependable forwards, with Troup making rather vague smashing shots at an angle.  At half-back Hart put up another good games, perhaps his best this season; he offered passes and went in for constructive play.  Indeed, each of the half-backs was capable against a live line of forwards that twisted in and out, and had a fine appreciation of each other’s needs. 
A FINE WING
Bullock was below what one remembers of his best, but Ball and Amos were a fine left wing. Amos inclining towards cutting in, as should every extreme winger if he can be certain his partner knows hos prospective move.  The right side of the attack brought to light the dainty touch of the veteran Stage, but Matthews was poor.  At half-back there was a mixture, owing to the cutting-up process, consequent upon injuries to two of the members, and at full back Adamson and Heap showed judgement, and did not incline to the hefty booting of the ball when a placed pass promised better results.
AND NOW!
Against Blackburn Rovers, On Saturday further alteration have been decided upon, Dominy being introduced at centre forward, while Woodhouse, the former Preston North End player, is to partner Troup on the left wing.  The team will be;- B. Howard Baker; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Hart, Virr; Millington, Irvine, Dominy, Woodhouse, Troup.  The alternations will bring the total of players tried in League matches so far by Everton to twenty-two.  Last season twenty-seven players were required to complete the full programme of the League games. 
Holland and McKay are introduced by Blackburn for Harper and Mitchell.  Harper, the champion First Division scorer last season, has not been well, and his form has suffered.  It is McKay’s first appearance of the season.  The team is; Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Roscamp, Healless, Lowe; Walter, Puddefoot, Holland, McKay and Rigby. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1926