Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON HAVE IRVINE OFF
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 01 September 1927
CRITCHLEY IN AT OUTSIDE RIGHT
Enter critchly
Bee’s Notes
It is a pity the winning side against Wednesday of Sheffield cannot go to Middlesbrough to-day.  Irvine is damaged and cannot play, so that critchly has a further run at outside right.  Critchley has first team experience and started so well last season that he should fare well to-morrow. Middlesbrough is breaking old and new ground for the Everton boys, and I shall be very especially anxious to see how Camsell faces, because I have not had the pleasure of his good day’s work when I have seen him, and some people of Northern cast aid I was not kind to him.  But I must speak of them as I find them, if they “find” themselves.  Hunter Hart had a succession of star centre forwards to tackle last season and came out of the ordeal with credit; and as Barson held Camsell in the opening game of the season, Hart has happy chances, I think Everton have a solid chance of scoring at least a draw where Spurs were beaten in mid-week.  We shall see.  Meantime I advise you to consider your “Football Echo,” because it has a remarkable piece of new news concerning a footballer and cricketer who is popular with us, and is making a very important move into a new circle.  Our own correspondents will not give details of First Division matches, but will make of them a commentary so that you really get Sunday’s commentary on Saturday night.  Teams for the game at Middlesbrough;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Middlesbrough; Mathieson; Twine, Smith; Miller, Ferguson, Ashman; Pease, Birrell, Camsell, Carr, Williams. 

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 2
September 2nd 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 2)
Everton gave a fine display particularly in the last half-hour in a Central league match against Birmingham City Reserves at Goodison Park. There was not a great deal between the sides in the first half, when each team had a player off the field for a period. Both returned, but Bain with a torn muscle, was again compelled to retire long before the close of play. Everton found the net within ten minutes of the start. Wilkinson scoring a clever goal. Yarwood equalised and shortly after the interval gave Birmingham the lead. After Easton had levelled the scores, the Blues found their best form. Raitt did valiant work in defence along with Dickie, who fell back after the retirement. All the half backs did well, Griffiths being outstanding. Easton was a great worker easily the best forward on view, and after White had given Everton the lead he again, he again scored a capital goal. Lewis and Kendrick who came into the side in place of Critchley, were splendid raiders. Everton: - Hardy goal, Raitt and Bain, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Kendrick, Easton, White, Wilkinson, and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 September 1927
MEETING MIDDLESBROUGH, PEACOCK & KENNEDY
FIVE GOALS FIRST HALF
By Bee
Middlesbrough; Mathieson; Twine, Smith; Miller, Ferguson, Ashman; Pease, McKay, Camsell, Carr, Williams.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Referee; Mr. A. Scholey, of Sheffield. 
Middlesbrough were in fine fettle to-day through a mid-week victory over Spurs, and because the spectators could bask in the brilliant sunshine.  The Boro’ has the football “bug” there were 12,000 at Ayresome Park by 2.15 –threequarters of an hour before the kick-off and before the band made its appearance.  There’s enthusiasm for you!  The former Everton players, Kennedy andPeacock, were early astir to greet former comrades.Peacock has been down withtonsillitis. The former Middleborough Secretary. Mr. Tom Macintosh. Renewed acquaintance with people and places; and Directors Coffey, Green, and Sawyer attracted in a hopeful frame of mind, in view of Everton's solid win last week. 
DOUBTFUL STARTERS PLAY. 
Everton had to play Critchley for Irvine, and the Boro', who had four doubtful starters announced them all O.K by midday.  The crowd continued to roll up, and there must have been 35,000 present at the start. One the main reasons for the large crowd was the chance of seeing Dean and Camsell in antagonism.  Theywas no wind, and therefore the winning of the toss amounted to nothing;but the sun looked like being a nuisance, and Everton were fortunate in winning the toss.  Off they went with a bang.  Jacky Carr was instantly stopped by Dean, who in turn found Smith a barrier.  Forshaw mispassed, and Williams took the ball down the field to finish weakly.   A futile centre followed. Williams had a second chance, but this time landed the ball safe into Taylor's hands.
CAMSELL SHOOTS. 
In three minutes Camsell scored.  Forshaw had just tried a half-smothered shot when the ball was put up the middle.  Cresswellonly half headed the ball near the half-war line, when the pass was pushed up to Camsell. Taylor left his goal and Camsell hesitated to make a dribble, while the frenzied crowd shouted –“Shoot."  O'Donnell fell back into goal, but could not reach with head or foot a stinging shot from an easy position.  This was a bad blow, but far from putting Everton into the doldrums, they placed for the next few minutes with resolution and ability that commanded the attention and applause of the crowd Dean, Forshaw, and Weldon were very near an equalizer, but Twine showed ability in distressful moments.
CAMSELL'S SECOND. 
However far from shaking, it was Everton who quaked, for in the eighth minute Camsell scored again. The Everton defenders stopped to claim offside, and before they could get the appealanswered in the affirmative. Pease had centred squarely and Camsell had netted.  Two goals in eight minutes was a shock, and a further shock was threatened when Everton again stopped to appeal instead of playing to the whistle. This trick can only be worked when everyone is unanimous, including the referee. Weldon drifted to inside right, and tried to burst the net, and Taylor made a good catch from old man Carr.  He afterwards found himself bumped against an upright by Pease, who made his charge a moment too soon.  Therefore, a further score did not materialize.  The players were inclined to lose sight of the ball owing to the sun glare, and Mathieson took a risk when clearing a shot from Hart.  Critchly, like Carr, was inclined to an excess of dribbling, and the Everton man wasted one ball in a manner that was vexatious. 
OFFSIDE CLAIMS
Again Everton stopped the match believing they would gain an offside decision which did not come.  This was a new trait in their character.  Middlesborough’s moves were sharp and clean cut and with some degree of class football.  They were finding a weakness in Everton’s armour, Pease being particularly pretty.  Twine also played a cool, confident, and classy game; yet he nodded, and in trying to be too clever with Dean and Forshaw, was offside at an inconvenient time.  Forshaw followed up a surprise volley that Mathieson handled in a secure manner.  It was jolly football to watch.  Dean was nearer the corner flag than the goalpost when Weldon supplied him with a grand pass-this was not so jolly.  Jackie Carr showed how he has helped to make Camsell what he is, but this time the crack goal getter, having got clean through, shot blindly outside.  This was a let-off. 
GIFT FOR EVERTON
After twenty-six minutes there were two remarkable incidents.  Critchley went away, and this time centred with a sort of half-shot effect, the ball cannoned off Ashman’s head to beat Mathieson.  It was a presentation goal, and it had it effect upon the visitors.  Critchly again moving off smartly and centring so well that Mathieson was troubled to keep Dean and Troup out.  Hart followed up with a sharp shot which Mathieson got to and turned over for a corner, which brought nothing.  The funniest incident of the season came at this point.  Hart and Carr collided, and Hart rode jockey pattern for fully three yards.  It was a “piggy-back” seat, but the limit was reached when Hart, with his head on the floor, nodded the ball a foot away, and this was the beginning of the equalizing goal- if it can be believed. 
EASY ONE FOR DEAN
The ball went through the right, was transferred upward and onward, and Dean, taking it in his stride, scored an easy goal, which at least shows that the new Everton side can fight back.  The Everton forwards began to pass too often, and Forshaw was unlucky to miss by a foot what would have been an easy shot.  Pease, at the other end, put the ball through with his hand, for which there are no prizes.  Forshaw was near and Dean was nearer, the latter a matter of inches out.  Critrchley wound up the half with sound, solid stuff.
HAT TRICK COMPLETED.
Right on half-time Owen Williams, who had not been favour with the crowd, centred to Camsell, who, without hesitation, placed the ball into the net to take the lead, and with Dean crowded out by three men four yards from the goalline the amazing forty-minutes ended.  Twine was helped off, and looked as if he would be no use in the second half.  Camsell’s hat-trick was the signal for an outburst of enthusiasm on the part of the crowd. Half-time; Middlesbrough 3, Everton 2.
Sergeant Twine re-appeared and in the first break of the second half Dean from Weldon, was a mere fraction off the goal, and Forshaw likewise.  McKay cleverly got over a centre, but his partner was remiss in not anticipating the move, which should have been another good goal.  There was plenty of sharpshooting, you will notice, and Kelly joined in.  Critchley made Mathieson jump to the top of the bar to prevent a very awkward shot stealing in.  The best save of the match was made by Mathieson when Forshaw crossed a beauty, and Dean headed it at a tangent, Mathieson putting over the bar.  Weldon now made his first mistake; he had played splendid stuff all the way through, and now wasted a cheap one.  Middlesbrough at this point were having a poor say.  They seemed to have run themselves down. 
MASTERLEY PERFORMANCE
A free kick thirty yards out led to O’Donnell taking the spot kick, a lovely drive a yard off the ground.  Mathieson dropping to it and gripping it securely –a masterly save.  Troup tried his last week’s performance, but placed the ball high over.  Cresswell with a back-heel stopped Camsell going for goal again, and Twine kicked off the line to stop Forshaw scoring. 
SHMAN TURNS BALL INTO OWN GOAL
4 GOALS BY CAMSELL
VISITORS LOSE BY FOUR TO TWO
Up to this point the game had been a personal triumph for Camsell.  It also showed Everton with a fighting chance, however, Mathieson again put a header from Dean over the bar, and the home centre forward followed this up with a shot worth a goal, only to find Mathieson as safe as ever.  It was still most engaging football, with anything liable to occur owing to the go-ahead methods of both centre forwards.
FOURTH BY CAMSELL.
Camsell seemed determined to make a farming match as far as he was concerned, and when the game was sixty-seven minutes’ old Carr, while falling, made a wonderful, if lucky, flying kick, which hooked the ball to the centre-forward.  Camsell was on it like a tiger, and although Taylor came out, the ball was banged over his head; and so Devlin’s performance of Wednesday last was repeated.  To-day we are seeing the real Camsell.  Weldon made two strong efforts to bring the game to normal without avail.  Forshaw and Weldon stretched Mathieson to his full length to save.  In a mix up in front of goal Taylor fell with the ball, and three men around him, and the referee gave a goalkick.  Both teams had enough of it by now, Forshaw hot the upright as the whistle blew for time.  Final; Middlesbrough 4, Everton 2. 

EVERTON RES V BIRMINGHAM RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 September 1927
GOOD DISPLAY IN SUMMERLINE WEATHER
It was good football at Goodison Park during the first half, even under conditions more suitable for cricket.  First we had Everton completely overplaying Birmingham and Griffiths near scoring with a great drive, Kidds, the keeper, making a splendid save; but the Birmingham man could not prevent Wilkinson opening the score a little later.  The Midlanders then set about their task seriously, Hardy having to save from H. R. Yarwood, and after Bain had returned temporarily, Yarwood made the scores level.  Birmingham, at this stage, were playing good, constructive football, but the Everton halves were are spoilers.  Birmingham lost the services of Bloxham; and it was noticeable near the interval that the Everton forwards were not displaying the same accuracy in their finishing as in the earlier stages.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, Birmingham Res 1.  Yarwood scored a second goal for Birmingham after the interval, and Easton equalized soon afterwards.  White scored a third and Easton a fourth for Everton Reserves.  Final.- Everton Res 4, Birmingham Res 2. 

SKELMERSDALE V. EVERTON “A”
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 September 1927
The home team were the first to press, pears driving the ball to the foot of the post and R. Curr turned it over for a corner.  Ashcroft saved at full length from French and then from Murray.  Birch was playing a great game for Skelmersdale.  Pears dropped the ball on the corner of the Everton goal.  Both teams were well matched, and at half-time there was no score.  Final; Everton “A” 1, Skelmersdale nil.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 September 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

MIDDLESBROUGH 4 EVERTON 2
September 5 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON BATTLES IN VAIN.
TRIUMPH FOR CAMSELL IN GAME AT MIDDLESBROUGH.
CAMSELL SCORES FOUR
Camsell was prominent in Everton's undoing at Middlesbrough. He it was who scored all four of Middlesbrough's goals and all four of them were real good ones. Against Tottenham on Wednesday Camsell was disappointing, but on Saturday he rose to his best form, his penetrative skill being a thing to marvel at. The Middlesbrough leader has not great talent for making openings for himself, but when once these are created for him, if he is in the right mood, he rarely fails. He obtained his first goal in the first few minutes. Receiving a forward pass from McKay he cleverly eluded the attentions of Cresswell, and delayed his shot until Taylor had come out to cover his goal. Then he swerved out of the reach of the goalkeeper and steered the ball into the net. The second came after ten minutes play. Pease accepted a lob pass from McKay and while Cresswell was appealing for offside, Pease centred squarely for Camsell to dash between the backs and head the ball into the net. Critchley's goal for Everton after fifty minutes' play, was distinctly lucky. He centred from near the line, and the ball struck Ashman in the face and was diverted through the goal. Seven minutes later Dean, receiving a perfect pass from Forshaw slipped between the backs and headed into the net. After this Dean, Weldon, and Forshaw several times came near to equalising, but just before the interval Camsell made no mistake from an accurate centre by Williams, breasting the ball down before crashing it into the net. It was all against the run of the play that Middlesbrough obtained a fourth goal midway in the second half, but it was a brilliant effort. The artful Carr tricking Cresswell slipped the ball to Camsell who had taken his position to the left of the goal, and he drove with terrific force over the head of Taylor. Up to this last reverse Everton had been hammering away at the Middlesbrough goal by spirited open play, but luck was against them. Mathieson made at least three saves which would have beaten many goalkeepers, Dean several times being unlucky. On Saturday's display, witnessed by 35,000 people, there were few teams that could have withstood Middlesbrough's shock tactics. Teams: - Middlesbrough: - Mathieson, goal, Twine, and Smith, backs, Miller, Ferguson, and Ashman, half-backs, Pease, McKay, Camsell, Carr and Williams, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell, and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup forwards.

MIDDLESBROUGH’S MASTERY
Athletic News - Monday 05 September 1927
CAMSELL CLAIMS FOUR IN THE ROUT OF EVERTON
MIDDLESBROUGH 4, EVERTON 2
By Vulcan
George Camsell, who leaped into fame last season by breaking the League scoring record during his first full season in Second Division football, demonstrated on Saturday that he is not going to be overawed by Middleborough’s promotion to the upper circle by registering four goals for his side.  He accomplished, single handed, the defeat of Everton, of whose two goals in response one only was scored by an Everton player, Dean’s goal being supplemented by Ashman having the misfortune to head through his own goal.  It was a great game.  It was played under a broiling sun; yet the pace was maintained to the end, and though Middlesbrough always held a slight advantage Everton fought back with such spirit that at no period of the game until the end was victory for Middlesbrough secure. 
BRAIN COUNTS
Everton lost the game at the start.  Possibly they were surprised by Middlesbrough’s speed and before the visitors had really got a grip of the game Middlesbrough were two up.  The first goal came in three minutes, a lovely pass from McKay, giving Camsell a clear course to run in and score, and five minutes later he got his second.  This latter again demonstrated the futility of attempting offside tactics against brainy forwards and the folly of not playing until the whistle blows.  Possibly Pease would never have got to his centre had Everton played on instead of standing appealing for offside, but CAMSELL again scored.  He had a chance of a third from an equally good opening created by Carr, but this time he missed.  Then ASHMAN, trying to intercept Critchley’s centre, headed into his own goal, and when DEAN took a forward pass and raced between the backs and equalized with a fast, low shot after half-an-hour’s play, the issue seemed to be on the knees of the gods.  Everton were a well-balanced side, and, ably led by Dean, they shot at every opportunity, but well as the youngster critchly performed at outside-right he was not a Pease, and it was the brilliance of the Tees-siders outside-right coupled with the opportunism of Camsell, that were the main factors in their success.  Williams at outside-left was reduced to almost compete importance by Cresswell; yet curiously enough, it was his centre which gave CAMSELL the chance to score Middlesbrough’s third and best goal of the match a minute from the interval.  It was shot from nearly twenty yards’ range, a first-time effort which Taylor never got near enough to touch. 
CARR’S SOMERSAULT
Thus Middlesbrough crossed over with a goal lead, but they were destined for a strenuous fight to keep it, and had Mathieson been even slightly below his best Dean and Forshaw would have beaten him.  However, after 22 minutes, Carr found himself falling, and taking a backward somersault he essayed an overhead kick which landed the ball at CAMSELL’S toe.  He pounced on it like a cat, raced forward, and with a superb fourth goal sealed Everton’s fate.  His marksmanship was enough to kindle enthusiasm, and he was always well placed to snap up the chances which Carr and Pease in particular created for him.  Yet, after all, the game confirmed last season’s verdict that dean is the more matured player, and more likely to again lead England’s attack.  For the rest, I must pay my tribute to Cresswell, whose cool head and clever placing made him the best of four good backs.  Miller, for Middlesbrough, showed improvements on his earlier displays, but Carr was not so successful and Middlesbrough’s inside forwards were outshone by the visitors, Weldon playing a brainy and Forshaw a thrusting game.  Middlesbrough; Mathieson; Twine, Smith; Miller, Ferguson, Ashman; Pease, McKay, Camsell, Carr, and Williams.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee.- A. Scholey, Sheffield. 

BRILLIANT PARTNERS
Newcastle Journal - Monday 05 September 1927
CAMSELL SCORES FOUR GOALS
MIDDLESBROUGH 4, EVERTON 2
By “Ironsides”
The brilliant celebration between Camsell and Pease, which produced such remarkable results for the Middlesbrough team last season, and which had been absent from the Teessiders' two opening games in the premier League, again revealed itself on Saturday, and Everton were the first to feel the full force of it.  While the match was another personal triumph for Camsell, who scored all four goals for his side, the fact must not be overlooked that it was Pease and, in slightly less degree. Jack Carr who provided the Borough centre with the openings that sealed the fate of Everton.  Any doubts as to Middlesbrough's ability to hold their own in First Division football must have been removed in this game. Everton's costly forward line, even with Dixie Dean showing remarkably fine form and much ingenuity, faded into insignificance in comparison with that of the home side with its adroitly conceived movements and whirlwind attacks. 
A RESEATS FUTURE OR ‘BORO
The Teessiders played as a team of estimable talent with a roseate future.  In virility, earnestness, and brilliance of constructive methods they were never excelled at any period of the game. It must not, however, be assumed that Everton were completely outclassed. This was far from being the case.  They played as well as Middlesbrough would allow them.  To begin with they received a staggering blow when within ten minutes Camsell had put on two goals, and for some time afterwards they could not strike a happy vein. A fluky goal, however, inspired them with confidence.  This occurred when Critchley centred the ball with some force into the face of Ashman, who recovered from the blow to find that the ball had rebounded past Mathieson into the net.  It was a setback to the Teesiders, but a real tonic for Everton, who gradually improved, and eventually equalized through Dean.  But the Borough still played the more convincing football, and when Camsell restored the lead just before the interval with as beautiful a goal as one could wish to see they only got their just deserts. 
TEESIDERS’ ASCENDNCY
Even then the Teesiders’ ascendancy was in doubt, for Everton had completely recovery from their initial shock, and when the second half was resumed there was every appearance of both teams having to fight for all they were worth to secure victory.  Putting forth every ounce of energy they possessed, coupled with some dashing movements, the Everton forwards tested the Middlesbrough defence to its fullest, but Twine and Smith, and more especially Mathieson in goal, came through the searching ordeal with flying colours.  Then another Camsell-Pease whirlwind movement resulted in the centre forward scoring his fourth goal, and the rest was easy, for Everton had shot their bolt. 
A FINE DEFENCE
The match revealed the wonderful strength of the Middlesbrough defence.  Pitted against a forward line of undoubted cleverness and a dangerous leader in Dean.  Twine and Smith played superbly, and Mathieson surpassed himself.  The only weak link was in the half back line, where Miller once again failed to find his true form, especially in rendering support to the right wing. 

SEEING CRACK-A-JACK CAMSELL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 September 1927
PRAISE FOR EVERTON
By Bees
When Everton left Middlesbrough a well-versed football “head” said; “You’ll beat more than beat you.”  It is nice and comforting, after the heat of the day and the storm and stress of Camsell’s banging and blazing to hear this comment, and it doesn’t always ring true; but here one felt the commentator was not bidding us good-by in the “heaven bless us” style without meaning what he said.  Another man said, “I would like to swop the two teams now.” And he was a manager.  I mention this because a side that has four against them, and has two as reply, does not look to have done very great things.  Yet actually this was an heroic Everton at Middleborough; a team that fought back in a manner that one has not always found the Everton streak.  Imagine the position; two endeavours to find an offside whistle from Referee Scholey, and then further playing to the referee rather than to his whistle.  Camsell two up and eighty-two to play!  That was the chart in eight minutes; it was a handicap, almost too big for any club; yet before the goals and after the goals Everton played in such intriguing and fascinating –and practical – manner that the local folk, who had been bathed in sunshine, now became bathed in the perspiration of fear!  Some 32,000 literally hung on Camsell’s every move.  He made a half-a-dozen, and scored four goals.  His third came just before half time, and his fourth came from what is described as “a wonderful overhead kick,” which, being interpreted, means he was falling and took pot luck with a stretch of the leg; the ball flew straight towards Camsell, who stands not up on the order of his booting, but boots –with either leg.  Result, a goal! Even then Everton gave Middleborough’s very, very solid backs and most likeable goalkeeper a hot time, and when the teams moved off to rest everyone agreed that here was a brilliant game with the subtle workers continually getting a grip of the game, and losing it through one touch of Carr, who mothered Camsell.
FORTUNES OF WAR.
When you talk of luck you want to look at both sides; therefore, it must be stated that Everton were distinctly fortunate to get their first goal and that the second came through Hart riding Carr jockey-fashion, and falling to the ground he headed the ball along about twelve inches and that was the beginning of Forshaw’s admirable feeding mixture for Dean to make a grand goal.  Two down in eight minutes; all square at the half hour.  Everton went best when they were working against the grain.  They made a really brilliant return fight when the score was 4-2 and nothing but the brilliance of Mathieson stopped them goaling.  I have rarely seen Dean fetch and carry and head and dribble with such sure confidence; the locals said at the finish that he was the cultured centre, but that Camsell was the delivery van.  Well, that was pretty well the position, but I began to wonder how it was Camsell, well positioned as he was, had no challenger in the half back line.  Hart concentrated on stopping the source of Camsell’s supply- Carr-and I thought it would have been better had the captain centred his half-backs upon the usual routing, and brought a back further up the line to take second holds upon Carr or Camsell.  However, that was only my opinion, and it does not detract from the way Camsell with his two foot strength cracked his goals.  Weldon also played lovely football, the sort that compels admiration for the manner in which the ball is worked and kept on the turf.  Critchley started badly, finished with a variety of stores, and the middle piece excellent; the combination of Troup and the whole line, indeed, was ideal; the half-back line, of course, had a racing day.  Virr found Pease very hot early on, but subdued him and became the soundest of the half backs with O’Donnell doing big work, and Cresswell taking chances that no other back would take –such is his confidence.  Taylor of course, had to look on.  He was not busy; he was helpless against Camsell who, had he caught him with the last goal of the day, would have smashed a frame even such as Taylor’s.  It was glorious football to watch; it was a result that was in doubt to the finish and where Middlesbrough had one pop at goal in the last half, Everton had six- and they were all a matter of inches, or matter of Mathieson murdering them.  The losing side in such a game honour, and honours of not bonus.  Everton were beaten because everything Carr (aged thirty-six ) asked Camsell to do he did like an obedient son, and everything Camsell touched turned to goals –and gold.  It is to be hoped Camsell never learns to be clever; he is doing to-day just what the centre forward is asked to do- hit, and hit hard.  Others have to carry something more than a gun in their accoutrements’; they have to formulate attacks.  Carr is left to do this at Middlesbrough.  Ah, well, it is good to find pleasure in defeat! 

SUPERIOR TACTICS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 September 1927
EVERTON IMPRESS AT BURDEN PARK
DEAN’S GOAL
ADVANTAGE HELD UNTIL THE INTERVAL
By Bees
Everton and Bolton had a midweek fixture at Bolton. Everton were without their captain, Cresswell, who has for a fortnight been troubled with a thigh injury.  Irvine was again absent, and Critchley andRaitt came into the side.  Teams; Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Forshaw; Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Bolton. - Pym; Greenhalgh, Finney; Nuttall, Seddon, Thornborough, Butler, Rollo, Jack, Smith, Gibson, and Picken. Referee.—Mr. A. Ward (Kirkham).  By the time the teams turned out, there was an attendance of 24,000.  The wind of midday dropped and, therefore, there was no special point about Bolton winning the toss. Kelly made a good header and escaped a boot on the head, and Hart, the acting captain, was soon a busy man in combat with J. R. Smith and Rollo Jack, but Virr was even busier, and he fell into goal to present J. R. Smith practically walking the ball into the net.  Taylor caught a corner kick definitely and well.  Everton's first attack came through Forshaw, who squeezed a shot near goal, and then we saw O'Donnell beaten by a bouncing ball, but recovering, with complaisance.  Raitt put plenty of force into his volleys, and one of his clearances against J. R. Smith, was a gem of intuition.  Next on the programme was a peculiar ease of a linesman right on the spot of a handling case, flagging for a free kick to Everton and Referee Ward, from the middle of the field. Refusing to allow the foul on the plea that it was accidental.
BOLTON A CHANCE. 
From this debate came one of Bolton's strongest chances of goal-getting, and when it tapered off, Dean tried to polish off a polished piece of work by Weldon, and the centre, having beaten his man in a close dribble, shot outside through screwing the ball.  Finny, finished with a 650 pounds benefit on Saturday, cut in his own old-style method to stop Dean getting through, and Hart, making forward play from the half-back position, drove in long ball that was diverted for corner, from which Dean headed in and Pym, with his great height, caught like a cricketer.
SMITH “BUMPED." 
The first casualty was J. R. Smith, who was bumped in the back. Dean was at this point heading away with the ability of a half back, and from one of O’Donnell's big and high punts he duly got his pass to Troup, but the round of passing was undone by a mistake by Forshaw.  When Seddon and Forshaw crashed together the spectators thought Forshaw must have been seriously hurt, but he got up smiling, and in a moment was busy supplying Critchley with a movement which led to a free kick and Pym going down to pick up another header from Dean.
UNCANNY HEADING. 
Dean's bending ability was uncanny, and now opened the way for Forshaw. To the astonishment of the many Everton people who had made the journey to Bolton, the referee gave a free kick for offside.  Bolton's best combined notion arose through Pickin centring so that J.R. Smith could head the ball. It passed over the bar, and then the home crowd had to appreciate a solo effort by Dean, who, taking a pass by Hart, evaded two men and wound up with an angled shot full of powder, Pym making a grand save.  J. R. Smith was temporarily knocked out by a crash ball from O'Donnell which caught his face, yet (would you believe it?) there was an appeal for hands against Smith.
DEAN SCORES
They was a further appeal in the next breath. It was the appeal of a goal, and it was rich in its results, because Dean received the ball from Critchley, an almost square pass, and giving the backs the “dummy," he scored to the right-hand part of the goal with an indifference that showed the boy's natural confidence in himself.  Moreover, within a minute Dean had back-headed the ball and nearly made two goals in two minutes.  The game travelled on even lines, with Everton the superior tacticians and the better in ordered ideas of movement.  J. R. Smith made a fine burst through and headed over, and Taylor kicked away at a ball that was running away from him.
BOLTON ESCAPES. 
Pym ran to the edge of the penalty area to stop Dean getting a goal and Dean was praised for his sporty manner of not risking an injury to the goalkeeper.  There followed a push way by Pym by from Troup, and Dean, running up, tried to foot the ball round Pym and was no more than a yard away from his mark. Pym fell, and again Dean put the good looks of the Bolton people for his sporting attitude.Critchley and Hart were hurt hut neither was so bad as Greenhalgh, who suddenly flopped on the turf and had to he carried off near half-time with a twisted knee, so it seemed to me.   Troup made Pym handle at the angle of the goal, and then, as the concluding point of the first half, Dean broke through and seemed an assured goal-getter when the ball struck Pym. Weldon's dribbling reminded me vividly of Tom McDermott's old-fashioned way.  Half-time; Bolton 0, Everton 1.  The first features of the second half were a difficult effort by Forshaw, who beat three men at close quarters, and a long shot from Dean, which Pym handled.  Bolton appealed loud and strong for a penalty kick when Kelly was alleged to have handled. 

BOLTON WANDERERS 1 EVERTON 1
September 6 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON HOLD THE “TROTTERS.”
BUSHFUL FORWARDS PREVENT VISITORS WINNING.
BOLTON'S CHEAP GOAL.
Everton ought to have won the game with Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park, where the “Trotters” are about to celebrate their jubilee. They should have been three goals up in the first half, but too much of the shooting was left to Dean, and the inside men were particularly backs wards in trying their luck. Singularly ought, Everton had to fight harder in the second half although Bolton had then Greenhalgh off with a twisted knee. Dean's goal, after 25 minute's play, was choose for after deceiving Greenhalgh he chashed the ball again, pivoted and pounced it through. The veteran Pym had no earthly chance. On the other hand Bolton's goal, ten minutes from the restart, was a cheap one and Taylor realised he should have at least tipped the ball over. The ball came in from a corner on the left, and Taylor would most certainly have stopped it, if John Smith had not unsighted him as Rollo Jack, deputising for his more talented brother, David scored. As it was, Taylor tipped the ball under the wrong side by a few inches. Everton did not miss Cresswell so much because David Raitt came along with a sound game, although he had a little habit of kicking back and using the goalkeeper after the Scotch backs style. Cresswell had consulted a specialist about a thigh injury, and may not be fit for some-time, while the news of Irvine's injury does not suggest an early resumption. Virr and Hart both played well, but there were times when the splendid spadework was wasted by indifferent placing. Kelly had an “off” day and was disappointing, for he seldom seemed able to do right. Both Everton wings have been seen better advantage and there was a wholesome respect for James Seddon, the Bolton skipper in succession to Joe Smith. The stalwart, lanky Seddon certainly roughed it within the bounds of legitimacy, and Dean, who was feared, was never left. Dean appeared to have been fouled in the penalty area, but the referee though otherwise, and as a claim against Raitt for alleged handling in the area was likewise ignored matters were balanced. The game was rather marred by offside incidents, and a difference of opinion between Smith and O'Donnell, in which the referee had to intervene, as to where the ball should be placed for a kick-off, was not inspiring, each play kicking the ball from one to the other. A Bolton director declared that Everton should have won, which is praise indeed. Teams: - Bolton Wanderers: - Pym, goal, Greenhalgh and Finney, backs, Nuttall, Seddon (captain), and Thornborough, half-backs, Butler, R. Jack, Smith, Gibson, and Picken, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Raitt and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

BLACKPOOL RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 0
September 6 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 3)
Blackpool Reserves beat Everton Reserves in the Central League match by 4 goals to none at Blackpool last night. The game was well, contested, and some capital football was played by both sides, but while Everton were prominent in construction in midfield, the attack lacked the necessary punch, and many excellent positions were wasted by wide shooting. The feature of the Everton display was the defence, but four times that were unable to withstand the tricky passing at the Blackpool forwards; Cowan (2), Spry and Fishwich scored for Blackpool, Easton early in the game sent in a magnificent shot, which the Blackpool goalkeeper just managed to turn aside with his foot, and in the later stages, when the Everton forwards had pulled themselves together, they made one or two vigorous attacks, but lacked steadiness in their final onslaught on the goal, and again their shooting was off the mark.

EVERTON'S BRILLIANCE AND REASON FOR THE FALLING-OFF;
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 06 September 1927
RAITT AND O'DONNELL
Bee’s Notes
Once again I have to chronicle capital football on the part of Everton. It had not its full mead of success, though it had the full mead of praise. Bolton people realized that here was Construction with a capital C. Anyone who could watch the pirouettingof Weldon without enjoying his game ought to go in for ludo. Anyone who could see Dean working fore and aft and not desiring or needing the hall to be placed in his pocket; anyone seeing him win heading matches against tall Seddon, with arms akimbo; anyone realizing that here was a centre who was even introducing a feinting moment into his armour—all this without glow of football excitement; well, he must needs be a dead soul. Dean was just wonderful. Referee Jack Howcroft, after the match, said, " I have never seen him before—strangely enough I’ve missed him when officiating and otherwise; but by Jove, what a gem!' Yes, a willing working gem. And yet, say you—was this a tip-tap pretty-pretty match? No, not in that sense. The construction and the art were intertwined, but too much shooting was left to the centre forward—there was need for distribution. It is so easy to say to me, "Oh, they had all the play, did they, yet they only led by a goal at half-time. I seem to have heard that story before.  Maybe, and maybe not. This much cannot he refuted by those Everton trippers present ; Everton were so much ahead of a moderate and weakened team in the first half that there should have been no doubt about digging in for victory. 
PYM DISPOSES. 
There was an agent in goal she refused to be moved. Pym punched them away quite cleverly, and he, like Taylor, was quite content to run out of goal—it is a necessity these fast-moving days. Pym was beaten quite easily by Dean, aided by Critchley, and after that Pym held the fort, whereas Taylor, although catching a red-hot free kick, got two hands to a corner kick and did not edge it up and over, but rather edged it along. So Rollo Jack, the despised home forward, shouted at by the home crowd, got a muddly sort of goal. J. R. Smith told the crowd to "Shut up" when they barked at young Jack, deputising for David, his brother, and the rebuke was deserved; but after that came a period when O'Donnell made ready to take a free kick, and J. R. S. touched the ball back a yard.  O'Donnell returned the compliment; Smith likewise; O’Donnell likewise; and then, like a wise referee, Mr. Ward of Kirkham stepped in and said enough of this nonsense; this is a man's game." Two contrasts, and the latter a fuss about a half yard that was of no help to either one man or the other.
O’DONNELL DEFENCE
O’Donnell, however is having a fine season, and was again a sure and steady back, with methods and modes admirably suited to hi side, all of whom tried to keep the ball on the ground.  O’Donnell is going on great lines this season, and by his side Raitt, but for the momentary miss, kept a good length and played so well as he can play- if the crowd will give him the chance.  I know Swansea reckon him a great back, and have courted his signature.  Let the spectators put that I their pipe and smoke it- Swansea have been reckoned as among the cutest buyers in the country.  Hart and Virr had a good innings, Virr dropping back to save a cert against the effervescent J. R. Smith, nowadays a slowish centre forward. Hart had him pretty well pocketed, and with Butler going to half back through a most unfortunate accident to Greenhalgh (twisted knee) it looked a cert for Everton. I think the reason they failed to withstand the rush of the first ten minutes of the second half—it was all concentrated in that period—and why they did not go iii and win was that tired feeling that comes of a heavy day on Saturday with a stone of weight being "dripped  out " under the sun's rays. Critchley nearly won the game in the lost moment through racing through and heading down.  Bolton could not have complained; yet Everton must take their own share of the failing through lack of general shooting boots. Kid boot was the Everton play yesterday.  Bolton have a rag of a side as shown yesterday, though, of course, they had Vizard and David Jack absent. The crowd was 25.000 strong, with 16,000 paying for admission—a poorish crowd for a jubilee match and a holiday in fine weather.  To draw away is no mean feat; let Everton brighten their shooting, and they will soon be heading for higher planes.  Cresswell’s injury, by the way, prevented him playing – a troublesome thigh.  It is good to think of Virr playing a uniformly good game this season.  A local, and a team man –a long-legged reach is allied to be a keen idea of Everton’s style- he has been the most consistent half back.  And Hart, on yesterday’s showing, can make a forward line move up by the cutest and wisest measures.  Weldon, as he develops, is a second Tommy McDermott.  I could not quite fathom his persistence, however, in matching over to inside right, because Forshaw was there, you know.  A draw and a win against Birmingham will put Evertonian in good hummour.  Their crowd is yearning for a great, long shout! 
Raitt (says “Central”) played well on Saturday with the reserve side, and the following may be a little use to you;- Bain, his partner, was injured early on, but game eventually retiring twenty minutes from ely carried on, eventually retiring twenty minutes from the finish (by the way, Dickie went full and also did well).  Still, most of the work fell on Raitt, and, considering all, he did well.  His display one might describe as being very solid and reliable.  Easton, I should say, gave his best display since joining Everton.  I hear Dick Forshaw is opening a smoke-shop in Great Crosby.  Tom Bromilow and Mr. Studmarks went to see the Bolton game yesterday. 

THE “REFOUND”NAME OF EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 07 September 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton against Birmingham, at Goodison Park, bring back Cresswell, who is expected to be O.K. for Saturday.  He has not only been bothered with a thigh injury, but also a collection of boils, which are not conductive to ease such as Warney enjoys in his football movements.  Irvine will not play and Critchley continues at outside right.
“True Blue” writes; I was rather interested when listening to the announcement of the football results last evening to note that the announcer from London stated –Bolton Wanderers 1, Everton 1, but promounced the latter as “Eve-er-ton.” This might be “refaned,” but for the benefit of Liverpudlians, the real toffee name is the best. 
The reserve team at Stoke in the Central League match is; Hardy; Raitt, Curr; Brown, Griffiths, Rooney; Millington, Easton, White, Dominy, Lewis. 

EVERTON’S TEST AGAINST “MY” TEAM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 September 1927
Bee’s Notes
So many times I have been accused of being a red or a blue that it seems necessary once again to state that Birmingham is my first and only football “love.”  They may not have gained many prises, but at least they have resisted, years gone by, the desire to shut up the shop and go in for, say, ludo!  Birmingham, as Small health were a bundle of bills and battles; they have an ago-old history from their Muntz-street days, and only when they changed their name to the high-sounding name of Birmingham did they strike oil.  I mind the day –No, I must not “reminisce,” even though an old neighbor of mine, Mr. Jack Mougerm, sends me a letter full of old-time meat, and encloses with it a card bearing Charlie Athersmith’s picture –he got in the ground free because he carried Charlie’s bag.  In olden days we lads used to save many a Saturday ha’penny by being a son of one or other footballer –if didn’t matter which one was dad so long as we “carried the bag,” Nowadays, footballers are more particular what juvenile company they keep.  All this is to introduce you to the fact that Birmingham play at Goodison Park to-morrow and judging by what I have seen at Middlesbrough and Bolton the local spectators are in for a stern tussle between Everton stars and Birmingham’s valiants, none more popular than Frank Womack, who has been unlucky in his visits here, but has always got the glad hand of the spectators for his wonderful tenacity- he has been with the club for about twenty years! Everton may not have the help of Cresswelll, but he is expected to be present; and knowing how the new Everton has caught the fans’ fancy, I imagine that the crowd will tomorrow be as great as ever, for they love to see delightful football, and this is what they have been served with so far.  I would like readers to take special note of Weldon’s daddy-play; at Bolton his mastery of the ball and the man was a thing I shall long remember; yet I found some who thought he had played a poor game.  Well, it is all a matter of opinion; if he performs tricks to-morrow he will undoubtedly delight the eye.  These are the teams;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Birmingham; Tremelling; Smith, Womack; Liddell, Cringan, Leslie; Bond, Harris, Bradford, Briggs, Threlfall. 

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 10 September 1927
STOKE CITY V EVERTON
MANY GOALS AND INJURIES IN KEEN GAME
STOKE CITY 6, EVERTON 1
There was one change in the Stoke City side which met Everton at Stoke to-day, J. Sproston appearing at half-back for Dawson, who had an injured thigh.  Two alterations were seen in the Everton team, Millington for Kendrick, and Dominy for Wilkinson.  The teams were;- Stoke City; Williams, goal; Beachill, and J. Spronston, backs; Sellars, Watson and Jackson, half-backs; Cull, Bussey, Johnson, Shirley, and Bennett, forwards.  Everton; Hardy, goal; Curr and Rooney, backs; Brown, Griffiths and Dickie, half-backs; Millington, Easton, White, Dominy, and Lewis, forwards.  Referee; Mr. A. Wignall, of Ashton-under-Lyne.
THE GAME
Stoke won the toss, and faced the sun with the advantage of the wind. They .ere early cheered for success on the right wing, where Shirley just sent over the bar.  Sellars was responsible for stopping the opposingforwards, and Cull was put in possession, but Curr staved off the danger.  Everton made an unsuccessful attempt to get away from the next run up by the City.  Johnson unselfishly passed out to BUSSEY, who scored after four minutes’ play.  Everton at once set up an attack and the Stoke backs had an anxious time, but Sellars fell back and cleared.   The ball returned to White, however who put in a shot which Williams was lucky in saving.  Stoke had the better of the exchanges, and had one or two good chances to go further ahead, but Rooney and Curr were ably backed up by Hardy.  A centre from Bennett which spelt danger was intercepted by Curr, who relieved.  Stoke were careering for goal again when for some reason the referee stopped play.  Directly afterwards Hardy made a praise worthy clearance from Bennett after being bombarded by Johnson and Shirley.
STOKE’S PERSISTENCY
Stoke persisted in their attack, but were again inexplicably pulled up. Vainly Everton tried to stem the Stoke advance, and Dickie was most imminent for several times robbing the forwards. He fed Lewis and Dominy, but they could only force a corner, which was safely cleared by Williams.  Griffiths did his utmost to bring about an equalizer for his side by feeding White and Easton, but they also could do nothing better than a corner, which was unfruitful.  The Stoke attacks necessitated extra vigilance by the visitors, and the clever play of Hardy prevented an increase in the Stoke score. Johnson and his colleagues were a continual thorn in the side of Everton.  SHIRLEY put his side further, ahead after 31 minutes' with a fine shot after Hardy had been drawn from his goal by Johnson. Hardy was hurt in his attempt to save, but although limping he was able to continue.  With 10 minutes to go Everton ended a sustained attack by EASTON scoring owing to a misunderstanding in the Stoke defence.  Following this, Stoke made a determined effort, and Johnson compelled Hardy to concede a free kick for carrying the ball. From this Stoke should have scored, but Bussey, kicked over the bar.  Just before half-time Everton gained a corner and Williams saved at the foot of the post. 
Stoke City, 2; Everton, 1. 
One minute after the resumption, briskness on the home left wing led to a goal. After Hardy had saved from Johnson the ball went to Bennett who placed into the goal area for Jackson to shoot, but the Stoke left-halt was tripped. From the resultant penalty BUSSEY scored.  Everton were using all their powers to score but the Stoke defence was adamant. White and Easton made two meritorious attempts, but Beachill and Sproston were equal to all demands.  Seventeen minute after the interval, JOHNSON drew Hardy out, and scored with a header.  Twenty-two minutes after the resumption Hardy left the field injured, and. Curr took his place in goal.  Despite the fact that the visitors were operating with only ten men, they showed up well and gained two corners, which were abortive.  Shirley, who was injured changed places with Bennett. With half-an-hour of the second half gone Stoke scored again. Bennett centred and BUSSEY sent in a swift shot which the keeper attempted to fist out, but he sent it against the post and into the net.  Thirteen minutes from the end Shirley left the field, and Johnson was seen to be wearing plaster over one eye.  Everton played up strongly with only four forwards and obtained corner after corner.  Stoke went forward again and six minutes from the finish CULL put on the sixth goal for Stoke. He almost repeated the performance a moment later, the ball flashing past the post and outside.  Both sides were trying hard at the end.

“BLUES” TALE OF WOE
Sports Argus - Saturday 10 September 1927
FAILURE BY FIVE GOALS TO TWO
AFTER INTERVAL LEAD
INJURY TO WOMACK
By “Old Blue”
Birmingham to-day visited Goodison Park, where on only one occasion in their League career have they won; that was in the season 1905-6, when they beat Everton by the odd goal of three.  For their match to-day they were without Barton, Cringan and Threlfall, all of whom are injured, but Everton were at full strength except for Cresswell absent at right back.  Delightful weather favoured the match and about 35,000 spectators were present to see the teams.  The home side won the toss, and Birmingham had to face a very strong wind in the opening half.  Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Birmingham’ Tremelling; Smith, Womack (Captain); Liddell, Dale, Leslie; Bond, Harris, Bradford, Briggs, Johnson.  Referee; Mr. A.H. Price (Wrexham).  In the first raid by Everton’s forwards Womack received a blow in the face but he continued his work and stopped any danger.  Briggs promptly led a return assault and after a poor return from Johnson, Harris tried a shot that went wide.  The attack was sustained and with the first possible opening Briggs drove the ball hard at goal, being very close with his arm.  Bradford followed and his shot struck an opponent, going outside for a corner.  From the flag kick Bradford had a second try but was a yard or so out in his aim.  A quick thrust at Birmingham’s goal was soon disposed of and the visitors continued their good work of attacking with a liveliness that was most troublesome to the opposition.  All the forwards were seen on duty, and following another effort by Harris, Liddell tried his luck but none of them got quite on the mark, still their finishing was keen and resourceful and the defence had a rather heavy time in the early stages of the game.  The home forwards tried hard to get at close quarters but so keen was the opposition that it was only through the medium of a free kick that they achieved their object and then Critchley shot behind.  Leslie was responsible for a smart clearance when Everton’s right wing threatened, but the forwards returned and a second free kick against Dale nearly brought about the down fall of Birmingham goal.  From the free kick Forshaw headed in and Tremelling was only able to get rid of the ball at a second attempt.  In the next raid Tremelling was called out from goal and Critchley prevented him from clearing but fortunate Smith came to the rescue when the ball was put in front of an open goal.  For a time Everton’s forwards threatened seriously.  They played bright, open football and the visiting defenders had a worrying experience in preventing them from shooting.  The home attackers swung the ball about smartly, and did their best to break down the opposition but were prevented in their work.  When Birmingham succeeded in transferring play Bond hit the side net with a hard shot.  Harris showed enterprise in opening out the play for the visitors. He swung the ball over to the opposite wing, but Johnson’s return were badly placed and nothing came of their work.  Womack joined in one effort and Taylor had to save a shot from the veteran captain.  Dean was the foremost of the home raiders and was always keen to try his luck.  Tremelling twice had to save his shots.  Troup too, did remarkably well and Smith found him difficult to control.  All the centres of note came from this side of the field, but, happily for Birmingham, they were all disposed of satisfactorily.  As the result of a foul on Briggs, the home goal underwent a severe bombardment and Briggs’s shot went just wide of the mark.  Everton were now playing superior football, but it was Birmingham who opened the scoring and it was the result of a delightful bit of passing.  Harris gathered the ball smartly and after drawing the opposition, passed it on to Bradford who, in turn, sent it to Bond.  The latter beat O’Donnell and passed the ball to BRADFORD, whose shot beat Taylor completely and gave Birmingham the lead after 25 minutes’ play.  This success inspired the visitors, and another capitally combined effort nearly brought a second goal, Briggs having decidedly hard luck in missing the goal by inches only.  Then Taylor saved a well-meant effort from Harris and for a time Everton’s goal was in serious danger of further downfall, the game having turned in favour of the visitors after their success.  Dale and Womack were only just in time to prevent Dean from equalizing and then Tremelling saved a lovely shot from Hart, who had plenty of time to take aim.  Everton, however, resumed the attack hotly and following a free kick there was a desperate struggle in front of goal.  Before Tremelling had time to recover from clearing one centre, TROUP lobbed the ball in from the left, and the ball dropped into the centre of the net, the goalkeeper being unable to get at it in time.  The equalizing goal, which came at the end of 33 minutes’ play, was secured during the temporary absence of Womack, who had been injured on the head.  Everton kept up the pressure in their best style, and Weldon hit the crossbar with a terrific shot.  Birmingham, however, replied strongly, and Bradford made a brave effort to regain the lead, Taylor saving his shot on the line and then throwing the ball behind.  The visitors renewed the assault, and Bradford was again responsible for some brainy play.  After receiving a nice pass from Liddell he completely deceived the opposition and by back healing the ball to Briggs and with a first time shot BRIGGS put Birmingham ahead after 41 minutes play, and thus rescured his first goal of the season.  It was a clever goal and a beautiful shot which put Birmingham in a leading position. 
Half-time’ Everton 1, Birmingham 2
Womack did not return immediately on resuming, but he came back while the home side were threatening, and saw Tremelling only partially clear a centre from Critchley.  He merely punched the ball back in front of the open goal, and FORSHAW had no difficulty in shooting into the net after 50 minutes’ play, thus putting the scores level again.  Bradford made a bold effort to convert a centre from Johnson, but he was unable to get his foot properly to the ball when shooting, and Taylor had an easy task in clearing.  Everton, however, did most of the pressing, and Tremelling did very well to get rid of a scoring effort by Dean.  About this period the home forwards put on severe pressure, and when a centre came in from the right the visiting defence failed to clear the ball.  Tremelling did not punch it away, and it went on to TROUP, who headed into the net after 54 minutes play, thus giving Everton the lead for the first time.  Troup came very near to scoring another goal soon afterwards, his shot hitting the upright.  Everton, however, went further ahead, after 57 minutes’ play.  FORSHAW breaking the Birmingham defenders single handed and then getting the ball squarely to DEAN, who was left with an open goal, Tremelling having advanced too late.  Tremelling appeared to be at fault in this instant and though he had made several smart clearances in the course of the match, he displayed bad judgement when the goal arrived.  Five minutes from the end DEAN put on Everton’s fifth and last goal.  Result; Everton 5, Birmingham 2. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 September 1927
BIRMINGHAM AT WALTON “STRK’S” COMMENTS
DOWN AT THE INTERVAL 
Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Birmingham’ Tremelling; Smith, Womack (Captain); Liddell, Cringan, Leslie; Bond, Harris, Bradford, Briggs, Threlfall. The rain of the morning gave way to brilliant sunshine which Birmingham had to face for the first forty-five minutes.  I estimated the crowd at 36,000, with more to follow as the game went on. Dean, in the first minute, opened out the way to a goal with a gorgeous pass to Forshaw, who, however, had not defined Dean's idea.  Forshaw to some extent made amends when he back-heeled to Critchley, whose inside pass was just a shade too far back to allow Dean to take it on the move. 
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT. 
Birmingham showed direct methods in attack, and when the Everton defence got itself into a slight tangle Bradford eased its mind by shooting high over.  The ball in transit struck an Everton defender and make the first corner of the match. The Midland side cut out all frills; they were after goals, and went the nearest way to get them, and hut for some poor shooting Taylor would have had much more work than he actually had to contend with.  Everton made a move through their left wing, but a handling offence held them up; yet it war more to their benefit than otherwise, for Troup's centre was of perfect height and length, but its height must have puzzled Dean just a little, for the Everton centre forward failed to get into contact with the ball by the narrowest margin. 
TREMELLING TRIES AGAIN. 
If Dean could have got his headpiece to that centre he would have had a glorious opportunity of delivering "the goods." Troup, for the second time, took another free kick from almost the identical spot, allowing the ball to pass beyond him on to Forshaw, whose header appeared to have the beating of Tremelling, who had to make his save at the second attempt.  Many onlookers maintained that he had carried the ball over the goal-line when he turned round to make his clearance, but Referee Price was admirably placed to see the whole of the action, and his verdict was in favour of Tremelling.
PRESSURE WITHOUT STING 
Everton at this point of the game were playing tip-top football, and for sometime the Birmingham defence had to contend with many dangerous looking attacks: but they were equal to them all, for it must be admitted there were few shots despite the Everton pressure.  Critchley once created trouble by tackling the goalkeeper when in possession, and actually took the hall from the custodian and centred, but there was no colleague near enough to apply the touch that was needed, and Smith was able to nip in and clear.  Bond, a wee fellow on the Birmingham right wing, is well spoken of in the Midlands, and although he had very little scope in the early stages, he was responsible for one cannon-ball drive which hit the side netting. The schemes of Weldon and Troup were really pretty--aye, not only pretty, but effective. 
A SURPRISE GOAL. 
They meant progress, and Troup had to be complimented for sending along somefine centres, from one of which Kelly shot over. Weldon, however, went much closer with a ferocious shot which only had to be a shade lower to become a goal.  When a goal did come it was a sensational one. It came to the side which on the balance of attacks was hardly worth it. Still, as I mentioned earlier on, Birmingham wanted goals, no matter how they got them. Their point came at the end of 25 minute, when Bradford placed the ball into an empty Everton net.  Why was that goal empty, you may ask?  Here's the explanation. Harris got the better of Virr. He saw his colleague Bradford standing unattended in front of goal; he gave him the ball instantly, and Taylor, realising his position, had to come out. Bradford did not try to blaze the ball into goal, but simply worked his way round Taylor and coolly placed it into the net. 
“CROWDING-OUT “DEAN. 
Birmingham might have had a second goal in the next minute, for Briggs, who had worked over to the right hand side of the goal, hit a great ball which travelled inches wide of the far upright.  Everton were not in the least dismayed, and Hart made Tremelling catch smartly to save his charge, and Dean was not having the best of luck in his tackles with the Birmingham defence, which had no doubt made up its mind to crowd England's centre forward out of it when necessary.
DECEIVED BY TROUP. 
Alec Troup has taken unto himself the role of scorer, and when he stored at the end of thirty-five minutes to make matters equal I doubt if he thought his simple-looking centre would go into the net unaided, as it did. It was a curious point and there must have been some drag about Troup's centre for quite a number of players were in position to receive it, but none was able to deal with it.  It struck the inside of the post before it bounded into the goal. Weldon was unfortunate with a brilliant effort which crashed on to the underneath part of the crossbar and shot straight down to Tremelling.  Womack was knocked out through a straight drive by Critchley hitting him in the stomach, and was off the field for nearly ten minutes.
BULLS-EYE BY BRIGGS
For the second time a claim was made that the ball had gone over the line, but to my mid it was a nonsensical claim.  With five minutes to go Taylor had to make a save from close range from Bradford, but he had not the slightest chance when at the fortieth minute Bradford’s clever initial work enabled Briggs to take a first time shot which went into the net at a terrific pace.  It was the best shot up to the interval. Half-time; Everton 1, Birmingham 2. 
TRANSFORMED IN SECOND HALF
FIVE TO TWO
TROUP (TW0),FORSHAW, AND DEAN (TWO)
Within five minutes of the interval Everton, through a goal by Forshaw, were all square. Critchley provided the centre which both Dean and Tremelling went for.  The centre-forward's endeavor undoubtedly hampered Tremelling, who simply handed the ball out to Forshaw, who moved up a step before delivering shot that ricocheted round the back netting.
TROUP USES HIS HEAD
Everton at this point were hammering at the Birmingham defence, and during one of their attacks the ball bounded up in the air, and Troup stood patiently waiting to place into goal.  I have a feeling that this is the first time in his career that he has headed a goal.  A little later he shot on to the upright.  Everton had hit back in no half-hearted manner. 
AGIFT TO DEAN
Dean scored his usual goal at the 58th minute, but most of the credit must go to Forshaw, who dribbled clean through the defence ere he offered Dean his simple scoring chance.  Womack, who did not resume with his men but came to the field a little later, was obviously not himself, and after Everton’s fourth goal the referee advised him to retire.  Womack left the field, but I am sure he would have preferred to have remained.  Liddell had not been at all kind to Weldon, and his tactics at last came under the referee’s ban.  O’Donnell, by his timely intervention, cut out one or two dangerous Birmingham attacks, but it must be admitted Birmingham were feeling the loss of their skipper and fine defender.  Towards the close much of the sparkle went out of the game, but for all that Everton continued to show the better football. 
DEAN’S SECOND
Only three minutes remained to play when Dean scored a brilliant goal following good work by Weldon.  The scorer by a simple side-step made for himself an opening where previously none had been.  Final; Everton 5, Birmingham 2. 

STOKE CITY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 September 1927
At Stoke, in fine weather, before 5,000 spectators.  Stoke won the toss, and after four minutes’play Bussey scored a fine goal for Stoke.  After thirty minutes’ play Shirley scored a second goal for Stoke.  Everton played up gamely, and five minutes later Easton scored a good goal for the visitors.  Play was fairly even up to the interval. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 September 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

FORMER EVERTONIANS FIND THEIR FEET
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 10, 1927
Bee’s Weekly Notes
Two Everton “outcasts,” George Harrison and Fred J. Forbes, have already started the football world with their goal-scoring exploits.  Playing against Hull City, the former accomplished the hat-trick for the first time in his long and notable career, and helped Preston North End to a ready victory; but Forbes even exceeded this feat for Plymouth Argyle when he obtained four of the five goals in the opening fixture at the expense of Merthyr Town.  Both players have performed an excellent part in League Football since making the dust of Goodison Park off their feet.  Forbes, for instances, has figured with conspicuous success, more or less, in every position in the Argyle’s forward line since being transferred South in March, 1925, and, moreover, has missed only one League game since joining the Devonshire club.  This was on December 28, 1925, at Luton.  Forbes has certainly been worth every penny of the fee Mr. Bob Jack paid for his release, and in ninety-five games up to date the little Scot has obtained 38 goals.  This rate of progress is more in keeping with the success he achieved in the Scottish league before leaving the Hearts for Goodison Park in the summer of 1922.  The little Scot has the ability, and apparently his style of play is more in keeping with that of the Southern section of the Football League.  He hardly hit it with Everton, though he scored plenty of goals for the Central League eleven. 

EVERTON 5 BIRMINGHAM CITY 2
September 12 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON'S HEROIC RALLY SETTLES THE BRUMS.
SECOND HALF BURST PRODUCES FOUR GOALS; THREE SCORED IN A HECTIC SEVEN MINUTES.
Everton made a heroic rally at Goodison Park after putting their supporters on tenterhooks. The real Everton emerged in the second half, when they got four of their five goals. In a hectic seven minutes three of them were put through –biff-bang by Troup and Dean –and a header by Troup, the first goal said to have been headed by him. Dean and Troup could each claim a couple of goals and Forshaw one so Everton forwards had quite a good afternoon. Birmingham however, set off like the match winners, shooting from almost every position as soon as they got on the field while Everton were dealing in the fancy goods-granted pretty to watch, but unremunerative. Birmingham deterioration came after the injury to the great hearted player and skipper Frank Womack –with a record of 470 League games, and one nearly equalled by his partner, Joe Smith, with 450 games –and when Everton, also in the second half began to take the shortest route for goal. The backs gave a little anxiety at the outset, for Raitt and O'Donnell were not pairing up too well, and Cresswell, still unfit, was missed with his positional play. Raitt deputing had a way of using Taylor in putting the ball back, once with a header. Bradford the Birmingham international was a good leader, and apart from his own goal in the first half he helped Briggs to get his goal, Troup sandwiched his first goal, between the two. Man for man, Everton had the better half back line, with Hart outstanding, Kelly speedy with ball control, and Virr having to go all the out to cope with the Harris and Bond wing.
DEAN'S THRUST.
Dean played like an international, with thrust and incisiveness, although in the first half, work was cut to waste, for he was not in position to get the passes which too often dropped behind him. Opinions may be diverse on Forshaw as an inside man, but he undoubtedly does invaluable work without fireworks. The result of his moves are what should be looked for Critchley gave him the return, more than is the wont of Irvine, who is still off injured, Weldon's display was tiptop. The veteran Dan Tremelling making his 316 th League appearance, could not be blamed for the register against him, although he might have made a greater bid with the fifth goal. Teams : - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Raitt and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly Hart (captain), and Virr half-backs, Critchley Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Birmingham City: - Tremelling, goal, Smith and Weomack (captain), backs, Liddell, Dale, and Leslie, half-backs, Bond, Harris, Bradford, Briggs, and Johnson, forwards .

STOKE CITY RESERVES 6 EVERTON RESERVES 1
September 12 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 4)
The meeting of Stoke City and Everton at Stoke on Saturday could best be described as a match of many goals and many injuries, for no fewer than three players were hurt, two having to leave the field and seven goals were scored. Stoke City claimed six of these, and on the whole the home team were good value for their win. At half-time Stoke led by the odd goal in three. Bussey and Shirley netting for them, and Easton replying for Everton. In the second half goals were added for the City by Bussey (2), Johnson, and Cull. Hardy, the Everton keeper had to leave the field injured in the second half and Shirley the City inside half was also obliged to retire through injury, while Johnson, the Stoke centre-forward, had to receive attention. Everton played under a big handicap in the second half. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Bain and R. Curr backs Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney half-backs, Millington, Easton, White, Dominy, and Lewis, forwards.

AN UNLUCKY SEQUENCE FOR BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 12 September 1927
MATCH FINISHED FOR THIRD TIME WITH TEN MEN
MISFORTUNE AT EVERTON
EVERTON 5, BIRMINGHAM 2
By Forward
Over twenty years have passed since Birmingham scored their last and only victory at Goodison Park, Everton.  There was every indication, however, that success would again come their way on Saturday, but, alas, it was not to be.  Twice they gained the lead in the course of a hard match, and played with such confidence throughout the opening half that the 35,000 people present fully expected Everton to suffer their first home defeat.  For the third time in five matches Birmingham had the misfortune to lose the services of one of the pillars of the side, and, solely due to this misfortune, they had to yield up both points when an away win seemed highly probable.  The player to suffer hurt on this occasion was Womack, the captain, and one will readily appreciate the upsetting influence caused by the retirement.  He is the one man in the team who knows how to properly rally the defensive organization in case of emergencies and to exercise a steadying influence when danger threaten.  His departure from the field was a real blow to Birmingham, and it was not until this happened that Everton were able to gain the upper hand.  Birmingham had already secured the lead when the captain was laid out by a full volley from Critchley, which struck him on the head with terrific force.  He sustained slight concussion, and while he was off the field receiving attention Everton got on level terms.  With Womack’s return, the visitors regained the lead by another smart goal, holding the small but encouraging advantage at the interval. 
BEST OF THE BUNCH
Until Womack’s injury the odds were rather in favour of Birmingham.  They played really clever football.  The ball was passed quickly and accurately, and all the inside forwards showed a readiness to shoot that was distinctly encouraging to the large contingent of supporters.  The two goals registered by the losers were the best of the whole bunch.  The first was scored by Bradford after a delightful passing bout among the forwards, but Troup’s equalizer rather left some doubt as to its legitimacy, for Liddell would enviably have headed the ball clear had not Dean, who was standing right under the bar, pushed him away.  There was a vigorous appeal against the point standing, but the referee ignored the claim, and Birmingham had to fight hard for another eight minutes before Briggs was able to restore the lead.  This, too, was a grand goal.  Bradford completely deceived the home defenders when Liddell gave him a smart pass and he back-healed the ball on to Brigg, whose shot left Taylor completely helpless.  Both Birmingham’s goals were the result of sparkling movements and the opposition was powerless to prevent them, but the same could not be said of all the Everton goals.  At least two of them ought to have been prevented.  It is not often that one is called upon to criticize the judgement of Tremelling, but on this occasion he was seriously at fault, and failed to show his usual confidence when clearing though, at times, he made some brilliant clearances. 
JOHNSON NOT A SUCCESS
Johnson, who deputized for Threlfall on the left wing, was not a success, and gave little support to his comrades.  His returns were all ill-timed and badly placed.  Harris was a forceful and lively member of the attack until he was recalled to help the defence, and with Bond made an effective wing, while Bradford and Briggs were both responsible for some delightful attacking.  The half-back department was up to its usual high standard, and Dale, at centre-half, kept a tight rein on Dean so long as he was permitted to give the necessary attention to this work.  Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Birmingham; Tremelling; Smith, Womack (Captain); Liddell, Dale, Leslie; Bond, Harris, Bradford, Briggs, Johnson.  Referee; Mr. A.H. Price (Wrexham). 

MISFORTUNE FOR BIRMINGHAM
Athletic News - Monday 12 September 1927
STRONG EVERTON ATATCK
EVERTON 5, BIRMINGHAM 2
By Junius
An injury to Womack ten minutes from the interval robbed the play at Goodison Park of much of its attractiveness.  The veteran captain met the full impact of a terrific drive from Critchley, was off for five minutes, and played on until fifteen minutes of the second half had gone by.  He was obviously dazed, and at the suggestion of the referee was led off and took no further part in the game.  He was suffering from concussion.  While the teams were intact there was much to interest the forty thousand spectators.  Forwards of one side or the other were always moving goal-wards by the shortest route.  The second half showed Everton’s great superiority.  The opposing defenders were not clever enough to hold them, and an equalizing point was the signal for Everton’s aggressiveness.  They dominated the play, and with the backs making amends for earlier weaknesses they cut out the pace to such an extent that the Birmingham half-backs were frequently found transgressing.  Two of Everton’s goals came from free kicks, and they were leading 4-2 when Womack retired. 
CLEVER BACK PASS.
After 25 minutes play, Bond, tackled by Virr, slipped the ball to the waiting BRADFORD, who veered to the right and pushed it neatly into an open goal.  TROUP levelled the score ten minutes later with a lobbing ball over the heads of a crowded defence, while a cute back pass from Bradford to BRIGGS brought the leading point four minutes from the interval.  FORSHAW, five minutes from the resumption dashed in to equalize with a swift drive, and TROUP at the ninth minute headed into the net after an offence by Dale, the little wing man immediately afterwards crashing a ball against the post.  The Everton forwards during this period were irresistible, and Forshaw, careering through a host of opponents, deceived Tremelling by giving a square pass to DEAN.  The three goals were scored within fifteen minutes and immediately following Womack left the field.  It was Everton’s game completely after this happening, and five minutes from the close DEAN, moving cleverly for position, after receiving from Troup, scored a great goal.  Everton were always superior, though in the early stages their defensive play was not up to recent standard.  The home forwards kept the ball on the turf, passed with precision and generally displayed cleverness in finishing movements.  Dean had little of the ball during the first half, but was his own self in the later stages.  It was Forshaw who generally marshalled the strategic attacking forces to great advantage.  Critchley responded well, and on the left flank Troup and Weldon were on effective pair.  The whole line was a strong attacking force, ably supported by a discerning half-back trio.  Hart was a great provider, and with Virr and Kelly formed a strong barrier to the Birmingham forwards.  Dale successfully took the place of Cringan, and while Liddell made good progress, his work was discounted by unnecessary of the rules.  But he found Weldon more than he could conveniently manage.  Tremelling worked heroically, and fully earned the applause which greeted his many saves.  Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Birmingham; Tremelling; Smith, Womack (Captain); Liddell, Dale, Leslie; Bond, Harris, Bradford, Briggs, Johnson.  Referee; Mr. A.H. Price (Wrexham). 

EVERTON’S BIG WIN
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 September 1927
EVERTON GO NAP
By Stork
“Lose a back, lose a game “is an axiom which is being proved every football Saturday these days, and although Everton were helped in their big victory over Birmingham, I am not wholly of the opinion that they would have been beaten if Womack had been forced to retire.  There are some who won’t give credit where it is due, but I trust I will not be numbered in that category for I can honestly say that I have no favourities on the football field, and do not write up my one club because I have a leaning towards it.  A team must win on its merit if it is to be deserving of my praise, and for that reason I hand out the laurel leaf to Everton, because I think they were fully entitled to victory.  Of course, Womack’s injury made a vast difference, but at the same time Everton were a better-balanced side tan Birmingham, and even when they were in arrears they played a better type of football, and nothing but rank bad luck prevented their being on equal terms at the interval.  I have not forgotten Weldon’s great drive that crashed against the crossbar and had everyone beaten to a frazzle, and Forshaw’s header which nearly had Tremelling in trouble.  These incidents came before Troup’s first goal, so you see that Birmingham’s two goals had been answered.  I will readily admit that the Midlanders’ goals were perfect samples of good shooting, and it was simply their go-ahead methods that placed them in front of Everton; but take those two goals away, and what does it leave?  Everton displaying more subtleness, greater scheming, and certainly a better combination of footballers, and that is why I say Everton were worth their victory.
GOAL ON THE NOD,
Now we come to the second half, in which the victors had their task eased for them by Womack’s absence.  No finer left wing play has been seen at Everton at Everton than that provided by Troup and Weldon, and many times their efforts were brought to a premature conclusion by unlawful tactics by Liddell, who more than once came under the referee’s notice.  Troup was almost invincible, and when he scored the second goal with his head- the first he has ever scored on the nod- the spectators were astounded.  It was Troup’s day, and whatever he did was right with the exception of one shot, which made the whitewash fly off the upright.  Dean, held up by Dale in the opening “45,” played as he has played from the start of the season –splendidly –was a brilliant leader, and a source of trouble to Smith and Tremelling, and a helpmate to his forward colleagues.  He was responsible for Tremelling handing out the ball to Forshaw for that player to score goal number four, after Forshaw had made a brilliant run and offered Dean a gift goal.  Forshaw, by the way, gave of his brightest and best, and, to my mind, played his best game since he joined the club.  He aided and abetted Critchley, who made some really grand centres, Dean’s second goal was a gem.  He beat Smith by a side touch which stamped him as the master.  Hart, Virr, and Kelly had a big hand in the success, especially Hart, who is right at the top of his form; but I was not two smitten by the early play of Raitt and O’Donnell, who, however, eventually settled down and were quite safe. 
THE BUSY B’S,
Until they lost Womack the Birmingham defence had been sound; but Dale, Leslie, and Liddell were not nearly so good as the Everton intermediate line, lacking the finer points of the game in favour of quick, and, at times, over-robust methods.  Bradford, Briggs, and Bond were the big three of the attack, the first-named being the true artists, with Briggs an opportunist.  Bond is a newcomer, but he has already wormed his way into the first team through sheer ability, yet he got little opportunity in this game.  Tremelling is a goalkeeper of class; but I cannot understand how he allowed Troup’s centre to sneak beyond him.  I fancy I have the solution.  He was marking Dean.  Isn’t that so, Tremelling? 

J. SHARP, DIRECTOR
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 September 1927
It has been common property lately that the football “heads” have been flocking to Breck Park and the wins of Fred Hopkins’ dog has been followed by a win for the joint owners, Riley and Hodgson, whose dog is named Helen Adair.  There has been a pretty frequent visitors to Breck in the last two months and it is no surprise, therefore, to find Mr. Jack Sharp, England’s football and cricket international and present Everton director has been selected adirector of the Liverpool Greyhound Club, at Breck Park. 

EVERTON’S SECOND SHOW WITH BOLTON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 13 September 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton have not yet chosen their eleven for the game against Bolton to-morrow night at six o’clock, but it is known that Cresswell, the captain, is still a doubtful starter.  A draw away and a win at home against Bolton would be a very welcome addition to Everton’s points list.

EVERTON AND BOLTON TEAMS TONIGHT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 September 1927
CRESSWELL’SRETURN
Bee’s Notes
To-night Everton hope to make a sound victory against Bolton Wanderers, and thus take three points from the wandering minstrels from Burden Park.  Finney’s tussles with Dean will be but one of many features of tonight’s game, which starts at six o’clock.  The Everton team includes Cresswell, the captain, who has been out of the side through injury.  He takes the place of Raitt, this being the only change from the side that beat Birmingham by 5 goals to 2.  Bolton Wanderers will probably also be unchanged from Saturday, and I expect to see Everton secure full points.  In two home games this season Everton have bagged no fewer than nine goals, and their followers are expecting a useful addition to the total this evening.  The teams are;-
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
Bolton Wanderers; Pym; Haworth, Finney; Nuttall, Seddon, Thornborough, Butler, Wright. Smith, Gibson, Picken. Cresswell was a doubtful starter yesterday morning, but undergoing a test he found he could kick without pain accruing, consequently he was put into the team again.  It may interest my readers to learn that Cresswell is an addition to the army of football-golfers in our midst.  He has been winning handsomely up North, and has some fine trophies.  The ease with which he makes his golfing scores is the envy of some of the other hard-hitting footballers who are to be found on the links of our Cheshire clubs. 
DEAN HONOURED
The Management Committee of the Football league, at Liverpool, yesterday, chose the following as the League team against the Irish League at Newcastle on Wednesday, September 21st;- Tremelling (Birmingham); Goodall (Huddersfield Town), Finney (Bolton Wanderers); Edwards (Leeds United), Spencer (Newcastle United) (captain), Hardy (Cardiff City); Hulme (Arsenal), Brown (Huddersfield Town), Dean (Everton), Carr (Middlesbrough), Seymour (Newcastle United).  Reserves; Johnson (Sheffield United), Andrews (Sunderland). 

EVERTON 2 BOLTON WANDERERS 2
September 15 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
GOALKEEPER AND BALL BUNDLED INTO THE NET.
THRILLS FOR THE THOUSANDS AT GOODISON PARK.
EVERTON CONCEDE THE TROTTERS A POINT; PYM GIVEN A WARM RECEPTION.
Goalmouth incidents in the match between Everton and Bolton Wanderers thrilled 30,000 people at Goodison Park last night. One of Everton's two goals came from a hectic mix-up Forshaw and Dean charging Pym through the posts. Afterwards Pym declared that he was never over the line with the ball. The game ended in a division of the spoils a just reflex of the play the scoring being 2-2.
TAYLOR'S ERROR OF JUDGMENT.
The game was good in patches, with Everton often in the ascendancy in the second half. Neither side could score until 30 minutes from the start owing to poor finishing generally and the ineptitude of the Bolton wing half-backs. Pym might then have cleared when Dean tricked Haworth and scored but the goalkeeper in diving fell on the ball and winded himself. Butler equalised with a well-worked goal, Cope putting to the centre, and John Smith slipping the ball out to the wing. Taylor 23 minutes from the restart shaped badly at Picken's goal-scoring shot. Picken had received from the lanky Seddon, and the winger apparently centred; the ball reach Taylor at the height of the post, and with no one near him, he pulled the ball into the net. He meant, evidently to catch the greasy ball, and not to punch it away, but there was a comfortable chance of clearing. Forshaw was given the credit of scoring the equaliser again, although Dean was well in at it, and the Trotters disputed the goal. A description of the mix-up already referred to follows: - Following a corner on the right, taken by Critchley, three shots were charged down. Then Forshaw back-heeled the ball, pushed it between Haworth's legs to Pym, who captured it, but before he could clear Forshaw and Dean charged him through. Forshaw put through once, but was offside and Dean over-ran the ball with the Bolton defence beaten. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Pym; goal, Haworth and Finney, backs, Cope, Seddon (captain), and Thornborough, Butler, Wright, Smith, Gibson, and Picken, forwards.

EVERTON AND NEWCASTLE OUTLOOK
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 15 September 1927
PERSISTENCE WITHOUT PUNCH
Bee’s Notes
The first point of the day is that Newcastle, at home, beat Derby County by one in seven.  That is rather interesting in view of the appearance of Derby at Anfield on Saturday and Everton’s visit to Newcastle, who have been hailed through their 7-1 win at Manchester as the greatest thing ever.  Before the result yesterday were known, I had asked myself how Newcastle could be a stupendous side of their defence included Hudspeth.  Hudspeth is one of the trinity of aged full backs who startles even his own friends by his years of service and his astuteness, but I felt in my own mind a season or two ago that Hudspeth must be a blot on Newcastle’s chance.  Yesterday’s hat-trick to Bedford tended to prove the assertion.  Anfield will be able to set themselves against a team that has been worm by Newcastle, which should be encouraging to the Anfield supporters. 
It is rather unfortunate that the seed of wastefulness has been scattered among the Everton forwards.  They have given much pleasure by their persistence and by their manner of moving into the opposition defence; but there is an aggravation through the inability of forwards to take a strong shot at the time the ball comes at a convenient angle and distance.  Troup yesterday centred when he might have shot, and shot when he might have centred.  That’s easy criticism, sitting on the fence, and I only mention it to show that the line in general was not in a shooting move against Pym.  Twice the ball “bounced” out of Troup’s goalway; otherwise a victory would have been recorded.  But one has not to forget that here was 75 per cent, attack, and yet the team had to struggle to make a draw of it with a side that is plainly not in the same street as Everton for sheer football.
A STRANGE GOAL
Picken is no Vizard; yet this deputy for the grand master- probably past-master, in view of his years- scored a goal from centre, which Taylor “duffed” at the top goal angle.  This was a calamity that came through the calm that had preceded the Everton storm of attack.  Taylor had been out of work so long that the wet and curling ball beat him.  Cresswell’s return to the defence gave O’Donnell that settled appearance one likes to see from the Darlington enthusiast; Cresswell, by the way, seemed to be feeling his damaged thigh, right to the finish; he will be able to play at Newcastle.  At half-back Everton have cause for joy.  Hart played grandly against the fiery-petrel, J.R. Smith, and Kelly and Virr did fine work, though when Butler cracked the best goal of the day the lack of positional arrangement was too patent for words, and Butler was helped to his success.  Not that the Everton half-backs had matters all their own way; there was the rousing, constructive defence and attack of Seddon, the sure touch of Thornborough, and the daring and back-heading brilliance of Finney, who was but once in the trap –when he tried to give Dean the “dummy’ and paid for his act.  I thought Bolton had but one forward, whereas Forshaw and Critchley made a grand wing, Critchley sound centering and Forshaw’s call upon Pym for a one-hand save being notable events in a night where there was no interval, darkness and wet, and a whole “half” of slamming of the Bolton backs and goalkeeper.  Forshaw got the goalkeeper and ball over the line, at which point two forwards seem to “hand” him still further beyond his goal-line.  But Pym clung to the ball even at that late point, as though he was glued to it!  Any team enjoying Dean’s driving power and Weldon’s persistence, plus an attack for 75 per cent. Of the second half, should score.  Everton did not score a winning notch because they frittered away their opportunities near goal.  The need for a definite, first-time handing shot would take all the difference to their game. A Camsell is the need –a forward not pretending to be clever, but willing to enjoy the privilege and pleasure of blazing away at goal- right away, guard! –without holding up the train of Everton’s customary hesitance. 
NEWCASTLE V EVERTON
Newcastle United make no change to receive Everton their team being;- Wilson; Maitland, Hudspeth; Mckenzie, Spencer, Harris; Urwin, McKay, Gallacher, Macdonald, and Seymour. 

RUNCORN’S NEW HALF-BACK
Runcorn Weekly News - Friday 16 September 1927
Runcorn have Signed on a new centre-half—none other than Reid, late of Everton, upon head there is a transfer fee of about 2,000 pounds.  This story was going round Runcorn for over a week. The rumour, which has found a surprising amount of evidence, wasto the effect that this famous player hadnot only expressed his willingness, but his desire, to sign on for Runcorn.  Certain people had seen a letter to this effect, but the letter is still in hiding.  So persistent were the rumours that the committee made investigations, and several delegates were appointed to visit the Liverpool district andendeavorto secure an interview with Reid. They were told that if they were very anxious to too see they would have to take the midnight boat from Holyhead to Ireland.  The fact is that Reid has been living in Ireland for over twelve months.  How the rumour originated no one can tell. 

EVERTON CONTINUE THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 September 1927
A STRIKING SIDE
By Bees (Ernest Edwards)
Those who have seen Newcastle this season say they are a wonderful combination of pace, ability, and desperately striking shooting strength.  Their team work is fine, and Gallacher is giving advice in his reign as captain; the coming of McKay was one of the best strokes of business ever done by Newcastle.  He is the Jack Carr of Newcastle, and that being so he has taken from the Newcastle captain and centre a lot of trouble that arises to any forward who is looked upon as the “one man band.”  Newcastle, last season, gave Everton a really horrible time; they won in a canter, and McKay was the mainspring of the victory.  It was a dirty day and a deluge of goals, but that was the period when Everton, although having their new men on view (save Weldon), were hardly confident about anything except wet weather. Nowadays the tone of the side is different; there has been the tonic of victory; the topic of the spectators’ encouragement.  There is little fear and maybe they’ll create the biggest surprise of Newcastle’s sweet lives through the home team being too confident after slaughtering the Manchester United side.  I hear, by the way, that Mr. Davies, the boss of the Manchester United club, is seriously ill.  Manchester United certainly had not a Barson to back them up last Saturday, so that may have been the secret of the troublesome collection of goals.  I go to Newcastle to-morrow to see how the United are going, and will tell you all about the show put up by Everton, whose position and chance to-morrow is not so hopeless as the form books suggests.  Hudspeth is not a young man, and he continues to defy time with the scorn of a man like McKinlay.  But surely these Everton forwards can make Hudspeth’s game look old, don’t you think!  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 September 1927
TACKLE SIDE OF SEASON SAYS “BEE”
BEST GAME OF SEASON
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Newcastle; Wilson; Maitland, Huspeth; McKenzie, Spencer, Harris; Unwin, McKay, Galalcher, McDonald, Seymour.  Referee; Mr. Jennings, of Clifton, Yorks. 
Everton went to Newcastle yesterday to tackle the side that has performed marvels an ago and had, just a week ago, taken seven to one out of Manchester United. Then came a blow to their belief in these successes when Derby County surprised them, nearly drawing in a big scoring match.  So Everton went on to the field with full team, and a full hope that they would wipe out the massacre of last back-end, when the home side knocked up seven.  Directors Green, Banks, and Gibbins were present with Manager Macintosh, but Mr. Green did not go to this game. He went to look into something for the future.
A FORMER STALWART. 
News filtered through this morning that Dickie Downs, the former Everton back, was in this neighborhood. He has hitched his star to Shildon Athletic, and it is said he still has years of football in him. Old players never die; they simply fade away!  The day was perfect, sunshine helping the crowd of 40,000, and the wind was simply rustling.   This ground holds about 70,000 and when they get their new stand the St. James's Park ground will be a perfectly compact and massive ground.  Cresswell startled the natives when he won the toss and played against the wind and sun. The game started before time, and I believe the gates were shut, which meant that there were more than 50,000 present.  Everton started well, and after Hudspeth kicked out the right wing went on playing while Newcastle stopped. Believing the ball was for a throw in.
A STARTLING TURN. 
This insistence of playing to the whistle was the undoing of Newcastle, for after the ball had been punched away by Wilson it went out to Kelly on the right, who tried to put the ball into an empty goal and saw the ball swing over to Troup, who blazed away, but was off the target. The ball turned to Dean, who at a second attempt shot in with very definite and practical result.  A goal in a minute against the champions —and probable champions! This was something to be thankful for. Moreover, after McKay had been bored out by Cresswell.  Troup pushed the ball well up for Dean to beat Maitland. Dean was left with no one but Wilson to beat, and when he shot he practically shot at the goalkeeper's body.  Naturally the early lead gave Everton the confidence that was comforting. When McDonald shot strongly Taylor gathered the lively ball and Gallacher followed with one outside.  The combination of Everton was pleasant to see, and was more pointed and practical than that of Newcastle so far. GALLACHER ADVISED 
The visitors banked a lot, of course, on Dean, and Hart and Virr pushed the ball well up the middle, while the referee pushed a word of advice into Gallacher about impetuous kicking over the goal line after the ball had become dead.   The Newcastle half-backs -of whom we had been told a great deal about by Wilfred Low in the morning Press-started in unpromising fashion.Critchley started another movement, in which Dean was charged out position and Weldon was baulked by McKenzie when he was sure. O'Donnell found the bounce of the ball beat him, but he cleverly tricked Urwin and cleared, and to do the Newcastle crowd justice they applauded his action.
HANDY FOR THE CAMERA. 
So far the Newcasle shots had been nearer the photographers than the goalkeeper. Both our wingmen wasted a ball, and Virr made a timely punt when McDonald failed to take a rational chance.
McKay was overelaborate, and the ball being lively did not suit him as in the previous meeting between the pair.  Taylor punched a corner into a further corner, but Kelly blotted out the second occurrence.  Newcastle’s nearest approach to a goal was from a free kick, and O’Donnell, standing not on ceremony, made short work of a rush by Gallacher, who later on was crowded out.
WHAT HE DID NOT NOTICE
Dean was pushed out, but the referee would not agree that it was an offence.  After twenty-two minutes, Dean chased after a full pushed far up the middle, and when challenged by the two backs he was pitched over and hurt. O'Donnell took the kick and Wilson saved, thanks to the fact that he had advanced from his goal a full yard, which is against the rules. The referee failed to notice this very important point, and therefore Everton lost a good chance of being two up.  Newcastle, who had contested the penalty award, were bucked by the let-off, an proceeded to make two strong attacks, in which Taylor was confident and successful, McKay being the shooter.  In view of Dean's appearance here on this ground on Wednesday lot the English team, it was good to see him recover from his injury, for he had a nasty jar.  Taylor made a good thump away, keeping hiseyes on the ball, ignoring Gallacher's rush on the rebound.
EQUALISED BY McDONALD. 
There was a second stoppage for Urwin, whose left knee had gone. While he was off a free kick against Cresswell, instead of a free kick against Gallacher, led to Taylor touching the ball high up. Taylor tried to kick the ball away and shoved it four yards away. Instantly the ball was crossed to the inside-left, and McDonald headed into the empty goal, to equalise in thirty-three minutes.  How vital are the decisions of referee’swas made evident by the penalty and free kick decisions.  Everton started afresh, and Dean beat two players, passed the ball, and then raced up to take a pass, the goalkeeper running out ten yards to stop a certain goal.  Seymour was prevented from taking a goal by Cresswell, and another free kick, well taken by Hudspeth, led to Taylor saving from McDonald, after which Newcastle put the ball against the crossbar.  Dean kicked round a Troup centre, and Critchley missed two good chances. Thus ended the first half, which was noteworthy because Gallacher had been well held. The Newcastle people voted it the best football game they had this season.  Half-time; Newcastle United 1, Everton 1
FIRST MINUTE SHOCK FOR THE MAGPIES
DOUBLE BY DEAN
NEWCASTLE UNITED LUCKY TO DRAW
Now Everton had the value of the wind, the sun had gone to rest.  Wilson had to punch away from a Dean hook, and Forshaw made a fine dive to head through.  These were encouraging signs, and the sun came out to celebrate it.  Everton had been as good as the other side, and now proceeded to stop a Newcastle rush, Urwin, still limping, being a weakness.  Newcastle’s first concerted movement ended with Glasgow coming into the lime-light with a fine header, which sent the ball no more than a foot over the bar.  Hart, who had been glueing on to the centre-forward, found time to bowl Urwin over the touchline. 
SECOND BY DEAN
Newcastle was getting somewhat nervy, though they showed persistent pluck.  From a corner kick, to which Taylor was solid and sure, Weldon could not get on the way, being a shade too close in his movements.  Dean scored in fifty-two minutes, and the goal took as long to make as it did to chronicle the event.  Dean, challenged, out the ball to his outside-right.  Critchley trapped it, and centred, the goalkeeper advanced, and Dean headed with his customary accuracy.  Thus Everton were on top in the second half nearly as easily as they were in the first.  Everton went for a third goal, but Troup lobbed over the bar.  The local folk went stone cold, and the sing of the bellman was not heeled in the land!  Although the sun was a bother to Everton, they went on hammering, and Weldon was to the fore with a good dribble and a fast shot that passed outside.  That was, at the time of writing, the sensation of the season.  A free kick later against O’Donnell roused Gallacher into wordy warfare, and McKenzie and O’Donnell got into trouble in a rather ugly scene, in which O’Donnell’s outstretched leg was gripped by McKenzie.  O’Donnell was playing a very enterprising and substantial game, and Newcastle have rarely been so well held.  Cresswell also helped in the scheme of things with a good double kick, while Taylor brought off a spectacular catch from Urwin.  Newcastle were now applying plenty of pressure, and three times Taylor handled the ball with precision and ability.  His best save of the season came when Hart and O’Donnell, in their enthusiasm, collided, and while they were gathering themselves together McKay was going off apparently safe for a goal.  Taylor fell to it, then sat on it, finally throwing the ball away for a corner, which was a cheap way out.
THE EQUALISING GOAL.
Newcastle were pushing it hard to get going, and the fine free passing movements one associates with them were absent.  However, they came to when Gallacher, after McKay had hit the crossbar, shot ferociously and the ball hit Taylor and a full-back, but the let-off counted nothing, and in the next minute, the seventieth, McKay scored with Taylor out of his goal.  Taylor had gone out of his goal to make a Seymour centre ineffective, and he could not be blamed for the equalizer.  Fifty thousand people now raised a merry noise to help on the local cause.  Dean was injured again, and hopped off to the touchline, but returned after a minute.  Final; Newcastle United 2, Everton 2. 

NEWS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 September 1927
Harold Fare son of Everton's Jack Fare, has finished with football, and it is not correct to say that he has joined Flint.  He is now steward-grounds man at the Liverpool Warehousing Company’s athletic ground at Orrell Park.  

EVERTON RES V WEST BROM RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 September 1927
Everton should have had a comfortable lead at the interval, but failed to profit by the unsteadiness of Albion’s defence.  The football of each side never really reached the high pitch of excellence.  Inaccurate passing being the chief failing.  Easton and Houghton scored for Everton in the first half.  Stan Davies, with his up-the-middle passes often worried the home defence.  Near the interval Edwards reduced Everton’s lead.  At this stage play had shown an improvement. 
Half-time; Everton Res 2, West Brom Res 1. 
Everton took full advantage of a poor defence on resuming and Easton and White scored goals.  Three-quarter time;- Everton Res 4, West Bromwich Res 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 September 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 EVERTON 2
September 19 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
GALLACHER MASTERED.
EVERTON MAKE THE CHAMPIONS GIVE UP A POINT.
O'DONNELL PENALTY KICK SAVED.
Everton deserved to take a point on their visit to the Newcastle United ground, and with a little luck they might have won. It was following a blunder by Taylor, the Everton goalkeeper that Newcastle obtained their first goal. Taylor had fielded a cross shot smartly, when he completely failed with his clearance kick, Urwin running up and placing for McDonald to head into the empty goal. When Everton were awarded a penalty kick for a foul on Dean, Wilson was lucky to keep out O'Donnell's placed lick with a right-hand thrust. As it was, the opinion was expressed that the referee should have ordered the penalty kick to be re-taken, because Wilson came out of his goal quite a yard. This slice of luck for Newcastle was counter-balanced by the fact that twice at least they banged the ball against the Everton crossbar in the later stage. A crowd of nearly 50,000 for the first time this season, saw Newcastle United unable to boast of any superiority over the visiting team. Cresswell, the Everton captain, won the toss, and to the surprise of everyone he placed his side against the wind and the sun in the first half. This was a district disadvantage, because by the time the interval had arrived the wind had abated. Everton were superior in attack in the first half, and the United backs had much more work to do than those of Everton. BLUES' DASHING FORWARDS.
The Everton forwards played with greater dash and Dean was a forceful leader both in distributing the attack and in his deadly precision in front of goal. The Newcastle forwards were not as effective as usual. Right from the start Spencer failed to hold Dean, Troup had put across the ball to Weldon, whose shot was knocked down by Wilson. Dean dashing in and scoring. Then Newcastle had a lucky escape from the penalty kick already referred to. It was after 35 minutes' play that McDonald scored for Newcastle, after Taylor had failed with a clearance kick. Dean's second goal, seven minutes from the restart was an excellent one. He headed the ball through on the run from a centre by Critchley. Twenty minutes later McKay equalised for Newcastle, following severe pressure on the Everton goal. Except for the one blunder Taylor was sound in goal for Everton, making many brilliant saves. Cresswell was seen at his best in his anticipation and accuracy in clearance, while O'Donnell never failed with his tackling. All three of the Everton half-backs worked hard, and were effective until the later stages when they kicked rather wildly. At this stage Everton were repeatedly placed in tight corners through free kicks given against them, but more than once the referee was thought to be wrong in his decision. Dean was the outstanding forward on the field. He was a much more capable leader than Gallacher. Seymour was the best of the Newcastle forwards, Gallacher for once, being subdued. Teams: - Newcastle United: - Wilson, goal, Maitland, and Hudspeth, backs, McKenzie, Spencer, and Harris, half-backs, Urwin, McKay, Gallacher, McDonald, and Seymour, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 1
September 19 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 5)
It was far from being an inspiring game at Goodison Park, but there could be no disputing the superiority of the Blues. This was particularly noticeable in the intermediate division. Easton gave Everton an early lead, but within a few minutes the scores were levelled by Edwards. Millington, however, who was also responsible for the centre which led to the opening goal, again crossed accurately, and Houghton had an easy task in heading past Pearson. In the second half goals were registered by Easton and White, who were the most conspicuous forwards on the home side. Everton: - Davies goal, Raitt and Rooney, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Irvine, Easton, White, Houghton and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON’S DISTINCTION
Newcastle Journal - Monday 19 September 1927
POINT TAKEN FROM CHAMPIONS T ST. JAMES
NEWCASTLE UNITED 2, EVERTON 2
By Novocastrain
In sharing the scoring honours with Everton at St. James’s Park on Saturday. Newcastle conceded the first point to a visiting team there since Leicester City affected a 1-1 draw on December 18 last.  Taking a broad view of Saturday’s game, the result was substantially in harmony with the merits of the contending teams, although had O’Donnell made better use of a penalty-kick than to drive the ball straight at Wilson (who nevertheless brought off a thrilling spectator save) the consequence might have been more serious for the champions, who were then one goal in arrears.  The defeat of Sunderland at Highbury leaves Newcastle and Cardiff City in solo partnership as the survivors of the unbeaten teams in the division, and the fates appear to have willed it that the distinction shall not be long enjoyed by one or the other, for the pair are due to meet at Cardiff next Saturday. 
DEFENSIVE SHORTCOMINGS
The failure of the United to quality for both points was mainly due to defensive weakness in close quarters work, for in open play neither Maitland nor Hudspeth was a whit inferior to either of the opposing backs, and the fact that the Everton custodian.  Taylor, had probably six times as much to do as Wilson affords ample proof of this.  The two shots which beat the Newcastle keeper were unstoppable, for he had cleared Dean’s first delivery in masterly style before the capable Everton leader found the net from the return, and he had no alternative but to run out to Dean and Critchley when the pair closed in upon him, and the former shot into a tenantless frame.  Everton’s first goal- obtained in the first minute of the game- was of the snatch order, and the right wing movement from which it materialized would have been checked had Hudspeth hung on to Critchley.  All the same, it was a good goal of the most approved “picture” order, the Mersey right-winger putting across to Troup, who deftly sent it to the feet of Dean for conversion.
A TIMELY RETURN
Newcastle were twice in arrears- once in each half- and when McDonald put the score of square ten minutes before the interval it was entirely owing to the prompt action of Urwin that he was enabled to do so.  The latter had just returned to the arena after receiving touch-line attention, and reached the scene of hostilities in front of the Everton goal in the very nick of time to pounce upon a faulty clearance by Taylor and put the ball over the heads of a crowd of players to McDonald, who, unmarked, headed in with the Everton custodian out of position.  After Dean had restored the lead to his side shortly after the resumption, Newcastle settled down to business were never capable of taking up a sustained aggressive for the remainder of the game. 
FORTUNE’S FAVOURITE
If the fates had been as kind to Newcastle as they were to the opposition via Taylor, more than the equalizing goal would have come their way.  McKay was the greatest sufferer by the great good luck that fell to the Everton custodian.  One powerful drive from the home inside right was baulked of its due by Taylor throwing himself down under the bar in a sitting posture, and when Gallacher followed with another shot of similar calbre the ball hit Taylor’s outstretched foot, which just simply happened to be there, for it was extended from behind, and his face was partly in the opposite direction.  Then the Everton defenders, too, by accident rather than design, proved a barrier to more than one well-directed effort, so that when McKay did score, from a centre by Seymour, he richly deserved his success. 
DEAN A GREAT LEADER
The pace was fast –so fast that towards the close neither side could raise a gallop, and if by tacit agreement, the ball was kicked into touch without compunction by either side.  Dean was the bugbear of the Newcastle defence, despite the close attention of Spencer, and compared with the Everton leader Gallacher was subdued.  Both of the visiting wingers, Critchley and Troup, proved dangerous raiders.  Weldon gave more support to Dean then did Forshaw, who, however, turned his talent to defensive work on occasion with excellent results., fir it was the plan of the Everton team to allow the Newcastle attack as little room to operate in as a packed goal of hustlers and prompt tackles could ensure.  The halves –Kelly, Hart and Virr- compared favourably with the opposition line of whom –Harris was as good as any., especially in defensive work, McKay was the most active and scheming of the Newcastle front line and McDonald the most enterprising.  Cresswell and O’Donnell were sounder tacklers than either of the Newcastle backs, but the ex-Darlington player took more risks of a character dangerous to his opponents than the circumstances warranted. 

EVERTON CHECK THE CHAMPIOINS
Athletic News - Monday 19 September 1927
TEHIR ONE LUCKY PERIOD IN A BRILLIANT DISPLAY
NEWCASTLE UNITED 2, EVERTON 2
By Tynesider
Even champions can have their weak moments.  Newcastle United had theirs when they yielded the first home point of the season to Everton who came to St. James’s Park and got away with a 2-2 draw after the best exhibition of football seen at Newcastle this season.  Such a performance suggests that Everton may figure high in the season’s honours.  United were in trouble at the start, and a goal behind inside a minute after a hopeless mix-up in their defensive scheme. 
DRAMATIC TURNING POINT
No one seemed to be able to do the right thing at the right moment until Troup swung the ball into the middle, and after DEAN had one attempt at goal stopped he was lucky to get the ball back and push it into the net.  The whole course of the game might have been altered had O’Donnell converted a penalty kick awarded when the Newcastle defence swept Dean’s feet from under him when he looked like breaking through again.  The full-back attempted to drive the ball through Wilson, who flung up his hands and cleared.  This was the turning point in the game, McDONALD headed into an empty net after Taylor had made his one bad clearance ten minutes before the interval, and Newcastle were the masters then.  All their good work went for nought when DEAN applied his head to a perfect centre from Critchley seven minutes after the restart, but in the next ten minutes the champions deserved to win the match over and over again.  The Everton defence came through an ordeal with flags flying, though Taylor, twice, and O’Donnell on another occasion knew very little about clearances they made.  McKay, the most unlucky of the Newcastle attack, had a turn the other way when Taylor just missed a centre from Seymour and left the inside right with the opportunity to beat O’Donnell and drive the ball into an empty goal.  This is the mere outline of a game which thrilled 523,000 spectators.  I could give many examples of delightful football, and it was not all on the side of the champions.  There were places where the United compared unfavourably with their opponents and none more marked than in defence. 
BRILLIANT DEFENCE
Everton owe their point primarily to the fine work of their rearguard.  Taylor might be blamed for one of the goals against him, but his anticipation pulled Everton through many awkward passages.  His backs were faultless, Cresswell has still to play his first bad game at Newcastle, and the former Sunderland man was the best defender on the field.  O’Donnell was equally effective in a more robust fashion, and as a pair they were far in front of their opponents.  There was nothing better in the game than the duels between the respective centre half-backs and the attack leaders. The comparison between Dean and Gallacher was interesting.  The Scot was the more dainty and skillful in his footwork, but Dean the more effective in front of goal.  As a whole. However, Newcastle were superior in attack, and there was one period in the second half, already refereed to when Everton enjoyed the greatest of good fortune.  That was all the luck they had in winning a point.  Newcastle United; Wilson; Maitland, Hudespth; McKenzie, Spencer, Harris; Urwin, McKay, Gallacher, McDoland and Seymour.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon and Troup.  Referee; Mr. W.R. Jennings, York. 

EVERTON’S CONFIDENCE TRICK
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 September 1927
Bee’s Notes
Progression at Everton is the keynote of the season.  A year ago they had hardly a point from a collection of matches, to-day they keep gathering them in, and although they could not answer Billy Caryl’s question, “Why killed Jack Donovan?” they could tell you will “killed Hugh Gallacher.” And I had a new type of “kill.” You remember the ludo-lay?  Well, Dominy has introduced a bridge of sighs into the camp and I was invited to “come into the parlour” style of thing.  Mr. McIntosh held my hand and said “Don’t be frightened, I think we’ve got a chance here.”  The editorial “We,” I suppose.  At any rate, I held some “paper” and now either of the local club fellows know quite what vein of sport to try next.  Somebody has been asking, “Is this Everton’s season.”  I cannot say, but I am sure it must be mine!  And now, having sent a book on “Bridge” to the Goodison rooms, let me get on with my knitting of sentences and allotting of praise for a really fine bit of work by Everton, who, as you will have noticed by now, have gained in confidence and have lost the that lone, long, last-season look! 
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
Everton should have started the football world with a victory on Saturday.  They have a lot to be thankful for, and I must say I hardly heard a word of complaint from the players about the referee-rulings, but no matter what the side is, it is my duty once again to state that a penalty kick was taken, and it is no concern of mine, or anyone else’s that the kick was missed; the point the referee must, or should look to first of all, is the position of the goalkeeper.  A Photograph would show this goalkeeper out of his goal.  I know that the goalkeeper advanced a yard or more before O’Donnell shot the ball.  Therefore the kick, by the F.A rules, had to be taken again.  I labour this point because these things are so hurtful; if a penalty kick is awarded for a trip of a severe character –there was something to be said for the Newcastle protest in my opinion –then the idea of the rules is that the player shall have a chance of making the defence pay for their faults.  But if the goalkeeper is to come out and narrow the angle, well, we are simply getting back the penalty rules of twenty years ago, when the goalkeeper was allowed to stride forward to a convenient spot.  I do not hesitate to say that had the spot-kick been successful Newcastle already nerve-wracked by a team well on top of them, would have faded out.  As it was, a free kick against Cresswell should have gone “the other way,” and that led to Macdonald’s goal. You may ask me why O’Donnell took the spot kick.  Had any other player missed the kick you would still be asking why did so and so take the kick?  More to the mark is my inquiry why Cresswell, having won the toss, kicked against a pretty still breeze and into the sun’s glare? 
NEEDING PRAISE
It was fine to see Taylor handling out and punching out, and one felt really sorry for him when he kicked a divot instead of the ball- the sort of thing that comes once in a lifetime to every footballer, whether goalkeeper or otherwise.  Taylor, with room to spare, and a clear view of the goings and coming of Gallacher and his merry men, was in fine fettle, and if he was saved by the woodwork twice, I am out to declare that he and his backs had the greatest praise for stopping the talented Newcastle attack.  Gallacher was “killed,” he hardly had a kick at the ball, save when he impetuously punted a “dead” ball- hardly becoming for a captain, if I might say so.  Gallacher is the most voluble captain I know, and in his appeals his persistence rivals Dr. Barnardo.  Of course, the very fact of the Everton half-backs –a fine steady line- breaking up the switching ideas of Newcastle led to the local attack becoming a thing of shreds.  You would not have known McKay as the same man who danced round Everton last back-end.  McKay misses the softer turf, and Gallacher, I imagine, was in the same boat.  O’Donnell feebling his penalty kick, kicked like a horse and raced through many times to take the ball from a bunch of fellows.  Cresswell gave one of his best displays, and our half-backs were only rivalled by McKenzie.  It doesn’t do for old players to come forward and tell the world what WILL happen in the afternoon.  Wilfred Low described Newcastle’s half-back line as the best in the League.  Well, England’s centre forward toyed with Spencer, who was a poor one- on that day’s form.  Moreover, the slowness of Hudspeth and Maitland, as I suggested on Friday, was publicly shown up by such fleet men as Forshaw and Critchley.  Critchley continues to improve.  Forshaw put in plenty of canny work, and Dean showed his further liking for this ground by getting two clean-cut, sharp goals, plus a penalty.  Weldon did not find the ball running for him too well, and consequently Troup had not so productive a day as against Birmingham; moreover, Troup suffered a bang on the foot that troubled him, however, it was all good football to watch, in the sense that here were the championship side being levelled to an ordinary standard, with Everton, satisfied with a draw, yet content to know that the merest turn of fortune in officialdom would have brought a victory.  Instinctively when one saw Dean and his penalty kick incident, and when one learned of the debut of Williams in the Blackpool game, where Cookson scored six goals, the thought came to me that each might have bene heard to say, sotto voce,  “I have suffered, but –“
Dean, who will referee the Liverpool-Bootle schools match at Anfield, on the 28th, has score4d in every match this season.

QUEEN’SPARK AT GOODISON PARK (V.NOMADS)
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 21 September 1927
Bee’s Notes
There must be thousands of football followers in Liverpool who would like to see Northern Nomads play, but cannot drag themselves away when one of the senior sides is at home.  Nomads have a strong Liverpool following, despite the fact that in recent years they have lived up to their nomenclature in playing first at New Brighton then Hoylake and now Penny-lane.  Those who saw the Corinthians at Wavertree last year, I should imagine, will never forget the game in that it was sporting, clean, yet produced more shoulder charging in one minute than any other game in one match. There is prospect of another entertainment of this kind next Monday, when the annual match versus Queen’s Park’s full Scottish strength is played at Goodison Park at 6.45.  this will be one of Civic Week’s big attractions and the pity is that the date and venue could not be foretold earlier.  Queen’s Park will field their strongest side, including Gillespie and Harkness, the Scottish internationals, and Nomads will have the aid of Cable, the Leyton centre half, who is, in the opinion of a Nomads’ player, very little behind Gillespie.  Others in the home side, which will be definitely known to-morrow, are T.Parker, the ex-Everton player, his name shake from the Southport club, and the usual stars. 
You will remember when Dixie Dean was hurt in North Wales he was taken to Holywell Cottage Hospital, and Everton have very kindly placed a team to play Holywell and district on the 28th of this month composed of the following;- Hughes; Raitt, Rooney; Brown, Griffiths, Dickie; Millington, Easton, Wilkinson, Houghton, Kendrick.  The hospital is in need of funds and I am asking the public to roll up. 

“DIXIE” DEAN'S FOUR GOALS AT NEWCASTLE.
September 22 nd 1927. The Daily Courier.
Football League 9 Irish League 1
Dean the Everton centre, scored after eight minutes, them Dean put on three more between the nineteen and twenty-nine
minutes.

CLOTHES FOR THE KIDDIES. 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 September 1927
At the match between Everton and Huddersfield, to-morrow, at Goodison Park, a collection will be taken in aid or the Police-Aided Clothing Association. Last year £4,300 was expended by this association in clothing 3,500 poor children of the city.

TODAY’S SPORTS WIRES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 September 1927
Everton “A” meet another unbeaten County Combination side in Bootle at Strawberry-lane to-morrow, at 3.30.  The team will be chosen from.- G. Hughes; R.E. Davies, C. Curr, H. Lawton, J. Heggarty, W. Curr, J. Kendrick, W. Murray, A. French, J.Templeman, D. Rose, W. Davies, and E. Ireland. 
BEVY OF AMATEUR TALENT
Queen’s Park have selected the following eleven for the match v. Nomads on Monday at Goodison, 5.45; J.D. Harkness; T.K. Campbell, W. Wiseman; J. McDonald, R. Gillespie, W.S. King, E.R. Scott, J. Crawford, B. Russell, W.S. Chalmers, W.G. Nicholson.  With the exception of J. McAlpine, this is their full league side.  Harkness kept goal in all international matches last season except Irish, and Gillespie and Wiseman played against Ireland.  Also Harkness, Wiseman, McDonald, Crawford, and Gillespie played against England at Leicester.  Nomads side will be selected from; C.G.G. Menham (kept goal for Everton and Lancs. County); J.E. Blair (just returned after a spell in London), T.E. Loxham (a right half, who had a great tussle with McAlpine and Nicholson three years ago when the side played Queen’s at New Brighton); T.H. Cable (centre half, English amateur international.  Essex County, London County, Rest v. England, &c., a great player who was mainly responsible for putting Nomads out of the Amateur Cup last season when playing for Leyton), S. Walker (Cheshire County, North v South, &c), T. Parker (of Everton), J. Randle (Cheshire County, North v. South), S.M. Beswick (North v. South, Cheshire County), W.H. Fitchford (ex-Port Vale, still one of the best amateur inside lefts in the country, Staffs County), H.E. Parker (Southport, Rest v England, Lancs County), Rev. Hywel Davies (Wrexham and Oxford Varsity, Welsh amateur international), W.C. Smith (Cheshire County), and D. Scott (Manchester City), and W.R. Hillman (Lovell Athletic). 

“CHAMPIONS” AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 September 1927
Bee’s Notes
Tomorrow Everton tackle Huddersfield, and remembering the way the Yorkshire side has been going, and remembering Everton’s brilliance at Newcastle, the result should be a fine free game in a soft turf that will produce a crop of goals.  Everton should be suited by the soft turf, and, as Dean has scored in every match, we shall all be anxious to see him continue his feat and keep the sequence going.  He has never played better in his life than to-day; indeed, this season he has been really wonderful, and with his success of Saturday helping on his good cause, all Everton and the city in general will be keen to welcome him back to the fold.  Everton, on last’s weeks form, will give Huddersfield a great run for their money; but let me advise you that, although the Yorkshire side has thus far had a stormy passage, they tell me on the phone that they are quite content that the side is one that will take high position, if not top place, and they propose starting their away victories to-morrow for our benefit; which is confidence such as we expect from Clem Stephenson and his comrades.  The appearance of Jackson, Wadsworth, and company against their former player, Ted Taylor, is just another means by which the game will prove one of the season’s best drawing lines.  These are the teams;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Huddersfield; Turner; Goodall, Barkas; Steele, Wilson, Meads; Jackson, Brown, Dent, Kelly, Smith (W.H). 

TEAM WEAKENED FOR GAME AT GOODISON PARK.
September 24 th 1927 th The Daily Courier.
Huddersfield are sure to give Everton a good run for their money at Goodison park today, but despite the fact that the Blues have accord in only two of the last ten matches between the clubs they should prove successful in the latest clash. Dean is bound to play a prominent part in spoiling the Town's unbeaten record for their last five visits to Goodison Park, not to speak of what will be done towards that object by his skill colleagues in a very dashing forward line. Huddersfield have been unfortunate in having to make three changes in their team, two of the most prominent of their players having to stand down owing to injuries. These are Brown, the talented inside right, and Wadsworth, halve left back. The Everton side will be unchanged for the match, which will start at 3.15. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Huddersfield Town: - Turner, Goodall, Barkas, Steele, Wilson, Meads, Jackson, Kelly, Deat, Stephenson, Smith.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 September 1927
EX-CHAMPIONS’ GAME BY “STORK”
EARLY GOAL BY DEAN
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Huddersfield; Turner; Goodall, Barkas; Steele, Wilson, Meads; Jackson, Kelly, Dent, Stephenson, Smith (W.H).  Referee.- Mr. Casely (Wolverhampton). 
DEAN'S EARLY BULLSEYE. 
Although the rain of the morning made the turf rather trick, it had no effect upon the size of the attendance. Everton opened in bright style, and but for Troup allowing the ball to go over before he centred, Everton might have had a goal earlier than they did. That error of judgment, however, was counterbalanced by a goal from Dean, scored at the fourth minute.  Cresswell, with a superb tackle, pushed the ball forward to Virr and this was the starting point of Dean’s shot.  Virr wisely took the ball forward a little before finally transferring it to Dean, who first headed it, sideways and as it dropped, he smashed in a terrific drive, which left Turner not the slightest opportunity of keeping it out of the net.  This was indeed an excellent start and at the same time had put the onlookers in good humour. 
They had plenty of thrills during the opening minutes, none greater than one Weldon created when he placed the ball at to the upright. Forshaw went in to complete the job, and in his enthusiasm kicked Turner, who had come across his goal to clear Weldon's original effort. During the first ten minutes Everton played football of the very highest standard. As a matter of fact, I doubt if they have ever played better at any time. In attack, as well as defence, they were right at the top of their form. 
ENTRANCING WEAVING
Was it any wonder that Huddersfield did very little with the exception of defending.  The interpassing of Weldon and Forshaw was really entrancing, and it was not only that—it was effective into the bargain.  Huddersfield could not get in moving in any respect, and when they did try to probe their way through they were soon mastered by either Cresswell or O'Donnell.  The Yorkshiremen’s recognized clever extreme wingers were given little or no chance.  Jackson, the Scottish star, certainly spoiled his colleague’s work by getting offside, but Smith showed how dangerous he could be when he gave Taylor an oblique shot to deal with. We were undoubtedly seeing foothill in the true sense al the word, and one piece of combined play by Stephenson, Dent, Smith, and Kelly was worth a goal, and should have been one if Jackson had been accurate in his shooting.  He was left with an empty goal, Taylor having left it to look after Kelly. Jackson, however, drove wide. The Town were not in the least upset by their goal deficit; in fact, it seemed to spur them to greater effort, and few some minutes they enjoyed quite a lengthy spell of attack without seriously testing Taylor.
STEELE IN THE BREACH
The Huddersfield Town goal had still another miraculous escape when Dean, running to inside-right position, slipped the ball into the middle, where Critchley had run as if he had divined Dean's thoughts.  It looked a certain scoring opportunity until the ball started to bump and bonne between Critchley's legs, which meant that he had to defer his shot for a fraction.  When he did release his drive it had Turner beaten, and Steele came tearing down and ran right across the flight of the ball and turned it out of goal with his head or face.  It way undoubtedly a lucky save, and goalkeeperTurner showed his appreciation of his colleague’s work by a handshake.  The Huddersfield defence had to undergo some very trying moments, so persistent was the Everton attack. They had to kick anywhere at times to prevent Dean from augmenting his opening goal.  So far it had been a grand spectacle,  and I voted it the best game seen in Liverpool  for many a long day ; quite as good as the Everton-Cardiff game some years ago, which was talked about for month...
TESTING THE KEEPERS. 
Taylor, who had been far from overworked,  had to make a clean Catch from Dent, but should have had little chance later when Smith made one of his darting runs, which enabled Dent to offer Kelly  (Huddersfield), a gorgeous opportunity of making the scores level. He, like Jackson, was well off the mark and a better effort at scoring came from Forshaw who, with a back header, forced Turned into a clean catch. Critchley was hurt in a collision with Steele, but was not long in resuming.  And no the game went on, with Everton holding the whip hand. One could not deny that the method of the ex-champions' attack, once it got on the move, was full of danger, and it was just as well that Cresswell and O'Donnell, as well as the Everton  half back line as a whole, were right hang on form. O’Donnell had a long effort, which Turner saved, some contending that he carried the ball over the line in doing so.  A Jackson-Smith idea should have brought a better result than it did, for Smith was not many yards out when he captured Jackson's centre, but he was not definite enough this time, and the chance was allowed to go by.  Jackson tried to improve on this, and Taylor made a really great save when he turned the Scot's shot round the post.  Huddersfield at this point were hitting back with might and main, and Steele deserted a goal but did not get one through his own inability to keep a true line.  Weldon seems to have gone off his shooting these days. He had two excellent opportunities, but missed them both, as did Dent, just at the close of the half.  Half-time. —Everton 1, Huddersfield nil.
BLUES DRAW 2-2 FOR THIRD TIME IN SUCCESSION
TWO GOALS BY DEAN
HUDDERSFIELD EQUALISE TWICE
Within a minute of the resumption Huddersfield were on equal terms. They got a goal right from the kirk-off. Dent, having carried the ball down into the penalty area, was forced to part with it through O'Donnell, show clearance, however, went to Stephenson, who in turn tapped it forward to enable W. H. Smith, always a dangerous forward, to shoot into the net, leaving Taylor not the slightest chance of saving.  As in the opening half, a goal had been scored in the first few minutes. This, by the way, only tended to make matters more interesting. 
A GREAT GOAL. 
If there is a better header of a ball than William Dean, I would like to see him. No man could have scored a goal the like of which gave Everton the lead at the fifty-second minute but Dean. Both he and Goodall went up for Critchley's centre at one and the same moment, but Dean's head was the one that counted. He didn't drive the ball; he simply helped it on its way, and it was in the net before the majority of us had realized it. It was one of the finest goals of the season. 
"ALL SQUARE AGAIN." 
At the 60th minute the “all square" was sounded. Kelly has having scored from a corner kick, after Taylor had made a fine save from Jackson.  In another strong Huddersfield attack, Hart was injured, and Forshaw went centre-half until Hart resumed after attention.  Dean seemed to have his feet taken from under him in the penalty area, but  the referee, after a conversation with his linesmen, ignored the Everton player' appeal. 
TAYLOR WITHOUT CHOICE. 
Clever football was still the order, and Huddersfield certainly had the best chance of taking the lead when Jackson got round Cresswell and had only Taylor to beat. A shot first time would have told the tale, but Smith tried to walk the ball into goal, and Taylor did the only thing he could-he flung himself at Smith's feet, which caused the winger to lose the ball and most probably a goal.  Taylor actually took a ball off Kelly's head following a corner.  Turner made a superb save from a Dean header, and Goodall kicked away from Weldon.  Final; Everton 2, Huddersfield 2. 

HUDDERSFIELD RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 September 1927
On a rain-sodden ground, Everton Res, who appeared at Huddersfield, played fast and vigorous football.  Their forwards were alive lot, and were well supported by Clifford, who played a storming game at centre half.  After a brilliant run by Wilson Houghton scored.  The visitors continued to hold the upper hand, but failed to force home their many advances.  White scored a second goal for the visitors, while Guff scored for Huddersfield.  Half-time; Everton Res 2, Huddersfield Res 1.  

EVERTON A v. BOOTLE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 September 1927
Bootle were the first to score.  From a crowded goal Clayton pushed the ball into the net, Davies equalizing shortly afterwards in the same manner.  Play became very poor until McGiveny gave the visitors the lead with a beautiful long-range shot.  Half-time; Bootle 2, Everton A 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 September 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2
September 26 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
FLUCTUATING BATTLE AT GOODISON PARK.
EVERTON AND HUDDERSFIELD MISS CHANCES
DRAW A GOOD REFLEX OF A MOST EXCITING GAME.
One of the finest and most exciting games seen in Liverpool this season resulted in Everton and Huddersfield drawing, four goals being divided. It was a tale of missed chances all through, but the result a right one. Dean again delighted the Goodison Park patrons by scoring his side's two goals, while Smith and Jackson netted for the ex-champions. The match was an up and down battle, and Dean was about the best forward on the field. Dent, the opposing centre forward, was not in the same street. Dean, unfortunately, did not get the support he should have had, or the result might have been different. Dean's second goal was a wonder. He cut the figure of a contortions as he back headed the ball, and few centre-forwards indeed would have scored in position. Neither of the Everton wings touched top form. Critchley did not seem happy throughout in meeting the Huddersfield defenders, and was not always faultless in trapping the ball. It must not of course be overlooked that everyone was handicapped by the treacherous ground and slippery. Forshaw did some neat and clever work.
SOUND HALF-BACKS.
Troup was variable, although some of his work was admirable while Weldon, who was inclined to over-elaborate was several times well off the “bull's eye.” Still on the first half Everton might have taken a lead. The forwards were well served by a workmanlike half-back line, with Hunter Hart the outstanding constructive artist and Kelly, who has speed, and Virr in heavier roles. Cresswell came back to his expert form, and if O'Donnell might, at times, have done with more steadinesses, he did all that was required of him. He must, however, take some responsibility for Willie Smith's goal. Smith and his fellow international, Alec Jackson, were, in fact, scintillating wingers in a line which would have been an even greater force had Brown been available. Jackson missed an open goal near the end, but, with Kelly in attendance, scored the second equaliser from Smith's corner kick. Clem Stephenson was the artist, and Huddersfield's Kelly proved as capable at inside-right as he is at inside-left, while both goalkeepers were sound in awkward episodes. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Huddersfield Town: - Turner, goal, Goodall, and Barkas, backs, Steele, Wilson, and Meads, half-backs, Jackson, Kelly, Dent, Stephenson, WH. Smith, forwards.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 3
September 26 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 6)
Everton Reserves fully merited their victory at Huddersfiled Town Reserves, at Huddersfield. The visiting half-backs subdued the home attack in the first ten minutes, and after this it was a case of the Everton attack verus the home defence. Houghton opened the score for Everton White added a second. Duff reduced the leeway in the second half, Houghton put Everton further ahead. Everton gave the finest exhibition of play seen in the Central league at Huddersfield this season. Their half-backs and forwards played beautifully. Everton: - Davies goal, Raitt and Rooney, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Millington, Easton, White, Houghton, and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON WASTE CHANCES
Athletic News - Monday 26 September 1927
OFF WITH A BANG, BUT FAIL TO CONQUER
EVERTON 2 HUDDERSFIELD 2
By Junius
Everton must by now have come to the conclusion that their ground is   happy one for Huddersfield Town, for not since 1921 have they extended full points from the Yorkshire club.  It came within their reach to finish on the winning side on Saturday, however, but they paid the penalty of hesitancy, and, at times woefully weak marksmanship from easy positions.  These defects were emphasized during the first ten minutes when it would not have been surprising if Turner had been defeated three times.  For the greater part of the first half play, except for spasmodic Huddersfield advances, saw Everton’s attack continually harass the visitors’ defence, and usually the Town full-backs got out of the tangle by the assistance of fortune.  Goals always seemed to be coming to Everton, but did not.  Failure to drive home the advantage eventually served to provide a tonic for the Huddersfield players, who gradually settled down to become a potent force. 
ARTISTIC FOOTBALL
Both, however, provided a good display of artistic football.  Foot craft was subtle, zeal was not absent and all the players pulled their weight.  Play had only been in progress four minutes when DEAN, taking a pass from Virr, beat Barkas and left Turner helpless.  Then Weldon struck the post, and failed from an easy position a minute later, and it was not until a quarter of an hour had gone by that Smith gave Taylor his first work.  Then Jackson bungled with an open goal, and Kelly missed an easy chance, so that Everton were able to hold their goal lead to the interval.  On the resumption, Huddersfield went off with a bang, and when O’Donnell finessed just a moment too long, SMITH dashed in to make the scores level.  A centre from Critchley seven minutes after the turn brought out DEAN’S cleverness in heading, but at the end of 15 minutes the scores were levelled by KELLY, following a corner kick.  While the Everton forwards monoplised more of the play there could be no overlooking the fact that those of Huddersfield were quicker on the ball and more dangerous in the goal area. 
THE STORMY PETREL
Dean, who seldom stood on ceremony, was ever willing and eager, and was the stormy petrel that alone inspired fear in Goodall and Barkas.  But whether the policy of working the willing one quite so freely is to the side’s advantage is, I think, open to question.  Troup and Weldon had a poor day, and the former’s penchant for getting the ball settled to his left foot often led to his undoing, and Everton’s prolonged attacks were not finished in the way that tells.  They did not get shots home.  The Huddersfield forwards impressed me by the neat manner in which they kept the ball on the turf.  They were not reckless, but methodical in practically all they did.  Play was evenly distributed and Jackson and Smith by their speed, often overcame difficulties.  Cresswell was the most accomplished full-back on the field.  In half-back play Everton enjoyed a slight lead, with Hart outstanding in both constructive and defensive play, but Steele ran him a close race for honours.  In goal Turner had more work than Taylor, and did it well, but there were times when fortune favoured him.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon and Troup.  Huddersfield Town;- Turner; Goodall, Barkas; Steele, Wilson, Meads; Jackson, Kelly, Dent, Stephenson, and Smith (W.H).  Referee A.E. Caseley, Wolverhampton.

EVERTON’S WONDER GAME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 26 September 1927
LANCS-YORKS, “CLASSIC”
By Stork
Once upon a time, not very long ago, either Everton and Cardiff City played a game at Goodison Park which was afterwards referred to as a football classic, the like of which we were not to see for many a long day.  Huddersfield and Everton, however, provided a contest as near to a “classic” as one could wish, and I feel sure that all of the spectators went away fully satisfied that they had full value for their money.  No doubt there are those who thought that Everton should have won.  That would only be natural, but leaving partisanship out of the question, a draw appeared to me to be a fitting ending to such a game.  Speaking to a former well-known Scottish player during the interval, he said, “They have played football as it was meant to be played- on the floor- and the score should have read 4-3, and not 1-0 in Everton’s favour.”  He was right, too, for although it was such a clever game, it was notable for its many missed chances. 
A LOT OF SCHOOLBOYS
Everton have done many brilliant things during their career, but they never played better than during the first twenty minutes of their game, when they made Huddersfield like a lot of schoolboys, or as a rifle against a tank, and yet could only place one goal to their credit.  Such football as they provided would have broken the hearts of many sides, but Huddersfield, having overcome their testing period, proceeded to give as much as they received, and helped to make the game which will live in the memory for many an age.  Football is said to be suffering through the desire for speed, but in this match there was both speed and science, and the way Everton swept the ball from man to man, with accuracy the keynote, suggested a convincing victory; but to those who delve below the surface of things it could be seen that Huddersfield had only to weather the storm to become a fighting machine, for their wingers, and the half back line had shown a promise of better things if given the opportunity.  When that opportunity arrived the ex-champions hit back with a will, but not before their goal had a number of narrow escapes, one in particular when Steele cut right across a shot from Critchley and turned it away from a yawning goal.  For this amazing feat Steele was enthusiastically shaken by the hand by goalkeeper Turner, who could not have prevented that shot from taking toll. 
DEAN’S HEADERS.
Then we had Jackson missing an open goal; Smith failing from close range; and Steele finishing a brilliant run with a shot of poor direction.  These were some of the thrills of the first half, in which Dean obtained his goal in four minutes.  One minute in the second half brought Huddersfield the equalizer, Smith beating Taylor with a terrific drive; and then were to see a stirring fight for a leading goal.  It came to Dean, who has no peer as a leader of the ball.  Admitting that Critchley’s centre was the acme of perfection, it must not be overlooked that Goodall, who is slightly taller than Dean, tested his skill against that of the centre-forward, but there was only one winner, for Dean beat both Goodall and Turner with his gliding header.  Twice had Everton held the lead only to lose it when Jackson (1 was certain at the time that Kelly was the shooter, but the official verdict is Jackson scored from a corner kick, and there the scoring ended; but the good football went on, and I though Everton should have a penalty when Dean had his legs taken from under him, but Caseley, after consultation, said “No offence.”  I do not intend to individualize, for one and all-both friend and foe alike –helped to make a contest that was a real pleasure to watch.  Turner must be specially mentioned for his amazing save when Dean tried another of his slithering headers, which would have beaten many goalkeepers of greater experience than that youthful lad from Yorkshire. 

DIXIE’S VERSATILTY
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 27 September 1927
Bee’s Notes
It is not generally known to the many thousands of football “fans” who weekly applaud the brilliant play of our international that William Dean is a man with interests quite apart from those of the great ball game.  Chatting to him on Saturday he displayed keen anticipation in taking up his duties as referee in the great little Civic match this week.  He regards it as an honour to be able to help.  Such is his modesty.  Again, so much football glamour has made him keen on side issues, and it would interest readers to know that earlier in the year he, along with his youngest sister, was finalist in a Charleston competition against the best amateur dancers congregated at a certain well-known recuperative centre.  In addition to this he is exceptionally keen on dog racing, though in this latter connection he is in what we might term the second division, believing perhaps that whippet racing has more excitement than the First Division or grey-hound racing.  Still, as he laughingly asserted when referring to his fine whippet; “It may grow to a greyhound one of these days and earn promotion.”  How far this is likely may be seen on Tuesday next when he is running his dog at an extra special whippet meeting on the fine enclosure at Seaforth.  May his entry get its nose forward in the same way that Billy thrusts his head forward, and then we shall record a win in another sphere for William Ralph Dean, says “E.J.P,” who forgets to mention that Dean is also an ardent and able golfer with an enormous driving power.  The Everton directors are thanked by the steamer Dunoon for their kindness in inviting their members to see the great match on Saturday.  They appreciated the invitation as much as they appreciated the game. 

HE DISAGREES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 29 September 1927
Bee’s Notes
Reading “Bee’s” notes on the Newcastle United- Everton match, I am amazed at some of his remarks, says “Esprit de Corps”of Whitley Bay.  As a spectator (and a supporter of Newcastle United), let me say that Everton are a fine side, with a splendid defence.  O’Donnell was not at fault in taking the penalty- the same shot would have beaten nine goalkeepers out of ten.  Praise was due to Wilson (Newcastle’s keeper), for his splendid anticipation.  Again, Wilson did not advance as O’Donnell took the kick.  As for Spencer being ineffective, he was just the reverse; otherwise Dean’s “bag” would have been more than a “brace.”  Taking the game all round, I consider a draw was the most fitting result to a splendidly-fought match.  I am looking forward to the return game at Goodison Park, and if Everton can get a point from Newcastle’s visit, they will do well. 
I thank the correspondent for his opinion, and am only sorry I did not keep the Newcastle critic’s report sent to me on Tuesday –we tallied! 

WHY EVERTON SHOULD WIN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 September 1927
EVERTON SPURRED TO VICTORY
Bee’s Notes
I do not forget that when we travel to London for the Spurs’ game with Everton these teams opened the season last session with a win for Spurs, a very narrow win on a fearfully hot day.  I have more confidence in Everton this week, because I have formed the opinion that Spurs have not come forward, and are unreliable, and I believe Everton the longer they play the better will be their endeavor and confidence and combination.  There is no change of front in the team-sheet, and therefore I don’t think I can do better at this point than give the following letter from “Old Blue.”  Never was there a season where fewer letters of team-complaint were offered me.  This is through the two clubs doing well, and giving delightful sport-win, tie or lose.  Here follows the letter chapter;-
You missed something that was “real” in football on Saturday last.  That game with Huddersfield was as near perfection as could be, and the Town directors would be well advised to keep their forward line as it is, with Brown instead of Dent.  Kelly is a better inside right than left.  My object in writing this is to point out Everton’s one and only “spot” I would like to know, is there any chance of moving heaven and earth to get Alec Jackson down here?  He is absolutely the best, and only the best is good enough for Everton.  Good health. 
I disagree, “Old Blue,” At the moment Critchley is doing very well; he is young, needs and deserves encouragement, and is a far better player than many think.  Let him get on with his work.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Tottenham Hotspur; Britton; Forster, Richardson; Smith, Skitt, Grimsdell; Osborne, O’Callaghan, Sanders, Townley, Bellamy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1927