Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 September 1928
WELCOME TO THE FORMER BLUE PLAYER
IRVINE AT WALTON
HUGE CROWD CROWDS INTO GODOISON
By bee
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Portsmouth; McPhail; Clifford, McColgan; Moffatt, Nichol, Thackeray; Forward, G. Smith, Weddle, Irvine, Cook.  At Goodison Park, in perfect weather, before a huge crowd.  Roberts Irvine had a very hearty welcome at this, his first appearance in a red jersey at the Everton ground. 
McILWAINE’S SUSPENSION
As there has been some question about the eligibility of John McIllwaine to train during his suspension with the other players at Portsmouth, Mr. Jack Tinn brought the matter before the F.A secretary, last night.  In Mr. Wall’s opinion there is nothing to prevent a suspended player training regularly with his club, his sentence being that he is not allowed to play football during the term for which he is suspended.  In Mr. Wall’s opinion, McIllwaine will be eligible to play on September 22, at Fratton Park.  Portsmouth, having lost the toss, got busy in one minute by means of their clever outside left.  They were marching triumphantly towards the Stanley Park end when Kelly stopped their career.  Nichol the centre-half, dashed in with such a pace that Dunn was rather started.  Indeed everything Portsmouth did in the first moments of play was done in a fast furious manner.  They were facing the sun, but that was no hindrance to them.  When Everton did get away, they moved up through the agency of the brother Scots, Hart and Weldon.  Weldon’s pass was a perfect one, and Dean and the goalkeeper had a race, which ended in a dead heat, the ball being blocked by their boots.  Dean, a second later, caught the defence napping and fired the ball over the bar, being imitated in a minute by Irvine.  Ritchie soon made the crowd of 40,000 spectators forget his failings of Wednesday, his opening runs being full of precision and fire and leading Dean to a header that was a yard too high.  
THE BACKS WHO WERE LEFT
Perhaps there was dew on the ground, for there were a number of miskicks and cases of mistiming, one such when Weddle went through, Kelly slipping up in front of goal, making Davies go down to earth to clear the ball.  Everton were playing in the open and approved fashion, and apparently Portsmouth had no special mission about policing the centre forward beat.  They have two rugged backs down South, and apparently they left them to mind their own business.  Weldon was very happy in his early work, whereas G. Smith, who greatly resembles Jack Parkinson of old, made an unhappy drive after a free kick against Virr-an uncommon thing for this player to be found guilty of a back.  Cook is only a small winger, but is full of life, and when he best Cresswell, O’Donnell had to cut across to the extreme right to stop the trouble on hand.  Even so, Portsmouth continued to attack on the left, and Thackeray showed himself to be a fine first-class half-back, especially when he elected to shoot.  Everton should have been up, if not “up,” up,” at this juncture, because Ritchie stabbed a ball out of McColgan’s grip and centred to prevent Dean with the choicest of gifts. 
WHAT HAD GONE WRONG
Dean, usually so secure, made a positive mess of this one, kicking right over the ball and falling down.  The merest tap would have sufficed, and Dean’s appealing attitude suggested that he missed the chance because something had happened at close quarters.  Talking of close quarters, Irvine helped the defence to the extent of going near the boys pen and beating three men in his own dallying and dallying way.  Another point for the crowd’s hunour was the occasion when Troup headed a ball, Dunn headed near, Weddle shot wildly, and Dean from outside left, put in a centre that went to the extreme right-hand post, where McPhail made a solid catch.  The goalkeepers had an easy passage, and the more certain Dean slipped in front of goal the more certain was it that the ground was uncertain and inclined to make the players slide.  This was proved when McPhail, the goalkeeper, went out to reach a centre by Troup, and the ball slipped out of his grasp and led to Dean charging the goalkeeper over when that worthy had not possession of the ball.  Play was of a straggling character relieved for a moment by a comedy act which ended in a tragedy, so far as Portsmouth was concerned.  A free-kick was given against Nichol for an offence on Dean near the penalty line.  The referee, Mr. Kilsby, of West Bromwich, a newcomer to us, had his attention drawn to the fact that Dunn had pushed the ball a yard or two from the original spot.
DEAN HEADS IN.
O’Donnell took out his driver, as it were, prepared to take the free kick, only to be advised by the referee that he still had the wrong spot, the crowd roaring when the referee moved the ball two feet.  After all this palaver, O’Donnell’s free kick hit one of the wall of defenders and cannoned towards Dean, who headed to the extreme left corner.  A goal in 33 minutes, beautifully finished off, but pretty paltry in the making.  Infinitely better was the brilliant effort of Weldon who tricked Moffatt with the greatest of case and centred so that Dean could take a flying leap and a flying header, a movement of the same pattern that Dunn had adopted in making a gliding header.  Virr saved two warm tussles, and there came a free kick against Hart for a foul on Irvine.  If there was a foul, and the referee says emphatically there was, it was so definitely in the penalty area that it was absurd to concede any decision but a penalty kick, instead of which he had the old-fashioned release value used by the referee to place the free kick a yard outside the penalty area.  The forward work all round was not decisive, and Ritchie’s slowness again came to the forefront.  G. Smith made the best drive of the match with a magnificent volley a foot over the bar.  Half-time.- Everton 1, Portsmouth nil. 
DEAN’S FEAT AGAINST PORTSMOUTH
GOALS ON THE NOD
SECOND HAT-TRICK THIS SEASON
The early stages was of a straggling character.  After the half-hour, Dean finished off a free kick by heading into the corner of the net the only goal in the first half.  Hardly had the game restarted than Dean headed his second goal.  At the 62nd minute he accomplished his second hat trick so early in the season.  Ritchie added a fourth goal.
The second half opened with Cresswell putting paid to the little-seen forward, and Virr went up in brilliant to give a pass to Ritchie.  Ritchie took his time over his centre, and it was no great surprise when the ball cannoned against the body of McColgan, but this was actually the beginning of the second goal. 
DEAN’S SECOND
With the return packet Ritchie made a hanging centre with a curling ball, and Dean, facing the right wing, pushed the ball with his head into the extreme right hand corner.  Thus it was at the end of forty-six minute; Everton were two goals to the good.  Dean having headed both.  He scored a hat-trick at Portsmouth, last year, and was absent from the drawn match at Goodison Park, so that his work against the Southern club had borne great fruit.  Portsmouth were no better in the second half than in the first in the matter of shooting, Irvine being high over, and the general trend of the shot was poor.  Even so, McPhail had to stop Ritchie close in, and Dunn was close. 
DEAN’S SECOND HAT TRICK
Dean scored his second hat trick performance for the season and his second hat-trick against Portsmouth in his only games against them when he scored at the 62nd minute.  Naturally this was a matter of jubilation, and a more sparkling goal has never been seen on the ground.  O’Donnell took the ball over the touch-line, and centred in a way that suggested Dunn leaving the ball to Ritchie.  Dunn had other ideas.  He put the heel of his hoot to the ball, and Dean at once applied the closure to McPhail’s banking account.  Three moves and a hat-trick had been registered.  Unfortunately, there followed a nasty foul by Thackeray on Ritchie, following which Hart gave a retaliatory bump to the Portsmouth player in question.  After these incidents, the real business of the day was proceeded with, Portsmouth lacking conviction and convention. 
RITCHIE SCORERS THE FOURTH
Dean put in a tremendous shot, and Ritchie, taking the ball from a Portsmouth defender, scored with a fine drive.  Final; Everton 4, Portsmouth 0. 

BOLTON WANDERERS RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 September 1928
EVERTON IN ARREARS AT THE INTERVAL
At Bolton, before 3,000 spectators.  At first neither side could claim much advantage.  Then the Wanderers applied strong pressure, and for a time the visiting defence was fully extended.  The home team were rewarded when, after Hardy had fisted out a dangerous centre from Bolton, the latter accepted a pass from Jack, and gave the ball to Murphy, whose high shot completely deceived Hardy.  Immediately afterwards Cope skimmed the bar, and a low volley from Taylor brought Hardy to his knee.  The only really dangerous movement on the part of the visitors came after half an hour, but the Bolton defence was sound.  Jack received the ball three yards from the goalmouth, but Hardy took it literally off his toe.  Just on the interval Boston scored the home side’s second goal.  Half-time.- Bolton Reserves 2, Everton Res 0.

CADLY HALL V EVERTON “A”
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 September 1928
Early play was of an interesting character, both keepers being called upon in turn.  Lewis (Everton) centred smartly, Kirkwood and Dwyer made efforts to break-away for goal.  Kirkwood scored after 25 minutes.  Lewis equalized for Everton “A” two minutes afterwards.  Dwyer put Cadly ahead just on half-time.  Half-time; Cadby Hall 2, Everton “A” 1. 

EVERTON V BIRMINGHAM
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 September 1928
The L.M.S will run a special excursion to Birmingham on Saturday next for the Everton-Birmingham match.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 September 1928
By Louis T. Kelly


EVERTON 4 PORTSMOUTH 0
September 3 rd 1928. The Daily Courier
ANOTHER DEAN DELUGE REGAINS BLUES' PRESTIGE
RITCHIES SUCCESS IN ROUT OF PORTMOUTH AT GOODISON PARK.
PORTSMOUTH V. ADVERSITY
BRAVE DISPLAY AGAINST SUPERIOR CHAMPIONS.
Everton regained that prestige which they lost when opposing the Wednesday last week in convincing fashion against Portsmouth at Goodison Park on Saturday. Without question they thoroughly deserved their four clear goals victory and the success was more gratifying by reason of the fact that the directors despite severe criticism by the ‘grumblers' section, decided to make no changes so early in the season. Let the grumblers –those people who always think they know so much and yet know very little –take note that the very players they were crying down, Ritchie, was one of the greatest successes of the game, and won his spurs for the Champions. “Dixie” Dean too, was a great success. He obtained another three goals as the result of his own enterprise and virility and the kindly help of his clever colleagues. His first two goals were perfect headers, and then Dunn, whom a section of the crowd have nicknamed “Tich,” served up one of the finest passes of the game when he back heeled the ball through the backs for “Dixie” to almost break the net. The fourth goal, to the great delight of the watches, was secured by the so successful Ritchie. He quickly picked up a loose ball that came off McPhails body after Dean had shot and placed it into the roof of the net.
TERRIFIC PACE.
So much for the all-important goals, and know to the general play. The brightest portion of this thoroughly rousing encounter –it was contested at a terrific pace despite the summer-like conditions –was the second half. The opening period was inclined to be patchy, with Pompey doing as much of the really telling work as the champions. The chief trouble was that the Blues were so eager to go on with the goal-scoring that the halves and the backs kept going into each other's way. It was the fault of the visitors entirely that they did not make the most of these opportunities, but each of their five forwards would wait that fatal second when favourably placed. This policy could only lead to one result failure, and the Blues' defence saw to it that this was so. What was the result after the change over? Why, the Goodison brigade played championship football from the resumption to the last kick. They ran the Portsmouth defence to a standstill and with any luck would have obtained more than the three goals they registered during this period. It must be said for the visitors that they never gave up hope, but kept pegging away in the face of adversity. They lacked a leader, however, who could profit by the numerous openings provided by the old Everton favourite –Bob Irvine –and the persistent forward on the right wing Weddle was lacking in many of the qualities which getoxards making a good leader.
IRVINE‘S DRIBBLES .
Irvine was the best visiting forward, and one saw many of those intricate quickly-executed dribbles, which were a source of delight when he was at Goodison. Irvine was Pompey's prime initiator and it was not his fault that Davies was not beaten. The home vanguard was deadly. Few defences in the land could have stood up against so scientific and fast moving line. Hart was outstanding among the intermediates and Cresswell and O'Donnell operated in absolute unison and never gave an inch away. The Kings legs of Kelly and Virr were always in evidence and Davies made no error during a comparatively comfortable afternoon for him. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards. Portsmouth: - McPhails, goal, Clifford and McColgan, backs, Moffatt, Nichols, and Thackeray, half-backs, Forward, Smith, Weddle, Irvine, and Cook, forwards.

BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 7 EVERTON RESERVES 0
September 3 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 3)
Overwhelmed at Bolton, Everton were rarely given a look in, their forwards being well held, while the Merseyside rearguard were repeatedly at sea against open tactics which produced goals. Murphy dropped from the Wanderers first eleven claimed three, and Jack, Taylor, Mortimer and Boston the others. Everton's best efforts came from White, Critchley and Martin, but they were mostly from too long range against Pym. Everton: - Hardy goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Jones, White, Martin and Stein, forwards .

THE ART OF EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 03 September 1928
CONTRAST IN STYLE AND METHOD
DEAN AND OTHERS
EVERTON 4, PORTSMOUTH 0
By Junius
The fifty thousand spectators who witnessed the game at Goodison Park were provided with some really high-class football.  After the early stages, during which Portsmouth enjoyed quite as much of the play, Everton’s footwork and the manner of the scoring of the goals became something to remember for a long time.  Dean, as at Bolton in the opening match, credited himself with a hat-trick.  His first goal, after 33 minutes, came from an infringement upon himself by Nichol.  O’Donnell made a fierce drive, and the ball cannoned from a defender to Dean, who, with a head glance, placed it past McPhail.  Dean’s second success came a minute after the interval, Ritchie accurately placing the ball into the middle to be again cleverly headed in.  The third goal to Dean was a pretty one- almost an exhibition affair.  Dunn cleverly back-heeled to O’Donnell, who sent the ball forward for the leader to complete the movement with “fast drive.”  This came 17 minutes after the resumption.  He went through again to drive against the crossbar, while two minutes from the finish Ritchie completed the tale of goals. 
CULTURE AGAINST ENERGY
A striking contrast in methods was furnished.  Portsmouth were represented by eleven determined, hard-working players.  They put in their all, the made the most of what advantage they possessed in the matter of weight and speed.  By sheer dash and vigour, combined with occasional flashes of individual brilliance, the forwards, in the first half, at any rate, had as much of the attack as Everton, Smith, Weddle, and Irvine each having real chances.  How different it was with Everton, carrying effect in all their attacks.  Consecutive movements were backed up by finishing power, and the outcome was that while McPhail cleared more than half a dozen difficult shots, he was beaten on four occasions.  The margin was no more than Everton deserved.  Dean was the man of penetrative power, irrepressible in the open, while skill abounded on either side of him. 
RITCHIE ARRIVES
Perhaps the most gratifying feature to Everton was the part played by Ritchie who, though at times beaten for pace by Thackeray, was a conspicuous success.  Possessing s hot with either foot, he fitted in with the scheme of things.  Dunn was artistic in his touches, while Weldon and Troup completed a skillful line of attack.  The Portsmouth forwards I thought, worked the ball too much at close quarters to produce goals- methods which played into the defence.  Smith was an exception, but the inside men generally overelaborated.  Forward came into the picture in the second half, and Cook in the closing stages, but could exact little from a confident defence, with Davies maintaining his form in goal.  O’Donnell was a tower of strength –a foil to Cresswell’s cool, collective play.  Everton’s half-backs played up to customary high standard, Hart making an ineffective unit of Weddle.  The Portsmouth backs, Clifford and McColgan, had lapses that discounted an otherwise sound display.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Portsmouth; McPhail; Clifford, McColgan; Moffatt, Nichol, Thackeray; Forward, Smith, Weddle, Irvine, and Cook.  Referee; H. Kilsby, West Bromwich. 

GROWING IN GOODNESS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 September 1928
DEAN AND RITCHIE CAPTIVATE THE CROWD AND DROWN THE DAY WITH GOALS
Bee’s Notes
Critchly and Martin play for Everton tonight at Sheffield.  Ritchie (Knee) and Dunn (ankle) are injured.
Matters are moving space.  Ritchie has won his battle at the third time of asking.  He had to face the critics for the third time on Saturday.  He had not been satisfying in the trial games, or at Bolton, or at home v. Wednesday.  Yet he made good when he curled his centre towards goal to help Dean to his second goal against Portsmouth, and joy was complete when he scored the fourth goal of the day in a game that suffered through the stress of the intense heat.  Spectators forgot the heat through the joy of watching the goal-barometer rise.  Yet I firmly believe that Everton started in a manner that did not suggest a victory.  They had lost a bit of the confidence they had through their meeting with Wednesday –they play the return game tonight at Sheffield, and for the fourth time there is no change in the side- and it needed the tonic-so-far of a goal to make them remember their former triumphs,.  Even Dean seemed to languish a bit in the first half-hour.  He was slipping about; he was kicking right round a ball; Weldon late on did something similar all was going the wrong way till the free kick came.  The more I see of football offences the more I am convinced that a player who concedes, by the folly, a free kick is asking for a goal.  Let half-backs, backs- aye, and forwards, take note of the folly of giving foolish free-kicks.  Here was a free-kick utterly unwanted and uncalled for, that made a goal in a sloppy way, for all rebounds, have a slice of luck about them.  Ritchie’s centre to Dean, for the second goal, was the result of a rebound, and Ritchie’s goal came from a rebound from a pat-away by McPhail.  I am not demeaning the players concerned; I am pointing to actualities.  Meantime, the joy of goal-making was evinced when O’Donnell, hugging the touch-line, moved up and centred.  Dunn, a quick thinker, used his heel as Meredith used to- not by jerking the foot by dragging the ball along, square to Dean.  Dean, almost inside-left position, cracked the finishing touch.  And that’s how he got his second hat-trick in a week-old-season. 
HE LIKES PORTSMOUTH
Dean loves Portsmouth-it’s so bracing!  He has only played them twice and he got a hat trick each time.  I have seen both and I hope to see the third in this splendid serial story, when Everton go to the bonny sailor-town of the South.  Portsmouth, unlike most oppositions did not concentrate on dean; they looked upon him with an infra dig eye and paid the penalty.  He is most damaging when he appears to have struck a bad patch.  I remember the time when at Bolton, in his earliest days, he was going badly, and someone said, “Whoever says this player is a centre-forward is a fool.”  Dean scored three goals within twenty minutes of that cryptic judgement of his powers.  So it was on Saturday; he seemed to be off his game; yet he headed two goals and well-nigh brought the need of a new crossbar by blazing away at it.  Dunn shot rather far out and Troup had his usual packet at the goalkeeper, with the usual fortune –they save their best saves for the rocket-maker.  I thought Tony Weldon played charming football, forceful, clever and not overdrawn, because he leapt out of the way as he guided by an adversary.  Virr played another great game and Hart has found new life, one imagines, for he holds up all the centre-forwards.  Weddle was befogged by him and eventually lost touch with the right style of game.  Jack Smith I like for his ruggedness, but his shooting got wild near the finish of a game that was enjoyable if only for the spice of variety, notably when the referee sheltered under the palm tree of “safety” by putting a free kick he insisted had occurred a yard outside, whereas all the players concerned were well inside the penalty box.  He was not a bad referee; small, from a good school of industry – West Bromwich –but he made two telling errors.  Sh, well, they did not count; instead Everton counted another victory and convinced their supporters that this Jubilee Year is going to be a happy one, championship or no championship.  Attractive football will always satisfy the best spectators –and there are all best spectators at Everton and Liverpool, eh?  What? Have I said something right?  I hope the spectators will live up to my judgement of them and set as example to those of other lands who are said to crucify their players for one solitary failure, no manner how well they have played during others parts of the season.  Congratulations to Ritchie upon his improved game; anyone could see his football skill; lack of pace is often a fault with a Scottish player who comes into the rough and ready English type of game. 

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 EVERTON 0
September 4 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON CHOKED BY STRANGE-HOLD ON DIXIE DEAN.
POLICEMAN KEAN ON THE BEAT AT HILLSBOROUGH
SEED'S GOAL ENOUGH FOR DEPLETED VISITORS.
CRESSWELL THE GIANT
Everton were without their new Scottish right wingers Ritchie and Dunn, owing to injury, Critchley and Martin deputising. Everton had a taste of the Wednesday's quality last week, when a point was taken away from Goodison Park and last night at Hillsborough, the dose of medicine was stronger. No one grudged the Sheffield team their success, for they were better balanced and quicker on the ball, and generally much keener than Everton. At the same time, however, there are those who will say that Everton contributed to their own undoing by a curious decision after winning the toss. Cresswell, with the choice of ends at his disposal, set his side to face the powerful, slanting rays of the sun, apparently losing sight of the fact that this sun would have set during the second half. The result was that instead of having the sun at their backs in the first half, and no sun in the second, Everton had to play into a blinding glare at the start of the game. There may have been a reason for this decision, but it certainly looked very much like a tactical error.
EARLY GOAL.
The Wednesday opened and established a goal lead in eight minutes. The goal arose as a result of a foul on the left wing touch line. The ball was swept into the centre, and Seed, though finding himself hampered by Cresswell, deftly turned the ball to one side, and drove it just inside the post, well out of the reach of Davies. Actually that was the only score, but there were frequently occasions when several goals might have come. For instance, Weldon was the unluckiest man in the world to see a great 20 yards drive strike the crossbar although Brown was in close attendance. The Wednesday had opportunities of increasing their lead, both Seed and Allen going dangerously near the great shots. The game fluctuated and was full of thrills. There can be no doubt, however, that Everton were largely demoralised as the results of the impotence of " Dixie” Dean, who was rendered completely innocuous. At Goodison Park last week, Kean, the Wednesday centre-half, exercised a complete strange-hold on the Everton marksman, and last night it was precisely the same. Never at any time was Dean able to send in a shot; in fact, it is not exaggerating to say that during the whole game he never once troubled Brown.
WELDON PROMINENT.
The result was that the spearhead of the attack was taken up by Weldon, who, in addition to hitting the crossbar, went close on several other occasions and played a fine constructive game right through. Cresswell, however, was the outstanding figure in the whole match. His clearances and tackling were magnificent while he hardly ever wasted a ball and kicked a magnificent length. Wilkinson had few opportunities against this brilliant full-back, who was so well supported by O'Donnell, always, a fearless defender, on the other wing. The Everton halves were not up to the usual standard, though Hart did his utmost to set Dean on the move. Troup was as full of tricks as usual, but was not too well supported, and it was left to Weldon to carry almost the full weight of the attack. Wednesday blended admirably, and contrived to infuse plenty of dash and speed into their constructive endeavours. Trotter, like Dean, had an “ off day,” but Seed and Hooper were admirable throughout. Teams: - Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown, goal, Walker and Blenkinsopp, backs, Strange, Kean, and Marsden, half-backs, Hooper, Seed, Trotter, Hill, and Rimmer, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.
E Taylor
Hull Daily Mail-Saturday 8 September 1928
E. Taylor, the English international goalkeeper, of Everton, on Friday signed for the Ashton National Club, members of the Cheshire League, and was expected to play against Nantwich to-day. Formerly with Oldham Athletic and "Huddersfield 'Town. Taylor represented England against Scotland "1923, 1924. and 1926; against Wales 1923, and against Ireland in 1923 and 1924. also assisted his country against Belgium in 1923 and against France in the following season.

SOUND REASON FOR REJOICING
Sheffield Independent - Tuesday 04 September 1928
SEED’S EARLY GOAL BEATS THE CHAMPIONS
TWO GREAT TEAMS
WEDNESDAY 1, EVERTON 0
By W.H. Parton
Sheffield Wednesday have every reason for rejoicing over the result of their two conflicts with Everton.  In the first, at Goodison Park, last Wednesday, they deservedly divided the points.  Last evening they defeated the League champions in the return match at Hillsborough by a goal to nothing.  Their victory, worthily won, and watched by an enthusiastic crowd of about 30,000 people.  The spectators had the satisfaction of seeing a fine game, wherein both sides played strong, skilful and speedy football, keeping up a lively pace from start to finish, in spite of the warm weather.  It came as a surprise to see Everton play Critchley and Martin as their right wing in place of the Scottish pair, Ritchie and Dunn, but their forwards were nevertheless a smart line.  Wednesday had a left wing different from that which appeared in the team beaten at Blackburn, on Saturday, Allen, having recovery from his injury, resuming in place of Hill, and Wilkinson coming into the side on the extreme flank instead of Rimmer.  They formed an excellent wing, and it was good work by them which made the opening for the goal which decided the issue. 
SEED TAKES HIS CHANCE
This goal came eight minutes after the beginning of the match.  Wilkinson, seizing an opportunity for a raid on the wing, made progress and Allen with an admirable centre, placed Seed in possession.  The Wednesday captain coolly placed the ball with a well-directed shot out of reach of Davies, so that it passed into the net.  Following this success of the Sheffielders, there were thrilling movements in front of either goal.  Weldon was a splendid raider for Everton, and only a dazzling save by Brown, just under the bar, from him, prevented an equalizing goal.  Davies at the other end, was equally fine in stopping a header from Trotter, following a centre by Wilkinson.  The crowd were kept excited by the rapid exchanges and the excitement never was greater than when the famous centre-forward, “Dixie” Dean for once in a way, found himself past his redoubtable foe Fred Kean, past the backs and en route for goal.  Out dashed Brown, boldly tackled him, and, although hurt in the contact in which both went down, the Wednesday goalkeeper succeeded in saving a desperate situation. 
KEAN V. DEAN.
The early stages of the second half suggested that they might have great difficulty in holding fast to their lead.  The Everton forwards played smart football, with Troup and Weldon conspicuous figures, and made desperate efforts to equalize.  But the Wednesday defence never wavered, and Kean saw to it that Dean, with all his scheming for possession, was not allowed to give the goalkeeper any trouble, although he was severely tested in dealing with stinging shorts from Weldon and Troup.  For the second time within a week Kean held the mastery over England’s centre-forward.  As the game advanced the Wednesday forwards came more frequently into action.  Indeed as far as shooting at goal was concerned, they were the more dangerous line, and Davies had trouble from Wilkinson, Hooper, and Trotter.  In the closing stages they seemed quite as likely to increase their lead as the visitors did to equalize.  But with Cresswell and O’Donnell, great defenders at one end, and Walker and Blenkinsopp equally reliable at the other, a splendid game ended without any more scoring.  Teams;- Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Blenkinsop; Strange, Kean, Marsden; Hooper, Seed (Captain), Trotter, Allen, Wilkinson.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Referee; Mr. W.P. Harper (Stourbridge). 

GREAT WEDNESDAY WIN
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 04 September 1928
SEED’S GOAL BEATS LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
FINE ALL-ROUND DISPLAY
EVERTON’S FIRST DEFEAT IN 13 SUCCESSIVE MATCHES
By “Looker-On.”
Everton beaten! And by Sheffield Wednesday.  The great deed was achieved last night before some 35,000 spectators on the Hillsborough ground, and Wednesday followers will strut about the city full of pride for the rest of the week.  Why not?  Only one goal was scored, but ‘twas sufficient, and, fittingly enough that goal was scored by the Wednesday captain, Seed.  As pretty a goal as one could wish to see, too.  On Saturday night one talked of unlucky 13.  Unbeaten in a glorious run of twelve matches- last season and this-Wednesday lost to the Cup-holders at Blackburn in their 13th match from the start of the wonderful revival, March 24th last.  Now to a remarkable co-incidence.  Everton have cause to look upon number 13 with suspicious now.  For the match last night was their 13th following an unbeaten stretch of twelve games last season and this!  We in Sheffield have been chiefly concerned about Wednesday.  What did Everton do?  They had not won a match for approximately eight weeks.  Then on the very same day that Wednesday started upon their successful fight to avoid relegation, march 24th last, Everton also started anew on their quest for the Championship.  Like Wednesday, they were not beaten to the end of the campaign. 
TWO GREAT RECORDS
It is interesting to compare the records of the teams for the respective twelve matches;-
Wednesday
Played 12, won 8, Lost 0, Draw 4, For 28, Against 13, Points 20
Everton
Played 12, Won 8, Lost 0, Draw 4, For 33, Against 15, Points 20
Not a pin to chosen between them.  The only difference is in goal average. And there wasn’t a great deal of difference between Wednesday and Everton in last night’s encounter.  That match last night was worthy of everything one expected.  From the first to the last minute the game was packed with thrills and the atmosphere electrical throughout.  So tense was the game that towards the end time did not fly fast enough for the home spectators.  They wanted to get the game ever.  They felt Wednesday would win all right, yet they did not know whether or not that fellow Dean would get a goal and spoil the end of a perfect day!  When Mr. Harper, the referee, did signal the end, the cheering was tremendous –and so was relief.  Alderman Wardley said.  “This most disappointed man on the field is Dixie Dean,” Well, England’s great centre-forward may have been disappointed, but a more fervent tribute to his prowess than the sighs of relief cannot be imagined. 
DEAN’S RELENTLESS SHADOWER
Dean! The outstanding man in English football to-day.  Not a goal came to him either off foot or head, and he tried hard enough and his mates did their durndest for him too.  “Can you wonder at it?”  One Liverpool man said, “Four men on him all the time,” He meant Kean, Walker, Blenkinsop, and Brown!  The reply is given to illustrate general impressions.  Dean never eluded all the four of them.  It should be observed however, that the backs found plenty of time to attend to the other inside men, Weldon and Martin, and really Kean was Dean’s main obstacle.  I remember one occasion when Dean and Kean ran round in a circle.  Dean could not lose Kean.  Just as a man cannot detach himself from his shadow, so could not the famous centre forward detach himself from his relentless shadower, the Wednesday centre half-back.  Dean gave his adversary a full-sized man’s job.  He was never still; always moving into position, he was always on the job when the ball hovered around the goal areas.  Dead did quite enough to make one realise his greatness.  But very rarely could he escape his shadower.  He was continually bumping into Kean or Kean into him, and once, in his disgust, appeared to push the Wednesday man over.  That was the only way of getting him out of the way, and then the referee saw him! Altogether, Dean was up against a defence that was as solid as a wall.
A CURIOUS BLUNDER
Cresswell made a curious blunder before the match began.  He won the toss and then, strange to relate, instead of deciding to have the rays of the sun behind his team, he elected to face them and defend the Penistone Road goal.  Thus, for the most part of that first half, the sun was shining brightly and handicapping the vision of the Everton team, whereas when Wednesday had to defend in that half of the field, the sun had virtually disappeared.  Wednesday scored in the first half, exactly 7 ½ minutes after the kick-off.  They had penetrated on the left and Allen returned the ball back obliquently to Seed, in a line with the goal.  The Wednesday captain had not any time to spare, but he swiftly got the ball under control and scored with a straight rising drive.  The ball flew into the net just inside the post to the right of the goalkeeper. A well shot goal, indeed. Davies was not beaten again, though he had anxious moments with the sun in his eyes and corner kicks frequent.  One cannot enumerate the shots delivered.  Maybe, most of them were not full-blooded.  At all events they were sufficient to indicate that Everton now have the best goalkeeper they have had for years.  Tall, he handles high shots skillfully and he gets down to the low ones well, too.  His judgement was splendid.  One recalls how he darted out in the second half to pick up a low centre from Wilkinson.  His action was a picture of perfection.  He is a credit to Elisha Scott, the Liverpool goalkeeper.  It was Elisha who taught this young man how to keep goal on the sands at New Brighton! 
WELDON SUPRISES BROWN
Wednesday might have had a second goal in that first half, when Cresswell mis-kicked the ball from a centre by Hooper.  That was his only mistake.  Yet the manner in which he retrieved it was remarkable. All though the ball would got into the net.  The back merely turned round and hooked it back into play.  Coolness personified.  One does not remember the Wednesday goal being in any great jeopardy in the second half.  In the first, however, it was endangered.  Brown probably does not know how he stopped a great drive from Weldon.  A swerving ball deceived him.  He flung out both arms and the ball struck the left hand and dropped to the ground from whence Kean cleared, just as the pivot also cleared a low centre from Troup a little later.  Weldon also drove the ball fiercely on to the crossbar from a corner kick, and this clever nippy inside-left surprised Everton supporters with his shooting for he is said to lack punch.  Everton were more polished than Wednesday, yet that was more than counter balanced by the splendid go-ahead spirit of the Sheffield team.  And there were movements by the Sheffield men which were excellent, though there was not the sustained combination.  The pace was exceedingly fast throughout. 
TWO FINE DEFENCES
Each defence played finely, even if Cresswell was a bit uncomfortable in the first half.  Walker and Blenkinsop vied with the Everton captain and O’Donnell, and praise must be given all round.  Everton’s tall halves were a fine line; so was Wednesday’s though Kean confined himself to watching Dean.  In that he was brilliant and incidentally Kean’s anticipation was striking.  He invariably seemed to know what would be the next move and be in the right place to intercept the ball.  Strange’s terrier-like activities were frequently successful against the hot wing of Troup and Weldon two dexterous midgets with rare ball control, and Martin and Critchley did not get much change out of Marsden.  Everton’s trouble was that they could make no serious impression in finishing, with Dean held up.  Seed was the mainspring of Wednesday’s forward aggressiveness, working like a Trojan, first on one side of the field and then the other.  In consequence, Hooper was not so much in the limelight as usual yet be fired in some useful shots.  Trotter found Harts a stumbling block.  However, Wilkinson and Allen were a lively left wing, Allen hustling to some tune, while  little Wilkinson danced along with tricky feet and worried Cresswell, who in a sporting fashion cut out all rough stuff.  It was a jolly good match.  Wilkinson and Allen came in for Rimmer and Hill respectively and Martin and Critchley replaced Dunn and Ritchie, who were slightly injured on Saturday.  Result Sheffield Wednesday 1, Everton 0.  Teams;- Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Blenkinsop; Strange, Kean, Marsden; Hooper, Seed (Captain), Trotter, Allen, Wilkinson.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Referee; Mr. W.P. Harper (Stourbridge). 

WORKING OUT THE EVERTON CASE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 04 September 1928
Bee’s Notes
This sort of reasoning went through my mind when I thought of a series of articles “How I should act if captain.”  You see, Cresswell is nothing I not uncommon, and when he won the toss at Hillsborough he settled upon viewing the sunshine.  In the second half the sun had sunk its head and Wednesday defenders had no difficulty about its rays.  Have I said sufficient on this point; Quite!  Quit, then!
A DIAGRAM
Dean was held up by Kean –that’s how the story goes.  As a matter of fact, though the pair often lolled together, it could not be said that Kean held up Dean; rather was it that the ball generally came to Dean high in the air, that he headed it, in spite of Kean and the two backs.  The best way to show the position of these meetings of Everton and Wednesday is to offer the following diagram; - ??...??
The singleton is Dean; the trio are Kean, and his backs keeping a perfectly straight line- which should be termed bad defence, and the queries are Everton wingers. You'll notice the space that obtains where the wingers are concerned. It rather bothers most of us why the crowding of Dean does not lead to the outburst of the wing pairs.  But I'll tell you this: neither of our wing half-backs shaped well yesterday; Kelly has not touched his best, save in heading; he lost confidence, and at times appeared to give up in the glare of the sunlight, while Virr made miss-passes one does not associate with him. Thus the forwards were not well fed.  I would put Weldon as touching his greatest game yesterday. He was brilliant.  He was rashly enterprising; nothing was too great a trouble to him. He made telling shots, one of which hit the crossbar, and another turned at a tangent, Brown making a lucky save with the open hand.  In the goal-keeping department none did better or so well as Davies. He ran out  and gathered hot balls with a magnificently clean method; his leaping and punching  were successful, and he it was who presented  Wednesday taking full points a week ago, and nearly spoiled there yesterday.
No one can mistake the fact that Everton are not yet playing their game--even against Portsmouth they were not their true selves—and yesterday, while they were a decided attraction, and at times played the  most perfectly entrancing football, they lacked the necessary punch near goal.  Always good to look on, they were aggravating by of their inability to drive home the advantage gained by intricate footwork.  O'Donnell and Cresswell were a merry crew, daring, distinctive, rind .dainty.  Hart was our best half-back, and Wednesday's line was the better; yet the forward lines of both sides were below par. Rimmer was left out for the little raider Wilkinson.  Trotter was completely held up, Seed shot a bonny goal, deliberately, and well, and the referee gave a homely exhibition, and penalized one player four times without cause, and failed to notice him receive a healthy“heave“in the penalty area.  That's how football goes; complaints against such errors would be waste of time; there are times when the referee " goes theether way.”

THE OLD SCHOOL.
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 September 1928
Mr. Thomas P. Bethell writes:-- I note the remarks by Mike Higgins respecting Everton United Church and St. Domingo F.C.  As one of the members of the then E.U.C.C., also of the F.C. section, I am glad to find Mike sticking up for the part we played in the original club, and the fusion that formed the Everton Club. I had a wordy tussle on this subject a few years ago regarding the transition of title that gave the Everton Football Club its name. Will you kindly convey my greetings to Mike Higgins for which I enclose a stamped envelope. Will “Mike" please send his address again?

EVERTON’STRIP TO BRUM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 September 1928
WHAT THEY SAY
Bee’s Notes
Birmingham say, “We shall beat your side,” meaning Everton, you must be told! Everton at Birmingham, got away with a draw last season that was hardly representative of the way the game had gone, Tremelling suffered one of his few off days.  He has come right back to his form, and they tell me the change of places from Cringan, who used to be centre-half, and the veteran Barton has made a wonderful difference to the Brum side.  Barton v. Dean will be a treat, for both are strong-limbed, rugged and clever in heading.  Critchly retains his place at outside-right, and Dean becomes his partner,.  Birmingham play Bond outside right-no reflection to Dickie Bond of tender memory, and Briggs and Bradford will set the Everton half-backs some stiff tasks.  Birmingham have started in a way almost foreign to their nature, and having drawn at Huddersfield, where they are lacking in wing half-backs and haven’t yet filled Clem Stepheson’s place properly, they imagine this is to be their best season.  They are a very big lot physically, and the front line is swift into its stride and quick on the shot.  Thus tomorrow’s game promises to be a deadly duel.  These are the teams;- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Birmingham; Tremelling; Liddle, Randle; Cringan, Barton, Leslie; Bond, Crosbie, Briggs, Bradford, Ellis. 

FORMER RAITH MANAGER GOES TO CANADA.
Fife Free Press & Kirkcaldy Guardian -Saturday 08 September 1928
On Saturday, Mr. Geo. Wilson, former manager of Raith Rovers, left Kirkcaldy for Vancouver to take up again the position he held some time ago with the Ninon Oil Company.  Wilson was a well-known personality in Scottish football, in which he had a notable career. Lochgelly was his first senior club, and when he went to Cowdenbeath, he was accompanied by his brother, David. His next engagement was with Hearts, and during his service Tynecastle, he was capped for Scotland.  He then went Everton, and from there to Ireland, where he played for Belfast Distillery. Wilson returned to England, and played with Newcastle, with whom he secured an English Cup badge. On returning to Scotland, he had a turn with Raith Rovers, and assisted East Fife to win the Qualifying Cup. Wilson then went to Canada, and shortly after his return, which was necessitated the illness of his wife, he was appointed manager of Raith Rovers, a position which he relinquished prior to the appointment of Wm. Birrell.  When in Canada he was attached to the St Andrew’s Club in Vancouver, and he expects to resume his football activities with that club. On the occasion of his departure from Kirkcaldy, Wilson entertained a large party from Raith Rovers.

'NATIONALISTS' NEW CLUBS
Dundee Courier - Saturday 08 September 1928
E. TAYLOR JOINS CHESHIRE LEAGUE SIDE
Dundee's New Goalkeeper
E. Taylor, the English international goalkeeper of ' Everton, yesterday signed for Ashton National Club of Ashton-Under- Lyne, members of the Cheshire County League. Formerly with Oldham Athletic and Huddersfield Town, Taylor represented England against Scotland in 1923, 1924, and 1926; against Wales in 1923; and against Ireland in 1923 and 1924. He also assisted his country against Belgium in 1923, and against France in the following season.

R.E.JONES
Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 08 September 1928
R.E. Jones, who has been chosen to play centre half on two occasions with the Welsh League team, prefers to assist Everton “A” for whom he plays right back. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 September 1928
STERN GAME AT ST. ANDREW’S GROUND
BRUM’S “KNIGHT-ON”
DEAN CLOSELY WATCHED AGAIN
Say Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Birmingham;- Tremelling; Liddle, Randle; Cringan, Barton, Leslie; Bond, Crosbie, Briggs, Firth, Ellis.  Referee.- Mr. L. B. Watson, Nottingham.  Birmingham these days has a knight-on duty in the person of Secretary Leslie Knighton, and they have started the season in a way that is quite foreign to them- most successfully.  It is passing strange that once football starts the weather takes on a summer aspect.  So much so that the greatest wish of many is that cricket was in vogue.  Leaving Liverpool in torrential rain, I hardly expected to find Birmingham bathed in brilliant sunshine, but such was the case, while the heat in the city was intense.  Fortunately, however, there was a cooling breeze at St. Andrew’s, which would be welcome.  There was only one change in the card, and that was in the Birmingham ranks, Bradford going out for Firth.  The popular Joe injured a big toe during the match with Huddersfield, and could not possibly play. 
HIS FAME BROADCAST
By the way, two young men stepped up to Dean at Lime-street station just to shake hands and tell him they were from Canada, and were making the journey to the Midland centre for the sole purpose of wishing him luck.  They said he had a great name in the Dominions.  A low estimate put the attendance at 25,000 at the start.  The first friendly fixture with Celtic, the Scottish cracks, which was to take place on Monday, has been called off, due, I am told, to the fact that one of the stands at Ibrox Park is unsafe.  The home game is also off.  Everton played in white jerseys with blue facings, and the new uniform helped to make them look a big lot.  Everton had a tilt at the Birmingham goal in the first minute, nearly forcing a corner.  Troup’s free-kick was just a shade too high for Dean, but Dunn got his head to it and forced Tremelling to head the ball over the bar.  The second corner was speedily cleared, and then the Everton goal had a narrow escape, Briggs firing a shot into the side netting after Firth had worked a splendid opening for his partner.  With Critchley at the other end, Randle had to use the safely value method and pass back to the goalkeeper to prevent further trouble, and then the Everton goalmouth was chocked almost full of Birmingham players. 
CROSS PURPOSES
All were anxious to put the ball in the net, and while they had chances they could not manage it, for the Everton defence, although hard pressed, kept them out.  After a severe tussle the ball was cleared away, and Dean was sent clean through the centre in just the style he desires; but at the last moment he had to put the ball too far forward.  Tremelling, who had advanced to meet him, and Dean both missed their objective, and the ball passed out of play. Dean got a similar chance in the next minute, but in endeavouring to get the ball down to boot Randle nipped in and took the ball away from him.  Critchley once defeated three men, only to finish with a pass of poor direction; and then came Birmingham’s turn, and I Firth had kept a cool head he might have opened his side’s account, for he was admirably placed, but Davies made a smart save low down.  Critchley tried a bow at a venture, but his shot, although dead on the mark, was not powerful enough to evade Tremelling.  Everton were bothered by the sun, and they had to extricate themselves from many awkward predicaments; but they should have been left helpless when Ellis was let in not so far out, only to send the ball hurtling over the crossbar-a miss of a life-time.  Troup also had a packet without success, and when Birmingham right-wing pair, Crosby and Bond, got working together to hold them up, Cresswell passed back to Davies, and it became a near thing for a goal.  Dunn and Weldon tried to set Dean going, and when the elusive left headed forward to Dean it was only a matter of inches that put Dean offside, but it was an excellent decision. 
A FREE KICK PROBLEM
So far it had been an interesting game, with Birmingham having more chances to draw first blood.  Briggs, as usual, shot safe when the opportunity arrived; but it was astonishing to find him kicking all-round the ball when Dean misheaded to him for Virr.  Dean was finding the Birmingham defence very solid, but many of the passes which were obviously meant for him went to the opposition.  On Davies being held for carrying I was surprised to see the player entrusted with the free kick, shooting directly for the goal, when everybody knows that a goal cannot be scored direct from such a kick.  The player must have been hopeful of the ball striking another player en route.  O’Donnell made a daring but clever clearance right in front of his own goal, and after Dean had been pulled up for offside- a decision that was questioned- Weldon shot wide of the mark.  Still it was good to see him having a fling.  Cresswell and O’Donnell got in two minds and let the opposition throught, but the latter retrieved the position by dashing back and pushing the ball away from the foot of Briggs.  It was a tense moment for the Everton club.  Just before half-time Birmingham piled on immense pressure, and a goal seemed to be their reward when Briggs cleverly side-stepped the ball to Firth, whose shot almost grazed the crossbar.  Davies, however, was right under it, so the danger was not so nearly great as it at first appeared. 
WELDON AS JUGGLER
Weldon had another try at goal, and a rather good effort it was, but Tremelling was not to be caught napping. Weldon was without doubt a dangerous man to the Birmingham defence, and once he lobbed the ball over the heads of two players and just over the bar.  Ellis, not for the first time, missed a sitter, and Davies had to be very sure when handing a corner kick away from the goal.  Weldon tried hard and another attempt went sailing wide.  Birmingham had won this half on points. 
Half-time- Birmingham 0, Everton 0
A SENSATIONAL SECOND HALF
THROUGH HIS OWN GOAL
DEAN ADDS TO HIS AGGREGATE
Both goals missed being penetrated in the first half.  There were many chances, but shooting lacked direction.  The second half started sensationally, for in two minutes Everton were 2 up, Liddell putting through his own goal, and Dean adding to his aggregate.  Dean again succeeded, putting on the third, but Briggs reduced Everton’s lead to 3-1. 
There was a sensational opening for Everton had scored a goal in thirty seconds.  It was a strange goal too, and this is how it happened.  Critchley had a centre cannoned back to him.  This time he slipped the ball inside to Dunn, who with his left foot sent it soaring into the middle.  Dean making tacks to get his head to it.  Before he could do so Liddell got his shoulder to the ball, and it went hurtling over Tremelling’s head into the goal.
DEAN’S GOAL
Birmingham’s reply was a solid one, and when Bond shot in with the side of his boot Davies made a particularly brilliant save.  Almost straight from this Everton obtained a second goal.  Dean being the scorer, and it was a typical Dean goal, too for few players could have found the net at such an angle.  Hart was the provider of the pass which took Dean to the left of the goal, and to cover that section of his charge Tremelling had to move over, but Dean hooked the ball over to the far side, and Tremelling was found out of position.  The goal was so cleverly executed that Dean was given a great ovation.  This was a startling change, and it was evidently just what Everton needed, for from this point they stormed round Tremelling’s goal, and came near to adding to their score.  O’Donnell, in charging, bounced the ball on to Crosby, and it went outside the up right.  The throw in was the starting point of a Birmingham attack, which nearly brought a goal- and it would have done so but for the fine work of Davies in goal.  Cringan capturing the throw-in centred, and Cresswell could not get up high enough to check its career, and Firth shot first time.  Davies got his hands to it and turned it on to the underneath’ portion of the crossbar, catching it as it came down and clearing.
TREMELLING ON PINS
Several close offside decisions pulled up Dean, who, however, gave Tremelling several anxious moments with capital drivers.  Weldon was at fault when Troup made a position for his partner, Weldon’s shot being screwed all over the place. 
EVERTON THREE UP
Critchly after a lot of hard work lobbed the ball into Tremelling’s hands, and when the winger made one of his best centres only Tremelling’s long reach prevented Dean getting another goal.  However a third goal was not long delayed for Dean, working at outside left, defeated Liddell and sent in a well-directed centre just to the right, so that Critchley was able to come prancing up and shoot into the net. Now this goal came at the 75 minute and a minute later another goal had to be recorded, but this time to Birmingham’s account, Briggs snapping up a pass from Firth and sending home a telling blow.  When Everton had a foul given against rather than hurt them, for if the referee had allowed play to proceed Birmingham’s prospects of scoring would have been much higher.
BRUMS TAKE HEART
Briggs’ goal had undoubtedly given his side hart, for prior to that they seemed to have thrown in the towel, and for some minutes they put up a storming attack without getting any reward.  The Troup, Dean combination nearly brought a fourth goal, which Dean’s header was only turned over the bar at the last minute.  Weldon had shocking luck with his shots.  Once he had the misfortunate to hit the side of the bar with a worthy effort.  Final; Birmingham 1, Everton 3. 

EVERTON RES V BIRMINGHAM RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 September 1928
THRUSTFUL ATATCKS MEET WITH GOOD KEEPING.
Birmingham followed a slow start with some very bright open play, but they were never quite as dangerous as Everton in front of goal.  Time and time again did the home attack get within shooting distance of Hibbs, but his wonderful anticipation repeatedly saved his charge, for neither of his backs were really reliable when under pressure.  Martin came very near in the first few minutes, Griffiths had a scoring header fisted out, and Martin and Forshaw both had efforts saved.  Stein also made the keeper hold a very warm handful.  The Birmingham attack was almost as thrustful , and Hardy had to contend with shots from Cooper, Curtis, Pearle, and Marifiit.  Everton had a penalty for hands, but Stein applied too much lift, and the ball went over.  Forshaw was playing good football, and altogether the first half had been a good one.  Half-time; Everton Res 0, Birmingham Res 0. 
A leg injury prevented Marfitt resuming for Birmingham in the second half.  Forshaw scored twice for Everton.

ELLESMERE PORT TOWN V EVERTON “A”
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 September 1928
Everton threatened an early raid which Keely checked, and the visitors were lucky when Griffiths shot over close range.  In the next minute Whalley blundered and Griffiths scored a soft goal for the Port.  Whalley was beaten with a shot from Storey which just passed outside.  Chapman saved a great drive from Templeman, whose clever play with Lewis was checked by the home backs.  The Town played up well and Roberts headed through a corner kick by Wallem, and Keeley added another.  Half-time; Ellesmere Port Town 3, Everton “A” nil. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 September 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

TED TAYLOR FOR ASHTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 September 1928
Ashton National have secured Ted Taylor, the international goalkeeper who has played six times for England.  Last season he played in twenty-six First Division games for Everton and was previously with Oldham Athletic and Huddersfield Town.  He played against Nantwich to-day in a Cheshire League match.

EVERTON SKILL
Athletic News - Monday 10 September 1928
Birmingham City 1, Everton 3
Birmingham Miss Their Chances
By Brum.
There could be no doubting the skill of the Everton combination T St. Andrew’s.  They were a real team, and they played real football.  In the opening half they were in no sense superior to their rivals save that there was possibly rather more polish about their football, but Birmingham were the side that had openings and they should have had a lead at the interval, but from that point onwards they were a beaten side.  In the first minute, Dunn got in a shot which Liddell deflected into his own net, and four minutes later Dean ran down, swerved to the side, and then got in an oblique shot which Tremelling could follow with his eyes but not with his hands.  The third came from Critchley, but it was Dean’s genius that provided the chance which Critchley took so aptly.  Dean made a strong run but was baffled in his attempt to find an opening and made a long pass to his wing man, and Critchley made full use of a timely and far-seeing pass. 
Bradford Missed
Then Briggs ran down and scored and there the telling worked ended.  Birmingham were seriously handicapped by the absence of Bradford, who is suffering from a sore toe.  He will soon be in the side, but it was deemed prudent to without him from this game.  There seemed to be a frace of irresolution about the forward play, and the shooting was feeble.  There was little of the clear-cut passing that Everton consistently showed.  The defence was not amiss.  Barton was decidedly clever at centre-half, and Leslie did good work, while Randle was dogged in everything he attempted and Tremelling did all that a custodian could be expected to do.  Everton gave some delightful football.  The two wing pairs, Critchley and Dunn and Troup and Weldon were always well together, even during the opening half, when goals were not in evidence.  There was a polish about their play which appealed to every good judge of the game, and there was the watchful and trustful Dean ever ready to take advantage of any slip on the part of the opposing defence.  Critchley played a very fine game, Troup had a genius for getting the ball into the centre, too, and there was a thorough understanding between all the constituent parts of the team.  But Dean was the man the crowd came to watch and he did enough to sustain his unique reputation.  Hart and his colleagues were strong and ever ready to support their forwards, and Cresswell gave a wonderful display.  He seemed able to repress.  He seemed able to repress any Birmingham attack single-handed.  It was a thoroughly sporting game and excellently referred.  Birmingham; Tremelling; Liddell, Randles; Cringan, Barton, Leslie; Bond, Crosbie, Briggs, Firth, and Elliss.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr, Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee. S.B. Watson, Nottingham. 

BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 EVERTON 3
September 10 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
BIRMINGHAM LOSE HEART.
DEAN ACTIVE DESPITE LEG INJUTY.
There is an old adage which refers to “ twice better off is he who gets his blow in first,” but when your opponent put that blow in for you, so much the better. This was precisely what happened as St. Andrews, Birmingham, on Saturday, when Everton wiped away the bitterness of their defeats by the Wednesday by defeating Birmingham by three goals to one. Birmingham a lively enterprising eleven, were the more potent side in the opening half, when the Champions played well as individuals but failed to live up to their reputation as a collective force. It was a few seconds past the first minute of the second season that the Midlanders landed the blow, which counted, to Everton as their first. In endeavouring to lob the ball across to Dean, Dunn played a little too forward, and Liddell and Tremelling, both went to clear. Liddell's head was there first, but he only sliced the ball, and it dropped backwards into the net with the goalkeeper waiting under Liddle's back to clear. This grit goal not only placed the Champions in front, but it resulted directly in a complete change in their play.
DEAN'S GREAT SHOT.
When the renowned Dean added a second goal four minutes later all the heart went out of the homeside. It was a splendid shot, which gained the goal, for no matter which way Tremelling threw himself he could not possibly have stopped it. Placing, and not pace, did the track. The third Everton point was also well engineered and obtained, Critchley racing in at top speed to ram home Dean's well-judged cross. Birmingham obtained a consolation goal a minute after Briggs –a cute player –quickly snapping up a short pass from Firth and giving Davies no chance. The Midlanders had the better of the argument in the opening half, but even then they never once had the full measure of their opponents. The Everton defence came out of a trying ordeal splendidly, the intermediates falling back whenever danger threatened to gave Cresswell and O'Donnell a helping hand. The backs too, worked bravely and well. Taking the match all through the Champions were good value for their win and the Birmingham people themselves were only too ready to admit this fact. Davies had not as much work to do as Tremelling, but he played brilliantly and never placed a wrong hand forward. Two of his saves were marvellous ones. The backs again did well, the dash and resource of O'Donnell, and the wonderful anticipation and clean kicking of Cresswell making up the ideal pair.
HART PROMINENT.
Hunter Hart was the outstanding figure in the middle line while Virr was more than a match for the clever Bond-Crosbie wing. Kelly too, performed with credit, although his immediate opposition was not so strong as that of the other flanks, even while accounting for the fact that Firth made a capable substitute for the injured Bradford. The forwards all did well, although the best of them was not seen until the game was half gone. Dean missed two good chances right at the start, but in the second half he more than made up for these lapses, despite having received a blow on the leg. He gave Barton and Co. no rest, and this enabled the scheming Dunn and Weldon to put their delicate ideas into operation with perfection. Critchley did exceedingly well on the right and Troup was ever a thorn in the side of Cringan and Liddell. Teams: - Birmingham City: - Tremelling, goal, Liddell, and Randle, backs, Cringan, Barton and Leslie, half-backs, Bond, Crosbie, Briggs, Firth, and Ellis, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Crirtchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 1
September 10 th 1928. The Daily Courier
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 4)
Everton were fully entitled to their success, but the visitors were badly handicapped through an injury to Morfit, which compelled his retirement after 15 minutes. There was an abundance of good shooting in the game, but both goalkeepers emerged with honours. White, the Everton centre, however, had a poor day. Stein also shot over the bar from a penalty. The winger, however, retrieved his miss by scoring two fine goals in the second half. Forshaw also finding the net twice. Cooper scored Birmingham's point. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Forshaw, White, Martin and Stein, forwards .

 “GIFT” GOALS TURNS THE SCALES
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 10 September 1928
“BLUES”UNFORTUNATE IN GAME WITH CHAMPIONS
HOW SUPREMACY WAS LOST
BIRMINGHAM 1, EVERTON 3
By Forward
It was strange how a simple incident will turn the whole trend of a football match, but it happened in the case of Birmingham’s home engagement with the League champions and instead of ending up with at least a point, as appeared most probable in the first half, they finished up two goals behind their visitors.  Until Liddell had the misfortunate –a sheer piece of bad luck –to put through his own goal there was no doubt as to the superiority of the home side, whose forward play gave greater hope of success than that of Everton, but after they gained the lead the winners were a vastly different side and took full advantage of the encouragement the simple goal had given them.  The incident which swung the game round in favour of Everton occurred only a minute after the interval.  Dunn, from the far line, put the ball toward goal and there appeared nothing to do but for Tremelling to quietly gather it up and send up the field.  Liddell, however, touched the ball with his shoulder and deflected it out of the goalkeeper’s way into the untenanted goal.  No one ever dreamed of such an ending to a simple centre, for there was no Everton forward near to challenge possession, and yet it had a tremendous influence on the game.  Birmingham who had previously had the advantage in play, lost their supremacy and the visitors had all the encouragement they required to carry them forward to success.  Only four minutes later Dean fastened on to a forward pass from Hart, and though still closely attended sent in a low shot which left Tremelling helpless.  After 75 minutes Dean again took the ball forward, and when forced into a hopeless position from the scoring point of view he flashed the ball across goal to Critchley, who quickly shot into the net for the third goal.  A couple of minutes later Briggs reduced the lead with a capital goal, and though they made further his efforts to wipe out the deficit Birmingham had no further reward.
“BLUES” MORE THRUSTFUL
It was a keen, hard game fought under trying conditions, the heat being very troublesome to the whole of the players.  Birmingham showed the netter form in the first half and appeared the more likely scoring side, though the defence of both teams were too keen and reliable for either of the attacks to get anything like scoring chances.  Still, Birmingham were the more aggressive and trustful, and whatever advantage there was in the game was on their side until Everton gained the led in so unexpected manner.  Bradford was an absentee from the home ranks owing to his damaged toe, and there can be no question that he was missed, though Firth filled the breach admirably.  Bond was again prominent on the wing, and the half-backs played soundly.  Barton keeping a wonderfully effective vigil on Dean.  Liddell and Randle made a safe defence, and Tremelling did well in goal having no chance of saving any of the three goals scored.  Cresswell was the outstanding figure on the visiting side.  His coolness in defence always gave confidence and it was rare indeed that he misdirected the ball, though he was hard pressed on many occasions.  Weldon was eager to score and was always ready to try his luck but his aim was usually at fault, while Dean had too much attention to be often in the picture.  However, he made two openings, and both of them brought goals- enough good work for one match.  Birmingham; Tremelling; Liddell, Randle; Cringan, Barton, Leslie; Bond, Crosbie, Briggs, Firth, Ellis.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Kerr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Referee; Mr. L.B. Watson (Nottingham). 

EVERTON COMPLETE THE DOUBLE EVENT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 10 September 1928
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
By Stork
To the victors the scars of battle are mere trifles, the visitors is the thing, especially if the decision has been hard won, as Everton’s was at St. Andrew’s on Saturday, so it was not surprising to find that there was a contented feeling abroad as the members journeyed home. Fortunately, the injuries to several of the players were only a minor character.  Dean strained the ligament behind the lance, Virr carried a nasty bruise just above his ankle.  Kelly was limping a little, as was O’Donnell, who had received a hefty knock on his thigh.  Still, we were all merry and bright, for the victory won at Birmingham was fully deserved even though it was a fortunate goal which was the responsible factor in the triumph.  No goals had been scored up to the half stage; but if points had been awarded for superiority in attack Birmingham had taken them, for Everton, up to the scoring of the first goal, had not promised a great deal, whereas Birmingham’s forwards had suggested goals, and would have got them if the Everton defence had not been so stern, and they (the forwards) had not shown a propensity for missing openings.  True, Everton also had their opportunities to have struck a telling blow at the Birmingham defence, but for once in a way Dean did not appear to be quite at home.  Of course I know the reason now, but did not do so at the time.  His strain came in the first few minutes, hence his hesitancy to have a real go when the chance came his way.  Twice he was through in a way which, in ordinary circumstances would have meant goals, but, well, now you have the explanation.  While there were many cases of missed chances both goalkeepers had some hot stuff to do, and the more I see of Davies the more I like his style.  He is gaining in confidence, and that was all required of him, for the skill was there as he demonstrated when he kept out a rare effort from Bond, once from Firth, and his edging away of a nasty looking corner kick from Ellis, which materially helped his side to resume on level terms.  Inside thirty seconds however, Liddell had the misfortune to turn the ball into his own net, and that was the first mail in Birmingham’s coffin, for it took the spirit out of them and put it into Everton, who, from that point, played more like themselves and were never again in danger of defeat; in fact, they went on to make Birmingham look small fry, and a second goal – a peach by Dean- knocked the fight, which had made them a menace in the first half, out of them.  Everton had taken command, and but for Tremelling, Dean would have had more goals, while Weldon would have broken his duck, for he was a rare shooter, even through he sometimes was out of gear with his direction.  He had wretched luck when he crashed a fierce shot on to the woodwork, with Tremelling well beaten.  Then came Everton’s third point of Dean’s making, for he easily defeated Cringan, who seemed to have leaden feet by the way he went about the fields, and centring just wide of Tremelling, he gave Critchley the opportunity to come up and pilot the ball into the net.  Birmingham got some sort of recompense a minute later, when Briggs went through and scored, but the victory had been well won by that time.
NOWADAYS.
Nowadays Everton do not come into their own until a goal has been scribbled up on the slate.  I have been with them at two of their away games, and it was not until they had scored that they display their real strength.  At the back end of last season it became a habit of theirs to get a goal early on, many times in the first minutes, but today they give us food for thought ere they win through.  Top try and explain it is difficult, but I must admit to the opinion that they are not playing quite so well as last season, and that with almost the same men.  For one thing Dean has not touched his real form.  That may appear to be a strange statement in view of his seven goals in five matches.  Dunn was exceedingly clever, and Weldon worked like a Trojan, but too much is expected of Dean, who was forever shadowed by one or more opponents.  Kelly and Cresswell between them stopped the Birmingham left wing, but Kelly has not yet reached his known standard.  Crosbie is the Birmingham artist, but a lot of his touches are overelaborate; while Briggs, who usually snatches up the frailest chance and make good, was guilty of several blunders.  It was interesting to see Percy Barton as a centre half, and while he was responsible for much good work he lacked speed, and has a tendency to work to his left.  Cringan, as I have stated, was heavy-footed.  It was a scorching day- I am told it rained in Liverpool –and such conditions are not favourable to hectic football; players arte only human, you know. 

GUILTY, McLORD
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 12 September 1928
Bee’s Notes
In reading your report of the Everton v. Sheffield Wednesday match, played at home, I was amazed to know there are so many spectators not intimate with the rules (says Mr. Kermode, Ballasslla, I.O.M). You referred to an incident that occurred in the match, namely, of a free kick awarded to Everton, taken by Dunn, who back-heeled the ball to Dean.  You stated you had not met anyone who could tell you whether the kick was legitimate on account of back-heeling the ball to Dean.  I witnessed the match, and also heard several remarks re the incident.  I have been a reader of your notes for several years, but may I say you gave the impression that you were not certain yourself about the incident, whether it was legitimate or not?  If you will kindly read the rule (re a free kick), you will find it is not necessary for the ball to be put forward, and that the kick was quite lawful.  You also made reference to Gallacher, of Newcastle, of his conduct n the Burnley match, and remarked that you sincerely sympathized with him as he was generally more sinned against than sinning.  And then, sir, to my surprise and amazement you commended him for the action he purposed doing leaving the field of play, I wonder what would become of football if every player thought and acted as did Gallacher on being fouled.  I was much impressed with the sporting action of Dean in the Wednesday match.  When he broke through all the opposition with the exception of Brown, and then to save a score the Wednesday back tripped him badly, and you will remember the kick was just one yard outside the penalty area.
Thanks, Mr. Kermode, I confess, quite frankly that though the free-kick incident was in my mind I had forgotten the ruling, and all with whom I spoke could not tell definitely the answer.  As far as Gallacher is concerned I hold no brief for the man, as my writings have shown; but this I do know; Players have been in the habit of serving him conduct that he could not reply to- and they knew it!  I can quite appreciate his viewpoint when he says; “Ohm I’ll go off the field.  If I stay on they will goad me to an offence and I shall than quit the game forever!”  Do not forget that week-kneed referees are never shy about the dog with the bad name; this player can be nearly murdered before they think he has any reason to seek official care. 

EVERTON RES V DERBY COUNTY RES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 12 September 1928
Everton Res; Hardy; Common, Kennedy; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Forshaw, White, Martin, and Stein.  Derby County Res; Hampton; Webb, Jessop;  Nicholas, Robinson, McDougall; Ferraday, Hope, Ruddy, Stephenson, and Robson (J.C).  At Goodison Park.  Derby reserves played George Stephenson.  In the first half Everton had much of the advantage thanks to their good combination and smart footwork.  Forshaw failed with a penalty after White had been brought down, and the Derby goalkeeper was injured in the process of saving the rebound.  Meston was also hurt, the result of dangerous play when he bent low to head a ball a foot from the ground.  He recovered, and found splendid aid from Forshaw, while in defence no one was quite so rebust and sure as Kennedy.  Derby were disappointing in the forward line, and their defence broke down under continued pressure, Forshaw scoring ten minutes before the finish of the half with a long shot that struck the post before passing in.  Hardly had practically nothing to do.  Before the end of the first half Hampson, the Derby goalkeeper, made further good saves from White and Forshaw.  George Stephenson it appears was having a try out with the reserves to see if it was politic to play him in the first team on Saturday.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, Derby Res 0.  In the second half a Derby forward crashed in a shot that broke the post supporting the goal net into two piece.  Play had to be stopped while the goal area was mended. 

ANCIENT HISTORY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 September 1928
Your reproduction in the “Football Echo” of the old Everton F.C team brings vivid and pleasant recollection to my mind (says Geo. Bell) of the early days of the club. I was assistant secretary to Teddy Watson when we went from Stanley Park to Cruett’s field at the bottom of Arkles-lane.  The photograph reminds me of the only occasion I played in the first team at Eagerely, near Bolton.  The team;- C. Lindsay, T. Marriott, Bob Morris, J Pickering, Preston, W.H.Parry, E. Berry, D.H. Williams, J. McGill, G.T. Bell, J.Richards.  Result; Everton 4, Eagley 3.  Preston was a stout little centre-half and also a good cricket.  This ancient history may interest some of the “old boys.”

EVERTON RESERVES 2 DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 0
September 13 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 5)
Everton Reserves beat Derby County in the Central League at Goodison Park yesterday much more easily than the score indicates. Hampton, the Derby County goalkeeper, gave one of his best displays seen on the ground this season. He saved a penalty taken by Forshaw and given for a foul on White, though he was damaged in doing so. He could use only one hand after this, yet he defied all except Griffiths and Forshaw, who scored near the interval, who obtained the ball after it had come back from a corner, sent it like a rocket into the net. The game was a clean one yet there were a number of accidents besides that to the goalkeeper, Meston kicked in the face, Nicholas having his leg damaged, while Forshaw twisted his knee again and retired near the end. For the winners Common, Kennedy, Bain, Martin and Forshaw, while Derby were best represented by Ruddy, Fereday and the goalkeeper.
Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Forshaw, White, Martin, and Stein, forwards.

FEATURES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 September 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton Reserves gave us a feature-programme yesterday, when they won their game with something in hand, but took rather too many chances in the cause of prettiness before they had got their grip on victory.  If Hardy had not made two very good saves at the half way, Derby would have been encouraged to go for victory.  Derby were very earnest, and Stephenson’s presence in the forward line  meant that there was some chance for combined style; but Everton were clearly the superior, and their method of play was enticing to spectators, who like to see the ball worked.”  It was a game that produced a penalty save; it produced a broken pole at the back of one of the goals; it produced an injury for Forshaw, who appears to be likely to lie up for some time; it produced some stirring shooting from Rooney and determined tackling y Kennedy and Common.  One wonders how a side like this came to lose 7-0 recently?  Martin and Stein make a bonny wing pair, and Derby’s backs struck me as a stern set, and their goalkeeper a beautifully clean type and man of visions. 
SATURDAY’S MUSIC
Programme of music for the Everton v. Manchester City match on Saturday.
Aigburth Silver Prize band.  Berd Feldman programme (by request). 
“Under the moon,” “I left my sugar, &c.”
“When day is done,”  “Let a smile be your umbrella.”  Community land,”  “So tired,” “Rosalie,”  “After my laughter.”

MANCHESTER CITY’S RETURN TO FIRST DIVISION FOLD
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 September 1928
Bee’s Notes the programme tomorrow takes the eye and promises the goals.  Manchester City are with us at Goodison Park, and there will be much curiosity aroused by their appearance, because, first, they are newcomers to the League, having gained promotion to the League last back end; second, they had the temerity- some called it impudence –to bury a brand new forward line in the closing weeks of the season- a bit of enterprise that was successful, or else we should have been reading long screeds about the folly of dropping the pilot.  It is only when things go wrong that the public take up the cudgels and the pen with poisonous ink!  Manchester City to me are always engaging when they have a half back such as Jimmy McMullan.  Then there is the appearance of Gray as a First Division player.  Gray is one of the goalkeeping personalities of the game.  When he is in his brightest form he is possibly the best ever.  In international matches he has given some wonderful displays.  He left Oldham fastnesses and night life for the benefit of Manchester City, following Goodchild and others, who have done the City good service.  Will Second Division “slamming” be in evidence tomorrow?  Will speed be the tally, as compared to science?  It is going to be a thought-reading match until proceedings start.  Then there may be some fun.  I understand that the Everton inside forwards played particularly well last week, at Bradford.  The appointment of Critchley at outside right again is another factor which will compel people to watch Everton.  The team is keen to get on top of the chart, and the City is anxious to help them to that end.  It will be a day of inter-city rivalry, and with Manchester visitors pouring in it is plain that Everton will command another huge attendance, I do claim that, whatever the result, the attraction will be there, and the football should be there.  Hence the call to the popular clamour.  That victory at Birmingham went a long way to make one forget the display against Sheffield Wednesday.  These are the teams; Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; critchly, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

PUBLIC-HOUSE AND “SOCCER”CROWDS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 September 1928
EVERTON APPLICATION REJECTED
POLICE OPPPOSITION
Liverpool magistrates to-day refused two applications for extension of hours made by two Everton hotels- the Winslow Hotel and the Stanley House –in respect of the Goodison park match tomorrow, Everton v. Manchester City.  For both licensees, Mr. R.K. Milne said permission was asked to open at 4.45 p.m. tomorrow-three-quarters of an hour earlier than they were entitled to open under the ordinary regulations.  Thousands attended the matches, added Mr.Milne, not merely Liverpool people, but people from Cheshire and North Wales, and tomorrow a large contingent from Manchester.  It was because of these people he supported the application.  Similar applications had been granted. 
AT BOLTON’S GROUND
At one Lancashire football ground the ground had been licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor as well as other refreshments.  Mr. S.R. Dodds (opposing)- Will my friends specify the ground?
Mr.Milne.- The Bolton ground
It was on account of the representations made to the licensees that the applications had been lodged.  The match would be over at 4.45, and it would relieve congestion if the public were allowed to go into these licensed houses.  He was instructed that at one house people waited outside until opening time.  He submitted that when the present hours were fixed, the legislator, in his wisdom, made provision for these applications. 
Mr. James Frame, Licensee of the Winslow Hotel, 31, Goodison –road, and Mr. R. M. MacKenzie, licensee of the Stanley Park Hotel, gave evidence.
SPRUNG ON POLICE
Superintendent Hughes, in the witness-box, said he had been instructed by the Chief Constable to oppose the applications.  They had been sprung on the police at very short notice.  Everton ground was in a populous district, and the police were very anxious to get rid of the crowds there.  The applications, if granted, would be a bigger attraction to a certain type of spectator than the football match itself. 
Mr.Milne.- You seriously suggest that”?
-I do
Mr.Milne. - Do you mean football is so little attractive to the average citizen of Liverpool that he would rather spend his time in public-houses? 
Witness. - I said a certain type.  It would attract a certain type.
If you had longer notice could you have supplemented the grounds of your objections? –Probably.  It would have given us time to consult local people who might be offended. 
THE OPPOSITIONS’S CASE
Mr. Dodds, who said he represented Archdeacon Howson, Canon Henry Fraser, and Canon Campbell Baugh, suggested that if the applications were granted there would be a great demand on these houses.  There was a first class match at Anfield or Goodison Park every week, and if the present applications were granted, there would be applications for alternate Saturdays for these two houses.  That would mean special facilities for nine months in the year.  Many spectators would arrive home in a state not good for them and not good for their families.  “Had I time to put before you,” he added, “The feeling of the city, you would see it is not merely the feeling of the Temperance party.  This is a movement on behalf of two houses where very substantial amounts could be made during the extra three-quarters of an hour.  If facilities were granted these houses, it would be followed by applications from other people within a close radius.  I hope this application will be scotched, once and for all. 
Mr.Milne withdrew four applications in respect of four licensed houses in the Anfield district. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 September 1928
WELCOME TO THE FOLD OF FORMER FRIENDS
MANCHESTER CITY
“BEE” OUTLINES THE OPENING HALF OF GAME
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Manchester City; Gray; Ridley, McClay; Barrass, Cowan, McMullan; Austin, Marshall, Johnson, Tilson, Brook.  Referee.- Mr. Haworth, of Blackburn. 
FOOTBALL TEAM’S MAD DASH
If a football team fails to start to time, it is fined for delaying the public.  At Everton to-day, the crowd of 45,000 spectators little knew when Manchester City turned out at Goodison Park that the players had had a mad dash to the ground.  The train left Manchester nine minutes late and arrived in Liverpool half an hour late, with the result that the players had to strip as far as possible in the taxis.  They ran to the dressing-room and only just managed to kick off in time.  Such hastiness could not possible be helpful to the side.  A quarter of an hour before the start of the game, not a Manchester City player was in sight. 
Manchester City, newcomers to the League, received a mighty welcome at Goodison Park, there being nearly 45,000 spectators present.  It would seem that Dunn, knowing that Manchester City were late, did not hurry his preparation, as he came out some minutes after his comrades.  The late start had its funny side, because a trumpeter sounded out “The Reveille,” and was followed by a trumpeter playing “I wonder why you keep me waiting.” 
WELDON IN ONE MINUTE
It is the first time in my history that a football team has kept the crowd waiting, and the minute will be costly to the Manchester City club.  They turned out seven minutes late, and there was no shooting-in practice for Gray.  Everton won the toss, which meant they had brilliant sunshine at their backs, Kelly smothered a great effort by Johnson, and McMullan opened with a characteristic piece of work but could not prevent a first-class sensation, Weldon scoring in one minute.  Dean skipped along the outside right berth as though it were his usual path.  He centred backward.  The crowd yelled their disappointment, not realizing that this was part of a plan and that Dunn was racing up to take a shot in his stride.  The ball was blocked and was not yet clear, so that Dean was able to make a further pass.  Weldon took deliberate aim, to make this the first goal to him this season, the ball travelling beyond Gray’s right hand.  Everton were very happy about this minute and minute lead, but they felt the shock of a let-off after O’Donnell had headed for a corner.  O’Donnell headed a second time, and having got too far under the ball nothing seemed more certain than a goal, especially as Davies had fallen.  The cross-bar saved the situation, and right away went Everton again, and Dean after falling, rose up in his might and made a brilliant left-foot drive that the Welsh international goalkeeper caught.  Gray was not so clean next moment; he fumbled a shot from Dunn.  Play kept it’s enlivening type, and when Kelly cleared with a flick of the ankle, he put an end to a remarkable rally on the part of Manchester City.  Austin centred and Cresswell and others got into two minds, so the defence became muddled.  Cresswell first tried to pass back to his goalkeeper, then thought of a penalty gift and finally covered the shooter who centred, Kelly nodding the ball a way to stop a goal. 
COURTEOUS CRESSWELL
Manchester City were fast and somewhat furious and gave Everton plenty to think about; and Austin might have led to a score if he had centred instead of shooting.  Johnson and Austin had a good understanding in combination, and Marshall, the former Sunderland player, was also a source of trouble.  There was a half-hearted appeal for a penalty against hart for hands, which was followed by much good work on the part of Weldon, and another shot by Austin went into the side net.  It was cut and come against, and Brooks should have scored for the City, Cresswell clearing and refusing to take the risk of injuring a player.  McMullan joined in the shooting as well he can, and a round of passing on the part of the City was so beautiful and effective that it gained the applause of the home spectators.  The movement ended with Tilson shooting against the crossbar.  Moreover, a free-kick inches outside the penalty area, given against Cresswell, brought further bad luck to the Manchester team, McMullan drove a magnificent paced ball against the foot of the right upright.  This was unadulterated good fortune for Everton, and great was the relief when an offside decision gave Everton some rest. 
CITY EQUALISE.
Dean had a chance, but skied the ball through slipping down, so that Everton were not two up, and the effect of this was instant.  Johnson, out away on his own in the middle, received a stray ball, and seemed to tug Cresswell with his hand.  Cresswell stopped to appeal for something the referee could not see, he being forty yards from the incident, and Johnson went on to score a goal, the ball bumping out of Davies’ hand.  It was no more than the City deserved.  There had been twenty-six minutes of unalloyed incident and excitement.  It was a match crammed with points and precision.  Dean took a free kick into the range of goal, and Kelly put a ball just over.  The City half backs were in large measure the reason for Everton’s stern battle, and if Manchester could produce this speed and ability on their hurried and bother entrance, one wondered what they would have done had they started to time.  The referee was wrong in giving an offside decision against Weldon, following which Everton escaped luckily again.  Marshall shooting outside through falling at an inconvenient moment.  Again Manchester City put the ball to the woodwork of the goal, and Davies made a magnificent drive to stop the shot; at which point there was an unfortunate hacking match between O’Donnell and Johnson.  Manchester City were a most unfortunate side to be on level terms instead of well in front.  Gray, with one hand and a care-free expression, stopped Dean scoring just on half-time.  It had been a thrilling and brilliant game.  Manchester City were warmly applauded as they left the field.  Half-time; Everton 1, Manchester City 1. 
A ROUT AND A RIOT OF GOALS AT GOODISON
JOHNSONS SCORES FIVE
THE OUSTANDING SURPRISE OF THE SEASON
Through train delay the City had to dash to the ground in taxis, and the start was delayed.  In one minute Weldon gave Everton the lead with his first goal of the season.  Johnson levelled the score at the 26th minute, while Cresswell had stopped to appeal.  Interval-one goal each.  The referee fell to the ground in the second half with a damaged muscle, but returned to the field after being bandaged.  Johnson gave City the lead by converting a penalty, and completed his hat trick a few minutes later.  He also added a fourth.  Dunn reduced the lead.  Johnson put on his fifth goal and the City’s sixth. 
THE REFEREE INJURED
Referee Haworth started the sensation of the second half by dropping to the ground as soon as the game had started.  Trainer Cooke attended to him, bandaging the muscle of the calf, and he limped his way through the remainder of the game.  The game in the second half was almost as eventful as the first half.  It opened with the referee’s accident, continued with Brook driving against the foot of the upright, Davies arm touching the ball, so that it became a corner kick and from this corner came a penalty kick for hands apparently against O’Donnell, Johnson taking the lead amid wild excitement. 
CLAIM FOR PENALTY
Immediately afterwards Everton claimed a penalty kick for Dean being pushed in the back.  The referee was out of touch with the incident and calling on a linesman, Everton failed to get the verdict.  Some spleen was introduced into the game, dean and McCloy coming to loggerheads, and finally Dean, unaided, bumped a back out of his stride, charged the goalkeeper, and narrowly failed to squeeze the ball beyond the backs, who were on the goal-line.  Hart by superb football tried to bring Everton back to normal style, but City had rattled the home eleven and Dunn in particular was failing to work the ball with success –he was only one of a number in the Everton side.
HAT-TRICK BY JOHNSON
Everton could now claim that luck was against them, for Dean headed perfectly and the ball was entering the goal at the moment that Ridley came from nowhere in particular to push the ball round the post and thus save an equalizer.  How important this save was can only be gauged by the fact that within four minutes Later Manchester City had taken a lead of 4 goals to 1.  Johnsons cored through an excellent play of the City left wing.  That was at the 70th minute.  One minute later after Davies had made a save Tilson scored.  This was the greatest turn-up of the season.  A prime sensation a margin well-earned against the championship side, and all the more noteworthy because it was made by the new promoted side.  The result was a shock the like of which has not been felt on this ground since Crystal Palace beat Everton 6-0 in a Cup-tie.  As Mr. Studmarks would say; “This was a win for Manchester City, the ‘irrepressible, late Manchester City.”  There was some doubt as to who scored the fourth goal.  Some said it was Johnson, some said it was Tilson.  It was Johnson, then he had the remarkable record of having scored all four goals. 
DUNN REDUCES LEAD
From a free kick Gray pushed the ball out, but Dean, as he was falling, managed to returned the ball into the net.  Brooks took a pass from Johnson, and going through on his own, he shot into the corner of the net at the 87th minute.  From a free kick, Gray pushed the ball out, but Dunn, as he was falling, managed to return the ball to the net. 
Final; Everton 2, Manchester City 6. 

WEST BROM A. RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 September 1928
TWO QUICK GOALS FOR ALBION AFTER INTERVAL
At the Hawthorns, before 4,000.  Play was fast in the opening stages, and both goals had narrow escapes.  The home forwards developed a deplorable weakness in front of goal, and both Cookson and Short missed easy chances.  Everton forwards gave a better display, but fortunately the home defence was sound.  Pearson saved well from White and Easton, and Stein also went close with a shot which ran along the face of the crossbar.  Half-time.- No score.  After the resumption, Albion scored two quick goals through Cookson and Edwards.

EVERTON “A” v. WAVERTREE ATH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 September 1928
AT Strawberry-lane.  The opening exchanges were evenly contested, but later Everton “A” monopolized the play, French scoring after twenty minutes, Roscoe scored a goal, and just on half-time Everton “A” were awarded a penalty, French scoring.  Half-time; Everton “A” 3, Wavertree o; final time; Everton “A” 7, Wavertree Ath 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 September 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

COUNTY COMBINATION
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 September 1928
Ellesmere Port and Everton “A” shared nine goals.  The Port piled most of theirs in the first half, scoring four, whilst Everton “A” were overelaborating in front of goal instead of shooting. 

EVERTON 2 MANCHESTER CITY 6
September 17 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CHAMIONS' WINGS CLIPPED BY PROMOTED CLUB.
MANCHESTER CITY DEMORALISE EVERTON AT GOODISON PARK.
SIX GOALS-TO-TWO STAGGERING SHOCK; QUICK-SHOT JOHNSON OBTAINS FIVE.
CLOSE GAME A MISTAKE
WRONG TACTICS RESULT IN CHAMPIONS' ROUT.
Everton were shown in their game with Manchester City not to be invincible, and they certainly had their wings clipped. The great defeat will be a blessing in disguise if certain faults are rectified in the future. Everton made a mistake in playing a close game against such a fast, tearing side as Manchester City proved to be. Having allowed zealous Manchester to get on top, they were quite unable to turn the fortunes of the day. It was, of course, a relapse, and not collapse, with Everton, but they will have to remember that other clubs are out to spoil their playing reputation, and Everton will have to put in all they know in upsetting this ideal. With so many class men in the side, it would be a pity if Everton developed the one-man scheme. Dean is a player who will go until he drops, and is a great asset, but he was in the grip of the Manchester defence, and although he played a rugged game, and did not forget to use his weight, he could seldom find a loophole.
COWAN MASTERS “DIXIE.”
Cowan particularly, took care of him, and the ex-Doncaster man seemed to enjoyed the experience. Dean's policy of lying well up the field did not pay on this occasion, seeing the position Dean found in, it was not a good plan of the inside men to keep supplying him with the ball when they might have made better use of it themselves. Troup was the most consistent of the Everton forward line, and it was gratifying to give him a good word as he is not a player on whom the limelight falls. Weldon made quite a good show in the first half putting dash and fire into the attack, but he faded out somewhat in the later stages. When he secured his surprise goal in the first two minutes no one imaged Manchester were going to reap such harvest. Some time after that the humiliation of Everton began. It is many a long day since the foundations of Goodison Park received such a shock –not since Crystal Palace beat Everton 6-0 in a Cup-tie –and it was with a feeling of relief that the final whistle went for only that or an earth Quake, it seemed could have prevented Manchester adding to the register.
JOHNSON'S TRIUMPH.
Manchester's danger man was Tommy Johnson, who had been moved to the centre-forward position, Tilson going outside-left. Johnson scored five goals (one from a penalty kick , O'Donnell handling-Liverpool Post and Mercury) –a remarkable feat –three of them in the second half. Apart from Hart and Virr he found the Everton defence decidedly below par, a notable instance being the mistakes of O'Donnell when Johnson scored the sixth goal for Manchester. Johnson is one of the long-service members of the club, but he is not an old player, for he was only 17 when he joined Manchester City in 1919 from the Walton Casuals club. The Critchley and Dunn wing was watched with interest, and although Critchley's turn of speed is invaluable the pair found McMullan and McCloy rather more than they could manage at times. Dunn goal towards the close of the second half was certainly that of an opportunist, for he promptly returned the ball from Gray's first clearance. Although Davies had a busy time picking the ball out of the net he cannot be blamed. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Manchester City: - Gary, goal, Ridley and McCloy, backs, Barrass, Cowan, and McMullan, half-backs, Austin, Marshall, Johnson, Tilson and Brook, forwards.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
September 17 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 6)
The first half at the Hawthorns was devoid of goals, but the Albion scored surprisingly half a minute after the resumption. Cookson netting Edwards added the other two, the last following a clever individual effort. A feature of the game was the deplorable weakness of all the forwards in front of goal. Pearson played a great game in the Albion goal, and, for Everton, Griffiths effectively shadowed Cookson.

JOHNSON SCORES FIVE IN EVERTON SENSATION
Athletic News - Monday 17 September 1928
DRAMATIC ECLIPSE
EVERTON IN WHIRLWIND OF MANCHESTER CITY’S PACE AND KILL
EVERTON 2, MANCHESTER CITY 6
By Junius
It can safely be said of the game between Everton and Manchester City that the play reached a high standard and aroused intense interest, but few were prepared to see the weakness of the champions laid bare to such an extent.  The City players, delayed en route, which led to a late start, had scarcely settled down ere they were a goal behind, but from that point they displayed in no unmistakable fashion the temperament to flight an uphill battle, pursuing their purpose with a tenacity that must have strongly appealed to the 45,000 spectators.  The champions were made to appear just an ordinary side-this by the champions of the Second Division- and, be it said, a lucky one, seeing that many shots at goal were charged down and that the woodwork on four occasions stood between the City and a pronounced early lead.  When the City went ahead ten minutes after the resumption they made further progress by sheer dash and occasional flashes of individual brilliance that contrasted in marked fashion to the somewhat nonchalant movements of the Evertonians, who rarely gave the impression of being capable of penetrating the balanced skill arrayed against them.  The first half found Kelly and Virr somewhat below their customary standard.  Consequently the City extreme wing players were afforded more than ordinary latitude.  Still, there could be no getting away from the fact that Brook was a clever artist who gave Kelly and Cresswell many anxious moments.  But forward play all through on the City side rose to the occasion in a manner to command admiration.
WHEN SPEED IS SKILL.
Having forged ahead the whole team played like men inspired, and their speed, combined with the pace of the ball in transit from one to the other, was of such accuracy that at periods Everton were reduced to a state of demoralization.  It was not that Everton played badly, but that the City were superlatively good, and their complete ascendancy started when they went ahead from a penalty kick.  While the defence did all that was expected of them, the City’s greatest strength appeared to me in the concentrated essence of the forwards.  There is really little to offer in extenuation of the failure of Everton to make an impression upon the Manchester defence, but the solution, I thought, was to be found in the City half-backs, whose anticipation and quickness in intervention put Everton’s passing movements all at sea.  Altogether the City half-backs were keener in the tackle and a real supporting line. 
DEAN HEMMED IN.
Dean was closely watched, and though Troup and Critchley made good progress in the early stages, they were not the force they had been in previous games.  As I have stated neither Kelly nor Virr touched usual standard, with the result that Austin and brook, the latter the most practical forward on view, were progressive.  At centre half-back Hart gave a great display, and it was not through any lack of watchfulness on his part that Johnson managed to gather his harvest of five goals.  Both Cresswell and O’Donnell have played better, and the severity of defeat could not be attributed to Davies.  For once in a way Dean was not in the picture, Cowan saw to that, and though McMullan was beaten for speed by Critchley early on there was the compensating balance later by which the collaboration of the wing player and Dunn was effectively checked.  Ridley and McCloy were dependable in front of Gray, who got through his work with commendable skill.  A movement by Critchley and Dean led to Weldon scoring in the first minute, the equalizer coming after 25 minutes when Johnson brushed past Cresswell to defeat Davies who had narrowed the angle.  A penalty kick against O’Donnell 10 minutes after the turnabout was successfully taken by Johnson, and on Brook tricking Cresswell, Johnson took the pass to score his third after 24 minutes, while two minutes later Johnson gained his fourth.  Dunn reduced the lead from a free kick, after which Brook cut in and scored, while Johnson completed the tale of goals.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup.  Manchester City; Gray; Ridley, McCloy; Barrass, Cowan, McMullan (captain); Austin, Marshall, Johnson, Tilson, and Brook.  Referee; A. Haworth, Blackburn. 

BIGGEST SHOCK OF THE SEASON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 17 September 1928
MACNHESTER CITY A SIDE OF LIFE AND ABILITY
Bee’s Notes
Manchester City “never stopped running till they got home” 6-2.  They ran for the train, taxi, and ground, and than ran Everton off their feet.  It might have been 11-2, or 11-4.  Manchester City came saw, and squelched Everton.  Disgruntled people who want their side to win all the season through went away saying, “I’m chucking them now.”  It is a silly process of reckoning.  The partisan who could not enjoy Saturday’s magnificent fare should buy some new colour spectacles.  As a game this was a rare joy.  It was the dramatic act of giant-killing, and the Davids were the newly-promoted side from Manchester.  They, like Everton, had spent some money; they had brought a new forward line so late in the season that people thought the directors had erred.  They had taken a weird wheeler, Marshall, from Sunderland; they had taken a touch of Barnsley in Brook and Tilson, and by bringing Johnson to a centre-forward, they had made a side of spirit, splendid speed, and judgment.  They told me before the game that City were a great side till they reached the goal area.  They should have beaten Leeds 6-1 instead of drawing 1-1. And when half-time came and they trooped off with 1-1 after hitting the woodwork of the goal four times I wondered what would happen.  For, generally, a side out of luck continues out of luck.  Here Manchester had their turn of luck; they had a penalty; Everton were denied theirs by referee who was many yards behind this intensely fast exhibition.  Ridley squeezed a header from Dean around the post- that was the turning point of play, and right away Manchester piled on the swift, sure pass, the progressive pass, not the hasty little dribble and then the double round business; the plan, unvarnished progressive pass, and a quick centre, so that Johnson could finish the work properly. 
ONE OF MINE
I was very happy to see Massa’ Johnson score his personal triumph, because he has very decently paid tribute to my help to him in the years gone by when Manchester was not sure whether he was a good footballer.  That en passant, I only mention it because it is fact, and because some footballers who crowd into my sanctum when “down on their uppers” forget to say thanks when they are up on their “downers.”  Johnson has generally played inside left, and now he has been put among lively and enlivening wing pairs.  Undoubtedly Manchester walked through Everton’s defence by reason of their speed and direct attention to practical business.  The Everton wing half-backs could not be compared with their rivals.  Hart and Cowan certainly bore some honours, but in the forward lines there was this difference; the Everton inside pair lay back to form the W line.  It is claimed by many that the best defence is attack, and the best attack is a line of forwards up and at ‘em.  Forwards who lie back among their own half-backs can never be up to take chances of goal-making.  Weldon started particularly well, and got a goal, but at the crucial moment Dunn and Weldon, with wing half-backs and defenders, could make no headway.  Critchley played a level type of game throughout, and had the pace of the great McMullan, and Troup did well as far as he was allowed by the manner of the passes served up to him.  Apart from those named, one can only say Davies was excellent.  His fielding of the ball was admirable, and he was not faulted, albeit he was fortunate in the first half. 
THE SECRET.
The secret of success was Manchester’s fiery fury from start to finish.  I think Everton took matters too easy early on, lulled into a false sense by Weldon’s early goal.  Then they started to press; then they started to miss; finally they started to forget rather than forge ahead.  City progressed against a side whose full backs were harassed into failure; they became hesitant and when they attempted to double shuffle their clearances they failed rather ignominiously.  Finally, City made one of them pay for his juggling act.  It was a riotous victory, similar in many respects to the victory of the Spurs’ side there last season -5-2, and similar to the visit of Crystal Palace in a cup-tie -6-0.  But most enjoyable all the way through because it was a game full of point.  It began with the team turning up late (seven minutes) a goal in a minute, a banging at the crossbar, penalty kick, another that was not given, a referee who broke down in running and had to be patched up, some interludes that there not exactly helpful, much good, swift football and five goals to one man –a feat not accomplished here since Dean himself helped himself to five against the other Manchester side- the United.  Manchester City will stay in the division, especially if they recollect their full back division is still the subject of an “if,” Gray is a magnificent goalkeeper, mercurial perhaps but mighty on his general day; I don’t fancy the backs; the half-backs are a fine line, and the forward five have been collected as a connoisseur would collect a combination of stray fliers.  They take the ball with them- that’s the difference between these speed merchants and the average runner-footballer.  Ah,. Well, a 6-2 defeat makes Everton sit up and take notice of what may be in the near future in Cup and League.  The leisurely manner of the side can be ruthlessly cut down by such a side as Manchester City. 

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 18 September 1928
Everton F.C have “booked” a promising outside left in G.A. Clough of Harrowby.  They are allowing the player to remain with his club until the English Cup-tie and the county games are finished.  Clough, who is eighteen years of age, 5ft, 8in, and 10 ½ stone, had a big hand in Harrowby’s defeat of Eccles on Saturday.  He is a former Birkenhead schoolboy, and has been chosen to represent Zingari League v. Lancashire League at Cadby Hall’s ground on October 13. 

EVERTON'S NEW AMATEUR
September 19 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
E.A. Clough, a former member of the Schoolboy's team, who played amateur form last season, has signed a professional form for Everton, Clough who is from the Zingari League team, is 18 years of age, 5ft 8ins; and plays at outside-left.

EVERTON TEAM
September 19 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
What are Everton, s chances at Huddersfield ? The student of “form” will perhaps fear another avalanche for Everton lost 6 goals last Saturday which Huddersfield town was placing six into their opponent's net. Both sides will be short of outstanding players, the Yorkshire side minus Wilson and Everton lacking the services of dean. These players are engaged in the football league eleven to oppose the Irish league at Belfast. To take dean's place, Everton have decided to rely on Forshaw, the clever and experienced forward, who has done well as a leader and in the inside and half-back positions for Liverpool. Later his place was almost solely continued to the inside-right berth at Goodison Park, but he was unlucky towards the end of the campaign and had a cartridge removed from his knee. He is now fit again and has been doing well with the reserves as a forward and at half-back…meanwhile Webster a local player from the ‘'A'' team will make his debut for the reserves on Saturday against Manchester City Reserves at Goodison park

“DIXIE” NOT THE £10,000 MAN
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 September 1928
EVERTON CHAIRMAN’S DENIAL
A SOUTHERN REPORT
“ALL LIVERPOOL WOULDN’T BUY HIM
The £10,000 player is again the main talk of football circles.  It is stated that a sum of £0,000 has been offered for a Lancashire player by a Southern club.  The football mind instantly centres upon two things; Dixie Dean, of Everton, and the Arsenal club, of London.   Arsenal are known to be chasing a centre forward –they have sought Jennings, of Leeds, and others. 
MR. CUFF’S STATEMENT
Now, rumour said, they had the bright thought of asking Everton if they would consider the transfer of Dixie Dean.  But rumour again is a lying jade.  This afternoon Mr. W.C. Cuff, the Everton chairman, made the following statement to the “Echo.”  So far as Everton is concerned there is absolutely no truth in the story.  We have not been asked for any of our first team players, nor has there been hint of such a move.
UNFOUNDED STORIES
Another official connected with the Goodison club said; - “Many unfounded stories have been published about our payments.  One paper gave it out that our reserve side had cost £20,000.  Other fanciful and foolish figures have been named.  Why should we consider these stories or brother with them?” 
“Will you deny or confirm the story?”  “No, I won’t,” came the secretarial voice.  “Why should !?” 
ARSENAL MOVES
Arsenal and their manager, Mr. Herbert Chapman, have ever been in the transfer news by reason of their signings.  They gave Sunderland £100 every time Buchan scored; they proposed a limit transfer fee, and then proceeded to pay huge fees for Ramsay, of Brighton, among others; they had the numbering of players at the beginning of the season, but they were advised to stop the novelty.  Mr. Herbert Chapman knows the value of Dean, for it was against Arsenal in the Cup tie that Dean played one of his greatest games, scoring with the final kick.  But, as the average man says, and as a man connected with Everton said; “The whole of Liverpool wouldn’t buy Dean from Everton!” 

EVERTON PLAY FORSHAW CENTRE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 September 1928
Bee’s Notes
To take Dean’s place Everton have decided to rely on Forshaw, the clever and experienced forward who has done well as a leader and in the inside and half-back positions for Liverpool.  Later his place was almost solely confined to the inside-right berth at Goodison Park, but he was unlucky towards the end of the campaign and had a cartilage removed from the knee.  He is now fit again, and has been doing well with the reserves as a forward and as a half-back.  Forshaw, I believe, will make an able substitute for Dean.  This is the only change from last week’s side.  The team is;- Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Forshaw, Weldon, Troup.  An interesting experiment is being tried in the Everton Reserves team, on Saturday, at Goodison Park.  Griffiths, the Welsh centre half-back, is to fill the right half-back position, a place in which some hesitancy was shown last week.  Griffiths is a strong player, and if he can settle down in his new berth he may prove of greater value to the club, for he could then be called on for senior side service to fill possible vacancies at centre half or right half.  The team, against Manchester City Reserves is; Hardy; Common, Kennedy; Griffiths, Bain, Rooney; Ritchie, Webster, French, Easton, Stein.  Webster is a local player from the A team. 

THOSE DERBY TICKETS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 20 September 1928
On account of the extraordinary number of applications for tickets for seats at the local “Derby” between Everton and Liverpool on September 29, the Everton directors have decided to book a limited number of seats in the Bullen-road stand at 5s.  These are reserve but not numbered.  Tickets will be on sale at Sharp’s Whitechapel from tomorrow (Friday). 
HUGHES OF EARL
The second half was the home team’s and the score stood at 2-1 at the finish because Hughes played magnificently in goal.  This is the Hughes who made eleven appearances for Everton’s Central league team last season.  He is back at Earl’s because Everton signed another amateur named Whalley, who they have since signed off.  Apparently Hughes did not like the idea of the other man coming.  Anyway Danny Kirkwood was at the match last night, and while he told me he was there for pleasure, I have an idea his motive was like that of another gentleman, who but for the timely warning of the writer might have poached two Earl players for a Cheshire County League club.  Match was Earl v Combination X1

MIKE HIGGINS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 September 1928
Mr. Dick Ranks, of Allertons, writes!— in you notes I saw that the address of Mike Higgins was wanted, so here goes. It is now some twenty-three years since I played for my county, and Mike was my guide. Philosopher and friend in such matters. He was then an upholsterer in Ambleside, and always took a keen interest in matters regarding football. In 1907 we two coached a team of youngsters which won the Westmorland Junior Shield, so you will see that he was, and is still, very much alive. He afterwards set up for himself as an upholsterer, and is now resident in Windermere, as far as I know, and a very useful citizen. I came across him about twelve months ago, when he handed me his business card, which I am sorry to say I have mislaid, or would have enclosed it. If you write to Mike Higgins, upholsterer, Windermere, I think you will find him, as he is sell-known up there.

EVERTON’S TASK
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 September 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton, at Huddersfield, have done what many believe they would not do; they imagined that White would be an automatic choice for centre, because they had not forgotten what happened when he filled the Dean bill against –was it not West Ham?  The result was 7-0; that I do know.  Well. The young Southport player may be ill or injured, or dropped; I have no idea.  Certainly Forshaw has got the position, and we know that in his Anfield days- yes, Mr. Red follower, there was a swopping transfer, you may remember –he was reckoned by many the best centre the club gad for years; and still Liverpool knows that the centrte-forward position has been Liverpool’s trouble for some seasons.  Forshaw is a football player who can operate in many places; some any his best is centre-half; some say he makes combination by being inside right or left; others would have him as centre.  Well, he has his opportunity to-morrow at Huddersfield against a side that is not playing nearly so well as when they trounced Everton 4-1 last season in a vital League match, before Huddersfields’ record crowd.  Huddersfield are suffering a lean period, but, playing against Everton is the sort of occasion which will spur them on, and one never knows when W,H. Smith and Alec Jackson will indulge in a personal celebration.  It will be hot going, and no one can imagine how the game will proceed.  The “Football Echo” will tell you at the right moment all about all the big matches.  We have our special correspondent at every First Division ground, and the “Football Echo” employs them every Saturday to give us a Sunday paper summary for the “Football Echo.”  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Forshaw, Weldon, Troup. 
QWUERYOSITIES
“Mex” writes; A group of us in the office have been discussing last Saturday’s Everton-City game and, of course, an argument ensued.  These things are usually dropped after Monday, but this one has become very prolonged and we can think of no other way than of asking for your assistance.  The incident under review is the City’s first half goal and the argument when boiled down resolves itself into the following questions; (1) Did Davies advance to meet Johnson?  (2) If so, how many yards from his goal line?  (3) How many yards was Johnson from the goal line when he actually shot?  It is very strange how different viewpoints cause these arguments.  The men in the goal decker is emphatic that he did not advance more than two yards, and that Johnson shot from eight, and although there are intermediate views, we have one men from the paddock (centre line) who is equally emphatic that Davies came out 10 to 12 yards and that Johnson shot from 16 to 18 yards.  However, all concerned have agreed to take you more experienced eye as the decider.  We are all staunch Evertonians but we enjoy Saturday and went to see more sides like City.  They play five forwards.! 
Well, “Mex,” I give you my opinion for what is worth.  Cresswell and Johnson had a swift duel on or about the half-way line.  Some say there were two fouls committed in that duel; one by each man.  However, Johnson scampered on, and Davies began by running five or six yards out, the  receded about three yards, so that by the time Johnson shot, Davies would be two yards from his goal line; actually the ball bumped against his arms and body and turned into goal through the pace of the shot. 
HUDDERSFIELD’S CHANGES VERSUSUS EVERTON
Huddersfield Town will be below full strength against Everton, as in addition to Wilson, called up for inter-League duty, Wadsworth was injured in the Charity Cup game on Tuesday.  Sound substitutes are available, however, in Spence, who has deputized during Wilson’s injury, and Barkas.  Team;- Turner; Goodhall, Barkas; Steele, Spence, Evans; Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Stephenson, Smith. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 September 1928
MEETING OF THE TWO CHAMPIONSHIP SIDES
BIG ATTENDANCE
“STORK” GIVES FULL ACCOUNT OF ROSES-BATTLE
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Forshaw, Weldon, Troup.  Huddersfield Town; Turner; Goodall, Barkas; Steele, Spence, Evans; Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Stephenson, Smith.  Referee; Mr. H.S.Mee, Mansfield.  Everton are very popular in Huddersfield, and the attendance u usually one of the biggest of the season; and while there was a good gate this afternoon the number of people fell much below that of lasts season.  Huddersfield have had a poor time this season, and it was not until last Saturday that they came out of their shell and demonstrated what a good team they really are.  Apart from Tom Wilson, who is company with Dean in Ireland, the Town were without their classic back.  Wadsworth, who was injured earlier in the week, Barkas deputizing.  I am told that Johnny O’Donnell is proceeding home after the match for the purpose of getting married.  It was a perfect day for the game, for, while it was sunny, there was a cold snap in the air.  The turf at Leeds-road has usually been threadbare half-way through the season, but it looked good to-day, having been sodded during the close season.
MISSING A CHANCE.
There was a gusty wind blowing across the field, so it was not of much advantage to either side.  The Town were first to make a move, and when Steele offered his centre-forward, Brown, a perfect pass up the middle it gave the latter a grand opening, but instead of getting the ball down and having a shot instantly he fiddled about with it until Hart came along and took the ball away from him.  It was a miss of a lifetime, Smith could also have made better use of an opportunity to centre, but this safe man when delivering the ball into the goalmouth swung his centre over the abr.  Huddersfield, however, had not finished, and when Kelly made an effort Davies had to catch the ball at the angle of the posts.  Everton made a movement on their right wing, but Forshaw could not find a way between Barkas and Goodall, who had closed in to cover the goal.  Everton, however, remained in the vicinity of the Town goal, but Weldon shot wide.  In the very next minute both goals would have fallen had it not been for the work of the goalkeepers.  Davies had to deal with a very hard shot by Brown, who had found a way through to the goal.  The corner was easily cleared, and Forshaw was offered an even similar chance than Brown, but instead of shooting quickly when Turner was in his goal, he carried the ball just too far, which allowed Turner time to come out and block the centre’s shot. 
A MILD SENSATION
Two good chances had been allowed to go by, but another sensation was caused, Brown and Kelly raced beyond the opposition, coaxed Davies out of his goal, and then had it all to themselves, and a goal seemed assured.  But like the good things in racing it did not materialize, for in their very anxiety Brown and Kelly hampered each other with the result that the former shot wide of the empty goal. 
GOAL BY KELLY
A goal, however, was not long delayed for at the end of sixteen minutes’ play Kelly opened his side’s account with a shot that struck the top netting.  It was a two piece goal, for only two men had a hand in it, the scorer and Jackson, and it was a fitting conclusion to a happy coupling.  Everton, not to be outdone, made tracks for the Huddersfield goal through Dunn and Critchley, the latter’s centre travelling over many heads to Troup, who bobbed it back into goal again.  Dunn hitting a fine shot on to the underneath portion of the crossbar.  All Huddersfield was beaten, but on this occasion luck was on their side, for the ball shot back into play whereas nine times out of ten it would have flashed into the net.  So far the football had been most enjoyable, especially that played by the two Scotsmen, Dunn and Jackson, who never did anything unless there was point in it.  Brown had yet another chance when two yards out, but failed to profit by it.  Turner, the home goalkeeper, had no heavy work placed upon him, for only on rare occasions did the Everton attack penetrate the defensive wall set up by Barkas and Goodall.
A PENALTY FAILURE
On the other hand, Davies had quite a number of difficulties and awkward situations to get out of.  He had even to face a penalty kick taken by Goodall, but was not called upon to handle, for Goodall shot wide of the upright.  The penalty was for hands against O’Donnell.  The Huddersfield shooting was still of poor quality, while Kelly, when on the bull’s eye with a good shot which Davies saved, had his effort negative by Brown getting offside.  At long last Turner was called to arms, but his task was an easy one, for all he had to do as take a ball off Forshaw’s head after Critchley had centred close in.  Critchley, by the way, was limping.  Huddersfield were not long before they were clustered round the Everton goal, but once again Brown could not sight the target when in a wonderful position.  Dunn was much more deadly when he sent a ball spinning over the crossbar after Cresswell had slipped just as he as about to head clear from Jackson.  The Everton captain kept his presence of mind and succeeded in his original idea but as was only to be expected he did not get his clearance so well away.  Davies stopped a shot from Jackson, and then we saw some had miskicking by one or two Everton players.  Everton had shown a lack of fire, and if one excepts Dunn’s shot the Hudderfield goal had never been in danger.  The Everton goal had some luck, for if the Town forwards had taken up all their scoring chances the Yorkshire side must surely have held a commanding lead at the interval.
GOALS GO A-BEGGING
I could pick out at least five occasions when goals should have been a certainty, so it was only due to their own failing that they could only boast a goal lead at the halfway stage.  Half-time; Huddersfield Town 1, Everton 0. 
CHANCES GO A-BEGGING AT HUDDERSFIELD
PENALTY KICKS FAILS
THE TWON WIN BY 3 TO 1
Kelly opened the Huddersfield account at the 16th minute.  The former champions had many other chances before half-time, but shots lacked direction.  Goodall failed at a penalty kick for O’Donnell’s infringement.  Seven minutes after the interval Brown placed the Huddersfield 2 up.  Troup got through at the 60th minute, Smith scored at the 80th minute.
Everton had to face the sun in the second half, but they were to have a blow at goal, Weldon’s shot being out of truth.  Huddersfield were still the more dangerous body, for Everton seemed to lack confidence.  At all events there was never any doubt about their attack, and when O’Donnell allowed Kelly to beat him, Jackson was led in with a shooting chance, but Scott shot over the bar.  Jackson went through a second time, but was again at fault.  It was Jackson, however, who did the donkey work, which brought Huddersfield’s second goal at the 52nd minute. 
BROWN TAPS A GOAL
He slipped the ball through to brown, and although the centre forward was harassed by both Cresswell and Kelly, he went on, and tapped the ball beyond Davies, who could not be blamed.  Jackson and O’Donnell had many thrilling duels, each scoring a success over the other.  W.H. Smith also gave Cresswell many anxious moments, but the full back was more often than not equal to all the demands made upon him.
ONE BY TROUP
Critchly was hurt for the second time, Barkas bumping him over and falling on top of him.  During his absence Everton reduced the lead, Troup taking up a pass from the Everton Kelly and driving it into the Huddersfield net with great force.  Critchley returned but looked pale, and was obviously timid when he saw Barkas coming across to him.  Kelly kicked round the ball when in the penalty area.  After this Everton settled down, and became the danger, whereas Huddersfield had fallen from grace, and for some time Everton monopolized the play.  But when Everton monopolized the play.  But when the Town did come again, Davies had to make a smart catch from Brown.  Troup and Dunn collaborated in a neat movement, which ended with Troup trying to repeat his earlier success, but Turner caught his shot.  Critchly made the goalkeeper turn one over, and hereabouts Everton were on top, and Turner had to save from Troup and Weldon.
HUDDERSFIELD’S THIRD
Just as Everton appeared likely to snatch an equalizer Clem Stephenson, with a big put to his right wing, enabled Jackson to centre off the goal-line.  The ball avoided Davies and went on to Smith, who promptly placed it into the net with seven minutes left to play.  Final; Huddersfield Town 3, Everton 1. 

EVERTON RES V MANCHESTER CITY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 September 1928
FRENCH SCORES HAT TRICK FOR RESERVES
With White at centre-half, Griffiths at right half, and Bain at full back, the home team and strange reading.  Everton were the more practical in their early efforts, but failed in the middle.  They had to thank the wing halves, Rooney and Griffiths aided by Common, that the City attack did not cause Hardy some anxiety.  Everton, through Stein and Ritchie were aroused to a pitch of liveliness, and Barber made a risky save, to be eventually beaten by Ritchie, who next placed a corner so well that French scored the second.  Hardy had difficult shots from Horne and Bain, and Hicks was ever dangerous when in possession.  Ritchie was brilliant, and French terminated more good wing work by getting Everton’s third.  It was an interesting half, and, though Everton deserved the commanding lead, the City were not a great side, lacking a constructive force.  Half-time; Everton 3, Manchester City 0.
On resuming French completed his hat trick.  French scored a fifth, Easton a sixth and Ritchie’s seventh for Everton Res against a team which had completely gone to pieces.  Three-quarter time- Everton Res 7, Manchester City Res 0. 

BOOTLE CELTIC V EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 September 1928
AT Limacre lane, Lewis opened the score for Everton.  Lufty Jones tried hard for Bootle, but the equalizer was scored by G. Layton.  The home side were the more aggressive, but lacked finish.  Half-time; Bootle Celtic 1, Everton A 2. 

INTER-LEAGUE GAME
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 September 1928
ENGLAND V. IRELAND AT BELFAST
AT Belfast, brilliant summery weather favoured this game this afternoon.  There was one last minute change, Scott, of Glentoran coming in for McCracken on the Irish side.  There was a crowd of 20,000 at the kick-off.  Within three minutes Dean missed when a few yards out.  Luck favoured the Irish men, who only once in the first ten minutes passed the half-way line, and then Carroll brought Tremelling into play
EASY FOR DEAN
After fourteen minutes’ play Campbell from a free kick, placed the ball in front of goal, and Dean netted rather easily, McMahon being unsighted.  Ten minutes later Scott tried to equalizer but narrowly missed.  Then Mellan forced Tremelling to concede an abortive corner.  Bambrick might have brought the scores level had the English keeper not shown remarkable anticipation. 
A PENALTY SAVED
Ten minutes before the interval England were awarded a penalty, and McMahon saved Johnson’s kick.  Half-time; Irish League 0,Football league 1. 
In the second half Dean scored a second for the Football League. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 September 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3 EVERTON 1
September 24 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON FORWARD LINE IMPOTENT WITH OUT DEAN
GREATER WIN FOR HOME SIDE BUT FOR MISSED CHANCES.
BLUES' FEEBLE ATTACK; GOODALL MUDDLES A PENALTY
CHAMPIONS LACK CONFIDENCE
Everton were fortunate to be only one goal in arrears in their match at Huddersfield. For the amount of pressure they exerted and the easy chances that presented themselves, Huddersfield ought to have led by three of four goals. Brown missed several good openings by inaccurate shooting. Huddersfield maintained their recent improvement, although never coming up to their championship form. Their forwards were clever and speedy in midfield their one weakness being a lack of steadiness in front of goal. The response of the Everton forwards was feeble –at least in the first half. In the absence of Dean they never settled down. They never gained confidence until it was too late. So much reliance is placed on Dean as a goal-scorer that Dick Forshaw, who took his place at centre-forward, was never equal to the demands made on him. He was quite incapable of accepting those passes down the centre and centres had high that are so much to the linking of Dean, and the men on either side of him were equally incapable of finding the net.
DUNN'S GOOD EFFORT.
Dunn made one good effort, his shot hitting the cross-bar. Forshaw only once looked like scoring, and that was when Barkas muddled a clearance kick. Forshaw had only the goal-keeper to beat, and after steadying himself himself for his shot he placed straight into the hands of Turner. Kelly scored Huddersfield's first goal after sixteen minutes' play, and shortly afterwards they were awarded a penalty kick through O'Donnell handling. This was taken by Goodal, who shot wide of the goal –an unusual thing for Goodall. Everton livened up considerably, in the second half, and although Critchley was limping badly he put in several accurate centres. After Brown had added a second goal for Huddersfield, following smart work by Jackson, Troup scored from a well-placed forward pass by Kelly. For the next quarter of an hour Everton attacked almost continuously, but their smart work in midfield was not backed up by incisiveness in front of goal. It was all against the run of the play that Smith scored for Huddersfield from another centre by Jackson five minutes from the end.
NO GOAL-SCORERS.
As already mentioned Forshaw proved a poor substitute for Dean, and the game served to show that while Dunn and Weldon may provide openings for Dean they are in no sense goal-scorers themselves. Both Critchley and Troup on the wing were always the more likely to find the net than the inside man. Huddersfield are not go so capable as at the beginning of last season. Virr and Kelly played well for Everton, but the Everton backs were not at their best. Davies made many splendid saves, especially in dealing with high balls but he conceded a large number of corner kicks. Whereas last season Everton visit to Huddersfield attracted a gate of 50,000 the spectators only numbering 24,000 on Saturday. Teams : - Huddersfield Town: - Turner, goal, Goodall and Barkas, backs, Steele, Spence, and Evans, half-backs, Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Stephenson, and Smith, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, Forshaw, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

DEAN'S TWO GOALS.
September 24 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
IRISH LEAGUE 0 FOOTBALL LEAGUE 5
The Irish League once more disappointed at Belfast, Dean of Everton, was brilliant in the Football League team but not outstanding, such was the great talent displayed by the visitors generally. Dean opened the scoring in 14 minutes, and ten minutes before half-time Johnson missed scoring from a penalty. After hard pressure Dean obtained the visitors second after the cross over.

EVERTON RESERVES 7 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 0
September 24 th 1928. The Daily Courier
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 7)
There was a period during the early stages when Manchester displayed bright football. Their effectiveness waned, however, after Ritchie had given Everton the lead with a fine cross shot, and afterwards they were overwhelmed by a side without a weak spot. French between two good wings, was a dashing centre, and he found the net on four occasions, Easton added a sixth and Ritchie a seventh goal. Ritchie played a splendid game. In addition to scoring twice his centres were of beautiful length. Stein was also a good winger, Easton and Webster the latter, like French being an “A” team product, completing a fine line. Griffiths did well at right half, and Bain, with Common formed an effective cover for Hardy. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Griffiths, Bain and Rooney, half-backs, Ritchie, Webster, French, Easton, and Stein, forwards.

STALWART MISSED
Athletic News - Monday 24 September 1928
EVERTON LACK LEADER IN VITAL GAME
BROWN’S BLUNDERS
HUDDERSFIELD TWON 3, EVERTON 1
By Rufus
The clash of last season’s championship contestants produced a game worthy of the reputations of the rivals, speedy scientific, and scrupulously clean, if we except two occasions when more than a legitimate amount of vigour was utilized in a tackle.  Yet, despite the excellence of the exchanges there was a tinge of regret that the calls of the Inter-League contest shattered the piquant prospect of a duel between such masters as Tom Wilson and William Dean. Instead we had in opposition Spence and Forshaw, wholehearted players both, but lacking that glamour possessed by the men whose places they occupied.  Had Dean led the visitors’ attack the champions would conceivably have wrested a point from a Yorkshire stronghold which has proved singularly unproductive from the Goodison standpoint in recent seasons.  I cannot imagine England’s centre-forward neglecting such an opportunity as was vouchsafed his deputy in the early stages of the encounter.  A miskick by Barkas left Forshaw with a clear passenger to goal, but with the width of the net in front of him he feebly placed the ball into Turner’s hands as the goalkeeper advanced as a last resort. 
SPENCE THE STALWART
Having neglected a priceless chance, the Fates gave Forshaw no chances to atone.  He subsequently spent a profitless afternoon against Spence, whose rugged defensive work was welcome aid to full backs inclined to waver in the fact of persistent pressure.  With this weakness exposed, it was astounding to find the Merseyside inside men occupying the position of auxiliary half-backs for the greater part of the game.  True there were occasions when this extra defensive support was invaluable, but for the most part Dunn and Weldon adopted an ill-advised policy in lying far behind their three remaining attacking colleagues.  For a time, however, however, the champions had no option but to defend.  The Town attack recaptured its powers of last mid-season, with the driving force supplied by the wily campaigner Stephenson and Kelly, who showed a greater robustness than usual without losing any of his artistry. 
THE ONE FLAW
The one flaw was the inability of Brown to round off many attacking movements brilliantly executed in midfield.  True he early forced Davies to a fine save, but twice erred subsequently in delaying his shot.  Kelly did not reveal this hesitancy when Cresswell miskicked in the penalty area, a goal resulting from the back’s one blunder of the afternoon.  In reply Dunn hit the bar in a scrimmage following a corner, this being Everton’s nearest approach to a goal before the interval, at which stage Huddersfield would have established a stronger lead had Goodall scored from the penalty spot after O’Donnell had handled.  Not until Brown had augmented the Town’s advantage shortly after the resumption did Dunn and Weldon realise they were members of the attack.  Then they changed their tactics to such purpose that Troup reduced the arrears, and Turner’s skill alone prevented a point going to Merseyside.  Dean’s presence in this rally would have been invaluable to Everton, especially as Jackson ended an amazing piece of work with a centre which enabled Smith to redeem a somewhat subdued second half display with a capital goal.  Huddersfield Town.- Turner; Goodall, Barkas; Steele, Spence, Everrst; Jackson, Kelly (R), Brown, Stephenson, and Smith (W.H.).  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly (J), Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Forshaw, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. H.N. Mee, Mansfield. 

EVERTON BEATEN
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 September 1928
AS USUAL AT HUDDERSFIELD
HUDDERSFIELD MOODY
By Stork
The mere glance at the result column of a newspaper is often deceptive, and sometimes leads one into a wrong impression.  If I had not been present at Huddersfield, and like many of the Everton followers, had to reply upon the hare result I would have come to but one conclusion, that Everton were rather easily beaten at Leeds-road, but as an onlooker I realize how easy a final score can be misread.  Everton were beaten, but not quite so easily as the score denotes.  As a matter of fact the champions at one time promised to drag the game out of the fire, a feat they should never have been allowed to do if Huddersfield had accepted all the gods offered in the opening half, for during that period the Town had sufficient opportunities to have caused a rout with a big goal crop, but instead of being in a comfortable position at the half stage Huddersfield had but the slender lead of a goal, whereas with all chances accepted they should have had five if not more goals to their credit.  The opportunist sights for such chances as were offered to Brown, but this young man could do nothing right with the gilt-edged openings that an easy flowing and quick-moving attack made for him.  Time and again he was sent through the opposition only to dilly and dally and let in an opponent.  Even a vacant net did not invite his attentions, and it was Kelly who had to supply the blow which gave Huddersfield the lead.  Then a penalty award did not help, for Goodall usually a sure shot from the spot, was in no wise superior in direction than his colleagues had been, so Everton were only a goal in arrears and in the game with a chance if they would but buckle up their belts, for there were weaknesses in the Huddersfield defence which had not been thoroughly tested. 
A FALSE POSITION.
Another goal to Huddersfield almost led the Yorkshire team into a false position, for it was obvious that they considered themselves quite safe with a two goal lead, but it was then that Everton displayed something like their true form, and for twenty-five minutes they not only reduced the lead, but look complete command of the game, which up to then seemed to be right out of their grip, and Huddersfield had a fine opportunity to realise the penalty of missing chances, Troup’s goal hit them hard and shock their faith in themselves, with the result that they became purely a defensive body, whereas they had been all attack, but apart from Troup, who nearly scored a second goal similar to his first, there were no marksmen on the Everton side.  Forshaw was too easily held by Spence to be a potent factor but Dunn, who came right on to his game, played delicious football, his passes being the acme of perfection, but by then Critchley was limping badly, and could not respond as he would have done if he had been a sound man.  Weldon as usual tried to work the ball, but very often found himself robbed by his desire to overdo the dribbling act, so there were few shots coming from the line, and with seven minutes to play Jackson, swishing past Virr, collared the ball on the goalline –Virr says it was a yard or more over the line- Jackson said it was not- sent it towards the Everton goal, where Smith placed it in the goal.  The battle was over, for it was then too, late for Everton to retrieve their position unless they performed miracles, which are not done nowadays. 
DEFENSIVE TACTICS
For some reason or other there seemed to be a lack of confidence in the Everton side.  It was of little use sending the ball into the middle for Forshaw apart from one instance, when he should have had a goal-he had only Turner to beat –was a poor leader, and Dean was sadly missed; while Hart was not quite up to his usually good standard.  In the first half Cresswell and O’Donnell showed hesitancy in tackling their man, who thus had the opportunity to supply a colleague.  Both improved in the second portions, Cresswell keeping a restraining hand on Smith.  Virr, with a hot wing to face, did well, and Kelly never gave up trying.  Davies had to shoulder a lot of responsibility when the rest of the side were beaten, and he gained a lot of admiration by many of his saves.  True, he conceded many corners, but that was better than conceding goals.  Huddersfield are not the great team of last year; and if a goal against is going to rattle them to such an extent as it did on Saturday they will soon be put off their game.  Stephenson is still the master mind in attack.  Lack of pace is not a handicap to him, for he makes up for that by his canny moves and passes.  Jackson, the roamer- he is always dangerous when he is on the “prowl”- is still a star turn, although he was not so accurate in shooting as of yore.  Spence was a good substitute for Wilson, and Evans did well; but Barkas is not a Wadsworth.  Turner, apart from two or three shots, had a pleasant afternoon. 

HARRY RITCHIE TO PLAY FOR EVERTON
September 26 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
BLUES' STRONGEST TEAM TO OPPOSE LIVERPOOL
DEAN'S RETURN
Harry Ritchie, the ex-Hibernian winger, returns to the outside-right position in the Everton team to play Liverpool in the great “Derby” match at Goodison Park on Saturday. Ritchie had been absent from the champion's side for three weeks, his place meanwhile having been taking by Critchley. The ex-Hibernian was subjected to some criticism by spectators in his early appearances for Everton, but he vindicated himself in no uncertain fashion by giving a great display against Portsmouth at Goodison Park on September 1 st . It was in this match that he received the injury, which has kept him out of the first team as well, Everton will be at full strength for the game, which begins at 3-15. Team, Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup. The Everton Reserves team to meet Stoke at Stoke in the Central League will be, Hardy; Common, Bain; Griffiths, Forshaw, Rooney; Meston, Webster, French, Easton, and Stein.

EVERTON CHANGES FOR DERBY MATCH
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 26 September 1928
Bee’s Notes
The first of the annual struggles between Liverpool and Everton will be decided at Goodison Park on Saturday, and I expect the customary enthusiastic concourse will be drawn to the scene of operations.  Everton, of course, will have Dean at centre-forward again, in place of Forshaw while Ritchie, after his wonderfully good game for the reserves last week, resumes at outside right in place of Critchley.  The team is Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
FORSHAW AT CENTRE-HALF
In the Everton tea to meet Stoke, in a Central League match, on Saturday, Bain will partner Common at full back and Forshaw is to play centre half.  The team is; Hardy; Common, Bain; Griffiths, Forshaw, Rooney; Meston, Wilkinson, French, Easton, Stein. 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR STAURDAY “DERBY” GAME
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 September 1928
Gates open at 12.30.  Block F, Goodison-road, has been booked up, as also the 3s 6d stand on Bullens-road.  But the seats available will be the two ends of Bullens-road at 2s 4d; goal double-decker and the whole of Goodison-road, except Black F, at 2s, unreserved; all pay at the turnstile; there will be no more bookings.  The officers of the club ask the public to assist in the general order of the assembly by lining for their respective queues and not breaking from one post to another, and thus facilities the rapid ingress of the spectators.  There are still about 10,000 seats available.  There are sixty-six turnstiles clicking they way to a big crowd, and there will be ample police and other control to ensure that the huge crowd is house in comfort.  There are no seats at 3d 6d on the day of the match.  The ground will hold nearly 70,000, and most of them under cover-40,000 is the figure –and there is no reason why even these big figures should not be accommodated with a degree of comfort-that is if everyone takes notice of the regulations and acts accordingly.  Persons holding reserved tickets for Bullens-road will be admitted through the turnstile marked “Reserved seats, pink tickets.” 

PUBLIC HOUSES AND “DERBY” MATCH
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 September 1928
NO EXTRA MINUTES FOR FOOTBALL CROWDS
DART-THROWING NEXT
POLICE AND UNWORTHY APPLICATION
STRONG OPPOSITION
An application was made at Liverpool, today, for the extension of permitted hours from the normal time- 5.30 p.m. –to 4.45, in respect of fourth-four licensed houses within a radius of half a mile from the Everton Football Ground, Goodison Park on the occasions, tomorrow, of the “Derby” football game between Everton and Liverpool.  The magistrate, Mr. T.J. McGregor (in the chair) and Mr. E.A. Morton refused the application.  Mr. Digby Seymour appeared for the police; Mr. S.R. Dodds represented the Temperance Cabinet. 
Mr. Howard Jones (instructed by Messrs Edwin Berry and Co.) said the alteration asked for would synchronize with “an all-important occurrence in the football world.”  Such an arrangement would not be asked for frequently.  It was not the thin edge of the wedge.  No ordinary football match would be made the subject of such an application.  On the last special occasion there were 67,000 on the ground, and probably on Saturday there would be 70,000. 
HARDSHIP OF THE “FANS”
Many respectable sport-loving people went straight from their employment to gain good positions when the gates opened at 12.30.  Not having had a meal since early morning, they had often to stand about in inclement weather, which, of course, was injurious to health.  After the match there was great traffic congestion, and only about 10 per cent, of the 70,000 could get away from the vicinity for three-quarters of an hour.  They had no opportunity of gaining shelter, nor of obtaining alcoholic or other refreshment, which was a definite hardship. 
BEFORE THE WAR
Mr. Jones cited eleven towns where the arrangement he was asking for had been at some time granted, including Wrexham, Oldham, Wigan, and Manchester. 
William Alfred Dennis, Netley Hotel, Walton-road, said there was a demand by football supporters for an extension of the hours.  Before the war, when the public houses were open all the afternoon, there was never any disorder. 
Mr. Digby Seymour, opposing the application on behalf of the police, said;-
  “The position is truly absurd, and the application is entirely an unworthy one.  “Is such a request going to assist orderliness in Liverpool during this proud week?” 
“DART THROWINF NEXT.”
Last week, he continued, the application was on the ground of Civic Week; today it was a football match; tomorrow he supposed he would be opposing an application on the grounds of a dart-throwing competition.  “It was quite wrong to seek in this way to upset the rhythm and order of city licensing for a football match.  Nor was it fair to give preferences to one section of licensees.  Superintendent W. Hughes, “E” Division said they were always anxious to remove the crowds as soon as possible after the match.  The district was a respectable working-class one.  People with feelings running high after a football match were not suitable people to be in public-houses.  Mr. S. R. Dodd (for the Temperance Cabinet) complained that the law did not insist that notice of such an application should be given the public.  In the short time had at his disposal, 589 people had signed a protest list.  Amongst these were nine clergyman of churches in the neighbourhood; Archdeacon Howson, among nine prominent representatives of the Church of England, and prominent men representing the Free Churches, the University, Rodney-street doctors, and business men. 

EVERTON V LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 September 1928
Bee’s Notes
It is good to think of a meeting of Everton and Liverpool as a Civic Week finale.  It is a city thought that these two great teams should turn up at this convenient moment for the purpose of an annual affair that has grown into one of the glowing features of football.  Our city “deals” from a football point of view, have been noteworthy as being the keenest and cleanest of all “Derby” days. I always mention this fact because it is a City asset, it is a city pride, and as the years go by newcomers to the Liverton sides, not knowing our history and pride in honest-to-goodness matches, might spoil our copy-book.  This we do not want.  Indeed, I should say that on the ground at Goodison Park tomorrow there will probably be more argument among the spectators than the players –until, of course, I get busy with Monday’s notes; then there may be a landside or a fall of ice such as one hears rumbling its way through the pass if Grindevald.  
THE PINNACLE
Undoubtedly the meeting of Everton and Liverpool, coming rather earlier than usual in the season’s programme, has come at a moment of delight; for between the two sides there is so little and the electric air of a game such as this may turn the game this way of that way all in a second.  Some drawn games have recently come out of these gatherings, and possibly the most notable in history was the 3-3 draw made at Anfield a season or so ago.  It is anybody’s game tomorrow; and I wish you, reader, had to give the easting vote as to if anyone will win; because your vote would not find publicity, and mine is bound to create the usual storm of criticism because it is given without fear and with the publicity of paper.  I do not shirk the responsibility of saying what I find in weighing the two teams.  In goal Scott is a supernatural goalkeeper; Davies has never played so well as this season; his forward run and his connecting reach for the corners ad centres show him to be a grand goalkeeper.  So that through we put Scott on the highest rung of all, we are “all square” for a draw in the goal areas. 
 A THOUGHT
Have you ever thought what a blending of James Jackson and Cresswell would produce?  It would be an amazing coupling of defenders.  Jackson would supply the petrol and Cresswell would supply the ice!  A slip in the defence line means much, and mayhap we shall see some to-morrow through hasty defence by someone or other.  It is in the pal of the gods.  We are not getting much forrader with this weighing-in process are we?  Especially as we find no great leeway between the rival backs.  At half-back ah! There one can see the difference.  Think of it in this was; Troup and Weldon will be operating against Morrison and that may be a tall order, cleverly though Morrison is playing just now.  In addition, it is asking young, strong Davidson to put his plans of campaign against an old campaigner like Hunter Hart.  Bromilow de lune to-day is having a great tie, and he always revels in these charming games, and is sure to show up prominently; but I give Everton the palm, mainly because their half-backs are likely to do better than the Anfield half-backs.
JACKSON V DEAN
Your remember what joy Jackson gave last season when he held Dean.  He was at centre half-back that day, and had a working plan with Lucas and Mackinlay.  I had a vivid view of that tussle, and the brilliance of Jackson, because his heaviest work was under the microphone.  A lot of people have asked me whether they can have the game broadcast; that is out of my hands.  They seem to think this Derby game must be broadcast; I fear no matches will be broadcast this season, although you must not imagine that Everton take exception to the idea; they have always been wonderfully helpful and have encouraged it; in fact I’m sure if I were asked to get in touch with them tomorrow they would sway “Certainly.”  My great regret that this match is not being broadcast is the fact that so many hospital cases and others, stuck at home, will be debarred what must have been a measure of pleasure.  However, we must not stay on this point; let it be said that here Jackson, from full back, will have to reach out for new ideas (along with Davidson) to try to stem the Dean tide.  It should be a magnificent battle, and with Edmed scoring regularly with striking drives, I am believing the game will produce more goals than came to the side a year ago.  We will not be disappointed, however, if the forwards of both sides indulge in strong shooting, and all aim at playing the fair and fruitful game.  That’s what we desire; nothing else matters.  There may come a brilliant outburst in attack, because, look at them how you will, there is not a difference between the forward lines whatever you might find from placing man to man.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Liverpool; Scott; Jackson, Done; Morrison, Davidson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Whitehurst, McDougall, Hopkin. 

 

 

 

September 1928