EVERTON RESERVES 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 3
September 1 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 2)
Blackburn Rovers accomplished a fine performance in defeating Everton at Goodison Park , for the home side, indulged in much attacking, that was dangerous, but the visitors particularly in the closing stages, appeared able to provide the more accurate and sharper finish. An evenly contested first half showed each goalkeeper revealing sound judgement. After Roscamp had two goal disallowed for offside, Rigby scored for Everton after Crawford had edged away a shot from Martin. Eight minutes after the resumption Groves scored a good goal. Soon afterwards Talbot added a second, and later Roscamp a third. Turner and Groves, on the Rovers left made the most effective wing, Carter was a convincing half, Holdcroft, Common, McPherson, and Martin were conspicuous for Everton. Everton Reserves; - Holdcroft, goal; Common and Lowe, backs; McClure, TP Griffiths and McPherson, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, White, CR. Webster and Rigby, forwards.
Everton unchanged.
Everton go to Portsmouth tomorrow, and the side will be unchanged from the team which defeated Birmingham viz., Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

EVERTON'S TOUR
September 1 st 1931, Evening Express.
Everton, will satisfied with their return to the First Division, have decided to play the same team that defeated Birmingham on Saturday against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Today the Blues leave on a long tour, which takes them to the extreme south and then to the far North. Tonight they will stay in London and then journey down to Portsmouth for the match tomorrow, returning to London the same night. This will be Portsmouth's first home game, and they will be playing the eleven with which they finished fourth from the top last season. On Thursday they will make the long trek to Sunderland in readiness for the engagement at Roker Park on Saturday. During their stay in the North they will visit the sea for walks and will return to Liverpool on Sunday. Fratton Park may be regarded as one of Everton's happy hunting grounds for of the three matches played there they have won two. The results from 1927-28 to 1929-39; 3-1, 0-3, 4-1. They will have to reveal; their best form to gain a point tomorrow, for Portsmouth are considered one of the cleverest teams in the competition, and started well by defeating Sheffield United at Bramall-lane by two goals to one. In addition to the chosen team, Archer and White will travel to Portsmouth as reserves. The same team has been provisionally chosen for the match at Sunderland on Saturday. Teams: - Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griifths (P), Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Portsmouth will put out the team which beat Sheffield United on Saturday; Gilfillan; Mackie, Smith; W. Nicholl, Allen, Thackeray; Forward, Smith, J. Weddle, Easson, Cook.

EVERTON AT POMPEY 
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 01 September 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton this day have gone to London to take their stance ready for the night match at Portsmouth—which you will find fully dealt with in the "Daily Post" of Thursday morning. Portsmouth  play " that type of 'Fame " that, suits  Everton and they will remember some  very happy games spent there, one  when Dean got a hat-trick and helped  in a big victory. Portsmouth have grown very clever since then and some call them the form horse of the competition. Well, I hope to see this horse rocking to-morrow night. And it can be done if the elusive pimp.  Mr. Cook, at outside left is not allowed  a free, unfettered pass-way by a defence  that is not renowned for its speed but  is making history for its tactful and  timely tackles—making lack of pace a  mere fetish.   Portsmouth will desire to show off their second victory. Night matches often get players off their normal game —the long wait to the evening seems to get on their nerves and gives them a wrong idea and atmosphere. However,  with Everton confident and Dean sure  to play better than he played on Saturday,  and Griffiths on the right wing  forgetting the initial bow to senior football—it  seemed to take effect upon his  game, it is said—there is no reason why  Everton should not chase into the night  and bring back at least one point. The half-back line can dominate things with height, weight, and experience, but most of all by reason of their able feeding of the forwards. The forwards “must" play; the half-backs will; the defence can and may, and all that remains is some semblance of sense of direction and enterprise in the shooting of the ball that comes nicely to the boot—no delays, no puerile wasting of time to drag a ball from spot to spot; taken as it conies the ball offers golden goals. I think Everton will get sonic, and I will tell you of their endeavour, whether successful or otherwise, without sign or show of bias. The critic who hides his sting in times of stress or success merely deludes himself—his readers never forgive him.  Everton at Portsmouth make no change. 

EVERTON'S TEST.
September 2 nd , 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton and Portsmouth in their previous meetings set a high standard, and another good game should be witnessed to-night. On Saturday the Southern side defeated Sheffield United at Sheffield, and Everton will find difficulty in holding their rivals. The teams chosen are; Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Portsmouth; Gilfillan; Mackie, W. Smith; Nicholl, Allen, Thackray; Forward, J. Smith, Weddle, Easson, Cook.

DEAN'S ANKLE BETTER .
September 2 nd 1931. Evening Express.
A chat with Dunn .
By the Pilot
En Route with Everton for Portsmouth.
Although Dixie Dean jarred his ankle in the last few minutes of the match with Birmingham, and a swelling resulted, I am able to tell you that, thanks to the careful attentions of the club doctor and trainer Cooke, Everton's captain will lead his men on the field at Fratton Park this evening. I have just been having a chat with Jimmy Dunn, who made such a wonderful start on Saturday with a hat-trick of goals. "Dean's cuteness in heading the ball back to me and his unselfishness made the openings possible," he said. "With a man like Dean leading an attack, I think it often pays to hang back a little. He seems to be always well up for the centres, and sometimes the ball drops back, which enables me to have a pot." They are a happy band, these Everton players. There is not the slightest doubt that they have that invaluable quality –team spirit. They return to London tonight, and set out for Sunderland tomorrow morning. There is every confidence that today's match will bring at least another point to the Blues. Everyone appreciates that it will be a desperate struggle, but Everton have the will to win. Messrs A. Coffey, J. Sharp, C. Hayes, and Dr. C. Baxter are the directors in charge with Secretary T.H.McIntosh. Mr. McIntosh tells me that the sale of members' season tickets this year is always a record, but the total number of season tickets disposed of is not so high as when Everton were in the First Division last.

PORTSMOUTH 0 EVERTON 3
September 3 rd , 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Hat-trick for White.
Everton's fine away win.
Portsmouth in shackles
By "Bee." Everton, without Dean, won 3-0 at Portsmouth. It was a solid victory, hard earned, showing the visitors as possessing stamia and the fine football ideas. White, deputising for Dean, scored all three goals. Thus Everton, in two matches, have had a hat-trick performer, and although the match was a trifle difficult to handle at times by the deputy referee it was a rough game. The referee had been appointed linesman, but was called in to take the main position and a doubt about a penalty kick to the home side, together with the doubt about the ball striking the underpart of the crossbar, led to much discussion. Everton should have been three goals to the good at half-time. They had to be content with one, taken by White, who headed beyond the goalkeeper with a touch of Dean traceable in his manner of taking a header. The goal was the outcome of a perfect bit of foraging by Johnson and a centre by Griffiths, who had apparently felt the importance of the occasion. However, this part success for Griffiths encouraged him in the second half to produce more effective work, and the pity of it was that his two easy chances of the first half had not been accepted, so that the match held on the slender thread of one goal margin for half an hour longer. The match developed into an interesting and exciting bout, because Everton, after starting with machinelike forward work, thanks chiefly to Dunn, concluded with Everton very hard pressed, and the defence worried and worked with an insistence that seemed certain to bring a goal.
Disputed Point.
Mr. Thomas, of Walsall, was a missing link. Whether he missed the trin or not no one can knew, and a linesman, Mr. Zects, of London, took his place, and Arthur Knight, the international footballer, who has played with Portsmouth, went on the line. All these things seemed to upset the even temper of the players, and Portsmouth never really overcame the remembrance that they had a ball to the underpart of the crossbar and no one could say whether the ball actually went over the line or not. It was the referee's duty to decide and his answer was favourable to Everton. Portsmouth, unsettled, themselves needlessly, became at this point their left winger, Cook, was playing his customary dodging game. For over an hour the stress upon Cresswell was enormous, and his response was perfection. He seemed to play a more than usually inspired game, and thought out the excessive dribbling methods of the Portsmouth side like the artist he is. It is not too much to say that Cresswell held the fort of Portsmouth and won for the Merseyside fort a glorious victory. But this victory was not made secure until the seventy-fourth minute, when White again scored, this time with a shot to the left portion of the goal. Stein having given an excellent centre and thus made up for his rather stolid work of the first half.
Everton's Ground Passing .
Dean through a damaged ankle that he bathed in the sea without being able to thrust the injured member, was unable to play. White had not the height of Allen, the sturdy centre-half, from Bournemouth, but White at least is strong with height and weight, and has wise discretional moves that call for combination. Everton, in fact, were all for ground work in the first half, and many of their combining notions bore fruit. The effect of them would have been heavier had not Griffiths failed with two simple positions for scoring in the first half. Nothing would go right for Portsmouth at the opening stage. Bocking kicked away Jack Smith's testy shot, and the best shot of the day –from Easson –cracked its way just outside the upright. Portsmouth lost because they were prey to Cresswell's clear thinking, and near the finish White for the second time in the match had a chance to take a goal; the first time he failed, but in the fading moments of play he succeeded very definitely, still favouring the left hand corner. Thus Everton had worm down a team that threatened to draw even any moment when the score was 1-0. One must give praise to the whole of the winners' play and their lustiness in their most trying moments. Few defences would have stood up to such persistent pressure. Portsmouth started to be practical when the game was won, and Smith made two fine drives, which Sagar fielded. White went to outside right owing to injury just before the finish of a hard game, in which Thomson acting captain for the first time, had a wealth of work and deserved special praise. Portsmouth were poor at centre forward, where Weddle has not progressed, and on the rightwing Forward has lost favour. The defence however, did their work well, and on the winning side it was impossible to miss the security of Gee, and his use of the ball. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Griffiths, Dunn, White, Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Portsmouth; - Gilfilan, goal; Mackle and W. Smith, backs; Nicholl, Allen and Thackeray, half-backs; Forward, J. Smith, Weddle, Esson, and Cook, forwards.

EVERTON AT SUNDERLAND 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 03 September 1931
STILL A DOUBT ABOUT DEAN PLAYING 
Everton Club travelled to Sunderland to-day carrying with them Archer as reserve.  There is still a doubt about the centre-forward position for the match at Roker.  Dean's ankle is not sprained, as has been stated, but strained.  White is likely to play at Sunderland, Dean is still limping a little.

AN NMISTAKEABLE VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 03 September 1931
EVERTON'S GRAND RALLY AT PORTSMOUTH
Everton have lighted London’s streets. They have just returned from Portsmouth with a victory rather unexpected, very solid and convincing.  Trainer Cooke has his hands' full.  Players are being treated in the saloon for injuries received. White, the man who got all the goals for Everton last night, has a pretty severe thigh injury.  Dean may be fit for Saturday at Sunderland, and may not be risked.  Dunn has a limp, but everyone is very joyful over a 3-0 victory at Portsmouth. This victory was the result of every man putting in every ounce of team spirit. There were outstanding men, but every man did something towards this the second victory of the season. People had suggested that Everton were easily rattled. They had their answer last night. Some 23,000 spectators watched the sure, steady method towards victory, and finally they gave hearty cheers to the scorer who attained his “hat-trick," thus equalling Dunn’s performance of the first game.  White scored three against Sunderland the last time he appeared in the First Division team, so history was repeating itself.
SUMMARISED 
What happened can be summarized thus. The deputy referee, Mr. Zetta,  who is not on the official list, but is a  mere liner, had to take charge owing to  Mr. Thomas, of Walsall, not appearing  through a sore throat.  In the lining place the home side put Arthur E. Knight, who has played for Portsmouth, Corinthians, &c, and is still playing. He has more caps than Vivian Woodward. He did his work well, but, oh my, the things they said of Zetta will not bear printing.  Portsmouth were rattled through,  being a goal down, and through the  variety of causes that made them  unable to settle to the play that brought  them victory at Sheffield United's  ground, they hammered away very  testily and at times very cleverly.  Albeit Forward was never suiting anyone at outside right, and the wing half backs wet, not quick enough. All this  time Everton had the hope that they  might get another goal and the fear that  a blazing sun's rays might blind the able Sager, and then Portsmouth with  an equalizer would have run riot..  ADMIRABLE PLAY 
I admired every Everton' man's play  in this period, for, remember Everton  had shown much talent in ground combination,  and tine rounds of passing  had got one good goal, had sacrificed two more through a junior, and now had  their backs to the wall, knowing there  might be the sound of heavy firing at any moment.  In all this persistent and lasting attack one man stood pre-eminent.  Cresswell’s locks of hair (both of them) became disarranged, but never once did his cool head let him down.  He was the master back, the strategist, the man who stood above all others, the man who placed himself as if magnetizing the ball to come in way. He was left-back, he was right-back, he went over to give a hand to the defenders who found Cook so enticing a player.  Cook could win this game if he could  get beyond a six-tooter in Clarke, who  wandered a trifle too often towards centre half-back, and if he could outpace  Bocking, which isn't exactly  difficult for a fleet man such as Cook.  However, the three prevented Cook doing more than work the ball, and for the rest Gee and Thomson held up the traffic.  Gee played much better than he played on Saturday, and Thomson, acting as captain for the first time since he came to Everton that fatal and fateful March, gave the wisest and cutest display he has shown us since he came here.
WHITE GOALS 
For Everton wore out the Portsmouth battlers, and Gee, putting the ball up the middle at times, gave White three chances. He took two, which is a good day's work. White, of course, comes into the picture, but I must add that Johnson, fined down in weight, was showing a lot of brilliant work as a  " half half back," if one might term it that way.  He helped to make the opening goal  vital in an away match Dunn'  began with a breeziness and a beauty of  football niceties good to look on, and  when he was about to shoot a ball  kicked up aggravatingly, while later on  he made a telling hanging shot that Gillfillan did well to save. Shot and shooter earned applause.  Griffiths played better the longer the game lasted. The memory of two misses must not weigh heavily with him. Add Sagar, and you have the complete,  eleven—fine battlers—with Sager bringing  up the rear with some admirable  ideas about edging a ball over the  goal-bar.  All did well.  Portsmouth played well up to a point.  That point was the point at which the Everton fellows allowed them to play.  There was not a great deal of shooting, but what there was woo mainly from Everton, and it had direction as its main theory.  For my part, I count this a very hard-won  game, an enjoyable game, a match  where the new captain was proud of  his men, and he himself set them a  great example; and where Cresswell  took charge of the defence and gave a  display of craftsmanship, good-length  punting, brilliant heading, and general  sense of direction, that he must be  termed outstanding, and standing above  all others. 
PORTSMOUTH SORE
Portsmouth were sore at one further  3-0 defeat at Fratton Park from Everton, but they had to admit that the verdict  had gone the just way, and it wasn't a whit too severe a margin when one  recollects that Everton should have been  three up in half an hour.  What is one among so many? May the good work go on at Sunderland.  Played 2, won 2, lost 0, drawn 0, goals for 6 (two hat tricks), goals against 2.  It is very happy reading to these croakers who had doubts about Everton's style of play and Everton's rise to seniority again.  Good football will always pay. Everton have resumed their first-class innings with some very effective football.  To-day we trek to Roker Park—a  journey of seven hours, with seven more  hours on Sunday—making for me 1,500  miles in a week of football. Ah, the going has been good and the results have been better. Happy days are here again.

MOTOR CAR HITS A LORRY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 03 September 1931
EX-EVERTON PLAYER IN COURT
CASE DISMISSED
THE STIPENDIARY AND “JOCULARITY”
John O’Donnell, the former Everton footballer, who is now playing with the Blackpool club, was the defendant in a prosecution at Liverpool Police Court, today, arising out of an accident in Walton-road on August 14.  O’Donnell, whose age was given as 28 years and address as Dean-street, Blackpool, pleaded not guilty to driving his motor-car while under the influence of drink.  He was defended by Mr. Barrow-Sicree.  Mr. Alan Davies, prosecuting, said about 8.40 p.m, o Friday August 14, a motor lorry was being driven along Walton-road towards the junction with Fountains-road.  Defendant was driving his car in a zig-zag manner in the same direction.  The lorry was turning into Fountains-road West when defendant’s car ran into the rear of the lorry.  Both vehicles stopped.  Police officers arrived and came to the conclusion that O’Donnell was under the influence of drink.  That opinion was confirmed by a doctor who examined defendant.  William Richard Charles Best, driver of the motor lorry, said he was traveling at between eight and ten miles an hour when he felt a slight bump.  He got out investigating and O’Donnell approached him and said, excitedly; “I have just got you in time.”  Witness asked what defendant meant, and the latter replied that he wanted to know why witness had not given a signal when he turned. 
“STARTED CARRYING ON”
“Defendant also started carrying on about whether I would pay for the damage caused to his car,” added Best.  Mr. Barrow-Sicree-Don’t you give a signal when turning? - Not to the left.  The lorry is a right-hand drive.  I suggest that your omission to signal was the cause of the accident?-No, its was not my fault.  You don’t suggest O’Donnell was drunk?- He may have been under the influences.  P.C. W. Dickson said when he saw O’Donnell, a few minutes afterwards he smelled strongly of drink and his speech was thick.  Witness considered he was unfit to be in charge of a car. 
“I’LL GO WITH YOU”
When told he would be arrested defendant said; “You can do as you like, I’ll go with you.”  Formally cautioned and charged, he replied; “No I don’t think so.  Police-seargeant Thomas Smith said that after defendant was examined by the police doctor he was asked if he wished to have a private doctor called.  He replied; “No.”  Defendant was not put in a cell before the police doctor came.  Mr. Barrow-Sicree! You didn’t talk to O’Donnell at all about his exploits on the football field? –No.  Dr. Fleming said that he examined the defendant at 8-50 p.m., on August 14 in Westminster-road bridewell.  He came to the conclusion that O’Donnell was not drunk, but that he was so far under the influence of drink as to be incapable of having proper control of a motor car.  Giving evidence O’Donnell said he hired the car in Blackpool and drove to Liverpool, arriving at about 5.15 p.m.  He stopped for a time with friends transacting some business and was on his way back to Blackpool when the accident occurred. 
“A PRETTY FITMENT”
Two glasses of drink of mild beer was all the drink that he had.  He was quite clear about that.  Mr. Davies (cross-examining);  Are you a man accustomed to taking drink?  -I take a drink now and again-not very much.  I take two or three gills of better every other day.  The Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr. Stuart Deacon),- I suppose you are a pretty fit man.  At the time the football season had not begun.  Were you in training then?
O’Donnell-Yes.
When in training, added defendant he usually went without food from 6 a.m, until 5 o’clock. 
BRIDEWELL JOKES
Stipendiary.- Did you treat this matter lightly? In the bridewell the doctor said you did? - I did not mean to treat the matter lightly.  I may have joked with one or two of the constables whom I knew previously.  William Thomas, ship’s steward, said that O’Donnell called at his home in Dingle at 7 o’clock on the evening of August 14.  They went out together, and all they had to drink was one glass of beer each.  James Frayne, licensee of the Trawler Inn, Liverpool, said that O’Donnell and Thomas were served with only one drink.  Mr. Barrow-Sicree submitted that in the circumstances in the case it was impossible to say that defendant was incapable of driving.  O’Donnell’s conduct after the accident was consistent with him being perfectly sober. 
CHARGE DISMISSED
Dismissing the charge, the Stipendiary said that the doctor attached great importance to the apparent irresponsibility of O’Donnell in regard to the matter, and his apparent failure to understand the serious nature of the charge.  “I think it is just possible,” added the Stipendiary, “that the doctor may have attached too much importance to O’Donnell’s jocularity, because he seemed to present something of the same habit in answering questions in the witness-box today.  I think it is a point to which O should pay some attention.  “Another point is O’Donnell’s clear recollection of what happened, and a third point is the evidence of Thomas and Frayne.  “In the circumstances it would not be safe for me to convict.  “I don’t think a jury would convict him on the evidence as it stands.  “O’Donnell, you get what, in police court language at any rate, is called the benefit of the doubt.  You are discharged.” 

EVERTON'S TASK
September 4 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Sunderland are always worthy of the highest respect at Roker Park, and Everton will find strenuous opposition there tomorrow. So for Everton have gained maximum points, and they will have accomplished a smart performance if they master Sunderland, who will be represented by; Middleton; Murray, Shaw; Morris, McDougall, Hastings; Eden, Gallacher, Gurney, Devine, Connor.
Everton may again be without Dean as his ankle is not quite sound, and White who did so well at Portsmouth, is likely to turn out again.

PROBLEM OF CENTRE FORWARD POSITION.
September 4 th 1931. Evening Express
Rain Holds –up Training at Roker.
By the Pilot, at Roker-on-sea with Everton.
Everton are uncertain about who will lead the attack in their important match with Sunderland, at Roker Park on Saturday. When this page went to press, there was a possibility of Everton having to send to Goodison for a third centre, and further information on that point, if any will be found on the back page. The two centre-forwards in the party, Dixie Dean (captain) and Tommy White, who obtained a hat-trick against Portsmouth, are both on the injured list. Dean'' ankle injury sustained against Birmingham is mending but slowly. He can walk, and run, but feels the strain still. Kicking might aggravate the injury. White, who received his left thigh injury at Portsmouth, just after he had secured the third goal, has a muscle stiffened. He has difficulty in walking easily. An awkward position for Everton. At present the Everton party has its headquarters at bracing Roker Bay. It was hoped that today could be spent in sea-bathing, walks, and light training, but the weather has put a stop to open-air work. There is a high wind here and a heavy sea running, while it has rained increasingly since we arrived from London yesterday. Consequently, the players were taken by Trainer Cooke for hot sea-water baths. There is optimism in the Blues' camp that tomorrow's match will bring another point at least. The rain has made Roker Park ideally suited to their style of play. Mr. C. Hayes and secretary Tom McIntosh are in charge of the party here, and it is expected that Mr. E. Green, the vice chairman, will join us this evening, when the players will be taken to a theatre. So far the tour has gone off without a hitch, but not without a touch of comedy. The tube nearly did for us in London yesterday. We had to make our way by underground from the Strand to King's Cross. We boarded the train at the Strand and duly changed at Leicester Square, setting into another train for King's Cross, as we thought and found ourselves back at the Strand Station. Fortunately we had plenty of time to catch the Express north.

EVERTON’S TASK AT SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Echo - Friday 04 September 1931
Bee’s Notes
Sunderland is our haven of rest for the moment. It is a passing rest after, a strenuous opening week of football’s’ mixtures. To-day the Everton players go about the seaside town of Roker, which is adjacent to the ground of the Sunderland club, and they wonder what the morrow has to offer—if anything.  These summer-time-rush-time football acts and all too heavy in the opening days. The heat of the day is added to by the perpetual playing of stern games.  All First Division games are stern and relentless, whatever their result may be.  Players at this time of year yearn for the heavier ground: by February they will be yearning for a ray of sunshine.  We can never satisfy ourselves.
EVERTOR AT ROKER 
Everton renew acquaintance with Sunderland, who have lost their Leonard and found some bright young things.  Sunderland have always done well against Everton, and out of their last four meetings have taken three draw, and a surprise hiding from Everton by 4-1 at Goodison Park. In a fortnight we shall see Everton opposed to Liverpool and McDougall, Junior. To-morrow we  shall have a test of McDougall, Sen., captain of the Sunderland side, and if  the Everton defence can hold out the  home left flank, then half the battle of  the North will have been won, for I am  convinced that the Connor combine is  the main difficulty of the Everton side  to-morrow. We shall find Shaw, ex- Wolves, a very round type of back, but I have no great belief in the Sunderland defence as a whole.  Everton have doubtless felt the urge of Division I, over Division 11, thus far, but Sunderland is not an impossible proposition to them to-morrow, because the ground is sound, and the ball runs very true here, so that good-class football should be served up by the elevens engaged, and a game full of incident may bring one of the big surprises—and a pleasant one—to the Mersey area.  At the moment, Everton’s team is not chosen, but there is a grave doubt about Dean, and in view of the way White shaped on Wednesday I fancy he will lead the attack.
EVERTON F.C’S S.O.S.
A THIRD CENTRE-FORWARDS TO GO TO ROKER
Everton F.C., have had harsh weather at Roker.  Dean and White have been suffering from injuries, and an S.O.S to Goodison Park for a third centre forward has been made.  All the players went to the salt baths today, and by mid-day it was said that Dean was practically certain to resume.  Sunderland make no change in the side that beat the Cup winners. 
Reserves (v Birmingham at Goodison Park, 3.15); Holdcroft; Common, Lowe; McClure, Griffiths, McPherson; Critchley, Cunliffe, Martin, Webster, and Rigby.
“A” team (v Shell Mex, at Stopgate-lane, 3.30); Corrie; Parker, Jackson; Edwards, Parry, Lloyd; Worrall, Houghton, Thompson, Cryer, and Leyfield. 

EVERTON AT SUNDERLAND
September 5 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
After beating Birmingham and Portsmouth, Everton are faced with a severe test at Roker Park. Dean is expected to turn out as his ankle stood the test yesterday. The Everton forward will find a strong half-back line led by McDougall, and the attack will be tested to the full. Sunderland too have lively raiders and a keen tussle is likely to be the outcome. A draw would be satisfactory to Everton. Teams; Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Sunderland; Middleton; Murray, Shaw; Morris, McDougall, Hastings; Eden, Gallacher, Gurney, Devine, Connor.

SCOT’S SELECTORS ON WATCH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 September 1931
EVERTON-SUNDERLAND GAME UNDER FIRST DEVINE COMES UNDER FOOT
JOHNSON OPENS SCORING; GRIFFITHS INCREASES
By Bees
Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Sunderland; Middlton; Murray, Shaw; Morris, McDougall, Hastings; Eden, Keeton, Gurney, Devine, Connor.  Referee; Mr. Walden, Derby. 
The Everton players were "drowned” at Sunderland with their short stay of three days at Roker, but were very happy, nevertheless. The memory of the hat-tricks and victories over Birmingham and Portsmouth washed out the notions of gales and incessant rain.  Grave doubt was centred in Dean and White. White could not play, Dean was just able to play after giving much attention to salt-water baths and paddling in the sea.  An important point arose in the first minute, I find that two Scottish selectors.  Messrs. Henderson and Nivison, were present at the game to study the form of Connor, the outside-left of the home team, in view of the first international match in a fortnight's time. I believe the club has already given permission for the player, if chosen, to take up his country a call.  The ground was in splendid condition.   There was rather too much grass on it, and the only other deterrent was the wind that blew and chilled the 25,000 spectators.  Everton lost the toss and had to face what little sun there was and the wind that was tantalizing. Connor at once found Devine feeding him ad lib, but Bocking made a good tackle as the result of which Everton wade their first attack, Stein crossing the ball, and Dean, surrounded by McDougall and Murray, making a brave effort to squeeze through.   Devine was again the mainspring of a Sunderland attack, but this time his right-winger tried to poach a yard and fell for the customary off-side decision.  Everton tried to make another offside verdict, and, failing, their goalkeeper had to kick away, which meant little relief, because he could not get the ball a third the length of the field.  Sunderland's best attack came from misplays by Thomson, but Sagar picked up quite easily, and when Thomson himself was fouled Cresswell got a surprising length with the free-kick.  Sunderland in the opening stages were far too insistent upon pass and repass, trick and dribble. Everton’s defence showed wise tactics when the wind was howling by making off-side decisions. Conner being caught in the times of another free-kick for off-side.  The ball was awkward to control, but the first half hour was quite a good type of tams, and included a lot of good football. Gee, for instance, made an admirable upward pass that Dean was only a traction too late to reach.  Gurney was the first shooter with a useful shot.
DEVINE TRODDEN ON 
Then there was an accident, a pure accident. Gee attempted to clear the ball, and it cannoned against Devine’s legs. The ball travelled beck to Gee, and he punted clear, and in running forward he tried to leap over the falling body of Devine. Gee stumbled and put first one foot on Devine's neck and then another on his thigh. Devine went off for a quarter of an hour.  While he was away Griffiths showed  a plucky disposition,  and a sharp centre  to Dean, who took the centre on his  chest, and without hesitation made a  lovely shot from the inside right  position. Middleton stuck his left hand out and stopped the belly registering a goal.  Cresswell was as cool as the conditions.  He headed back to his own goalkeeper, and afterwards cut across to the right wing touch-line to surprise Gurney by his speed and his tact.  He perhaps overdid it once too often when he passed back towards Sager; but Sagar was quick to realize the position and the necessary short sprint. Johnson joined in the pass back, and this led to a fiery Sunderland attack that lasted some time.  It was easy to criticize today, but not, so easy to allow for the wind, and in 22 minutes Morris, the Prescot Cables half back, made an extraordinary misjudgment that practically offered Stein a free centre. 
JOHNSON AND GRIFFITHS 
From this Clark was very rugged and worked his way into the penalty area although he is a half-back, Clark took a long time get the ball toward-the centre, and when he did there was just a possibility for Dean, but he and Griffiths got slightly in each other', way, and the ball turned out to Johnson through a cannon back, and Johnson could not therefore be offside, and was easily placed for a goal.  Thus Everton had begun as they had left off, with confidence and conviction and a goal to help them on their way.  This against the team that had beaten the Cup winners on Wednesday last.  The referee was unable to see Connor bring the ball down to earth with his hand, when the Scotsman was three yards from goal, but everybody saw and appreciated Devine's excellent shot when Sagar was beaten, but the ball passed outside.  Gurney went on to net the ball from an offside position, and immediately after that incident came a sudden, swift flash goal by the young boy Griffiths.  Griffiths had missed two very easy chances at Portsmouth, and now, when Dean crossed the ball square from the neighbourhood of the inside-left position, the winger ran and with intense concentration on the ball and equally intense power rammed the ball to the right-hand side of the goal.  This was just the sort of encouragement that the young boy wanted to make him forget Wednesday and remember his day's good deed.  Sunderland were very nippy, and at  times quite convincing, but, considering  Everton were facing the wind and sun,  two goals lead was a really wonderful  performance.  There was a foul against Dean and a foul against Clark, and the latter incident was too near the penalty line to be comfortable, even if Sagar made a nice catch from the header Sagar was fairly often in the picture near half-time, and when he made a half-slip in catching, he recovered it by running out and kicking to the touchline.  Hastings made a chancy drive that passed outside, but it was quits a  worthy effort, and McDougall in the  home side led his men well and roused  them, particularly on the right wing, to  improved attack, so that Dunn at times  was helping the defence.  Sagar took a catch and a bump with the same easy indifference that Thompson took a bump in a charging duel. Clark was unwise and unsporting when he moved the ball that had been placed for a free kick against him.  The referee spoke to him about it but the referee did not notice a very emphatic and deliberate handling case by Dunn in the penalty area when he was trying to safeguard the free kick against Clark. 
EDEN REDUCES 
The player had his berg to the referee, and I had my face towards the player, and I say very emphatically that this was a penalty offence.  However, right on time Eden scored for Sunderland after Connor had made a magnificent solo dribble, in which he swerved and tricked his way beyond Clark and Bocking as if they were not there, and finally crossed the ball to Eden, who slammed it into the left portion of the goal, so that half-time came with Everton leading by two goals to one, and the crowd leading their chorus of hone against Clark.  Half-time.—Sunderland 1, Everton 2. 
EVERTON IN EXCELSIS
THIRD SUCCESSIVE WIN; HARDEST OF ALL
SUNDERLAND SHOCKED
JOHNSON, GRIFFITHS, AND STEIN PRODUCE GOALS
Played 3, won 3, lost 0, drawn o.  These are the Everton figures at the time of going to press.  They have corns back to the senior circle with excellent football and a ready heart to show of the falsity of their form of two years ago.  It is one of the pleasantest duties I have to record, this third successive victory of the season 1931-32.   The game at Sunderland was a never walk-over, though Everton took a lead against the wind and sun, through goals by Johnson and Griffith. Sunderland fought bock dutifully and ably, although Devine had to go off the field for a quarter of an hour in the first half. Sunderland were smarting under the knowledge that they should have had a penalty kick for hands which the referee missed through having his back to the offender.  The goal Eden, one minute from half-time, set Sunderland swooping round and about the Everton defence, which had a testing time, Cresswell shooting up in this part of the game mere than in the first half.  Dean hit the crossbar and Everton lacked the balance they showed in their previous games, notably at outside left and in the right flank of their defence. Sunderland were not shooters, otherwise this game would have been in more doubt than it was.  The Scottish selectors were watching Conner, but Devine, another Scot, played equally well.  In this first half Johnson Griffiths scored for Everton, Eden for Sunderland.  In the second half the crowd of now 35,000 spectators had quite a featureful match in which incident abounded, and crowd elected to give the referee and Bocking some idea of their mind.  Connor and Devine changed places for a few moments, but they worked just as well in the wrong positions as later in the game, when they resumed their normal positions.  Certainly Sunderland had a full twenty minutes of resolute attack, and it was seen that they were operating better against the wind than with it, which is not a new feature of the elements.  Dean fell back to stop this intertwining business no the Sunderland left ranking a sure goal. Dunn made a swinger that had no pace, and was not of good direction, and Dean made a studied shot that Middleton caught in spite of the swerve of the ball. Actually Dean was too deliberate.  Stein was equally at fault in the matter of a moment’s delay when trying to shoot when he was well covered.  Griffiths made a surprise shot, surprising in its pace, and the moment in which he elected to shoot, and the big goalkeeper. Middleton, swinging round the post, pushed the ball round the corner, for which Dean, with an overhead shot, forced Middleton to make a catch.  Everton had spasms of passing bouts,  but there were altogether too long  stretches of attack on the part of  Sunderland to contend with, so that  Johnson and Dunn, who were mainsprings of forward notions, had to fall back to help the defence.  Bocking made a long punt, and Middleton and his hacks centred round Dean. The ball went out to Dunn, who tried to loft over all the heads into what was apparently an empty goal; but Middleton fell back, and with one hand tapped it out.  Bocking had a word with the referee  about his bump into Connor, who had  to be attended to by the trainer; while  the Everton trainer had to run over to  his goalkeeper , Sager, who had a  slight injury in attempting to clear,  away a free kick.  Clark certainly saved the goal when there had been a free kick for hands against Thomson, and the next point was a Dean shot that had Middleton beaten, but the ball hit the crossbar and rebounded for a goal kick.  This, in my estimation, was something to remember when balancing the absence of a penalty kick to the Sunderland side in the first half.  Sunderland were arresting and rousing  in the second half, and it was in this period we witnessed a Battle of  Cressy —Cresswell in this half was  covering perfectly, and on this ground  which made him famous he was receiving due applause for the skill he was showing.  The ball did not run kindly for Sunderland, nor did the fates; but Devine was an earnest runner, worker, schemer, and live-wire.  Perhaps the Scottish selectors present conceived notions of taking the pair rather than one.
STEIN CLINCHES
They never got rattled, and the issue collapsed so far as Sunderland was concerned when Dean centred to Stein, and Middleton probably anticipated a centre instead of a slow shot.  Middleton handled the ball, without stopping is progress, and Stein, who had not had one of his best matches, had produced a goal when it was most wanted and sealed Sunderland’s doom.  The last incident of the match was a very fine goal to Gurney, a fitting reward for the persistence of the Sunderland centre-forward.  Final; Sunderland 2, Everton 3. 

STUB-MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 September 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Of the Everton side that set the ball rolling in 1930-31 only Cresswell (an ex-captain), Dean (captain), and Thompson (sub-captain) were on view seven days ago.
• To Jimmy Dunn fell the distinction of scoring the first goal of the season in Division 1.
• But even greater was his distinction in performing his first hat-trick for Everton, and each goal a jolly good one, too.  Thus, at one fell swoop, he equaled his previous goal aggregate in Division 1 with Everton
• For in 1928-9 he found the net but thrice, and in 1929-30 not at all!
• Now, thanks largely to better health, Dunn has come right back to his best Scottish International form.
• Truth is once again proving stranger than fiction, for here we have a man who little more than a year ago was on transfer and still unsigned, and whose services might have been had for very little outlay.
• Everton, it is said, are not too keen upon Scottish recruits these days
• When working down the centre mud-heap, twelve months ago, at Goodison, gee was literally a diamond in the “rough.”
• Today, in keeping with the turf, he is almost the finished article
• In fact, Gee has left no stone unturned, so to speak, to add polish to effectiveness, and hence, his greater value to both the game and the spectator. 
• The League at the moment has few better pivots

GIVE IT TO DIXIE, GIVE IT TO DIXIE!
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, September 5, 1931
WHY A NEW-YORKER WAS INTERESTED IN DEAN
By Robin Baily, the well-known southern Critic
Newport were playing the University at Oxford, and the crowd were doing their beat for the home fifteen.  “Play up 'Varsity! Oh, well shoved, ‘Varsity! Feet, feet, 'Varsity! They shouted every other minute.  At half-time a young Welsh three-quarter,  who was playing in his first  match for Newport, went up to an international  forward, and said: "This chap  'Varsity seems to be doing all the  damage; point him out to me.  Whenever I have watched a match in  which Dixie Dean is playing I have  been reminded of this old Rugger yarn  Dixie always seems to be doing so much  of the damage or the other side concentrate all their energies in an effort to  prevent him doing it  " Watch old Dixie! Keep your optic on that bloke Dean," were the warnings at the Den when Everton played Milwall last season.  Once I saw him on a Northern ground in a Cup-tie, and the Liverpool regiment of fans were there in full blast: ' Give it to Dixie. Give it to Dixie,” was the avalanche of advice that drowned every other shout even the rattles and sirens had no chance against it.  An American reporter who in a spirit  of curiosity once accompanied me to a  match in which this tall, curly-headed  youth was in action, watched and  listened, as a well-trained newspaper  man does whatever big town he comes  from—his was New York.  "Say, which are the Dixies?" he asked after five minutes.  I handed him a programme.  “What’s the big idea of this Dixie stuff?"  "That is the name of the Everton centre forward. He's a great footballer, a sort of Babe Ruth (greatest of all baseball stars) of England."  Thereafter, the field glasses of the American were trained on Dean, wherever he roamed—and he does roam. Our cousins from the other end of the Big Ferry are tremendously interested in successful and magnetic personalities.  So as a matter of fact are we all.  The most thorough and technical  tribute I ever heard laid at the studded  soles of the famous Dean, who is not  gloomy, came from Alf Messer, the  Tottenham Hotspur centre-half.  During his several campaigns at Reading (who usually did pretty well in the Cup) in representative games, and since he went to White Hart-lane this masterly pivot has faced all the leading centre forwards of England.  “Dean is easily the most difficult of them all to deal with,' said Messer.  “He’s big, tall, quick, clever, individualistic, yet no centre leads or combines better with his comrades.  Barring Charlie Buchan, I never saw any other forward so deft with his head, yet he is no mere football aviator; always in the air. A great footballer and a sportsman. -  This was a formidable antagonist’s summing-up of Dixie Dean, and such a long speech was all the more surprising, because Messer, like another artist, Frank Woolley, speaks seldom, and then usually calls upon few words.  And yet the first time I met this irrepressible Dixie Dean, cheery optimist and happy warrior of the Cup and League trails, he was in tears. He wept bitterly over what he thought had been his hopeless failure. It was after his first game for Everton against Arsenal at Highbury I sought an interview with “the expensive " new forward just transferred to Goodison Park from across the Mersey.  He did not think he would he to hold a place in First League football.  But the "old soldiers " in the side  gave me that footballer's wink which  tells me more than half a column of  close print--it signalled "the boy's  good. He's downhearted about missing a chance or two, but he's the right stuff."  That is what the winks wirelessed, and they were right. Here's to one of those old-fashioned Everton seasons, and Dixie at the head of the football “batting averages!"  If he and his pals should breeze up to a certain stadium sometime in April, well, the final would not be devoid of good football—as it has been on some deadly drab occasions. 

EVERTON RES V BIRMINGHAM RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 September 1931
Everton took the lead in three minutes.  Griffiths started a movement, and when the Birmingham defenders had failed to clear a centre from Critchley, the resultant melee terminated with tremelling losing his grip on the ball and Martin opening the score.  Everton did much sound attacking that should have brought goals, yet the forwards were never quite able to master Birmingham’s sturdy defenders.  Tremeling saved from Martin, Rigby and Webster, and then the visitors proved that they could be equally as dangerous when on the attack.  Common, Griffiths and McPherson were conspicuous.  Still the Midlanders succeeded in drawing level.  Hicks, by keeping in play a strong centre from Horsman, enabled Keating to head the equalizer.  Play continued interesting to the interval, with Everton having had sufficient chances to have held a good lad.  Cunliffe was conspicuous.  Half-time; Everton 1, Birmingham 1. 

SUNDERLAND 2 EVERTON 3
September 7 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton's Hearty Display
Sunderland surprised at Roker
Weak links of the day
By "Bee."
Everton played one of their heartiest game at Sunderland's ground, and for the third successive match the Goodison players got three goals, and for the second time in the short season's period they sacrificed two goals-the first case being versus Birmingham. The last game was a hard one to win. It had seemed that Sunderland were to be swept off their feet. Everton took a two goals lead, and Sunderland had plainly been unsettled by such a turn, after their mid-week success against Birmingham. Everton were value for their lead because they had a steady notion of combination, whereas the Roker attack was uneven. If Connor could not be held by Clark and Bocking it was left to Cresswell and Sagar to hold out, with Dunn and Johnson and the half-backs giving unstinted help. Devine was possibly a better raider than Connor, and this in spite of the fact, that Devine was off the field for some minutes through damage sustained when gee tried to leap over him, and got him "studded." As I say, Sunderland were dependent upon their left flank. Cover that corner and the home team could do nothing tangible.
Eden makes a Mark.
It was Eden who scored right on half-time to make Everton realise that they had to battle to the end to win this hard game in a gale of wind and with some sunshine as a hindrance. Connor certainly provided the most thrilling solo to make Eden's goal, but Eden, having tasted a goal, was wont to make shots too far out, and finally he lost his confidence and passed upward, where no fellow-player was situate, nor yet could reach. Without denial, the display of Everton bore touches of that combined influence that makes the attack so engaging. But they were mere spasmodic efforts; the call to defensive arms was so urgent in the second half that the team almost forgot how to produce the even-swinging ground passing movements that made the side go so well at Portsmouth. Yet one had to admire the way the Everton defence got out of their difficulties. They were hardly ever flurried in the harassing period when Sunderland were going all out for a 2-2 result. One goal to the home side at that period would have meant a tremendous lot to the verve and nerve of the Everton players. The game looked like turning Sunderland's way when Dunn deliberately (I thought) handled in the penalty area, what time he had his back to the referee, Mr. Walden of Derby.
Last minute Goal.
Finally Stein, who had a moderate second half came up to take a pass from Dean and appearing to offer a centre he scooped the ball beyond Middleton's reach. That made the game 3-1 for Everton, and all seemed over. To show the persistence of Sunderland one must state that the best shot of the match was the goal got by Gurney in the last moment of play. So Sunderland scored in the last moment of each half, and Everton were thankful Sunderland's forwards kept their shooting boots so unemployed till the minute had pass by. Everton deserved their success in spite of their trifling faults. For instance, neither of the wingmen did himself justice. Griffiths finds the First Division half backs difficult to master. He has good notions and a hard shot, but he not quickened to the First Division, style at the moment. His goal was a definite piece of work, taken instanter, and the ball was hit with accuracy in timing and direction, that had been missing from his game at Portsmouth. Stein had a good first half and then petered out. It was a breezy day and a breezy game, so that it would be unfair to be hypercritical, especially as Sunderland in spite of all their second half relish of attacks, never really looked like gaining even a draw for their labours. The chief breeze came through the crowd of 35,000 spectators taking exception to the methods adopted by Clark and Bocking. Bocking brushed into Connor, and Clark had a lot of cat calls against him for what one can only term the ungainly means by which he tackled the famous left-wing pair. Clark has not, in the matches I have seen, produced the attacking phase he showed in trial games –and that was his greatest asset. Perhaps with the heavier grounds he will resume. Sagar and Cresswell played a quietly effective game.
Cresswell's Bright Ray.
Cresswell, was not the super man he had been, but he played as well as necessary, and when the second half deluge arrived we then saw Cresswell in his own bright ray, Bocking lending him solid support, and Sagar being safe –when called upon. At half-back Gee was best, because he had a resolute, matter of fact centre forward to face. Thomson appeared a trifle laboured, and had to thank Johnson for his help as well as the opening goal of the day. Dunn was the centre of the most exciting bit of play during the day –he tried to hook a ball over everyone's head after Middleton had got out of his area to take a ball from Dean's head. Middleton fell back and handed the ball out for a corner –a save as unexpected as it was remarkable. Middleton also stopped a strong shot from Dean, a header therefrom, and a surprise shot by Griffiths, yet he failed at the crucial moment of Stein's deciding goal. The wind played tricks, and possibly Middleton is to be pitied rather than blamed for the occurrence. Sunderland were not at all convincing at half-back. The Liverpool boy, Morris was below par, and while the deputy for Gallacher –Keeton by name –did much good work in the open, he suffered the common fault of the Roker players –he lacked sting near the goalmouth. Shaw was strong at full-back and the forward line was fitful. Devine was the best of the line. Connor's centring rarely came to a rational point of advantage to his line. Eden was similarly uncertain in his finish. The game was not a great one, but it was hard, relentless, and pulsating. However, Everton have for the third successive game scored three goals, and their extensive away programme of the first six weeks have already been made to look an easy matter. The team are to be congratulated upon their fighting qualities. They have proved by this game that the suggestion of their inability to fight back is unwarranted. Teams; - Sunderland; - Middleton, goal; Murray and Shaw, backs; Morris, McDougall, and Hastings, half-backs; Eden, Keeton, Gurney, Devine and Connor, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Referee Mr. Walden, of Derby.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 2
September 7 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 3)
Martin missed penalty at 2-1
At Goodison Park. The home side did enough attacking to have yielded about four or five goals, evening allowing for their sturdy reliability of the Midlanders defence. Everton formulated their attacks convincingly, and invariably made advances through Rigby or Critchley supported by sound work from the halves, but it was in the goal area that Easton failed hesitancy permitting the Birmingham defenders to clear. Martin in the centre played well in the first half, but later scented enable to work smoothly. Martin opened the score, Kearing equalised and after the interval Webster gave Everton the lead. Martin then missed from a penalty, and Keating levelled the score with a penalty. Everton's halves played well throughout. Everton Reserves; - Holdcroft, goal; Common and Lowe, backs; McClure, TP Griffiths, and McPherson, half-backs; Critchley, Cunliffe, Martin, Webster, and Rigby, forwards.

EVERTON’S HARDEST GAME AND A SOUND WIN
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 September 1931
SUNDERLAND SHOCKED AND SURPRISED
Bee’s Notes
Everton did their part by winning a very hard and strenuously contested game at Sunderland.  The weather had not been kind  to the travelers up North and the  people were very severe in their view  of some of our players, notably Clark,  a big fellow, who was facing the famous  and pet wing—Connor and Devine.  Clark eventually went up to head a ball and accidentally collided with a player, with the result that he had three teeth knocked out. The only other accident was a purely accidental affair in which Gee trod upon Devine.  This incident upset the friendly feeling between the teams, and the Roker attendance of some 35,000 went through the rest of the game calling for Everton’s blood. Their exaggerated talkie did not prevent them vowing that Everton were worth and value for a victory. So that their view is sufficient indication—if I wanted it—of Everton’s superiority. 
SOLID 
A feature of the game was the way Everton battled against the shock tactics adopted by Sunderland. For half an  hour or so, when there was but a goal  margin favouring the visitors, Sunderland  applied persistent if not consistent  effect, swift moving attack on the  left, with much brilliant inter-passing  between Devine and Connor, the former  perhaps being the better of the pair.   But Gurney, the honest-to-goodness centre forward, had few chances, and the right wing, which included Keeton, the Notts, cricketer, was not secure, and therefore the line of attack was not a fives-strength. The Everton defence held them tight and cleverly, and I liked the way Thomson and Gee aided in the stemming of the attempted Sunderland swamp. Everton's solid defence was admirable, Bocking was sure-footed and well thought out, and Cresswell, notably in the second half, was playing as if to show Sunderland what they had missed by letting him go to Everton. Cresswell is one of the wonders of the football age.  People had a notion First Division resumption would find a hole in his armour. He has answered the doubters.  Everton, too, have answered those who said they were easily rattled. It would appear as if Everton had rattled three First Division sides thus far by their method of play. They gave the combined method a good show, and it is by such means that they will attract and carry on the good work. As showing the  esteem in which they are held, let me  quote two cases  A train attendant visited them after  leaving King's Cross, saying, " We are  glad to have you back again; you ought  not to have gone out.'  On the Roker tram, two Sunderland men talked football. One said, “This is a bit of a team that can bring in a reserve centre for Dixie and see him get three goals. We would like either of their centre forwards."  The other said, “Everton is a team of tradition. They went out through playing a good kind of game. It was bad for the game that they went out of the division".  It is encouraging to hear such remarks.  Everywhere they go Everton command large attendances. I declare here that there is no drawing card— Buchan, James, or Jack, or whom you will—who drags people from their fire, sides to football more certainly than Dean. 
ELEMENTS NO BARRIER 
The all the Everton player, shaped well against the wind and with the wind in their favour. There was a sharp wind, yet the passing of the winners' forward line and the half backs was very sure.  Yet it must be confessed that neither wingman was always satisfying. Griffiths and Stein scored—an important factor in success. Griffiths came in patchy fashion. He has notions of tricking a defence, but so far he has found the pace and class of the top division a trifle disconcerting. Griffiths certainly took his shot with rare abandon, and it is plain that in shooting he is going to do a lot of damage. Experience can only come with continued playing in this company. Johnson and Dunn added their artistic moments and helped the defence, Dunn once too often when he handled. The match, in awkward elements, was quite a good one, with incidents numerous, and perhaps the greatest was that when Middleton got back to hand out a lob-shot by Dunn. 
ALL ALONE THE LINE 
Three wins in three efforts—it is a nice kick-off, and as Everton's fixture list opened with a goodly proportion of away matches the victories have been more than welcome. The latest, was the hardest, because Sunderland had already shown capacity to heat West Brom, and they thought that they had an unbeatable side. Shaw was outstanding in defence, but Morris was below his known form, and the right wing was quite unable to round off the finesse work into which they delved pretty freely. Shooting was neither their long nor strong suit, yet Sager made me feel happy that Goodison had so able and daring a deputy for Coggins. A little more steadiness on the part of both Everton wingers will make an appreciable difference—the ball ran badly for Stein and Griffiths, but there were times when each man gathered space, slammed the defence with sharp and secure raids.  Each can and will take a shooting chance, yet, oddly enough, most of Everton’s goals have been gained from short range. This indicates the ability of the forward line to move by strategy to an easy scoring range. Victory made the long journey from Sunderland, on Sunday, almost tolerable. Everton had gone their round trip far south and far north with success—and with Director C. Hayes as official representative.  Coming home, we bumped into Scout Fare, of the Everton Club, who had been “frequenting the Gateshead-Newcastle area. 

EVERTON TAKE THE "WIN" OUT OF WIND.
September 7 th 1931. Evening Express.
A Lesson in adaptability
a-Sunder-Land.
By the Pilot.
Everton revealed their astounding adaptability at Roker Park on Saturday, when they exploited weather conditions to the complete confusion of the Sunderland side. It was like this. A strong end-to-end wind came through the openings between the high stands and banks and played all manner of capers with the ball. Everton had to face this handicap in the opening half, but they adopted the correct tactics, from the start Low, short passing was the order of the day. There was fore thought and deliberation in every movement, and though the Sunderland men were often in the Everton half, their play had no apparent methods and movements went away. Playing against the wind Everton scored two goals and practically set the seal on victory. True, Sunderland got one before half-time, but throughout they misjudged the caprices of the wind. They were never able to make the accurate pass, and invariably played the ball too strongly. They were not together as a team; and as time went on Sunderland became very much a Sunder-land. Everton had most danger to fear in the opening period from the Roker wing men, and Thomson and Clark were hardly happy. It had been allotted to Clark the duty of stopping Connor, one of the cleverest players I have seen for a long time and he became robust. His play lacked its customary smoothness in consequence. Thomson took time to settle down, but after the interval was a force to be reckoned with all the time. Gee, as a matter of fact, stood out among the half backs, and allied neat construction with deadly destruction. Dean has yet to score his first goal of the season, but his work at Sunderland was equally as valuable as goals. His leadership was the acme of skill and though. He played well within himself, but opened up the game grandly, and was eager to draw attention to himself and away from others. Everton's best forward work came from the inside men, Johnson and Dunn, who were superlative in the manner of their foraging and opening creation. They worked like Trojans and always kept the indifferent Sunderland half-backs on the run. Stein was good in the first half, and Griffiths gave his best display to date, his goal being a wonderful shot. Cresswell was the best back on the field.

EVERTON'S ELEVEN
September 9 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Everton have started in a fashion, which suggests that they will again take a high place in the season's records. They have set the pace, and a standard, which will be difficult to live upto. On Saturday they are at Goodison Park to meet Manchester City, a side which has in recent years invariably tested Everton to the full. The kick off is at 2-15 and the Everton team is unchanged, viz., Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

EVERTON SIDE UNCHANGED
September 9 th 1931. Evening Express
Manchester City's visit to Goodison.
Everton make no changes from the side, which won at Sunderland, for the match with Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday. Everton, and particularly Johnson, are hoping to register another hat-tricky victory with Johnson as the scorer. The Barrow man was formerly with Manchester City. Team; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths (P), Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. The Reserves team to oppose Manchester City Reserves in a Central League match at Maine-road on Saturday will be; Holdcroft; Common, Lowe; McClure, Griffiths ()), Archer, Critchley, Cunliffe, White, Martin, Rigby.
Everton's £607 for Charity.
Everton F.C's practice games gate receipts were £607 2s 3d. The amount has been allocated to charity as follows;
£ s d
Stanley Hospital 115 0 0
David Lewis Northern Hospital 63 0 0
Royal Southern Hospital 63 0 0
Royal Infirmary 63 0 0
Bluecoat School 52 10 0
Bootle Borough Hospital 31 10 0
St. Paul's Eye and Ear Hospital 21 0 0
Liverpool Eye and Ear Hospital 21 0 0
National Institute for the Blind 15 15 0
Wallasey central Hospital 15 15 0
The Children's Industry, Myrle-street 12 13 0
The Liverpool Dental Hospital 10 10 0
Liverpool Child Welfare Association 10 10 0
Wallasey Cottage Hopsital 10 10 0
Liverpool Police Aided Clothing Fund 10 0 0
Women's Hospital Shaw-street 7 7 0
National Lifeboat Institution
Liverpool Branch 7 7 0
Liverpool Home for Incurable 7 7 0
Liverpool Maternity Home 7 7 0
Liverpool S.P.C.C 5 17 3
Hospital for Diseases of the Heart 5 15 0
Liverpool Cancer Hospital 5 15 0
Bootle Police Aided Clothing Fund 5 5 0
Waterloo General Hospital 5 5 0
Walton and District Nurses Association 4 15 0
Dr. Barnado's Homes 4 15 0
West Lancashire Mental Hospital 4 15 0
Liverpool Discharged Prisoners
Aid Society 4 5 0
Total £607 2 3

EVERTON'S OPPONENTS
September 11 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Manchester City's visit to Goodison Park, tomorrow, makes their twenty-fourth appearance there under League auspice, but they can only boast of having secured maximum points on three occasions during the previous meetings, whereas Everton have fourteen victories to their credit. During Post-war games the City have captured seven points out of a possible eighteen, the results of the games (Everton's score reading first), being 2-0, 3-0, 2-2, 0-0, 6-1, 3-1, 1-1, 2-6, and 2-3.

EVERTON REVENGED AGAINST MANCHESTER CITY?
Liverpool Echo - Friday 11 September 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton will relish this chance of tackling Manchester City at Goodison, to-morrow, because their memory regarding certain results as not failing them. We do not forget that Manchester City kept the Goodison Park people waiting and that the team rustled indecently to Goodison Park with a skip had been almost emptied before they reached the ground.  Tony Weldon scored a goal and Manchester City, continuing to break into a sweat, turned the result into a six goals to two victory.  In fact, Manchester City's scores  against Everton have been one-sided  with the exception of a very valuable 2-1 win to Everton at Maine-road in  the dark days when Everton were  struggling against relegation, and  Griffiths, at centre half, produced one  of the most memorable shots we have  ever seen to win the genie. On the other side of the ledger we find 2-6, 1-5.  2-3, so that the weights and measures are against Everton. However, since those days Everton have learned how to win in both divisions of the Football League, and at the moment they have a confidence that is not easily rattled, even if the criticism of one player rattles their sense of justice. 
GO-AHEAD FORWARDS 
Make no mistake, this test to-morrow  is a severe one because Manchester City, like West Bromwich Albion, are  go ahead forwards, speedy without  being rushing, sound without  being slow, and they have one of the  City's bugbears, Dave Halliday, in  operation against Everton. Needless to say, Tom Johnson will be keyed up to play well against his old club, and with McMullan a possible starter, and other Manchester City stars. Goodision Park to-morrow should ring with a riot of attack on both sides.  The enthusiasm in the Everton corps is at a high point through three successive victories and three successive scores of three goals. In my mind Everton will have to be very solid in defence and a shade better at wing half back than they have been if they are to get away with this fourth stile. It will be an enormous crowd because Manchester City always bring their own following to Goodison Park every year -Second Division spasm omitted or excepted. 
GOOD ISON MUSIC 
March, “When the Guards are on Parade” (Lawrence Wright), waltz, “Lucerner” (Lawrence Wright), selection, “Faust” (Ground), waltz, “Put Your Loving Arms Around Me” (Lawrence Wright), selection.  “H.M.S Pinafore,” (Sullivan), foxtrot “The Peanut Vendor” (Lawrence Wright), march, “Stein, Stein, Stein, Stein” (Lawrence Wright). 

MANCHESTER CITY AT EVERTON
September 12 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton are to oppose Manchester City at Goodison Park, in recent years the City have given of their best here, but Everton have started in such away which has to suggest that their power will approach that of last season, and their supporters expect another victory today. The Manchester side has gained three points from four matches, and they will be out to day to show that their reputation for high speed and skill is not undeserved. I believe they will test Everton to the full and the margin at the finish is not likely to be great. The Kick off is at 2-15, and the teams are; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clarke, Gee, Thomson; P. Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Manchester City; Langford; Ridley, Barrnett; Busby, Cowan, Bray; Toseland, Wrighton, Halliday, Wilson, Brook.

EVERTON’S ATTACK OUT OF GEAR
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 September 1931
A FINE HALLIDAY GOAL AT SIX MINUTES WINS MANCHESTER CITY THE LEAD
By Stork
Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths (P), Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Manchester City; Langford; Ridley, Barnett; Busby, Cowans, Bray; Toseland, Wrightson, Halliday, Tilson, Brook.  Referee; Mr. F. Robinson, Blackburn.
It had ceased raining long before lunchtime, and the crowd at the start was full 30,000 strong, Manchester City having brought quite a good number of followers.  After one or two uninteresting sallies  Everton made a move forward, and but  for the fact that Dean, who had worked  his way over to the left flank, was weak  in centring the ball, Langford might  have been a busy man even at this early  point of the game.  In another Everton raid, Stein made a lengthy centre which evaded Dunn, Barnett, in making his header, got nothing behind it, and Johnson was able to gain possession. He touched the ball forward so as to make a better position, but before he could connect up with the ball again Ridley and Barnett had collaborated to smother him out.  Then came the big sensation of the  game thus far. It was only by the greatest bit of luck that the Everton  goal did not fail, for following line work  by Toesland, who pranced round Thompson  and made a speedy centre, the  ball went to Bocking, but in making his  clearance the Everson full back faced  his own goal, and while he was  fumbling with the ball, Tilson came  up from behind, sneaked the ball away  from the Everton defender, and banged  a hot shot on to Sagar's legs.  Tilson should certainly have scored.  The City were astonishingly fast, and  their football was skillful and thoughtful,  and for quite a number of minutes they  appeared to have a tremendous lot of  the ball, the Everton half-backs not  quite having settled down to their  normal game. 
HALLIDAY OPENS 
The City were particularly good on the flanks. Brook a fiery little  member, with business-like methods and  a shot if needs be, but it was Halliday  who opened the day's score, and what a  goal it was—certainly the best seen at  Goodison for many a long day.  It was made in three movements only, Cowan started it with a forward pass which Halliday got under control with his right foot, swung round with his left, and the ball sped into the goal like an arrow.  Halliday has always been one of my favourite centre forwards, and this goal will be spoken of in all parts during the coming week for there was nothing slap-dash about It. The City were undoubtedly playing progressive football.  There was no exaggerated "W” formation with them, they were all prospective scorers.  Griffiths got through to within shooting  range, but could not find a true  line with his shot, and quite the best  movement shown by Everton in the  goal-making business was made by Dean  when he glided the ball across to the  unmarked Dunn, who, however, could  not get his pass tack to Dean as he  intended.  I think Dunn would have been wise
To have offered Griffiths the chance, for he, too was unmarked. Manchester City had invariably enjoyed a good innings at Goodison. They were enjoying another to-day, for there could be no denying the fact that they had the measure of their unbeaten rivals, and were simply astonishing in the way they ate up the ground when launching an attack.
SAFETY FIRST 
Their half backs kept sending the ball up incessantly. Yet Everton were improving every minute, and Ridley preferred to concede a corner rather than take any undue risks with Stein when he was on the warpath.  Dean tried all he knew to make an opening, but the Manchester defence was so speedy into the tackle that Dean never got a moment's peace, while when he did find one centre coming into the goalmouth he did not quite know where the goal lay when he made his header.  At this point Everton were holding their opponents. In fact they held territorial advantage for quite a while, yet they never gave Langford any anxiety, for there was no powder in their gun.  The City's pace had slackened a shade, but there was always danger when Halliday and his partners elected to make a move forward.  Once Gee back-headed and Cresswell followed suit, but the corner which resulted was of no material advantage.  Halliday found Cresswell a stumbling-block, and it was a joke to see the Manchester centre-forward trying to bring off old tricks against much a man as Warney, who knows them all.  Everton were now the chief attackers, but there was still a lack of definition,  when they had worked a possible opening,  and the nearest approach to an equaliser came when Stein so placed  corner that Dean was able to make one  of his famous downward headers, which'  went only just wide of the upright.  Let me tell you that Langford was beaten by the move, Sagar, who had been idle for quite a time, was called upon to cut out a cross by Toseland, and also to handle an oncoming ball, not a shot, from Brook.
OUT OF GEAR 
The Everton forwards were uncommonly out of gear. They could not find each other, and they seemed as if they could not get in touch with one another, and it was chiefly an individuals and not as a line that they worked.  Cresswell allowed a ball from Toseland to pass over his head, not knowing that Halliday was lying in wait, and it was only Sagar who prevented a movement which might very easily have brought goal No. 2.  Dean simply could not break down  the barrier Cowan, Barnett, and Ridley  set up against him; yet he caused Langford  much trouble to make a clearance  after he had retrieved a long ball from,  the rear.  With two minutes to go Everton set up an attack which promised much and brought little, and so the first half ended with the City leading by a goal scored in six minutes.  Half-time.—Everton nil, Manchester  City 1.
LANGFORD BAULKS EVERTON
MANCHESTER CITY TAKE THE POINTS
A FINE HALLIDAY GOAL
SECOND HALF HAMMERING BRINGS NO GOALS
It was a brilliant goal which brought about Everton's first defeat of the season, yet they were the luckless side of this game, for goalkeeper Langford alone stood between them and many goals. The City goalkeeper made saves when all others were beaten, and was undoubtedly the hero of the game.  For well over thirty minutes Everton hammered the City defence into impotency, but there stood their bogey man, Langford.  The City's first-half display was better than that of Everton's, for there was more speed and directness about their meshed', but they were never in it after the interval. 
In the first half Halliday scored for Manchester City.  Everton 'showed that they were desperately keen to retrieve their unbeaten record, for after the City had placed the Everton goal in danger through a Halliday header, they set up an attack which lasted for well over ten minutes.  During this time Griffith, showed up in a good light, for he middled the ball with judgment, but Dean was blotted out by three and sometimes four Manchester men. Still, the Everton forwards produced more shots during this period than they had done throughout the opening forty-five.  Dunn shot on to Cowan's legs, Clark just on the wrong side of the upright.  Dean into the goalkeeper's hands, and one or two other shots fell wide of their objective. Johnson, with a "possible" at his disposal, only half-hit his drive, and later fired one to the left-hand side of the City's goal-post.  The spectators simply craved for an equaliser, and if vocal aid would have help the cause along Everton would have had one.  Halliday once again found Cresswell his master, but there was still the method amongst the Everton players to make three moves were one would have sufficed.  Langford had to catch a straight shot from Dean, and Sagar made a last minute dive to bring off a particularly smart save from Tilson.   The City were now on the defensive.  Whereas they had five forwards in the first half, they now had one, but at the same time it must be said that the others soon got into position when necessary. Considering the amount of attacks that Everton enjoyed it was amazing that they had not riddled the City's defence, which, however, had an escape when Clark matte a ferocious shot that Langford was fortunate to turn round his upright.  A little later the goalkeeper held on to the hall, despite the attentions of several Everton men, and came through with honour only to be ultimately tripped by Thompson. Everton were hot-foot on the way to a goal, and Johnson made a hefty drive which Langford parried with his fist when well away from his goal.  This left Dean and Ridley in sole charge, the Everton centre finally shooting on to the full-back, but I must admit I thought Dean was in an offside position.   Manchester made two quick raids, and Sagar two clever saves, while Langford once again prevented Everton from scoring.  Dunn made a short, sharp shot that Langford pushed out, and Everton must have come to the conclusion that they would never penetrate the City defence.  Dean got in the way of Dunn when the Scot was about to shoot at a moment when the City were playing flee full back.  Langford was undoubtedly the hero, for he appeared to be beaten all over by Griffiths, who made a side-of-the-boot shot.  Most of us had framed our mouths for a shout of Goal!" but Langford shot out his long right arm and made a brilliant clearance.  With three minutes to go Dean made a header of terrific pace but Langford once again barred his way, making the sensational save of the game. Langford received a great reception as he left the field.  Final; Everton nil, Manchester City 1. 

CITY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 September 1931
At Maine-road before 6,000 spectators.  Both sides were strongly represented.  The first half was evenly contest, Holdcroft keeping a good deal.  Right on the interval, however, he was challenged by Riddling and allowed the ball to slip behind him and into the net.  After seventy minutes Gregory handled, but Walmsley saved White’s shot.  Martin and Rigby missed other openings.  With the last kick of the match Roberts scored City’s second goal.  Final; Manchester City Res 2, Everton Res 0.
PEASLEY CROSS ATH V EVERTON A
The visitors attracted 2,000 spectators to Peasley Cross.  Corry, in the Everton goal, was soon in evidence, saving splendidly when the downfall of his goal seemed certain.  At the other end Davies made a smart effort, his final shot being well saved by Monteith.  Peasley Cross forced three corners, but the Everton defence was sound.  The visitors had a lucky escape when Halsall struck the cross-bar with the goalkeeper well beaten.  Half-time; Peasley Cross, nil, Everton A nil. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 September 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton to date had scored three goals in each match, and every forward save Dean had found the net.
• Ben Williams, the ex-captain should soon be ready to indulge in light training again
• Everton once had on their books a famous back in Dan Doyle, who was the unwitting cause of a player losing his life.
• Doyle was then playing for Grimsby Town (in the late eighties) and the player concerned was a Derby member named Cooper.
• Everton haven’t known defeat at Roker Park once Cresswell began to appear there against his old side
• Four seasons ago Warney put up a great show there, Everton winning 2-0 although forced to play Bain centre forward, Dean being away helping his Country v Scotland.
• It is something new for Everton players to be charged with undue robustness, as did a section of the crowd at Roker.
• The City’s last two visits to Goodison will be remembered by the Manchester boys, who on each occasion ran off with the points.
• In 1928-9 they started late (eight minutes) but began early, Massa Johnson helping himself to a bean feast in the shape of five goals
• Today Johnson was due to oppose his old club mates for the first time
• Sagar’s last six appearances in the Everton league team prior to this season saw his side pickup but one point out of a dozen possible.
• Such experiences are not good for either a man’s health or his wealth, and the Doncaster man probably appreciates his charge of fortune
• Everton may have five men taking part in the their local Derby game next week
• Liverpool at one period went for twenty years without managing to secure a home victory over their Goodison rivals-1899-1919!
• Everton’s special training last week- over a thousand miles- appears to have been justified, judging by results.

EVERTON 0 MANCHESTER CITY 1
September 14 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Yield Points.
Halliday's goal decides.
Everton sustained their first defeat of the season when they yielded both points to Manchester City by the only goal, scored by Halliday, at the end of six minutes' play. Taking the contest as a whole perhaps a draw would have been a more equitable verdict, because although Everton were out played in the first half, they put up such a splendid fight afterwards that City were rather fortunate to held their lead at the end. No side could have fought harder than did Everton in their second half, and only the tenacious City defence, in which Langford was always conspicuous with daring and clever work and Cowan a valuable helper, kept Everton from drawing level. There were times, however, when the City defence had a fair measure of luck, as when Langford made saves about which he knew little.
Clark's Shot.
Clark put in the best shot of the match that looked certain to score, yet by throwing up his left hand Langford was fortunate enough to touch the ball over the bar, and when Griffith put a ball that was going away from the goalkeeper Langford, by a supreme effort, pushed the ball away for a corner. There were many thrilling incidents in the second half that emphasized the deadly nature of Everton's hard luck. It was in the first half that Everton did badly and were seen in a poor light compared with City'' bright sparkling play. City started well and might have scored through Tilson following a slip by Bocking even before Halliday scored with a beautiful shot which no goalkeeper could have stopped.
Few Chances.
City moved with fine precision, made accurate passes, and their speedy wingers kept the Everton defenders fully employed. The Everton forwards got few chances in the first half and what they did get were generally spoiled by poor shooting. Afterwards it was as different story. The half-backs got a far better grip on the game and with strong virile attacks kept their own forwards well supplied, with the ball. The forwards responded with clever incisive work that certainly deserved a goal. When the City backs were beaten, as often they were, Langford stood between Everton and an equaliser. Rarely did the City forwards break through, and Sagar had little to do, but he made some capital saves in the first half and altogether gave a safe display. Bocking was rather too easily outmanceurved especially in the first half, but the improved afterwards. Cresswell was good all through, and his fine positional play saved the defence many awkward situations. Frequently he took up passes intended for Halliday, and the City centre had a poor match apart from his goal, scoring effort. Like the rest of the side, the half-backs revealed their best work in the second half, when they subdued the lively City forwards and kept the attack well in their opponents quarters.
Work of Dean.
Dean had to face the rugged Cowan, and although the Everton centre often found himself hemmed in and surrounded by opponents, he gave some delightful chances, and was himself a dangerous shooter. Both Stein and Griffiths put across some good centres late on, but the inside forwards found difficulty in holding the ball and creating openings. Langford was outstanding on the City side, efficient help coming from Ridley and Cowan, while in Toseland and Brook they had steady and clever wingers. Teams; Everton; Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Manchester City;- Langford, goal; Ridley and Barnett, backs; Busby, Cowan, and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, Wrighton, Halliday, Tilson and Brook, forwards.

MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 0
September 14 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 4)
Tommy White Penalty missed.
Though Manchester, at home, were on top in the second half, both their goals resulted from mistakes by Holdcroft, who, otherwise kept a good goal. Redding scored in the 45 th minute, and Roberts in the 90 th minute. White failed with a penalty kick. The Everton defence being outstanding, but the forwards were slow and laboured. Walmsley, Felton, Gregory, and Payne were the pick of the home side. Everton Reserves;- Holdcroft, goal; Common and Lowe, backs; McClure, TP Griffiths, and Archer, half-backs; Critchley, Cunliffe, White, Martin, Rigby, forwards.
Peasley Cross 0 Everton "A" 0
Liverpool County Combination.
At Peasley Cross, before 2,000 spectators. Peasley Cross give quite a good exhibition, and experienced bad luck in failing to score. Everton played clever football, Leyfield at outside left being particualrly prominent. Both goalkeepers –Corry (Everton), and Monttreth (Peasley Cross) –played well. in addition to Leyfield, Chedgzoy and Davies were prominent for Everton, while Peasley Cross were well saved by Triolett and Little.

EVERTON’S HOME LAPSE
Liverpool Echo-Monday, September 14, 1931
By Stork
CITY SPEED NODS 
It was a glorious goal which besmirched Everton's unbeaten record, yet it was scored at such a time that Everton had ample time to have wiped it out, for there was still eighty-four minutes to play, but Everton's effort came too late, and Manchester City once again ran off with the spoils.  The City in recent years has been Everton’s “bogey “team and it is a simple matter to see how it all comes about. Speed will generally find the weak spots in Everton's armour, for they cannot boast of any great pace, and as on Saturday their slowness was shown up in a marked degree, particularly in the first half, when the City seemed to have the ball in their keeping for most of the session. They went for the ball, and took it away from men who desired to work it.  The City, like Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County, had but one set plan, and that was to get the ball as quickly as possible into the rival goal area. It was not accomplished by haphazard methods, although it was done at an amazing pace. Their wing forwards simply ate up space as they moved upwards and onwards, and Everton for all too long could not stop Toseland and Brook from making dangerous raids.  Manchester were hammered to such an  extent that they became a team of full  backs, with the exception of Halliday,  but even then Everton's might could not be curbed, and it was Langford alone  who stood between them and defeat.  Dean had three, sometimes four, men round him wherever he moved, but it was not the full-backs who saved the City, but Langford.  He had enjoyed a pleasant first half, but he was doubly engaged afterwards, and simply defied the Everton forwards by making miraculous saves. He kept out at least five shots which, under ordinary circumstances, would have been goals. His best save, I thought,  was  the one he made from Griffiths, for it  appeared to have the beating of him,  but his trusty right fist turned Griffiths'  winner aside. How long would he stand up to the onslaught? That was the question asked on all sides. His answer was, "To the end." Just on time Dean made a header that seemed a certain goal, but Langford gripped the ball like a vice, and so Everton got none.
TOO LATE, EVERTON
If Everton had brought half an much  punch into their play in the initial half  I do not think they would have been  fighting for an equaliser at the half stage, for the City were terribly concerned  when Everton " set about " them  in real earnest. Cowan could be seen beckoning all hands into defence, whereas he had been signalling them to go forward earlier on. It was a game of halves, but I am still not satisfied with Everton, who took too long to settle down, and might have suffered other goals through their inability to hold down the sprightly City forwards.  In goal, Everton were well served, for Sager was clean, clever, and confident, but Socking was distinctly poor, and it was left to Cresswell to do the heavy work, and very ably he did it.  The half-hacks were slow in comparison  to Manchester's middle line, and, while  this affected the forwards up to a point,  I would not say that it was all due to  lack of " feeding" that the Everton  attack failed, for their opponents had a'  lot to do with its effectiveness. They were out-run, not-tackled by men who wanted that ball and got it, and when it came to a cover it was there.  Griffiths had one bright spell, when he  offered his inside colleagues some  charming passes, but the inside men did  not accept them as they might have  done, despite the severe tackling of the  Manchester rearguard. Still. I think that a draw would have been a fairer result, for Everton's second-half play was well worth a goal. Langford may have been a shade lucky at times, but a goalkeeper must have a bit of fortune’s favours. Langford was undoubtedly, the hero of the game, and I was pleased to see him get a reception at the conclusion of the game.

EVERTON WILL NEED TO PLAY BETTER.
September 15 th 1931. Evening express.
Even though Derby's Record is Poor.
Everton will need to show an improvement on their form against Manchester City if they mean to escape defeat at Derby tomorrow, although, on paper form they should be good enough to bring back one league point. we can take a line on form through Manchester City. Three days before they defeated Everton, Manchester City beat the County at Maine Road by three clear goals. Everton have scored nine goals against five in taking six points out of a possible eight, whereas Derby county have won only one match –their sole points –and have scored only six goals against 12. Manager George Jobey allowed some of his star players to go to other clubs, but only because he believed he had the necessary young talent to fill the vacant places. At present these young players are in the settling down stages, and once they have fitted in to the Derby style they will make their presence felt. Everton do not select their side until this evening, when it is not likely that any changes will be made despite Saturday's defeat. This should be a great game to watch.

EVERTON GO TO DERBY
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 15 September 1931
Bee’s Notes
DERBY'S DEBACLE 
Liverpool have, of course, been patching up their damaged side. They have not many resources, and they have much perturbation through the loss of Lucas, Smith, McPherson, and others .  My only bar with the selectors is  that there was little doubt in August  that Lucas would not stand a season as  he stood it last season, and here are the  two ever-presents. McPherson and Lucas, first to clip the first team's wings through nasty injuries. I don't think either man will play against Everton on Saturday next. Everton have their bruised sides and their bruised team record. They look on the defeat from  Manchester City as a trifle unlucky—the  sort of thing that happens once or twice  'every year because some goalkeepers  have a gala day, and when they are  engaged in this gala business they  invariably find fortune on their side  The ball is shot to a spot where they  may not be stationed, but it hits  legs or the body of an accidental  intervener.
Everton at Derby, to-morrow night, make no bones about the journey having accomplished in one and the same day.  The journey there has often rocked players to sickness. I thought the same portion last week-end we send many of our party into the chamber.  They escaped; I think Everton used to make Derby a regular overnight journey. To-morrow they start at midday and get back at midnight, which is characteristic of all our long journey treks this summer-time:  Derby are in the doldrums. They have even tried to make Crooks into an inside forward. Their management, per  Mr. Jobey, was noted and quoted as  the greatest thing in football history, but he, like other managements, strikes  a time when they can do nothing right  to make a compact and composed side  take up the winning course. Everton collide with Derby at the moment Derby have become desperate through their debacles. Yet Everton can resume winning to-morrow if they set their machinery of attack right—and keep off the all-too-fancy pattern.

EVERTON'S VISIT TO DERBY
September 16 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton are to travel to Derby to oppose the County, who have so far been unable to turnout a smooth-working combination. They have won but one game out of five –the defeat of Manchester City. Earlier in the campaign the County, therefore, are likely to be in desperate mood, and they hope to master Everton, who, however, are not dismayed by the defeat on Saturday, and the same team as against the City is to do duty, it should be a tight game, and Everton may make amends for Saturday's lapse. The County are making no fewer than four changes, the wing half-back positions being filled by Nicholas, and Jessop. The teams are; Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Derby; Wilkes; Cooper, Collins; Nicholas, Barker, Jessop, Crooks, Lewis, Bowers, Ruddy, Mee.

DERBY'S FOUR CHANGES
September 16 th 1931. Evening Express
But Everton Content with same team
Whilst Everton are not making any changes for tonight's match against Derby at the Bramell ground, the County have made four alterations from the side that suffered defeat last Saturday. Collins returns to left back and Nicholas and Jessop displace McIntyre and Malloch in the wing half positions. McIntyre, by the way, is the County captain. In the attack Lewis appears at inside right in place of the injured White. Incidentally, the County side will be an all-English one. This makes 16 changes in the Derby team in less than a fortnight. Everton have an excellent opportunity of registering their third away victory and maintaining their 100 per cent away record. I expect them to do so. Teams; Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, gee, Thomson; Griffiths (P), Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Derby County; Wilkes; Cooper, Collins; Nicholas, Barker, Jessop; Crooks, Lewis, Bowers, Ruddy, Mee.

DERBY COUNTY 3 EVERTON 0
September 17 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Hat-trick by Bowers.
Everton beaten at Derby
By "Bee,"
Everton were deservedly beaten by 3-0 at Derby, last night, by a team that recaptured its old-time fire albeit their star winger, Crooks, was not employed to any extent until the last quarter of an hour, thus being due to the in-and-out display of Lewis, the Welsh international, who was uncertain and extremely clever in turn. The game was a very interesting one, well handled by Referee Cartlidge, of Burslem, a game that bore no malice and produced a wealth of good football, although in the second half Derby were so much the better that the game became rather one-sided. Bowers took the main honours. He scored a hat-trick, while his positional rival Dean was slow and measured and chiefly concerned with headers towards his inside forwards, who often were spending their time helping the defence and not forcing the pace. Everton elected to play a skilled game against a big centre half-back and rugged wing halves and the stoutest defender on the field, Copper.
The Sturdy Cooper.
Copper, did more to win the game than Bowers, because Copper was at his best when Everton were doing their best. Yet, in view of the fact that Bowers scored three times, and hit the crossbar with such power that he nearly wrecked the woodwork, there was no argument and no "ifs" and "buts" about the spoils going to the better side. Everton were clever, but Derby were clever and sharp, and the winners were the more hearty side. They worked with a vigour that may have seemed crude, but it certainly stopped Everton's machinery, the forward line of which lacked sparkle and decision near goal. Wilkes had a quite a comfortable innings, whereas Sagar, an intelligent and daring goalkeeper, might well have been labelled with six goals. From an Everton point of view, Sagar was quite the success of the day.
Penalty Turning Point.
Cresswell played remarkably well until he could not resist the urge to touch a ball with his hand, a ball that was spinning away from him. The penalty kick was the turning point of the game in which Gee had played a stout-hearted game, and Stein and Johnson overbalanced the right wing pair, who were moderate from quarter-time onward. Clark did many good things, and each of the half-backs produced a strong shot as if to be an object lesson to the forward line. Stein was the most consistent of the losing side's forwards, but some compared with Mee and Bowers, and at times Crooks in the way they went away with the ball without frolic and finesse. Everton tried to weave their way through the defence, and their passing, while pretty enough, brought not the necessary shot, without which all combination is null and void. Yet the game was a good one, lasting in its pression and personal praise of Bowers and Sagar.
First Half Features.
The first half was full of interesting movements and points. Everton throughout this half played the more cohesive game, yet they had not the chances that came Derby's way. There was an easy combined and practical manner of movement on the part of the visitors, who, however, ran into a stalwart English international back in Cooper, so that a number of their attacks failed within the penalty area. On the other hand, Derby were distinctly dangerous on the left, and Crooks occasionally flashed away to show that he has not lost the form some imagined had escaped him this season. The main incidents of the first half were a fine trick dribble by Stein, followed with a centre that Dunn shot into the hands of Wilkes. Bocking erred let in Bowers, and then recovered his position. Jessop, a half back made a brilliant drive that Sagar had forethought, and the goalkeeper made a catch at the top angle of the bar. Everton than had quite a spell of attack, but when the ball came to Johnson's right foot –which is his wrong foot –so that a shot of no power was recorded. Clark, also a half –back, tried a shot, and suiting the habit, Thomson tried a drive with the free kick that Wilkes could not get near so that he was fortunate when the ball skimmed outside. Wilkes was not idea, but he had nothing like the work that came to Sagar, yet his one-handed save from a good header by Griffiths with Stein on top of him prevented a score. Then followed the most important incident of the first half. The home left wing got through and the ball was put across by Ruddy along the ground, and it was pleasing to find Sagar able to just tip it out of the reach of two forwards who followed up. They ran on, but the ball ran behind half a yard, the incident being wound up with a shot by Crooks with a ball that ran round the left post.
Dean's Object Lesson.
Dean, well covered and well considered by a sporting defence in a sporting game, made one of his headers the acme of accuracy, showing the 12,000 spectators how to deflect the ball to make it pass at express rate. Wilkes jumped across to catch the ball, after which the greatest shot of the match arose from Bowers, who responded to Crook's centre and pass with a ravishing shot that struck the crossbar with a bang whitewashed the ball, and threatened to dismantle the goal posts. Sagar slipped another ball from Bowers, and the final incident was a header by Dean on the crossbar. Sagar had to be attended to through a jab in the throat a second after the resumption, but later he made an astonishing save from Bowers. Back came the ball, and Bowers headed a goal after Ruddy had made an overhead shot. This was the first goal in just over the hour, and then Sagar made a flying leap in an endeavour to stop the second. It was then that Cresswell gave a penalty for hands. Cresswell apparently intended to trap the ball, which spun up and he urged it with his hand. As if to try to remedy his unnecessary error, Cresswell took a free kick, and struck the crossbar with the Derby defenders all at sea. Dean relieved the tension by making an attempt that was caught by Wilkes. Sagar, as well as the shooter Bowers, received long applause when the goalkeeper saved an intense left foot drive from the home centre-forward. Griffiths was slow to step in and take a fighting chance of snatching a goal. Derby had won their way ably and by sheer merit Bowers made his joy day complete by heading a third from a centre by Mee. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Griifths, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Derby County; - Wilkes, goal; Copper and Collins, backs; Nicholas, Barker, and Jessop, half-backs; Crooks, Lewis, Bowers, Ruddy, and Mee, forwards. Referee Mr. Cartlidge, Burslem.

DERBY GIVE THE BLUES A LESSION
September 17 th 1931. Evening Express.
Go-ahead Football beats finesse.
Bowers' Hat-trick
By the Pilot.
Everton played the wrong type of football against Derby County. They suffered from a superiority complex and paid the penalty in the shape of a 3-0 defeat. They tried to be too clever, too intricate, too daunty. They wanted to show the County how football should be played. Subsequently it was Derby who gave the lesson, a lesson in go-ahead, unceremonious, swift menacing football. The Blues really had the game offered to them early on, but instead of getting down to their game in a businesslike manner they made short passes time after time without gaining an incite. Moreover, they tried to get within two yards of goal before having a shot. Derby took plenty of time to get going, but the Blues played into their hands by their super jugglery, when snappy work was demanded. The first half produced really excellent entertainment, and the Derby folk considered it the best game they had seen at the Baseball Ground for months. The County had more chances to score, and once Bowers hit the bar with a terrific shot. They were the better team in comparison for there were always obvious weaknesses in the Everton team apart from their general tactics.
Out of Tune.
The Blues fell right away after the interval, and rarely gave the watchers a taste of the football one expects from them. They were out of tune, out of touch. Derby swept through them, being much quicker on the ball and in using it. Bowers headed the first goal in 58 minutes, and when Cresswell needlessly handled a ball, which was travelling back to sagar with no one in attendance, Bowers converted the penalty. Bowers completed his hat-trick two minutes from time when he headed home Mee's centre. Only five of the Everton men came out of the match with honours. These were Cresswell, Sagar, Clark, Gee and Stein. The attack was at times impotent, Johnson opened promisingly, but faded right away, and neither he nor Dunn could do anything right, yet they persisted in the "keep it close" policy. Dean had a poor game, though it can be said of him that he always demanded attention –plenty of it. Griffiths accomplished little, and it was left to the alert Stein to bring any danger to the County goal with minimum opportunities.
Clark Shines
Clark played sparkling football throughout, despite the fact that he was ill an hour before the game. He had a high temperature during the rail journey and had to be massaged and rubbed with oils before he could go on the field. His ball control and feeding was one of the few Everton joys. Gee was a zealous worker whose destructive play was strong yet thoughtful. His heading was splendid. Cresswell shared with Cooper the full back honours, and one admired the manner in which he repeatedly covered up the indifferent work of Bocking, who was rarely found in position. Thomson, too, had an off day. Sagar had no chance with the shots that beat him, and he brought off some thrilling saves. His anticipation was at times uncanny. How Everton fell away may be gauged from the fact that of the 15 shots delivered in the first half the Blues made ten, whereas after the interval the County had ten shots to the Blues six.

EVERTON’S WORST
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 17 September 1931
Bee’s Notes
Staid and sedate to the point of seeming to be in a sedentary occupation, the Everton forwards (wingers apart) waded their weary way through the game at Derby. It was an exclusive display on their part; they were frightfully clever; and dreadfully remiss. In a yard of space they showed Mr. Cooper how they could prance and prate; how they could trick a man. They made no progress towards the rather necessary art of goal-getting, but no matter, they had done their stuff and had sent a poor winger on his mission with an occasional pass. This meant that tie consistent Stein went up the field and centred to find one Everton man present and a bundle of Derby men surrounding him. No wonder he has not broken his goal-duck. Griffiths, too, was ill served, but maybe he is just a trifle too young to take up such an important post at this moment. These posh Everton forwards ran into the brusqueness and brightness of Cooper, who held up the lowly Derby team for half an hour when Everton s fine moves threatened to blind the home lot with mere science. But Derby got the right notion. They had no need to fear this side would score goals. There was not a shot in their locker. They were just lying back, taking siestas and never taking a shot. How, then, could Everton hope to beat Derby? Hope on there’s no there’s no bar to that. But there must be shot and shell it the side would win or draw. 
TEAM DIFFERENCES 
Think of Gee playing extremely well against a future England centre-forward in Bowers, who got, a hat-trick. Think of Thomson's first half display, add the second half fade-out, and be still had a marginal favour. Tack on the Clark  mixture—a breezy, sharper display than I have seen from him since the trial  game-each half-back showed he could  and would shoot; but the forwards slept  on notion! In defence, Cresswell gave one of his polished displays against a forward who rather trod him in the first half hour. Cresswell was bumped, bruised, and brilliant, and finally, after a great display of cover-up and cool, collected defence, he handled a ball. It was human nature that he should nibble at a ball he had no right to handle. I don't blame him. He paid the penalty, and weighing up the balance of the day's work one places him with Cooper as a great back.  Bocking played his dour, hard game with perhaps not sufficient knowledge at the moment where his best positional tactics could be employed—the playing of Cresswell as left back means that he leans to the right and cuts across there by sheer natural force. I think it has been the means of improving Cresswell’s game—so, that being so, Bocking should in due course not fear the advanced movement, leaving Cresswell to mind his own and the right flank business. Behind the Everton team was the pale-faced Sagar, whose goalkeeping earned one word only—brilliant.  The difference between the Everton science at a crawl stroke and Derby’s rousing display was that Derby got on with their job. They made progress by direct route, they shot desperately hard, they caught the sunshine of Mee's display—a grand worrier-worker and a better footballer than most people concede. Crooks got little chance, because our friend Lewis, of Huddersfield, did the most extraordinary things —brilliant and bamboozling to his own side at every other turn. Derby's victory saved the club. They have taken 2,000 in three home gates. A defeat and the crowd would have run away from the ground, never to return. They envy the City of Liverpool—and its loyal following and its Sports Notebook.  The win was wholly deserved and will do them good; but, mark my words; Crooks or some star like Cooper will have to be sold in due course.  The devil drives them that way, and then Manager Jobey has to go out with his building materials again. He takes more knocks and makes more experiments than any other manager.  Everton’s case must go “forward."  It la a forward danger that might cause them to lapse towards the bottom rungs, as two years ago. The selectors task is hard, but not impossible. They must decide to risk the youth who will go into the attack as if he yearned for a goal; will raid and will rattle the backs -and shoot.

EVERTON WILL MAKE CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 18 September 1931
A FORECAST
THE GREAT “DERBY” DAY GATHERING AT ANFIELD GROUND
Bee’s Notes
PARDON 
I make my amends honourable for having started a special day in that manner. The Liverton crowds will forgive and forget, because really there is no special new factor in the meeting of Liverpool and Everton to-morrow that calls for more than mere mention.  Generally speaking, we have known the foemen by Friday. Other times: other men. That is an indication for your benefit of my belief that one side at least will make a vital change or changes. The meeting of Everton and Liverpool had promised to be one of the richest character. There was the Anfield man talking of the win over Villa —this was the evidence he gave, and his rival then brought out a win of 3-0 at Portsmouth and a win against Sunderland, away.  So the back-chat went on, and people began to think Everton were favourites for the opening meeting of the two clubs. Favourite, rarely win (see Ruff’s Guide, page 22 or any other page), and the Anfield man looked upon that as a chance for his side to spring one of their classic surprises. And what happened? Liverpool beat Middleabrough 7-2, and they were fair enough to say that it was one of those games where the losing side might just as easily have scored seven. Certainly Liverpool’s lethargy at Leicester had been worn off by the week-end rest, and Liverpool played superlatively well.  Against which came the undoing of Everton.  That undoing will be the undoing of some of the recognised first team members this week, if I am not mistaken.   So we approach this Derby game with the knowledge that Anfield has struck a medallion form and that Everton has gone staid and perhaps stale—at any rate not convincing in attack and too sedate for goats to accrue unless the players are carried in their sedate state in a Sedan chair beyond the opposing defence. This is not harsh criticism:  it is the view formed of men whose skill is undeniable, but whose prowess or process of football trickery carries them nowhere. Having said that, let me hasten to add that "Derby" games are in the lap of the gods. A throw-in, a free kick, a miss kick and the game is won and lost in the tick of a clock. So that all preconceived notions of balancing the team and finding the winner is merely a waste of time. We go to Anfield to-morrow hoping and believing Everton will improve and catch their first games’ spirit and that Liverpool will be as rooming as ever.
A STORY WITH A MORAL
Some years ago in a game between the two sides a one-eyed view of a half back told him there was a crash in the offing.  He leaped out of thee way and two clubs mates clashed and bashed into each other.  One looked as if he would never play again.  The moral of this story is: Play the game.  I mentioned the facts because some of the men in our teams are new to this Derby game, which is recognized as the cleanest of all meetings between intense partisans.  The meetings of Everton and Liverpool started the duo-appearance at the start of the game, and can be named as perfect samples of sporting clean above-board football.  Let the new-comers join in this universal praise.  I am asked to mention that there are no bookings, so that you are only wasting everyone’s time by trying to get a seat. Be there early; take up your stance and your favourite team, and encourage the main theme-a great game, full of interest sport, and fair-play.  And may the better team win. 
ANFIELD MUSIC
The Edge Hill (L.M.S) Band (c0nductor, Mr. Harold Yates) will give the following programme at Anfield tomorrow.- March, Honest Tod’ (Rimmer), overtune “It Barbierre” A Musical Morris-No 1.  The birth of spring; No 2, Love song, N0 3, Folk Revels (as played at the brass band contrast held at belle Vuw, Manchester, Sept 7, waltz “Erinalia” (Debroy Somers), cornet duet  “Ida and Dot” (Lorey) (Messrs Norman Jones and Wm. Edwards), march, Ravenswood” (Rimmer). 

EVERTON 'S CHANGES
September 19 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
BY John Peel
There have been many changes since the sides last met, but the combination have not secured in points of skill. Liverpool found the pace of their wing men of great value in the defeat of Middlesbrough, and it may be that they will exploit similar tactic today in the hype of unsettle the slower moving defenders from Goodison Park. Everton are unfortunate in not being able to place their strongest side in the field against Liverpool, for Thomson and Clark are suffering from Influenza. Two excellent substitutes are
available, however, in the sturdy McClure and McPherson. A third change is the return of Critchley at outside right in place of Griffiths. Liverpool will have the side that defeated Middlesbrough, and I believe they will finish on top, today. The Kick off is at 3-15, and the teams are; Liverpool; Scott; Done, Jackson; Morrison, Bradshaw, McDougall, Barton; Hodgson, Smith, Wright, Gunson. Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

EVERTON-LIVERPOOL REUNION
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 September 1931
YET SOME OFFICIALS OF THE ANFIELD CLUB WERE NOT PRESENT
FOUR GOALS IN FIRST TWENTY MINUTES
DEAN OPENS HIS SEAOSN’S GOAL ACCOUNT WITH A HAT-TRICK
ANFIELD, September 19. 
A perfect day for a fine football game. A dull sky, no sun to bother or  blind the players; no ball of fire effects; no flood-lighting and no  blood fighting: Just a great day and the probability of a great game  between two old friends, one of whom took the other's house-Anfield  -years gone by. Liverpool also tried to take the name of Everton from them, but the F.A. stepped in and said “You may take your holding “(joke over)” but you must not strip them of their rightful name." So Liverpool became Liverpool F.C. instead of Everton the second in Anfield clothing.
REUNION 
It was refreshing to think of Everton and Liverpool meeting again and creating the hub of comment in the city shops and sheds. Through no fault of their own Liverpool had to forgo the pleasure of meeting Everton last season. Everton had slipped into a place that provided them with a return ticket to Division One, and a lot of bonus money —pleasant journeys and what not. Victory all along the line. Now to-day the pair met again in first-class company, first-class circumstances, and first-class conditions. What more would you? 
OPFICIALS NARKED "ABSENT"
It is worthy of record that quite a number of Liverpool F.C. officials were not present at the game. Some may jump to the conclusion that this was due to fear. Which is an unfair leap into the dark. Certainly, Liverpool know  that, spits the win against Middlesbrough, they must increase their stronghold,  and Mr. Patterson, the secretary-manager, for instance, went up  North—not far North—merely ramping round the Poker area. Still, it is a point that must not be missed. Anfield directors were absent for the grand reunion meeting to-day!
PIPPED PERHAPS, BUT NOT SQUEAKING 
It was a pity Everton could not field their six-foot half-back line.  Thomson and Clark fell ill—each looked 'flu ridden returning from Derby on Wednesday night, but it was hoped they would he fit for the Derby game. McClure and McPherson came into the side  for the first time this season, this being the first change of the  season, save the playing of White for Dean at Portsmouth, where  White helped himself to three goals. Critchley for Griffiths was a further alteration.  Everton did not squeal about their team changes. They said, "We suffer just as all other clubs must suffer during a season.” 
Liverpool F.C., buoyed up with a great victory over Middlesbrough, made no change from that winning side, and they had a belief that another home victory would ensue.
TIMES AND COINS CHANGE
Gone are the days when the club had its settled plan of training before a big game.  For years they have gone to Hoylake by the way of the Meols walk; today the club is changing its front.  They have changed many financial aspects, and the players are not now called upon to go to Hoylake, nor to a theatre on Friday night.  They go through with the usual training for any game. Liverpool;  E. Scott; Done, Jackson; Morrison, Bradshaw, McDougall; Barton, Hodgson, Smith, Wright, Gunson.  Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Referee; Mr. Charles Lines, Birmingham. 
DEAN BEATS THE BAND AND L’POOL F.C –BEE
Very early in the afternoon the Kemlyn-road stand was full, and the overflow pipe carried the people on to the grand stand side. As is often the case in these matches, the difficulty of the officials is to get the people to pack, here and there were vacant places, but it needed the voice of a charmer to get them to move one inch.  There were no twelfth-hour surprises, and before the teams came out I asked Bandsman Yates if he could oblige the reader who asked for community singing, and he straightaway turned on “Lily of Laguna," with happy results.  The Everton and Liverpool players by the way are attending the re-opening of the Lyric Theatre, on Monday. Here is an estimate of the attendance-60,000.  The players came out two by two, now a feature of Derby days here. Liverpool won the toss, and Bradshaw, who looked twice the size of his rival captain Dean, set his men to travel towards the Spion Kop end.  Everton started with a notion for which I had been sweet for years, namely, that the side winning the toss should aim at attempting to reach the far point of the touch-line. Critchley and Dunn intertwined for a moment, and nothing came of their early endeavours, and when Hodgson pushed the ball forward to James Smith, the home centre made a drag pass towards Barton. Here was experience faced with youth, and age won the day, Cresswell being coolly, impudently, successful. 
DEAN GOALS IN FIRST MINUTE 
Cresswell pushed the ball up the middle with that half-jab of his, and Dean ran from centre forward to inside left position unattended. The defence was spread-eagled, and Dean had a chance to score. He had not scored before this season, but his opening goal was certainly the most sensational one could picture.  The backs crowded on Dean, and he seemed to have allele at which to shoot. Most spectators imagined he had left his effort his late, but he shot with unerring accuracy into the right-hand corner of the net.  Liverpool were stuptiled by a goal in one minute. These were shocks and alarms, but merely a taste of what was to follow. Hers was a goal in a moment, and the goal-getter had taken his first notch of the season.  Jackson began to limp and Scott touched a red-hot drive from Stein that could easily have made the score 2-0 in two minutes. What happened was just the opposite. Gunson, fiery, long-legged, and rousing, scuttled away and led to Wright receiving the ball when many people considered the ex-Sunderland man in an offside position. 
WRIGHT EQUALISES 
It is no offence to stand offside, but Wright did more, he went forward and shot an equalising goal.  Wright beamed bountifully, and all his partners warmly congratulated hint upon his success. Two goals, three minutes—this was football admirably suited to the joys of the crowd.  For future reference it should be noted that Sagas actually half-saved Wright’s shot, hut could not scrape the ball away at a second endeavour. Whether Wright was off-side concerns no one now that the goal has gone to history.  Let us think more of the succeeding incidents Dean dived at Scott, who made a one-handed punch-away in spite of the heaviness of the opposition. Dean, playing harder than any other man on the field at the moment, hustled Bradshaw out of his usual calm by stealing the ball from him and also out heading Bradshaw.  Dean's final shot could not have been a bee's knees out of the goal-mark; a finely-plated judicious drive off the target by the nearest fraction. Stein delayed his shot to a point where Scott and Done entered hint 
DEMON DEAN 
You may imagine that this was a one  sided battle because I have had to name  Everton's personals, but actually Liverpool  had a lot of good forward  endeavor,  always on the left wing,  where Gunson and that genius Wright  were having a good innings, but in front  of goal Everton had been the more  subtle and convincing.  Dunn hit the crossbar, and then was pulled tip for offside. Actually, Dean played like a veritable demon. I have never seen him work so hard or so effectively since he tried to make his sixtieth goal of that famous season. 
DEAN DOES HAT TNICK 
AND BECOMES LEADING SCORER IN DERBY GAMES 
He did more than add a new record to his list—he went on to score his second goal at the fifteenth minute and a third at the twenty-first minute.  That is a very sombre recital, but actually the record carries with it the fact that Dean now leads the scorers' list in the Everton-Liverpool Derby games, the previous best being Sandy Young’s 10.  Now let us see the description of the second and third goals, which made a second hat-trick performance for Dean in League matches on the ground. Only a Dean could have made the score into 2-1, yet there was a lot of credit due to Critchley for his part.  Bradshaw was almost too dirty, and when Dean saw Critchley placed for a centre he immediately went to his customary spot of inside left. Yet oddly enough, neither Morrison, Done, nor Bradshaw attended, so that it all resolved itself into a question of Scott v. Great Scott and the contest were won by the Everton centre-forward; who headed the one inch Scott could not hope to cover.  Moreover, after  Scott had saved from  Stein and Barton through his impetuosity  had been knocked out, came a thrown-down  for which McClure and Wright  had been responsible, and in the  simplest and quietest of manners Dean  was found in possession utterly unmarked  by the home defence, and so  situated that he was bound to get his  hat trick goal. 
UNINTENTIONAL HANDS 
The one who looked on this with indifference and icy coolness was Creswell.  He did some fine heading, as also did Jackson.  A little later, when Stein centred, Dean looked as if he was going to join a quartette party. The Liverpool attack was sharp on the left and very earnest on the right, and Hodgson was near charging the ball and the goalkeeper over the line.  In addition to whirls, Liverpool rightly claimed that McPherson handled in the penalty area. The only question was intent, and the referee said there was no evil intent. Nagar made a daring dive that was quite the most spectacular thing he had done in the game, but he well not tested when Gunson centred, the hall passing over.  Wright made one able chance drive that struck the side net, and then the Anfield crowd began to look for Bradshaw's return packet versus Dean. It came by way of a charge that brought Dean to earth, and the followers of the Reds were proud of this half-success.  Dean last faced Bradshaw in an international match, where Scotland smothered England at Wembley. That day Bradshaw was one of eleven stars to-day Dean had risen to the great occasion in a manner that showed how amazing he can be when he strikes own form. 
CRITCHLEY BLAZES AWAY 
One would not have recognised this Everton forward line as practically the same as played at Derby. Just before half-time Dean dribbled beyond Jackson, each man being out of position, and centred so well that Critchley should have scored instead of blazing away excitedly.  Hodgeon wound up the first half by going within inches of the goal, what time the crowd on Spion Kop, in their excitement, went yards down the slope, crushing and cruising their way towards the bottom rung.  Half-time.—Liverpool 1, Everton 3 
EVERTON O’K., LIVERPOOL K.O.
DEAN’S MOST ASTOUNDING SOLO GAMES; A HAT-TRICK OF GOALS
LIVERPOOL FORWARDS RALLY BUT TEAM NOT ITSELF
Everton have returned to Division 1, of the Football League to deal a blow to Anfield's pride. The feature of this excellent and always finely contested game was the hat-trick performance of Dean in the first half.  It was his most amazingly serviceable game for his side for three years. He seemed to be inspired and endued with the greed for goals got by his own brilliant head and his sure placed shot.  He was perhaps inspired because he had success in one minute, and 60,000 people recognised that here was a goal without debate and denial.  There were no accident worth naming, and, after Wright got a goal in two minutes the issue for three-quarters of an hour was plainly Everton’s.  In the second half Liverpool  changed the formation as between  Barton an Smith, and it was then  that Liverpool came to the  ascendancy, and by means  steadiness in front of goal either  Barton or Smith could have reduced  the margin, and sent the leaders of  the game into a state of panic.  As it was Liverpool lapsed, and their forward line was as poor as their defence was in the first half, and Liverpool had nothing to show for their labours except enthusiasm.  Dean was naturally the star turn of the attack, but Stein played remarkably well, and Johnson was a study in intricate and finely-worked movements towards combination.  The game was clean from start to finish. There was an excellent crowd, and joy reigned from start to finish. The better side won, and the losing side can be blamed for not making a closer finish of the verdict.
The great question of the second half was: "Could the Liverpool club stage one of its outrageous revivals?"  They began well enough with a very delightful pull-back on the part of Jackson and an equally good hit of work by Bradshaw, but woe betide the young men of this generation.  Here was Barton with an empty goal, asking for a filling mixture, and he could do no better than shoot outrageously, and thus sink Liverpool, highest hopes.  He knew he had done wrong instinctively, and drew the back of his hand across his eyes. The first half had been so furiously fast in the sultry air that it was natural there should be a slackening off, but the enthusiasm was still there, and slow players became fairly fast through sheer desperation.  S agar fell on to a ball that threatened  to pass by his register, and McPherson  made his first mistake when he made  his way to the ice-box and made a pass  all wrong, so that Liverpool threatened  to score a goal from it.   There was a beautiful duel between  Jackson and Dean when the pair went  pell-mell towards the Kop, and Dean  wound up with a shot not quite so well-placed  as usual, yet it had some sting  in it, and Scott had to go down to the  ground to save it.  When near goal this match was centered in the word Dean. Stein gave him a center he headed a fraction out of the goalmouth. Little was seen again of the Liverpool right wing pair, and Johnson was always doing a lot of hard, effective work, lying a little more forward than usual and courting no interference.  Dunn, with his jersey back to front, was hopping shout against his fellow Scot, McDougall, and, oddly enough, one could see little of the Everton halfbacks.  This was dug to a great degree to the fact that the Liverpool forward line was not a line, the left wing overbalanced all other parts of it.  Smith had hardly been seen in the game, except in an appeal for a corner kick. Jackson, however, was productive of a free-kick for hands, against which he protested gently, and Hodgson came near from a long, strong centre by Gunson.  Liverpool were doing better at this stage of play,  and Wright complained  of Gee's attentions only to find the  referee catch the second spasm and  make remarks to Wright. Bocking certainly saved Everton a goal when Barton lobbed the ball to the middle, and Smith should, and could, have  scored.  The referee had a quiet word with Bocking for a leap tackle that might have been dangerous to ankles as well as tempers. Liverpool had sufficient chances to make a repeat order of the  3-3 game two years ago, but when J. Smith failed to do more than hit the  crossbar from easy range, and thus  joined the Barton mishap, Anfield had  to take its punishment for its own  faults.  McDougall was vexed with himself for his inability to quite catch the run of the ball and the trend of play, whereas Wright was the only forward of the home front to show agility, ability, and sense of touch in close dribbles.  Cresswell's fevered brow was upset in a charge, and the game had to be held up a while. Whatever the result the game had been creditable to both sides on the score of sportsmanship.  Wright missed with an unexpected shot, but the chance came to him as an utter surprise and also to his right foot.  Jackson spurred on the Reds, and Gunson brought out a shot centre that should have been easily converted by the right wing. Liverpool were now finding the Everton half-backs easier to beat; in fact, the home crowd shouted vigorously when Everton delayed a throw-in that could have been taken by either Johnson or Stein with advantage.  However, it was plain the men named were playing for time and breathing space. Liverpool's best shot for half an  hour was McDougall's straight drive,  high and fast towards goal, with Sagar,  now facing the sunshine, sure in his  catch.  Dean buckled his trousers afresh and ended Liverpool's pressure by nearly making a fourth, after which Liverpool decided to change their tactics. Barton and Smith changed places. Liverpool made a five piece combination attack without estimating that Cresswell would be there for the sixth move.  Hera was a game fought to the last ditch. Sagar made a magnificent right-hand outstretches clearance from Barton’s first and furious shot from his new post at centre-forward. This was a save made at the right juncture, and at a time when Liverpool only wanted one goal to be assured of one of their tremendous rallies.  In fact, Everton went on to become dangerous by the consistence of their left wing Critchley heading in a centre, and Dunn shooting over the bar.  Critchley, instead of living on the touch line, chose to go inward to the centre-forward position, with Jackson in attendance, and Jackson won this interesting battle with honours.  Final: Liverpool 1, Everton 3; Attendance 54.000. Receipts 3.328.
FIRST HALF CAMEO 
In the first half Everton swamped Liverpool. Dean scoring a hat trick performance and raising himself top of the Everton-Liverpool scorers for the last thirty years. Liverpool's defence was poor, poor in positioning and uncertain in tactical moves. Everton were practical, and Dean a genius. Wright and Gunson tried hard to redeem their  side, but actually they were irredeemable.  Dean had struck his noblest form and nothing could stay him. 

EVERTON RES V LIVERPOOL RES
Liverpool Echo-September 19, 1931
The Anfielders eventually opened the score when Hancock gained possession, and, after tricking Archer, the Liverpool man took deliberate aim and beat Holdcroft with as great drive. White was held up by Charlton, and from a McRorie centre Scott headed against the crossbar.  After the goal reverse Everton indulged in a fierce onslaught in an endeavour to gain the equaliser, but Liverpool’s defence to the interval held out splendidly.  Half-time; Liverpool Res. 1, Everton Res. 0.  Everton continued to subject Liverpool’s defence to severe pressure and Riley, Roe, Steele and Charlton were conspicuous in spoiling Everton who certainly had chances but failed to accept them. Henderson wan adjudged to have fouled Cunliffe, and from the penalty spot Britton, who had played brilliantly throughout, equalized.  Later, from Leyfleld's centre, Griffiths headed a second goal for Everton.  Liverpool had fallen away and Griffith (P) scored his second goal to make Everton’s total three and later Cunliffe headed a fourth.   Final; Everton 4, Liverpool 1.
EVERTON A V BLUNDELLSANDS
Everton scored after 5 minutes through Sims.  Worrall and Davies missed easy chances.  Dempsey equalized, and Warmsley later added a second goal.  Maycrack made a couple of good saves.  Roberts headed a third goal for the visitors.  Half-time; Everton A 1, Blundellsands 3.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 September 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• The City completed their Goodison hat-trick all right
• Busby, who gave such a striking display at right half, came into the City side as an inside left less than two years ago
• Halliday, who got such a beautiful goal at Goodison on Saturday, is in his seventh season in English League football.
• Everton have had two “Derby” matches in the same week.
• When last Everton appeared at Anfield (in 1929) the day was of the red-hot order.
• The Blues won 3-0, and had a rather easy passenger, Liverpool’s Clark retiring hurt after thirty-two minutes
• Dean scored twice in the last derby affair at Anfield.  His first was a remarkable if somewhat lucky, over=head effort, rarely seen.
• Of Everton defensive sextet that day only Cresswell remains.
• Derby County, who come to Goodison on Wednesday, were beaten 4-0 when last here
• For in that match Hunter Hart made his final League appearance for Everton whilst Sagar and Ben Williams were making their League team debut.
• Williams however, had figured in a Cup-tie for Everton a week before.
•  Everton visit the Arsenal a week hence, where in 1929-30 they were seen in a dull light, Davies in goal having a particularly off day.
• The Gunners won 4-0 all scored in the first half, Lambert getting a trio
• That match constituted Davies’ last appearance in goal for the Blues; yet one is pleased to find that this gentlemanly keeper has since come right back to his best for Exeter. 

LIVERPOOL 1 EVERTON 3
September 21 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Dean at his best
Hat-trick which gave Everton Victory
55,000 spectators at derby Game Dean beats Sandy Youngs Derby goal record of ten and goes to eleven.
By "Bee."
A great crowd of 55,000 productive of a sum of £3,228, saw Everton beat Liverpool by 3-1. It was at Anfield this latest record was put on the list of meetings between the two rival sides of the city and for once in a way Everton had to field deputies McPherson, and McClure for Thomson and Clark, both down with the flu –whereas it has so often been a case of Liverpool pleading poverty of reserves or the loss of a first team member at this inconvenient moment. Everton tired Critchley for Griffiths, this being the only tactical team change announced. Thus Liverpool with the memory of a surprise and goal-reaching result against Middlesbrough in the middle of the week, imagined that this was to be a further addition to their laurels and against their pet opponents from across the Park. The signs and portents suggested that while Liverpool had become live, Everton had gone dull and listless, thudding their way rather than threading their way through to goals. Dean had not scored a point throughout the season. He had offered some to his comrades, but there the registed stood. It had even been mooted that the captain of the side might be dropped. Dean might be left out of the Derby game. The thing seemed like sacrilege, but the selectors wisely denied the thought of sinking the pilot or dropping him.
Like a Giant.
Actually Dean has had a curiously unbalanced season. He has had ankle trouble that kept him out while White got a hat-trick performance at Portsmouth. Probably Dean smarted under the lash of critics, who had seen him play for nought at home games. Dean went into the game like a giant. He showed how he can still be the best centre-forward in the world if the chances are at hand. Little room is needed by this bulky man; he stood by the rival captain, Bradsaw, and seemed a tiny tot. Yet Dean went up to head balls that Bradshaw should have had, and Dean's head was first to connect with the ball. He got the Liverpool defence astir early, and they did not settle down for an hour; they became flustered, they took up awkward positions; there was no dovetailing between the backs, and all this time Dean was taking almost every chance offered to him. He had most of his chances to those deft and sure passes to Stein or Critchley that should make then young men handsome centres of the ball.
The Anfield Genius.
Dean's hat-trick was merely history repeated. On the same ground, against the same goalkeeper, he had performed a hat-trick, but the game had been a draw. This game could not be drawn because the Liverpool forward line was never moving sweetly. They had no round of passing. The right wing was pressing its way, but not finding its mark; Wright was still the geniue of the attack, and moving him from centre-forward meant that the line had no leader. Jim Smith floundered and flurried; a trifle nervous still and luckless with two shots he made. But them most of the Anfield shots could have been saved by a commoner let alone by a smart Sagar, whose standard of goalkeeping was shown to the public when Barton having taken the centre-forward, berth to attempt a smash and grab "half" share of the spoils saw his great shot handed out by Sagar with a fine sweep of the hands. Sagar was very good against a very bad attack, whose chief member was perhaps Gunson. The Wrexham man relished the way the opposing half-back held him, but for holding off nothing could compare with the Liverpool defence of the first half-hour. They stood wide apart and Dean at times was marked by neither pivot nor yet a full-back. The positioning was such that one could not realise it. Dean, alive to the arts of positioning, placed himself where he willed, and the skill of his hat-trick was centred in knowing when and how to shoot or head. His first goal came in a minute; Wright equalised from a position that looked like offside, but if it was then this was balanced by Referee Lines not remarking on McPherson's handling case in the penalty area. Less than half an hour was sufficient to make Everton forget the Wright goal and concentrate upon Dean. Yet Liverpool forgot to do this. Bradshaw frittered his way through riskily if prettily. Dean became a tackler as well as a forager and a forward maker.
Great Goals.
Dean headed a goal from the depised Critchley's centre with little space at which to aim, and he scored a further goal with that accuracy of placing that makes him put a ball to inches of the upright. No one forward places more obliquely or with more confidence. Gone was the lethargy, and lumpiness and fardiness of the mid-week game. This was a Derby Day to be won, Dean would win it. He had to thank Johnson for a lot of compelling work, and Critchley came back to favour with some sharp, incisive runs in which half-control counted for a lot. It would be fair to say, in fact that the Liverpool defence was out run and outgeneralled, but they contributed to their own downfall by false positioning. Jackson was the best and pluckiest of all the backs, but McDougall could do little right and the forward line's faultiness I have already named.
Cresswell and the Half-Backs.
Scott, like Sagar, was splendid, and Cresswell was the dominating easy factor of the field of defence. The Everton half-backs played as well as necessary, but it was necessary to be very skilled against such a forward five, and the bets feature from a Liverpool point of view was the fine rallying effort of the Anfield side late in the game –in truth, through the second half period. Yet even then there was wanton waste with shots Barton and Smith particularly. How, then could they hope to reach the score set up by Everton's centre-forward and by the team's general excellence? Dean has now passed the long-standing record of the "Derby" games wherein Sandy Young stood attention at ten. Dean has eleven –with power to add to his number. He showed craft, speed, and safety first; measures on Saturday that made one wonder where he had hidden his reserves for the last two years. Dean was inspired and inspiring. It was good to see such earnest football from this young man and captain. Virility and superiority stamped him through the day's hard toil as the natural centre-forward, the best header the game has even today, and a genius in the art of placing himself in the proper position and –away from opponents! This was Dean's game.
Teams; Liverpool; Scott, goal; Done, and Jackson, backs; Morrison, Bradshaw (captain), and McDougall, half-backs; Barton, Hodgson, Smith, Wright, and Gunson, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Bocking, and Cresswell, backs; McClure, Gee and McPherson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Referee C. Hines, Birmingham.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1
September 21 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 5)
Everton defeated Liverpool in the Central League game at Goodison Park by 4-1. Not until 20 minutes after the interval, when Britton scored with a penalty to equalise a goal that Hancock had scored midway through the first half, did the home side reveal an evenly balanced attack, and then the Anfielders defence was subjected to continuous pressure. Prior to this rally Everton, the earlier play had slightly favoured Liverpool. Both goalkeepers were heavily worked. Williams, playing his first game for Everton this season following injury, was a reliable defender, with Griffiths (T), playing convincingly at centre-half, but the outstanding player was Britton. Britton's penalty was Everton's turning point. Cunliffe(injured) changed places with Griffiths (P), and from a Leyfield centre Griffiths (P) followed by scoring the winners' third goal, and Cunliffe headed the fourth. Holdcroft kept a good goal. For Liverpool, Riley, Steck, and Charlton made a steady defence. Hancock was the most convincing forward, with Scott, Hanson, and McRorie doing well. Everton; - Holdcroft, goal; Williams and Lowe, backs; Britton, Griifths (TP), and Archer, half-backs; Griffiths (P), Cunliffe, White, Martin and Leyfield, forwards.
Everton "A" 3, Blundellsands 3
Liverpool County Combination.
At Stopgate Lane. Everton did most of the attacking in the preliminary stage, Sims scoring, but Walmsley (2), and Dempsey scored for the visitors. The second half was keenly contested, and both defences were fully extended, Houghton and Fryer netted for Everton.

THE DEAN TOUCH MESMERISES LIVERPOOL
September 21 st 1931. Evening Express
A goal with each foot and one with his head.
By Ijay.
Dean's Day! It was Dixie of that ilk who was the deciding factor in Everton's 3-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield in their 61 st "Derby" game. This was Dean's "bag." A hat-trick of sparkling goals –his second in the Derby series. Everton's 100 th goal in these encounters. A new individual record eclipsing "Sandy Young's total of nine goals. It was a strange game in many ways, and there were several distinct phases of play. For instance, Everton made all the running in the opening half, and were full value for their interval lead, which would have been more pronounced had it not been for some wonderful goalkeeping by Elisha Scott. Then, in the second portion, Liverpool came into their own, but weak finishing and poor combination proved their downfall, and prevented them from making a better fight of it.
Too much latitude.
Liverpool contributed to their defeat in several ways but the chief was in allowing Stein, always a dangerous raider, far too much room to work in, with the result that every time he got the ball he had a clean run, and Done was practically helpless to check the advances. Everton were much the better balanced side, and they had no real weakness, but at least six of the Liverpool players were well below their average form. Bradshaw must bear a lot of the blame, although he improved considerably in the second half. He gave Dean too much freedom, and the ex-Tranmere player took full toll of his chances. There was often a big gap up the centre of the field, and Scott was given more work than should have been his portion. The Blues made progress through long, swinging passes to their two wingers, whereas Liverpool played much too close in their efforts to make their way up the middle of the field through the medium of forwards who lacked ball control and combination. Even in the second half, although down two goals, Liverpool should have seen the error of their ways and changed their tactics. There was still time then to avoid defeat, but the Reds did not rise to the occasion. There was actually a time when the Everton defence became flurried and uncertain under pressure, but apart from Wright, the Anfielders had no forward who could pick up several reasonable goal-scoring chances, to say nothing of a least two certainties that were offered to Barton and Smith.
Balance lacking.
Liverpool's outstanding feature was their courage and ability to make a fight of the game right to the end, for they never gave in despite the shortcomings of the front line men. It was balance they lacked when compared with their local rivals. They played football of the individual type in preference to the progressive methods of combined work. In the opening half the defence was beaten too easily and only Scott offered that brave front that we expected to see. Scott made a series of wonderful saves and many thousands in the 55,000 crowd still aver that he is the world's greatest goalkeeper. Done and Jackson failed to built up a working arrangement, and they could not give Bradshaw any help in holding off Dean. This was possibly brought about by the poor work of the halves, of whom McDougall was best, although he never produced his known form.
Outstanding Reds' forward.
Wright was the outstanding forward. He was here, there, and everywhere, and although I thought his goal was offside, he showed what an opportunist he is. I have already referred to Dean, who owed some of his success of the neat work of Stein and Johnson. Gee was a sound defender and did good service in getting rid of the ball first time to his forwards. The wing halves did their work in a quiet but effective manner, while Bocking gave a much-improved display. Cresswell was the star defender on the field, and his positional play and clean tackling and kicking were delightful to watch.

SIFTING THE DERBY CASE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 21 September 1931
THE EVIDENCE FOR & AGAINST
MIGHT AND RIGHT
ANFIELD’S GREAT PLUCK BUT MISAPPLIED ENERGY
The battle is over. They have sounded the reveille. AND ALL IS PEACE? Not likely! These are the games the public play over and over  again till they become as nauseating as  a gramophone record you don't fancy, but find your friends play it till it  squeaks its way round the machine.  Certainly the latest Derby Day had its fine points, and its measure of debate and argument. Was McPherson intentionally handling when he flipped the ball away from Anfield forward; should say so. But my fellow-townie, Charles Lines, of Birmingham, had said his little piece—and the answer was “No." Then Morrison surprised Massa Johnson by putting him to the earth.  Was that purely accidental? Did one see the other? Was Dean offside once?  Some say he was: I thought otherwise—that is to say, when he was goal-getting. If Wright was not offside when he scored, then my eye-sight must at long last be put before the specialist.  But what are we save lookers-on, with angles all akimbo and enthusiasm carrying us to hastiness? The referee is appointed to take on a job we all take upon ourselves, whether we can recite the rules or not. So that we must abide by the referee. He knows best.  Charles knows his Lines. 
GOOD SPORT 
This was a match to memorise. It abounded with incident. Had the Liverpool forward line taken stock of their shot and been a little more settled in their direction, they, the game would have been memorable. As it was, it lacked finish from one side, and that side never threatened to make Sagar pick the ball out of the net more than once. The occasion may have been too much for certain of the home forwards, or it may be the glut of goals of the previous Wednesday had given them a false notion of their skill. They were altogether too hasty. They failed where Everton succeeded. Dean's efforts in front of goal bore the mark of merit and settled conviction as to when and where to part with the ball. Dean's start upon the goal register was nothing short of remarkable. He got three, and might have taken half a dozen. He was inspired, he was deadly, he brought his foot into action where he had previously been content to head-back to his co-forwards.  Bradshaw, who had held him down at Wembley in an international, now found his pace surprising and his craft and gluttony for work something one could hardly expect. Dean produced a fire and fury into his game that  seemed out of joint with anything he  had done at Derby It was all rood to  look upon, even if we must allow that  the great scorer had his path made the  easier by the defensive faults of the  losing side in the first half. 
FIGHT ON, FIGHT ON 
One thing Liverpool will always do.  They inspire by the way they continue to play on against odds. In the second half they were on top of their rivals, and anything might have happened if Barton or Smith had taken a goal offered to each of them. They blazed away, and that was the turning point of a game that could have been drawn. One goal, and Anfield's red-coats would not have been denied. Yet, the verdict was not a goal too strong.  It suited the run of play because Liverpool's most ardent attacks came when Everton were riding easy with a two goals lead. I thought the work of Cresswell, Bocking, and Gee at this point was very trustworthy.  Sagar made his one astonishing save of the second half when Barton and Smith had changed places to try to remedy the attacking faults. Barton can be an embittered forward. At centre forward he runs riot, and his power of shot is then made self-evident. It was then Sagar reached out in his “Derby fashion to make the best save of the game. Liverpool fought on, fought on, and raced on. It was too late to amend the deficit. Everton had, through their centre forward and their consistent wing work by Stein and Critchley, made the game safe for the newcomers to Division I. Johnson, however, had a great innings as a forager, and Dunn bobbed about with serenity, always to the fore in these games of note.  Stein and Gunson were outstanding wing men, yet I made Wright the chief purveyor and the cutest member of the losing attack, whose left wing outweighed the right wing pair, with Smith tender. Over-anxious,  and desirous of hitting the ball  too hard rather than stroking it and  timing it—timing counts more for pace-production  than any force of boot. 
STYLES 
In the matter of style ne one lived with Cresswell, whose sang front began when he took young Barton in hand.  That was an impression of further things to come, the crowd was impressed and I think Barton was depressed by the way Cresswell took the ball from him and made his good-length lob.  Bocking saved a goal, McClure saved another. McPherson drifted into just one phase of dalliance that was sharply  rebuked, but it can be said that  McPherson, who made his debut for  Everton in a Derby game two years ago, used the ball with great concern for his own forwards and his own breath.  Good football. McClure laboured rather heavily as is his wont, and left his wing rather open. McDougall's half-back  work lacked success, he found it  difficult to make the ball go his way, and Bradshaw seemed to me to be  weighed down with a fear that he must not go forward, that he must give a hand to defence.  It seemed that captaincy was hanging heavily upon his mind.  This was not his normal game.  Morrison was best of the bunch, and behind the intermediates came the stern, relentless Jackson, never tired of chasing a half-chance, running his race straight and true, making tackles where others were not to be seen.  Done found Stein's pace irksome, but where the Anfield defence went wrong was in its placing and its positioning in the early stages of play. They had a goal against them in one minute before they' had "got set,” and thereon they stood wide apart with no covers. The back-marker, Scott, was himself more secure than Sagar, busier than Sagar, who fumbled early on. Scott kicked them away with risk never entering his funny head: he made a one-hand thump, took a leaping charge, caught and scrambled and parried, and then went off to Ireland post haste at night.  Superior attack won against a team  whose forward line never worked for one move in combined fashion, and shot as  though haste was necessary every time. 

EVERTON SIDES TO MEET DERBY
September 22 nd , 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton are due to meet Derby County tomorrow afternoon, at Goodison Park, in the return League game. The side that beat Liverpool has been chosen namely; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. The Reserves side at Derby in a Central League match, and Everton are giving a trial to McCovern, a young forward of promise, and Worrall an amateur from the "A" team, is introduced. The side is; - Holdcroft; Common, Lowe; Britton, Griffiths, Archer; Worrall, McGovern, White, Martin, Leyfield.

EVERTON’S TEAM FOR TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, September 22, 1931
Bee’s Notes
To-morrow we resume with a League fixture at Goodison Park, starting at 3.15.  "Why 3.15?" asks a member. Ask me another. Certainly there is nothing in the evening games for me. I don't like them, and I do not think players get the right atmosphere. Everton at Derby played like a cold, cheerless, stunted side. It may be the rail journey upset them; Derby is not a nice journey, and those who think athletes should be keyed tip to stand train-strain do not know how susceptible muscles are to the stiffness of a long train ride. It bumps off their normal fitness quicker than anything I know. So I rejoice in at 3.15 kick-off to-morrows, and I hope to see you there, because you will have a chance to see England’s centre forward—both of them!  I refer to Dean and Bowers.  Bowers is a striking young player-dumpy in part, but having a terrific shot and a build that carries him through by sheer force of strength. A player I like very much, Crooks by name, has not had a good season thus far, but one cannot doubt his ability.  He, Mee, Bowers, and company will provide Everton people with some football food and some thought of the future.  On the other hand, Everton have only to reproduce their sterling qualities of the Derby “game to revenge them of that ill-starred game of a week ago, when you would hardly have known the Everton team.  They played well enough to beat Derby they walked their way through the side through a studied path of combination and finally they looked on Wilkes with a pitying eye. Derby began to take confidence; and then Everton began to wonder how they could possibly get a goal. There was one way—to shoot with some semblance of sense. They forgot that method! And they paid the penalty.  To-morrow they will alter their tactics when this team lines up.  Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
GOODISON MUSIC
Programme of music by Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr. Jack Evans); March “Commonwealth” (Rimmer), fox trot, “Oh Rosalita” (Feldman), two step, “Koppa Ka Banna”  (Feldman), fox trot “River Stay Away from my Door”  )Feldman), waltz, “Lucerne” (Feldman), tango, “Hawailwan Stars are Gleaming” (Feldman),waltz, “Put your Loving Arms Around Me” (Feldman). 

DERBY COUNTY CHANGES.
September 23 rd , 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton are no doubt, vastly encouraged by their victory over Liverpool, and they hope to add two more points to their record in this, their seventh, game of the season. The home side will field the same team as at Anfield, while Derby are making two positional changes owing to Lewis having injury his knee in the Portsmouth match, Ruddy moves from inside left to inside right, and Ramage returns to partner Mee. The kick-off is at 3-15, and the teams are; - Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McCLure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Derby; Wilkes; Copper, Collins; Nicholas, Barker, Jessop; Crooks, Ruddy, Bowers, Ramgae, Mee.

EVERTON TAKE LEAD IN 30 MINUTES
September 23 rd 1931. Evening Express.
Johnson scores from a penalty.
By the Pilot.
Everton played the team that defeat Liverpool against Derby County at Goodison Park today, but the County brought in Ramage at inside left in place of Lewis. I understand that Ben Williams captain of Everton last season, came so successfully through his test with the Reserves on Saturday that he will be available for first team duty as soon as required. Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Derby County; Wilkes; Cooper, Collins; Nicholas, Barker, Jessop, Crooks, Ruddy, Bowers, Ramage, Mee. Referee H. Carlidge (Burslem).
Johnson and Dunn tried hard to get Dean through before Mee got away from McLure's half-volley, and crossed a pretty ball which Bowers could not reach. Johnson raced back and enlisted Cresswell's aid to get the ball clear. Crooks, after a smart run on the Derby right wing, put the ball over the bar. When the Everton machine commenced working again, misunderstanding between Dean and Stein aided the County.
Stein's Effort.
Stein got through and his centre gave the County some trouble until Nicholas came to the rescue with a hefty lunge. Stein and McPherson combined well without able to obtain the vital opening. Next Stein beat Cooper in his stride and Wilkes had to come out to gather the centre. Everton had a narrow escape when Crooks accepted a pass through Ruddy's legs, raced across to the line, and made a sharp grand centre. There was no one up, however, to accept the chance. Bowers was making headway when McClure brought him down from behind, but Cooper's free kick rebounded from a bunch of Everton defenders. Derby were having the better of this game. Everton were rather lethargic and inclined to too much daintiness. A centre from Critchley was nodded back by Dean to Johnson, who kicked the ball first time with his right foot and forced Wilkes to go full length top make a magnificent save. Cooper relieved another stern Everton attack, by which Bocking set the home line going again, and after dean had just failed with a back-header he was ruled off-side when Critchley gave him another chances. In the space of a minute there were at least a dozen mistakes, both sides being at fault.
Penalty appeal.
Everton made a strong appeal for a penalty when Collins made a back header for Critchley while Nicholas was lying on the ground injured. The Derby trainer ran on to the field to tell the referee of the casualty. This was a poor game, neither side getting down to good constructive football. Rarely have I seen so much short passing that was inaccurate. Cooper raced back to nod a Critchley centre to Wilkes, but misjudged the distance, and the two had to scramble to prevent the ball running into goal. They escaped with a corner. Bowers shot from a distance to bring Sagar to his knee, but incidents were few in this encounter. The lively Crooks again bore through to the goal line, and lofted a nice pass for Bowers to kick a header, when Sagar easily saved. Dean raced through from McClure's pass, beat Collins, but Wilkes had advanced from goal and Dixie's shot cannoned against the knees and bounded up towards the net. Dixie gave chase, but sliced the ball in his effort to head home. Crooks next dropped a centre on top of the net. McClure pulled down Ramage on the edge of the penalty area, but Bowers shot to Cresswell's feet. Gee was spoken to when he swept Ruddy's feet from under him, and 30 minutes saw the Blues take the lead through Johnson's penalty. Dunn deceived the County in the manner of his pass to Critchley, and Dean looked all over a scorer as he ran through to head home the winger's perfect cross. Just as Dean was jumping to head he was sandwiched by Copper and Nicholas, and the referee unhesitatingly awarded a penalty. Johnson made no mistake with this. Bocking allowed himself to be robbed in front of the posts to give Bowers a chance, Everton being saved by the prompt intervention of Sagar. Everton did most of the pressing towards the interval in a game, which was improving steadily. Gee brought Wilkes to his knees with a shot from half-way line. Derby were eager to exploit the offside trick to hold up Dean, who was having a good match. The honours in this half had been Everton's but the football was rather too scrappy to be termed really entertaining. In addition there an abundance of pretty fouls.
Half-time Everton 1, Derby County 0. Last report.

EVERTON ONE TO THE GOOD. 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 23 September 1931
JOHNSON CONVERTS PENALTY AGAINST DERBY 
By bee
Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, dean, Johnson, Stein.  Derby County; Wilkes; Cooper, Collen; Nicholls, Barker, Jessop; crooks, Ruddy, Bowsers, Ramage, Mee. Everton and Derby County resumed operations at Goodison Park to-day, Derby having won the first bout by 3-0 a week ago. Both sides showed marked changes through injury and illness.  Lewis could not play for Derby, and Everton played the side that beat Liverpool, Thomson and Clark being absent through influenza. Weather dull;  crowd of fair dimension for a mid-week  and an afternoon game  McClure began with a revere tackle on  Mee, a breezy little man who does not  worry about these things, and Jessop,  as a week ago, tried a from half-back that did him proud, although the  ball spun out.
Crooks were checked by Creswell, and Gee made a more deliberate and equally brilliant pass for the benefit of Stein.  Everton became almost practical when Critchley centred so that Dean could head the ball back to Johnson.  Johnson is not noted for his right foot action, but he now drove a very fine shot to the left-hand side of the goal, Wilkes throwing his 6-ft. of height across the goal-line and just edging the ball out—an electrifying save and a movement from start to finish worthy of the applause it received.  Dean very rarely misses a header anywhere near the goalmouth, but he now was half a yard wide of Critchley’s center, and there followed more of these sprightly Derby raids—sharp, unhesitating, unflinching—and when McClure got into a knot in the penalty box Derby could easily have scored, because the ball hit Cresswell's head and threatened to pass through his own goal.  Derby's centre forward would, in that case, have been credited with his fourth goal in a week against Everton.
PENALTY APPEAL 
Everton appealed for a penalty, and rightly got no satisfaction from Referee Cartilage, of Burslem, and while play was going on Nicholas was lying prone.  Gee was spoken to regarding unwarrantable foul, prior to which McClure had conceded a free-kick. It was odd; therefore, that the first time Derby offended when Dean was trying to race to make contact with a centre by Critchley, the home centre should be charged in the middle of the back. 
JOHNSON'S PENALTY GOAL 
Dean was in flight, and the nudge he got plainly put him off a goal-scoring chance. Johnson took the penalty kick with his famous left foot drive, and Everton were a goal up in half an hour.  This was encouraging. even if the play of both sides had warranted no more  than equality in goals as far as we had  In his earnestness to resume goal-getting,  Dean kicked over a ball when  he was in front of goal, and when Dunn  made an overhead kick from a corner  Dean again lapsed where he is generally  most secure.  The game became very, very hard, if not very good, and in one portion the persistent flocking was caught napping and a goal was threatened. We saw a new phase of Johnson as an outside left when the Manchester man brought off a beautiful centre from by the corner flag, but the cheekiest thing of the match was a double-shuffle by Cresswell two yards from his goalkeeper when Bowers was hoodwinked by the old gentleman.  Half-time.—Everton 1. Derby County 0. 
The first incident of the second half was a view of Stein cutting across and his centre being ignored.  Cresswell who had an ovation at the interval, had his pants torn, and the referee sought out Bowers to see whether his studs were according to rule and found them properly marked and not damaging.  Everton began rather brighter than in the first half, and Dean made one of his best headers when Critchley centred square, and Dunn followed with a drop-shot that Wilkes turned round the goalpost.
EVERTON WILL PAY EXCESS TAXATION 
Everton F.C. have decided to pay the excess entertainment tax under the supplementary Budget.  Everton have taken on for a month’s trial a left full-back from Crook. Co.  Durham, named Hannant. He played for the A team last Saturday.   They have signed on J. E. McGovern, an inside right, who has previously played for Chester and Wrexham.  He is 5ft. 9ins in height, 11st in weight, and 20 years of age. 

EVERTON 2 DERBY COUNTY 1
September 24 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton Squeeze Through
Derby County's Rally
By "Bees."Everton found Derby County very difficult to hold, but the local side gained the points by the odd goal of three. The County side had youth, pace, and enthusiasm. They work swiftly and to the point –the goal area. There they did not fare so well as a week ago when they were conquerors by 3-0, and Bowers got the 3 goals. This time, in the return game, Bowers had little chance. Bocking, with his solid and sure style, is at the moment stronger than it has been for many seasons. There is a good working agreement between the backs. Cresswell's nochanlant robbery of the ball from Bowers, who was going hot pace towards goal, was typical of the man. Bocking was not so stylish, yet he was quite effective even if he was once nearly caught napping. Derby County were not out of the prizes when defence was concerned. Copper the international back gave another studied and studions display of five resolute kicking, but his forward line was unbalanced, and his team generally did not respond to his example, Mee for instance, hardly being seen through the match, possibly through the absence of his usual co-worker, Lewis, ex-Huddersfield. Everton were not exactly satisfying any more than the game touched high spots. There was a lot of poor football and needless delay on the part of Everton, and with Derby at times rushing at too great a pace to allow them a conclusive effort towards goal making the game dragged quite a good deal until Derby made a fighting finish. Derby got a goal through Bowers snapping up a half chance, when Sagar might have punched clear, but conceived the idea of trying to make a catch.
Johnson's two Goals.
Johnson, had got two goals in the first half, one a penalty kick , justified by the way Dean was pushed as he ran in to head the centre to goal. Johnson scored with ease –as should always be the case; but the second goal came through a melee and Johnson, with his right foot, drove in a ball that bumped and had little pace –it touched the upright before it crossed the line. So Everton led by two goals, and they imagined a vain thing –they thought the game was over. Derby County shook the Everton side. The home team began to fade out, and found themselves unable to catch that elusive forward. Centred were rained in with that excellent curl that Crooks applies, and although it must be confessed that Dean headed on to the crossbar with Wilkes –merely as a matter of recording the main event –the fact remains Everton were glad to get their victory over. Derby were altogether too menacing, and Ruddy with particully the last kick, had a great chance to make the score what it should have been 2-2. He drove straight at Sagar at a time when that young man had began to fumble the ball.
Sagar's Save.
Sagar had previously turned a shot from Bowers from the goal to a corner kick –a turning point in a game wherein the three goals were not of the enthusiastic type, nor yet well made. So that the game was like the goals –dull in its make-up. Everton's wing half-backs were not always satisfying, McClure was dogged, McPherson was dalian, Gee being best but falling into the error of giving needless free kicks. Oddly enough, it was Barker, the visitors centre half-back who had his name taken by Referee Cartlidge, of Burslem, for an offence hard to define. There were some stoppages, and Crooks had a nasty twist, and McPherson, and McClure were also damaged. It was hard football without conviction, and with little shooting. Each goalkeeper saved what one can only describe as a striking shot –Johnson and Bowers the shooters –and Everton's extreme wing men plus the energetic Dean were best of the winners' forward line –the most certain in their attacks, the most settled in their mode of play. Yet Johnson for half an hour played superlatively good football, artistic and skilled. The he faded out in common with many others of the side. Cresswell simple went through to the hitter and with his calm judgement and his delicious football. Derby' speed gained them nothing; their plucky and insistent finishing of the last half gained them one goal. They should have had two –they earned them. The Fates were not kind to Derby County. Teams; Everton; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; McCLure, Gee, and McPherson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Derby County; - Wilkes, goal; Copper and Collens, backs; Nicholas, Barker, and Jessop, half-backs; Croosk, Ruddy, Bowers, Ramage, and Mee, forwards.

DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
September 24 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 6)
Not until late in the game was there any excitement from either moves of Derby or Everton in the Central league match at Derby, and then all the fine things were done by Holdcroft in the Everton goal. Twice he succeeded with daring dives at the feet of opponents. White took the credit for Everton's goal by charging the goalkeeper in possession over the line, and Robson equalised with a header. – Everton; - Holdcroft; Common, Lowe; Britton, Griffiths, Archer; Worrall, McGovern, White, Martin, Leyfield.

BLUES' ONE PURPLE PATCH
September 24 th , 1931. Evening Express.
But the rest of the game was colourless.
Timely change in tactics.
By the Pilot.
Why the Kick-off in the Everton v Derby game, at Goodison Park yesterday, was arranged for 3.15, when there was sufficient light to make the match an early evening affair, I don't know, but certainly the gate suffered. It was surprising after Everton's return to winning form to see a crowd of less than 20,000 at so important a match. Had the kick off been fixed for some time around 5-30 p.m. thousands of workers would have been glad of the opportunity to cheer on the Blues. As it was the astomsphere was listless, and so was the play. For the first half hour there was hardly a cheer. Everton once again took a long time to realise that fast, open football is much more effective than the dainty tip-tap variety. In the early periods of the encounter they persisted in trying to carve out openings down the middle for a well watched Dean and their general tactics savoured of the short pass. This helped a quick-lacking side like the County. It took the Blues exactly half an hour to arrive at the conclusion that the best policy was to exploit the extreme wingers, and utilize the far-lung pass more. When they did it they quickly forged ahead, and gained the winning position, and a 2-1 victory. This was not a good game. In the first half both sides prone to miskick and slice passes, and there was all too much pretty fouling, pushing, and obstructing. Johnson gave the Blues the lead in 30 minutes with a penalty awarded when Dean was patently sandwiched by Nicholas and Cooper. Johnson added the second in an hour, shooting through near the post after Dean had drawn attention from the scorer. Shortly after this goal Dean headed against the bar, and that effort seemed to rouse the County to such an extent that they crammed on every stitch of canvas, and the game resolved itself into a battle between the visiting attack and the Everton defence. Sagar made his one mistake in 77 minutes when he tried to catch a centre instead of punching away, and the hefty Bowers bundled the ball of his arms and into the net. Derby were then on their toes, and Bowers and Crooks were menacing raiders who worried and worked as if inspired.
Rock-like defence.
They met the solid rock of Everton's defence, however, and Sagar redeemed himself with three brilliant saves. He should have been beaten in the last minute, but Ramage fired straight into his arms from an easy position. Dean had a good day, though he invariably had three men around him. He had the happy knack of drawing attention to himself and away from others. Johnson was a zealous forager, who was ever on the look-out for openings. Stein and Critchley displayed pretty footwork, but Dunn was not at his best. The half-backs took time to strike their real game, especially in feeding. Gee was the best. Cresswell was the best player on the field –a cool, calculated defender whose tackling was superlative. Bocking, too, was a tower of strength, and held the Derby left wing in subjection. The County were rather unbalanced, but were well served by Wilkes, Cooper, their best man –Barker, Crooks, and Bowers.

EVERTON'S NEW FORWARD.
September 24 th 1931. Evening Express.
Gordon Reed signed. 18 years old Marksman from the North-East.
By the Pilot.
Gordon Reed, though only 18 years of age, has earned the reputation of being one of the best goal-getting centre forwards in the Northern-Eastern League. Last night he scored a hat-trick for Speenymoor United against Darlington Reserves, and immediately after the match Everton succeeded in securing his transfer. Reed's fame as a marksman quickly spread around the Football League clubs, though he only joined Spennymoor this season. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bolton Wanderers were anxious to sign him, but Everton were first in the field and paid what will be a record fee for the Spennymoor club. Reed is well built being 5ft 9ins, and 11 st . He will probably play for Everton Reserves on Saturday. Everton have decided to make no change in the team, which defeated Liverpool and Derby County for their visit to Arsenal on Saturday. Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

EVERTON WILL MAKE NO TEAM CHANGES VERSUS ARSENAL
Liverpool Echo –Thursday, September 24 1931
By Bees
GAME AGAIN 
Everton against the Arsenal run up against tough side, and an eleven bearing a lot of publicity, and much football sense and skill. it is a severe test,  possibly the greatest of the season in  view of Arsenal having just touched the  high spots, and discovering David Jack  as an outside-left, and a goal-getter in  that new berth. There is no change for the game versus Arsenal—that is the Everton notification; but we who saw the game at Goodison Park yesterday must confess that Everton must make some changes in their method and finishing touches if they are to succeed on Saturday. The only thing favourable to Everton yesterday against Derby County was the verdict! The goals were gratefully received, but they were not the sort one can bank on future matches. It is true Sager might have thumped out the ball that Bowers scored with, so that none of the goals was of the picture-card variety. They counted, just as 2-1 went down to the score-register favouring Everton. However, many were not content with the win. It was not sufficient to win. It can be said that neither the ball nor the referee was exactly kind to the losers. 
FULL BACK STYLES 
The greet feature of the match was the differing ideas of defence as exemplified by Cresswell and Cooper.  Cresswell stole the ball from big Bowers as this dangerous centre forward raced through at class-hot pace. Cresswell merely stepped in and said “That’s mine." It was the sort of incident that stands out in a dull match, and will be prated about in 1941. He will say to  his pal: "Do you remember old man  Cresswell just walking into Bowers, and  taking the ball without clogging it  against Bowers the acme of perfect  tackling and timing "—or words to that  effect. The match will soon be forgotten otherwise, because really it was dull and provided no great stretch of football fare. Johnson's first half hour was a model of able initiation, and a right foot shot many thought could not be brought from that boot! Then he, in common with a lot of the other players, found the pace awkward, and the flight of these young Derby players was embarrassing. All this time Bocking,  who improves with association with a  partner, who can be very helpful, was  standing his ground and making a stolid sort of defence, yet never rustling  nor riotously enthusiastic. Bocking plays the same sort of game that Cresswell plays. Cooper, of Derby, on the other hand, in the rousing, dashing, long-stretched leg defender—a very sure connector with the ball; all-powerful for length, strength, and consistency.  Everton lacked the and the insistence  and persistence of Derby, and the  latter did not get the draw they could  have had—deserved, if you will because  they were not consistent near  goal. They had not the Bowers' shot of a week earlier. That is the reason Everton squote home with a goal margin.
NAMES, PLEASE! 
It was sad to think of Barker getting his name into the referee's black book.  It was not enlivening to see some half-backs risking a word with the referee and making needless tackles. We are not used to that type at Everton. However,  injuries were few, and Crooks  showed how he appreciated Laurie  Edwards' " leg-pulling" by going on to  make a bundle of centres, all lovely, curling hooked centres that called for  completion. Crooks can be very deadly, Mee can be much deadlier. On the winning side Dean had the misfortune to head the crossbar instead of a goal, and the extreme wingers struck me as the dominating forces because they were consistent in their work and not given to too much elaboration.  Everton were ragged and at times insipid. They are high in the League; it is up to them to justify this height and to inspire by their general team work. They do not seem to fancy Derby, whose two games have been very hard affairs, but both games were offered to them if they had been good enough to take the spoils.  Here may I mention that our good  friends of the family known as " It's a  Boy " may have had their heads up at  the golf fixture this week, but they  certainly never had their tails down. I think my rival, Sydney Howard, felt he would have been better employed digging up a Rugby League match than taking divots. Far be it from me to say one word against so estimable a man born in Yeadon, where Verity comes from.  Howard was cradled in the Northern Union stronghold of Leeds, and his daughter is athletically inclined—she is in the care of the able controllers of the Physical Training College. It ought to be put on record that Leslie Henson broke all records when he broke a steel-shafted driver in two--come shot. That is what comes of training on prize milk.

MEN WORTH £60,000 IN ONE MATCH.
September 25 th 1931. Evening Express.
Everton's biggest test of the season.
By the Pilot.
When the Everton and Arsenal teams line up at Highbury tomorrow afternoon, £60,000 worth of football talent will be on view. No other match on the card tomorrow will provide an aggregation of players of such great market value. It should be a great game. Everton are drawing big crowds whenever they go, and tomorrow's match attendance may exceed 60,000 spectators. This game will be a big test for Everton. If they gain a point they will do well. The Blues have won their last two games and naturally are satisfied with the same eleven. If they are to extend the brilliant London Club, however, they will have to play a stronger game than they did against Derby County. Quicker parting with the ball and more certainly in front of goal are necessary. From a spectator point of view this should undoubtedly be one of the outstanding games of the season, for both sides can be relied on to play football of the highest class. Cresswell, is playing as well as ever, and it will be interesting to see how he fares against the scheming of Jack and James and the dashing methods of Hulme and Lambert. Bastin, who cried off for the Blackpool match in mid-week, owing to injury, has been reported fit, and has been chosen. The Arsenal, therefore, will have their strongest possible team in the field. Roberts the former Oswestry man, will no doubt play a leading part in the great match, and if he holds Dean he will have done all that is asked of him. Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Arsenal; Preddy; Parker, Hapgood; Jones, Roberts, John; Hulme, Bastin, Lambert, James, Jack.
Reed to lead Reserves attack.
Reed, Everton's new centre-forward from Spennymoor United, will lead the attack for Everton Reserves against Oldham Athletic at Goodison Park tomorrow. McGovern, another newcomer from Chester, will be at inside right in place of Martin, who has strained a thigh muscle. Everton Reserves; - Holdcroft; Williams, Lowe; Britton, Griffiths (T), Archer, Griffiths (P), McGovern, Reed, White, Leyfield.

EVERTON'S LONDON TRIP 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 25 September 1931
Bee’s Notes
I have private advice that Arsenal are not quite sure what to do about their forward line. They are bewildered with six players.  Jack outside left? No! Parkin still in? No.  I forecast the ling will be—Hulme,  Jack, Lambert, James, Bastin.  Everton, at Highbury, know what they are up against, and they know, too, that Arsenal aren't at their best at home.  The stars say the public do not understand their methods and styles, and they get more satisfaction away from home. Bolton are similarly situated.  Well, we have some of the best memories  of matches through visitations to Highbury  with Everton, the most notable a  cup-tie when the broadcaster told of the  broadcaster told of the brilliant loss of Everton F.C in that match. 
KEY MEN 
Is James, or Jack, or Hulme the keyman of to-morrow? What plot will they hatch before the game starts? There must be a mission with the chieftain Chapman in the chair and every player talking about the game as if he were really not afraid of the manager and every other player! Oh, yes, these talks have been remarkable things. Everton have their own theories; McPherson and Johnson are working one with regards to the throw-in—a capital notion. Then Everton may adopt my idea of starting a game—as last week. It is a method of stealing yards of the opposition territory with a single kick—the centre kick.  I only wish that Cresswell were called up to start the game—that is my ideal starting point, and it is not against the rules of football. Why not try it in this game?  - How the game will go? Who can say  with Roberts playing third back and  James half a half-back still a great  forward; with Hulme smashing speed  records, with David Jack on the wing-the  left wing at that. It will be a stem business to-morrow for both sides.  Everton have played better away than at home— witness the Derby debacle. Let us hope they carry on the away successes to-morrow. The team is unchanged—and I should imagine it is a bit tired after the relentless game with Liverpool and the follow up with Derby County. The “Football Echo" will tell us about it—so that's all for the moment this week-end.  Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
EVERTON INVALIDS NOW QUITE WELL 
Everton F C. announce that there is no change from the selected side v.  Arsenal.  Dunn had difficulty with a muscle, and others suffered minor knocks and colds. To-day, however, they are all fit and the original selection will turn out.  Everton Reserve, at home to Oldham, bring some new men to light. Martin is injured, and the new players.  McGovern, of Cheater, and Reed, of Spennymoor United, make their debut.  Team; Holdcroft; Williams, Lowe; Britton, T. Griffiths, Archer; Phil Griffiths, McGovern, Reed, White, Layfield. 
EVERTON A TEAM
Everton “A” (v. Whiston, at Whiston, 3.30);- From; Corry; Jackson, Hannant; Edwards, Chedgzoy, Llody; Walker, Cunliffe, Holmes, Fryer, Worrall, Worthington. 

EVERTON TACKLE HIGBURY START
September 26 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
The Arsenal started in rather shaky fashing when the calibre of the team is taken into consideration, but they seem to be coming back to their best now, so that Everton today, many experts opposition of the liveliest character. Although they defeat Derby County on Wednesday, the team as a whole did not play suticiently well to suggest that they will be good enough to beat the Arsenal at their best. An improvement, will be necessary, particularly in the wing half position. If the flying Hulme and the skilful Bastin are to be held. The Arsenal are undoubtedly a team of combined power and skill, and Everton, it would seem, must needs be at the top of their form to gain a point. Dean and his colleagues may be depended on to make a bold effort to lower the colours of the "stars" and whatever the result a highly attractive game is likely to be seen at Highbury. Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Arsenal; Preedy; Parker, Hapgood; Jones, Roberts, John; Hulme, Bastin, Lambert, James, Jack.

ARSENAL 3 EVERTON 2
September 28 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Arsenal Forward Snap
Everton Deservedly Beaten.
By "Bee."
Arsenal, a brainy football side, ably managed and controlled and selected, beat Everton at Highbury before 50,000 spectators by 3 goals to 2. The margin is kind on Everton; it doesn't indicate that Bastin hit the upright and that Hulme struck the post with a great drive; it does not breathe the fear of the Everton defenders every time the Arsenal forwards started their mission –which is not goals –at any rate in the first instance; they take the ball as far up to goal as Everton's line likes to, but with this difference. Where Everton forwards dwell upon their going, Arsenal never stand upon the order of their going –they go-and they take the ball with them. They make a three-piece suite in combination. Everton make a two piece, slaves to convention. Arsenal will not be enslaved by anyone –least of all the powers that be. There are three sectors; the inter-twining of the names need not be given to explain this trinity, but one can do no better than say it is a mingling of kindred spirits as between Jack, James, and Bastin, with Hulme, the express dashing flying winger and Lambert the allaged cumbersome centre-forward, who is put where he is for a purpose –and no more is expected of him.

The Right Blend.
The blend is there; the brain is there; as Cresswell said after the game. "You cannot beat this side by charging; you can't get near them to deliver your charge; you must apply brains, and if they beat you, well they are the better side." They were the better side, but fate was kind to Everton in more than one direction. Everton played well for half an hour. They got a goal lead, but it was rather lucky, for Critchley's gentle handling added to the ball's progress. They were worth a goal –but a better frame of goal than this. The next moment Critchley took up the gap opened by the unwise Hapgood, who was wild with an attempted clearance. Critchley shot. But he was angled and possibly was angered when he realised that Dean, calling for a pass, could not have escaped making the margin two goals to nought. This was the turning point of the play. The game had been lost by this lack of forethought and wisdom.

Two in Two Minutes.
Arsenal scored two goals in two minutes. The first was an oddity; Sagar, although half-covered by a crowd of players, actually touched the ball more surely than he had done in the game versus Derby county on Wednesday. Hulme had lobbed it, but it might be that Sagar put through his own goal. It was a blow. Stern Sagar, relentless in his daring and beautiful in his leaps towards the high ball, had his moments of frailty. One minute later Jack had scored from Bastin's seemingly offside post. Arsenal now sparkled, but Cresswell thought he would take his fair share now, and while he was the towering back of the afternoon, Bocking did a lot of serviceable work. James and Jack, in quick moves, turned the game 100 yards. They don't know the word "space." The pair bewildered, and while Cresswell held on to his delightful scientific tackling exhibition, there was a chance for Everton. A goal was all they needed. Critchley offered it. Dean accepted it, but Everton had run to seed; the cost had been too great; a game that had been offered them in the first half hour was now refused them. Arsenal played fine free football and every time they were forward one feared a goal. It was no surprise when it arose through Lambert, but the quaint changeability of the game was shown by the fact that after this Bastin inclined to have a shot at goal. This outside left is one of the hardest hitting youngsters in the game. He drove in three "cannon balls," and Sagar saved them so well that he left the ground with a rare volley of applause, and the crowd the day's wobbling game, Critchley missed a chance of scoring through slowness with the last kick. So Critchley had got a gaol he should not have got, had not got a goal, he should have got, and he given Dean the vital goal that made a draw possible.
The Better Side.
Man for Man, Arsenal were incontestably the better side, the more rousing, the more deadly in their practicability. The losers wing half-backs had moments of inspiration, but they also had long spells when they did not work the ball swiftly. Dean was slow first half, but warmed up to the second half, and Johnson after a fine half-hour, faded away a trifle, yet had his chances to score goals, whereas Dunn was generally a provocative inside winger, roaming, warting work, but not happy in the "return pass," –the absence of shots was noticeable. That was where Arsenal were strong, they missed goals, but at least they shot insistently, and much of their jugglery was of a fine football character. A good game; a game in which Gee did well; and the home team had a third back, Roberts, of Oswestry, playing to orders and resting on his full-backs, but receiving heading work in abundance through Everton not having the ability to realise the call for a positional change –centre forwards Dean became grits for Roberts. Teams; Arsenal; Preedy, goal; Parker, Hapgood, and Roberts; backs; Jones, John, half-backs; Hulme, Jack, Lambert, James and Bastin, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; McClure, Gee and McPherson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 0
September 28 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 7)
A goal scored by Reed after 18 minutes of the second half following some good work by White, gave Everton victory at Goodison Park. Everton on the whole, were a poor attacking force, lacking cohesion and understanding. The home defenders were sound. Griffiths, Williams, and Lowe frequently frustating the efforts of an attack that could at times prove very dangerous. Everton introduced Reed at centre-forward and McGovern at inside right, but neither could be said to have maid an auspicious debut; Reed was a trifle slow, whilst McGoven seemed completely out of touch. The game's outstanding incidents were Holdcroft's save from Pickergill and Britton's clever solo dribble from his own half, during which he beat three opponents and the goalkeeper, and then put the ball against the crossbar. Everton; Holdcroft, goal; Williams, and Lowe, backs; Britton, Griffiths (T), and Archer, half-backs Griffiths (P), McGovern, Reed, White, and Leyfield, forwards.
Whiston 1 Everton "A" 1
Liverpool County Combination.
In a well-contested game, a draw was a fitting result. In the first half Constantine gave Whiston the lead, after the interval Chedgzoy equalised from a free kick. Fryer was Everton's best forward and Jackson and Hannant defended well. Sutcliffe, Walker and Taylor were prominent for Whiston.

EVERTON HAVE A CURIOUS AND ENJOYABLE GAME WITH THE CRACKS OF ARSENAL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 28 September 1931
Bee’s Notes
A game worth watching, my registers, a second half that was far better than the first half –that is not a common feature of football.  A game wherein style and manties could be considered.  Arsenal with their three full backs had a belief that Roberts was “wonderful” marvellous, &c, London talks that way when a player merely heads the ball as it comes to him- he being unmarked.  He had a head and shoulders height to help in this heading business against Deans, whose first half was rather heavy, but whose second portion stamped him at the greatest header of goals we have ever known; Roberts, of Oswestry, plays the game he is told to play; and he succeeds but from international standpoints one could not call him it, for honours.  Then Arsenal, working according to plan, made David Jack so far up the field.  Two strides and he has taken a hundred yards.  James was the lie-back.  They bumped James, they got him in the middle of the back, they sandwiched him.  He never urged the point; he went on with that curious hesitating, dribble of his in which he does best when he does nothing.  Gee, whose play as middle man has been so good all through, said “I can’t understand what he does with the ball” I suggested that he trod on the ball to deaden it.  He been quivered his foot over the ball like a master marionette pulling the strings.  James is like that; he strokes the ball, draws his foot over the ball like a mother ironing a collar into its glaziest glaze for the wedding of her son.  He is a genius.
OTHER FEATURES
We went wrong per Critchley.  You know I am an ardent Critchley-ite, so you can tell how fair I am (ahem and guffaw) when I tell you that Critchley missed his measure in the game to an extent unbelievable.  He scored a goal- aided by the nudge of a knuckle, he provided Dean with his goal; and finally should have equalised, with the last kick of a game that was definitely won by the better side, who might easily have taken eight goals.  But here by the reigning memory of the match.  This match could be won.  A goal lead, and a ridiculous step out by Hapgood, whose enthusiasm outran his discretion.  Critchly shot.  I don’t blame him.  He shot hard and fairly true, and the webbling.  Preedy got his finger to the ball.  Critchley should have answered the call for a square pass to Dean, could not help but scores.  It is easy to sit in the stand and see and he and shout the odds. However to realise that if had a simple chance of football in life you gain not the major and difficult chance.  A goal then, and this game was won.  It was Everton went from good to moderate for a brief spell, and two goals in two minutes upset the chance of left wing in the Albion’s neat steps. 
SAGAR –FOR AND AGAINST
Sagar was the next item on the agenda, and here again we have the structure.  He fumbled a ball, it was a Hulme goal, finished by Lambert, helped over by Sagar.  That was the equalizer and thought the next one came from Bastin’s offside point.  However, that matters not.  The point to consider is that Everton in two minutes had lost their way.  Only those present, however, could realise what a part Sagar played in this game-in the last twenty minutes.  He took a flendialy delight in stopping Bastin’s shots.  Bastin is strong of limb- a Houghton (Villa) type with a ball that is lying handy.  Bastin cracked them in so hard that they spun away from goal at times, but the direct drive went in like cannon balls and it is true that if he had not saved them he would have been “shot into the goal” –and into an amaulance post haste.  The crowd of 50,000 spectators gave Sagar great receptions and talked of nothing but his prowess as they left the ground.  That was the curiously unbalanced feature of this engaging game.  It started moderately with too many missed passes.  It had great men who failed, roused themselves and because stars; it had great goalkeeping for a man who had already fumbled one-goalkeepers cannot “make up for it” no matter how they play after the offence.  That is where they are so unlike the other players, the forwards, who miss goals from eight yards distance; these who do not strike the ball accurately and it bobs its way to goal instead of fighting its way; that is where the goalkeeper has nothing on half backs who may make a solitary mistake.  Let us get this match right, Everton could have won it.  it was offered.  The simple task proved difficult.  The winners eventually walked away with victory.  The difference between the sides was this; When Everton walked into their work they made three passes where one would suffice; they got little distance for their labours.  Arsenal are the quickest goal-to-goal side I show.  Three moves and they have taken the ball from the famous end to end” of which we read so much.  They make a pass that scoops out of territory in between.  They labour and are not laboured.  Their speed is dependent upon the speed of the pass.  Everton’s frontal line seems to need spurring on to the practical rather than the fanciful.  We have not the verve nor yet the nerve we see our forwards take up a ball we know exactly, how they will work it, steadfast, close, and solo-fashion.  Arsenal work in threes; you have Bastin, James and Lambert making three-place suites without a thought of stopping the ball.  Lambert, Hulme and Jack are another threesome.  Hulme, Jones and Jack are another threesome.  They work crisscross passes but, make this irregently, they progress.  Everything is on the upward plan, there pass-back is unknown to them.  They never head back.  Everton, on the contrary, make full use of the pass-back notion-almost too much so.  Arsenal in short are sharp-witted well-controlled men who realise that so long as the ball is out of their defensive half the other side cannot get a goal.  In short, it is attack by the most progressive means-it is a Chapman dictum, and the players play to orders just as a jockey has to ride to his trainer’s orders.  We may hate Arsenal, but we must admire them and their football ways; this team is a truly dangerous one- every raid looks like a goal.  Of how many teams could you day that?  Before closing let me pay tribute to Sagar, Bocking and Cresswell for defensive measures, to McPherson, Gee and McClure for their good endeavor, and then leave the forward line out of this theorizing.  They played into the Arsenal hands and gave Roberts a head-ache through centring on top of his rusty head!  Still, it was enjoyable football and a match of memories. 

HITTING THE HIGH SPOTS AT HIGHBURY
September 28 th 1931. Evening Express
Arsenal and Everton in classic display.
The "W" formation –two styles.
By the Pilot.
It was a game, which does football good. No match could have been more attractive or thrilling, and if all teams set out to give such expositions of real football as Everton and Arsenal did then football would become more popular than ever. Sir Samuel Hill-Wood, the chairman of the Arsenal club, made these remarks to me, following the classic display provided by the Arsenal and Everton at Highbury. Let me say at once that all agreed with his views. It was a game, which will long be remembered. The only unsatisfactory phase of the encounter, from my point of view, was the actual scoring. No fewer than three of the goals were of the doubtful character. Still, even if some should have been disallowed, it would have been unjust had the Arsenal not triumphed. They were a good football side the same as Everton, but they played the more inspired football and arrange though it may seem their "W" formation was not so exaggerated at that of the Blues. Everton were certainly the better team for the opening period. They were much quicker on the ball, and made use of the quick, sharp pass to splendid advantage. Critchley told me after the game that he did not handle the ball when he opened the score in 26 minutes. It was after the Blues had jumped in front that the might Arsenal machine began to run with oil-like smoothness and vitality. Ere six minutes had elapsed they were in front.
Sagar –Two Phases.
Sagar's was a remarkable case. In the first half he was uncertain, and nervous. Rarely did he field the ball cleanly. Yet, in the second half, he gave one of the finest exhibitions of goalkeeping I have ever seen. He got back his confidence and how he beat out some of the tremendous shots by Bastin will ever remain a mystery. Everton's attack was not as good as that of the Gunners. Dean found Roberts a master of Interception after the first 30 minutes and rarely had a chance. Still, he was called on to play the lone hand up the field, whereas Johnson and Dunn should have kept up more for their path to goal was much easier. Jack and James certainly exploited the "W" formation, but they were always in position when shooting was the game. Everton could well take a leaf of the Gunners tactic book. McPherson was the player whose about opening up Everton's game late on, when the others were inclined to be too cramped in their efforts to save a point. McPherson used the wingers well, and this was the only method, which would have brought success.
Cresswell the Master.
McPherson played really well, and Gee was a dour intervenor for an hour when the pace began to tell, Gee, by the way was playing under the strain of a severe cold. McClure was really unhappy. He fell easy prey to the brilliant James-Bastin wing and was prone to "take the dummy." In the circumstances Bocking's display behind him was good even though the Arsenal left wing remained the danger spot. Cresswell was clearly the master of every football artifice, and the outstanding personally on the field. It was he and Sagar who were given ovations by a sportsmanlike crowd at the close. London liked Everton's style and their football. It was good, but not as good as that of the Arsenal. The Arsenal played three backs, but the methods of Jack and James made this a success. Bastin was the best Gunner, and others to shine were James-Jack, Parker, Jones, Roberts, and Hapgood. Mark my words, Arsenal are going to make a fight to retain their title of champions.

UNDER-OBSERVATION
September 29 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Several First Division clubs have been taking an interest in the Northern-East recently. Everton, as announced last week have signed on Gordon Reed, an eighteen year old centre forward, from Spennymoor United in the North Eastern League and have engaged on trial Leslie Hannant, a right back, who has played for Stanley United in the Northern League.
Everton and Scottish Players.
But evidently clubs have not deserted Scotland when looking for players, for two Everton officials were over the border at the week-end, and Arsenal have had two Scottish players under review. Everton are said to have watched a centre-forward.

ANOTHER TRIALISTS
September 29 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Leslie Hannah
Several First Division clubs have been taking interest in the North-East recently. Everton as announced last week, have signed on Gordon reed, an eighteen year old centre forward from Spennymoor United, in the North-East League, and have engaged on trial Leslie Hannah a right back, who has played for Stanley United in the Northern League. Meanwhile Everton officials were over the Border at the weekend to watch a Scottish Centre-forward.

EVEN THE REF. JOINED IN!
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 29 September 1931
Bee’s Notes
The occasion when a referee has openly shown his appreciation of some particularly incident during a match have been exceedingly rare.  Such an occasion occurred at Goodison Park, on Saturday, during the Reserves match with Oldham Athletic and the individual to earn the warm handclapping from the referee was Britton, the Everton right half. He gained possession in his own half, and then made what must have been one of the longest, trickiest individual solo runs seen locally for some time. During this elusive dribble he outwitted three Athletic defenders, and then, finally, tricked the goalkeeper. Britton was then close in front of goal, almost exhausted, and the ball only required pushing in, but it had worked up a bounce. As the Everton half made his last desperate lunge before stumbling, he applied too much loft, with the result that that ball struck the underside of the crossbar, and, after a melee, it was put outside.  This was wretched bad luck, and it was no wonder that the referee, Mr. R. A.  Mortimer, of Huddersfield, joined in the appreciative applause.