EVERTON V BURY
Athletic News - Tuesday 01 March 1887
At Everton, before 3,000 spectators. Everton were short of Farmer, Gibson, Dobson, Costley, and Dick, Stevenson. Bury scored four goals in the first half. In the second half Everton pressed Bury severely but could not win. Result; Bury, four goals, Everton one goal.
A COLD AFTERNOON FOR EVERTON.
Everton v. Bury should have been played at Bury, but by arrangement the match was brought off at Everton, and when the teams “faced” nearly 3,000 spectators had assembled on the field. Everton had four of their best men—Farmer, Gibson, Crossley, and Dobson—assisting the county, while the only absentee from the Bury ranks was Howarth, whose place was taken by Ross, jun. The visitors won the toss, and Everton started the ball, and after few minutes’ play Black scored for Bury from a corner. After re-starting Ross, jun., again did the needful for Bury. The ball was again put in motion, when Pollock and Douglas made good play, and enabled Hitchen to score the third goal for Bury. Everton re-started, but the visitors played up well, and the home team's goal-keeper, in running out to save, left his goal unprotected, and Hitchens, being handy, again put the ball through the posts. Play up half-time was more even, and when the whistle was blown Bury were leading by four goals to none. Goals were changed, and Everton did most of the pressing, but were only able to score once, “Mike” making a good and successful shot just under the bar. Hard lines in shooting was the order of the day on both sides, and Richards, who had slipped on the ground while getting up, put out a certain shot by George. Everton tried hard make up for this misfortune but without avail, and when “Time'' was called the game was a win for Bury by four goals to one.
LANCASHIRE JUNIORS V NORTHUMBERLAND
There were two changes in the Northumberland side as compared with the announced team—White being displaced by G. Matthews and Blackett by E. Ritson. The day was bright and fine. Three thousand people assembled the West End Ground, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Northumberland lost the toss, and played uphill. At the start the visitors had a trifle the best of the opening play, getting three corners off the reel. Then Northumberland did better, but could not score until just close on the first half, when Hedley sent a fine shot. The second half opened hotly, and Northumberland, amidst cheers, rapidly added three goals, for some time quite outplaying Lancashire. The combination of the latter, however, grew better towards the close, and they several times got up the field, but they could only once score, Wright making a successful effort out of scrummage from corner. The final score was Northumberland, four goals; Lancashire Juniors, one goal.
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
The following are the draws for the Senior and Junior cups:— Senior.—Semi-Finals. Everton v, Tranmere Rovers, at Everton (19th March) Oakfield Rovers v. Stanley, at Bootle (26th March)
Junior Cup
Aigburth Vale v. Everton Ramblers or St, Benedict’s
Walton Breck v Seacombe St. Paul’s
The following have byes;- Aintree Church, Earlestown Reserve, Whiston, or Regent, Liverpool Post office or Southport Old Boys, Southport and St Peter’s.
To be played off on or before March 12.
Everton at a Disadvantage.
March 5 th 1887. Football Field
Wild rumours of the disappearance of Dick from the scene of Liverpool football were afloat last week. He had done with Liverpool football. Had gone, and the place should know him no more. But it is likely the acquaintance so acceptably formed by the Kilnarnock back with the Everton club is destined to be of much longer duration. He has not been in the best of health for some time, and an acute attack of neuralgia has induced him to return home, in hopes of recouping on his native heath. Stevenson too, is on the sick list, in a curious coincidence, these two players having stuck together very closely during their exile. With four players in addition to these two engaged in the Junior County game, Everton met Bury at a great disadvantage. The match was a fixture for the Bury ground, but as in the Rawtenstall match Everton by some means not far to perceive, obtained the removal of the venue to Anfield-road. There was quite a revivalist meeting at Anfield-road, for Tom Marriott Parry, George Finlay, and Gourlay, were all unearthed for the occasion. There was much fear and trembling for the result amongst the Everton supporters, for the undertakers were known to be no chicks, and when four goals had been notched to nil before half-time “few and brief were the Cu—(prayers I mean) that were said.” Fleming came from full back, where none but a misguided committee would have placed him, for with Farmer and Costley away from the forwards, who was there to score save Fleming and Briscoe? But I cannot think it was the committee's arrangement. When the fine right winger partnered Briscoe the effect was instantly felt. No longer was the attack all one way; at any rate, it was not all on the Everton goal. The home team gained the only point afterwards scored, and ended losers by 4 to 1.
EVERTON V USLSTER.
March 5, 1887. The Belfast News Letter.
This day, at Ballynafaigh, Everton holders of the Liverpool and District Challenge Cup play Ulster (Holders of the Irish Challenge Cup), kick-off at 3-30 sharp. The following are the teams;- Everton:- C.T. Joliffe; G. Dobson, A.S. Dick; M. Higgins, W. Gibson, R. Stevenson; G.S. Fleming, W.H. Briscoe, J.H. Costly, G. Farmer, Centre T. Sowerbutt. Ulster:- J. Roberts; WT Fox, J. Watson; J. Hasting, J. Campell, H.L. More, J. Reid, G. Miller, J. Reid, E. Reid, T. Mearen.
EVERTON V ULSTER
March 7 1877. The Belfast News-Letters.
This match which should have taken place on Saturday had to be postponed till today on account of the non arrival of the Everton team who were unfortunately detained by the heavy fog on Friday night the Liverpool steamer not arriving in town till five o'clock. The match will start at four o'clock sharp, and it is to be hoped that a larger number of spectators will turn out to witness the match. The Everton have their full team, and will no doubt sustain the high reputation, which they have so deservedly gained as exponents of the dribbling code.
Postponement of the Match.
A good deal of disappointment prevail in football circles on Saturday afternoon owing to the arrival of the Everton team from Liverpool, who had engaged to play a match with the visitors club on the ground at Ballyafeigh. The Liverpool both, with the team on board, was detained in the vicinity of New Brighton for five or six hours, and the fog was so dense in the channel that it was impossible for the streamer to put back again in Liverpool dock. When the weather cleared up the boat proceeded on her passenger, only arriving at Belfast about five o'clock on Saturday afternoon, which was too late for the engagement being fulfilled on their ground the Everton team will direct to the Queen's Hotel (Where they will stay during their brief visit here). , and from thence, after a stop of only a few minutes to the Ulster ground, which they reached just when the match between Ulster against Young Men's Christian Association and Cliftonville Combination had concluded. The original Everton against Ulster will take place this afternoon when good play on both sides may be expected.
EVERTON (LIVERPOOL) V. ULSTER
March 8, 1887. The Belfast News Letters.
This match, which it will be remembered was postponed from Saturday last owing to the detention of the Englishmen by a fog in the Mersey came of yesterday on the grounds of the Liverpool under very encouraging auspices. The attendance was pretty fair, and the ground owing to the fine weather of the pass few days was in perfect conditions. The kick-off took place at four o'clock, when Everton having won the toss, Reid kick-off for Ulster. The ball was at once returned into the Ulster half, and a corner ensured, which did not come to any practice issue. The Ulster team did their utmost to return the pressure, but owing to the ply of Everton back division, did not succeed. A shot at goal for a throw-in at the corner by Fleming was saved by Elleman, Meares, getting possession of the leather, had a sound run into the Everton ground, but Dick interfering succeeded in turning the ball into the Ulster half. The play from the forward became much brisker, the visitors butting forth-prodigious efforts to score. Another corner followed for Everton from Hastings, but the Englishmen did not make anything of it. After some very determined play in the part of the visitors Gibb put in a long shot and scored the first goal for his team amid applause. The latter had a second chance but failed, Mears and Forsythe getting possession had a combined run into the English quarters, but the backs relieved, and the ball travelled again into the Ulster half. A corner was obtained against the latter. The second goal for Everton was scored by Dobson. After the kick-off play was continued to the centre of the field for some time, but the Everton forwards by some clever passing compelled the Ulster team to act on the defensive once more. At this stage Crones did some good work for Ulster and Elleman saved another shot. From the kick-out the Ulster left wing got possession, and Everton had to defend their position, but only for a shortime, as the Everton backs repelled the assault. Some very exciting play ensued in front of the Ulster goal, and the ball was again sent through the posts, but the goal was disallowed on the ground that it was offside. Some fine play now took place, and confined until the call of half-time the visitors' ground being attacked in fine style, and a goal obtained for Ulster. The score stood when the whistle blow –Everton 2, Ulster 1. On change of ends the home team pressed their opponents and the play for some time was confirmed to the quarters. Dick relieved the pressure, and the ball was soon in the Ulster half, but Reid (No2) getting the ball, had a run down the centre, and passing to Meare, the latter had a shot, but failed. The play after this became very fast, the backs on both sides being very energetic. The Everton forwards, getting down to their work rushed the ball up to the Ulster goal, and had a couple of shits, which Elleman saved. A corner followed, but the visitors failed to improve the score. Shortly afterwards Jack Reid got hurt, and Ulster had to work minus his services for the remainder of the match. At call of time the score was Everton two, Ulster one. The following were the teams: - Everton: - Joliffe goal; Dick and Marriott backs; Stevenson, Dobson and Higgins, half-backs; Farmer, Briscoe (Right wing), Gibb (centre), Costley, Farmer (Left wing). Ulster: - Ellerman, goal; Fox and Watson (backs); Hasting, Campbell and Crone, half-backs; Right wing, Reid, Miller, Left Winger, Meare and Forsaythe, centre J. Reid (No 2),
Everton's visit to Ulster.
March 12 th 1887. Football Field.
By “Micky Free.”
In a fog
The Clarence Dock was the scene of rather unusual commotion on Friday evening, as the Everton team with their friends assembled to take their departure to Belfast on abroad the good ship “Optic.” A speedy passage was predicated by all those who knew, or pretended to, the fast steaming qualities of the streamer in question, but, alas, it proved an Optical illusion. Scarcely had we got fairly into the river when the fog began to settle down low and thick. “Dead slow” was the order for a short time, with the foghorn making sufficient noise to burst the drum of one's ears. After wadding about for some time, the boss of the show yelled out some order, and way went our port bow anchor with a plunge. Our spirits sink with the anchor as the last hope of the rapid passage fitted away. We are not likely soon to fot et it.
Anchor for meals1
Costley was at loss to understand the arrangement but being solemnly assured that they always came to an anchor at meal times he was quietened till the said meal was over, when he called out to the worthy secretary “I'm done now, can't you tell the Captain he can go on!”
We make a fresh start.
Three a.m. saw us again under weigh, moving dead slow through the Queen's Channel. The monotony of this creeping operation was broken by a little excitement consequent upon being within an ace of a collision with another large steamer. At last when close to the Isle of Man full speed was got up and half-past five saw us on outside cars trotting off at a pace utterly unattainable by hacks on the side of the channel, to Ballynafeigh, the ground of the Ulster club, just in time to see an immense crowd returning disappointed.
A pretty spot.
Bills were got out announcing the postponement of the match until Monday, and the Ulster Club entertained the visitors in a truly warmhearted manner. Sunday was spent pleasantly. A visit was made to Crawford's Burn, a beautiful spot close to Bangor, County Down, the property of Major Crawford, which he generously and unselfishly leaves open to the public. Although visited at a time of the year when the foliage of the trees is wanting to contribute to the beauty of the scene yet it was unanimously voted to be as lovely a spot as any one could wish to spend an afternoon in.
The game on Monday.
A fairly prompt start was effected, Everton being short of a centre forward were assisted by Gibbs of Cliftonville. I was not much impressed with his play. He has much to learn if the form displayed was correct. The first half of the game contested almost entirely in the Ulster end, but bad shooting on the part of Everton, and good goalkeeping on the part of Elleman prevented the score rising beyond two goals. It was painfully evident during the second half that travelling and sight seeing does not conduce to good football, as the forwards with one exception appeared pumped out. Gibson got a severe kick, which reduced his pace to a shamble. Higgins was decidedly the best of the halfs, and Dick's fine kicking was the subject of general admiration. Two to one was the finale, but it certainly does not represent the state of the play.
Leave-taking.
A sharp drive brought us back to the Queen's Hotel, where the worthy and hospital host met us. We bade him good-bye with reluctance., for “He's a jolly good fellow” and I can recommend his house with confidence to visiting teams. The farewell at the docks was quite effecting. The Ulster men turned up in great force, and there could be no mistake about the warm-hearted way they treated their Everton friends. Songs were sung and choruses rendered with such gusto that the natives did stare. “Rolling Home” was given in splendid style by the genial spirit Johnston, and with the sound of his fine baritone voice in our ears we quietly slid from our moorings and in good time reached Liverpool once again, well pleased with everything –barring the fog –and the way we were invigated through it.
Church v Everton
March 14 th 1887. The Liverpool Mercury.
This match was played at Church. In consequence –of the late arrival of the visitors the game did not commence until a quarter to four o'clock. Church scored in the first minute Smith putting the ball through during a scrimmage. Immediately afterwards, as the result of a splendid run by Beresford, Holden added a second point; and through the home team were playing uphill and against the sun they maintained the advantage and Heresford was instrumental in adding another goal to the home team, the ball being put through by Gregson. Some even play followed and eventually Everton scored their first point. Gregson next made a grand effort, and Smith tackling the goalkeeper, another goal resulted, Heresford soon afterwards headed a fifth, and at the interval Church led by 5 goals to 1. In the second half the game continued for some time without ant change. An attack by the Everton forwards ended in a well-directed shot, which Thorp repelled. The visitors claimed that the ball had gone through, but the referee decided against them. Next Costley got a goal for Everton and a third being scored, Church finally won by 5 goals to 3.
EVERTON V CHURCH
Athletic News - Tuesday 15 March 1887
At Church. The visitors were late in arriving. Two minutes from the start Church scored from a splendid centre by Beresford. A minute after Beresford, with fine run, scored again. Continuing to press, the home team, by good play, scored a third, Gregson putting through, from a pass from Beresford. Everton now scored, but Church continued the pressure, and scored twice. Upon resuming. Everton played up much better, Costley putting in some splendid work, enabling his side to score twice. Church afterwards played with determination, keeping up a fusillade on the Everton goal, but could not increase their total. Score: — Church, five goals; Everton, three goals. Teams;— Church: Thorpe, goal; Woods and Robinson, backs; Gastall, Tattersail. and Wood, half-backs; Gregson, Holding, Smith, Walker, and Bresford. forwards. Everton: Jolliffe, goal: Mann and Dobson, backs: Grey, Gibson, and Higgins, half-hacks; Scott. Briscoe, George, Farmer, and Costley, forwards.
EVERTON AT CHURCH.
Athletic News - Tuesday 15 March 1887
Everton lost Saturday made their first appearance at Church. The visitors were late arriving, and it was close upon four o’clock before George set the ball in motion for them. With the slope in their favour it was expected that the Everton men would show to advantage, but beyond an occasional spurt they were not in it during the first half. The second half was much better contested, due in a great measure to the better combination of the Everton forwards, the game ending— Church, five goals; Everton, three. Considering the form that Everton have shown this season, their play, especially during the first half, was very disappointing. During the first half their forwards had little or no combination. Many a time they did not seem to know what do with the ball when they received it, and consequently were robbed in the easiest possible manner. They, however, improved during the first portion of the second half, but afterwards fell away. Church, during the first half, played a champion game, the passing and dribbling of the forwards being about the best that has been seen on Church field for a long time. But their execution during the first half took a lot of “go” out of them, and their performance during the second portion was rather slow. Beresford was again the best forward on the field, and the manner which got the first three goals was simply marvelous, but if he had indulged less in dribbling during the second half the score might have been larger. Gregson and Holding again in evidence, and played their usual neat game. Smith, for the first time, played centre, and fully justified his selection. Walker played an unselfish game, and kept well Beresford well supplied. The backs all played their usual game. Everton were without Dick, and Church without J. Taylor.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 19 March 1887
At The smoking concert of the Everton F.C., Mr. Coates, manager of the Sandon, upset a jug of warm water and four crushers into Tom Scott’s pocket –accidentally. Mr. Coates’ apology was that he did not care about the water, but Tom need to keep the crushers.
THE LANCASHIRE JUNIOR SEMI-FINAL AT EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 19 March 1887
The meeting of Earlestown and Bell’s Temperance did not quite catch on Anfield-road, where the Everton supporters are getting impatient for a return of their own lads. The match itself proved somewhat of a surprise, as Bell’s showed themselves the better team throughout and won easily. Champion made several mistakes in the Earlestown goal, but the great weakness of the team was, as usual, in the backs. No, Earlestown are not in the running in Liverpool, football, but I doubt not, if a vigorous executive would throw over the heavy weights, all of whom are out of date, and secure some of the youngsters of the Shaw, Siddeley and Allison type, a capital club might yet be formed in the wagon building town. The ordering off of Ellison for using bad language was an unpleasant incident, and one at which I am somewhat surprised, inasmuch as this player should set a good example, one would think, to the other members of the team.
THE DEFEAT OF EVERTON AT CHURCH
Everton experience some difficulty in sending away their best team as a rule, and last Saturday was no exception to the rule. Their visit to Church ended in defeat, and they were in a bad plight at the end of the first half of the game with their opponents leading by 5 to 1. Under the circumstances they came off pretty well with a defeat of 5 to 3, but Church are pretty sure to find that Everton at home, like their neighbours at Bootle, are very different to what they have shown in their latest game. Today Everton will be engaged in the superhuman task of overthrowing Tranmere Rovers in the semi-final for the local cup. Their first engagement of importance will be the final for the Liverpool Cup with Staveley, following which come the Easter engagements with Padiham, Hurst and Burnley.
Association Game.
March 19 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton, with a team greatly below its normal strength, paid an unsuccessful visit to Church, being defeated by five goals to three. The Church men played a hard game from the start, and thus it happened that the whole of their points were scored during the first half of the game. Still the Evertonians had a “look in” and were able to notch a goal. With the change of ends, however, they played a much better game, and although occasionally pressed, they managed to repay the visits with interest. Whilst Everton in the latter half scored twice, the visiting backs and goalkeeper defended with such conspicuous, still that the Churchites were unable to add to their score, which certainly was some satisfaction to the losing side after their uphill game.
Today's match
Everton V Tranmere Rovers (Liverpool cup-tie), at Anfield.
Liverpool Cup-Semi-final
Everton v Tranmere Rovers
March 21 st 1887. The Liverpool Mercury.
This match was played at Anfield-road in presence of 2,000 spectators. The ground was heavy, and play was rarely exciting, a prolonged scrimmage in the Rovers goal evoking the only enthusiasm of the afternoon. Everton had to fall back on the services of Marriott and George, vice Dick and Fleming, and Corey took up his old position at half-back. The Tranmere lot won the toss, and elected to attack the Anfield-road goal. Everton at once got away, and play was delayed. Costley being hurt. Richards shortly put in a warm shot, which Sheridan smartly saved, and after Costley and Farmer had worked into a favourable position, the latter shot very wide. Here abouts the Rovers missed a lot of kicks and were confined to their own quarters. A corner fell to Everton, but proved futile upon which t he Tranmere men created a diversion at the other end, where Joliffe nearly mulled a shot in goal. Everton again travelled down, and after Costley had made a wild kick for goal, a scrimmage took place in the Tranmere goal, and the ball was forced through. On re-starting play was not exciting. Tranmere occasionally broke away, and Farmer indulged in some gallery play on the Everton left, which was highly diverting, but did not conduce to steady the Everton attack, which was just not very erratic. A break away by the visitors broke the monotony, but again were they driven back, and Farmer added a second goal, which Sheridan made a feeble effort to avert. George got possession of the ball on the re-starting, and giving to Richards, that player put in a very wild shot, followed immediately by a beauty, and them a fierce scrimmage took place in the Tranmere goal. Amidst much applause the visitors defenders staved off shot after shot; but a length Richards got one home, and this was followed before half-time by a fourth from Costley. The visitors showed up on recommencing, and scored their only goal; luckily Joliffe kicking out and the ball rebounding through off Marriott. Everton were soon on the offensive and Costley scored a soft one Sheridan missing his kick. After Richards had shot badly, Farmer added a sixth goal, Briscoe headed a seventh and Farmer an eight, although the custodian should have stopped this latter. Towards the finish Everton were occupied in shooting in and taking corner kicks, but only one other goal was scored, Briscoe getting the ball past the goalkeeper who again feebly attempted to deal with the shot. Everton were thus winners by 9 goals to 1. Teams; - Everton; - Jolliffe goal; Marriott and Dobson (captain), backs; Corey, Gibson and Higgins, half-backs; Farmer, Costley, Richards, Briscoe, and George, forwards. Tranmere Rovers; - Sheridan goal; Rothwell and A. Little, backs; Munroe, O'Toole, and Muir half-backs; McAtee, Sheridan Little, Morgan and Taylor, forwards.
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT CUP.- SEMI-FINAL
Athletic News - Tuesday 22 March 1887
Everton v. Tranmere Rovers
At Anfield, before 2,000 spectators. During the first half of the game Everton scored four goals to nil. Afterwards Everton had the best of the game, their passing being good. Score; Everton, nine goals; Tranmere Rovers one.
EVERTON HAVE A SOFT THING ON.
The Liverpool and District Cup semi-final between Everton and the Tranmere Rovers was brought off the Anfield enclosure. Although the match was by no means an attractive one, and the weather inclement, a couple of thousand spectators lined the ropes. The game, however, as was the case in the previous match with Linacre, proved a gift for the Evertonians, who won a singularly one-sided game by nine goals to one. Four of the points were scored in the first half, and five in the second, and during the latter portion Taylor scored the only goal for the visitors, Dick and Stevenson were absent from the Everton team, their places being filled by Marriott and Covey, the former of whom rarely dons the Everton colours.
LETTER
Athletic News - Tuesday 22 March 1887
A correspondent modestly signing himself “Justice” takes exception to the remarks in our last issue about the Church and Everton match. The former won by five goals to three, and “Justice” says that in addition to Everton having Dick away, Richards, Fleming, and Stevenson were also among the missing. Two of the goals for Church were headed by Everton men. I don’t see how any extra glory is reflected on the losers by these explanations, but we give them.
A Semi-Final at Everton
March 26 th 1887. Football Field.
It was rather funny to find the semi final for the Liverpool Cup between Everton and Tranmere Rovers being played on the ground of the cupholders seeing that the Wirral club might have claimed for its decision on neutral territory. It certainly displays an amount of docility and hopelessness on the part of the Tranmere Club, with which their actual demeanor in the game scarcely coincided. The arrangement gave satisfaction all round, I doubt not, and that is sufficient. This game failed to rekindle a spark of the burnt-out enthusiasm in the local cup-ties, and there was not an average Everton gate. The match today with Church will be gratefully received by the habitues of Anfield-road, who have had quite enough of these cup ties, what with Everton v Linacre, Earlestown V Bell's Temperance, and last Saturday's match. There were again three notable absentees from the Everton eleven, Dick, Fleming and Stevenson, but they were not greatly missed for the match turned out a very one-sided affair. The ground was in a bad order, or the score against Tranmere lot would undoubtedly have been heavier. As it was they lost the game by 9 goals to 1, the latter being a very fluke affair. Still, several of the taller number would come under the same description, for the Tranmere goalkeeper played very unevenly. It is necessary to detail the incidents of the game, which was never of an exciting description. Stay –there was one very stiff struggle in front of the Rovers' goal which gave rise to just one bit of excitement. The ball was kicked out, and returned time after time the goalkeeper cutting a very decent figure in this episode which ended in the downfall of the visitors goal. Of the losers McAfee played a very fair forward game, but I cannot single any other of the side for commendation their display being uniformly mediocre. Farmer and Costley had a very merry time, and the little Oswestry man had a fair share of the spoils in the way of scoring. Richards is still an uneven player, a dashing and brilliant effort being usually succeeded by a wild and erratic outburst. Dobson was the best of the defenders, who had not a particularly anxious time.
Note
According to the Liverpool Courier, Everton are playing Bolton Wanderers at Bolton, in the fixture list.
Bolton playing Preston North End in the Lancashire Cup final
St Domingo v Ormskirk, at Stanley Park
WILL THEY MEET?
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 26 March 1887
The question agitating the minds of most Association footballers at the present moment is the possibility of a meeting between Bootle and Everton before the close of the season. The Liverpool Association, conscious of the injury to local football by the continued rupture between the leading clubs has made an effort to heal the breach. That effort broke down. One hears now of a new attempt to get up a match in the interests of local charities and Councilor Houlding is credited with the initiative in this instance. Meantime, the Bootle camp is again thrown into confusion by the rumors of more negotiations with several of their players, which, whether true or not, will not tend to mitigate the bitterness already existing. It is undoubtedly neither in the interest of the players nor of the clubs concerned that this state of tension should be maintained. Nothing is to be gained by shiftiness, and having found your friend, and proved him, players will do well to look before they leap, and clubs to beware that they do not by false tactics place too powerful a lever in the hands of their players.
Everton v Church
March 28 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
These teams met at the Anfield enclosure on Saturday, and as Church had beaten Everton the previous week, a large amount of interest in the event, nearly 4,000 persons witnessing the game, which was well contested throughout. Everton started the ball with a slight wind in their favour, but Church were the first to score Walker doing the needful after a good run. Then after some very even play Richards opened the Everton account with a good shot. The home goal was then assailed, but the backs defended valiantly and on the raiders being repulsed Everton pressed until eventually Richards again put the ball past Sharpe, the visitors custodian. Everton still maintained the aggressive, but for a time were held at bay. Then Gregson and Holding attacked the home goal. Marriott kicking to the centre Farmer here got possession, and dribbling past the Church scored a third goal for the homesters. Give-and-take play ensued till shortly before half-time when Farmer notched a further point against the visitors. This brought about the interval, with Everton leading by four goals to one. Upon resuming, play became very fast, both goals being rapidly assailed. The defence, however, was superb and as neither side were able to add to their score, Everton full revenged themselves for the previous reverse by four goals to one. Teams; - Everton; - Jollife goal; Dobson and Marriott, backs; Corey, Higgins, and Gibson, half-backs; Farmer, Costley, Richards, George and Higgins forwards. Church; - Thorpe, goal; J. Wood and B. Robinson, backs; Gaskell, Taylor, and W. Woods, half-backs; Gregson, Holding, Smith, J. Beresford, and Walter, forwards.
TURNING THE TABLES AT ANFIELD.
Athletic News - Tuesday 29 March 1887
How fickle Dame Fortune is in the matter of football was shown by the fate which befell Church, who, fortnight ago, defeated Everton something like five goals to three. That the supporters of Everton discarded this result as evidence of the true form of the team was shown by the numbers that turned up on Saturday at the Anfield enclosure, at which there was estimated attendance of from three to four thousand persons. The Evertonians were again at disadvantage with the absence of Dick, Stevenson, and Fleming, although, in the main, the places thus vacated were satisfactorily filled by Marriott, Corey, and George, the former of whom rarely sports the Everton jersey. Marriott, it may be stated, was capital back in his champion, indeed—among the clubs of the district some six or eight years ago. With a defeat to avenge, the Evertonians fairly surprised themselves by piling on goal after goal, until, half-time, the record was their favour four goals to one. Just before the teams crossed over, Briscoe, one of the most useful of the home forwards, was disabled, and had to retire for the remainder of the game. This was a great loss, but although Church now played up hard in the hope of getting on more equal terms, the score remained unchanged, and Everton thus won by four to one. Dobson and the veteran Marriott, at back, were both in good form, and at half the evergreen Higgins was seen at his best; while conspicuous among the forwards were Farmer, Richards, and George. Of the visitors, Robinson, W. Woods, Taylor, Gregson, Beresford, and Walker played well, but were unable to give a more favourable complexion to the game.