ASSOCIATION NEWS
Blackburn Standard - Saturday 03 December 1887
The committee of inquiry appointed by the Football Association to investigate the charges of veiled professionalism brought by the Bolton wanderers against the Everton club sat at the Compton Hotel, Liverpool, on Thursday evening, Mr. Crump (Birmingham ) occupied the chair, and there were also present Messrs. Clegg (Sheffield), Alcock (London), and Gregson (Lancashire). Having heard the evidence and examined the several players charged with the offence, the decision was left over to a special meeting of the council, to be held in London on Monday next.
Preston people have been greatly exercised this week about the rough play exhibited by Everton, at Deepdale, last Saturday, in the English cup tie against North End. It is said that never were such rough tactics seen as those used by Dick and Gibson, a back and half-back respectively of the Liverpool club. The result of the game was an easy win for Mr. Sudell' s men by six goals to none, every one of the Prestonians playing in excellent form. Howarth 's place in the match was taken by Holmes from the second team, and Addison was the goalkeeper, Trainer not being eligible for cup ties. The football displayed by Everton was only of an inferior description, and it was thought that but for the high wind the defeat would have been more severe.
SPORTS AND PASTIMES
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 03 December 1887
NOTES AND GOSSIP.
North End or Bolton Wanderers or Halliwell a bye” the fourth round of the Football Association Cup Competition. Such was the news given to anxious football enthusiasts last Tuesday morning; and since then the question -What does it all mean ? Has been asked thousands of times, and those not in the secrets of the association have found the matter as difficult to solve as the American sixteen puzzle. Every scrap of information has been eagerly sought after and devoured, and yet people are no nearer. We will, however, endeavour to make matters plain. Of course everybody knows that the Bolton Wanderers and Everton met four times in the first round of the competition, and also that when at last Everton won, the Wanderers protested against Smalley and Weir on the ground that they had not been registered for the requisite period. That failed, and then a charge of professionalism was made against Weir. This should have been decided last Monday night, but, the Bolton Wanderers withdrawing, the Association took the matter up, and appointed a commission to sit at Liverpool to consider the whole question of veiled professionalism in the Liverpool district. Thereby the committee chose to go behind the decision of the Emergency Committee, who the week before had ordered North End to meet Everton in the second round, and say that the question of which should have the first-round tie was to be settled on the report of the commission. This explains the others, but should the body sitting at Liverpool decide that Everton have committed a breach of the rules, then the Wanderers must be awarded the tie, and meet North End the second round. This decision throws the whole affair into a state of conglomeration, and will long remain a blot on the records of what should have been the first “Radical” Football Association Council.
Much, of course, can said in defence of the Association Council, In the first place they could not have settled the question of professionalism in an off-hand manner, but argued that they should not have re-instated the Bolton Wanderers when, in reality, it was through their keeping back the most grave protest until they had participated in four good gates that the present muddle has been brought about. Again, the North End have been in a hurry to get through the matches, but with the knowledge they gained having crave the leniency of the Association last season, and finally being beaten through playing two Cup ties in one week, who can blame them for wishing to get clear of their responsibilities? The whole question resolves into this, that the Cup competition will have to be worked on an entirely new basis. The clubs will have to know that the rounds must concluded on successive Saturdays, that in the event of draw they must play again in the ensuing week, and the one which is not ready to take its place the appointed day must stand down, and lose its chance of winning the ‘Cup for that year.
But even this would not meet a case like the one in point, except the whole business who carried on more expeditiously than at present. But cases similar to the present would not arise frequently, if at all, if it were not for the “grandmotherly legislation” of the Association. If professionals were treated as they ought to be, there would be no excuse for the veiled professionalism which exists in many districts besides Liverpool. The sooner the new Council realize the fact that professionals should be treated as free beings, and not as a necessary evil, the easier will their own labours become, and the better will it be for the game at large.
The Association Council have begun making changes the Cup rules. In the past it has always been understood that the Cup rules in force at the commencement of a season would regarded as permanent for that season at all events; but this is so no longer, and additions and alterations are made just as the whim seizes the majority of the Council. An important addition has lately been made to prevent any player not qualified to play in a tie on the last day fixed for the completion of a round from taking part in a re-played tie in such round decided, after that day. It will be remembered that in the first round this season a number of the ties were re-played, because several of the competitors hail not been registered the full time: and further, that when Everton, objected to the Wanderers on the ground that Struthers was not eligible to play in the second meeting of the teams, and quoted as their authority the ruling of the Lancashire Association, they were told that that Council did not accept, the Lancashire definition. Yet here they are, altering their rules to the Lancashire reading within a month after giving the above reply. That this change should have been made now—good though it is—is, to say the least, unfair to any who may suffer it. Lancastrians are decidedly of opinion that, with Mr. R. P.Gregson occupying the secretarial chair of the Football Association, matters would soon assume a different complexion, and everything would go “merry as a wedding bell
WE HEAR AND SEE
That the game at Deepdale last Saturday was the most unenjoyable one since the memorable occasion when Belger’s leg was broken: that from the manner in which the Evertonians were playing, the spectators were uneasy as to the safety of the home team, and a sigh of thankfulness went up when Mr. Armstrong sounded the whistle for the cessation of hostilities; that the Evertonians are the roughest and dirtiest lot of players who have ever appeared at Deepdale, and the frequenters thereof not wish to them again. That Prestonians are of opinion that the Liverpool papers were not far wrong when they christened the right full back “Dirty Dick;" that the manner in which he went for his opponents in the most foul manner made many spectators’ blood curdle time after time; that he was cautioned by the referee more than once, but the shabbiness of his behaviour was so inherent that he could not get off it; that his partner was not much better, while the backs and Gibson. The centre half-back, made up a trio which any club would do well to get rid of.
That Bob Smalley pleased Prestonian’, and many and loud regrets were expressed that had been allowed to slip away; that he is now, however, a thorough Evertonian, and during the past week has even tried to defend their play last Saturday; that on more than one occasion he has tried to justify Dick's charge of Gordon just in front of the top goal; that his explanation is that Gordon was about to jump on him, when Dick rushed to the rescue, and put his head in the “right-wing flyer ‘stomach, an unjustifiable practice, no matter under what circumstances; at least thought Mr. Armstrong.
That the general idea is that Bob will be included in the North End ranks next year; that after the match last week it is reported that a bet was made by a ” North End official” with the secretary that Bob would be between the North End sticks next season: that the secretary at once found out the Prestonian and communicated his bet, and was assured he need have no fear; that before long the North End official had Bob in tow, but do what he could, was unable to make any impression on him, or obtain any promise as to the future. That Drummond’s performance last Saturday quite pleased the spectators, and when it was seen that he meant work, there was a general whisper all-round the field, “Geordie is going to get up his reputation again;” that the manner in which he acquitted himself shows that he is still one of the best men going, and with few such exhibitions he will again be A1 in the spectators’ estimation. That, last Saturday it was found in the dressing-tent thieves had paid a visit to the North End dressing-tent, and had robbed Sandy and others not only of their shoe strings but also of their shoes ; that in consequence the half-back and his companions were compelled to wait until a pair was sent for into town, this being the reason that the game did not start punctually.
That the protest against the Evertonians is not yet done with, although the English association Committee ordered the match between Everton and the North End to be played, and although the latter and Halliwell meet today. That when the Wanderers were protesting against Smalley and Weir they supplemented their protest by another against all the Scotch amateurs, but when the Committee ordered North End and Everton to meet they could not see the use of going on with the latest complaint, and actually made up their minds that they would not, especially as they had word that the Association were taking the matter up themselves.
That their secretary, Mr. J.J. Bentley, was surprised to receive the other morning a mandate to be present at the meeting in Liverpool of the Commission appointed to take evidence, and he went thinking that nothing further than attendance would be required; that he was surprised to find, however, that instead of the English Association having the large-heartedness to go on in the protest themselves, they required that he should do so; that Mr. Bentley had no further evidence to offer, and that after he had laid what he had before the committee he was requested to cross-examine the witnesses; that he had not prepared for this, but some very damaging points were brought out.
That although on the evidence produced there was no proof of direct payment by Everton, some of the members of the commission are able to put two and two together, and that the Liverpool club most interested is waiting in fear and trembling for the result; that the Bootle men are most overjoyed at the unexpected turn affairs have taken, because if the result be what they expect, they will be left undisputed monarchs of all they survey- until Everton can get some other Scotch “amateurs.”
That the real opinion of the English Committee which decided the Smalley and Weir protest was shown, when last Monday, only five days after they had declared these two players were eligible, they passed a new rule which will make any players in a similar position ineligible for the future; that this rule enacts that no player who is not eligible on the last day for a round shall be eligible to play in the matches of that round whether caused by draws or otherwise; that the Bolton Wanderers have had three important protests in three years and that though they have lost all three, their action has been followed by a new rule making what they protested against ineligible for the future.
LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 December 1887
WELCOME STRANGERS
The visits of the best clubs of the Midlands to this district are very few and far between. Last season Everton succeeded in alluring Aston Villa to Anfield-road, but for several reasons the match was something of disappointment. Unfortunately the Everton fixture with West Bromwich Albion fell through during the late deadlock in the English Cup competition, and so the first Midland club to appear in Liverpool this season was Mitchell’s St. George s, who were at Walton Stiles last Saturday through the enterprise of the Stanley Club. There was quite exodus to Preston, where both Bootle and Everton were engaged, and those who preferred seeing the reserves of the two clubs in very minor contests, can only be characterized as misguided enthusiasts, for the game at Walton was one the very best witnessed in the district for a long time.
THE RESERVES
Anfield-road and Hawthorne-road were in possession of the Reserves, but at neither place did the visiting side afford much fight. Park-lane Wanderers on the Everton ground were faced by a strong side, and never gave any trouble, being ultimately beaten by five goals to nil. At Bootle, Linacre turned out much weaker side than was the case last season. The unbeaten Bootle juniors took it out of them to the extent of six goals to one. A pleasing incident was the offer of the losing side to allow a substitute, to come out, when Rogers, the Bootle captain, was hurt. Eyton Jones took his place, and the game went all in favour the home side, who won as stated.
EBB AND FLOOD
A fortnight ago all was revelry in the Everton camp, and for a week the faithful followers gave themselves up to the most delicious anticipations of the future. Had not the brave lads of Anfield Road routed the once famous Bolton Wanderers? Had not their beloved rivals been ignominiously beaten by Halliwell. And the future? A few croakers shook their heads at the mention of Preston North End, but there was not wanting many sanguine individuals who, not exactly predicting success for their favourites, shook their heads in knowing fashion, as who should say “There have been bigger surprises.” And so seven hundred hilarious Evertonians went down from Liverpool to Preston, and all their bright and cherished hopes were rudely dispelled by the Deepdale champions. And there was deep depression in the Everton camp a week ago. For had not their beloved rivals gained a glorious victory over the vanquishers of Halliwell. And to-night?
EVERTON AT DEEPDALE
Everton were anxious to meet Preston North End, and not without hopes of making a better fight than at the close of last season. A great crowd of their supporters availed themselves of the “special” of L and Y. R. Co., so that the visitors were not without encouragement during the game. The actual play was a sore disappointment. The Preston team never gave them a chance, and the Liverpool cup-holders did not add to their prestige by their display. The forwards were rarely allowed to get going, and the backs were unable to stay the beautiful advances of the opposing forwards. It is a pity that any unpleasantness arose, and I certainly am surprised that Gibson should get involved in any “dirty proceedings.” He is not one of the most reassuring players in appearance, and he is so terribly in earnest as a rule that his motives are easily mistaken. But he is not at all aggressive, and would play as square a game as anyone if not molested. The other player who roused the ire of Deepdalians will certainly get into trouble sooner or later; and it is a thousand pities, for he is a brilliant player when going square. North End are not the most gentle team in the world, and they did not show their opponents a good example.
TODAY’S STRUGGLE
Before these notes appear the long-deferred, long-anticipated struggle between Everton and Bootle will be decided. For years the keenest rivalry has been maintained between the clubs, and it is to be greatly regretted that the rivalry has not been of the most friendly nature. Ordinary fixtures are not arranged between the clubs, and it is only in the cup ties that they come together. This is not pleasant; it is not wise; it is not fair to their respective supporters. The whole bitterness is concentrated in one annual match. Little wonder if play is at a discount on such occasions; and wild, rash, unscientific, and “dirty” movements are the delectates on such memorable occasions. What if deserters from Bootle find a refuge at Everton? Bootle should be anxious to prove that theirs is not a team of two or three, but a club of resource, only strengthened by such weeding. Bootle took the initiative in breaking off the ordinary fixtures, and should also take the initiative in their renewal. The public are anxious for this end; the players are; the interests of both clubs demand it. Of late years Everton have invariably snatched a victory in the cup meetings, but it has been a mere “scratch.” Who that witnessed their victory last season will assert that the better side won? And to-day’s contest will be the sternest yet fought out. There is absolutely nothing between the clubs so far as this season s records are concerned, although in this matter Bootle have a slight pull. But comparative form is all wrong.
EVERTON AT DEEPDALE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 December 1887
PUBLIC OPINION
The Cup tie between North End and Everton has been almost the sole topic of conversation in Preston since Saturday, and it must be confessed that the general tenour of the remarks is anything but favourable to the Liverpool combination. Those who have had the most experience of football crowds candidly admit that nowhere are they more impartial than Deepdale, and this will serve to emphasize what seems to be the general opinion of those who were present, namely, that never previously had there been such a rough game seen at Preston, The bulk the blame is put upon Dick and Gibson, who are considered to be the ringleaders in a series of rough tactics which have brought down on the club such a chorus of condemnation. is an enigma to Prestonians why Everton should resort to rough play, for it only made their chance of winning more remote, because their “going for the man meant losing the ball, and when it comes to be considered, they had the ball in their possession for very little time between the start and the finish. Then again, the claiming on the part of the Everton club has been much commented upon, as being altogether out of reason. The rough play and the claiming together made it appear as if the Evertonians had made up their minds to appear powerful, but they have yet to make the Preston spectators believe that they can exhibit any really good football, for with the exception of a bit of clever tackling now and again by the backs, combined with the excellent goalkeeping, the visitors’ display is ranked only as mediocre. It is quite admitted that some of the home team resorted to retaliatory measures, which made matters worse, for it only led to disputes and appeals. It will generally be found that the bulk of spectators are adverse to rough play; they prefer to see the ball played, and not the man, and such disgraceful exhibitions as that seen at Deepdale on Saturday only tends to lower the respectability of the game and disgust the better class of onlookers. Your own “Grumbler” will no doubt have something to say about the game, and it only remains to observe that the home team admirers were delighted with the form of their team, who it is contended would have scored a few more goals in the first half but for the wind which spoiled their passing.
WAILINGS FROM “MICKEY FREE”
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 December 1887
THE BEGINNING OF THE END
It would be scarcely correct to say that the Evertonians started with light hearts and high hopes on Saturday. Oh, no !it would be egotistical in the extreme to say that they were possessed by any other feeling than that of men going to be knocked down, and small blame to them, when it is considered they were going to face the strongest organization in the kingdom. Six goals nil is a corker and no mistake, but Everton happened to catch the North Enders in their most energetic humour; aye, I may repeat, energetic,” as the Everton men found to their cost if the number of braises they sustained was anything to go by, and yet I see it stated that Everton played rough, it’s enough to make a horse laugh.
AGAINST THE BREEZE
The North End kicked off against the breeze, and I have nothing to record but admiration for their play. The style in which the leather was kept down so that the effect of the wind was marvelously minimized, and the manner in which Drummond dashed alone, was a treat. As I have it on good authority that it was a case of “Rouse up and do your work properly or be supplanted,” it was little wonder that he put forth all his best energies, and when he does, there is not a better left winger in England.
PLAYERS GENERALLY
To those who know what the North End can do I may merely say that they excelled themselves, barring that trick of Russell’s in fisting out a dead certainty from Farmer, when he knew Addison could not get over in time to try and save it. Such an action is mean at any time but it is exceedingly so when indulged in by a player in such famous team. For Everton, Richards was tried instead of Briscoe, but I failed to notice much improvement in the change, for, although the North End had seventeen goal kicks in the half, upon only three or four occasions was the ball in dangerous proximity to the goal when going over the line, a large percentage of these being from wild shots by Master Walter. The combination of the forwards was all up a gum tree, except at long intervals, when Izatt, Farmer, Goudie, and Watson gave a pretty illustration of what ought to be done, and they were well cheered for it. A couple of the back division appeared to lose their hearts occasionally, but their defence during the last 25 minutes was very fine. Smalley came in for several generous cheers for his smart saves, and he has certainly not gone down in humble opinion in spite the long score.
THE LOCAL FIGHT FOR SUPREMACY
At last we have got with measureable distance of the great battle for the local cup. Given a fine day it is impossible to calculate the crush that will take place for places of vantage at the Everton enclosure today, and as both Bootle and Everton have shown excellent form against clubs of their own strength, it is clear that a stubborn contest will be the result.
THE GRUMBLER’S DELIVING AT DEEPDALE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 December 1887
Now the hurly-burly’s done
Now the battle’s lost and won.
“Why do the heathen rage?" was Biblical query I could not refrain from uttering during the spluttering of the Everton candle prior to its final extinction by the North End. The match was a regular physical exemplification the old legal axiom, “if you’ve a bad abuse your opponent’s solicitor'! At the same time the occasional justification of “desperate means to desperate ends” might be urged, though it will take much to convince me that a football match can be fairly won unfair tactics. I do not hesitate to say, after coolly thinking over Saturday’s game, that Mr. Armstrong will have done his duty as referee unless he has made a strong representation to the English Committee on the subject. I presume that some of the Liverpool papers were represented at Preston, but as far as I know none them had the honesty to speak out. I hope I may claim to possess a fair share of impartiality. Certainly I am not North End mad. The ultimate victory of Everton over the Wanderers (leaving the protest entirely out of consideration) was to me a matter of satisfaction, as a triumph of superior skill and ability. Had Everton made a close and exciting fight of it with the Deepdale contingent no one would have been more pleased. Had one or more of the players in the heat of the conflict, when the result hung m the balance, momentarily lost their heads, excuses would have been forthcoming in plenty. But to inaugurate a series of malpractices from the very commencement the game is to me an inexcusable fault. In scores of instances serious injury to limb —in some cases even death —have resulted from smaller causes than were at work on Saturday. The legal verdict in an extreme case would, I suppose, be “accidental,” but morally “manslaughter” would be nearer the mark. It is a thousand pities that a whole club should suffer for the misdoings of one or two players, but in the case of one at all events, the club have not been ignorant of his unmanly proclivities. Let Everton purge herself of the sore spot if she would retain the high character fairly and honestly earned by high endeavour in the past. If the committee will look around they will have no difficulty in finding clubs which once held a reputation far superior to their own present state, but which are now relegated to the lowest rank simply through permitting—not encouraging —the demoralizing influences to exist under which they are now suffering. I do not want to injure Everton in the slightest degree. I like the club, and though I know that people who presume to give advice are generally regarded with anything but friendly feelings, I trust the above remarks written in sober earnest will be received in the spirit in which they are written. Of the game itself little need be said. It was practically at an end with the termination of the first half. During that period both sides were at times brilliant, but the two goals registered by the North End about represented the play. For about ten minutes Everton seemed as if they must score —and on this head Davy Russell should be severely cautioned against a repetition of his all too frequent habit of usurping the goalkeeper's function by fisting the ball out. Whatever his faults, Dick is a game player, and he saved his side from many reverses. Farmer, as usual, inaugurated the one serious attack on the North End fortress, and Goudie was not far off scoring. In a subsequent scrimmage Watson was charged down with unnecessary force, and in this, as in several other instances, the victors were blamable for retaliating on the vanquished in their own base currency. Changing over with two goals to the good, North End took matters entirely into their own hands. Corner alternated with goal, and goal with corner, until the record became wearisome in its monotony. Jimmy Ross set the seat to his fame absolutely the best forward in England. He has few rivals, and in my opinion no equals. Had there been nothing in the game beyond his performance in the second half it would have been worth along journey to see. He is dashing, accurate, and as near infallibility in the direction of his shots as we shall ever attain to in football. The question of the hour is who is to have the bye in the next series—North End, Halliwell, or the Bolton Wanderers? It is a question which should not be difficult to answer.
BOOTLE V EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 December 1887
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT CUP
Many and various have been the devices by well-meaning friends to bring the great local rivals together for a friendly game before the inevitable cup tie competition, but their efforts have hitherto only met with failure. As both teams have figured well in their various engagements the meeting at the early stage of the cup ties was hailed with general satisfaction, excepting perhaps the Association, which would have been better served later on. Beautiful weather and an attendance of 12,000 spectators favoured the proceedings. The teams faced each other as follow:—Bootle: Jackson, goal; Watson, and Veitch, backs; Allsop, Holt and Woods, half-backs; Wilding, Morris, Lewis, Anderson and Hastings, forwards. Everton: Joliffe, goal; Dobson and Dick, backs; Higgins, Gibson and Weir, half-backs; Fleming, Watson, Goudie, Farmer, and Cassidy, forwards. Referee, Mr. A. B. Hull. Promptly to time Lewis kicked off, and play became very exciting. Everton having the benefit of the wind began to press. Holt was penalized for setting Farmer a back. Gibson repelled Morris, and Everton came up on the right. Dick next missed his kick, but recovering, sent the ball flying behind. Farmer dallied and lost a fair chance. Hands off Farmer relieved the pressure. Wilding and Morris, from a big kick by Watson, got down the right, but worked into touch. Lewis was now penalized for charging Gibson behind. Dick sent the ball into the goal mouth, Jackson saving wonderfully. A corner followed, but was not utilized. Hastings and Anderson now put in vigorous run, getting well past Gibson and Dobson. Cassidy here made a mistake which might have been fatal, but Morris shot wide. Anderson next getting past Weir tried a long one, but it was badly directed. Lewis centred very well now, and Hastings rushing up shot in. A claim was made but decided against Bootle. A corner followed to the Cum-Linacres, but Farmer worked it clear. Holt stopped Goudie in a dashing manner, and Farmer made a weak attempt to get away. Lewis next showed well up, defeating Gibson and Watson in a masterly style. A corner to Bootle followed. Fleming tried a long kick, Veitch returned, and Everton were hard pressed until Cassidy ran up the left, but tripped Allsop, and suffered in consequence. Goudie and Farmer at last showed signs of good passing, and got well up. Watson returned, and Farmer shot in, but again the old Queen’s Park man got in the way of the ball and headed clear. Joliffe handled the ball for the first time, and Dobson coming through prevented mischief. Cassidy rushed up on the left and Allsop kick out, a corner following. Dobson missed his kick and Morris shot In, Joliffe saving smartly. Everton next attacked, and the Bootle right replied with a dashing run, Joliffe hitting away. Farmer by a long kick sent outside. Hands against Everton was cleared by Dobson, and the Everton forwards gave us a bit of good passing, the ball going over the line. Fleming next appeared a bit nervous and lost the opportunity of centreing in hit usually brilliant style. Bootle now took up the attack again, the ball going over the Everton line. Everton now made most determined assault. Several shots rained in on the Bootle fortress, and at last “hands” made matters look bad, but the ball was worked clear. Two cases of hands were given against Everton, and Bootle shot through without touching a player. Half time was reached without a score.
After a short interval, Goudie re-started and Everton worked down, Weir who had right his right hand hurt seeming work with very great difficulty. Hastings came up the left but Gibson got in his way and Everton replied with a nice run on the left. Farmer being to the fore. Gibson stopped Anderson on the left. By a couple of big kicks Morris changed the venue, but the ball went into touch in goal. Watson now came in for the referee’s attention, and a free kick resulted. Dick headed clear, Farmer, Goudie, and Cassidy rushed down, Veitch kicking out to save. From a throw-in Cassidy got away with a nice dribble and centre, Farmer shot but Watson diverted its course, and Hasting made a grand spurt. Morris shot a daisy-cutter, but it went wide. A foul against Dick was well cleared. Morris now made a flying attempt, which Joliffe turned aside very cleverly, as he also did a following shot from Lewis. We were now treated to as pretty bit of passing as one could well wise by Fleming, Goudie, Watson, and Farmer. Fleming centred to Farmer, who, steadying himself, defeated Jackson. After fifteen minutes' play. Bootle made a fine rush from the kick off, but worked over the line. Hastings came up on the left, crossed the ball over to the right. Weir cleared and Everton lot went down like a flash, and Farmer shot outside. Again Everton came up the centre, Bootle replied on the left, Morris shooting wide. Bootle again came to the front, Woods making a wretched attempt to shoot. Bootle gained an abortive corner, and Veitch pulled up Watson and Lewis over the line. A fine Iong shot by Allsop. Jolliffe hit out at cost of a corner and the ball went behind. Anderson next shot over. Hastings got winded hereabout, and the game was suspended for a few minutes. After restarting Bootle appeared to have somewhat the best of the play Higgins fumble the ball, and Bootle obtained another barren corner. Farmer was now playing half- back, Everton acting on the defensive. Fleming and Watson got away and a corner followed from which Everton notched a second goal, Gibson heading it through within about five minutes off time. Everton were again making off in line when they were pulled up by hands off Watson, Everton again pressed, and a bit of the hottest play ever seen on the Everton ground ensued, Watson fairly eclipsing his previous efforts. But the game was over, and the whistle sound with the Final Result. Everton 2 Bootle
“RUDDIGORE!”
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 December 1887
(LIVERPOOL VERSION.)
By The Grumbler.
“The manners of a Marquis and the morals of Methodist” was hardly the combination expected to find at Anfield-road to-day, when the blue and white standard of the Everton F.C floated gaily over a conglomeration of wildly excited partisanship such as is seldom witnessed in this or any other country. The merry click-click of the turnstiles commenced soon after one o'clock, and never ceased even for a moment until sometime after the combatants had engaged in heated fray. The Bolton rivalry of Wanderers and Halliwell the Blackburn competition Rovers and Olympic in their most heated periods never approached within measurable distance of the present all engrossing struggle for the Liverpool championship. The Bootle enthusiasts are easily distinguishable, and they occupy a fair proportion of space on the over-crowded enclosure, the white cards bearing the legend “Play up Bootle” being conspicuously displayed in their hats. Dinner and a wash-up were luxuries not to be thought of to-day by the toiling masses, who exchange the hammer, the forge, and the lathe for the football arena with the greatest promptitude. Just before 2 25 the Bootle champions arrived on the ground from the far corner, and a hearty roar of cheering greeted them. They presented a sturdy thick-set appearance, of uniform middle-height solid and weighty. Five minutes later the quartered jerseys of Everton are visible emerging from the other end, and there is another spontaneous round of applause. A gratifying omen for the conduct of the game is shown the cordial meeting of the players, who shake hands like plucky pugilists before the fray, as if desirous only for a “fair field and no favour.” At this time there are no less than 12,000 present. Just as all is ready for the start, the Mayor of Bootle with an extensive suite in which the fair sex is charmingly represented arrives, and his progress across the ground is quite “royal.” Bootle have lost the toss, as shown by their facing the wind, the referee gives the signal, and Lewis starts the ball with a lofty kick which lands the leather over the line on the left. On the Everton right, the well-known Fleming is prominent, and everyone welcomes his reappearance, recovered from the dislocated shoulder at Bolton. Everton are soon pressing, for Farmer is away despite efforts to trip him, and Higgins kicks wide. Then Allsop puts Cassidy over his back (a la Dick) and the whistle for the foul mingles with the hooting of the crowd. Fleming claims and obtains a throw-in directly afterwards, and Dick at the second attempt bangs the ball against the whitewash- little less weight behind the ball might have made it tickler for Jackson. Bootle are relieved by a foul for hands, and Andy Watson gets in a long kick, which enables Morris to take a shot, but the effort is not good one. Lewis now fouls Gibson, Dick takes the kick almost from the centre line, and shoots right into the goalmouth. Jackson jumps up and knocks out, and is rolling on the ground the next moment. But he has saved, and the corner he concedes is kicked behind. The Bootle left are away at a rare bat but George Dobson just gets up in time and clear cleverly. Directly afterwards Morris has another shot which curls harmlessly round the outside of the post. Bootle are just now pressing, and several shots are put over the goal line. Twenty minutes from the start, Lewis manipulates the ball from the centre, Hastings rushes up and many think he has scored. The brilliant sunshine has just now a bewildering effect, however and we are misled. Cries of “steady yourselves” the Everton team, who are apparently getting a bit wild under pressure. Lewis gets in smart work, and passes to his left, but Dobson succeeds in getting the ball forced out. Directly afterwards Bootle earn a corner, very poorly taken, and Hastings kicks over the line. The play is hard, but up to now devoid of roughness and thoroughly exciting and enjoyable. Everton force their way up, and Farmer, getting possession, passes back to obtain time, and then shoots a beauty, which is headed out by Watson on the post. Dobson now puts in some grand defence, after which wilding and Morris on the Bootle right are conspicuous for pretty and tricky passing. The Everton left now take matters up and get dangerously near, but the ball is returned and Dick retaliates with a long, swift shot, which unfortunately veers to the left. There is a decided lull in the game at this period, but the quiet is broken when Morris gets past Dobson and shoots. Everton are not, however, to be yet visited with disaster, as Joliffe clears with comfort, and comes up smiling, ready to repel another attack from the right. By repeated long kicks Everton land the ball up the field, but Watson is able to keep Cassidy off, when Farmer’s last punt has placed the ball on the goal-line. Hands to Bootle at the other end is no good, and then Farmer dodges Watson cleverly, but the effort is not well seconded by Cassidy, who does not persevere under the impression that he cannot get up in time. Fleming gets the ball, but the recollection of recent injuries appears to make him half-hearted, and he makes scant progress. A wild halt minute in the Bootle goal results in “hands” Everton, but nothing more is made of the attack, and the game is transferred to the other end, where in a scrimmage the ball is safely cradled in Dobson’s - arms. The free kick is placed and taken, but the ball passes uninterruptedly through the pests without touching a player, and so the first half is drawn blank, neither side being able to claim much advantage in point of form. His Worship of Bootle takes his departure during the refreshment interval.
Recommencing Everton are first on the attack, and then Bootle journey to the other end. Coming down again Farmer dallies a bit, but recovers in time to rob his opponents, and spurred on by the cheers of the crowd both sides put on steam. The Bootle right centre are once more attacking, and George Dobson fails to cheek them, but Dick keeps Lewis off the ball, and a goal kick only results. Dick next heads out a long shot. It has been apparent for some time that Weir is all but helpless from an injury to the arm, and this is again manifested just now-, but Farmer has got the ball and is scuttling along the wing. Again the effort is void, and then a splendid combined attack by the Bootle forwards exciting universal attention. Morris eventually making a shot which is barely returned before Anderson and Hastings are at it again on the left. Dick can’t resist the temptation and plays the dromedary, with the result that Hastings goes over him. This foolish repetition of oft-condemned tactics is very properly punished, At last the copybook is blotted. A rasping run right down the field placed Everton in fine position, Fleming passes to Farmer, and the left winger takes Jackson’s number down. A regular salvo applause follows Farmer turns handsprings up the field, for it is felt that this goal is an augury of the ultimate result. Bootle come away from the kick off but their good fortune has fired Everton to renewed endeavour, and with a little more luck Watson would have increased the lead. Bootle have a corner but cannot improve upon it, but continue to play up desperately. Allsop tries a nice long one which Joliffe knocks over the heads of the attacking horde, and it passes behind. There is a bit of a melee at this point, -which necessitates a conference of officials, and out of which Dick emerges with a bloody face. A few minutes later the game is stopped, for Hastings goes down a collision with Weir, which renders him hors d’ combat for the rest of the game. Hardly had the game been restarted, when Morris gets the worst of a charge at Higgins, but he soon pulls himself together, and are once more hard at work. With only a few minutes to play Everton rush down the field in a determined manner, and are rewarded with a corner, which Gibson converts into the second goal an achievement which is greeted with every demonstration of delight by the Evertonians. The result is no to all intents and purposes beyond doubt, and the entry of Everton into the third round assured. Cheering loud and long, a rush on to the field, the carrying shoulder high of the victors, and the triumphal progress to their head-quarters at the Sandon Hotel, are the final incidents of a memorable contest.
A DARK LOOK-OUT FOR EVERTON.
It is said that the case against the Everton club on the charge of “veiled” professionalism has been proved, and that at the meeting of the full council on Monday, in London, the club in all probability will receive the usual sentence of suspension for a short long period. This step will place the council in a dilemma, as the cup tie in the second round of the competition was awarded to Everton, who have been vanquished by North End. However, North End play Halliwell in the third round of the competition to-day at Deepdale, and if the former are victorious they will probably offer the Bolton Wanderers another chance in the competition by volunteering to play hem the second round at Deepdale next Saturday. When, according to the fixture cards, the clubs should meet at Pike’s-lane in an ordinary fixture. Should North End meet and defeat the Wanderers they will at once pass into the fifth round, as they have been awarded a bye in the fourth round.— Preston Herald.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 December 1887
THE WANDERERS V. EVERTON PROTEST
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 December 1887
As we intimated last week, the Wanderers lodged a protest against Everton on the ground of veiled professionalism, but after the Council had decided to allow Everton to play North end in the second round, they do not seem to have gone to any trouble or expense in the matter. However, it came before a commission, consisting of Mr. Crump (chairman), Mr. Clegg, Mr. Gregson, and Mr. Alcock, at the Compton Hotel, Liverpool on Thursday night. All the players protested against were summoned, and put in an appearance. Mr. Bentley represented the Wanderers, and Mr. Nisbet, Everton, and the players were questioned by both, the inquiry lasting upwards of three hours. No decision was arrived at, but it was understood that the commission would prepare a report night, and they will decide upon it.
Association Game.
December 3 rd 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
The time has at length come round when the question of local supremacy must be solved. Last season Everton and Bootle were fated to meet in the first round of the local cup-tie, with the result that Everton retained possession of the converted trophy. Today, at Anfield they meet in the second round, and thus, unfortunately, the contest will again be robbed of the interest while in previous years marked the annual event. Last Saturday the clubs sailed fourth in quest of fresh laurels in the National contest. Everton bearding the famous Preston at the Deepdale ground, whilst Bootle antagonized the Higher Walton team, which a few weeks ago had done so well that victory was counted upon as a matter of course. This was a local idea, which it is needless to say, was not shared by the visiting team, and how erroneous the calculation was in shown by the cruising defeat of 6-1. Bootle played up strongly from the start, and pressing heavily, were ahead at the interval by four to nothing. With such an immense advantage in hand, the “stripes” afterwards slowed down considerably and only scored twice, while Higher Walton, notched their first and only goal. How differently fate dealt with Everton is now a matter of history. Beaten last season to the semi-final, and disqualified the year before, the Preston North End now put in all they knew. For they were who were sanguine enough to believe in the ability of Everton to lower the Deepdale flag, but while the defeat created only partial, surprise, the followers of the Anfield team stood aghast had been beaten by 6-0. As Bootle and Everton have not previously met this season it is extremely difficult to gauge the chances of success, and only by the tortnouses process of unraveling collateral form can an approximate idea be arrived at. But this, as we knew, is misleading, and the figures must therefore speak for themselves, out of a total off 15 matches played by Everton, 10 have been won, and 5 lost –44 goals, against 27 being scored, or an average of 1-17. The most notably victory gained by Everton was over the Bolton Wanderers, who were beaten by 2-1, drawns being effected with Church and Notts County. Out of 19 matches played by Bootle have won 14, and lost 5, scoring 63 goals to their opponents 26, or 24 to 1. Here Bootle would seem to show a better balance –sheet than their opponents, but the process of etncidtin is a doubtful one after all. We have also the local rivals pitted against leading Lancashire clubs, the results being as follows;
DIRTY DICK
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 03 December 1887
That the game at Deepdale last Saturday was the most unenjoyable one since the memorable occasion when Belger's leg was broken; that from the manner in which the Evertonians were playing, the spectators were uneasy as to the safety of the home team, and a sigh of thankfulness went up when Mr. Armstrong sounded the whistle for the cessation of hostilities; that the Evertoniams are the roughtest and dirtiest lot of players who have ever appeared at Deepdale, and the frequenters thereof do not wish to see them again. That Prestonians are of opinion that the Liverpool papers were not far wrong when they christened the Everton right full back "Dirty Dick" that the manner in which he went for his opponents in the most foul manner made many spectators' blood curdle time after time; that he was cautioned by the referee more than once, but the shabbiness of his behaviour was so inherent that he could not get off it; that his partner was not much better, while the backs and Gibson, the centre half-back, made up a trio which any club would do well to get rid of. That Bob Smalley pleased Prestonians, and many and loud regrets were expressed that he had been allowed to slip away; that he is now, however, a thorough Evertonian, and during the past week has even tried to defend their play last Saturday; that on more than one occasion he has tried to justify Dick's charge of Gordon just in front of the top goal; that his explanation is that Gordon was about to jump on him, when Dick rushed to the rescue, and put his head in the "right-wing flyer's stomach, an unjustifiable practice, no matter under what circumstances; at least so thought Mr. Armstrong.
That the general idea is that Bob will be included in the North End ranks ranks next year; that after the match last week it is reported that abet was made by a "North End official" with the Everton secretary that Bob would be between the North End sticks next season; that the secretary at once found out the Prestonian and communicated his bet, and was assured he need have no fear.
Preston North End Bolton Wanderers Witton South Shone
Everton 0-6 5-6 4-9 1-2
Boolte 3-9 3-2 2-2 4-1
Everton played four games with the Bolton Wanderers and two with Witton, whereas Bootle twice met Preston and South Shone respectively. It will thus be seen that whilst Everton scored ten goals to 22 by opposing teams Bootle scored 12 against 14, the majority arising out of the matches with Preston, who won by 3-1 and 6-2. That the crowd will be larger than on any previous occasion may be taken for granted, and with the game, well and fairly contested, may the best team win, it is stated on good authority that the major of Liverpool CM. T.W. Oakshot) and the mayor of Bootle (Alderman John Howard) will grace the match with their presence.
Everton v Bootle
NOTES OF FOOTBALL
December 5, 1887. The Liverpool Mercury
The thoughts of all followers of the Association game in Liverpool were on Saturday concentrated upon one event –the encounter once more between Everton and Bootle for local supremacy. It was indeed a veritable carnival. The fine weather tempted all who take an interest in the dribbling code, and who had a spare hour or two, to visit the Anfield ground, and so the gathering was the largest yet seen in Liverpool, numbering something like 11,000. To demonstrate the spreading popularity of football, the Mayors of Liverpool and Bootle, and many prominent ladies and gentlemen, personally patronised the match. The contest, however was not by any means the most scientific seen in this district of late. It was a most determined tussle, as all other matches between Everton and Bootle have been, and in some respects resembles that of last year. Bootle were able to renew the attack over and over again, and indeed, did most pressing, but were miserably weak in front of goal; and of the many shots sent in, there were only two –by Hasting and Morris –that possessed real merit. Everton, when once near goal, are always dangerous. They were conspicuous for occasional rushes rather than sustained attacks, and it was by this mode of warfare that Bootle's flag was lowered twice –first by a magnificent shot by Farmer, and then by Gibson from a corner, in each of which successors Fleming correctly placed the ball. The first half of the game was in favour of Bootle, their combination being better than Everton's; but they feil off as operations proceeded, and when once the score went against them, lost all vitality. On the whole, the cleverest team won, as Everton were effective at the critical moment, for it is of small advantage to get within shooting distance, and not know how to score. It is to be regretted that there were many bits of questionable play. Both sides were sinners in roughness, but Bootle were the greatest sufferers, as Hastings and Morris are rather seriously injured; Weir also had his arm put out. When will players remember that heavy charging is neither essential nor conductive to the advancement of the dribbling game? If Everton should fail, which it is to be hoped they will not do, to come out of their entanglement over the National Cup with clean hands, Bootle, as a consequence, will doubtless claim the tie. Some surprise was expressed at Everton raising the price for the bottom stand; and there will probably be representation made on the subject of this stand to the Liverpool Association. Spectator.
EVERTON V. BOOTLE
December 5, 1887. The Liverpool Mercury
Liverpool Cup (Second Round).
The meeting between Everton and Bootle gained rather than diminished through compulsory postponement, for the important gathering which must have been nearly 11,000. Excited that local interest had developed to the highest pitch, when on Saturday, the opposing elevens ranged themselves, for action at Anfield. The Everton enclosure, with its ample accommodation, thronged as it was in every park, presented a most animated aspect, while glamour was given to the proceedings by the presence of both the Mayors of Liverpool and the mayor of Bootle, in company with other prominent personalities. The weather, too, was most genial and through the exhibition of football was not of the highest order, the afternoon's entertainment proved to be most enjoyable. Both clubs were enabled to put their full representation of eligible players in the field, and the contest must be considered a fair test of prowess. Everton had two alterations from the team that went down before Preston North End last week, Fleming and Cassidy taking the places of Richard's and Izzatt, but Bootle were represented by the exact eleven that gave Higher Walton their quietus. A few minutes after the appointed time, upon Everton winning the toss, Lewis opened hostilities by kicking downhill against a wind that swept from goal to goal. Everton were at once on the ball, but Bootle kicked out somewhat prematurely. Weir took the throw in, Woods kicking up without advantage, as Farmer and Cassidy were too great a match in a tussle with Holt, and ran down to the corner, terminating a bit of nice play by sending over. From the goal kick, Holt was foiled in a quicker movement by Gibson, who sent along to Farmer and Weir, pressed though not severely. A foul against Holt again let in Everton, a throw-in by Weir being well taken up by Fleming. Veitch was at hand to clear, but Dick wound up the argument by sending behind in a long shot. Lewis got well away until Dick interposed in a good kick to which A. Watson replied. Holt closed on the ball, and Dick missing his aim. Holt, Lewis and Wilding went on in fine combination, a bad shot by the latter rendering the effort null, and void. Lewis then came into collision with Gibson, and Dick sending right into the goal mouth from the place gave Jackson an anxious moment, which forced him to risk a corner. The pace just now being relied to by Hastings, who went off from the goal kick and got almost within shooting range before Dobson rushed in and kicked out hard. Bootle, however, resumed the assault, and Morris shot wide. Farmer ran, and Allsop save hands, but the passing was found through the Bootle backs, and so Anderson with no better success tried a shot from the left, Weir cleared though ineffectively as Morris and Wilding dribbling down the right. The latter sent over to Hastings, who delivered a lightening like shot, but the visitors were again doomed to disappointment as the ball flew over the bar. A lame kick out by Farmer reinstated Bootle in the attack, Holt dodged Goudie, and Lewis baffling both Gibson and Weir, Dick deemed it prudent to give a corner which was easily cleared. Holt was again too tricky for Gibson and Morris ran the ball out. Cassidy then fouled Allsop, and though danger threatened from the free kick, Dick and Dobson were impassable. Everton now got up to the Bootle end. Watson drove players back in a hugh kick, but Farmer returning and shot well. Watson heading out smartly. Woods beat in turn Fleming and Gibson, and sent up to Morris, who shot lamely, and Dick and Dobson each had to interfere to keep off Hasting and Wilding. A Watson on Farmer and Cassidy going up the left, made a miskick and was forced to concede a corner, Dick almost scoring. Woods cleared with a well judged kick to Lewis, who necessitated Joliffe fisting out brilliantly. Everton then attempted to move up, but were intercepted before getting within shooting distance. Morris and Wilding dribbling down in a pretty fashion, and again Joliffe had to knock out. Farmer next dashed past Holt and Lewis, but shot badly, and after a free kick, given through Dobson's foul near in, had been efficiently attended to Watson and Goudie in a nice passing run gave trouble. Bootle got away from Gibson's throw in, but Dick was just in time to prevent disaster from the shot Lewis essayed. Flewming and Watson were away, and hands against Bootle near goal looked ominous, but Morris was in the way, and a free kick at midfield gave the visitors another opportunity, but though both Gibson and Dobson gave hands in a scrimmage close in, Bootle could find no outlet and half-time arrived with the record a blank. Watson went away in a short dribble on Goudie restarting, and Farmer beating Holt, shot over. Farmer was superior to Morris in a tussle, but Watson attended to the former, so Higgins was put in possession, only to shoot behind. From the goal kick, Morris forced his way right up to near goal, when Lewis shot over. Watson charged Holt and Veitch placed the ball well, but Weir (who was now playing under difficulties through an injured arm) saved smartly. Farmer went away in a strong run, and though Veitch pulled him up, Fleming was at hand to give a goal kick. Hasting had no difficulty in dodging Gibson and Dick. Morris, however, was faulty in shooting, and with their let off the Everton forwards moved down the slope in combination, and a pass by Fleming being well taken by Farmer, Jackson was upset by a terrific shot, a mighty cheer demonstrating that the cup-holders had drawn first blood. Everton at once renewed the attack, but Veitch proved a check, and play became less animated. Farmer went half back to strengthen the defence. Still Bootle settled down for a sustained siege, but were wretchedly weak in front of goal, shots by Morris, Hastings, Anderson, Holt and Wilding being all feeble. Hastings when about to take a shot, got severely kicked, which prevented him from continuing play. Bootle's chances of victory with this mishap dropped to zero. However, they had another shot or two at goal, and then a further misfortune befell them, as Morris was rendered of little service, he having received a bad knock on the head in charging Higgins. Everton at length went away and A. Watson missing a kick at a critical moment, Fleming forced a corner, which he placed so well that Gibson had no difficulty in steering through. Everton with this double success infused some exciting play, but nothing came of the spurt and a severe fight terminating in one more triumph for Everton over their old opponents. Teams;- Bootle; Jackson, goal; Watson and Veitch, backs; Allsop, Holt, and Wood, half-backs; Wilding, Morris, Lewis, Anderson, and Hastings, forwards. Everton; Joliffe, goal; Dobson and Dick, backs; Higgins, Gibson and Weir, half-backs; Cassidy, Farmer, Goudie, Watson and Fleming, forwards. Umpires; Messrs R.M. Sloane, and A. Nisbet. Referee; Mr. A.B. Hull.
Bolton Wanderers v Everton
December 6 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier
Everton Club suspended.
Last evening a meeting of the executive Committee of the Football Association was held in London to consider the dispute between the above club, the result hey that the protest of the Bolton Wanderers was sustained, and Everton was suspended for a month from yesterday. The Bolton play Preston at Preston on Saturday next.
THE ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 06 December 1887
At the meeting of the Football Association Council, on Monday evening, several important matters in relation to the cup competition came up for decision. The Bolton Wanderers sustained their protest against Everton, and play Preston North End in the second round of the national competition next Saturday at Preston, despite the fact that North End have not only beaten Everton in the second round, but have administered a defeat to Halliwell in the third round. Furthermore, the Council suspended Everton for month from December 5th, and declared seven of their men professionals. In the matter of the appeal by Accrington against the Blackburn Rovers, the protest against Townley was referred to commission, in the same way as that of Lincoln City against Grimsby Town. The protests against Rushton and Southworth, of the Blackburn Rovers, were not sustained by Accrington. It was announced that the annual match between North and South would take place at Kennington Oval, on January 14th.
EVERTON AND BOOTLE AT ANFIELD.
Athletic News - Tuesday 06 December 1887
By a “Father of Sport.”
When I received the Chronicler-in-Chief’s ever-welcome mandate, “We rely upon you,'’ &c., I naturally felt proud of the confidence reposed in me, and hastened to scale the heights of Everton, for be It known Anfield has an altitude of close upon 300 ft. above “the old dock sill.’’ For personal reasons I chartered a few inches' space on the summit of a lumbering 'bus, on which to recline my not over-elastic frame, for dear Chief, I am still acutely suffering from the effects of a wrench received on the historic plains of Old Trafford so far back as '68. It was a tedious journey, but as our “jarvey” kept plodding on, we reached Anfleld some ten minutes before the commencement of play. At that time the people were streaming into the enclosure from “all points of the compass.'’ The meeting of these old rivals in the second round of the Liverpool Challenge Cup contest had aroused an enormous amount of interest throughout the district, so that at one part of the afternoon there were over ten thousand persons present to tell the tale of Everton’s victory and the causes which led to Bootle's defeat. Amongst the more distinguished visitors were the Mayors of Liverpool and Bootle, the latter of whom, if I mistake not, is an old friend of Mr. Sudell, of North End fame. With them came Mr. Councillor Houlding, the genial patron of the Everton F.C., who in vain endeavored to repress a triumphant smile as the party stepped across the greensward to take their places on the reserved portion of the stand. When the teams entered the arena each received a most cordial greeting. The captains met, and eyes were lifted towards the azure above as the silvery coin was pitched aloft. When it was seen that Dobson had secured choice of ends the excitement began, for was not this an auspicious augury of the issue of the conflict? And so it proved. To my left there sat a gentleman and lady, both absorbed in the scene. The play, which had been delayed until the arrival of the chief magistrate of the two interested boroughs, was at length commenced by Lewis kicking away from the centre. Soon Everton secured the ball and penetrated the Bootle half, and as the teams battled for supremacy the gentleman on my left became restless. His elbow was constantly applied to my ribs—first gently, but as the prevailing excitement increased in volume the pulsations became stronger. In vain I sought to change my position; my persecutor, involuntarily or otherwise, followed me up. I whispered anathemas to a Press friend on my right, but to no purpose, and therefore sat out with resignation the crucial ordeal. Meanwhile, the chief actors in the drama were oblivious to the whole surroundings- the Evertonians, in particular, being intent on scoring an early point, remembering doubtless the value of those obtained a fortnight previously at the Wanderers' expense. But they laboured in vain, for the Bootle backs—Andy Watson in particular—were as firm and unflinching as the granite rock. Farmer became exceedingly industrious, but through exercise of undue finesse lost a possible chance; whilst, to make matters worse, “Georgie" was penalised for “hands,” by which means the ball was safely got away. Soon afterwards a lunge by Watson (Everton) let in Wilding and Morris, who sped down the Bootle right in masterly style, eventually spoiling a fine piece of play by losing command of the ball. At this juncture Lewis set a bad example by charging in the rear of Gibson, an act for which the usual penalty was promptly enforced. From near mldfield Dick drove the ball right into the mouth of goal, but Jackson was cool, and danger was warded off. Hastings and Anderson, on the Bootle left, now essayed to turn their opponents’ flank, and in the end Morris delivered a futile shot, which directly afterwards was followed by another from Anderson's foot. From this point Bootle commenced to play in masterly style, Lewis, Wilding, and Morris frequently robbing their opponents of the ball. Everton were repeatedly hurled back towards the lower ground, until at length Wilding crossed over to Hastings, who sent in a lightning-like shot, which was thought to have taken effect; but as the players moved back towards the centre the huge crowd, or, at least, a considerable section thereof, cheered, so great was their delight Later on, the ball passed through the Everton posts, but as in this instance the rule of play had not been complied with, no goal resulted-hard lines for Bootle, no doubt. The Evertonians passed smartly, a feature which had its counterpart in the brilliant tactics of the Bootle right-wilding and Morris—who repeatedly dispossessed their opponents of the ball. Thus the time wore on, and thus, when the warning signal was given for repose and change of ends, not a point had been scored. When the teams crossed over Bootle secured the advantage of a rear wind, which, although of moderate strength, was an undoubted advantage in the case of teams so evenly matched. Evidently the Evertonians had been husbanding their strength for a great final effort. Bootle continued a steady harmonious action, and thus the game progressed, neither gaining any material advantage, until twenty minutes after the re-start, when the Cup-holders dashed away, and in a trice Farmer shot the ball in. Soon afterwards Hastings, who had previously been disabled, was compelled to retire, leaving his ten comrades to fight out the battle. Morris was hurt, but played on, as did also Weir, who had been “winged” some time before. Still Bootle struggled valiantly, but by this time the current had set in dead against them, and after an impetuous rush, Gibson projected the ball through the goal for the second time. By this feat the Issue was reduced almost to a certainty for the holders of the trophy. After this Jolilfe was never troubled, for although the western sky was lit up with broad streaks of hazy ruddigore, the Evertonians faced the bewildering light without making a single mistake. During the last few minutes of play repeated onslaughts were made upon the Bootle goal. Watson, the old Queen's Park champion, however, was cool and resolute, and no further mischief could be wrought, the present holders of the trophy had to rest contented with victory of two goals to nothing. It was a good but rough game withal, for besides Hastings, injuries were received by Morris and Weir, and this too in the presence of the Mayors of the two interested boroughs. But what, My Chief, can a “Father of Sport" do so long as committees wink at the laches of reckless and vicious players?
OTHERS NOTES
I have heard it stated that Accrington have a far more serious protest in hand, and that is a charge of veiled professionalism. It is said that Townley is the amateur-pro., and with the Everton case in view, along with others that have not yet seen daylight, it seems as if the professional rules would stand some alteration.
Everton Football Club
December 7 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir-may I be allowed through the medium of your valuable paper to record my protest against the action of the English Football association in suspending the above club for what is termed “veiled professionalism.” The fact of the case are as follows; -
According to the rules of the Football Association, no professional football players is eligible to cup-ties unless he has resided for two years with a six miles of the ground or headquarters of the club for which he plays.
A “Professional” is defined as follows; - any member of a club receiving remuneration or consideration of any sort above his necessary hotel and travelling expenses shall be considered to be a professional.
For some time past it has been the custom of several leading association clubs in the country, having regard to the above rules, and in order that their new players may be able to play in Cup-ties, to provide situation for them in lieu of engaging them as professional. Rightly or wrongly the Everton Football Club following the course adopted by many clubs, recently obtained for their club a number of players from Scotland, and found employment for them in Liverpool. In the recent cup-tie between the Bolton Wanderers and Everton, the former protested against Everton on the ground, the result being that the Everton club have been found guilty of professionalism, and have been suspended for one month. There can be no doubt that the Association are to blame in this matter in more respects them one. They must have been well awarded for some time past (though not officially) that the system of providing situations for players in lieu of engaging them as professionals existed amongst most clubs of standing in the country, and yet no means were taken to make it perfectly clear to the clubs that by doing so they were considered by the Association to be infringing the rule relating to professionalism. I need only refer to the case of Calderwood the Bootle Football Club (which was reported in the Football field of the 24 September last) to show that the knowledge has been public property for some time past. In this case it is reported that Calderwood signed an agreement with the Bootle club for a sustuation at 25 a week and that Mr. Heard, the secretary of the Bootle Football club, in his evidence before the Scottish Football Association, stated that Mr. Sim, a member of their committee was an “employer of labour” that the club could not play. Calderwood as a professional according to English rules, that Calderwood was employed at the docks as a labour, and that it was very unlikely that he would have been retained at the docks if he left the Bootle club. Moreover it is pretty generally know that when Wilding left Everton for Bootle employment was found for him through the instrumentality of the Bootle club. In fact, there is scarcely a club of any standing that is not culpable in this respect, and it is therefore manifestly unfair, seeing that the rules relating to professionalism are so very ambitionious and that the association have permitted the system to continue and by implication ascended to it that the Everton club should at the present time, with their Christmas and New Year engagement before them be treated with such severity, and I sincerely trust that an effective appeal may be made to the association to reconsider their decision and that they may so after the rules relating to professionalism that in the future there may be no misunderstanding them. Yours etc, Fiat Justitia Liverpool December 6, 1887.
Everton Football Club
December 8 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir- Kindly gave me space in your valuable paper to express my feelings with regard to the Everton Football Club. I think it is a piece of imposition to charge twopeace on a stand to see their match with the Bolton Wanderers, which before that was free to those who paid admission to the grounds; and not satisfied with that, they “pile on the agony” by sticking on another penny last Saturday. Now, sir, I think at this is the working man's sport, it comes hard on him when he has to pay sixpence before he can get a fair sight of the game. Let them be satisfied with the gates they have been getting. Hoping the working man's friend Councilor Houlding, as president of the club will do something in this matter, I am et., An Evertonian, Everton, Dec 7 1887.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –as one who has taken a great interest in Liverpool Association Football, and whose interest began considerably before the above club attained its present unenviable notoriety, I should like to say a word or two on the subject. I do not like professionalism in football. When I first knew anything about the game in Liverpool, six or seven years ago and even for some length of time after the local cup competition began, there was, I believe (and I speak as one of the committee, during that time) none of it. The gates were small; there were few clubs, and of course there was nothing like the same rivalry there now is. But conceding that professionalism was, and is, a necessity, I maintain (and I am sure that the majority of those who take an interest in the game are of this opinion) that there is absolutely no necessity fort the “amateur professional.” He ought to be suppressed, and it is an exceedingly good things for the game that the Football Association have shown that he is to be extinguished. Therefore, I cannot at all agree with your correspondent. “Fiat Justitia” that suspension at the present time is a hardship on the Everton Club, but I do think that a change in its management would not be a bad thing for it. If as “Fiat Justitia” says there are other offenders, it does not matter; two blacks do not make a white, and their time will come. For my own part, I hope that the Liverpool and District Football Association will follow the lead set them and I am thoroughly sure that if this “amateur professionalism” is knocked on the head, no matter who are the suffers, football will greatly benefit thereby. Yours, etc., Rambler, Dec 7, 1887.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –if Everton has been unjustly or harshly dealt with by the association, by all means let the appeal asked for by “Fiat Justitia” be made. But the association have gone carefully into the matter, have even sent a special committee to the city to take evidence, and it now rest with Everton to make a full and explicit statement of the facts of the case to show that they have been unduly punished. If, however, the reports now being circulated are true they will have some difficulty in doing so, and it seems evident from “fiat Justitia;s” plea on their behalf that he has not told us all he knows. It is no doubt very hard on the folks who run the Everton show that the rain of sixpences and shillings which has been so plentiful with them of late should thus suddenly dry up, and at a time when there was a prospect of a glorious harvest. But, sir, there is a feeling abroad that it is the loss of income more than the loss of fame that troubles Everton, and folks say that if they are a good lot they ought to be, as they have never been backward in strengthening themselves at the expense of other, and especially neighboring, clubs; while some affirm that the interests of true sport would be advanced rather than restarded by the “permanent suspension” of a club which, by the aid of its long purse, was able to induce two of the best members of a rival club to desert on the eve of an English Cup tie. –Yours etc Dec 7 1887, A. Scot.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir – I agree with your correspondent (in today's courier) that the above club have been hardly dealt with by the English Association. Of one thing I am quite certain, that I an quite certain that, if by employing players, as the Everton have done, then nearly the whole of the clubs in the Country (including out neighbours in Bootle) have been guilty of the same practice, and should be sentenced according. Everton have done more than any other club to popularize the game in this part, and can command a gate second to none in Lancashire. I think if our Liverpool Association were to take the matter up that the severe sentence imposed may be somewhat modified, and enable Houlding's Boys to play their Christmas and New Year's matches. Yours etc., Dec 7 1887., Everton Waisters.
Everton Football Club
December 9 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir- it would be well to point out that the suspension of the Everton Club for a month affects all the members of that club, none of whom may take part in any match till January 5 th –Yours, etc, Rambler, December 8, 1887.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –I have read with much interest the correspondence in the courier on this subject, and I agree entirely with the remarks of “Rambler.” True, I am sorry for the supporters of the club, who will be deprived of their usual Saturday afternoon's pleasure; but here my sympathy ends. The committee of the club richly served the sentence of the Association Committee for in spite of repeated warnings from well known members of the club, and from outsiders too, they have gone on from blunder to blunder, and have brought disaster on the club and disgraced themselves and the players. It is no defence to say that Bootle and other clubs have acted in the same way. If so the same penalty awaits them. The rules are perfectly clear, and it is simply amazing to find one (like “Fiat Justitia”) attempting to place as interpretation on the rules, which they will not bear. The club has been badly managed, and the committee appears to have entirely ignored their own responsibilities, and yielded to the wishes of the few forgetting the interests of the many. The members will act wisely to have a general meeting and rearrange the executive. I am aware of more than one gentleman, who declined to act as a committeeman because of the unsatisfactory proceedings of the committee. I trust Everton will take the lessons to heart; and that they may speedily be on the warpath again under competent leadership is the hope of yours etc, Old Evertonian December 8 1887.
Association Game
December 10 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
Like the Gladiators of old although in less sanguinary conflict the local champions at length have met, and history records for Everton a victory and for Bootle a defeat. The scene was altogether so remarkable that to those who remember the contests of the olden time, it would appear as if the wizard's skill had been invoked, so magical was the change. Where in earlier years hundreds interested themselves in the annual struggle for supremacy ten thousand enthusiasts now crowd around the field of play, with the mayors of the respective boroughs at their head. In the first year of the existence of the Liverpool and District Association, Bootle were the winners, but owing to financial reasons did not hold the trophy, for the simple reason that the public pulse had not been moved, and the funds were low. As time wore on the pastime found favour with the masses, and the following year the cup which has so long adorned the Sandon Hotel passed into the keeping of Everton, by whom, with a single exception, it has since been held. Last season the clubs were fated to meet in the first round of ties; whilst this, as if by the cruel irony of fate, they were destined to antagonise in the immediate later stage, and thus for the second season in succession the contest was completely benefit of further interest. Unfortunately for the welfare of the pastime, the old faud still exists, and that the breach is as wide than ever; is attracted by the intense partisanship of the followers of the respective clubs. Meeting under such conditions it could not reasonably to expected that the game would be devoid of friction; but to the credit of the officials in charge of the play, be it said, that they did their best to control the belligerents on either side. The inevitable happened, however, and maims and bruises were inflicted regardless of consequences, the chief sufferers in the numerous melees, being Hasting (who retired from the field before the close of play), Morris and Weir. Still, the play was not devoid of those fine touches which rander the Association game so enthralling. The characteristic of the first half were masterly attack and defence, and at this time so evenly matched were the teams that the sides changed ends with out neither having placed a point to their credit. It was evidently a question of endurance, and in this the superior stamina and quick action of the Evertonians prevailed. Twenty minutes or more had elspaed from the restart when Farmer, who was the life, and soul of the Everton van shot through goal with marvelous quickness, and registered a point amid the wild acclaim of thousands of the followers of the club. Soon after this Hasting retired, and thus crippled Bootle fought a next to hopless uphill game. But whilst the “stripes” were never afterwards dangerous, the cup holders renewed their efforts and were at length rewarded with a second goal, Everton eventually being the winners by two to nothing. Bootle however, were unfortunate as of yore, and with better luck should have scored at least a point. Farmer played quite up to his best form, and the backs were safe; whilst for Bootle Wilding and Morris were perhaps never seen to great advantage. Holt also excelled, and Watson was cool and effective to a degree. It savior of an unchivalrope feeling to kick a man when he is down, but this is precisely what is being done to the Everton club. Consequent upon a protest lodged by Bolton Wanderers, the committee were arranged before a commission of the Football Association, and found guilty of flagrant violators of the law bearing upon professionalism or, in other words, they persistently encouraged a wholesale system of “amateur professionalism” an innovation, which a couple of years ago was the subject of much bitter controversy, and which the Association have since done their utmost to suppress. For thus contracting outside of and in defence to, the written law, the penalty of a month's suspension has been enforced –a severe one no doubt, but apparently called for by the facts of the case. It is useless so urge ambiguity in the clause relating to the employment of professional players or that your neigbour is “sailing in the game beat,” because, as has been pointed out, two blacks never did nor never will make a white. As a leading organisation, it was clearly the duty of those who central the affairs of the Everton club to set an example worthy of imitation, and this the commission, by their report, have declared has not been done. Who, than, is responsible for the state of things? The committee as a whole, or a section thereof? “Fiat Justitia” has taken up their cause, but so far the “principals,” have been silent –but this is no new feature and will create no surprise. An “Old Evertonians” writes –“ Inspite of repeated warning from well-known members of the club and from outsiders too, they have gone on from blunder to blunder, and have brought disgrace upon the club and disgraced themselves and the players.” Continuing “Old Evertonian” says, “I am aware of more than one gentleman who, declined to act as a committeeman because of the unsatisfactory proceedings of the committee.” This is a strongly worded indictment, and one which the members of the old club should not let pass unnoticed. It was different in the secretarial days of Mr. John Clarke, and of Messrs, Brettell and Higgins. During their regime the press were treated with the utmost official courtesy –but nowadays it is incompatible with dignity to supply even a list of fixture for the season, or with rare exception to furnish the slightest scrap of information relative to the affairs of the club. But apart from the professionalism forced itself into the pastime, and having been legalised, we must have no evasion of the laws regulating its existence. For the members of the Everton club profound regret is expressed on every hand. They have the power of remedy, but have they the will?
ASSOCIATION MEETING
Blackburn Standard - Saturday 10 December 1887
On Monday night at a lengthy meeting of the Football Association, held at 56, Holborn Viaduct, London, the report of the commission that investigated the charges of professions and wholesale importation was received, and Everton was declared to have broken the laws of the Association. The club is suspended for one month from Monday last. The seven men, as under, are declared professionals: — Dick, Watson, Izatt, Murray, Weir, Cassidy , and Goude. None of these players can play either in a cup tie or ordinary game until they have completed their two years ' residential qualification.
SPORTS AND PASTIMES
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 10 December 1887
NOTES AND GOSSIP.
The muddle which the Football Association Council reduced the Cup ties in the third division is gradually becoming clearer, and to-night, unless the unexpected happens, everything should be in “apple-pie" order. After the evidence against Everton has been taken last week, and the Commission saw nothing for it but suspending Everton and reinstating the Bolton Wanderer, the secretary—Mr, Alcock—wired to Mr. Sudell not to play the third round tie with Halliwell until some course had been decided upon. Accordingly, negotiations were entered into, with the effect that it was found the North End were not compelled to re-play their second round tie, having been ordered to proceed and thrown out Everton. Accordingly, a compromise was effected by the North End agreeing to give the Bolton Wanderers a chance of defeating them, on the understanding that if the Prestonians came out successfully, they should not again be called upon to meet Halliwell. This pleased the officials immensely, and has further obligated them Mr. Suddell for the manner in which he has allowed his team shuffled about to hide the thundering of the grand-motherly legislators.” Prestonians do not, however, like this shuttlecocking with their favourites, and complain that the Association look with a fair amount of certainty to being able to deal with the North End as they wish, when anxious to clear themselves from a muddle, but will not grant the club any corresponding advantages. In support of this, they quote the manner which the team was last season called upon to meet both the Old Carthusians and West Bromwich Albion in four days, in addition travelling about 540 miles.
The conduct the Association Council in the matter the Wanderers’ protest against Everton has been severely condemned upon all hands, and from many quarters come cries that the sentence on the offenders is not sufficiently severe, and will not tend prevent other clubs from resorting similar tactics. The suspension will, however, press heavily upon the players, as all are debarred from taking part in any match until the 5th January. The re-admission of the Wanderers, too, has caused surprise: and one who has followed the matter can see any justice in the decision, as the Wanderers, from the beginning of the struggle, had in their possession the evidence which brought about the suspension of the Everton club. The master is, however, likely to have more than a merely local effect, as it has given the Association officials an insight into the manner in which clubs in districts where teams are springing into prominence obtain their men, and also into the necessity for taking some steps towards the better government of professionals, and removing the premium which is at present put on deception.
WE HEAR AND SEE
That in Preston there has been considerable comment made on the treatment of Everton by the Football Association; chat those who complain of the suspension for a month cannot have considered the charter of the office committee by the Toffymen; that they have defied the Association, broken the rules, tried sharp practices on with the Bolton Wanderers and last, but not least, have acted as if they were anxious to get everybody hand against theirs; that it was a suicidal policy, and one which anyone with ordinary comprehension could have seen would not act, to take Izatt from Bootle and then play him as an amateur.
That the Bolton wanderers have won a protest at last; that they do not as a result of that good fortune expect to win the Cup, because at present they are in a most unfortunate position, as Kernan will not be able to play until the New year, as a result of the injury he received when playing against Burnley Union Star. Steel is rather in need of a long rest; Parkinson is unwell; and Deakin is not eligible to play in Cup-ties. That if all the evidence which was available had been advanced against Everton, the result would have been not a month’s suspension, but suspension for the remainder of the season; that Mr. Bentley had been doing his best to get the embargo placed on the Evertonians reduced to a fortnight, so that the Liverpudlians could play their New Year matches; but that the question is whether they would play, inasmuch as, without Dick at back, Weir at half-back, Watson, Izatt, Goudie, and Cassidy forward, they would make a sorry show.
Everton Football Club
December 10 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir- I beg leave to endorse the statement made by “An Evertonians” re the suspension of the above club in your issue of today. Now, I should like to make a few remarks regarding charges made.
I being one among some thousands of others a constant spectators, therefore a weekly supporter of out local champions, I do think the heads of the department are coming it rather strong when they make an extra charge as on Saturday last of 3d per head on the recently erected stand at the Breckfield road end of the ground, which piece of furniture I consider was well paid for last season. Therefore I do not think they are treating their main supporters (the Bristish workman) anything like fairly, considering that it is by us poor men they have been raised to the position in which they stood up to last Monday evening. It was one of the first clubs in the country, and taking these exceedingly hard times into consideration surely the British workman should have some favour shown him, if ever so little. Of course we are only too pleased to be honoured with the presence of our local chiefs, but what about the eximson covered seats for them to rest upon, in connection with the this 3d extra for the stand referred to? Poor B.W. must suffer no matter what the times are. –Yours, &C, A Lover of Fairness. December 9, 1887.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –I regret to see in the communication of “A Scot” which immediately fellowed my letter to you on the 6 th instant, an element of malice, which it was not my intention to excite. My reference to the reported case of Calderwood and the Bootle club, was in my opinion necessary in order to prove that the course of procedure adopted by clubs became public property so far back as 24 th September last.
Your correspondent “An Old Evertonian” is in error in supposing that I endeavored to put any interpretation whatever upon the rule relating to professalism. I merely noted it for the purpose of showing that no club is prohibited by it from obtaining situations for players in lieu of engaging then as professionals; and I endeavored by reference to a case in point reported in the public press to prove that the system must have been at well known to the committee of the National Association for some time past as it was to the general public, and that notwithstanding this, the association permitted the practice to continue without actifying to clubs that they were considered to be infringing the rule relating to professionalism. I contended that the National Association were much to blame in this respect in that by their inaction they tacitly ascended to the course which was being adopted, and clubs actually assumed that their probajure was perfectly legal. Under the circumstances I contended that the Everton club had been treated with undue severity and although many extransons subjects have been introduced, I have seen nothing in the subsequent correspondent to render untamable the position which I have taken up –Yours, &c., Liverpool Dec, 1887. Fiat Justitia.
EVERTON NOTES
December 12, 1887. The Liverpool Mercury
The clouds have fallen at Anfield. Yesterday basking in the sunshine of increasing success and popularity, today Everton are overwhelmed in a deluge of discomfiture, or, in other words, the proffered cup has proved a positioned chalice, and they are strictly with helplessness for an injudicious draught of a delusive beverage. They have been tried on a charge of veiled professionalism found guilty, and sentenced to a calendar month's suspension from the 5 th instant. To be ordered to “stand at ease” for a few weeks does not appear a terrible infliction on the surface, but on penetrating a little deeper it is found to be disastrous in some of its results. The punishment falls at a most inconvenient time, as in addition to some interesting Saturday matches, all the extra Christmas and New Year's fixtures will have to be abandoned, to the great financial loss of the Everton Club, to say nothing of the widespread disappointment of the many thousand followers of the denizens of Anfield. But the most unfortunate suffers will be the Scotchmen concerned- namely, Dick, Izatt, Weir, Watson, Goudie, Cassidy,, and Murray –for, having been adjudged to be professional importations, they are prescribed for two years either as professionals or amateurs unless they can persuade either the English or Scotch Associations to mitigate the penalty. Dick, however, it is said, has a residential qualification, and will be registered as a professional. The others will doubtless bide their time though Murray and Cassidy have “gone back” not liking the prospect of compulsory professionalism. It was evident from the influential names of the commission, which consisted of Messrs Crump (Birmingham), J.C. Clegg (President of the Sheffield Association), R. P. Gregson (Secretary of the Lancashire Association), and C.W. Alcock (Secretary of the Football Association) that the inquiry was to the conducted in no half-hearted spirit. The question of whether Everton had found situations for Scotsmen was soon settled, as it was admitted by Mr. Nisbet at the outset; but the knotty point, as to whether these men held bona-fide “jobs” independent of the club, was a matter the council had to satisfy themselves on. This they did on Monday, and decided that Everton had imported players for a “consideration.” It has been a huge bungle on the part of the Everton officials, and they no doubt feel keenly the disgrace their management has visited upon a club made famous –though it must for the present be described as notorious –mainly through their energy and enterprise; but the trouble has arisen perhaps more from error of judgement than deliberate intention of driving a coach and four through laws for football guidance. The Everton officials may be to blame for the deadlock; but whether they are or not, and whether they are to enjoy continued confidence as a managing body, is a subject which may safely be left to the club members. Everton are applying for re-instatement on the 19 th , and on Wednesday will appeal for the support of the Liverpool Association. At the local Association meeting Everton's position in regard to the cup competition will be settled. Severe as is the blow on the Liverpool cup holders, their suffering may yet prove a “blessing in disguise,” if it should lead to amendment of the professional rule and render it more in conformity with common sense and practicability. There should be equality among professionals, and the residential qualification must be less rigid. It is a matter that concerns all clubs, for how many could be put through the crucibles and leave no dross –Spectator.
• Gymnasium and St.Peter's requisitioned the Everton ground. Little public support was given to the event, however, and the ground presented a gloomy contrast to last week's animated scene. Gymnasium won by 6 goals to nothing.
December 10 th 1887. The Football Field
Everton's suspension
Chat with Mr. Nisbet
How the club came to the front.
As all the world knows by this, the Everton F.C. have been adjudged guilty of infringing the laws relating to professionalism and importation, and suspended for a month, the sentence remaining in force until January 5, and thus depriving the club of the benefit of the New Year fixtures. The following seven players have been declared professionals; - Dick, Watson, Izzatt, Murray, Weir, Cassidy, and Goudie. In obedience to our commission, our Everton representative has looked up the courteous secretary of the unfortunate club, and below we are enabled to give the opinions of
Mr. Nisbet on the situation.
Well, Mr. Nisbet, I have called this evening to trouble you with a few questions, but before proceeding allow me to express my sympathy with you and the officials, as well as players of the club, in your present difficulties. Now, having got rid of that, can you tell me when your club first started?
Mr. Nisbet; Yes, it was in the year 1878. Mr. Watson was then the secretary, and through his advice and influence the Old Church and St. Domingo clubs amalgamated under the title of our district and was named the Everton. I suppose you had no enclosed ground then?
No. For several seasons the club played in Stanley Park, and of course this prevented the club from coming to the front sooner than it did, although on the other hand it helped to foster a love for the game which was then very little understood in this district.
When did you first begin to emerge from comparative obscurity?
I cannot give you the exact date just now; but I may say that the first ground we secured was in Prior-road, Anfield; but it was not a success, as it was too far out.
Then you really date the beginning of your success from the time when the Committee took possession of your present ground?
Yes; but even here we had great difficulties to contend with. After a couple of seasons the then owner was about to sell the field for building purposes, and knowing that there was not another site to be had in the neighboorhood, a deputation was appointed to wait on Mr. John Houlding (“King John” of Everton, as he is familiarly styled), well aware of the interest which he takes in all kinds of sport indulged in by our working men. Our difficulties were placed before him, his support was solicited, and advice asked as to what could be done. Now what he did, in answer to our appeal, was this. He brought the ground and let it to the club at a rental which only amounts to 1 and a quarter per cent on the outlay. From this point we steadily but rapidly worked up to a first-class position, and now our average gate is up to the best in England.
The cause of the trouble.
To what cause do you attribute your present difficulty?
To the Bolton wanderers' desire to be reinstated in the English Cup. They moved in the matter owing to information voluntarily supplied to them by some person or persons who no doubt had become jealous of the rapid progress made by out club. And in connection with this I consider it a great pity indeed that Mr. Fitzroy Norris, the late secretary of the Wanderers' club failed in his duty to register Struthers in time, as in our first contest with the club they recorded a win, and of course the present difficulty would never have been heard of.
Do you blame the Wanderers for making the protests?
I do not blame them at all. In a conversation, which I had with the present secretary, Mr. J. J. Bentley, he said that he did not object to the men referred to playing in ordinary matches, but, if the charges against them were correct, he did not think if fair that they should be played against the Bolton Wanderers in Cup ties.
The professional rule.
Do you think that the rule on the subject of professionals is an equitable one?
Most certainly not. Would you mind giving me your reasons for saying so?
Not at all. It is thus. The simple accident of a player being born in Ireland, Scotland, or Wales debars him from entering into competition with English professionals in England. In point of fact it is protection in its worst form.
Well, but how did such an objectionable rule come to be introduced?
It was introduced in to the English rules sorely for the purpose of pleasing the Scotch Association, which really does not take the slightest notice of Scotch players moving from one club to another in Scotland on inducements of an exactly similar nature to those held out by clubs in this country.
Has it been contemplated by any one in connection with the English Association to move for a modification of Rules 23?
Yes. I tried hard a year ago at a general meeting of the Association to find a seconded to a resolution for the purpose of eliminating the clause, which reads “When of different nationality etc,” but I regret to say I could not find one. My opinion is that it only needs to be considered carefully in all its bearings by a full meeting to bring about a much-required alteration. In fact I know that the opinion of several of the leading lights of football in Lancashire is wholly against the clause named, and that at the next meeting a strong and, I hope, successful attempt will be made to expunge it from the list of rules.
The seven Ex-Amateurs.
What action will it be necessary for you to take with regard to the players whom the Association have decided to make professionals?
There is only one course open to us. They will have to be registered as professionals before they can play, and so soon as they are registered they come under the professional clause, which requires two years' residence before they become eligible to play in a match of any sort, and thus we will have the anomaly of men registered as professionals to play football and yet not to be allowed to play. Is it not a fact that you are at liberty to play a clubs not members of the F.A. during the Mon of your suspension? We could most certainly fill up our month's suspension by playing Scotch and Irish clubs, but out of deference to the express wish of the Council we will not do so. I understand that the rule the breach of which has brought discomfortiture to Everton has also been broken by members of others clubs throughout the country? We are now threading on delicate ground, and you will pardon me if I confine myself to a mere general answer. I am told on good authority that such is the case, and, unfortunately, that our club, which is ambitious to come to the front, has achieved the unenviable notoriety of being the first to be dragged forward and made a scape-goat. Then I suppose you would not care to name any of the clubs, which you consider as deep in the mud as yours is in the mire? Not at present, if you come some other day with a bigger piece of paper than that perhaps I may tell you. Do you think case has been fairly commented on by the Press? No, decidently not. In cases which creep into a court of law the Press reserve their opinion until judgement has been given, but in our case newspaper after newspapers has prejudged us and written us down week after week.
Will the club suffer?
Do you think that the prestige of the club will suffer in consequence of this unfortunate business?
No, I am glad to say that many expressions of genuine sympathy have been received, and I do not therefore anticipate any falling off in our supporters when we emerge once more from under the present cloud. I will just ask you one more question. How do you stand with respect to the Liverpool and District Cup!
First-rate. We lived long enough to beat Bootle, and I have no doubt that we will be able to obtain an extension of time for the next round, and even leaving out the men who are now ineligible we can still put a team in the field strong enough to keep the cup at the Sandon.
Why they were suspended.
It seems to us that the evidence given before the Commission ought to be published or at any rate a resume of it given for the purpose of enabling clubs to define for themselves what constitutes professionalism. Though we have not been able to obtain any official information on the subject, we believe we are correct in stating that there was no absolute proof of payment to any of the players implicated, and that they all denied having received any. That being so, it follows that the Commission decided that there was some other consideration –which has been spoken of as “veiled professionalism” –and that was doubtless obtaining for these men. We understand that they had employment at jobs, which they were not accustomed to, such as labouring, and received more than a fair rate of wages for such occupation, and that was the reason why the F.A. decided they were professionals. If a man comes from Scotland to Lancashire, finds a situation for himself and then joins a football club, from whom he receives no wages, that man is not a professional; but if the club engages him to come on the understanding that he will be found employment if he plays football for the club, than that man is a professional, though he may not receive a penny in payment from the club. We cannot see the force of this ruling, and we are not alone, for why should not a man better himself of he is a football player, without being a professional? Again, Grimsby Town seems to have got off all right. We don't know the nature of the evidence, but on the face of it would appear identical with that of Everton. Here men are brought from Edinburgh, they are found employment by members of the football club and play for the club. Everton were the first and evidently had to be punished, but the F. A. only inflicted a nominal penalty, and in that case we think they might have made it so that the club could have fulfilled its holiday engagements –it would have had the same effects as the month's suspension on outsiders. The club has suffered enough in losing at least five of their best men, and we feel sure that a memorial signed by the leading Lancashire clubs would be favourably considered by the Council if the Football Association, and so far as we know Everton have not any enemies outside their own immediate districts.
What the quidnancs think
The “wholesale importation” business has brought another club in the Football Association Cup competition to grief. Everton, after having carried on the system for years and made its position through it, has been suspended for a month. It obtained large sums of money through the Cup ties with Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End, and having been defeated by the latter, could not be punished by being disqualified for the competition. The sentence of the Council in this case is so absurdly lenient that it is not likely to discourage other offenders; but we may point out that it affects the whole of the members of the club, none of whom may take part in any match until January 5 th . A decision which will give rise to general surprise is the re-admission of the Bolton Wanderers to the Cup competition. The Preston North End, although they have by defeating Halliwell reached the fifth round, will now have to hark back and re-play their tie in the second round on Saturday next. Should the Bolton Wanderers win they will have to meet Halliwell, but otherwise the result will stand as it is. The Bolton Wanderers hardly deserve the consideration they have received at the hands of the Council, for they undoubtedly knew as much about the “wholesale importation” by Everton when the competition commenced as they did when they were defeated, but, notwithstanding, they took part in three ties with that club and only protested after being defeated. A club which connives at such lawbreaking forfeits its right to complain. It is probable that the revelation with the protest against Everton may lead to some very pertinent inquires as to the method in which other clubs in the same district have obtained players from over the Border, and found them the appropriate employment which good football players from over the Border, and found them the appropriate employment which good football players appear to obtain so easily – Pastine .
Liverpool football
The suspension of Everton
The Thunderbolt.
The blow has fallen, but its violence has not been such as well expected. There was little doubt in the public mind that the Bolton Wanderers had made out a case against Everton, after the meeting of the Commission of the Football Association at the Compton Hotel; and the only question which agited the minds of the locally interested parties, was the severity of the sentence. This turned out more lenient than was generally expected, but I rather fancy the effect of the Association decision upon the seven Scotchmen declared professionals is not fully appreciated. Dick, Weir, Izatt, Goudie, Watson, Murray, and Cassidy have by this fiat been practically debarred from following the game either as professionals or amateurs for a very considerable period. One of the rules relating to professionals forbids the registering of any player not of English birth (that is so far as English clubs are concerned; of course, professionalism is unknown beyond the Tweed), until he has resided two years in England. The English Association has declared the players in question to be professionals; the Scotch Association will therefore have none of them, and they cannot be played as professionals in English club matches, so that their position is not a very pleasant one. The month's suspension will mean a serious financial loss to Everton, but the loss of prestige is a far more serious matter, and it would be well, in the interim, for the members of the club to consider well the policy, which has brought about this calamity.
A hardship and a blunder.
It was undoubtedly a very difficult problem, which offered itself for solution to the Everton Committee at the close of last season. A phenomenal growth in public favour, a support promising to exceed that accorded to any Lancashire club, demanded from them the provision of a team capable of ranking in the very forefront of English clubs. During the summer months rumors were afloat regarding the selection of a most formidable eleven, but when the Everton season opened disappointment was keen, for all these rumours proved unfounded. For a time matters went badly at Anfield-road. None of the imports were at all brilliant, several were rank failures galling defeats were sustained, and the general form of the team was decidedly inferior to that of last season. That any risk should have been run for the purpose of securing such players was undoubtedly bad policy; they could not be registered as professionals, and here is where the hardship is felt. It seems, indeed, an arbitrary proceeding to forbid a man making a livelihood in England, even though it be in the interest of sport. All would, no doubt, have been well had Everton abstained from the English Cup competition, which has, undoubtedly been to them the source of much misfortune. Of course great bitterness is felt over the question; there will undoubtedly be a setting of the house in order before the New Year, and let us hope that out of all the unpleasantness will spring a sound policy in the future conduct of the affairs of the Everton club. Who are the real informers? Naturally the credit has been attributed to their neighbours father North; but the incriminating evidence came from within; and it is one further illustration of the fact that the only safely is to be found in the strict adherence to the rules laid down by the Football Association. The facts disclosed to the Commission were such as could not have been furnished by anyone outside the very innermost circle of the club.
After the battle.
It is difficult to write calmly about the exhibition at Anfield-road last Saturday, when the two leading clubs of this district met in the second round of the Liverpool cup competition. Too long, however, has it been the custom to wink at or to gloss over the shady side of Association football, and unless a firm stand is made, it will become impossible to attract to an Association game anything but the residuum. I have spoken with many of those who were present at the match, and have been met on all hands with expressions of sorrow, of anger, of disgust at the sport to which we were treated. As a result of the match there were three players seriously hurt. Weir, of Everton, had his shoulder put out, Hastings, of Bootle, received a most cruel and painful hurt, whilst Morris, of the same club, got an ugly kick on the head. Dick emerged from the contest as he might from a brawl, with a black eye, and many of the other players will not readily forget the heavy charges and cruel kicks. Added to this, for a portion of the game one of the combatants acted on the defensive, and the ball was allowed to roll out of playtime after time, merely to waste time. Thanks! Messieurs, for these delectable! Many Thanks!! In last week's issue I once more called upon the rivals to shake hands and bury the hatchet, alluding to the concentrated bitterness imparted to the only meetings of the clubs. But really I had failed to appreciate the depth of the antagonism, an antagonism not as of English rivals in sport, but of bitter enemies. The referee's task was a difficult one, and Mr. Hull undoubtedly did all that was possible, but much might have been gained by the securing of an entirely strange official, for the repeated free kicks for foul play were quite ineffectual to prevent its recurrence. Everton won the match by two goals to nil, but their disqualification may effect what no club in the district has been able to do in the last three years, and the Liverpool Cup thus find a new resting-place at the close of the present season.
The bright side.
There was a grand gate, the attendance passing 12,000, and the magnificent weather, together with the presence of the Mayors of Liverpool and Bootle, rendered additional eclat to the proceedings. The arrangements for the accommodation of the vast crowd were admirable, but there was a lot of grumbling about the raising of the price for the bottom stand. Bootle do not consider themselves fairly treated in the matter of division of the spoils, but Everton were quite within their right in refusing to raise the price of admission whilst the charge for a seat on the vast Oakfield-road stand. In any case a very large sum must have been taken, and though Everton assert that their cup ties with Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers caused them a serious loss, it may be safely asserted that something like £300 has fallen to them as their share of the takings in the last six Cup ties. Both clubs showed perhaps worse form than in any previous engagement, but there were several brilliant episodes. None more so than that which resulted in the first goal for Everton. A fine combined run of the whole front rank was wound up by a splendid goal from the foot of Farmer, one of the best-tempered little fellows that ever toed a ball. Hastings of Bootle was frequently cheered for a brilliant flashes, and once all but scored a magnificent goal.
THE GAME
Bootle started against the wind and sun, and were quickly thrown on the defensive, an attitude they maintained for a brief time, for the play at first of all began to alternate at either end, and then settled down at the Everton goal in a very ominous manner. It looked odds for a long time on Bootle scoring; the Everton backs were very shaky, and the opposing forwards worked well together. Once Joliffe saved what appeared a certain goal, and Hasting was thought to have scored, whilst from a free kick the ball was sent past Joliffe. But the old weakness of the Bootle forwards gradually became apparent, and towards half-time Everton again dashed out in frequent spurts. However, all was intact at half-time. Again did Everton show the way to begin, and once more did Bootle take up the parable, but suddenly Watson and Fleming got away on the right; allowed Fleming to get in an accurate centre, and Farmer, bouncing on the ball, shot a splendid goal. Bootle made tremendous efforts to pull up level, and again Everton were “confined to barracks.” Farmer went behind to assist the defence, and as time wore on the usual devices ton waste time were resorted to. Hereabouts, Hastings was most pertinacious in his dashes on the Bootle left, and after Gibson had made an ineffectual effort to trip him up, the unfortunate fellow came into collision with Dick, and was injured. It was now a matter of certainly what would be the issue. With but ten men Bootle lost heart and a sudden rush of the Everton forwards ended in a second downfall of their goal. The whistle shortly sounded on what was undoubtedly the worst game I ever witnessed between the clubs.
THE PLAYERS
The best forwards on the field were Watson, Hastings, and Farmer; the best half-back was undoubtedly Holt; Dick was more safe than Dobson and Watson and Veitch were both in excellent form for Bootle. Both goalkeepers did good service, whilst Messrs, Nisbet and Sloan should be mentioned as a pair of very efficient umpires. I shall be very greatly surprised if the President of the Liverpool Association has not something to say at the next meeting of that body about the conduct of some of the players. Indeed it was apparent that he was inclined to order Dick off the field when that player deliberately kicked at Lewis near the Everton goal.
THREE CHEERS FOR EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 10 December 1887
“ I’m the mayor,
“I do declare,”-
‘Twas thus the bard opened his song;
But “Mickey” was there,
And he y’ iantly sware,
“Forgive” I’m free
But you cannot be he,
If you say that you are, you are wrong.
For you stayed to the end,
Which is why I contend
That you can’t be the Mayor,
For although he was there
He didn’t stay after half-time;
Besides-the Mayor cannot make rhyme!”
“My dear Mr. Free”
Quo’ the flattered “V.C.”
“You misunderstand me. Of course.
I meant but to say
In a jocular way
That with cheering I’m just a wee hoarse.”
No matter who or what he be,
Thus jubilates the great “V.C.,”
As near and far, and high and low, he scours the Queen’s Dominions,
And here collates and classifies his great compeers’ opinions.
FROM SHAKEPEARE’S “DECEMBER 3, IN LOLLIPOPIA,”
(not Dick III.” as certain do yoinly imagine.)
Rifol-dilol-laroo-lifol-diray!
Now is the summer of our discontent
Made glorious winter on this glorious day,—
For Bootle can’t play Football worth a cent!
In deep recesses of the Sandon Inn
Unwrested rests (and rusts) the glorious Tin.”
From Byron’s Greek Meets Greek.”
The “Sandon” is in Oakfield road,
And there a glorious Cup you see;
And walking once by night abroad
Thus cogitated “Micky Free,”—
‘Be jabers ! faix, we’ll ne’er give up
Possession of our glorious Cup.”
The “Maire” sat on a wooden seat,
To watch for once the dribbling game.
A field was stretched beneath his feet,
Where Bootle’s noblest warriors came
To take that glorious Cup away,—
But when the sun set where were they?
From “Burns Everton.”
The Sandon yill had made ’em canty,
They were na fou, but jist had plenty,
An’ they played they still took tent aye
To free the danger;
An' aft, at times, they brawly kent aye
To press the stranger.
From “Burns on Bootle.”
Weel do the backs an’ hauf-backs play;
O’ Jackson weel I canna say,
He was nae use ava the day,
The forwards shoot ill,
An’ till they mend there’s mony a wae-
Fu’ day for Bootle.
From Macaulay’s "Bootle Armada.”
Attend all ye who list to hear our Evertonian’ fame;
I tell ye of the deeds they wrought in Bootle’s well-fought game;
When that great team invincible against them bore vain
The surest shots of Hawthorne-road, the Knight of Teapot Lane.
It was a fine December morn, the air was nice and cool,
There came a Rhymist from the “Field " by train to Liverpool.
He went into a barber’s shop and had a shave, the while
The barber’s face was lighted with a most triumphant smile.
At sunrise he escaped the man, and fled the barber’s place,—
And when he saw the barber next he wore a downcast face,-
For as the Rhymist left in haste the Anfield ground to reach
The barber handed him a card which bore the name of “Veitch."
With his white hair all streaming back the great John Houlding came,
While round him rose uproarious cheers, and shouts, and loud acclaim.
The stewards in the pressmen’s box arranged an ample space,
For there King Houlding’s seat and there the Mayor of Bootle’s place.
Thou sun, shine on her joyously; ye breezes, waft her free;-
The glorious flag that floats, and bears the legend “E. F. C.”
Ho ! Steward, strike that flagstaff deep; ho! gates, let in the crowd;
Ho! Bootle, hide thy stricken head; ho! Toffeeites, be proud!
Look how the holders of the Cup exert their ancient might,
And by their play, in every way, pass Bootle out of sight.
So played they when, three weeks ago, in wrath they turned to bay;
And, overpowered beneath their claws, the Bolton Wanderers lay!
But hold! —too soon to jubilate!—give every dog his day;
For who can tell what Alcock’s notes on Monday night may say?
The Football rules contain a clause forbidding clubs to play
As amateurs, men in receipt of regular weekly pay;
And Everton, instead of joy, is filled with due dismay
Lest, overpowered beneath that clause, the lollipops give way!
From V. C’s “De Bello Liverpudlico.”
Others have fully described the whole game;
Tis perfectly needless that I do the same.
At Preston “D. Dick” a bad character got,—
Or perhaps he but stuck to the one that he had;-
Myself had the luck to be not on the spot,
But somehow I fancy the devil is not
As black as he’s painted, nor Dick quite as bad
As certain rank growlers would have him to be,—
Though certainly far from a “Fleming” is he.
An old proverb says “give a dog a bad name,”—
And an incident happening in Saturday’s game,
To the mind of “V.C “illustrated the same.
’Twas Lewis and Dick, —into contact they came,
And the Bootle spectators, remembering the fame
Of Dick’s dirty deeds, raised an outcry of shame,” –
Through assuredly poor Dick was quite guiltless of blame.
The record of damage was sadly too high,
For Dick got an ugly kick right the eye,
While Anderson, Hastings, and Morris and Weir
Were each of them more or less injured, I hear,—
And two with most serious results, as I fear.
In spite of all which I decidedly say
That the game was much “cleaner" than that of last year:
For the prophets who prophesied very rough play
Were a little bit out of their reckoning to-day
And, in view of the feeling existing, the teams
(Tho’ misfortune was waiting upon them it seems,)
Were both of them worthy credit, —for surely
The “accidents “mostly were accidents purely.
Permit the Bard here to give Bootle a cheer,
For no chicken’s play had the Toffees to-day
In Liverpool District maintaining their away;
The teams were well matched, and meant business;
and each played manfully, grandly and hard,
But the Toffs proved so tough that e’en Bootle’s Tom Veitch
(Brave man, who can meet in this spirit defeat !)
Was constrained to exclaim with the Bard,
And propose on the ground,
At the close of the round:—
“Three Cheers for Everton?”
Drop tear for Tommy Morris,
With a muffled cheering for his
Many wonderful exploits on Bootle’s plain.
Nevermore may proud spectators
Watch his bright insinuators;
Long may Bootle seek to find his like in vain!
Trickily he played and toughly.
Always neatly, never roughly,
‘Tis great pity he should suffer in the game.—
Lest his fate should cause contention
Of foul play—’twere well mention
That spectators all acquit all hands of blame.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 10 December 1887
THE SITUATION EXPLAINED.
Athletic News - Tuesday 13 December 1887
As a great many people seem to be bit mixed about Preston North End playing Bolton Wanderers in the second round of English Cup ties, when they were already in the fifth, it will, perhaps be well to explain the peculiarity. Everton threw the Wanderers out of the first round, and the Wanderers protested. The council of the F.A. made the mistake of ordering Everton to play North End in the second round with protest pending in the first. Everton did so, were beaten, and Halliwell were taken on in the third round, and also defeated. Then the complication arises. After playing Halliwell, the protest of the Wanderers was sustained, and they were ordered to play North End. The next question was—What about Halllwell? North End cannot be said to have played the third round before they were clear of the second, but this is really what they did. A great deal has been said about the F. A. sending a telegram to Mr. Sudell, informing him that it they played Halliwell it must be an ordinary match. This is perfectly correct, but after receiving the telegram Mr. Sudell put himself in communication with Mr. Alcock, and to get the Association out of its difficulty, offered to play the Wanderers in the second round, if they were allowed to meet Halliwell in the third, and not throw away another date. This was agreed to, and the notorious telegram was null and void. The proposal of Mr. Sudell’s was very sportsmanlike, for surely after having done as they were ordered in playing Everton, they could reasonably object to again competing in the second round.
EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Tuesday 13 December 1887
I learn from a usually well-informed source that Bootle will not further complicate matters by protesting in the matter of their Liverpool Cup tie with Everton. It is possible the latter will ask the local committee for an extension of time, which would mean that the standing orders are to be suspended for a month. Surely the clubs of purely amateur status will not assent to such a proposal, which would be absurd in the extreme.
Everton are trying to get a remission of their sentence, so that they can fulfil their holiday engagements. I hope they will succeed, for the F.A has asserted its authority and a fortnight’s suspension will have the same effect on outsiders as a month’s and it would be a great boon to Everton to be able to play at Christmas and New Year. Being without five of their best men is sufficient punishment, especially when we consider that the “ancient mariners” of Grimsby have come out of their business without a scratch.
Liverpool and District football Association
Everton Disqualified
December 15 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
A full meeting of delegate repressing, this association was held at the Neptune Hotel Liverpool last evening, Mr. A. B. Hull president, occupying the chair. The position of Everton in reference top the local cup tie was under consideration an appeal in view of the existing suspension by the Football Association being made for an extension of time so as to enable the defaulting club to compete in the later stages of the local contest. After a protractor discussion, lasting close upon two hours, Everton was disqualified and Bootle and Liverpool St. John, the two clubs beaten by the cupholders were reinstated. It is understood that Bootle made no claim, the case being left entirely in the hands of the assembled delegates. Bootle and Liverpool St. john's will therefore meet in the second round of ties on Saturday next, and the winners will have to meet High Park (Southport) on the 7 th of January next, an extension of time having been granted for that purpose.
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATION AND THE EVERTON CLUB.
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Thursday 15 December 1887
The committee the Liverpool and District Association met last evening, the Neptune Hotel, Liverpool mainly to take consideration the suspension of Everton by the National Football Association, and that club's position with reference to the local competition. There was a full meeting of delegates, Mr. A. B. Hall presiding. After a long discussion Everton were thrown out the Liverpool District Cup, Liverpool St. Joh’s and Bootle being reinstated, and these two clubs meet next Saturday, at Bootie. The winners of this tie will then play Southport High Park on before 7th January. A commission decided was also appointed to inquire into the importation of players throughout the district. The committee decided to support the application of Everton to the National Association that their suspension should cease on the 19th of December.
EVERTON SECRETARY
Lancashire Evening Post - Friday 16 December 1887
Mr. Nisbet, secretary of the Everton Football Club, appeared before the committee to solicit their support in getting a remission of his club’s suspension from a month to a fortnight, so that it would terminate on the 19th inst. After considering the matter it was decided not to take any action in the matter.
SPORTS AND PASTIMES
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 17 December 1887
NOTES AND GOSSIP
The suspension of Everton is still causing considerable comment in football circles, and diversity of opinion as to the leniency of the sentence still exists. There can be no gainsaying the fact that by their conduct the Everton committee courted the wrath of the Association, and now it has overtaken them they ought not to complain. At a meeting of the Liverpool and District Committee the Sandon lads were shelved out of the Liverpool Cup and Bootle reinstated, but, as a set-off against this, the Liverpool committee promised to use their best endeavors to get a remission of the sentence so as to enable Everton to recommence play after Monday. Mr. Nesbit, the club’s secretary, attended the Lancashire meeting with the object of obtaining their influence in a similar direction, but, recognizing the grave offence committed, Mr. Gregson and his committee wisely refused to take any responsibility in the matter. Mr. Nisbet has issued the following explanation of the club’s position;- “I should like it known that we are applying on the 19th inst, for remission of sentence, and also for permission to play our “professionals” in ordinary matches. It would be very hard on these players (who cannot be expected to know the F.A rules) if, by their dependence on my interpretation thereof, they should be compelled to forego their favourite game for two years. We were suspended on the “supposition” that these men were overpaid for the work they did, and that somehow (the F.A could not say how) their money was made up. There was no direct evidence against us. I admitted that we found these men work, but that they had to do their week’s work (like other men) or lose their jobs.”
LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 17 December 1887
A MATCH AT ANFIELD-ROAD
The funereal proceedings at Anfield-road were somewhat dismal after the many exciting games which have of late been brought off at this enclosure. Gymnasium and St. Peter’s had obtained the use of the ground for an ordinary fixture, and out of force of habit, many of the Everton following turned out to keep the house warm. The vast stand showed up grim and naked under the circumstances, and the quality of the play exhibited was not such as to dispel the prevailing impression of incongruity in the proceedings. The Gym were far clearer than their opponents, who were for the most part engaged in defence of their goal, and were in the end defeated by five goals to nil. There were several performances of merit on the side of the winners, notably by Whittle and Turner, whilst McGlashan was far the most conspicuous of the Saints.
HOW DO WE STAND?
The suspension of the local cup-holders is still the universal theme of conversation, and never was that Injurious sprite, Rumour, more busy or more busy or more bold than in the question now agitating Football Liverpool. Everton were to play Scotch and Irish organiastions during their suspension. How? Apart from Mr. Nisbet’s statement to the contrary in your last week’s issue, how could anyone imagine that Everton officials would lead the club into false a position by any such action? Then it is rumoured that the ground is to be occupied, and their fixtures taken over by Stanley; that Northwich Victoria will play their fixtures at Everton ; that Blackburn Rovers would be glad to do ditto, and Heaven knows what. I merely mention this to show what a pitch public feeling has been excited; for one excellent gauge of the depth to which public feeling has been stirried, is the height of absurdity to which Rumour will ascend. Mr. Nisbets not the man to sit down calmly and meekly make contrition sackcloth and ashes. He has been responsible in a great measure, and he assumes the responsibility for the action which has led to his club’s suspension, and contends that he is fighting for a principle which must in the end be admitted by the Association, and It is quite possible that the Association will yield to the pressure which will be brought to bear in favour of mitigation of the order of suspension against his club. He will be supported in his application by the Lancashire and Liverpool Associations, and by the suffrages of many thousands in this district. But it must be remembered that although many will support Mr. Nisbet in his application, this will not imply a coincidence in views on the question importation. Surely Englishmen are sick of this business; and, above all, surely Lancashire sportsmen are heartily disgusted at the position taken up in this question. Why should it be possible to turn out teams of bona fide locals in Nottingham the Midlands, in Sheffield, and other centres? Teams capable of holding their own against any in the country. There is much to be said in favour of legalizing importation, but there is far more to be said against such system, and the Everton secretary is not likely to find a numerous following outside the county Palatine in the position he takes upon this question.
TOO LATE
On Wednesday night the Liverpool Association came to the only possible decision with reference to, the position of Everton in the local competition. Everton applied for an extension of time in order to retain possession of the Cup, and thus virtually asked for a suspension of the standing orders of the Association to help them out of a dilemma. The position was extremely simple. Everton have been suspended by the National Association on very specific grounds. If the English Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers was null and void, equally so were the Liverpool ties against St. John’s and Bootle. For the Liverpool Committee to maintain Everton in their competition, would have been to set aside the flat of the National body, and it was only by a very narrow squeak that they missed placing themselves in so false a position. However, both Bootle and St. John’s have been reinstated, and these clubs must play off to-day, whilst the winner must meet High Park (Southport) on January 7th. Then it was proposed by a member of the Committee that the status of certain players should be inquired into, but this being rather too personal a matter, the Committee came to the more dignified conclusion to appoint a commission to enquire into the state of district clubs in general with reference to the question of importation and veiled professionalism. This is all very well. We welcome such a commission, and sincerely hope that its deliberations may be productive of good to the general interests of local football. But at the same time such action is tardy, I will not say tainted; but one would have been far more satisfied of its benevolent intention had it preceded the Compton Commission. The Liverpool Association have been in an infinitely better position to obtain cognisance of local affairs than the National Council, and yet theirs is not the initiative action. Supposing Everton are reinstated on Monday, what about the Corinthian match next Saturday? On the suspension of Everton, Bootle at once tried to fix Mr. N. L. Jackson, and apparently succeeded. But, I say, what expensive amateurs, Mr. J.? Stoke, however, appear on the scene, and Bootle are dropped. Of course, Stoke is more get-at-able than Liverpool for the London amateurs —at least Mr. N. L. Jackson thinks so. And, I say, Mr. J., please to correct that remark about Everton’s being made by the system of importation. Ask Jack McGill, Bob Morriss, or Tom Marriott about that. They think at Everton that importation has done far more injury than good for Everton.
THE FORTHCOMING COMMISSION
The following is a list of the forth coming commissioners in the matter of veiled professionalism in this district : A. B. Hull (President L. & D. F.A.,) R. E. Lythgoe (hon. sec. L. &D. F.A.,) with Messrs. Evans (Everton), Lament (St. Peter’s), Owens (Gymnasium), and Churchill (Police Athletic). I cannot say that any local commission would inspire universal confidence, and the fact that it was necessary to divide more than once at the committee meeting when the selection was being made, is clear evidence that such confidence is impossible. The only possible commission whose decision would command respect, would be one composed of men of experience and known capacity unconnected in any way with Liverpool and district. Such a commission, for instance, as the Compton, which was composed of the leading members of the National Association. It is utterly for local men to divest themselves of preconceived ideas, and it is certainly unfair that one of the commissioners appointed should have been member of the committee who first proposed an inquiry into the status of our players, all members of one club. I have every respect for Mr. Evans, and indeed his connection with local football is a distinct gain to the Association. I also freely admit that he is capable of taking as cool and dispassionate a view of any question as any member of the Association. But if experience and known capacity were the only essentials, why was not Mr. Sloan, the most able member of the Association, included the commission?
WHAT “MICKEY FREE” SAYS ABOUT EVERTON AND THE LIVERPOOL CLUB
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 17 December 1887
THE LAST STRAW
The old saying which assures us that troubles never come singly has been fairly and fully verified in the case of Everton. First they get pulled up by the National Association for alleged breach of the professional rule and are immediately suspended for one month, whilst seven of their players are voted to be professionals, although the men have been doing, in some cases at any rate, a hard week’s work for their wages, and denied positively the receipt of any money from the club. I would like to hear a six-and-eight penny opinion on the rule by which this was brought about. Well, all that was bad enough. There was just a little bit of satisfaction felt that the local Cup was likely to all right. But no. After a discussion lasting two mortal hours the Liverpool Association Committee decided to restore Bootle and St. John’s, who were both thrashed by Everton, and the farce of going through the second round between these teams will do repeated to-day.
WHAT NEXT?
“How’s yer liver?” asks the Private Secretary. “How’s your pulse?” Might be asked some secretaries when it was decided that a Commission was to be appointed to enquire into the question of importing players into the Liverpool district. So long as the finding situations for players was looked upon as a perfectly legitimate piece of business, of course, there was no need! any uneasiness, but now that we have had a clear and definite decision the English Committee which states that such action is not legal, and that players so obtained are professionals, well, all I can say is that may prove very awkward for several clubs as well as Everton if only half what I am told should on investigation prove true. But of course, we must not believe all we hear.
THE EXODUS BEGUN
Cassidy and Murray have taken their leave, and gone back to t’other side of the Tweed. Well, so far, as my opinion goes, the loss is not irreparable, for although both of these players have figured well in five-aside contests, it can hardly be urged that either of them was up to Everton form. I would, however, be sorry to see any of the others go, as I think they are quite worthy their positions in the team.
CUP OF SORROW
At last it is to be removed from its case at the Sandon. No brimming over with Moet and Chandon this season. Well, well, the boys need not be sorrowful after all, as it has not been taken from them in a fair stand up tussle, and although its future destination is still a matter for conjecture, the winners this season can hardly lay claim to the title of local champions.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 17 December 1887
Everton club
December 19 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –I notice in your paper that the Everton Football Club had a general meeting this week. I an old member, had no notice of it. Many friends of the club asked me if I attended, and I informed then I had never heard of it until I saw your remarks. This must have been a veiled meeting. If not, why not call the old members together. Your's &c, Old Evertonians. December 17 th 1887.
Everton Football Club
December 19 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir- The announcement of the decision of the Liverpool Football Association with regard to the Everton Football club cannot but occur to all as being anything but fair. The precision with which they (the Everton Football Club) have been singled out as the representative to bear the onus of a practice, which was introduced by and is still in vogue in teams so high in favour as Bootle and Stanley, is remarkable and greatly adds so the reputation of the impartiality of the association. How the individual members of that association can reconcile their minds to their own inconsistency is beyond the comprehension of a few. They, without a protest of any kind, take the question of importation in their own hands, and after two hour's discussion this is the result –Bootle reinstated not interfered with, and Everton (as usual) “sat upon.” Perhaps some of your readers can inform me whether any of the following are imported football players or not; - Bootle; - T. Vietch, W. Vietch, G. Galbriath, R. Hutton, Anderson, Heyes, Calderwood, or Calderbank” Hasting, Izzatt, Lewis, and Watson. Stnaley; - R. Stephson, McGregor, Pollock, Weir, Goodall, Yours &c, F.B., Liverpool Dec 17, 1887.
The appeal of the Everton Club. Football difficulties.
December 20 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
The difficulty which has arisen as to the action of certain local football clubs is being eagerly discussed by those who take an interest in the game. It is pretty generally regretted that the hitch should have taken place at this period of the season when the pastime is so much participated in, and when some important and interesting matches are arranged, which have been looked forward to not only by players but by the public, as affording amusement to those who like outdoor sports at Christmas time. Among various clubs it is feared that if moderate action is not adopted serious further complications may result. Whatever may be the immediate consequences we hear that a revision of some of the rules of the Association will be proposed which will tend to make them more definite, and which will prevent this difficulty arising another season. A meeting of the Council of the Football Association was held last evening at Holborn, when the application of the Everton club asking for a remission of their month's suspension was considered, but the council refused to sustain it.
EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Tuesday 20 December 1887
I learned from a good source that negotiations were entered into so as to play the Stanley v. Earlestown Cup tie on the Everton ground, but that the committee of the latter club asked such an exorbitant sun -15 pounds, it is stated –in addition to the stand receipts that the overtures closed with a negative result.
In reference to a meeting of the Everton Club, alleged to have been held at the commencement of last week, complaints are rife that certain of the members had not notice whatever of the event. The conviction seems to be gaining ground that sweeping reforms will have to be made, and that the time has not arrived for vigorous action to be taken.
Everton believe they have fair cause for complaint that, while club was thrown out, another equally as culpable as themselves was reinstated; and wonder how the individual members of the Association can reconcile their minds to their own palpable inconsistency. It is very remarkable fact, and one well worth bearing in mind, that the troubles at the dribbling game are the result of the Challenge Cup competitions.
Everton F.C. do not much object to the Football Association’s action, but they appear to be very bitter about the manner in which their case was dealt with by the Liverpool Association. They complain that they “have been singled out to bear the onus of a practice which was introduced and is still in vogue in teams so high in favour as --- ---,” On second considerations, I will give the names, which, however, are very well known to the committee of the Liverpool Association itself.
Everton Football Club
December 20 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
Sir- During the present crisis why should the members wait for the committee to issue invitations to a general meeting? It is for the members to call a meeting to see if they think the present committee are competent to rule the club –Yours &c, Another Evertonians. Everton, Dec 19, 1887.
Everton football club
December 21 st 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –I have to thank you on my own and on behalf of a large section of the football public of this city and district for the space you have devoted to matters relating to that sport in your columns, and especially in regard to the present difficulty at Everton. Several letters have appeared referring to your statement that a meeting of the members of that club had been held during the previous week. I cannot learn that such a meeting has been held, and if it was, many who ought like myself to have been apprised of it, have not. I cannot think therefore it has been held. Such meeting, however, should have been called, and will be, I trust ere long, the sooner the better; and the suggestion of “Another Evertonians” be adopted; and seeing that the committee, for reasons best known to themselves, have not called it, members ought to form the necessary syndicate and compel them to do so. The present position of the club is irritating and embarrassing enough, but the responsibilities of member's percuniarily entitle them to some more direct control of the club's business and a more intimate knowledge of its transactions. I say this out of no spirit of a antagonism to members of the committee as individuals, but with the full sense of my duty as Member of the Club, Liverpool, December 20 1887.
Everton Football Club
December 24 th 1887. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –I learn there is at length a probability of a general meeting of the members being called for the discussing of the club's affairs. The financial question will, no doubt be discussed, and I therefore append the following extract from the rules;- “That if the funds shall at any time be insufficient to meet the current expenses of the club, a levy shall be made on all the members, who shall contribute proportionately to make good the diciency. As this clause greatly effects every member of the club, it is to be hoped that a full and exhaustive inquiry will be made. Yours, &c, An Old supporter of the club. Dec 23, 1887.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir – The District Association have, to my mind, placed themselves in rather an awkward position over the Everton inquiry so far as the reinitiating of Liverpool St John's was concerned, that is, if they were guided by a decision of the English Association. Dick was the only player dealt with by association who took part in that tie. If dick was not a qualified Everton man on that date, what about his qualification to represent the district at Paisley after the tie? I do not think the association took the wises course of action to them, with regard to the Bootle v Everton tie, certainly not the most satisfactory for either club. if, as we are led to believe, they were framing their action from, and going to be ruled by the decision of the parent association, the best plan would have been to extend the time, and them keep the clubs from meeting all the result was known. I do not know what their grounds of inquiry were certainly not on precedent of the action of the senior associations on such questions, their being the result of protests while ours would make us believe it was from purely disinterested motives their inquiry was made. If they intended, as a professedly unbiased body, which they are supposed to be, to go into the matter thoroughly so as to see to what extent veiled professionalism is carried on the district, why did they not, for instance take the team they selected to play versus Aryshire, and inquire into the eligibility of some of the so-called amateur who represented them in that match; and not an individual club against which according to their own showing their was no protest. Trusting the committee appointed to investigate the question will tell members they are there as an independent body, not as a clique, to sift the matter thoroughly with out fear of favour, Yours &c, T.H., Bootle, Dec 23, 1887.
CHRISTMAS AT EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 24 December 1887
By “Mickey Free”
No comfort was obtained from the magnates who meet at those commodious and well-appointed offices in Holbom Viaduct, and whose designation as set forth on a most pretentious-looking brass plate happens to be, “The Football Association.” No, sir, the laws of those ancients many times referred to, which altereth not, are not more inexorable than the said Association. No softening of the hearts which might be expected at this season of the year; oh no, this terrible plague which has been winked at so long, must be crushed out, and so poor Everton have to remain with the official thumb screws on until the New Year has become a week-old. The Ulster Club are aware, as well as other clubs all over Great Britain, of the unhappy times upon which the Evertonians have fallen, but with that warmness of heart peculiar to the Irish race, the Ulstermen declared they were not going to be deprived of the pleasure of a visit to their old friends, and come what will, they will be at Everton ton Monday next. I can imagine some few smiling at the above, and saying. “Hello! Mickey is blowing his own trumpet.” Faith, my native modesty, which I delighted to say has never forsaken me, rebels against such a thought, but I could not pass over the fact of the forth-coming visit in silence; it speaks volumes, and I feel quite proud of the event. Of course, Everton cannot play them, but a team will be found capable of giving them a good game, and I trust that the friends of Everton will rally round the old blue and white standard, not only as a compliment to the visitors, but with the view of showing the grumblers and detractors of our local champions that the club has not fallen one whit from the high position which it had attained in their estimation. I have just ascertained that Stanley have arranged to play Everton fixtures against Ulster and Cowlairs. This is pleasing intelligence indeed. Last Saturday this club had a set to with Earlestown, from which they emerged with a draw, and as each side have protested against the other it is hard to say what may come it.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 24 December 1887
BOLTON WANDERERS AND COWLAIRS.
Sir,—l shall be much obliged If you will publish the following. After the suspension of Everton, I received a letter from the Cowlairs secretary asking for a match, as they could not play Everton. We arranged, it was confirmed, and last week I received a letter saying that, as Everton had applied for a remission of sentence, they still considered themselves bound to them. Quite right, and I replied to the effect that if Everton were successful we would gladly waive our claim, but, if not, then we should consider our arrangement binding. This letter was written on the 15th inst., and on Tuesday last I again wrote him, saying that as Everton were not able to play, our arrangement, of course, stood good. This morning (Saturday), after our bills were printed, I received a postcard as follows;-
“You must consider our engagement cancelled as per my letter of the 13th inst. Our prior engagement prevents us meeting you. Sorry to have troubled you, but expected you would have considered it off after mine of the 13th.—Yours truly, “Geo. Henderson.”
Why off when I had written him to the contrary?
The simple truth of the matter will doubtless be found in the fact that someone has been good enough to give them more than we arranged to do, and yet Scotch clubs play for the love of the game, and not from mercenary motives. Had Everton been reinstated, then I would willingly have cancelled the match, but writing asking to play us, and then throwing us over because presumably of having better offer, is what I consider most mean and shabby treatment.
—Yours truly, John J. Bentley. - Secretary Wanderers F. C.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 24 December 1887
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Sporting Life - Monday 26 December 1887
It is officially announced that Robert Hothersall, of Witton has been suspended by the council for a fortnight from December 19 for misbehavior in cup ties with Darwen and W.H. Briscoe of Everton Club until February 5, for playing during its suspension. Any club or player playing with or against either of the two named will be liable to suspension.
BRISCOE SUSPENDED
Athletic News - Tuesday 27 December 1887
Briscoe of the Everton Club, has got himself suspended for playing with another club whilst his own was “serving its time.” It seems rather hard that amateurs cannot play where and when they like, but it is the rule and must be acted upon.
MARRIED V SINGLE AT EVERTON
December 27, 1887. The Liverpool Mercury
An evenly contested match was played gratis at the Everton Ground yesterday morning between teams representing the married and single members of the Everton Club, the Benedicts winning by 5 goals to 4. J. McGill was credited with all the points by the victors.
Everton F.C. and their goalkeeper
December 31 st 1887. The Liverpool Courier
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –I will esteem it a favour if you will grand me a few lines in your valuable paper to say a few words regarding the above. Now that the expiration of the time of suspension is near at hand and we shall have the pleasure of seeing the favorite blue and white again perform, I hope the committee will not continue to act so unfairly to their tried and clever goalkeeper, Joliffe. Hundreds if thousands were greatly disguised by the committee leaving Joliffe out of the team after his wonderful display against the Bolton Wanderers, and the grand display against Bootle in the local cup tie. Surely there must be something radically wrong with the committee to put a player out of the team, who is playing so well, and to bring a man every Saturday from Preston, which I think, is a very expensive way of doing things. I hope that when the Everton Club play their first match on January 5 th , I may have the pleasure of seeing “the right man in the right place.” I m sure thousands will be greatly pleased like myself. –Yours, &c, One who never missed a match, Everton, December 30 1887.
Note from courier
In securing the Everton ground,, for the Stanley v Ulster fixture, There was an attendance of 3,000 spectators.
LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 31 December 1887
CHRISTMAS IN LIVERPOOL
The great winter festival has not been quite so happy for the district football community, nor has there been such high carnival as usually prevails. At the Everton ground an attempt was made to dissipate the despondency of the shut-out footballers. The indiscretion of young Briscoe, whereby the formation of a new team at Anfield-road will be still further impeded, and the refusal to entertain Everton’s appeal for reinstatement, have made the club partisans very bitter. One hears of dissatisfaction with the Executive, and indeed this dissatisfaction has been expressed in a correspondence in one of the local papers, but as a rule little importance attaches to unsigned epistles, notwithstanding the significance sought to be attained by the substitution of an expressive nom de plume. The bitterness against the Liverpool Association has, I am given to understand, taken a very objectionable form expression. Can any reasonable person condemn the Local Committee for giving effect to the decision of the National Association? What was the alternative? The case stands thus. The National Association pronounces seven of the Everton team ineligible for the National Cup competition; the laws of the Liverpool Association are those of the National body; Everton were disqualified, and their beaten opponents reinstated by Mr. Alcock’s Committee, what was the only possible course for the Liverpool Association with regard to the Liverpool Cup ties played by Everton? Because they adopted a course of proceeding inevitable on account of circumstances beyond their control; because, as it is generally understood, Mr. Hull, the President of the Liverpool Association, prevented the Committee from placing themselves in antagonism to the parent body, has, so it is said, been the recipient of some elegant specimens of the anonymous “polite letter writer.’’ My information is to the effect that Mr. Hull had serious intentions of “washing his hands altogether of connection with local football; but we could ill dispense with the services of such men as Mr. Hull; the Local Committee would very soon become a mere puppit if such a misfortune befell it; and the President of the Liverpool Association can well afford to treat with contempt the pitiful outpourings of his unwelcome and uncivil correspondents.
THE ULSTER MEN AT ANFIELD
One of the rumours to which, I alluded last week with reference to the Everton fixtures appears to have been well founded, for Stanley played the Christmas fixture with Ulster, whilst it is announced that they will play Cowlairs on Monday. This latter arrangement seems to have been a sort of afterthought, and the Scothmen do not seem to have acted very squarely with Mr. Bentley in the matter; but be that as it may, Liverpudlians will have an opportunity of seeing one of the most noted and some respects even notorious Scottish organisations. The game between Stanley and Ulster proved a hollow affair; for notwithstanding the popularity of the Irish team at Everton they are only a moderate lot, and Stanley had difficulty in defeating them by five goals to nil. The attendance was nothing like the great holiday crowds of Anfield-road; but the number was set down as 4,000, a very respectable figure all things considered. Stanley had out their best eleven and showed some capital form, Goodall's shooting at goal being more than usually accurate. The game opened smartly, and the visitors put in some severe pressure upon the home goal for a few minutes, but being driven back were rarely seriously dangerous afterwards. Brown scored the first goal for Stanley, after a good run, and before half time the visitors' custodian made a somewhat feeble attempt to get the ball away, and McGregor was not slow to take advantage of the favourable opportunity, so that Stanley led by two goals at the interval. The second hall was even more favourable to Stanley than the first, for they were ever on the attack, whilst the visitors did not show any particular brilliance in defence. Goodall scored twice, and Brown also got one past a not over brilliant goalkeeper, and Stanley won with ease by five goals to nil.
THE EVERTON GROUND TENANTED ONCE MORE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 31 December 1887
By “Mickey Free”
A GOOD GATE
The hopes and wishes which I felt it my duty to express in your last week's issue with regard to the friends of the Everton Club flocking round their banner were fully realized on Monday, when something like three or four thousand spectators lined the ground to witness Stanley (as substitutes for Everton) play the Ulster club. In the morning no end of amusement was provided gratis by the veterans, married v. single of the Evertonians, in which, after tremendous struggle, the Benedicts proved their superiority over their bachelor brethren by five goals to four, and I may here mention that the whole five goals for the old married men were kicked by Jack McGill, who strutted about in a pair of gorgeous crimson knickers of a most ancient style of cut, and a jersey of an indescribable tint. He looked a perfect cherrybum.
A QUCER GAME
Ulster were the first on the field in the afternoon and received quite an ovation. They were soon followed by the dark blues, who also came in for a very cordial reception. It looked any odds on Ulster scoring right an away but it was fated to be otherwise, as between the backs and Urquhart in goal the shots which would have told were rendered of non-effect. Reid and T. Millar made several good attempts and then McGoldrick missed an easy chance, but Brown coming with a rush scored first goal. Shortly after this the Ulster goalkeeper ran out foolishly and McGregor easily notched a second point, and the game at half time was two to nil in favour of Stanley. In the second half Stanley had much the best of the game Watson was almost useless at full back. His intentions were good and the force of his kicks tremendous, but, unfortunately, he so frequently spent his great strength in the air that to use one of Mark Twain’s expressions, the ground flew up and hit him, to the great amusement of the spectators who fairly yelled when the burly full back rolled over. Fox played good game, but his efforts, although well seconded by Crawford, who frequently came in for a considerable amount of applause, were unavailing, and Stanley put on three more goals. Some amusement was also afforded to the members of the grand stand on one occasion when Mears came dashing along the touchline. Ball out shouts a Stanley man. The reply from Mears was a kind of stage whisper, but his voice being remarkably clear every word was heard distinctly as he drolled out his words with a neat bit of brogue, yer a sanguinary apostle Annanias, and without looking behind he sped onward amidst a roar of laughter.
AFTER PROCEEDINGS
The Everton officials then took the Ulstermen in tow, and drove them down to the Lathom Hotel, where a capital dinner was served, and a pleasant day was ended by a visit to the Rotunda Theatre. Hero it was evident that the visit had been anticipated, as the name of the Ulster club was introduced into one of the topical songs.
To-day we will have the pleasure of a visit from Northwich Victoria, who will be met by Stanley, and on Monday Cowlairs will pay us a visit, when the Northwich Victoria will fill Everton’s place. May I now express the sincere hope that profitting by an experience dearly purchased this will be the last occasion upon which Everton will be obliged to seek for other men to step into their shoes.
