THE PEAKITES POTTED AT EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 November 1888
By “Mickey Free”
DOWN DERBY, DOWN
“Fain would I climb," said well-known Derby, historical cuss, and so would poor Derby, and, although not fearing a fall like the adventurer referred to, yet they are still on the bottom rung of the League ladder. Why is this? They made a good start by beating the Trotters, drawing with Accrington, and were only just beat beaten by the North End. Well, it can readily be accounted for on Saturday at least, they came not only with a weaker team than that which did duty for them the previous Saturday, but they were one man 'short. This is just about the right course to pursue to guarantee being chucked out for next season.
TROUBLE AT HOME
Everton are having their fair share of ill luck, too, and instead of being able to post their teams up on A Monday evening as they did the beginning of the season, much uncertainty prevails as to who is going to play up to almost the last day. Waugh, poor fellow, is still on the sick list, and unless something little short of a miracle occurs, he has played his last match this season. The Dick episode has happily fallen through, and Alec will likely take his place again in the team to-day. It is sincerely to be hoped that this is the last occasion upon which we will hear of questionable play in connection with this player.
A BRISK BEGINNING
Everton were again favoured by the spin of the coin, and almost immediately afterwards the Derby goal had two marvelous escapes. Sugg put in a mighty lifter the ball struck the bar on the underside, but was knocked back into play. The anxiety of the Derbyites did not finish here, as in few seconds Costley repeated the performance with the same ill-luck. Rouston got the ball away, the home backs were fairly doubled, and to the no small surprise Smalley and the spectator Needham banged the leather through out of reach in about minute or so from the starts
COULDN’T STAND IT
This was just a trifle more than Captain N. J. could stand. So off he trotted to the front and took up Sugg's place. “Look out for equells now,” said one of his admirers, and sure enough we had a little hurricane directly, and by a really magnificent screw round Ross mode the score level. The visitors did not flag, however, but played up in fine style; in fact, during the first half their play was of a more dashing character than that at Derby but it was of no use, as Everton, playing a better game all round, held them safely, and crossed over with the substantial lead of 3 to 1.
THE SECOND ATTEMPT
The wind being now in favour of Derby, of course it looked possible that their second half might prove more fortunate, but it not so, and the laming of Chatterton added to their difficulties, and one more goal was the result their efforts, whilst the Evertonians added another three.
THE PLAYERS
Derby were, of course, at a great disadvantage: still Higgins, Needham, and L. the Plackett did well. The halves were not so strong, but the backs performed creditably, especially Roulston. The palm was taken by Marshall in goal, who deserves great praise for his efforts, although he was hampered not a little by Costley in the second half. Smalley had not so much to do, and of course it was impossible to tell whether he has got quite right again or not. Sugg and Dobson did their work well, and the honours were pretty evenly divided between Farmer, Holt, and Weir at half back. Costley was occasionally a bit wild, but that grand screw from the corner flag made amends for a lot. Chadwick did not stick to the ball so much, and, of course, his play was better. Ross did excellent service in the first half, but seemed as if he had just got about as much as he earned for in the second period, end good hearty laugh was caused by Dobson calling on him to play up. Watson and McKinnon got on better, and the latter took first honours. He passed and shot with great judgment and showed a turn of speed which it was not thought he possessed. In fact, his form was miles ahead of what he displayed at both Nottingham and Derby. I hope to see a similar performance to-day.
BOLTON WANDERERS V EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 November 1888
In blustering stormy weather, this exciting fixture was brought off at Anfield-road ground, Everton, today. When the clubs met for the first time this season at Pike’s Lane some weeks ago the Wanderers had much the best of the deal, winning by six goals to two, but taking the League fixtures right through, Everton have a decided pull, their respective records up to today reading;-
Everton Played 8, Won 5, Lost 3, Drawn 0, For 20 Against 17
Wanderers Played 7, Won 2, Lost 5, Draw 0, For 18, Against 23.
Everton have played two matches with Aston Villa, winning and losing one, whilst Wanderers were defeated in their first encounter. Everton have twice beaten Derby County, who have in turn defeated the visiting team could not be regarded as first class. Unfortunately Mills-Roberts who did such great service for the Pikes-Laners last Saturday, wired his inability to come, and Gillam, Wrexham’s custodian, officiated instead. Neither Flitcroft nor Parkinson was available; the following were the teams;-
Wanderers; - Gilliam, goal; Robinson, and Roberts, backs; Bullough, Scowcroft, and Weir half-backs; Brogan, Davenport, Barbour, Milne, and Tyrer, forwards. Everton; Smalley, goal; Dick, and Dobson, backs; Weir, Holt and Farmer, half-backs; McKinnon, Watson, Ross, Chadwick and Brown, forwards. Referee; Mr. Cooper, Blackburn.
At ten minutes past three Ross kicked off for Everton. The home team obtained a corner promptly, but it came to nought, and Davenport getting off, Milne made a fine attempt at goal, which Smalley cleared. The ball went behind. Everton then spurted and Gillam gave a corner from a shot by Ross. The Trotters replied by a good run, and then Brown was conspicuous. The Wanderers now made a fierce dash, but Brown replied by a good run, and Roberts saving smartly. Smalley hit out one from Brogan, and directly after Roberts stopped a rush by Ross. The visitors now missed a few grand chances. Everton besieged the opposing citadel, but Gilliam saved well, Roberts assisting a minute later in stopping a hot one by McKinnon.
HALF-TIME; Bolton Wanderers 0, Everton 0
Everton now had the befit of the breeze and they immediately began to press. Five minutes from the start Brown scored amid loud cheers, and a little later Ross put the ball through, but a previous claim of foul caused the point to be disallowed. The ball was then worked clear, and Brogan made a wild attempt and Tyrer a shot of similar character. Dobson sent, to the right and McKinnon kicked wide. From the free kick close to the Everton goal the Wanderers drew level. Everton again spurted up, and five minutes later Ross again drew ahead by fine screw. Roberts now saved rushes by kicking out, and Everton won a fine match by two to one.
Final Result; Everton 2, Bolton Wanderers 1
RETALIATION
(Special by Grumbles.”)
Nothing could have been more dispiriting than the conditions of the atmosphere, and the light was by no means good. Everton were the first to appear, and there was a little preliminary kicking among the surface water, which splashed up here and there. Dick, who made his reappearance, had a special reception of a very cordial character. The Wanderers, who played in white shorts, won the toss, and naturally secured the wind and driving rain as allies. Bob Roberts was first called upon for a long kick, and Dick was soon engaged in a like manner. Then a good corner was secured for Everton, which being partially got away, Bullough headed clear. Then there was an exciting minute-and-a-half in front. Smalley and Dobson let the left in rather dangerous, and Milne sent a flyer right across the goal. Ross, whose position had been altered to centre forward, now got in a shot which Gillan turned round the post and the corner was put behind. Bob Roberts hereabouts was conspicuous for some heavy kicking; but a pretty doggy run by Brown gave Ross his chance, but he screwed across. Then Brogan was cheered for a neat bit in front. Robinson saved at a most critical moment, just as Ross took a lightning shot. Davenport threatened his way the whole length of the ground, but was cleverly pulled by Dobson. Watson and McKinnon having got the best of a tussle with Roberts, it looked odds on Everton scoring, but Watson’s final effort was a miserable failure. Roberts having blocked Ross, the Wanderers centre got away at a rare bat, but the ground was too slippery for fast going, and there was the comical spectacle of some five of the players colliding and coming to grass at the same moment, the while the Everton backs were sternly defending. Brogan, who was conspicuous for his mud-soaked jersey, now made the first really good shot of the match, Smalley fisting out promptly. Nick Ross at length got clear of Roberts and tried his best, but the wet ball glode off his boot at the wrong angle, and no better luck attended Kenny Davenport at the other end. The Everton goal was now fired at perpetually for several minutes, “Kenny,” Brogan, Barbour, and Milne each taking a turn at popping, but Smalley and his backs defended gallantly and Davenport finished by missing a certainly. Then the referee had a bit of trouble, first awarding a foul to the Wanderers which rather displeased the crowd and next penalized the Everton men over some throws-in. The tendency of the Wanderers’ backs to get too far up the field was nearly being punished as the Everton front rank were left with a clear course. A bad kick spoilt the chance, but a corner following some grand defence was show, Gillian doing really good work. Relieving the pressure, the Wanderers were rewarded with a corner, whilst Smalley caught and threw out a long flyer from Davenport. Half-time was now approaching and nothing done, except to give the players a thorough drenching. Everton were on the attack when the whistle blew.
During the interval one had time to look around the ground and marvel at the magnificence attendance, considering the weather. There could not have been less than eight thousand spectators round the ropes. Baldwin had determined to postpone his parachute descent, but there was a regular umbrella fair at Anfield-road. With the restart there were soon a sensational incident, for Bob Roberts missing his kick let Everton in, but Gillan was equal to the emergency. Everton ere now feeling the benefit of the wind, and acted accordingly, the ball for some time never passing beyond the centre crease. After six minutes play, Robinson, Roberts and Gillian seemed to get in a muddle, and taking advantage of it, Brown ran up and crashed the ball through. The Wanderers proceeded to kick off again as if it was a clear case of no goal, but the referee disabused their minds of this fond delusion by allowing the point. Two minutes later Ross had got the ball again past Gillan, but Everton had just previously foolishly claimed a foul. There was plenty of excitement about the free-kick, and Mr. Cooper will have a warm experience to recount of the day he referred at Everton, and the claims he was called upon to decide, @Foul,” Foul,” was the constant cry from all quarters of the field, but the Wanderers were meanwhile certainly not shaping to clear off the goal against them. Just about now Tyre was getting most of the play, and doing his best to justify his county selection, showing better form probably than on any previous League match. Just on the half-hour the Wanderers rushed a goal through from a free kick, but Everton again got ahead and so avenged their defeat at Pike’s Lane.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 03 November 1888
EVERTON 2 BOLTON WANDERERS 1 (game 9)
November 5 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
In weather the reverse of pleasant to spectators and players this return match was played at Anfield-road on Saturday in the presence of 6000 spectators, which number would, no doubt have been doubled had the day been a good one for football. It will be remembered that at the last meeting of these clubs, at Bolton Everton, were defeated by 6 goals to 2 principally owing to the indisposition of four of their players and the bad state of the ground but on Saturday the home club was at the full strength, and managed to wipe out the previous defeat by 2 goals to 1. The visitors brought a strong eleven including Gillan who was to have kept goal for the home with club this season, and Bethal Robinson. The ground considering the rain was as good as could be expected, but a strong breeze nilltated against an accurate gae. Ross lost the toss, and started the half against the wind and hill. Chadwick and Brown were first to get conspicuous in a nice dribble up the left, and the former had hard luck with the finish Gillan managing to clear at the expense of a corner which was fruitless, and then Robinson had to kick out to save from Brown a minute later. The Wanderers now got towards Smalley Milne finishing with a weal shot. From the free kick, Holt got possession and sent in a warm shot to Gillam who had to conceded another corner to save his charge, but the wind carried the ball over the line. Dick intercepted Brogan and Davenport in Everton quarters, and sent the ball to Brown, who gave Ross a chance but the latter's shot went wide. Again the opposing right pair went down, but were erractic in their shooting. After Ross had tried to find an opening Dobson successfully tackled Davenport in his bid for goal, and the ball rolled harmlessly out. A wide shot by Watson having been sent in Smalley had a warm handful from Davie Weir which he easily negotiated, and the ball was taken to the other and where Gillan was again tested by Chadwick but only a corner was the outcome, which was also worked. Weir then gave Ross another chance, but his finishing touch was wide. With this let off the Trotters''soon rushed to the home and where Weir managed to stave off Barbour and then Tyrer sent in a strong shot, which Smalley had no difficulty in getting away. Again Everton paid a flying visit to the Wanderers ground, and McKinnon slipped as he was in the act of sending the leather home. Excitement now ran high, as Chadwick ran the length of the field from a throw in, but the chance was missed. Luck was against the home team, Gillan neutralizing himself in keeping his clean clear. A free kick falling to Everton well in, Farmer put the ball between the posts without any player touching it. Even play then set in, and when the half-backs whistle sounded neither side had scored. On changing over, with the wind in their favour, Everton soon bore down on Gillan who had to dispatch two shots, from Watson and Farmer, but Failed to stop one from Brown, who gave his side the lead, amidst the greatest enthusiasm. From midfield Everton again pressed and soon Ross beat Gillan a second time; but the home umpire had previously claimed for a foul and, the point was accordingly disallowed and a free kick given, which Ribinson got away. A foul was here given against Roberts for tripping McKinnon, which however, came to nothing,, and tyrer and Milne ran up, but Dobson eased, and McKinnon was unfortunate in his attempt to add to the score, the ball grassing the upright. The Everton left pair passed neatly up, but Chadwick was wide, in his kick, which let in the visitors, who had a free kick awarded them close in goal, from which the Wanderers equalised. Striving hard to get the lead, both teams were working well, and the various goalkeeping were kept busy. Dick and Dobson having stopped dangerous rushes, the home club at length got a throw in from the corner, and Ross registered a second goal to the delight of the home supporters. The Visitors from now to the end of the game had to act on the defensive although Barbour was spoiled by Dobson in an ominous-looking run, and soon a hard and fast game ended in favour of Everton with the score- Everton 2 goals, Wanderers 1. Teams Wanderers:_ Gillan, goal, Robinson and Roberts, backs, Bullough Scrowcroft and Weir (d) half-backs,, Davenport, Brogan Milne, and Tyrer, forwards. Umpire Harrison, Everton:- Smalley goal, Dick and Dobson, backs, Weir (j), Holt, and Farmer. Half-backs, McKinnon, Watson, Ross (captain), Chadwick Brown, forwards, Umpire Berry (e), Referee J.Cooper
CHESTER COLLEGUE V EVERTON RESERVES
November 5 1888
Everton team, Joliffe (c), goal, Chadwick (a) and an other, backs, Harbour (w), Pollock (h) (captain), and Jones (wh) half-backs, Keys (j) Briscoe (w), Milward (a), Berry (a) and Falls (r), forwards.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 5 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
Saturday's enjoyment was disturbed by thorough going and most cheerless of November weather and dangerous and dullness were as Handy Andy would put it. ‘'Like bad luck-everywhere ‘' The ill-fortune, however, from an Evertonian appear only appites to the meteorological conditions for did they not average-not overwhelmingly, but effectuate-their previous reverse at the hands-or rather to be accurate, at the feet of their old notorious and yet respected opponents that Bolton Wanderers ? On a slippery ground, and in the presence of a large company, which would have been greatly increased under favorable skies the defeat of a month back was turned into victory, and the score reversed in the shape of 23 goals to 1. Instead of 2 goals to 6, Everton thus emerging from nine Leafage tussle with six wins and three losses. They have now settled their account with four clubs having played home and away with Aston Villa Notts County Derby County, and Bolton Wanderers, the remaining contest, the first of the series having given Everton a success over Accrington and the Anfieldites are now planted deeply in a forward position among ‘'the twelve.'' The game on Saturday was of a highly-strung order, the pace being sustained almost throughout, despite the heavy state of the turf from the rain that fell for many hours previously and continued till the interval. There was also a stiffest breeze sweeping from Anfield to Oakfield-road goal against which and the slope the home representative had to content at the outset and yet they fully held their own during the first half, ends changing with both goals intact. On resuming Everton immediately went down to goal in business-like fashion, and were not long ere they scored. This was followed by Ross shooting through, only to be denied, owing to his own Umpire's prior claim for foul, and shortly after the Wanderers pulled up level from a free kick in front of Smalley. Some tem minutes later Ross took full scope of a chance and, with a shot there was no disgrace in allowing to get home, scored the winning point. dick reappeared in the team, and shaped all the better for the leisure of the last three weeks, for he was always safe, in the first half especially so. Dobson also played a grand game, and it would be hard to say which was the more useful in their respective styles of defences. All the half-backs were efficient Holt excelling in accurate kicking, and Weir in tackling. The Forwards were remarkable for hard work rather than combination, but this will be accounted for by the uncertain footing on the saturated ground. W.Brown at length resumed football after his suspension and made a favorable impression on the outside left, his passes being generally well timed, but he was poorly, backed up by Chadwick Watson and McKinnon also were not at their best. Neither Mills Roberts nor Harrison had charge of Bolton's goal, but Gillan-an associate of Everton in their practice games-and he and Smalley were both clever and about equally safe. All the visitors backs were smart, which Davenport and Brogan were the most dangerous of the Wanderers front line.
LIVERPOOL COMMENTS
Athletic News - Tuesday 06 November 1888
By Loiterer
BOLTON WANDERERS AT EVERTON
Nothing could have been more wretched than the condition of the weather for Everton’s return fixture with the Wanderers, and yet the attendance was not short of 6,000. Many circumstances combined to invest this particular game with unusual interest and importance. The Wanderers always “draw” in Liverpool. They have during the present season completely got the whip hand of Liverpool football as represented by Bootle and Everton and the latter were not likely to forget the several handling they received a few weeks before at Pike’s Lane. It was expected that Mills=Roberts would again keep goal for the Wanderers but fortunately for Everton, nothing more formidable was in charge than the Wrexham custodian, Gilliam. Otherwise the team was much the same as that which decisively defeated Bootle on the previous Saturday, although Flitcroft’s inability to play was a serious matter, necessitating the removal of Roberts to full-back, and the reinstatement at half-back of Bullough. Everton again played Dick, leaving out Sugg, whilst on the left wing, Brown, late of Stanley, displayed Costley. The going was naturally heavy after the persistent rainfall, but rarely has a more exciting contest been witnessed, and the visitors were beaten by the irresistible dash of the home team, not by anything
brilliant in play. Indeed, throughout the match, there was a peculiar absence of anything like Individual excellence, as well us a striking similarity in the methods of both teams. From the moment the ball was set in motion until the time the signal to cease was given there was not a dull moment, and considering the state of the ground the pace right through was startling. Playing with the wind to commence, the Wanderers for a time appeared certain to score, Milne and Tyrer both having near shies, but the play was never confined to any particular spot long, and soon there was a dangerous series of scrummages round Gillam, but Robinson and Roberts were quite equal to the occasion. The result of the first forty-five minutes' play, was to leave both goals intact, but the re-start soon saw Everton ahead, although Brown's shot was said to have missed the mark by the Wanderers' backs and goalkeeper. Nothing tires Everton more than success, and the roar of excitement which followed the re-start as Ross again bore down culminated in a perfect yell when the ball was sent past Gillam again. The jubilation was a little premature, however, for a claim of "hands" had just been sustained in time to save the Wanderers' goal. Under the circumstances, the hooting of the referee was not at all in good taste, although the feverish excitement of the spectators was not calculated to make them very rational, from this point the Wanderers rallied splendidly, and they could not be driven away. Dick handled the ball when a goal was inevitable, and the free kick which followed was well utilized, and the game was one all. The game was now considered over, the defenders on both sides having lasted better than the attacking party, but. Ross managed to get a second goal when few would have expected it, a trick 'peculiar to the old North Ender. Try as they would the Wanderers could not equalise, and amid cries of "Time," the referee blew his whistle on one of the most exciting struggles it is possible to conceive. There was not a weak player on either side, and Scowcroft again proved equal to the best half-backs in the game. The Wanderers combination was superior to that of their opponents, but the advantage of the sympathy of such a wildly enthusiastic crowd quite counter-balanced this.
RUMOURS AND REPORTS
It was persistently reported in Liverpool that McGinnis would play centre for Everton against the Wanderers; and now it is stated that Higgins is the long and anxiously looked for one, and that he will take his place in the match against Burnley.
That whisper on the Everton ground was an unmitigated ass, and caused no end of annoyance to the players in the closing stages of the match between Everton and the Wanderers. Brown was a decided success on the Everton left wing, and played a very honest game on Saturday. He will soon overcome the antipathy of a section of Evertonians, if he always keeps to this style of play.
NOTES
Someone has been kind enough to circulate a most unwarrantable and untrue report of the League meeting recently held to consider the conduct of Dick, of Everton, in a match at Nottingham. I have received the following from hon. Secretary to the League, Mr. Lockett;-
I see that some of the sporting papers are publishing a so-called “Official Report” of the League meeting of last week, and of the charges made by Notts against Dick, of Everton, from which it would appear that I had forwarded such report, as the result of the deliberations of the League. The real report should read; - “That the charges of rough and brutal play against Dick were not substantiated in any particular, but Everton admitted the use of bad language (to one of his fellow players), and were quite willing that Dick should apologies for this.” The League committee also advised Notts to withdraw the charges forwarded to the Football Association.
LIVERPUDLIANA
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 10 November 1888
By Richard Samuel.
SWEET REVENGE
Both Bootle and Everton had very serious business in hand last Saturday, and both acquitted themselves entirely to the satisfaction of their well-wishers, and with a success which must have made the players glow with that sweetest of all satisfactions, the gratification of wiping off an old score with a rival. Everton’s victory over the Wanderers was received at Anfield road with a wild outburst of enthusiasm which was none the less vociferously expressed because of the exciting nature of the closing period of play. The issue was in doubt up to the last, and even now the blindest of partisanship cannot claim any superiority for the winners except in the matter of the score. Of course this is the vital point, and it may be objected that if goals do not establish superiority what will. When a margin is so narrow as two to one, when the game is fought out with such absolute evenness, the ultimate success is generally settled by Fortune. A stray shot, a sudden stumble, a lucky bias on the ball, any single unforeseen, unsought for incident, is generally the decider of the issue. But herein lies the secret of football fascination.
If success always attended ability, and victory always followed the strong, football form would be too mechanical to retain its powerful hold on the suffrages of such a great following as it has now secured. Well, then, the Everton lads have wiped out the strain of that inglorious defeat at Pike-lane, and now are happy.
THE STRUGGLE AY ANFIELD ROAD
Everton’s team was again re-arranged. The captain’s success as centre forward at a pinch, probably inspired his removal to that position, and the excellent form shown by Dobson decided the committee to entrust the full back commission to him and Dick. Then Brown was introduced on the left wing as a partner for Chadwick and his exhibition was closely scanned, not always with the most friendly disposed criticism. It is only right to day at once that the late Stanley man played a irreproachable game, and has now the chance of striking out a new career for himself in a high sphere, and that all his past delinquencies will soon sink into oblivion, if he honestly tries to play the game in a fair and manly spirit. He showed a rare turn of speed, a power of dribbling and an ability to make the most of a favourable situation, which were very pleasing to those who sought his admission to the club in face of serious objections from its members. As for the Wanderers’ team, it was expected that Mills Roberts would keep goal, but the custodian turned out to be Gillam, who was to have assisted Everton when Smalley was proving coy. The Wrexham man did some excellent work all through the game, especially considering the difficulties of his task on a soft turf and with a saturated ball. Flitcroft was not in his place at full back, and this was unfortunate for Roberts was called back, a circumstance which certainly weakened the half-back line, whilst it did not strengthen the back division. Otherwise the team was the Wanderers’ best. The details of the struggle were of the most intensely exciting description and nothing but extra-ordinary tension could have maintained so headlong a pace on the wet ground, as was kept up for the whole of the ninety minutes. There was scarcely an interval when one team may be said to have gained any distinct ascendancy, although to commence the second half Everton appeared about to get their opponents in chancery. After the scoring of the first goal the Wanderers broke loose, however, and the boot was on the other leg them. In vain did the spectators urge the Everton forwards on; the Wanderers could not be denied and made the game equal. This appeared likely to be the ultimate result, for the pace had told on both attacking parties. Roberts commenced to kick recklessly in the Wanderers’ defence, and one of his ill-judged lunges gave Everton a threw in from a favourable position, and as the ball came past the Everton captain he cleverly diverted it past Gillam, and such a yell rout the air as must have been heard a mile away. Barbour made one ground attempt to retrieve the situation, but an unlucky stumble dashed the cup away from the lips of the Wanderers’ friends and the spectators were so excited about the narrow escape that they commenced to call “Time” whilst a whistle from some source, I don’t know where, was sadly irritating to spectators and players alike. The end came, and Everton gained a dearly cherished victory of 2 to 1.
NOTES
There was a tremendous crowd, although nothing could have been more miserable then the outlook and it rained almost up to half-time. There was no doubt of the superiority of the Wanderers’ forwards, both in combination and individual skill. Brown was about the cleverest of the Everton forwards but Chadwick was no better than usual. There is no denying the fact that the young Rovers has not fulfilled expectations which were formed of him, for he came here full of promise, and with the credentials of the highest authorities. McKinnon and Watson were somewhat slow, the latter awkward, whilst Ross was not an unqualified success on this occasion as director of the front line. Right across the Wanderers’ front line was excellent, Davenport being very speedy on the outside right and Tyrer on the left, whilst Barbour fed the wings and followed the ball with refreshing assiduity. At half-back Everton quite excelled their opponents and it would be hard to single one of the trio for special mention; suffices it to say that the main merit of Everton’s victory attaches to this division of the team. The backs on each side did well; perhaps the best of the lot was Bethall Robinson, and no fault could be found with Roberts, except for rash kicking towards the close, which seemed like a deliberate attempt to waste time, and which was not at all to the interest of his side. It should be stated that the match was played with splendid spirit, and though there were several claims for fouls, only one, I think, was palpable, and that received the penalty. The spectators as in so often the case, did much to arouse a combative spirt, for they completely lost their heads at times, and were unreasonably and unjustly bestile to the referee, Mr. Cooper, of Blackburn. One incident individual was as certainly intoxicated with the excitement as ever man was drunk with his favourite before; for nothing but this could explain his cowardly lunge at a poor little gamin, who was eagerly pressing forward to get a sight of the game and crossed the path of the greybeard, just in front of the Press box.
TOFFEE REVENGED; BOWSTON BUST UP
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 10 November 1888
By “Mickey Free.”
Real Bolton weather on Saturday. A dull leaden sky, a thick mist, which at intervals developed into a heavy down-pour of rain. The ground swampy, the seats and desk for the unfortunate Press men so wet that but for the kind action of a gentleman on the stand, who supplied us with a number of old newspapers and a waterproof sheet, our lot would have been of the damp dampy. Everything seemed damp except the spirits of the Evertonians, who in spite of all the above-named drawbacks, trooped on to the ground until something like 6,000 were present.
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
T’was a great relief to one’s feelings to find that both teams turned up with most commendable punctuality, and as each lot of players came on they were greeted cordially. No end of satisfaction was observed amongst the Evertonians when they saw that the committee had done the right thing at the last moment, and the right thing in this case was the putting of Dobson full back and sending the captain forward in place of Costley. This change just made the difference between winning and losing. Why Costley was selected to fill such a responsible position it is difficult to understand especially against a heavy team like the Wanderers, as everyone knows he is totally unsuited for it.
FULL STEAM
The ball was placed, the whistle sounded, and Ross kicked off against a stiffest breeze. There was no gradual simmering or sparring for wind, on ho, there was a full head of steam put on at once, every man working like a nigger (This “N” word has been written by “Mickey Free” of this paper, and the Blue correspondent only records detail). It was a regular scorcher. Everton’s latest addition (Brown) was not long before he gave evidence of that turn of speed for which he was noted when playing for Stanley, and in conjunction with Chadwick and Ross soon forced a corner off Bethell Robinson. This came to nothing, and Kenny receiving the ball from Bullough had a shy at the other end. Ross next called on Gillam, and so the game went wildly on, each side having some marvelous escapes up to half-time, when a change came o’er the scene. With Boreas at their backs, the Everton men began to make it warm for the visitors and before many minutes elapsed Roberts and Robinson failed to clear and Gillam only managed to get the leather a short distance to the right, where Brown pounced on it and amidst great cheering the first point for the home club was scored. Some kind of protest was made about offside. A study of the last couple of lines of Rule 6 would do the Bolton umpire no harm.
A BIT TOO ROUGH
From the point the game waxed still warmer and there was more man play than is quite consistent with a friendly games. The referee had a hot shop and his efforts were not always appreciated by the spectators. Farmer was penalized for a supposed back, the fact being due to the slippery state of the ground, and the Bolton players’ foot getting on Georgie’s leg, tearing his unmentionable and causing him of necessity to bend. The case against Roberts, however, was of a different stamp, as Bob forgot himself in ducking to McKinnon. However, nothing seemed to check the impetuosity of the players, and didn’t the small Bolton contingent yell when Weir equalized from a free kick close to the Everton goal mouth! Just as Weir kicked the ball farmer tried to block it but missed, and it flew through just under the bar. Their jubilation was short-lived, as Ross soon gained the lead. This was really the third goal for Everton as Ross shot another which was lost through a claim of hands just as he sent the ball flying past Gillam.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Taken all round the game was a fine one, and the Wanderers have nothing to be ashamed of in their defeat. Gallam was well worthy of his place in goal. Robinson played a capital game, and so did Roberts. Kenny and Brogan showed splendid dash at times, and but for the prompt action of Dobson on one occasion nothing could have prevented Barbour fairly dribbling through. He is a fine player and no mistake. Smalley was in good form, Dick was not quite up to the mark, his kicking being too lofty, Dobson worked like a horse, and not without judgment either. The halves were very good. Brown and Chadwick seemed to get on very well together and with Ross acting as mentor in the centre, the forwards were on the whole very formidable. McKinnon did not show up as well as the previous week, but with two men such as Davy Weir and Bon Roberts to deal with this is hardly surprising. Satisfaction supreme reigned throughout the district, for had not Everton wiped out that terrible basting of six to two?
BLACKBURN ROVERS V. EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 10 November 1888
This important League fixture was decided on the Leamington ground, Blackburn, this afternoon, in dull cold weather, before about 6,000 spectators, a large number of whom came from Everton by special trains. Both clubs were fully represented, the Rovers once more having the assistance of Forbes, who has now come to Blackburn for good. The teams were;- Rovers;- Arthur, goal; Hames Southworth and J. Forbes, backs; Douglas, Almond, and Forrest, half-backs; Beresford, and Walton, right-wing; Townley and Fecitt, left wing; John Southworth, centre. Everton;- Smalley, goal; Ross and Dobson, backs; Weir, Holt, and Sugg, half-backs; Watson and Farmer, right wing; Brown and Chadwick, left wing; Milward (Spelt Milner in paper) , centre. Referee; Mr. F.T. Norris, of Bolton. The Rovers changed their jerseys to red and black ones out of courtesy to Everton, who have adopted the famous blue and white so long kept to the fore, first by the Old Etonians and then by the Rovers. The Rovers won the toss and chose to defend the Dukes Brow goal with the wind at their backs in the first half. Hands at once fell to Everton, and Dobson sent the ball through without it touching anyone. Jack Southworth then had a shot but Smalley saved, and at the other end Forbes showed fine form. Forest had a shot after some exciting play, and Smalley was rushed through, but the ball went over the bar. Arthur then saved brilliantly the Evertonians present cheering their men to the echo, Townley made a fine shot, but Ross was “all there,” and a minute later, Fecitt shot the ball behind. The Everton forwards persisted in getting off-side, and the referee caught them in the net, and gave the Rovers the usual free kick. “Hands” was given against Everton in midfield, but Jim Southworth was too strong sending the ball yards over the goal and out of the ground. Smalley saved a scorcher by Beresford, and once more Brown was penalized for his palpably off-side play. From a free kick for hands, Ross gave a corner, and Smalley again came to the rescue with a good save. The home players, although they were pressing, were not showing their best form by a long way, and often they were called to “Play up,” Twenty-two minutes after the start, Walton sent in a beauty, and Townley headed through but the point was disallowed for offside amid hooting. Hands against Everton, close in, gave the Rovers another chance, but Ross came to the rescue again. Twenty-five minutes after the start, Almond put in some fine play and with a terrific shot scored for the Rovers, Smalley fisting the ball against the crossbar, from which it rebounded through the goal. Walton then sent a screamer over the bar and a minute later was injured by a charge from Dobson. Watson shot over the home goal. Then Jack Southworth shot against the post and the ball went out. The Everton backs played finely and although facing the stiff breeze, averted further disaster. The Rovers next had one goal disallowed, and then almost scored a beauty amid cheers. The game continued amid great excitement, but neither side could obtain anything further, and the Rovers led at half-time by one goal to none.
On change of ends the Rovers at once attacked, but Southworth centred weakly, and Dobson relieved then from a centre by Beresford, Southworth only just missed the mark. The Rovers played up much better, and Smalley had to save. Arthur did the same a minute later. Walton all but scored from a centre by Townley. Smalley saved grandly twice amid cheers. Southworth shot widely and Townley di the same a minutely later. The Rovers kept up the pressure, but could not get the ball past Smalley till twenty minutes after change, when Townley made a dashing run, centred and Watson scored. Ross was called to go forward by the Everton supporters but he kept his position at back. Everton had a free kick close in, but failed to score. The Everton men defended well against continued pressure. Dobson gave a corner, but the ball was got away and Ross went forward, Farmer half-back, and Sugg forward. The Rovers at once scored another corner and Smalley saved grandly. The defence simply superb and try as they would the Rovers could not get the ball through. The Everton backs packed the goal when pressed. Dobson then headed through his own goal. Final Result; Rovers 3, Everton 0.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 10 November 1888
BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 EVERTON 0 (game 10)
November 12 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
The first meeting of these clubs this season took place on the historic ground at Leamington-street. The Rovers colours being similar to those of Everton, the home team courteously allowed the visitors the privilege of turning out in the famous blue and white they appearing in red and black jersey. Ross lost the toss, and Milward kicked off against a stiff breeze and Chadwick securing possession, darted off but was checked off, but was checked by Forbes. Hands now fell to Everton in midfield, and Dobson shot through without touching anyone. Play became very exciting but as yet no very good play had been shown. Everton forwards were out of it, and the Rovers had not displayed any combination. The game went on in a ding-dong fashion, and a good run by Brown and Chadwick and a final shot by the latter enlivened things a little. The Rovers backs and half-backs did not allow the visitors forwards to remain long at their end of the field, and John Southworth was noticeable for good passing. Townley next showed what a fine turn of speed he has, by sprinting past Dobson, and then centring beautifully, but Ross cleared and immediately. Beresford secured a corner, which was unproductive. After some even play in mid-field, Walton passed to Beresford, who put in a clinking shot, and Townley, who was lying under the bar headed through but the point was not allowed owing to off-side. Farmer and Watson now showed a pretty bit of passing, and made some headway, but found the two-Internationals-Forest and Forbes-too good for their and again the Rovers forwards worked down the field and a long shot by Almond was only partially cleared by Smalley and unfortunately struck the crossbar and rebound through the gaol. Everton now put more vigour into the game, and the play was improved. Both backs were deservedly cheered for fine defence and kicking Forbes, not being tested in the same manner as Ross showing to great advantage. Playing up hard, Everton passed for a short time, and shots by Milward Chadwick, and Farmer were with some difficulty cleared. Beresford and Southworth were then noticeable for missing two easy chances. The visitors again pressed and Brown had a shot, but being a disjoined effort, and not supported by the other forwards, was easily repulsed. Just on half-time Forbes missed his kick and Southworth kicked over the bar to save. On returning it was seen that the team, whose composition was not the best to start with, was again alliterated Farmer going centre and Milward outset right. It was now thought that the visitors would assume the aggressive, having a good wind at their backs, but the Rovers played a surprising game, and from the kick off at once commenced an attack on Smalley, Fecitt and Townley making some fine runs, and bothering Dobson rather more than he relished. From the kick out, Watson Framer, and Chadwick made a considerable headway, but when coming near goal they seemed to love their heads, and the shots were either weak or went wide. The Rovers were certainly now having the best of it, and Townley brought down the house for a rapid sprint and accurate-centre which Nat.Walton promptly shot through. From now to the finish the Rovers played a winning game, and although Ross went forward and put Farmer half-backs and Sugg full-back, no material difference was noticed for the Rovers forwards kept pegging away at the Everton goal, and after a shot of Southworth's had been repulsed in a weak style another goal was added from a scrimmage, and thus a very exciting game resulted Blackburn Rovers 3 goals; Everton nil. Teams Rovers, Arthur goal, Jim Southworth, and Forbes backs, Douglas, Almond and Forrest half-backs, Beresford, Walton John Southworth , Townley and Fecitt, forwards. Everton:- Smalley, goal, Dobson, and Ross (captain), backs Weir,, Sugg, and Holt half-backs, Farmer, Watson, Milward, Chadwick, and Brown forwards.
EVERTON RESERVES 2 PADIHAM 0
November 12 188. The Liverpool Mercury
The Lancashire senior cup round two
The reserves team having disposed of Turton in the first round of the above cup competition they were deputed to play the above match on Saturday, and although considerably weakened by the enforced absence of Falls Keys Milward, and Pollock, who have not the necessary qualification managed to win easily. At the last moment Fleming did not turn up and consequently the late injured player Cookson was prevailed to play. A large crowd assemble 3000, and Everton team as follows :- Everton, Joliffe goal, Higgins, and Chadwick, backs Jones Fryer, and Parry half-backs, Harbour, Berry, Costley,, Briscoe, and Cookson forwards. Upon commencing hostilities the reserve at once assumed the aggressive and by superior play, combared the visitors' goal continually, and eventually were rewarded by a goal from the foot of Cookson. This reverse roused the Padiham team somewhat, and they played up with increased vigour, but up to half-time no further score was added. In the second half Padiham started off with a bit of dash, but failed to keep it up and again Everton bore down upon the visitors goal and but for wretched forward play and miserable shooting (a point not usually noticed in the second team) must have scored on several occasions. Still the visitors were not discouraged, and kept pegging away, but found the defence much to good for them. Higgins Chadwick, Fayer, Parry and Jones, all being in spendid trim. At last Costley found an opening and increased the score to two., at which number thew Reserves won their way in the third round of the Senior cup. Chadwick played with all his accustomed skill and coolness and was the best back on the field. Fayer also played one of his old games. Parry Jones and old Mike were very safe, but the less said about the forwards the better the play being but poor,, and they are usually the strongest point of the reserves team.
BLACKBURN DISTRICT.
Athletic News - Tuesday 13 November 1888
THE ROVERS TOO GOOD FOR EVERTON
There was a "gate" of six thousand on Saturday at the Leamington ground, where the Blackburn Rovers and Everton contested their League fixture. The Rovers played Forbes in place of Beverley at back. With a powerful breeze against them, Everton set the ball in motion, and after it few minutes of skirmishing, the Rovers attacked a capital centre by Walton being headed through by Townley. The Liverpudlians objected to this point on the plea of "off-side," and the objection was sustained by Mr. Fitzroy Norris. Nothing daunted, the home forwards dashed away and eventually scored. This put the visitors on their mettle, but they could do simply nothing against the home defence, and when half-time came the game stood in favour of the Rovers by one goal to nothing. Hardly had the second half commenced before the Rovers gave their opponents a taste of what they could do even against the wind. Then the Everton men made matters warm in the home quarters for some little time, but Forbes and James Southworth, together with Arthur, proved equal to the occasion, and it was not long before the home team put on a second goal. Ross soon after this went centre forward and made strenuous efforts to lower the colours of his opponents, but to no purpose, and a few minutes before time another point was registered by the Rovers, who ultimately won by three goals to none. There were a good number of Liverpudlians amongst the spectators, who tried to .encourage their “pets" by frantic cheering. The game from start to finish was exciting, and but for the hard lines experienced the Rovers would have made their victory much more decisive. Arthur, for the winners, had an easy time or it between the home sticks, but nevertheless acquitted himself creditably. James Southworth has never played better at back, and that is saying a great deal. As to Forbes, it is sufficient to say that his reputation lost nothing by his display. Forrest was a long way the best of the halves, though Douglas and Almond played well. The forwards as a body worked splendidly, though now and then one of their number was inclined to be a bit selfish. Townley made some capital runs, Fecitt, worked hard, Jack Southworth led his wings fairly well. Walton was as indefatigable as ever, and Beresford proved a himself a good forward even against Ross. Smalley. The visitors' custodian, showed magnificent form, and Dobson was a capital back. Ross, although no one could find fault with his play, was scarcely at his best. The halves kicked well, but were weak in their tackling, the best being Sugg and Holt. Farmer was conspicuous amongst the front division, who taken together, only played moderately. Their passing was very inaccurate and their shooting bad: but they were without two of their usual men, and doubtless this made a lot of difference to them.
Notes
Padiham had choice of ground in their tie with Everton but were u=induced to go to Anfield-road for a substantial guarantee. Everton were, of course, represented by their clever reserve, who defeated the Padiham men, after a good game, by two goals to nil. The Everton juniors are a capital set, and are a credit to their secretary, Mr. Stockton.
The play of Forbes against Everton was as near perfection as possible. The old Vale of Leven back is a splendid acquisition to the Rovers whose defence is now second to none in the country. They greatly fancy their chance for the Cups, and are already talking very big.
Everton were unfortunate in having to meet the Rovers with such men away as Waugh, Dick, and McKinnon.
THE CASE OF DICK.
Notts being quite satisfied with the ruling of the League, and the apology of both Dick and the Everton club, wrote to the Football Association requesting respectfully to be allowed to withdraw their complaint against Dick for alleged misconduct on the 13th October. The magnates which met in London, however, could not consent to this course, and appointed a commission to investigate both the Nottingham and Birmingham affairs. Notts would certainly have preferred that the matter should be heard of nevermore, and as probably the Association would have taken the same course on the Aston Villa complaint, hardly see that Notts deserve all the hard word which the portly " Pollux" hurled at them in the sporting Chronicle of last Friday. I understand that the commission will sit at Nottingham.
EVERTON STILL IN FOR THE LANCASHIRE CUP
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 17 November 1888
By Richard Samuel
It is not a little singular that a tame which has two first team fixtures with Everton, should prove scarcely good enough for the Reserves. But this is an act which was made patent at Anfield road, where Padiham were beaten by Everton Reserves by two goals to nil. Nor was it by any special stroke of ability that the victory was secured on the other hand, the Reserves were quite below par, so far as forward play was concerned through it must be added that the back division was very strong indeed. This was fortunate since the visitors forwards at one point were most persistent in their assaults on the Everton goal. Chadwick was an exceptionally striking figure, and in a lesser degree the old veteran the man of many seasons-Mike Higgins, Everton won by two goals to nil, and they have thus worked their way to an interesting stage of the competition.
EVERTON’S LAST DEFEAT
More ill-luck attended the Everton Committee in their efforts to turn out a good team for an out match, and the only wonder, under the circumstances, is that the defeat was not of a more crushing character. The darkness of the forwards was more painfully manifest than ever, in the face of a wonderfully fine defence and in contrast with the brilliant string of the Rovers McKinnon’s absence was scarcely anticipated nor was it unfelt, for he has developed into a useful if not a particularly clever right winger. Everton are away again today, and with Bootle engaged in a not particularly interesting encounter with Stanley, there the prospect of another slow day in this district.
THE ROVERS VICTORY AGAINST EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 17 November 1888
By “Mickey Free”
WHAT IS WRONG?
By the powers, I’m getting pretty well disgusted with the sky-scraping one day and pearl diving the next. One week the hopes of the great throng of the Everton supporters is raised to boiling point, and the next sees them I don’t how many degrees below zero. What’s the cause of it? everyone asks, and its mighty hard to satisfy the querists that instead of it being entirely due to accidents and so forth that there is a screw loose in the managing machine. There is no doubt that Dick was bad, but where was McKinnon? His absence upset not only the forwards but the half-back also. Farmer was anything but a success on the right wing. He was better than Milward in the centre, but that’s not saying much, as Milward was completely outclassed. He is a young player of promise, but what chance has a mere recruit against a well-trained soldier? Brown set Milward a bad example by lying off-side and he copied these tactics in the first half but it didn’t pay, as directly he got a chance he was properly ruled out of action. In addition to the risk of being given off-side it was not doing justice to his partner (Chadwick), who worked hard from start to finish. Another point to find fault with was placing Holt on the left, were he was very little good compared with what he would have been in the centre. Weir put in a lot of work, but was not so quick as usual. Sugg did good work in the first half, but showed signs of want of condition in the second. Dobson was vigorous, and checked many dangerous rushes, and he scored a goal very cleverly. Unfortunately it was for the wrong side though. He would have done well to have trusted to Smalley. However, there are many excuses for a man in the heat of a fierce attack close in goal. Ross seemed a little bit ill at ease, and did not kick as clean and accurately as usual. In fact the one bright spot on the Everton side was Smalley’s goal-keeping. It was irreproachable.
“FORBES WILL PLAY”
This announcement in brackets was posted across the placards all round Blackburn. Now, judging by the extra-ordinary prominence given to this fact in the home of football, I made up my mind that I was about to see football played in a manner quite as my tedious and wonderful as the tricks of Maskelyne and Cooke. Certain it is that he made ducks and drakes of the feeble attempts of the Everton right wing, but I saw nothing else to justify this special feature in posting. The first half was well contested, and one goal undoubtedly represented the difference between the sides; but oh! Ye gods, what a cutting up there was in the second half. Everton were never in it, although they had the benefit of the breeze. The Rovers played a game worthy of their best days. Although the score only reached three goals, still there can be no question that they had all the best of the game, and were more than three goals better on the play. About five minutes from time Ross put Sugg back, Farmer half, and went centre. This change might have done some good earlier on, but it was too late. Jack only got the ball about once, and the end came leaving the Rovers victorious.
BLACKBURN TO THE FORE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 17 November 1888
So far as home matches were concerned on Saturday, the Blackburn footballers were to the fore with a couple of brilliant victories over powerful clubs.
ROVERS V. EVERTON
Of course the most important game was the great League fixture between the Blackburn Rovers and the now famous Everton team. No club has more rapidly come to the front in football matters than Everton, and no team has played in more in and out form this season than has the crack Liverpool organization. What Witton went is a re-arrangement of their forward line. After the good game they had played against the Bolton Wanderers, the Evertonians were confident that they would be able to take down the Rovers, and therefore it was not surprising that with cheap trips and football at fever height at Everton some 700 enthusiastic followers of the team turned up at Blackburn. When the team came upon the ground it was found that Dick was absent, Ross going full back, Frank Sugg half-back, and that excellent left winger Geordie Farmer on the right wing-an arrangement which was in our opinion a mistake. When the Rovers stepped upon the turf a few minutes before time for starting the people hardly knew them, as out of courtesy to Everton they had changed their blue and white jerseys for red and black ones. It was seen that Jack Forbes, undoubtedly the greatest back that Scotland has ever produced, was playing once more for the Rovers, and the news quickly spread that he had taken up his quarters in Blackburn and was about to open a shop as a hosier and outfitter. A stiff breeze blew from the Duke’s Brow goal, and winning the toss the Rovers chose to have the advantage of it in the first half. The Blackburn men, however, failed to show up at all to advantage and the confidence of the visiting spectators increased so much that they began to chaff the homesters, a proceeding which was not altogether relished. With the wind, however, the Rovers had the best of the play, but even if they got past the backs they always found Smalley on the alert, and it was not until 22 minutes had elapsed that Townley headed through from a fine centre by Walton, only to be ruled offside, as he undoubtedly was. The Rovers again dashed down, and Almond from half-back, put in a shot which proved too hot for Smalley to hold, this being the only point obtained in the first half. In the second half the Rovers’ forwards, aided by the rear division, played such a game that Everton had not a chance with them. Smalley was a host in himself, and nearly half an hour elapsed before Fecitt made a splendid run and passed to Walton, who scored a beauty. Ross was now induced to go forward, but he was so well looked after by almond that he never had a chance, and just at the finish Dobson headed through his own goal in a scrimmage, the Rovers winning a grand game by three goals to none. Arthur had not much to do, but he saved three or four times brilliantly. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the Rovers’ backs and haves; forward, there was not a pin to choose between them. Smalley was the hero of the match, and he was ably backed up by Ross, who I am pleased to say, played a splendid game of football without a particle of roughness.
BURNLEY V EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 17 November 1888
Play at turf Moor. The visitors had a weak team and Burnley played the same organization as last week, with the exception of McFettridge, who took McMahan’s place in the centre. Everton kick-off and the goal was in danger in the first minute. Burnley having the help of a strong wind continued to have the best of the game, the visitors’ backs being kept busy, and eventually from some good forward play by Brady, Gallacher and Yates, Burnley drew first blood amid loud cheers. The pressure was still kept up, the home team receiving great assistance from the wind. A corner was not utilized but holding the leading hand, Burnley pressed heavily, and from a grand combined attack in which the goalkeeper was floored, the ball was rushed through. The play was still all at one end, but was not put to good use. Then the visitors had a run up, but were promptly, checked and the ball returned. Hands near the Burnley goal gave the visitors a chance, which they promptly took advantage of. The ball was sent in smartly. Cox put it over, but it was promptly returned, and the Evertonians scored easily.
HALF-TIME; BURNLEY 2, EVERTON 2
On turning round with the wind in their favour it was fully expected the visitors would play up better and so they did, for he game had not been five minutes old before they got the ball through by a splendid long shot. They continued to play up for a time, and then Burnley made one or two capital assaults but could not get the lead. Everton played with improved combination while on the other hand Burnley played loosely, the best feature being the back play. The visitors nearly scored from a corner and then the home team made a creditable attack. On the whole however, Everton had the best of it. The game ended in a perfect hurricane. Final Result; Burnley 2, Everton 2.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 17 November 1888
BURNLEY 2 EVERTON 2 (game 11)
November 19 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton visited Turf Moor on Saturday for the second time this season to decide the first of their two League matches with Burnley but were not represented with their full strength whilst the home club put a powerful team in the field. The team was the same as beat West Bromwich Albion with the exception that McFetteridge playeda t centre instead of McKinnon. The attendance was large taking into account the uninviting character of the weather, and great enthusiasm was evinced throughout the contest the couple of hundred excursions from Liverpool, especially making their presence known when their champions did anything brilliant. Everton had the disadvantage of contenting against a strong wind which swept from goal to goal, and a rather pronomwed hill on Costley setting the ball in motion, and Burnley lost no time in driving players down the slope as Sugg missed his aim. Ross checked a rush on the right, but it was Dobson who effectual cleared and enabled Chadwick and Brown to get well away. Friel relied, and though Sugg intercepted Everton lines were crossed, and on Friel again pitching play in front Sugg was the more prominent in breaking the attack. Both wings tried a run,, but could not pass Berry and Lang and then Burnley closed up in strong formation. Brady failed to takes Yates pass across the goal mouth, but was uncomfortably near scoring a moment later. The home forwards could not be shifted,, an out of smart maneuvering Gallacher beat Smalley when the game was ten minutes old. Everton went up on the left as far as Berry would be permit and from a throw in at the half-way mark the Visitors were once more in trouble. Here Sugg relief the invaders in check by grand heading, but on Farmer trying to also head, and being six inches lower than the ball, Brady and McKay put themselves in command, overpowered Ross, and Smalley venturing out of his lair and falling McKay shot through. Farmer next pulled up Brady, but Brown found near in, the kick by Abrams, however, being cleverly turned to use by the ex-stanleyite. Chadwick followed up and a free kick falling to the lot of Everton near goal, Sugg in a good aim caused Cox to fist out, Watson banging the return through before the custodian had time to steady himself. A lusty cheer saluted Everton's success against the wind and hill, and from this time forward the play was most determined. Burnley on resuming put the visitors defence on their mettle but disaster was gamely averted, more particularly by means of Sugg and Dobson's heading capabilities. Again Burnley attacked hard. Smalley stopped a volley grandly whilst Sugg gave a corner in coverting a miskick by Ross, and Smalley further negotiated a most brilliant shy from the centre a moment later-indeed the attack was maintained right up to the interval, but the defenders were clever, and ends exchanged with the home club leading with only a one-goal margin. From McFettridge kick off, Costley at once showed how much easier it was to travel down the slope with a rear wind than when having these accidental advantage against him, but the backs easily cut up his progess so Fleming and Watson tried a wing movement with a better effort the latter going just outside from Brown's pass. No relief came from the Burnley goal kick, for Fleming centred to Costley, who toed to Chadwick and the latter equallsed in a spanking shot. The home team at once recovered from the shock, Brady and McKay trying vainly to get the better of Ross. Everton next had a chance on the right but Fleming was too gentle, and the Burnley right wing broke away anxiety being increased when Dobson gave hands in stopping Yates. Ross cleared with the head, but a nice bit of forwards play again located operations at close quarters, in attending to which Dobson got accidentally knocked on the knees. He however, though limping, played on gallantly to the end. The remaining portion of the game, despite a heavy showers, was carried on with great energy and brilliancy, both goalkeepers being several times upon to attend to ticklish shots,, but neither side could demonstrate superiority, and a splendidly-contested and level match terminated in a draw-2 goals each. Teams; Burnley, Cox, goals, Berry and Lang, backs, Keenan, Friel, and Abrams half-backs, Brady, anf McKay right wing, McFetteridge, centre, Yates, and Gallacher, left wing, Everton:- Smalley goal, Dobson, and Ross (captain),, backs, Holt, Sugg, and Farmer, half-backs Fleming, and Watson, right wing, Costley centre Chadwick and Brown left wing. Referee Mr AS.Ormsrod (Accrington)
EVERTON RESERVES 2 SALTNEY 0
November 19 1888. The Liverpool Courier
the league contest at Burnley deprived the Anfield supporters of a first team fixture on Saturday. The contest being an encounter between Stockton's triumphant eleven and the Saltney team from Chester. The weather was very bad,, and the heavy rain made the ground very sudden. They were about 2,000 spectators present when the teams faced each other. The Chester team came with two men short, but able substitutes were provided from the home reserves. Teams follows Everton:- Joliffe, goal, Chadwick (a), and Higgins (m), backs Jones (wh), Fayer (t) and Pollock (h) (captain) half-backs, Cookson, Harbour, Milward, Briscoe (w), and Keys (j) forwards. Saltney:0 Jones, goal, Blake, and Whittingham backs, Davies, Williams, and Sewell half-backs, Hallows, Scott, Parkinson, Merith (j), and Willams, forwards. This match was advertised to commence at 2-30 prompt, but it was 3-45 before the Saltney representative put in an appearance. Having won the toss Milward kicked off, for Everton with the wind, Milward twice giving Jones trouble, but the custodian was all there. After some good play Jones scored for Everton amidst applause. Score at half-time 1 goal to nil for Everton. On resuming again attacked but the ball was worked over the line. Some spendid play by Briscoe came to nothing after at length Jones success in beating his name sake, in semi-darkest and the whistle sounded Leaving Everton victories by 2 goals to nil.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 19 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
In the face of defection and absentee through indisposition, and the consequential ‘'reconstruction'' it was an open secret that Everton engaged in their first League match with Burnley with pardonable misgivings. Moreover, upromising as the teams seemed as chosen it was doubtful right up to the appointed time of starting whether it would not be still further weakened. Only six of the team reached Burnley by the train selected by Mr Barclay two others wandering too far from the platform at Preston whilst waiting for the saloon to be tacked on to the proper train, but these and others turned up with the excursionists, and a more was then made to the well-arranged enclosure at Turf Moor. Dobson was still missing, but just when he had been given up as lost, and Dick was preparing for the emergency, the ex-captain removed anxiety by putting in a welcome appearance, for Dick is at present hardly sufficiently convalescent for such a tough piece of business as was in prospective. When a hearty cheer of greeting had subsided, and players had taken up their positions, it was noticed that McMahon was displaced by McFettridge and Milward and Weir by Costley and Fleming as compared with the teams that fought respectively for the League Championship the week previously, Everton were at once on their mettle on Mr. S ormerod giving the signal for a commencement, for they had to attack if they could uphill and in the teenth of a half gate. Burnley of course, took all the advantage they could of the fortuitous assistance rendered them and pressed in quick succession, with the result that they led by two goals at the end of 20 minutes'hard and excellent play on either side. They had matters much their own way so far, but not farther hands near home soon gave Everton the loophole they had been watchful for Sugg shooting well, and Watson driving the return from Cox through-a surprising point against such a combination of odds. The second half was utilized by Everton in attacking more frequently, but they could only score once, and as this was the sum total of goals the game-hard and brilliant and always interesting ended as it should do in a draw of two goals each. Of the players, the home forwards were much the cleverest quintet and often went away in fine combination, particularly when storming the hill in the second half, Chadwick and Brown for Everton were all that could be desired on the left, except that the later showed a temptation to resort to his old besetting sin of springing. Costley and Watson were fairly good but Fleming spoilt himself by availing rather than seeking tackling. Smalley Dobson, Ross and Sugg were the salvation of Everton, Sugg being especially effective at centre half-backs; while Friel and Lang were ever conspicuous among the Burnleyites. The result of a draw no doubt satisfield the most ranguine hope of the Everton committee who of late have no sooner surmounted one difficulty than another has arisen, and new desertion has supplemented illness is depriving them of material select from, in connection with the League matches, the majority of the twelve clubs, have this week reached the turning point on the journey having got to the eleventh milestone and the order based on Mr McGregor theory of two points for a win and one for a draw.
BURNLEY AND DISTRICT.
Athletic News - Tuesday 20 November 1888
Neither Up Nor Down
The bold front shown by Burnley against West Bromwich had its effect on the “gate “on Saturday, when the first League match with Everton was played. By general consent the visitors were expected to strain every nerve to reverse the verdict of the club match, which Burnley won. On the other hand, the hope was entertained by some —the fact that Cox would keep goal inspiring a good deal of confidence -- that Burnley would again come off with flying colours. McMahon, whose debut as centre-forward was a very satisfactory one, was not sufficiently recovered to take his place, but it is expected he will be able to appear at Everton next Saturday. Poland was chosen to play centre, but McFettridge was called upon to operate in that position. Rumour had said that Poland was about to transfer his allegiance to Nelson, while on Saturday it was asserted by those professing to be in the know that he had set off for Australia. The home team won the toss and decided to avail themselves of the pretty strong breeze, and at once began to press and attacked repeatedly, both wings working well, and after experiencing some hard luck Gallocher brought about the downfall of the visitors' stronghold ten minutes from the start, after which play was of a very spirited description. The game had not proceeded very far when McFetteridge got Ross out of the way, and enabled McKay to register the second point. Although Burnley had the best of matters, at the end of 25 minutes play Watson scored for Everton, Cox having saved just previously. Smalley followed his example on two or three occasions. The home side then failed to avail themselves of chances, and at the Interval the score stood—Burnley, two goals; Everton, one goal. It was expected that on changing ends the visitors would soon make up to their opponents, and in a few minutes Chadwick, with a regular beauty, equalized. From this point the game was of a ding-dong description. Burnley were not so hopeful, but the players acquitted themselves well, and despite the fact that they had to face a stiff wind they had little the worst of the struggle, though at the same time the home side owe much to Cox, who saved almost miraculously on two or three occasions, and a good game ended in a draw of two goals each. During the last quarter of an hour a severe storm of wind, hail, and rain made it exceedingly disagreeable for all concerned, but the excitement was never allowed to flag. The two men who, perhaps, did best were Ross and Cox, the former executing a lot of genuine hard work. With the exception that he one occasion stopped what must have been a certain goal, and at times did good head work, Sugg was not very prominent until the letter stage. The Evertonians who journeyed to Burnley to witness the match expressed the sanguine opinion that Burnley will have to bite the dust next Saturday.
NOTES
Everton Reserve want matches (away) Nov 24, and Dec 8, Terms to R.L. Stockton, Sandon Hotel, Everton, Liverpool.
Everton reserves took on Saltney, a Cheshire club which has entered into the struggle for existence with a very good prospect in front of them, but they proved no match for Mr. Stockton’s lads who won a very good match by two goals to none.
Wilson and Ashcroft of Everton reserves played for Stanley against Bootle of Walton stiles
LIVERPUDLIANA
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 24 November 1888
By Richard Samuel
A QUIET TIME
During the past three weeks matters have been very quiet in the haunts of “Richard Samuel,” and to-day’s League fixture at Everton will be a welcome relief from a round of dull uninteresting games.
There is not much prospect of a continuous round at Everton until the New Year comes in, and then the revels commence, for Everton will have almost exhausted their list of out matches.
EVERTON’S LAST GAME
To draw with Burnley at Turf Moor bodes ill for the chances of that team when Everton get them to Anfield-road. There is not much reliability in football form, but this is a fact “which needs no demonstration,” that Everton are several goals better at home than away. Therefore, ye Turf Moor wights chalk down today’s League match as lost- this is unless you come with strengthened forces-for one never knows where Burnley will spring a mine on some unfortunate Scotch club, in their drastic methods of strengthening their team. Now that McKinnon has given Everton the back, George Fleming is back in the team. He and Watson did make a splendid wing last year. But Fleming is a year older now, and so is Watson, and they have neither improved. What say you to Briscoe? Too light? Well, he is not afraid and he can shoot straight.
WHAT “MICKEY FREE” SAW AT TURF MOOR
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 24 November 1888
The Elements
Shure an’ it’s weather we have been having lately, and Saturday last was a pretty tidy specimen of that same. I was rather dubious whether it would be worth while taking such a tedious journey, with the prospect of a soaking, in more ways than one, at the finish. Be that as it may, I found myself in good company bowling along at the special Lancashire and Yorkshire speed (save the mark!) and then by aid of a broken-winded, shaky-kneed old hack we landed in good time. The wind was blowing almost from goal to goal, and the ground was as heavy as lead. This, coupled with the losing of the toss, didn’t make matters look well for the very “so-and-so” team representing Everton.
THE KICK-OFF
About ten minutes to three Costley set the run a-going, facing hill and breeze, and matters looked blue for the Blue and White, as they were at once placed on the defensive. Farmer removed danger and let in Fleming, who owing to want of promptness in taking up the running, was promptly robbed by Daniel Friel, to the intense amusement of the spectators. Then Costley missed a kick which nearly brought about the downfall of Everton, but Mackay did not take the chance. Ten minutes of hard play had been got through when Dobson kicked the ball back from close on the goal line, though he should have let it go. The ball curled back with the breeze, Gallocher obtained possession, and Dobson, in endeavoring to retrieve his mistake, got in Smalley’s way, and Patsey scored No.1. Abrams was soon after visited with the usual penalty for tripping Watson, who had wandered away from his own wing. Five minutes later the air resounded with wild yells as Ross missed his man. Smalley let the ball slip out of his clutches, and Mackay dashed the leather through making goal No.2.
A WARM 15 MINUTES
The Burnley men now put in all they knew, and no less than eight corners were forced, besides numerous goal-kicks, but all to no purpose. Sugg put in no end of useful work hereabouts with his head, and his kicking was much better than usual. He lifted the ball to the centre, where Abrams was about to return, but being tackled smartly by Costley he got his hands in the way. The free kick thus gained was splendidly manipulated. Sugg sent the ball well in, Cox hit out but Watson replied by a good shot, which to the intense delight of the Evertonians took effect, and with the game at two to one the teams crossed over.
THE DRAW
On restarting Everton shaped somewhat better, and the bit of play preceding the second goal for Everton was very fine. Holt sent the ball to Fleming, he to Costley, and the latter to the left, from which point Chadwick scored a beauty. The game then became, as usual when each side is striving for victory, just a trifle rough. Burnley having a slight advantage in the play forward, whilst Everton held their own in the back division. When there was still ten minutes to play a sudden squall, rain and hail, came down like an avalanche, sending the ball flying along at an alarming pace, whilst the players looked miserable in the extreme. No one was sorry when Mr. Ormerod blew his whistle, leaving the game drawn.
THE PLAYERS
Everton must have been well pleased to draw, as their forwards played a wretched game. Fleming was timid, Watson wandered and was selfish, Chadwick played hard, but it is clear that his partner does not suit him. Costley would have been a great improvement on the outside left. The rest of the team did their work well. On the other side Lang was the best of the backs. The halves were good, the forwards were much better than the Everton lot, and that’s not saying much. I expect a different result at Everton today.
FOOTBALL COMMISSION
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 24 November 1888
ROUGH PLAY TO BE PUT DOWN
SUSPENSION OF DICK AND HODGETTS
The Commission appointed by The Football Association to inquire into misconduct on the field of play have had two sittings this week and adopted resolutions which it is to be hoped will go far towards purifying the game. On Wednesday evening the following sat at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham;- Messrs, Crump, Jackson, Betts, Hughes, and Alcock, when the charges against Dick and Dennis Hodgetts for rough play in the match Aston Villa v. Everton at Perry Barr, and against Russell and Sloane for misbehavior in the game North End v. Stoke, at Stoke were gone into. On Thursday the commission met at the George Hotel, Nottingham, the members of the Association present being Major Marindin in the chair; Messrs Clegg, Hughes, Betts, Ballamy, and Jackson. Amongst other business was the investigation of Dick’s conduct at Trent Bridge on the occasion of the visit of Everton on the 13th October. The meeting was, of course, held in private, but we understand that the secretary to the Notts Club (Mr. E. Browne) having opened his side of the case, T. Jardine testified to the use of threatening language by Dick, while Albert Moore stated that he was kicked and pulled by Dick. Hodder declared that the Everton back player stuck at him twice. Mr. A.T. Ashwell, who has had experience as umpire and referee for 20 years, stated that Dick played very roughly. He considered that the excitement after the match was caused by his conduct. Messrs Harris and Hill, members of Notts, deposed to seeing Dick strike a man at the back of the Gamston-lane goal. Mr. T. Selby, member of the Notts committee, spoke to having done his best to protect Dick against the violence of the crowd. The secretary of Notts denied that any foul language proceeded from the Notts members’ stand, where ladies were congregated. Mr. Jessop also expressed his opinion that Dick played roughly. Dick denied that he struck anyone in the field, and said that he never used bad language. His play might be considered rough, but it was his style, and was not intentional. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted;
The commission are of opinion that Dick attempted to strike Hodder in the match Everton v. Notts County, at Trent Bridge, on October 13th, and his bad language and behavior during the match amounts to serious misconduct. They are also of opinion that the previous hostile attitude of the spectators was calculated to irritate Dick, who was also severely maltreated after the match. Taking all these circumstances into consideration, the Commission decides to suspend Dick to January 31st, 1889.
The resolution passed in the case of Hodgetts was; That the Commission are of opinion that Hodgetts was guilty of serious misconduct in striking Dick in the match. Aston Villa v. Everton, at Perry Barr, on September 22, but taking into consideration the great provocation received by Hodgetts in deciding the punishment to be awarded the Commission have been influenced by the very good character he has hitherto borne in connection with the game. They therefore considered that the justice of the case will be met by suspending him from playing during the remainder of the current year, and the Commission do hereby suspend him for that period.
EVERTON V. BURNLEY
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 24 November 1888
Stormy weather prevailed for this match; otherwise the conditions were favourable. The teams faced each other as follows;- Burnley; Cox, goal; Lang and Berry, backs; Keenan, Friel, and Abrams, half-backs; Brady, McKay, Gallocher, Yates and McFetteridge, forwards. Everton; Smalley, goal; Ross and Sugg, backs; Farmer, Holt and Weir, half-backs; Costley, Chadwick, Davie, Coyne, and Fleming, forwards.
Dobson could not take his place owing to an injury. Burnley who kicked off against the wind before seven thousand spectators, were the first to attack, and then Costley shot over. Coyne, Chadwick, and Costley again tried hard, but the defence was too good. Yates got through but being pulled up by Weir a corner to Everton followed. Berry cleared, and Brady raced away. Ross relieved neatly, and Chadwick shot in again. The Burnley left wing were to the fore, Smalley having to throw out. Pretty passing by Everton threatened the visitors, but a barren corner was the only result. Yates got hurt and Mr. Jope made a boot examination. After restarting Everton pressed, and in one instance saved marvelously. After thirty-five minutes’ play Costley centred beautifully and Chadwick scored. Five minutes later Cox stopped a beauty, and them Weir added a second goal. Burnley then rushed up splendidly, and Smalley kicked clear in fine style, Berry put the ball through his own goal.
Half-time; Everton 3, Burnley 0.
On changing ends Everton worked up against the wind. Fleming gave Cox a warm one, and Brady shot over at the other end. Coyne showed to advantage hereabouts, but Davie was somewhat slow on the ball. Lang returned, and Yates shot wide. Costley and Chadwick raced along the left. Chadwick shot in and Cox saved well, winding Davie at the same time. Burnley now came up finely. Smalley saved, and the ball was returned, but Sugg kicked out just in time. Again Smalley threw two shots out. At length, from a corner, McKay scored. Brady, lying off-side, put the ball through but the point was disallowed. Yates passed to the right, and Brady scored a second goal. Burnley now pressed severely, Smalley saving some fine shots Chadwick then shot in hard, but Cox saved. Fleming put in a fine run, which Lang repelled. Final Result; Everton 3, Burnley 2.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 24 November 1888
EVERTON 3 BURNLEY 2 (game 12)
November 26 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
This return League fixture was played at Anfield-road on Saturday in the presence of 8,000 spectators. Burnley had the same team that did battle the previous week and came in the full expectation of lowering the Everton Colours. The home club was greatly altered Sugg taking Dobson's place at full back owing to an accident to the latter's leg, while a new centre and right wing donned the Everton colours for the first time thereby leaving Watson out. The weather was fine, but a strong wind prevented an accurate game being played Burnley had the misfortunate to lose the toss and McFettridge set the ball a going against the wind. Ross pounced upon the leather, and sent in a a long shot, Farmer slightly wide with his Finnish. Burnley from the goal kick, dribbled along on the right and were within an ace of scoring, Bur Ross intercepted, and Costley missed an easy chance owing to erratic shooting. Holt gave Costley another chance, and the Burnley custodian had great difficulty in negotiating. Coyne then broke away in good style but the wind carried the ball away from his toe just as he was on the point of shooting. With this let off Burnley transferred play to mid-field where Coyne again relieved, and, assisted by Davie and Fleming dribbled splendidly to the visitors quarter where Lang had to concede a corner from which, however, nothing came. Fleming in a pretty shot, but Lang was playing well, and managed to stave off disaster , and sent to his left-wing pair, who trundled the ball Along but Ross relieved with a shot which sent over Cox's head. Everton continued to hover around the Burnley end where Holt put in some nice shots, but Failed to effect a downfall Berry staving off danger by giving a corner . Yates and McFettridge carried play to the home end and the former tested Smalley with a clinking shot; but the Everton custodian fisted cleverly, and enabled Davie to do a grand dash up the field Lang saving at the expense of another corner, which also was worked clear, as was one a minute later. In clearing, Yates collided with Holt, and play was suspended for some considerable time. On resuming Everton played with renewed vigour, and the Burnley goalkeeper and backs were taxed to the utmost. Yates and Gallacher managed to pass Sugg by tricky play, but Holt went to the rescue, and planted the ball up the field, where it was carried over the line. Abrame was penalised for a foul throw and Davie from the free kick, had the hardest of luck, Lang saving miraculously. At length Everton broke through the defence and from hands Chadwick beat Cox thereby giving the home team the lead. With this reverse Burnley worked hard, and Brady and McKay put in some good work, but failed to pass the back division, and Fleming getting the ball from Ross, ran up and screwed across, but the chance was not availed of, and play was taken towards Smalley, where Sugg eased and Coyne shortly afterwards added a second goal for Everton. The homesters continued to have the best of the game, and Berry, in attempting to clear his lines, put one through his own post for Everton. From this to half-time the Anfieldites had many chances but failed to augment their total, and the whistle sounded for half-time with the score Everton 3 goals Burnley 0. On changing over against the wind, Davie worked right through, and sent across to the left pair, who, however, allowed the ball to roll out. Gallacher and Yates from the throw in got nicely along, and McFettridge was spoiled by Ross sending back, and Costley screwed to Davie who gave Cox a warm handful but that player fisted away, and hands was given against Holt from the return. Brady having sent over the bar, Friel spoilt the Everton forwards in a dashing pass which was followed by Coyne and Davie being cheered for their neat short pass, but the wind assisted Cox to save their finish in touch, Costley and Chadwick them went away in good style, and the latter put in a spendid shot which Cox justed saved in time, Everton again tried to improve matters and Lang had a great deal to do to stave them off. At last Burnley took up the reins, and continued for some time to keepSmalley busy he having to do yeoman service to keep the visitors at bay. From a corner to Everton, Burnley got away, and McKAY BEAT Smalley for the first time. Continuing the pressure Brady owing to lying off-side was unable to gain a second point. A minute later Sugg gave a corner, from which Brady was enabled to add goal 2. From now to the finish both goals were in jeopardy as each club was working hard, but no other point was registered a hard and evenly-contested game thus ending in a win for Everton by 3 goals to 2. Teams ; Everton:- Smalley, goal, Sugg, and Ross (captain), backs, Weir, Holt, and Farmer, half-backs, Fleming, Coyne, Davie, Chadwick, and Cotley, forwards, Umpire Berry (e), Burnley:- Cox, goal, Berry and Lang backs, Abrams, Friel and Keenan half-backs, Brady, Mckay Mcfettridge, Gallacher, and Yates, forwards. Umpire Kearsley (j) referee Jope (wh).
STOKE SWIFTS 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
November 26 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
These eleven's met for the first time at Stoke ON Saturday, in fine weather teams; Everton:- Joliffe (c), goal, Chadwick (a), and Warmby (wh), backs, Parry (c), Fayer (t), And Jones (wh) half-backs, Keys (j), Briscoe (w), Milward (a), costley (j), and Harbour (w), forwards; Stoke Swifts:- Hassle, goal, Say, and Monter, backs, Tunstcliffe, Farmer, and Holdlen half-backs Broadhurst, Forester, Milward, Slade, and Wainwright forwards. Everton won the toss, and played with the wind, in the first half Stoke were the first to press and gain the first corner with proved useless. A number of capital shots were put in by the home forwards but Joliffe was in fine form, and was heartily cheered for the save which he preserved his charge. Good passing by Everton forwards resulted in Briscoe making a deserving attempt to score the ball hitting the post and rebouinding outside. A.Milward was prominent for the same tricky play on behalf of the visitors, but was eventually pulled up when near goal. The same player shortly afterwards sent in a good shot, which was cleared by the goalkeeper. Both teams worked hard up to half-time, but when the whistle sounded, no goals had been scored. On changing over Everton showed much better form and as the result of a combined run, an oblique shot was sent in from the right wing. The Stoke goalkeepers certainly appeared to put the leather through his own goal but for some reason or other the point was not allowed. After this piece of hard luck. The visiting team continued to have the best of the game and several times came near scoring. Stoke tried hard but Joliffe kept goal splendidly, and repulsed shot after shot in grand style and the game was finished in semi-darkness, and despite the strenuous exections of both teams, neither could gain the advantage, Result a draw, no goals having been scored.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 26 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
The commissioners deputed by the English Council to adjudicate in the matter of the allegations of misconduct against Dick (Everton), Hodgetts (Aston Villa), Russell (Preston North End), Sloan (Stoke) etc, have accomplished their task with completeness and expedition, if not with equity and leniency. The roving commission sat in Birmingham on Wednesday and in Nottingham on Thursday-an arrangement convenient for Aston Villa and Notts County, but notfor Everton, who thus had to devote time to two sittings in two different towns-and the upshot, of it all is that Dick is suspended for two Mouths and Hodgetts one month whilst Russell and Sloan escape penaltys. Football of course must be conducted in a respectable manner. The laws of play are readily understood and should be respected, and above all proper behaving ought to be observed but the punishment now inflicted is more harsh than the exigencies of the offences seen to warrant. Hodgetts is not known as a rough player and Dick Black as he has generally been painted is not vindictive in his tactics, though he no doubt often raises the ire of even heavier opponents by the effective use of muscular thighs in tackling; and even admitting that both men had committed a grave error under provocation, a strong reprimmand would have justly met the case. Birmingham people whilst ready to blame Dick are sensitive that great injustice has been doled out to Hodgett. If this be so, with what greater reason have Evertonians to complain of wrong for according to the commissioners finding Hodgett was declared to have actually delivered a blow whereas Dick could only be proved guilty of an attempt to strike ? However the fist of the commission has gone forth-the law in their eyes has been broken and vindicated, and the opportunity of lunging at the League perhaps gleefully embraced. Will the matter be allowed thus to rest? Violation of rules is not to be tolerated and fighting should be put down in a drastic manner, but the Association must be general and sweeping in their vigilance and remember that roughness is not an exclusive peculiarity of League matches any more than cup ties, but is liable to bubble up at all and sundry contests. It so happens that the players put through their facing at this latest inquiry all belonged to League clubs, whilst other clubs-out-side the twelve-equally involed in misconduct, have been overlooked, and if the Council wish to displace a suspicious of antagonism to the League, they will make haste to apply their power indiserinately without fear of favour. The commission having disposed of some cases of infringement of professional rules, wound up their labours by issuing a homily for distribution among clubs, and especially applicable to referees, on a rigid observances of laws and penalities and the desirability of commission endeavouring to maintain a reasonable demeanmour on the part of spetators. Birmingham Nottingham and other patrons will take note of this latter seasonable advice, it is to be hoped and then there will be small cause for confusions. The return league engagement between Burnley and Everton proved quite as tough a struggle as that of the drawn game at Turf Moor the previous week. Burnley entrusted the reputation of their club to the same hands that made an even fight at the first meeting, but Everton were a very dissimilar eleven. Dobson is still suffering from the accidental kick he received from McKay and, with Dick ineligible Sugg was transferred from centre half-back to fullback, Weir stepping into the middle line, whilst the Forwards embraced the long talked of new blood in the persons of Coyne (vale of leven), and Davie (Renton) room being created for these strangers from over the border by dropping out Brown and Watson. Everton had the advantage of a strong breeze in the first half, which was so well utilised that they had the substantial lead of 3 to 0 at the time the interval was announced. Burnley replied with a couple of effective shots on an exchange of ends, giving the Anfieldites, with a score of 3 to 2, their seventh victory in connection with the league. Smalley played another grand game in goal, saving at times when it seemed impossible almost to cope with such a fierce attack. Sugg although at times doing some especial work, was a weaker defender than Ross. Burnley having covered this flaw, disposed their forces accordingly, and with Sugg once overcome a cross over was resorted to which tactics gave Burnley their two goals. Farmer, Holt and Weir each did so well at half-backs that it would be unfair to make a selection for superiority. The two new forwards both made a favorable impression. Davie showed be possessed judgement at centre, and, what is more to the point, was not slow in parting with the ball it be though it could be done with better advantage; and altogether he bids fair to be a great acquisition when a sufficient trial has allowed him to become familiar with his wing men. Coyne partnered Fleming, and treated the spectators to the neat short passing of Scotch brand, remaining one of McNee in the Dunmbartonshire and Lancashire match, and he often came in for an approving cheer. Fleming was hardly powerful enough for his colleagues whilst Chadwick greatly overshadowed Costley, was perhaps the best of the home front line.
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT COMMENTS.
Athletic News - Tuesday 27 November 1888
EVERTON'A HOME RECORD UNBROKEN.
By Loiterer
In their League engagements Everton spectators are still unacquainted with a defeat of their favourites, the latest to swell the list of the victims being Burnley. The margin was narrow, and the losers were not blest with extraordinary good fortune, for they had a goal disallowed, and one of their opponents points was a foolish gift of Berry, the Burnley back. McMahon, the Burnley centre, was still unfit, and the same team which did duty at Turf Moor on the previous Saturday turned out on this occasion. The Everton eleven, on the other hand, differed considerably in its constitution. Watson has of late been developing into a very selfish player, and Brown had proved a conspicuous failure at Burnley, so that a complete reconstruction of the Everton attack took place, but not quite so complete as most people would seem to desire. Fleming was still retained, whilst popular opinion is somewhat noisily asserting the superior claims of Briscoe to his position, and the Everton captain himself is said to favour this change. Costley and Chadwick seem to get on very nicely on the left wing, but, unfortunately, the new centre, Davie, said to hail from Renton, was an unmistakable failure in this game, whilst Coyne, the Gainsborough man, was just as conspicuous a success on the Inside right. Weir has apparently settled his differences with the committee, and the three best half-backs of the club wore on duty, whilst Frank Sugg filled Dobson's position by the side of Ross. The high wind spoiled the game, and made scientific play a difficulty, so that although excitement as to the result fixed the attention of the spectators, it cannot be said that the quality of the play was such as to sustain a breathless interest in the proceedings. Playing with the assistance of the wind, Everton did not for a long time make much show of ultimate success, and Berry, with Lang, repeatedly frustrated the assaults on their goal. Cox had not much to do, although the ball was never long out of his vicinity, so that when, after half an hour's play Chadwick shot from a considerable distance, the Burnley custodian was unprepared, and beaten in rather simple fashion. Everson's attacks were now more threatening in their aspect, and, after a pretty movement with Coyne and Fleming, Weir scored a real beauty, and to complete the discomfiture of Cox, Berry would persist in going for the ball, instead of leaving it to the custodian, with the result that he sent it flying through his own goal. Burnley had been making some fine attempts to progress against the wind, and Jack Yates, with Gallocher, certainly made Sugg's position a lively one, but neither of them was particularly cool at the crisis. Once, however, Gallocher gave Smalley a nasty long-roller, whilst the other Burnley forwards made for him in an ugly rush, but, amidst an outburst of enthusiastic cheering, he picked up and threw away in the same motion, just as he was bundled through his goal It grand save. Three goals arrears were not calculated to depress the visitors, for they turned round with the wind at their backs, and they had hard luck in not drawing level at least. Had they displayed ordinary judgment, they might have easily averted defeat, but Gallocher especially, and the team generally, indulged in much random shooting. Everton also came near increasing their score, hut Cox was irreproachable now, and could not be beaten. Everton then won by three to two. There was little to choose between the respective merits of the teams. Perhaps Burnley displayed the more finished points, but lacked the keenness of their opponents, and were repeatedly despoiled by the more eager Evertonians. Cox and the backs were the best of the Burnley defence, but there was little to choose between the rest of the team. As for Everton, the half-backs and Smalley claim the chief merit of the victory achieved: whilst- of the forwards, the left wing did most work, and Coyne showed some , excellent points in this, his first game with Everton.
The Reserve
Everton reserve did very well in making a draw with Stoke Swifts in the Potteries.
NOTES
Gainsboro’ trinity have struggled hard this season against a series of disasters, and just as they had secured a team which was carrying them satisfactorily through their engagements, their left wing forward (an importation this season) has left them in the lurch in the shabbiest possible manner, and thrown in his lot with Everton. It is such black sheep of the game as Coyne and the manner of acquisition adopted by the Everton Club that is earning such general reproach for the Association game. Plenty of money, an unscrupulous use of it, an utter disregard for all sorts of sportsmanship like honour, may be effective weapons but are they clean, sir, are they clean? Everton may have secured a valuable player (which from personal observations, I doubt), especially if he is as tricky on the field as of it; but I should advise them to secure him to their head-quarters by a good stout claim, or some fine morning, on the receipts of an offer of a shilling per week more, he may be like the “Duchness of Devonshire”-missing!
Poor Dick seemed quite disconsolate at Nottingham on Thursday and we confess to feeling sorry for him. There he was on his trial, with not a single player of the Everton team as a witness, and not even the secretary or a member of the committee to say a word to the Commissioners on his behalf. Against him was the secretary of the Notts Club and some six or seven witnesses. Had he a chance? Did Everton treat him fairly? Even a Nottingham paper described this action of the Everton Club as “not quite English” The Commission sat so long that Dick had to leave for Liverpool nearly three hours before the result was known, a letter being promised him by the authorities.
I notice Everton have not yet finished their team. On Saturday they played two new forwards-from over the border, of course. These were Davey, of the Renton Reserve, and Coyne, of the Vale of Leven Hibernians Next Saturday they will be without Ross and Holt, who are assisting Lancashire against Edinburgh.
STAFFORDSHIRE NOTES.
At Stoke the Swifts encountered for the first time the reserve team of Everton. Sayer once more played for the Juniors, this time appearing as a fuII back. The first Portion of the game was greatly in favour of the Swift, who were constantly peppering away at goal, but were unable to beat Joliffe, who saved shot after shot in the most brilliant fashion. Early in the second half Everton claimed to have scored, but the point was not allowed. It certainly appeared as though Hassell put the ball between the posts, but a goal kick only was granted. Despite the utmost efforts of both teams, neither goalkeeper was beaten, and the game resoled in a draw, no goals having been scored. On the whole the game was fairly even, Everton having a little the best of the second half. It was very hard not to have the goal allowed, and on another occasion Briscoe came very near scoring with a shot that hit the post and glanced outside. The play of the home forwards was rather disappointing. Slater and Millward not playing up to their usual standard. Sayer performed well in his new position at back, but it seems a pity that he cannot get away from business in order to assist the first eleven. Jolliffe was undoubtedly the shining lights of the visiting team, and on Saturday's form, he is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper I have seen in a reserve team. The backs and halves kicked strongly, while Briscoe, Costley, and A. Milward were the pick of the forwards
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ATHLETIC NEWS
Athletic News - Tuesday 27 November 1888
SIR- Your enterprising journal having been the pioneer in many crusades for reforms in the popular game of football. I venture to beg your further advisory its success. It has long been evident that the multiplicity of associations, with their many and varied rules, have added burden unto burden until the load has become too heavy to bear, and the club and players are bound hand and foot. I think the time has now come for the leading clubs to check this growing tyranny and by freeing themselves from the control of these associations, to throw off these irksome conditions, which are so poorly recompensed by a chance of the barren and expensive honour of winning a challenge cup. That such a change is practicable is shown by the formation of the Football League and I would ask the League to take the initiative, when they would speedily find themselves reinforced by the accession of many good clubs who are even now, only waiting for the consequent enlargement of the League to declare themselves. There is no doubt that such a change would be eminently satisfactory to club followers; and the players who cannot at present move without “violating the spirit” of some rule. Would hail it with delight. The laws of the game, with some half dozen concise rules, would be code enough to meet most cases, and all others could be (as a welcome change) dealt with by the tenets of common sense; as the direct representation adopted by the League would ensure at least ordinary justice, and we should be spared the spectacle of any club being singled out as a scapegoat season after season, and punished as “the frightful example.” Whilst other and worse offenders escaped scot-free-I am &c., Sandon Hotel, Everton, Alex Nisbet.
HOGETTS’ SUSPENSION
Athletic News - Tuesday 27 November 1888
The one absorbing topic in midland football circles during the last few days has been the suspension of Dennis Hodgetts, the famous left-wing forward of the Aston Villa Club, for improper conduct on the field when playing against Everton at Perry Barr some five or six weeks ago. The circumstances of the case are sufficiently well-known to readers of these notes to need no further details of the unfortunate fracas from me. The charge upon which "Dennis" was brought before the Special Commission of the Football Association and "hung up" was that of striking an opponent named Dick, and though I have no wish or intention to defend Hodgetts against what was undoubtedly a serious offence in the eyes of the football law, I am bound to say that the provocation offered him by the Everton back was of such an aggravated character, ass would have exasperated the most amiable and even-tempered fellow, and in the heat of the moment Dennis took the law into his own hands and dealt Dick a stinging right-handed crack in the face.