EVERTON 2 BURNLEY 1
December 2 1895. THE Liverpool Mercury
The return League engagement between these clubs was played on Saturday, their was 12,000 spectators presence when the teams line up against each other. McInnes was left out of the Everton team to make way for Cameron who played centre. Hartley going inside right, and the constitution of the visitors ranks was vastly changed from the eleven who did duty in the initial engagement. Both Livingston and Nichol were absentees owing to injuries received on the previous Saturday against Aston Villa, and Espie who has stood out owing to injury for over a couple of months reached his old position at centre half. At 2-30 the teams took their position as follows: - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Adams, and Arridges, backs, Goldie Boyle (captain), and Stewart, half-backs, Bell Hartley, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Burnley: - Tatham, goal, Reynolds, and McLintock, backs, McEleny, Espie, and Taylor halfbacks Patterson, Davidson, Bowes, Place, and Hill, forwards.
Burnley open the play, and their left wing was at once in evidence. The ball was, however, drivers of the line, and from the goal kick Milward made tracks to the other end, and centring the ball Cameron looked like giving Hartley a fine chance to score when Mclintock intercepted, and with a hugh lunge transferred the ball to the Everton half. Hill and Place were again prominent, but Goldie invariably had their measure and on putting Cameron in possession a fine concerned movement was made to the Burnley end when Chadwick tested Tatham with a fine dropping shot, which was attended to in a masterly style. Bell followed with another, as also did Milward from a fine screw over the line, but both were ably negotiation, and Espie brought about a complete change of venue by parting to Patterson, who however, failed to get round Arridge. At length the Burnley forwards bore down, very shortly, and the Everton goal had a couple of marvellous escapes. Patterson shot hard in, but the ball glided of the post to Hill, who also had similar bad luck, as the ball rebounded from the upright. Within a minute Hartley put the ball into Tathams hands and then Chadwick following with three clinking shots, which, were just a trifle wide of the mark. McLintock cleared strongly, and Hill looked like acting when Mr. Referee Lewis pulled him up for offside, but still the Burnley van were not to be denied and Place directed a swift low shot which, passed a trifle wide of the post. Reynolds was luckily in intercepting a fine drive from Cameron, and a couple of minutes later Hartley had bad luck in having his shot charged down close to the goalmouth. Some fine tackling by Goldie was greatly appreciated by the crowd, and following a well judged kick, Reynolds altogether missed the ball, which was eagerly prounced upon by Milward, who centred beautifully, but just as everyone was expecting a certain goal McTintock stepped across and took the ball clear from Cameron toe, and conceded a corner. Play located in the Burnley half until the interval was announced without anything having been scored. On resuming the Everton forwards made off strongly, and Cameron appeared to have the goal at his mercy when Espie pulled him up and gave Howes a chance to make the running, and as Davidson was well in attendance Hillman was quickly called upon. Hartley changed the venue by sprinting nicely down, but the Burnley halves were on the alert, Taylor especially contributing excellent service with culminated in Hill defeating all opposition but Hillman, who saved a swift low shot in good fashion. Bell got away, but the final movement was spoiled by Hartley, who was penalised for jumping but as Reynolds was at this juncture playing a rather faulty game the home left pegged away most assiduously on his side. A couple of unproductive corners followed, and then Hill led on an attack, which resulted in a stiff scrimmage in the Everton goalmouth. The ball was eventually headed out, but McEleny met it, and drove it between a host of legs into the net. This unlooked for reverse put new lift into the Evertonians, who got to in real earnest, and gave the visitors defence a warm time. Shot after shot was sent in only to be well met, and to still further force the game Hartley went centre, Boyle directly afterwards took a free kick, and the ball eventually glided off Reynolds head into the net, the teams being thus placed on equal terms. Getting to work again the Burnley goal was heavily assaulted, but the defence was magnificent and towards the closing stages their forwards were making tracks for Hillman when they were penalised at halfway. Adams took the free kick and steered the ball straight at Tatham, who should have let it go into the net, but hesitating caught and then dropped it, and it was hustled into the net, Everton thus scoring the winning point one minute of time. Nothing further was done, and a hard game resulted in favour of Everton by 2 goals to 1.

LIVERPOOL DISTRICT 0 EVERTON RESERVES 7
December 2 1895.
Played at St. Elpins ground on Saturday, Everton had matters to them self, and winning by 7 goals to nil, Elliott Kelso and williams scoring for Everton. Everton: - Hills goal McDonald and Storrier, backs, Kelso, Meiklejohn, and Elliott halfbacks Reay, Williams, Chadwick (e) Flewitt, and Chadwick (j), forwards.

ASSOCIATION NOTES
The Liverpool Mercury, Monday December 2, 1895
In spite of the unpromising outlook in the early part of the day on Saturday last, the afternoon, if not particularly bright, at any rate kept free from rain, and although to the football enthusiast proper the weather is of little or no consequence it must be a comfort to the ordinary spectators to feel that he has not to undergone the inconvenience of a drenching in order, to witness a spirited contest in the modern gladiatorial area- the football field. The visitors to Goodison Park were the Burnley eleven, and although this team has been doing anything but well so far this season, a great deal of interest centred on Saturday’s match. When Everton visit Burnley a few weeks ago it will be remembered that the latter team just pulled up level in the last minute of play, and this no doubt gave an additional fillip to the day’s proceedings. The forward play of the home team was distinctly superior to that of their opponents, but there seemed to be a lack of that cohesion that has been so particularly noticeable in late matches. Passing movements were not so often participated in by the whole quintet, ands their shooting was also much below par, or they could have scarcely missed scoring in this first half hour, when an almost incessant bombardment of the Burnley goal was kept up. The visitors forwards were badly balanced. The left wing was quite brilliant and it was on this pair that most of the work developed and from them all the danger threatened; but the right wing was very seldom utilised and rarely rose above the commonplace. Although they had fully two-thirds of the game the home forwards rarely seemed very dangerous and it was a movement on the part of the Everton skipper to change Hartley into the centre and put Cameron on the right wing with Bell. The play brisked up in a very marked degree and during the last ten minutes the game was about as warm as anyone could desire to see. Indeed, after Burnley had scored, it looked as if the game were going to developed into roughness, but the men kept their heads and tempers well and considering the pace and the vigour that were infused into the game, the referee had very little necessity to use his whistle for anything in the of a deliberate foul. As in their attack, so this in the defensive section of the Burnley team the left side was the superior, although the difference in this department was less marked then in the front rank. All the three goals were a fluky character, and resulted directly from free kicks. On the whole, though the home team undoubtedly deserved to win, they may nevertheless consider themselves rather lucky in the way the victory was achieved and this result may be put down as a set off to some of the adverse luck the team experienced in the early part of the season. Although the game was not to be compared with the magnificent encounter with Sunderland a couple of weeks back, the issue was so extremely doubtful that the excitement was kept up to the last minute, when the home team were fortunate enough to notch the winning point through a slight misjudgement on the part of their opponents’ goalkeeper. Of the home forwards the two outside men, Bell and Milward, were the best. The former had hard lines on at least two occasions with fine shots. Once Hartley was unfortunately in the way of a brilliant shot by him which would have probably scored, and on the other occasion he screwed into goal from right on the line, and although the shot beat the custodian McLintock managed to get the ball before it crossed the line. Chadwick and Hartley both played a good game, but their shooting was very erratic. Cameron was the weakest spot in the front line, although his passing was at times very fine. He seemed, however, very chary about tackling, and is too much inclined to wait for the ball to come to him instead of making an effort to meet it- a defect that an old hand like Espie was not slow to notice and take advantage of. The half-backs were quite up to their usual excellent standard, Goldie, who the bulk of the work, being especially prominent. Boyle looked well after the Burnley centre, and spoiled every attempt at combination amongst the inside men. Stewart had little to do, but he was at all times safe. Too much praise cannot be accorded Adams for the very effective way he dealt with the dangerous Burnley left wing. His kicking was clean and powerful, and his judgement unerring. Arridge had not a great deal to do, but was always equal to the occasion, and was able to render very valuable assistance to his hard-worked partner. Hillman was seldom called upon, and can certainly not be blamed for the goal that was scored against him, which he would have had no difficulty in stopping had his view of the ball not been obstructed by a crowd of players in goal. Of the Burnley forwards, Hill, the outside left, was a long way the best, and he was ably partnered by Place. These two seemed to share almost the whole of the attack, and required all the attentions of Goldie and Adams. Bowes was rarely conspicuous, a fact largely attributable to Boyle’s good work. Davidson and Patterson on the right wing did not get much chance to distinguish themselves, and with more attention the latter player should turn out a success. The half back trio was very good. Taylor and Espie played a grand game, and the latter had usually much the best of Cameron, though he was not so successful against Hartley when that player took the centre position. McEleny was also good, and had the credit of scoring the goal for his side. Reynold’s tackling was brilliant, but his kicking was very deficient at times, and it was lucky that he was so ably backed up by his partner McLintock. The latter was undoubtedly the rock on which the Everton forwards split, and he deserves every praise for his magnificent display. His kicking was superb, and he was always there to defend his goal in an emergency. Tatham although he started rather amateurish, played a brilliant game, and he cannot be blamed for the first goal scored against him, but it was unfortunate that he should have marred his fine work by slight bad judgement at the finish.

EVERTON v BURNLEY                                                                                               
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, December 2, 1895
The return game between the above clubs was played on Saturday afternoon at Goodison Park. On accounts of the early start there were not more than 10,000 present when hostilities commenced, but the crowd was still flocking into the enclosure. Both teams received a warm welcome on making their appearance. Mr. Lewis quickly faced the men, and Boyle having won the toss, Bowes started against the breeze. Midfield play was the order for the first few minutes and then Burnley get away on the left, Adams repulsing, but it was left to Arridge and Stewart to effect a thoroughly clearance. Chadwick got along on the left and gave Milward, but he was pulled up by Reynolds, who initiated a movement on then home goal. Bowes raced along, Davidson and Patterson coming to his aid, but, after some finessing in front of Hillman, McElony shot over the line. Following the kick out Chadwick raced away, and passed to Milward, who sent across again, McLintock being bothered and kicking out to save. Midfield play ensued, and for some few minutes neither side could claim an advantage. At last Cameron got in, and then after Milward had a finger in the pic, Hartley received, and shot over the crossbar. Following a further attack by the home team there was a lively passage at arms between the Everton right wing and McLintock, the result being that the visitors got off to the Everton quarters. Here Stewart bored his way in, and gave to his left wing, this pair going great guns, Chadwick shooting high at the finish, and Tatham saving with difficulty. Arridge shortly afterwards missed his kick, and let in the Burnley right, but no damage was done, Boyle, Adams and Stewart showing wonderful defence. Then bell dashed off at a wonderful rate, but when he came within shooting distance he was most unceremoniously treated by McLintock, who returned the ball well up the field. The game up to this point had not been of a very exciting nature, but Everton now played up in a most spirited manner, causing Tatham some uneasiness. Adams landed the ball close into goal, Cameron shooting in and Tatham just scooping out, Chadwick meeting the ball and sending just over the bar. Play continued in favour of the home men, who still troubled the Burnley defence, but all to no purpose, Reynolds and McLintock both being in fine trim. A sudden burst by the Burnley left followed. Place finishing up a splendid run by a magnificent shot, which however, went over the bar. Another smart sequence of passing among the Burnley forwards took place, and Adams, when he might have allowed the ball to roll over the line, attempted to kick up the field, Place securing possession and causing a further onslaught on the home goal, Hill almost doing the trick, the ball striking the post at the corner. Hillman kicked over the centre line, and the running was at once taken up by the home left, who made great progress. Milward raced after the ball and shot in from the corner, but the leather went behind. Chadwick met the ball as it came out and passed it to the right, Bell nipping up and heading into the goal, Tatham clearing somewhat luckily. Coming back once more the left wing made play very heavy for the Burnley defence, and when close in, Cameron dashed to the corner of the field and shot beautifully, the ball travelling in at the corner, when Tatham went down on his knees and saved grandly. Goldie intercepted the visiting left splendidly, and another minute later Adams was to the fore with some grand defence. Play hovered in neutral territory, and once again Everton assumed the upper hand, some nice passing being shown by the front line, Chadwick, however, shooting on the stand behind the visitors’ goal. Still keeping up the attack however, Cameron forced a corner, but though the ball was well placed and hovered for several minutes in dangerous proximity to Tatham’s charge, no score came, the defence of Burnley being of a very high order. The visitors made a brief attack, to no purpose, however, after which Everton moved up in attacking order, but only to meet with the same fate as had previously been meted out of them. As half-time drew nigh and no score was apparent the Everton team redoubled their efforts. At last the Burnley left broke through and appeared very dangerous but their efforts were duly accounted for, and the homesters immediately returned to the attack. The visitors came away again, but they were cleared out owing to foul play. Then Milward dashed through, owing to Reynolds missing and the Evertonian shot strongly, but McLintock was on the warpath and gave a corner from the front of the goal. This having been cleared, Milward again shot in beautifully, but to no purpose, Tatham saving his charge in fine style. Goldie and McLintock distinguished themselves for their sides, and then Burnley advanced Davidson shooting wide. When half-time was sounded play was in midfield, and there was no score. At the interval, the crowd had considerably increased, quite 15,000 being present. Cameron restarted hostilities, the first attack being made by the home men, without however, any result. Burnley then assumed a determined attitude, Goldie and Boyle being to the fore in some smart defence. The game was exceedingly tame for several minutes, neither team being particularly brilliant, but at length the sides woke up, and Cameron twice put in smart runs, whilst at the other end Espie vainly tried to lower Hillman’s colours. The game was now hotly contested, Burnley making a further attack , and Arridge on one occasion had put forth a herculean effort save his charge from capture. Goldie met the ball from the goal kick, was assisted its progress, but McLintock kicked out. The leather was sent across. Milward and Chadwick each taking shots at goal within a couple of minutes. The home team still pressed forward, and for some little time bothered the Burnley defence, but to no purpose, Hill and Place then broke their way through, but they were brought to bay by Adams; but Espie returned and shot over the crossbar. By sheer determination, the Everton forwards came back, and the Burnley defence was sorely shook, but they emerged triumphantly from the fray, although the homesters forced two corners, and Reynolds nearly put the ball into goal in his endeavours to clear. For two or three minutes further there was a spell of exciting play in front of the Burnley goal, but at length the defence triumphed over the attack, and Everton retired. The game continued exceedingly exciting, Everton playing up with determined energy, and causing Tatham and his backs much anxiety. The goal, however, was well protected, the visiting halves covering their custodian splendidly, and though the ball kept bobbing about in a tantalising manner, Everton could not penetrate the defence which was brilliant in the extreme. McLintock and Tatham performing in magnificent fashion, and clearing time after time. Another corner fell to Everton, and the Burnley goal was subjected to a further severe test, the defenders again coming out with flying colours though it must be said the combination of the home forwards was not up to the high-water mark of the past few weeks being occasionally very ragged. A great burst by the Burnley front rank looked like ending in disaster for the home contingent, and a like dash by the Everton front rank came very severe on the visitors’ defence. Neither effort, however, came to anything, but from a free kick gained through Hartley being treated unfairly Boyle shot over the crossbar. Amid cries of “Come on, Everton,” and “Put some life in the game,” the homesters once more came through but there was no finish about the attack. A corner was claimed at the opposite end, but not granted, and from the kick out Goldie was beaten, Hill, Place and Bowes making headway. A free kick was given to the visitors, and from this McEleany got at the ball and scored amid tumultuous excitement, although the goal was reckoned somewhat on the soft side. The play generally was most disappointing, and though Everton were doing by far the major portion of the pressing they could not get properly going, and with a more consistent mode of attack should certainly have scored more than one occasion, the lack of combination among the forwards being very marked. After Burnley’s goal, however, the home men went to work in a most determined manner, bell in particular showing splendid judgement, and twice he completely beat Taylor, and McLintock, but in each case his shot went wide of the mark. After another brief burst by Burnley, Everton made a further raid, Stewart putting his side on the aggressive, but it was all to no purpose, the defence being grand. Everton still did the vast portion of pressing, and to try and improve matters Hartley and Cameron changed places. Bell passed to his new partner, who tried a shot, but this proved abortive. McLintock again proving a tower of strength. Hands against Burnley gave Everton an undeniable chance of which they took full advantage. Boyle took the kick, and amidst a perfect hurricane of applause the ball was driven into the net through a host of players standing in goal. This success put Everton on good terms with themselves, and they now began to attack to some purpose, Bell and Hartley each making meritorious attempts to take the lead. Burnley, however, were not done with, making a couple of raids on Hillman’s charge, a shot by Bowes going over the bar, whilst a further attempt by Patterson went wide. Hartley and Bell made a run, the latter’s shot, however, being intercepted by McLintock. However, they continued to attack with determined persistence, and another free kick was granted. This was taken by Adams, who placed right into goal for Bell to tip into the net. This success was received with extraordinary demonstrations of delight, and as nothing further was scored, Everton were winners by 2 goals to 1. Teams;- Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, abcks; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, Hartley, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Burnley;- Tatham, goal; Reynolds, and McLintock, backs; McEleny, Espie, and Taylor, half-backs; Patterson, Davidson, Bowes, Place, and Hill, forwards.

A CLOSE VICORY FOR EVERTON
The Athletic News -Monday, December 2, 1895
By the Loiterer
Everton have never been able to make much of Burnley, and the latest match was no exception. They scrambled home certainly, and the two points obtained may do them a lot of good. Get goals anyhow if you can, but get them; and Everton got ‘em. That is a short way of putting it. No reflection on anybody. Bit I have been a bit too previous. Everton did not get ‘em; Burnley got ‘em, all three! Yet Everton won. The fact is, Everton have so seldom luck on their side that it is only fitting that I should make the most of it. To get to serious business I may say the Everton executive ventured on a dangerous experiment in changing the forward line. To have gone through six League matches without defeat, with the additional merit of three being played from home ought to satisfy anybody; yet a change was made in the team, Cameron being found a place at expense of McInnes. A double change was therefore necessary, Hartley going inside-right to Bell. I cannot reckon up the Burnley team, but will give the names of the players, and no doubt my East Lancashire friends will be able to gauge their abilities. The names were as follows;- Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, Hartley, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Burnley;- Tatham, goal; Reynolds, and McLintock, backs; McEleny, Espie, and Taylor, half-backs; Patterson, Davidson, Bowes, Place, and Hill, forwards. Referee; Mr. Lewis. About 14,000 people were present during the afternoon, and they witnessed a very exciting finish. That start was tame enough, but the home forwards soon got going, and the play was often near goal. They, however, finished badly, the shooting being much below what is expected. Bell made a good attempt and Chadwick out of many tries only put one in that spelled danger. The defence of McLintock and the half-backs was a factor to be considered, for they played a dashing game, and repeatedly took advantage of any slackness on the part of their opponents. The home halves were just as persistent and it was some time before Hill and Place got away, but once going they wanted some stopping. Goldie beat them the first time, but the Burnley men were not to be denied, and both Hill and Patterson experienced hard lines in striking the upright with shots. These incidents were none too cheering for the home supporters, as despite constant pressure, the Everton forwards had not come up to this form. Better attempts on the Burnley goal followed, only to find Tatham in good trim, and this player improved as the game went on. The shooting still left much to be desired; in fact, some ridiculous efforts were made. Still, as the result of the pressure put on, the goal had some narrow escapes, but all this time the Burnley men were defending well, and they never flinched at anything in getting the ball away. They worked with some confidence, and so successful were they that we took it for granted the attacks would result in smoke. And so they did, for half-time arrived with a blank sheet. The proceedings in the second half were very lively. Everton had a turn at the start, but as usual were driven back, and it was soon apparent that the Burnley forwards intended having more of the play. Hill was always busy, and early on worked the ball past Goldie, and when tackled by Adams gave a lovely pass to the centre, but both Place and Bowes missed it. I think it was about the nicest bit of the afternoon, and Hill deserved a goal for the quiet way he went about it. The game continued to be much better contested, the tussles between the half-backs and forwards being frequent and mostly in midfield. Everton had slightly the best of the play in the open, but when it came to a question of scoring they were off it. The shooting was a bit better, but they got fewer opportunities, as the Burnley defence was as stubborn as could be, and the ball seemed just as safe in the goal mouth as up the field. In this respect the visitors’ defenders were much better than those on the home side, for when the Burnley men got away they did not meet with such a compact body, the home lot depending more on each other doing their part, and if they failed, then Hillman had to look out. Hill at length got the better of Goldie, who was penalised for tripping, and from the rebound McEleny put the ball through a ruck of legs into the net. Now matters were lively, and it was deemed expedient to put Hartley in the centre. For a time, the change did not work, though an improvement in the game was noticeable, but after some strong play in the Burnley half a free kick for “hands” against Espie was given, and Boyle nicely planted the ball in the centre of the goal, where it went through off Reynolds. The Burnley forwards were not done with, and Place tested Hillman. Again they came and Hillman ran out and slipped, but Place, with an open goal, made a mess of it. The play at this stage was about as exciting as could be wished, and the climax was reached when Adams took a free kick and sent the ball straight to Tatham, who, unfortunately for the side, hit the ball against the post, and it rolled through, Everton thus winning by two goals to one. That it was a very lucky win none who saw the match will deny. Tatham did not start so well, but as the game progressed he played with confidence, and frequently saved in a clever manner. McLintock was a tower of strength, his kicking being clean and powerful, and his tackling sure. He played a splendid game all through. Perhaps the weak play of Reynolds added lustre to his performance. The ex-Celtic player was a great contrast, his kicking being both erratic and weak, and it was surprising with surprising with him doing so badly that the defence on the whole should be about as good as any I have seen. The half-backs were a tower of strength, good work in the open being followed by herculean attempts to save their goal. They worked hard and well, and had the satisfaction of generally having the best of the argument. In the first half the forwards were poor. Hill and Place did the bulk of the work, for the right wing seldom got the ball. The two, however, made good attempts at goal out of the few they had. In the second half the play was more evenly distributed, and while the left wing were generally in at anything good, the work done by Davidson must not be overlooked. I hardly know what his mission was, but where the ball was you  could generally spot Davidson. He did most useful work. On the ball side the defence was not near so sound. Hillman was not at his best, for on two occasions he ran out, and did not clear well. He had not a great deal to do, but the other defenders were not so safe, as those on the other side, and the shots came rather unexpectedly. It was more a weakness in not combining for the general good that the Everton defence showed, for individually they were clever enough, and the kicking was all right, but they did not cover the goal as they ought. They certainly had not the same work as they opponents, and when occasionally it was wanted they not there. The long passing seemed to bother them, bit as they came out all right it is uncharitable to say anything. The forwards did not combine as well as usual, and the inclusion of Cameron was a mistake. He did not do anything brilliant himself, and the others were not as successful as usual. They had the best of the play, but had shooting takes a lot of the gilt off whatever advantage can be derived from it. Chadwick had tries from all quarters, but for once in a way was altogether out of his reckoning, and I will end as I started, that it was a most lucky win for them.

THE LIVERPOOL DISTRICT NOTES
The Athletic News- Monday, December 2, 1895
By the Loiterer
The amounts resolved at the “gate” at Goodison park have not always come up to expectations, especially if you take the newspaper reports of the attendance, and it has often been a puzzle to reconcile the two. However, some light will no doubt be thrown on the matter in to-day’s Police-court. The new brushes on the Everton directorate are sweeping effectively just now.
In placing Cameron in the team I don’t think the directors come out so well. McInnes is playing as well as ever just now, and I think it was very unwise to interfere with the team that has done so well. They have a splendid record for the last six weeks both fore and aft, and I see no reason for upsetting it. Neither with the players nor the public was the change a popular one. The only motive I can suggest is that Cameron is not a certainly, and McInnes is, and the former might go elsewhere. But even this argument is not strong enough for the course they adopted. The old difficulty of blending amateur and professional play will always be there, and while recognising Cameron’s ability, I fail to see where the benefit of the change comes in.
Another matters was brought to light on Saturday which the directors ought to tackle. I know some discipline is necessary, and a system for checking members ticket is essential in a big concern such as the Everton club, but is it not going too far when the late president, Mr. Mahon, is turned away simply because he went to the sixpenny ticket door instead of that on the reserved side? There are two ways of doing a thing, and I must say the person who looks after this particular gate is not particularly courteous. I have experience it myself, and though Mr. Mahon’s position was pointed out to him, he as refused admission.

SENSATION OCCURRENCE IN LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Echo, Monday, December 2, 1895
ALLEGED FRAUDS ON THE EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
CHARGE OF “RIGGED” THE TURNSTILES
The Everton Football Club directors of late have had their suspicious aroused in a matter effects them in a most vital way, but for some time have been unable, owing to the extra-ordinary nature of the affairs, to take any decided steps in the matter. Within the past few days, however, certain information reached them, and they at once communicated with the Head Constable (Captain Nett-Bower). Instructions were immediately issued by the Head Constable to Chief-Inspector Strettell and Detective-Inspector Kneale with the result that nine men, employees of the Everton Football Club, have since Saturday been taken to the Dale-street Police Office, and detained there, charged with a series of frauds upon the club. The allegation is that by some cunningly devised plan the registering turnstiles at the entrances to the Goodison road ground have been tampered with, and the numbers and figures fraudulently manipulated. The arrests were affected by the officers above-named, with the assistance of Detective-constables Aspen, Casey, J. Duckworth and Wheller. The men will probably be brought up at the police court this morning. The club, it is though in some quarters, has been defrauded of a considerable sum of money by the “working” at the turnstiles at the various pay gates.
A SIGNIFICANT EPISODE
Further inquiries elicit some information of a remarkable and surprising nature. It is stated that the turnstiles had been meddled with just before the match Everton v Burnley commenced on Saturday, and that subsequent to this discovery one of the club’s officials was placed under arrest. The news of the arrest leaked out, with the extraordinary result that the “takings” from the match, all of which passed through the registering turnstiles, amounted to about £35 more than the indicators showed.

EYERTON F.C. ELEVEN EMPLOYES SENT TO GAOL.
Evening Express. December 3, 1895
At Liverpool on Tuesday twelve employes of tho Everton Football Club were convicted f of robbing the club by manipulating the turn- stiles at matches. Three were sentenced to three months' imprisonment, seven to two months', and one to one mouth, the remaining defendant being liberated on his own recog- nisances. The modus operandi of the custo- dians has been something of this style. Before the responsible officials of the match had gone round to take the final figures for the match, the registering machine had been opened with the fake keys, and to give an instance of how the fraud has been perpetrated it must be sup- posed that the hist figures of the checker stood at 700. These have been put back, perhaps, a couple of hundred, and the record shown as 500. At a sixpenny entrance this would mean a matter of £ 5. It must, however, be under- wood that the larger the "gate" the greater the opportunity given for the operators to benefit tlkemselves. It is estimated by some people that tlu- Everton exchequer has this season beon defrauded of sum between £ 700 ard £ 1,000, and as this has been going on for several years it can easily be gathered what the conspirators have netted by their daring aud ingenious method of fraud.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB AND GATE RECEIPTS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Tuesday, December 3, 1895
ASTOUNDING ALLEGATIONS
TEN ARRESTS
ALLEGED “RIGGING” OF THE TURNSTILES
The Everton Football Club directors of late have had their suspicious aroused in a matter effects them in a most vital way, but for some time have been unable, owing to the extra-ordinary nature of the affairs, to take any decided steps in the matter. Within the past few days, however, certain information reached them, and they at once communicated with the Head Constable (Captain Nett-Bower). Instructions were immediately issued by the Head Constable to Chief-Inspector Strettell and Detective-Inspector Kneale with the result that ten men, employees of the Everton Football Club, have since Saturday been taken to the Dale-street Police Office, and detained there, charged with a series of frauds upon the club. The allegation is that by some cunningly devised plan the registering turnstiles at the entrances to the Goodison road ground have been tampered with, and the numbers and figures fraudulently manipulated. The arrests were effected by the officers above-named, with the assistance of Detective-constables Aspen, Casey, J. Duckworth and Wheller. The men will probably be brought up at the police court this morning. The club, it is though in some quarters, has been defrauded of a considerable sum of money by the “working” at the turnstiles at the various pay gates. The coup should have some off a fortnight ago, when Everton were playing Sunderland, but owing to some trouble with the “key,” the police were unable to operate, and it, of course, had to be left over the next big event, which was Burnley on Saturday. To show that the conspirators had their hooks bated for the Sunderland event, the Everton committee have every reason to suppose that their losses that day were not lose than £60, the match, of course, being a magnificent event to operate with, as the visit of Sunderland proudness one of the largest gatherings at Goodison during the football season. There is not the slightest doubt in the minds of the police that the “faking” has been going on for years, and that the club has been robbed of hundreds and hundreds pounds which there are now no means of tracing. It is said that the ingenuity of an engineer has been requisitioned by the conspirators before they were able to perfect their latest schemes, and the manner in which they have gone to work has elicited admiration for their criminal skill. A peculiar feature of the whole business is that the frauds have been carried on right under the noses of the directors and responsible officials of the club for the operators might have been surprised at any moment in their work, which had to be carried on in the presence of thousands of people in broad daylight. All this adds to the boldness and sensation of the plan in which the robberies have been conceived. It is also said with much truth that some of the men who have been engaged at the gates would not accept a permanent situation unless they were permitted to leave off on Saturdays at noon, and men have been known to sacrifice ordinary work where this request has been refused. The whole business has created considerable sensation throughout the city, and many funny rumours were floating about during yesterday. For instance, calls were made at the Detective Office to know if it was a fact that two directors were amongst these detained. Of course, the inquisitive were at once relived that such was not the case. The ten men were detained at the Detective Office, but their names were not forth-coming, as the police thought it better not to publish then until they were placed in the dock this morning.
THE SUPPOSED MODUS OPERANDI
According to the tale of an ex-director and treasurer, he says he had always had his suspicious that correct returns of the turnstiles were not supplied by those in charge, and he tried to get the committee to employ policemen to watch the gates. This, he says, was pooh-poohed, as it was thought impossible that the “checkers” could be tampered with. The locks in the turnstiles were “patents,” and this was considered to be sufficient protection. There were only two keys in existence these being held by two principal officials. It is thought, however, that one of the keys had been “borrowed,” for a short time and an impression taken of it. Duplicates were then made, and these handed to the confederates. Prior to a match being started either the secretary or some of the directors have gone round and taken a record of the figures as they stood before business was started for the day, and then the machine was considered to do the rest in an honest automatic fashion. The modus operandi of the custodians has been something of this style. Before the responsible officials of the club have gone round to take the final figures for the match, the registering machine has been opened with the false keys, and to give an instance of how the fraud has been perpetrated it must be supposed that the last figures of the choker stood at 700. These have been put back perhaps a couple of hundred, and the record shown 500. At a 6d entrance this would mean a matter of £5. It must, however, be understood that the larger the “gate” the greater the opportunity given for the operators to benefit themselves. It is estimated by some people that the Everton exchequer has this season been defrauded of a sum between £700 and £1,000, and at this has been going on for several years it can easily be gathered, what the conspirators have netted by their daring and ingenious method of fraud.
A SIGNIFICANT EPISODE
Further inquiries elicit some information of a remarkable and surprising nature. It is stated that the turnstiles had been meddled with just before the match Everton v Burnley commenced on Saturday, and that subsequent to this discovery one of the club’s officials was placed under arrest. The news of the arrest leaked out, with the extraordinary result that the “takings” from the match, all of which passed through the registering turnstiles amounted to about £35 more than the indicators showed.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
The Liverpool Mercury, Tuesday, December 3, 1895
SERIOUS CGAHRES AGAINST OFFICIALS
ANOTHER ARREST
Considerable agitation had been created in local football circles by the report of the impending prosecution of ten officials connected with the Everton Football Club on the charges of embezzling large sums of money belonging to that organisation, by means of falsifying the records of the numbers of visitors to the Goodison Park football grounds on match day. It appears that for some time past the directory of the club suspected that some cunningly, arranged system of fraud was being perpetrated, but so cleverly were operations conducted that they were for a time baffled in their endeavours to discover the apparent leakage in the funds. Private information of an important nature, however, reached them a few days ago, with the result that on the head constable (Captain Nov Bower) being communicated with, ten men, whose duties at the football ground were to attend to the registering turnstiles and the taking of admission money, have been brought down to the Detective Office, Dale-street and detained pending inquiries. The offence charged against the men is that of tampering with the turn, stiles in such a manner as to show a smaller number of people present on the ground than had actually paid for admission, the balance being presumably pocketed by the accused. According to the statement of a leading official of the club, who declared that he always suspected the incorrectness of the returns at the turnstiles, he had called the attention of the committee to the matter on a previous occasion, and had suggested that the policemen should be employed to watch the gates. The assumptions that the “cheekers” which were protected by patent locks, could be interfered with by anyone was ridiculed, and the matter was allowed to drop. It is believed that an impression has been taken of one of the two keys which open the locks, and which are only in the possession of the treasurer, and duplicates made. The original key could only be obtained from the treasurer by one of the accused “borrowing.” It for a time, and of course using a piece of wax as a mould. The turnstiles are always examined by the secretary prior to the admission of the public to a match, and the number at which the indicate points placed on record. It is believed that before the second examination is made at the close of the match the registering machine has been opened with duplicate keys, and the figures “put back,” thus leaving a balance of entrances money in the hands of the “gatemen” which need not be given to the treasurer. It is at present impossible to even surmise the amount the club, as alleged, has been defrauded out of but when it is remembered that “gates” run into three and four figures at each match, it will be seen that enormous sums are handled by those who are now receiving the attention of the police. It is said that on Saturday last, the turnstiles, were interfered with by some just prior to the match Everton v Burnley being started, and that in consequence one of the officials of the club was placed under arrest. The “indication” were allowed to continue in their altered state, with the result that at the finish the takings were £35 more than the register showed. The men may possibly be brought before the stipendiary to-day when some startling revelations are expected. It is stated that certain confessions as to the charges have been made. At an early hour, this morning another official, making the eleventh, was arrested in connection with the frauds. Others still at large are also implicated.

FOOTBALL GATE MONEY
December 4, 1895. Hampshire Advertiser.
The directors of the Everton having for some time past had suspicious that they were the victims of fraud, caused an inquiry to the instituted, and as a result nine of their employers were arrested on Saturday and Sunday, and charged with having Committed a series of thefts by manipulating the registering stills at the paygates of the ground. One or two other arrests are expected. It is alleged that some of the moneytakers were possesses of duplicate keys to the turnstiles, and were thus enabled to carry on dishonest practices by putting back the indicates before the registed numbers had been noted by officials of the club. Connivance of course, was necessary for the complete success of the system, and amongst those under detention are a groundsman and a youth employed in the office. One of the accused is in this way at the Sunderland match a fortnight ago. At Liverpool on Tuesday twelve employees of the Everton club were convicted of robbing the club. Three were sentenced to three month's imprisonment, seven to two months, and one to one month the other defendant being released on his own recogizances.

THE GOODISON GROUND FRAUDS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Wednesday, December 4, 1895
(Also same article in Echo Tuesday addition)
TRAIL AND SENTENCES
REMARKABLE DISCLSOURES
EXPECTED FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS
In the City Police Courts, yesterday morning, the twelve employees of the Everton Football Club Company who are charged with stealing several sums of money belonging to the company by tampering with the turnstiles were brought up before Mr. W.J. Stewart, the stipendiary. The case has created a profound sensation in athletic and general circles throughout the city, and the court was densely crowded with persons interested in the case and others anxious to get a glimpse of the arrested men. These are John H. Curier, aged twenty-six, William Fletcher, thirty-eight, John Baren, forty-four, John Muir, eighteen, Richard Workman, sixty-nine, Peter Murphy, forty, Edward Rothwell, twenty-six, John Balmer, twenty-seven, John Chaloner, thirty-three, Geo. J. Clarkson, forty-two, William Murphy, twenty-seven, and John Williams, forty-one, all turnstile men, with the exception of Muir, Workman, and Barrow, the first-named being office boy, the second a labourer, and the latter the groundsman, all in the employ of the Everton Club company. Most of the directors of the Everton club were present in court, together with several prominent supporters of the organisation, amongst those who watched the proceedings being Messrs B. Kelly, J. Davies, W,C. Cuff, J. Crawshaw, R. Molyneux (secretary), George Mahon, Hoary Heard, T. Bush, E. Talbot, &c.
Just before the case came on Dr. Whitford and Colonel Walker took their seats on the bench at each side of the stipendiary. They did not, of course, adjudicate.
Detective Chief Inspector Strettell conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Lowndes defended Balmer, John Williams, Chaloner, and Clarkson. Mr. Quilliam appeared for Fletcher, Peter Murphy, William Murphy, Rothwell and Muir. Curier, Barrow, and workman were undefended. Chief Inspector Strettell, in stating the case, said that Mr. Cripps the prosecuting solicitor, was unable to attend, in consequence of his being engaged at the assizes. As he (Mr. Strettell) know something of the details of this case, Mr. Grubb asked him to take it. The twelve prisoners had been at various times employed by the Everton football Company, Limited, at Goodison Park. Curier and Fletcher had been employed at various times for a long period, almost since Goodison park was started. Barrow was employed as a groundsman, and had been in their service for less than twelve months. The boy Muir was an office boy in the employment of Mr. Molyneux, the secretary, while Workman was a labourer casually employed on the ground. He was an engineer, or at all events had some knowledge of engineering work. The rest of the men were employed on Saturday afternoon and at matches to take charge of the turnstiles, and see that everyone paid and that no more than one passed through at a time. Inside the turnstile was a register, which was called the clock, and which registered from 1 to 100,000, but was never put back to zero, presumably to enable the company to make calculations at the end of the season. The directors suspected that a system of robbery was going on, but how being carried out they could not find out. They used all efforts, and all measures were tried to stop it, but without success, and it was not until a few weeks ago that some information came to the knowledge of some of the directors. This came about in consequence of a man being put on temporarily at one of the gates, and ultimately he was spoken to by one of the men who had been there longer. He was asked by this man if he wanted to a make a pound or two or a shilling or so. He replied “Yes,” and listened to all that the other had to say-that was Rothwell. He fell in with the suggestion, and said “I want to know how the thing is done.” The other replied, “Well, inside the machine is a clock. We get at it and out it back.” He then asked “How about the key?” and the other replied to the effect that Curier had it. He further said that Curier would take the wood out and turn the clock back as many as they wanted-sometimes a hundred, sometimes two or three hundred, or as much as wanted. They had a key to fit all the different turnstiles. He further said, “There are some of the gates drilled.” There was a spring which worked with the turnstile, but this was in some instances interfered by a heavy iron instrument (produced). The register fitted on a cog, and the clock could only go one way, but if the spring was interfered with it could be moved any way. In this instance, at night they arranged with Workman that he should go in with them, get this drill, drill a hole, and then lift the spring, and so manipulate the clock. If there was a favourable opportunity, they turned the clock back more than once after the register had been taken. It was a risky thing to take out the register and replace it, but by manipulating the spring the matter was much easier, and they were able to make considerable sums when there was a big gate. If they took the register out one of the directors might come on the scene, and it would take two or three minutes to take it out and put it back. Some of the men did it with a peg and some with a key. The office boy went there in August, and he was spoken to by the groundsman. There were two keys, one in the hands of the secretary and one in the hands of the directors. It was the secretary’s business to go round to each turnstile before a match comme33nced and take the registered number. At half time, the secretary or one of the directors checked the figures and saw what amount was due. Invariably the figures and amount had been correct. It was possible to make mistakes by two persons passing through the stiles at one time, but the automatic calculations would not be out more than sixpence or a shilling. It was arranged a fortnight ago that the arrests should have made, but a slip occurred. On Saturday week, when Port Vale were at Goodison Park, no action was taken. On Saturday last it was arranged that something should be done. The boy went round as usual, and the secretary took the correct numbers. Later on the groundsman Barrow went round, and put back seven turnstiles 200, making altogether 1,400. He would go then round and inform the others that he had put each back 200, and that they must take £5 out of each stile. On Saturday, however, Dr. Baxter went immediately before the gates were opened to the spectators, and found that the registers had been altered 200 in seven instances. The groundsman was frightened, and so were the others, and did not go near the turnstiles, the result being that at the end of the match there was £35 more money than the figures in the registers indicated there should be. In consequence of this the boy Muir was arrested. When charged he at once said he was guilty, and that he had been tempted by Barrow and others, having been told jhow money could be made. He accordingly lent his key to Barrow to have an impression of it taken and barrow took an impression of it with tar which was on the ground, and went with it to a tradesman’s shot and had a key made. The tradesman in question, however, said he had his books examined, but had been unable to find that the key had been made there, though the groundsman had told him (Mr. Strettell) that he had taken an impression of the key on a piece of soft tar and got a key made with which he was able to open several of the locks. They had, however, not been able to open all of them, and no doubt some of the locks were spoilt by this false key. In consequence of these locks being out of order the secretary took out the register and sent his own key to Chubbs’ people to get it rectified. The boy who took it would in doing so have an opportunity of substituting his own key for the secretary’s which opened the whole of the locks. When the secretary found that the key he got was not quite so satisfactory as it has been before, one of the directors was spoken to, but even then it was not suspected there was any ringing of the changes. It was aid that there were two other keys in existence, or had been. These other keys were said to have been in the possession of Curier and Fletcher, and as a pin similar to that produced was used on four machines, there was no doubt that they were manipulated during the night when people were in bed, and a pin supplied, to that they could put back the registers to their own liking. It seemed that it was the business of someone to watch, so as to prevent two going through at once, and when two were found going through upon one register, instead of pouring upon him they had told him they could show him a way by which he could make money faster than that, and the result was that the twelve men now appeared in the dock. All the prisoners, he believe would plead guilty. The club Company were now in a position to protect themselves against such depredation in the future by getting machines of another make. They asked the stipendiary to deal with them summarily, leaving it to his worship as to their punishment, but stating that they understand that there was somebody behind them when the police had not able to get at. In the case of Muir they wished to say that he was a mere boy, who had been tempted by people very much older than himself, and if his worship could see his way to deal with him as a first offender they would be satisfied. The prisoners, having been formally and severally charged by the magistrates’ clerk (Mr. Savage), all pleaded guilty.
Mr. Quilliam said that with regard to Muir he trusted that his worship would deal as lenicatly as possible. As Mr. Strettell had said, he understood the directors had no desire to press it against him, and he would ask that he might be treated under the First Offenders Act. He was only just over seventeen years of age, and had not been long in the employ of the club. Where a large number of men were employed and doing wrong, it would be easy to induce the bot to go in with them. He was just commencing life and had been subjected to considerable temptation, and considering the strong pressure brought to bear by the other men he hoped he might be dealt with as a first-offender. With regards to Fletcher, the two Murphey’s, and Rothwell, their cases were on a par, with the exception that three were married men, and one a bachelor. Fletcher had been for many years in a respectable situation, and had borne an irreproachable character. He had gone to Goodison Park on the Saturday afternoon in order to earn a few more shillings to support his family, and although he had been employed at the ground for a considerable time it was only within the last few months that he had given way to the temptation. He had a large family, and he would lose his situation. This also applied to Rothwell, who had three children. Peter Murphy was a widower with three children, one of whom was a mute, and if he were sent to gaol the home would be broken up, and the children left destitute. William Murphy was a young man, but he was counsel believed the support of his parents who would now be compelled to enter the workhouse. All the prisoners had hitherto borne good characters, and he hoped that, bearing in mind the fact of these lost characters, the magistrate would deal as leniently as possible with the accused.
Mr. Neale said he agreed with all Mr. Quilliam had said in mitigation of punishment and further pointed out that prisoners was casual employment, and therefore the temptations were greater, probably than it would have been if this had been a regular situation. Clarkson had a wife and eight children. Williams had a wife and three children, his wife being a cripple. Chaloner was a single man, and was probably in a worse position than the other two men.
Mr. Quilliam intimated that the employers of some of the prisoners were in court, and would speak to their good character.
Mr. Stewrat- Perhaps Sergeant Evans (record-clerk) can satisfy us as to their characters. In there anything known about any of the prisoners?
Sergeant Evans- Curier was in custody in Birkenhead in July this year for a bicycle, but was discharged.
Mr. Strettell.- All of them have had good characters given them, including Curier.
Mr. Lownden then spoke on behalf of Balmer, Curier and Barrow, who were undefended had nothing to say in their defence.
Mr. Stewart -Barrow is the man who has manipulated the false key?
Mr. Strettell-Yes; and Fletcher and Curier are alleged to have had false keys, and also to have worked the pin business.
Mr. Stewart -As far as you have gone into the matter, you have not been able to make a distinction between the men?
Mr. Strettell.- We think that Fletcher and Curier are more deeply implicated in the business than the others. Apart from Muir, the least implicated is Rothwell, who only commenced a short while ago, and who has taken the smallest amount of money. It also took more to make him yield to temptation than the others, and he was the first to give way when arrested.
Mr. Stewart said the prosecution had dealt with the prisoners in an extremely lenient way by allowing them to be dealt with summarily. If they had chosen to frame an offence against them of conspiring to defraud, the prisoners could not have been dealt with in that court, but must have gone to the assizes, and their punishment would have been as much as two years hard labour. However, the prosecution had considered that the ends of justice would be met by the matter being dealt with summarily in that court. They had taken only one offence, for which, however, each of the prisoners was liable to be sent to prison for three months hard labour. That sentence he passed on Currier, Fletcher, and Barrow. As regarded John Muir, he would accept the suggestion at the directors and bind him over to be of good behaviour. Rothwell must go to prison for one month, and the rest of the prisoners for two months hard labour. Muir was then formally bound over and discharged.
POSSIBLE FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS
It appears that the sensation caused in the football world by the arrest and trails of the twelve men yesterday is not likely to end there. Minute and searching inquiries are being made with regard to other individuals, who, it may be hinted, are “higher game” then those who were in the dock yesterday. So far nothing has leaked out as to the particular direction in which inquiry is being prosecuted, but very energetic steps are being taken.
TO THE EDIRTOR OF THE DAILT POST
Sir- As one who was present during the proceedings in the police court to-day, allow me to point out that only one aspect of the conspiracy has been brought before the public. The mere tools have pleaded guilty and have received their respective punishments; but as Mr. Strettell in his lucid statement point out, “that there weas somebody behind them whom the police had not been able to get at,” I am confident that the public will demand that the inquiry must not end with to-day’s proceedings, but that every effort will be made by the police to thoroughly express the conspiracy. The interests of sport, as well as that of public morality, demand that no efforts should be spared to bring to justice the mastermind who devised the plans which the culprits adopted. From an intimate knowledge of the directorate, who possess the entire confidence of the shareholders, I am assured that no efforts of theirs will be wanting to ensure the bringing to justice all who have participated in the series of frauds.- Yours &c., WILLIAM WHITFORD- Liverpool, December 3, 1895.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
The Liverpool Daily Post- Wednesday December 4, 1895
The daring scheme of co-operative robbery exposed yesterday in connection with the gate receipts at the famous grounds of the Everton Football Club will doubtless put organisers of athletic sports on the alert all over the county. The only matter for surprise is that the frauds went on so long unchecked. Some reasons may be imagined, however, to account for the long run which the conspirators enjoyed. Everton of the higher order, such as is played by the Everton Club with a doughty set of opponents, has an irresistible attraction for the manhood of Liverpool. The young, the old, and the middle-aged his to the famous Goodison park grounds, not in single files, but in whole battalions. The human stream which pours through the turnstiles is so dense that any attempt to check the accuracy of the registers by the process of simple addition, or even by its simplified form of the tally universally adopted by mariners in receiving and discharging cargo, would be as impracticable as it would be irksome. The mechanical registering apparatus had, therefore perforce to be relied upon implicitly. Moreover, the state of mental exaltation into which the prospect of a first-class match works all patrons of the game, form the chairman of directors down to the gaping schoolboy spectators, is not favourable to the precise drudgery of running single units up into thousands by accretions of one. It does not seem, however, as if such an exhibition of patient industry was essential to the discovery of the deep and subtle game which was being played by the team of conspirators. It might have been assumed that the possibility of corrupting the veracity of the turnstiles would suggest itself to one or other of some dozen men deputed to receive the material tributes of the spectators to their interest in the game. The turnstiles appear to have been left pretty much to take care of themselves during the long intervals between matches. The result was that keys were duplicated, access to the interior registering machinery of the pay-gates gained, and automatic records made to square with receipts of which heavy toll had been taken,. The aggressive amount by which the funds of the club suffered does not appear to have transpired in the course of yesterday’s investigation. Probably no one knows outside the ring of conspirators themselves. Even there, perhaps, ignorance may be bliss, for as there are wheels within wheels, so it is conceivable that a process of pilfering on individual account may have been going on. It would seem that the discovery of the frauds was due to the accident of a man being put on temporarily at one of the gates. It was asserted by Chief Inspector Strettell, in opening the case, that the suspicious of the directors had been active for a considerable time, but that all their measures to put an estoppel on the frauds were without success. This is a theory too flattering to the jealously of the directors and too unjust to their practical ingenuity to warrant general credence. A critical examination of the turnstiles would at any time have revealed the fact that a hole had been drilled opposite to the spring, which “pulled” the clockwork, and under normal conditions allowed it to move in only one direction. The simplest exertion of their logical faculties should have told them that a hole in such a position could only be used for a sinister purpose. As a matter of fact, it enabled the spring to be reached with a wire, by which the clutch was released and the machinery turned in a direction quite contrary to the programme. The perpetrators of the ingenious fraud may consider themselves lucky. If they had been sent to the assizes on a charge of conspiracy that might have bene awarded as many years’ hard labour as some of them have received months. It was stated yesterday that the company were in a position to protect themselves against similar depredations in the future by procuring machines of another make. The manoeuvre will doubles be successful in defeating roguish ingenuity for a time, the more so as the recollection of yesterday’s sequel will have a wholesomely deterrent influence upon the successors of the gang whose turpitude has worked them woe. But unless mechanical ingenuity in the construction of automatic registering machinery is backed up by sufficient vigilance to prevent its being tampered with, cupidity will sooner or later have its innings once more. It is a splendid certificate to the magnetic attractions of the Goodison Park ground that its receipts have been equal to the strain of such heavy tithe and toll. The margin between expenditure and income must be very broad. The directors will exercise a wise discretion, however, in ensuring that for the future no unauthorised liberties are taken with turnstiles or keys in the long periods of solitude which intervene between the active phases of the game.

FRAUDS BY EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB EMPLOYES
The Liverpool Mercury- Wednesday 4 December 1895
INGENIOUS TAMPERING WITH THURNSTILES
THE PRISONERS BEFORE THE MAGIFISTRATE
EXEMPLARY SENTENCES
Yesterday, at the Police Court, Dale-street, before Mr. W.J. Stewart, stipendiary magistrate, John H. Currier (26 years of age), William Fletcher (38), George Barrow (44), John Muir (18), Richard Workman (69), Peter Murphy (40), Edward Rothwell (26), John Balmer (27), John Challoner (33), George J. Clarkson (42), William Murphy (27) and John W. Williams (44), all turnstiles men excepting Muir, who was an office youth. Workman, a labourer, and Barrow, a groundsman, were charged with stealing certain sums of money belonging to the Everton Football Club Company, Limited, by tampering with the turnstiles at Goodison Park. The court was crowded with those interested in sport. Amongst those present were Mr. G. Mahon (one of the ex-presidents of the company), Messrs, A.E. Leyland, B. Kelly, J. Davies, J. Crawshaw, and W.C. Cuff (directors), R. Molyneux (secretary), Messrs, H. Heard, T. Bush, W.J. Talbot, J. Linacre, and others prominently identified with the athletic world. Dr. Whitford, Alderman Ruddin, and Colonel Walker occupied seats on the bench with the stipendiary, but took no part in the proceedings. Chief Detective-inspector Strettle appeared to prosecute; Mr. Lowndes defended Balmer, Mr. Quilliam appeared for Fletcher P. and W. Murphy, Rothwell and Muir; and Mr. Neale defended Williams, Challoner, and Clarkson; the three other prisoners (Currier, Workman, and Barrow) being legally unrepresented. Chief-inspectors Strettle, in opening the case, said that he appeared on behalf of Mr. Cripps, the prosecuting solicitor, as that gentleman was unable to attend in consequence of having cases at the Assizes. Knowing something of the details of the case, he (Mr. Strettle) had consented to conduct it. The twelve prisoners had at various times been employed by the Everton Football Club, Limited on their ground at Goodison Park. Two of them-Currier and Fletcher -had been in their employ at various times almost since the ground had been opened. Barrow, who was the groundsman, had been in the employ of the company for nearly twelve months, and the boy Muir had been engaged to work as the office boy in the secretary’s office. The man Workman was a labourer, and in that capacity he had been given causal labour, although he believed that he was in reality a mechanic, or bad some training in that capacity. The remainder of the men were engaged to take charge of the turnstiles to see that everyone paid, and that no two persons passed through the stiles at the same time. As the stipendiary would doubtless be aware, the turnstiles were made so as to register each person who passed through. This machine registered from 1 to 100,000; but they never put it back to zero, letting it work on, he presumed, for their information, at the end of the season. For a considerable time past the directors had felt that there had been some system of stealing, but how it was carried on they could not find out. They adopted all sorts of measures to try to stop or detect it; but it was not until a few weeks ago that some information came to the knowledge of some of the directors in consequence of a man being put on temporarily at one of the gates. Ultimately he was spoken to by one of the men who had been there longer, and he was asked if he wanted to make a shilling or two. He said, “Yes” and he listened to all that this man- Rothwell -had to say, and fell in with the suggestion that he should “stand in” with this systematic plunder. He said, “Well, I want to know how the thing is done.” The man Rothwell said in reply, “Well there is a clock, and we get into the clock and put it back.” The man asked how it was done, and Rothwell explained that they had a key, and when asked who had got that key he mentioned the names of Fletcher and Currier. He said they put in a wedge and then they put back the machine 100 or 300 or 400, just as they wanted. He also said that there were some of the gates drilled. There was a spring which worked with the turnstiles, but the spring was interfered with, in some instance by this drilling with a heavy iron instrument (produced) at night time. They then arranged with Workman, after they had tempted him, that he should go in after them with a heavy drill, unlock the register, take it out, and then drill a hole from the top behind the spring. They could then manipulated the spring after they had got it to a certain point so that the wheel could go either way. This made the matter much easier for them to accomplish, as it was a risky thing to take out the register an replace it, an operation which took two or three minutes. By this means they were able to make considerable sums when there was a big gate. The office boy was spoken to August in which month he was appointed, by the groundsman. There were two keys, one of which was in the hands of the secretary and one in the hands of the directors. It was the duty of the secretary to visit the different stiles before a match began and take the numbers which appeared on the register. At the close of the match the secretary, or one of the directors, again visited the registers to see how many people had passed through the turnstiles. Some time after the interval the prisoners were in the habit of handing to proceeds to the secretary, who in checking the amounts, generally found that they were correct to within a shilling or sixpence. Of course it was possible for slight mistakes to occur by two people passing through the turnstiles at one time. A fortnight ago it was arranged that these arrests should be made, but certain things happened, and it was decided to postpone action. Again, in the Burslem Port Vale match on the 23rd ult., no action was taken, but on Saturday last arrangements for taking active measures were made with the directors. On that occasion the boy went round as usual with the secretary’s key, and took the number of the registers. Subsequently the groundsman Barrow also paid a visit to the turnstiles and put back the registers 200 each, making altogether 1400. Later he should have gone to each of the turnstile men and told them that the register had been put back 200, so that they must take £5 to make matters appear right. However, he did not pay the visits, because before he should have gone. Dr. Baxter and another director went to inspect the turn-stiles, their visits being entirely unexpected. They discovered that the registers had been put back 200 in seven instances, and the groundsman, upon seeing toss, was too frightened to go to the other prisoners and give them the usual information. Not getting this information, they were also alarmed, and as a matter of fact, they handed in at the office £35 more than the register showed. Altogether on that Saturday the sum of £35 was paid in more than had been registered by the machines. In consequence of that this boy was arrested, and he at once, when charged, said that he was guilty, and that he had been tempted by Barrow and the others, who told him how money could be made. He lent the secretary’s key to Barrow, who took an impression of it upon a piece of tar, and had a duplicate key made at a tradesmen’s shop, no doubt with this false key, and the secretary sent the key to the groundsman to take it to Chubbs’ and have the matter remedied. Of course this was an occasion when the groundsman had the opportunity of utilising the secretary’s key as he thought fit. However, after the lock was repaired the secretary found the key did not act as it had done before, and one of the directors was spoken to, but it was not thought that there was any ringing of the change. That was how he found the key to get at No.7 machine and nay more machine he wanted. In addition to that, a pain was used in four of the machines, in each of which a hole had been drilled from the top some time during the night, so that the men could pick it at any time according to the state of the ground and the number of visitors. It seemed that the other men always attended the ground, and watched the men at the stiles, and if they found them working the “doubles”-that was when two persons were crushed through at the same time, and there was 6d, for the company and 6d, for themselves-if they detected a man doing this they pounced upon him, and said, “We have seen you do it, and we can tell you what way you can make more.” They then revealed the scheme to these men, and it was by this means of temptation that most of the 12 men got into the position which they occupied to-day. Ten of the men- all except Currier and Barrow-had made statements admitting their guilt, and saying how they were tempted, how the whole scheme was concocted, and to what extent they had robbed the company at various times, and pleading guilty to what part they had taken in the theft. The directors had decided to have now gates put up which could not be manipulated and they asked the bench to deal with the prisoners summarily instead of committing them to the assizes for trials as he believed might be done. They were satisfied that other persons were behind the matter who could not be got at, but they had asked him (Mr. Strettell) to ask the bench to deal with the men. Muir was only 17 years of age when he was first tempted, and he had always done his work well, but had fallen into the hands and under the influence of persons much older than himself. The directors were anxious that the boy should be dealt with under the First Offenders Act. The other prisoners they left in the hands of his worship. The prisoners were then charged, and each individually pleaded guilty.
Mr. Quilliam, on behalf of the boy Muir, asked the leniency of the magistrate, however, as Mr. Strettell had said, the directors had no desire to press the charge against him. He accordingly asked that Muir should be dealt with under the First Offenders Act. He was only about 17 years old, and had been but a short time in the employ of the club. In a concern where men were employed he probably would not have given way bit for their influence. Fletcher was a married man, and had borne an irreproachable charcater during the long time he had been in Liverpool, taking casual employment on the football ground so as to make a little extra money. Although he had been long employed by the club he (Mr. Quilliam) wished to state that it was only a short time since that he had given way to temptation. On the day on which he first fell there was a very great crush of people at the gates, and two persons got through the turnstiles at the same time. Then men who were watching took opportunity and said to him. “We have found you cut now, and you do what we want you to do.,” That was how he fell, and he (Mr. Quilliam) must add that he had a large family depending upon him. The circumstances of Rothwell’s case were similar, and he also deserved leniency. Peter Murphy was a widower, with three young children, one of whom was deaf, and dumb and his imprisonment would have the effect of breaking up his home. William Murphy was a single young man, but he had his parents depending upon him, and they would probably have to go into the workhouse in the event of his going to jail. All the prisoners for whom he appeared had hitherto borne good characters; and while it was lamentable that they should have fallen in such a manner, it must be remembered that the temptation was very strong, considering the surrounding circumstances.
Mr. Neale added that it should be remembered that this was a purely casual employment, and the temptation was therefore greater. Clarkson had a wife and eight children; Williams a wife and three children (the wife being a cripple); whilst Challoner was a single man.
Mr. Quilliam remarked that some of the employers of the men were present and would, if his worship wanted, given them good characters.
Mr. Stewart asked the record clerk if anything was known of any of the prisoners.
The Record Clerk said nothing was know about any of the prisoners except Currier, who was in custody over a bicycle at Birkenhead, and discharged.
Mr. Strettell said the men had all good characters previous to this.
Mr. Lowndes, on behalf of Balmer, pointed out that his client had for seven years held the responsible position of a collector, and his accounts had always been correct.
The other prisoners on being asked stated that they had nothing to say in answer to the charge.
Mr. Stewart; In Barrow the man who manipulated the false key? -Mr. Strettell; Yes, and Fletcher and Currier are alleged to have had the false keys and also to work the pin business.
Mr. Stewart; As far as you have gone into the facts, Mr. Strettell, have you been able to distinguish the most guilty?- Mr. Strettell; The groundsman seems to be the worst; then Currier and Fletcher. Probably the least guilty, after taking out Muir is Rothwell, who only commenced a short while ago. It also took more to make him yield to the tempter than the others, and he was the first to give way when arrested.
Mr. Stewart, addressing the prisoners, said they had pleaded guilty to this charge of larceny, and the prosecution had treated them in an extremely lenient manner in allowing the matter to be dealt with summarily. They might have brought the more serious charge of conspiracy against them, which could not have been tried in that court, but must have been sent for trail at the assizes, and the punishment for which might have been two years; imprisonment, which hard labour. Each of the, was now liable to be sent to jail for three months, with hard labour. Currier, Fletcher, and Barrow each have to go for that period. He would take into consideration what had been said as to Muir, and on his promise to be of good behaviour he would allow him to g on his own recognisances. He would also take into consideration what had been said on behalf of Rothwell, and would send him to prison for only one month. The remainder of the prisoners would each be sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with hard labour. The prisoners were then removed to the cells, and the boy Muir was formally bound over and discharged.
It is rumoured that the police court proceedings yesterday against the turnstile men are not likely to prove the end of the sensation. It is said that other persons who were formerly in the employ of the club, and who knew of the dishonest practices, have habitually received weekly sums as “hush money,” and that these are likely to be prosecuted for participating in the swindle. On the other hand, there is a common belief that the directors of the club are content to allow matters to remain as at present, satisfied that the chief offenders have been deservedly punished.

BURNLEY LOSE IN THE LAST MINUTE
Burnley Express- Wednesday 4 December 1895
Burnley maintained their reputation for playing Everton a hard game on the latter’s ground. The teams have been singularly well-matched as regards the closeness of the matches, as ten of the games out of sixteen have been decided by one goal only, Everton having won the majority. Three games have been drawn and the margins in the others have been four goals and two goals in favour of Everton and three to none in favour of Burnley. Seeing that two of these latter matches took place at Turf Moor, the only time that Burnley have sustained a defeat by more than one goal at Everton was in December 1890, when the result was seven goals against three. Burnley were without Livingstone and Nicol on Saturday, when Everton were tackled at Goodison Park in the presence of 14,000 spectators, thus showing that Burnley may be said to be a drawing team. The elevens were made up of the following players;- Burnley;- Tatham, Reynolds, McLintock, McEleany, Espie, Taylor, Patterson, Davidson, Bowes, Place, junr., and Hill. Everton;- Hillman, Adams, Arridge, Goldie, Boyle, Stewart, Bell, Hartley, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward. The referee was Mr. J. Lewis, Blackburn. Burnley lost the toss and had to play against the wind. The visitors made an aggressive show for a short time, but the home side continually attacked, with the result that the defenders were kept warm at work. Tatham behaved admirably in goal when he got warm to his work, all kinds of shots being dealt with. Burnley at times found their way to the other end, but Hillman had a very light task. Both the outside wing men, however, had the misfortune to send the ball against the upright. Many shots were sent at the Burnley goal, but at half time nothing had been scored. On resuming Everton were the first to seriously threaten corners accruing to them but the defence, especially that of Tatham, was very safe, McLintock also shining, the other defenders coming in for favourable notice. The game had not been resumed very long when the Burnley attacking brigade showed up better and were a constant source of trouble, Hill and Place being the more conspicuous wing. Before long Hill worked the ball past Goldie, and on being tackled by Adams passed into the centre, but to the disappointment of Burnley’s hopes both Place and Bowes failed to collar it. There was very little to choose between the teams as the struggle progressed, though in the matter of pressure Everton may be said to have had what advantage there was. The Burnley defence was especially sound and all Everton’s efforts, though their shooting was of a far more accurate description as time wore on, were frustrated. When the second stage was 25 minutes old Hill and Place got off in one of their best runs and Hill being tripped by Goldie Burnley had a free kick. From this Burnley drew first blood, the ball from the rebound being sent by one of the half-backs through the legs of the two lots of players into the net. Matters were now getting serious for Everton who made an alteration in their term, Hartley going centre, but it looked as though the manoeuvre were doomed to failure to failure. Eight minutes from time Burnley though having to defend, were leading. Then misfortune overtook them, Espie intercepted a pass and had hands given against him though it is alleged that the centre half breasted the ball and that it never struck his hands. That was not all. A scrimmage ensued and the ball went into the net off Reynolds, whilst it is alleged Tatham was floored before the ball could reach him. Thus the score was equal. Directly afterwards Place had an open goal, Hillman having rushed out and fallen, but he sent over. Still the cruellestpiece of luck was to come. Play was intensely exciting. Less than a minute from time, another free kick was awarded Everton and the ball planted into the goal mouth Tatham, who evidently misunderstood the cry of one of the defenders, endeavoured to keep the shot out, and knocking the ball against the upright it rebounded into the goal. Thus on time Everton won by two goals to one. The wires of a well-known agency gave the result as one each, causing a feeling of Lively satisfaction which was damped later on. Burnley’s luck seems to be chronic. They really and truly scored all the goals. Burnley had bad luck, but little bits of bad play accentuated the feeling of disappointment at the result of the match. Burnley certainly deserved to draw if ever a team did. Place made a sad mess of it in not accepting the easiest of easy chances. If he had been content to gently touch the ball it must have gone through, but instead of that he took a strong kick, with the result’s that the ball went sailing over the bar. This was quite as bad a mistake as that committed by Tatham in playing the ball when the winning point was scored. He should have left the ball alone. Even apart from all these considerations Burnley are to be complimented on the good fight they made. In the matter of defence Burnley were superior to Everton. Tatham gave about his best display of goalkeeping. But for him Burnley would have certainly suffered a severe defeat. McLintock, who was seen to great advantage, was the better of the backs, Reynolds not being quite as good as usual. The half-backs shone to a man, Espie making a very good show indeed seeing that he has been absent so long. The left were the better wing, but they got more than their fair share of the work, whilst Bowes acquitted himself creditably.

ROMANCE OF THE POOL
The Liverpool Mercury, Wednesday 4 1895
There was a crowded audience in the Picton Lecture Hall last evening, when Mr. Frank J. Leslie, F.R.G.S, delivered an interesting discourse in connection with the Corporation Free Lectures, on “The Romances of Liverpool; Incidents in the Life of the Town 200 years ago.” Councillors P. Kearney presided -The Lecturer said that the most picturesque period of the town’s history was when the rough manners and life of the earlier ages were giving way before the steady advance of civilising institutions, and the dark shadows of feudal oppression were disappearing before the clearer lights of learning, broader religious faith, and wider knowledge of other lands and people. This was equally true of the city in which we lived. When the seventeenth century began Liverpool was a small place of no importance, and it s inhabitants men, women, and children,numbered not more than 1,000 while there were seven streets, with 200 houses. Property was so low in value that shops in Castle-street were each let for 4s, a year. When that century closed Liverpool was a thriving busy town, with its fleet of splendid merchantmen, fine streets and houses, and every sign of commercial enterprise and prosperity. The lecturer then proceeded to review the history of the town in the seventeenth century, and particularly described the old castle, mentioning the fact that there still remains a subterranean passage from the site of that ancient edifice to the river beneath James-street. He then sketched the connection of the Moore family with Liverpool. They first lived at Moore Hall, which gave its name to Oldhall-street, and then at Bankhall, but, owing to their getting into difficulties, their property was sold in 1709 by the mortgagee to the Earl of Derby, who thus become possessor of the valuable Bootle estates. Mr. Leslie then spoke of the village of Everton, the siege of Liverpool, and the growth of the trade of the port, alluding to the great law suit between the town and the London Cheesemongers, which lasted eight years, concerning town dues. Liverpool having to negotiate a loan to meet the expenses of the case. He alluded to the risks the inhabitants incurred in the 17th century in criticising the action of the Mayors, and the penalties they were called upon to pay for questioning the chief magistrate’s actions. In conclusion, the lecturer pointed out that as Liverpool had an ancient history with which very few were thoroughly acquainted, all residents in the city should endeavour to devote a small portion of their time in recalling the marvellous developments of the place and the extremely interesting history of their local ancestors.- The lecture was charmingly illustrated by means of the oxyhydrogen lantern, some 50 valuable views of ancient Liverpool being shown on a screen. At the close votes of thanks were passed to the lecturer and the chairman.

EVERTON’S ENGAGEMENTS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Friday, December 6, 1895
The following teams will represented Everton to-morrow;- 2-30. Lime-street Station 9-45.
Against Small heath at Birmingham. Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Hartley, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Against Buxton, at Goodison Park; 2.30. Everton Combination- Cook, goal; McDonald and Storrier, backs; Kelso, Meiklejohn, and Elliott, half-backs; Reay, Williams, J. Chadwick, Murray, and Schofield, forwards.

DEFRAUDING A FOOTBALL CLUB.
December 7, 1895. The Hampshire Advertiser.
At Liverpool Police court on Tuesday, twelve employees of the Everton Football Club Company consistiget nine turnstilemen, a labourer an office boy, and the groundsman pleaded guilty to stealing various sums of money belonging to the company by tampering with the turnstiles. The prisoners had got a duplicate key for the turnstile, by which they were able to alter the figures on the register. Last Saturday, during the match against Burnley, the secretary of the club took the correct numbers on the registers as usual, and later the groundsman by means of a duplicate key and by working a wire in a drilled hole, put seven turnstiles back 200 each. These frauds had been going on for some time, but the directors of the club would be satisfied by having the prisoners dealt with summarily. Three were sent to gal for three months. Seven to months, one for a month and the other boy was bound over.

EVERTON COMBINATION v.  LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT COMBIANTION
Runcorn Examiner-Saturday 7 December 1895
The above teams met to give an exhibition of Association football on the St. Elphin’s ground, Wilderspool Causeway, on Saturday. The day threatened to be a repetition of the experience when they were last down here at the beginning of the season. Luckily, however, the rain kept off, and a good muster of spectators witnessed a splendid game. The teams lined up as follows at 2.45. Everton; Hiles, goal; McDonald, Storrier, backs; Kelso, Meiklejohn, Elliott, half-backs; Reay, Williams, Chadwick, Flewitt, Schofield, forwards. District; Wilkinson, goal; Taylor, Molyneux, backs; Willoughby, Hughes, Curtin, half-backs; Duckworth, Hickinbottom, Harcombe, Askins, Higgins, forwards. The game was even for the first 15 minutes, and then Everton opened the scoring with a good goal from Kelso. This livened the game considerably, and both sides played hard up to the interval, when the professionals led by three goals to nil. Afterwards, though the District played up pluckily, the Everton men were too quick and speedy for them, and the splendid passing of the Everton forwards could not be beaten. When time was called Everton had added four more goals through Kelso, Williams, Flewitt, and Chadwick, and the final score read Everton seven, District nil.

SMALL HEATH 0 EVERTON 3
December 9 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
The first of the League games between these clubs was played at Smallheath on Saturday. The weather was altogether against there being a good display, though the game was fairly well particular some 3,000 giving their support to the game. It was found necessary to include Cameron in the Everton team owing to Hartley having injured his knee against Burnley on the previous Saturday, and there was but one change to the ranks of the Heathers at halfback from that which, played against Derby County. The visitors had the assistance of a strong breeze, which blow from end to end, and the game commenced in a downfall of snow. The Everton forwards commenced pressing at the onset and after the ball had been bobbing about the home goal in dangerous fashion, Wheldon put to his wing in possession and Adams was called upon to clear. At the other end Milward only just failed in heading the ball into the net, and after numberous corners kicks had been taken unsuccessfully, Oliver, with a strong kick, caused the home forwards to get well down, but when Hallam looked like getting in a final lick Stewart robbed him beautifully, and initiated a further onslaught at the Smallheath end. Another breakaway in charge of Bruce threatened disaster as Hillman was put well protected, when Arridge luckily chipped in, and following some splendid work by bell, McInnes and Chadwick reach was tested by the first named, only to be found in reachness. Several chance were offered to the visitors at this juncture which, were not taken, but eventually after another sequence of corner kicks Milward darted up and put the ball into the net, 35 minutes from the start. Boyle and Goldie had shots at goal, but the defence of Oliver and Lister was very strong, and nothing further was done up to the interval, when Everton led by one goal to nil. On resuming the Heathens were the first to make the running, but gradually the Everton forwards settled down, and keeping the ball low against the wind they indulged in many fine passages, which made the game interesting. Bruce at length darted off, but finished by shooting straight at Hillman, and after Cameron had tipped the ball nicely across to Bell, the latter player screwed across the goal, only to find Oliver on the alert. After several attempts had been made to score Goldie and at length played the ball well up, and as Lister did not clear strongly, Milward was on the ball in a trice, and giving no quarters drove it strongly past Roach. The game had scarcely been resumed when Cameron had a clear chance in front when Lister pounced upon him, but on failing to get the ball away, Milward again rushed up and notched a third goal. Following this reverse, Hillman had a warm time of it, for several well directed shots were levelled at him, but all were cleared in good style, and as no other points were score. Everton won easily by 3 goals to nil. Teams: - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Adams and Arridges, backs, Goldie, Boyle (captain), and Stewart, halfbacks, Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Smallheath: - Roach, goal, Lister, and Oliver, backs, Ollie, Walton and Fraser, halfbacks, Hallam, Mobley, Brice, Wheldon and Hands, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BUXTON 1
December 9 1895. The Liverpool mercury
Played at Goodison Park on Saturday. Although Everton played against the wind in the first half they quickly got to work and with fine combination were often repeatedly dangerous. After several attempts had been made to reduce the visitors goal, Meiklejohn was at length successful with a fine shot, which was too much for Kitchen to deal with. The Buxton forwards made several spurts, but all were nipped in the bud by the home defenders who played a determined game. McDonald especially coping with his wing in good style. No further scoring was done up to the interval, when Everton lead by a goal to nil. Shortly after resuming Smith equalised. This was the signal for strong pressure on the Buxton defence, and after numberous chances had been offered Chadwick placed the home side ahead and towards the close Williams added a third goal, Everton emerging winners of a hard game by 3 goals to 1.played 9, won 8 lost 0, drawn 1, for 41 against 8, points 17

ASSOCIATION NOTES
The Liverpool Mercury- Monday, December 9, 1895
Everton still continue their triumphant career, and at present what at one time looked hopelessly beyond the region of possibility, there are district evidences that point to the ultimate championship of the League. Whether games be played on foreign soil or at home seems to matter little, and indeed it may safely be stated that they have proved themselves a greater power away than at Goodison Park. The executive are fortunate beyond measure in not only having a competent man in every position, but also in having reserve forces to draw upon that have credentials far and away superior to those possessed by the average League player. Owing to the indisposition of Hartley, who received a severe strain to the knee in the match on the previous Saturday against Burnley, Cameron was available for the centre position, and McInnes once again partnered Bell. The game was, like the weather, a cheerless one in the extreme. The heavy snowdrifts which came on at frequent intervals made matters miserable for players and spectators alike, and the final whistle by the referee which brought the proceedings to a close must have been hailed with general welcome. Fully none-tenths of the play was contested in the Small heath portion of the field, and the score of three goals to nil nothing like approximates to the difference of merit between the teams. Favoured by the wind, which was a most powerful factor on Saturday, the Evertonians rarely left the Small heath quarters, and had the forwards but taken the advantage of the numberless chances that came their way the performance of Derby County on the previous Saturday must have been eclipsed. Almost the whole of the first half was characterised by raids on the Heathens’ goal, and though the state of the ball was altogether against accurate placing it was nevertheless passing strange that the Everton forwards should fail at comparatively easy openings. The Heathens, taking advantage of the faulty shooting of their opponents made a big effort to keep their charge intact, hoping doubtless that with the assistance of the wind they might have better fortune in the second portion of the game. After the first quarter of an hour, during which time Everton had a chance of laying a good foundation, the home team, almost to a man, blocked their goal in such a manner as to render it well nigh impossible for Everton to score through such a forest of legs. It was only at odds intervals, when the visitors attempted to draw out the defence, that the home players got anywhere near Hillman’s charge, and it must fairly be stated that they were then extremely dangerous and on one occasion they were distinctly deserving of a tangible point, as it was a question whether the ball was not underneath the bar when the custodian cleared. The lead of one goal to nil at the close of the first half was not considered at all sufficiently substantial to ensure victory; but as matters transpired, the Everton forwards were more successful against the wind than with it. They kept the ball low, and there were many spicy bits of passing that merited better results than were accorded. Despite the adverse conditions, there was little or no wild play by the visiting front rank; but the methods adopted by their opponents were altogether at variance. The ball was swung about aimlessly, and it was only by the herculean efforts of a few of the sprinters that possession was obtained. Nevertheless there were occasions when Everton defenders had more than one anxious moment, and it reflects great credit on the part of the team that they got through their work so well. Taking the nicer points of the play into consideration, there was an overwhelming superiority displayed by the Evertonians, and the home side must account themselves lucky in escaping with a three goals defeat. Coming to the players, and dealing first with the Everton forwards, they must be complimented on their general work. Erratic shooting in the first half rather marred a brilliant performance, but no doubt the heavy state of the ground bothered them at the outset. Cameron was somewhat remiss in the early stages of play, for he lost several good chances of converting fine centres from the wings, but in the second half he took in the situation very ably and played a much-improved game. During the portion of play the ball was passed out to the wings accurately and in no unstinted manner, and it was not beyond question that had he been a little selfish in the matter Everton would have fared better as far as obtaining goals was concerned. Still, he too often gave up when dispossessed of the ball, and with attention to this point there should be no lack of efficiency on his part. Both the wings were good, and there was really nothing to choose between them. McInnes justified his inclusion in a marked degree, and with Bell, made many openings that unluckily were barren of results. This pair had matters pretty much their own way against the home left, and it was only by the determined play of Oliver, who often crossed over to relieve his confreres, that scoring was kept down. Milward and Chadwick played in their usual effective manner, and though numerically well attended to, they came out all right at the finish. Milward scored the three goals-a coup that resulted from close following up in each instance. Stewart played a very fine half-back game, for in addition of keeping the speedy Everton left well employed he neutralised almost every attempt of the opposing forwards to get into anything like a successful stride of combination. Boyle also played well, although labouring from the effect of a kick on the shin received during the first ten minutes; but Goldie did not maintain the high standard he had lately acquired. At times he placed the ball nicely to the forwards and got in fine kicks towards goal, but he appeared to lack speed- a point which it would benefit him to turn his attention to. Adams and Arridge were both good, and though Hillman was suffering from a severe cold he was as lively in goal as ever, and kept out the few, though dangerous, shots in his own inimitable style. The Small Heath team may be dismissed with short criticism. From their display one could quite understand how they occupy so unenviable a position in the League table. There was nothing at all striking divulged by the forwards, who, with the exception of Hands and Wheldon on the left were a long way removed from the average. Half-back play was mainly restricted to despoiling the Everton forwards, which they frequently did by lying close up; but they had little tact in opening out the play for those in front. With complimenting Fraser, who best represented the trio, we may pass on to the backs, of whom Oliver, the old Sunderland defender, stood the brunt of the work, and by his huge lunges kept the score against his own side down very materially. Lester played fairly well, and Roach, in goal, left no room for criticism, as he had no chance whatever against the shots that found their way into the net.

EVERTON v  SMALL HEATH
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, December 9, 1895
The first game at the present season between these clubs was played on Saturday at Small Heath, in wintry weather. At the last moment it transpired that Hartley was suffering from an injury to his knee, and this let in Cameron, who filled the centre-forward position. Boyle won the toss, and took advantage of the weather by playing with the wind. Bruce kicked off, and Milward and Chadwick at once made off. Milward centred, and Oliver kicked out, the ball eventually rolling harmlessly over the line. From a free kick Stewart landed the ball right in front, and Bell kicked outside. The home left got nicely away, but were pulled up by Arridge, and the Everton players were quickly at the other end again. Boyle passing to the left wing, who made ground quickly. The home right then broke away and beat Arridge, but Adams proved a serious stumbling block. The Evertonians scampered to the other end, and the visitors forced three corners in rapid succession, but although they kept up a most persistent attack for some minutes and Milward had a distinct chance, they were constrained to fall back owing to the prowess of Oliver. After a brief visit to Everton quarters broke through again, and during their passage down the field the ball twice went outside. A pass from Stewart to the centre was met by Bruce, who sent over to his left. Boyle rushed up, and relieved, and the visitors made headway until a foul against Chadwick gave the homesters a look in, but Everton were not to be caught napping. Goldie coming in the nick of time and sending up the field. Cameron then shot well, but Roach ran out and saved finely. From a pass by Boyle, Chadwick sent in a beautiful shot, which Roach tipped over the bar, the consequent corner being well accounted for. A throw-in on the extreme right was headed from the front of the small Heath goal by Lester, but was at once sent back by Boyle. Tame play in the centre followed. A foul against Hands led to a further attack on Roach’s charge, and assaults were made on the right and left. Boyle had a fine shot cleared from the front of goal, and eventually a long onslaught terminated in the ball being forced outside by McInnes. Snow now came down and almost obliterated the view, but Hillman could be seen standing alone in his glory while it was supposed Everton were busy attacking at the other end. At last the home team came surging up the field, but were almost immediately repulsed, Everton running down and Bell shooting hard and forcing a corner, and directly afterwards Everton’s efforts were rewarded Milward sending in a daisy cutter which Roach failed to stop, the visitors’ goal coming after thirty-five minutes’ play. A further lively attack followed, bell shooting over the crossbar; then came an onslaught from the left wing, but this went for nothing. Bell then again shot well from the touch line, but Oliver headed away, and a corner followed which was beautifully placed by Chadwick, but the attack failed to pierce the goal. Boyle sent a lovely dropping shot from half-way, and then Chadwick had another shie, but the fates were against the scoring of goals. Now the home right broke away, but were pulled up by Arridge, and then they managed to repeat the performance, but on this occasion they become dangerous, some of the players shooting splendidly, but Hillman just managed to save. Boyle sent away, and shortly afterwards half time came, Everton leading by a goal to nil. The opening moves of the second half landed the ball in Everton territory. The left advanced smartly, and the leather was crossed when within shooting distance, Wheldon shooting and causing Hillman to use his hands. Another corner was obtained by the visitors, who moved as quickly as the heavy state of the ground permitted. Oliver relieved the pressure, and cleared a raid which was made by Milward, and a moment later by Chadwick. Later on Chadwick and Milward misunderstood one another, and stood looking at each other a few yards from goal, while Oliver rushed in and sent the ball up the field again. Milward had hard lines after the next forward move, shooting strongly and well, Roach saving cleverly, Cameron next shot, and Roach gave a corner, and although they were all in front the goal was cleared. The Evertonians hovered around, and Bell centred, but Oliver headed away. McInnes at once came in, and shot wide of the mark. Smart work by the Everton left ended in a further corner which was placed behind by Chadwick. The homesters then scampered off, but they failed to do any damage, Bell coming back and shooting over the crossbar. The Heathens nearly scored before the Everton folks had another look in. Chadwick and Milward worked up, and a stiff bully ensued in front of goal, Lester kicking out to save. At the other end Mobley caused Hillman momentary uneasiness, but a heavy return was made, and openings were apparent in front of Roach, but Chadwick missed twice, and altogether the front rack tailed to work in a satisfactory manner owing in a great measure to heavy state of the ground. Milward, who showed great form throughout the game, added a couple of goals to Everton’s score, the final result being a victory for the visitors by 3 goals to nil. Teams;- Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Small heath;- Roach, goal; Lester and Oliver, backs; Ollis, Walton, and Fraser, half-backs; Hallam, Mobley, Bruce, Wheldon, and Hands, forwards.

COMBINATION
The Liverpool daily Post- Monday, December 9, 1895
EVERTON COMBINATION v  BUXTON
The first encounter between the above Combination series was played at Goodison Park in very boisterous weather and before a sparse attendance. Chadwick started five minutes late against the wind, but this seemed little disadvantage to the Evertonians, who were quickly assailing Kitchen’s charge, and after repeated failures Meiklejohn sent in a terrific shot which almost did the trick. Relief was then given to the Buxton goal by some smart work on the part of Flint and Pickford, but there was no mistaking the determination of the Everton men, who continued to attack most spiritedly, and reward was not long in coming, Meiklejohn scoring the first goal after Hill had passed the ball along. A couple of corners fell to Everton after this, but nothing tangible accrued from either and then Murray was twice conspicuous with good shots. The game was almost exclusively in favour of the home team, who constantly assailed the Buxton goal, but their mode of attack did not seem to answer well, it generally being left to the half backs to shoot for goal, with the result that the visiting backs and custodian had plenty of score given them of clearing. Buxton made another sudden rush, this time along the left, but Lougdon was yards offside when he centred for Benson to shoot. Schofield twice made efforts to lower Kitchen’s goal without result, after which the Buxton front rank dashed away, McDonald, however, pulling them up before becoming dangerous, Everton at the interval leading by a goal to nil. Benson restarted, when it was observed that Murray and Williams had changed positions, Everton were at once on the aggressive, Kitchen being twice called upon and responding cleverly. Midfield play ensued, after which a fine concerted movement was made by the Buxton front rank, and, after some smart passing among then Smith dashed and scored, making the teams level. This success inspired the Buxtonians to further exert themselves, but they were compelled to beat a hasty retreat, and prolonged pressure by Everton ensued a couple of abortive corners falling to them. Their attempts at goal, however, were ill-directed, and even when a decent shot was put in Kitchen, who throughout played a most masterly game, had to be reckoned with. Everton took innumerable corners, and put on any amount of pressure, but all to no purpose, and try as they would they could not force the ball past Kitchen. At length after repeated failure, Chadwick succeeded in finding an opening and placed Everton ahead. Williams heading a third goal for Everton, who won by 3 goals to 1.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
The Athletic News- Monday, December 9, 1895
By the Loiterer
The position of gateman at Everton must have been a lucrative one in the past, judging by what transpired in the Police-court on Tuesday. Various estimates have been formed of the extent of the losses the club have sustained, and though the amount will never be known, I should say that possibly a thousand pounds have gone in the wrong channel. Some ingenuity was shown in working the thing, coupled, perhaps, with laxity on the part of someone; but, after all, the fact of such a number being engaged in the swindle, and remaining true to each other so long, is the most surprising part of the proceedings. There were two gangs at work -no doubt with a common object, one the “pin gang” doing the work by the aid of a hole drilled through the bottom of the turnstile, and the register worked as required. The other lot got possession of the ley, and after taking an impression had one made, and then everything was smooth sailing. A suggestion that the person who was the prime mover of the conspiracy is still at large was thrown out by the police and people look very knowingly when asked to spot him, but my own opinion is that there are no more of the present officials involved in it. No doubt the swindle has been going on for a long time, and it is even rumoured that hush money had to be paid by the men who are now doing time, but beyond that I think all who were implicated are now receiving their punishment, slight though it be.
Buxton gave the Everton combination team a good game, and after failing to score, when playing with the wind, they managed to obtain a goal against it. Subsequently, however, Everton put on three, and had the shooting been anything like accurate, several more would have followed. The defence of Buxton was very good, and they frequently took advantage of the loose play of the Everton forwards.

A ROUGH AFTERNOON AT SMALL HEATH
The Athletic News -Monday December 9, 1895
By Brum
Only a strict sense of duty impelled me to leave a cosy fireside for the match at Coventry-road between Small Heath and Everton. One could scarcely imagine a more uninviting afternoon. There was a cold, cutting wind blowing, which was in itself quite sufficient to make one hesitate, but when this was coupled with a goodly fall of sleet and snow, I consider there was every excuse for those who stayed at home, and they must have numbered some hundreds, for the “gate” was the poorest seen at Small Heath this season, barely 4,000 paying toll, a marked contrast to the same match last season, when about 11,000 spectators were present. Everton brought a strong side, with McInnes at inside right, and Cameron centre forward, while Small Heath included in their team both Bruce and Fraser, with Hallam at outside right, the names of the respective representatives being as follow;-
Small heath.- Roach, goal; Lester and Oliver, backs; Ollis, Walton, and Fraser, half-backs; Hallam, Mobley, Bruce, Wheldon, and Hands, forwards. Everton.- Hillman, goal; Adams, and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Referee. Mr. Kingscott, Derby. Considering the weather we have been treated to lately, the ground was in as good condition as one could expect, though it was most decidedly on the soft side, and cut up badly as the game wore on. The visitors had the good fortune to win the toss, and with the before-mentioned breeze blowing in their faces the home lot had to act on the defensive in double-quick time; not before, however, Bruce had made a good attempt on the Everton citadel. Occasionally Small Heath got away, Bruce leading the attack with capital judgement, but, broadly speaking, the whole of the play during the first half was concentrated on the home goal, where Oliver was prominent with lots of good work. The other defenders also did their share well, and corner after corner was cleared in admirable fashion. After 25 minutes’ play snow began to fall sharply, and the men’s movements were followed with difficulty. During this trying time the home players, who had the full force of the storm against them, strove manfully to keep the visitors at bay, but at last Milward received the ball in a nice position, and with a low swift shot, sent it into the net for the first time. Except for a sharp attack on the Everton goal, when Bruce made a splendid effort, which was luckily cleared, and which many people believed had actually scored, the visitors pressed continuously to the interval, without adding to their score. The capital and almost successful attempt of the “Heathens” in the last few minutes of the opening half had an inspirating effect on their play when the game was resumed. They rattled into their work with a vigour and determination that gave the Everton defenders a lot of trouble, and caused the spectators to look with hope towards a successful result. Unfortunately for them, however, the storm abated, and the wind also dropped considerably, so that the visitors had little of the drawbacks present in the first half to contend with. For some time, the game was capitally contested, the men on both sides showing very good form, considering the state of the ground. Hands by a big effort, got in a splendid centre for Small Heath, which Mobley headed outside the posts, and then Milward, with another excellent shot, put his side two in front, which was increased to three by the same player a moment or so later, after Lester had missed his kick. These two goals put a different complexion on the game, and, satisfied that the home lot were in for another beating, lots of folks left the field. Their prognostications turned out correct, for, though hillman was called upon to save one or two good shots, the visitors were the better side to the finish, and deserved their victory of three goals to none. Everton did not play up to the high standard I have often seen them attain-a fact which was, no doubt, due to the state of the turf. But there can be no two opinions that they were better than Small Heath. Their work all round was characterised by greater decision and smartness. At back they were, perhaps, a trifle shaky, but Hillman was very safe in goal, while all three halves did some capital work, Stewart showing up best. The left wing was the strongest point in the front rank, the play of Milward and Chadwick being first-class. McInnes also did very well at inside right, but Bell was inclined to wait for “something to turn up,” and Cameron could scarcely be said to have made the most of his opportunities. The fact must be painfully evident to the Small Heath people that their team is not what it ought to be for First League football. There was no mistaking the whole-hearted and enthusiastic manner in which every man worked on Saturday-and with such a long series of reverses this is something to their credit- yet they were lacking in many points when compared with their opponents, and though I know full well that it is a difficult matter to play an uphill game- to fight against odds, as it were, in every match-there is a steadiness and judgement lacking in many of the men which makes victory very hard to obtain. Bruce pleased me very much by his display, which had only one fault, and which persistent training should quickly remove-he is too slow. He shoots remarkably well, while in judgement and passing he can give points to most of the other forwards. The other new man, Fraser, did well in the second half, but was hardly so successful as the ex-Notts County man. Oliver played a wonderfully strong game at back, and was about the most useful man on the side, while Roach was very satisfactory in goal, and Hands, next to Bruce, was the most prominent of the forwards. Altogether it was not a very pleasant afternoon’s cutting, and I, for one, was devoutly thankful when it was all over.

EVERTON’S ENGAGEMENTS
The Liverpool daily Post-Wednesday, December 11, 1895
The following teams will represent Everton on Saturday next;-
Against stoke, at Goodison Park; 2.30. Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Against Northwich, at Northwich2.30. lime-Street Station 10.40.
Everton Combination- Cook, goal; McDonald, and Storrier, backs; McAleavy, Meiklejohn, and Elliott, half-backs; Hill, Williams, Mainman, Murray, and Schofield, forwards.

EVERTON 7 STOKE 2
December 16 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
The attendance at Goodison Park on Saturday last, on the occasion of the first League match this season with Stoke, was a long way below the average, this probably being accounted for by the wretched weather that prevailed. The Potters were still without Hyslop, who has an enforced rest on account of insubordination and the same team that defeated Smallheath on the Saturday previous represented the Evertonians. At 2-30 the teams turned out as follows : - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Adams, and Arridge backs, Goldie, Boyle (captain), and Stewart halfbacks Bell McInnes Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward forwards. Stoke - Clawley, goal, Clare, and Eccles backs Turner, Grewer, and Brodie, halfbacks, Maxwell, Dickson, Loney, Sandilands, and Schofield forwards. Before about 10,000 spectators Cameron put the ball in motion, and within a few minutes most sensational scoring took place. The play had no sooner been started than Milward was in possession, and after sending across to Mcinnes that player parted to Cameron, who tricked Clare and put the ball into the net within half a minute from commencement of operations. Before the excitement consequent upon this early success had been subdued the ball was again on the home left, and after a movement had been made towards the Stoke goal Boyle tipped across to Bell, who scored with a most beautiful shot. Not daunted the visitors broke clean away from the centre, and on Hillman missing his kick Loney had no opposition and put on the first point for Stoke. This also unlooked for success spurred on the Potters and as Goldie missed badly Schofield just found the mark with a lovely shot under the bar at the corner and though Hillman reached the ball he failed to retain it, owing to its greasy nature. The four goals were recorded in the first five minutes of play, and excitement ran very high as the teams once more got to work at the centre. For some time the Stoke forwards forced the game, and one brilliant curling shot from Schofiled caused Hillman to throw himself full length in order to save, and as the right wing also peppered away at the home end, it may easily be imagined that the Everton defenders had a troublesome time. Cameron eventually made off with a fine sprint and pass to bell, who made further running and Boyle almost put on the finishing touch as Clawley fisted out a dangerous shot. For some minutes Everton kept up a persistent pressure, and after McInnes had forced a corner, Cameron was unfortunate in missing by the nearest shade. A fine low shot by Milward was finely cleared by Clawley, and then Grewer the Stoke centre half appeared to have the goal at his command when Arridge chipped in beautifully though still prospects were not by any means encouraging to the home side, for Hillman was repeatedly called upon. Eventually Bell got well away, and put in some magnificent centre, which unluckily were not properly ultised, and just as every one was ready to applaud a most brilliant score Clawley met the ball with his knee from the outside right, and brought off a marvekllous save. Some beautiful passing between Cameron, Bell, and Mcinnes covered three parts the length of the field, and as a fitting conclusion to it, Milward shot past Clawley, but for no apparent reason the referee disallowed the point. The decision was received with very bad grace by the spectator, and for some four minutes, owing to continued hooting the game was not proceeded with. The play continued on fairly even lines up to the interval , when the score stood Everton 2 goals, Stoke 2 goals.
On resuming, it was at once apparent that the Stoke forwards laboured under the heavily pace of the first half. Cameron got clean away, and after McInnes had supplemented Chadwick banged in a hot shot, which glided of the upright, and almost directly afterwards a fine effort from Cameron met with a similar fate. Luck appeared to be all against the Evertonians as Chadwick again struck the upright, and following a fine save by the custodian a scrimmage in front of goal was ended by Bell putting the through. Fine play on the part of Cameron was the most conspicuous item about this period, and the crowd did not fall to appreciate it to the full. Chadwick got in a fine shot, which Crawley was fortunate in meeting, and following a free kick close in goal Goldie sent in a goal which just grazed the crossbar. Milward experienced no better luck in heading, and then, the Stoke right got away, only to find Arridge secure. From a good kick, Schofield and Sandilands worked prettily down the Stoke left when Cameron put Milward in possession, and screwing across McInnes dashed up and scored, within a minute Lonely headed the ball into Hillman's hands, but the play did not stay long in Everton quarters. Milward put in a fine dropping shot which McInnes only just missed converting, but from a similar movement by the same player, McInnes this time made no mistake. Within a couple of minutes Bell met a return and scored, and towards the close McInnes scored a seventh, the final result being Everton 7 goals Stoke 2.

NORTHWICH VICTORIA 1 EVERTON RESERVES 3
December 16 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
At Northwich. The visitors played with the wind in the first half, and Hill and Flewitt each scored. Everton leading by 2 goals to nil at the interval. On resuming Northwich scored, and then Flewitt notched a third for the visitors, while the custodian was out. For a time the home team pressed, but had hard luck while Everton defence was very sound . Everton: - Cook goal McDonald and Storrier backs, McAulay, Meiklejohn and Elliott halfbacks, Hill, Williams, Flewiit, Murray, Scholfield, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 16 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
A more uninviting day for the followers of football than Saturday last can scarely be imagined, and the enclosure at Goodison road presented a very dismal appearance when the whistle announced the commencement of hostilities in the first engagement of the season between the Everton and Stoke teams. Although the match was looked upon as an important and interesting fixture in football circles, it is hardly to be wonderful as that the gate was the smallest there has been so far this season, for there were not more than 10,000 present at any period of the game. In a steady downpour, the ball was started by the home team, and the game at once assumed a sensational aspect were during the first two minutes did the Everton forwards completely defeat the opposing defence and score, and the team and their supporters were thus early on very good terms with themselves. Immediately afterwards however, the feeling of comfortably in the breast of the spectators was ruddy shocked, for within the nest three minutes the Stoke team had equalised. the whole four goals having been registered in five minutes, which doubtless will stand a new record in League encounter. From this point to the end of the first half the Stoke team made a very evident that they were not going to allow their opponents such a walk over as at first appeared probable; in fact during the first half the visitors did the bulk of the attacking, and the Everton defence more than once was very luckily, especially the halfback line. The shooting of the visitors was however, not of the best, and nothing tangible resulted from their efforts. On the other hand, when in front of goal the Everton forwards were extremely dangerous, and shot with suprising precaution, considering the slippery state of the ball. On one occasion a brilliant bit of passing by the right wing and centre ended in the ball being played to Milward, who streaded himself and shot a beautiful goal, which however, to the surprise and condignation of the spectators, and for no apparent reason whatsome ever, the referee refused to allow. On resuming after the interval, the Everton halfbacks line had completely recovered from the weakness displayed in the first forty five minutes and accounted in a very satisfactory manner for the opposing forwards, who were very really allowed to get near enough to goal to be dangerous. The Stoke defenders, who in the first half had appeared very effected, seemed quite disorganized, and foundered about hopelessly at times on the seddon ground. This defect was taken full advantage of by the Everton front rank, who treated the spectators to a brilliant exhibition of the passing game. Shot after shot rained in upon Clawley and he was indeed lucky to keep the score from being a record one. The Evertonians thoroughly revelled in their work, and their opponents must have been extremely thankfully when the referee's whistle blew for full time. During the last few minutes of the game the light failed and it was difficult to follow the movements of the players individually but it was very evident that the Stoke goal was undergoing a severe bombardment. The display of the home forwards was in every way admirable. Bell and McInnes were in a gluttonous humour for work, and got through heaps of it. Each scored three goals. Cameron played his best game so far for Everton, and when in the second half he refused a lot of dash into his work, he was simply in comparable. On his form in the second half, it can be relief upon, he is undoubtedly one of the best centre forwards playing. Chadwick and Milward up to their usual brilliant form, and although neither of them scored, at least thereof the goals came directly from judicious passing on their part. Milward was unlucky in the referee's decision for it was a palpably fair goal that he scored and in fact it was the best effort of the match. An already stated, the halfbacks were rocky in the first half. Goldie and Boyle especially not seemingly to feel their feet; but in the second portion these players made full amends and, with Stewart in such fine form as he was, they broke most of the attempts at combination amongst the Stoke forwards. Adams and Arridge were also unsteady at the outset, but afterwards they played their usually cool and effective game. Hillman in goal gave a good display. Which, was only slightly marred by an unfortunate miskick in the first few minutes, which gave a goal away. This fault may easily be put down to the very slippery state of the ball, and the second goal was also was no doubt attributable to the same cause, for although it was a beautiful shot, yet it seemed to slip quite through the goalkeeper's hands, and Hillman is not in the habit of letting anything ascore that he can reach. Two marvellous saves deserve special mention-one a beautiful low curling shot from Schofield, which Hillman by a supreme effort managed to clear at the expense of a corner and the other, in the second half from Loney, who was close in, and shot for the opposite side of goal, and how the burly custodian managed to save was a wonder save is perhaps, not correct, as Loney had previously been ruled offside. Of the Stoke forwards Scholfield and Sandilands were the best, and in the first half this pair played a very fine game. The ouside man is a fast and tricky as ever, and can shoot with Capital injugment. Loney was a very capable centre although never brilliant. Dickson was perhaps, the least noticeable of the quintet. Maxwell is a dashing and likely player, but was greatly handicapped by having a weak partner. The halfbacks Brodie, Grewer, and Turner, were good in the first half, but were quite at sea in the second, and consequently gave those in front of them very little assistance. The same remark applies to the backs, whose display in the first half was much superior to that of the second. Clare was especially noticeable in this respect. Clawley in goal had a very hard time and, on the whole, acquitted himself well. Most of the shots that found their way into the net were from close range, and could scarely have been checked by any custodian. On the whole, the state of the ground suited the home players much better than their opponents, and it was to the completely outstaying the visitors that the victory was so promised. Next Saturday the familiar of Holt will be found in the team, and, as he is reported to be in excellent condition, Everton prospects against Villa are very promising.

EVERTON v. STOKE
The Liverpool Daily Post-Monday, December 16, 1895
These teams met at Goodison Park, on Saturday, for the first time this season. Preliminaries were quickly arranged, and Cameron started towards the Park goal, which quickly succumbed. The left wing broke away strongly, Milward dodging the opposing half-backs, and then sending the ball forward. Here Cameron sprinted to the front, and shot past Clawley almost before he would grasp the fact that the game had commenced. The restart saw play in Everton territory for a moment, but Goldie at once made his presence felt, and sent over to Boyle, who worked forward. He then passed on to the right, and almost immediately Bell took up the attack and shot strongly, completely beating Clawley, and scoring the second goal for Everton. The applause which greeted this performance was simply deafening, and seeing the rapid pace on the heavy ground, left little to be desired on the home account, whose supporters thought they had a very easy thing on. This second reverse in the brief space of a couple of minutes roused up the Staffordshire men, the right wing going away at a tremendous pace, but they were repulsed by Adams. They were only driven back temporarily, however, and in a trice were attacking strongly again, and as a result of Hillman missing his kick Sandlands had no difficulty in scoring Stoke’s first goal. This was exciting enough in all conscience, but more sensational play was yet to follow. The visitors made straight for goal right from the centre, and almost before anyone was aware of the fact Sandlands had beaten Hillman for the second time. To say that matters up to now had been of a most sultry nature would only be to give a vague idea of the extra-ordinary pace at which the game had been played, and, considering the adverse conditions as regards the turf, the game was exceedingly fast, and the scoring, to say the least, most sensational. Play toned down a trifle after this though good work was shown on both sides, each goal in turn being the scene of exciting episodes. Play after this was located in neutral territory for a while, after which Stoke dashed off up the left, Adams relieving the tension on his charge. Boyle supplemented this with a beautifully judged kick, and Cameron secured possession and sped along at a tremendous pace, and sent across to Milward, who further improved matters for his side, but McInnes was not up in time to take advantage of the outside left’s centre. Shortly afterwards Bell shot in and caused uneasiness, but notwithstanding these repulses the homesters still kept up the pressure and made their opponents very uneasy. At last the Stoke men broke away, and the right wing made excellent progress. A pass from Dickson went to Schofield, who was beautiful beaten by Adams. The next item came from the home right, which broke through with a smart, crisp dash, and Chadwick followed up on the other side. a cross and a pass was met by Milward, and he finished the movement by shooting a fine goal just as Mr. Adams, the referee, tootled his whistle on account of alleged offside. A more absurd decision could scarcely be imagined, seeing that Milward was behind the ball and in front of the backs during the whole course of the move, and the crowd marked their disapprobation by long and heavy howls. The home team also protested very strongly, and for a while the game was held in check, as some hesitation was shown by the Everton men in restarting after this palpable mistake on the referee’s part, but at length good sportsmanship prevailed over natural chargrin, and the ball was again set in motion, the free kick resulting in play being hotly contested in the Everton half. Relief was given by Boyle and Goldie, after which Bell became conspicuous, but his final effort was futile, the interval arriving with the score at 2 goals each. Lenie restarted in the presence of about 10,000 spectators, undoubtedly the smallest which has assembled to witness a League game at Goodison Park this season. The home men were quickly on the aggressive, and almost in a twinkling Cameron sent in a shot to Clawley, who was rather lucky to save. The game was not so exciting in the earlier stages as the initial half had been, but Everton were having all the play, several attempts being made by the forwards to lower Clawley’s colours. At length Chadwick put in a fine centre, which the Stoke custodian cleared, but Everton would not be denied, and from a regular melee in the Stoke goal Milward banged the ball into the net. A harmless rush by the visitors followed, and ere long Goldie and Boyle spoiled a couple more attempts. However, the visitors, the visitors still pressed forward until Adams administered a severe check. Cameron broke away beautifully, and shortly afterwards Chadwick and Milward came into prominence. The latter forced the ball out, but it was no sooner in play again then the home boys pressed to the front, and McInnes met the cross and scored the fourth goal for Everton. An attack by the Stoke front rank was checked by Adams, but Dickson returned, and caused Hillman trouble, but disaster was averted by the vigilance of the home custodian. The game was fairly even after this, midfield work generally being the order for several minutes, but again Everton asserted the selves, and made a vigorous attack, the shots sent in, however, all failing to take effect. An excursion by Stoke ensued, but the efforts put forth in the earlier stages and the heavy ground had undoubtedly told on both teams, neither of whom played with anything like the dash shown in the first half. Some pretty and effective passing among the home forwards was shown, and Milward, after a dashing run, passed to McInnes, who sent the ball quite out of Clawley’s reach into the net. Hardly had the cheers died away than another tremendous outburst announced that a further goal had been registered, and the referee, pointing to the centre, proclaimed that bell had put on the sixth goal. Towards the finish the Stoke men fought desperately hard, and on one occasion advanced dangerously near goal, but Hillman was not troubled, owing to offside play. Darkness came on apace, and made the movements of the players very indistinct, but Everton still made the running, and Bell was observed to be making a dash for his opponent’s goal, but overran the ball. Everton continued to attack, and it was only at rare intervals that Stoke could get beyond the half-line. Towards the finish Everton again attacked strongly, and two minutes from the close McInnes scored the seventh goal, this making his third contribution. The remaining play was in Everton’s favour, but nothing further resulted, Stoke being decisively defeated by 7 goals to 2. Teams;- Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewrat, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Stoke;- Clawley, goal; Eccles and Clare, backs; Brodie, Grewar, and Turner, half backs; Schofield, Sandlands, Lenie, Dickson, and Maxwell, forwards.

NORTHWICH VICTORIA v.  EVERTON RESERVE
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, December 16, 1895
This match took place at Northwich. Everton played with the wind, and were soon placed on the defensive. They changed the venue, and secured an abortive corner. An easy save by Cooke prefaced a bad miss by Hill. After twenty minutes’ play Flewitt scored with a beauty, and Hill followed with an easy goal. Northwich paid several visitors to the Everton end, and experienced hard luck, and also shot miserably. Half-time.- Everton reserve 2 goals, Northwich Victoria nil. Final; Everton reserves 3 goals, Northwich Victoria 1.

A GREAT WIN FOR EVERTON
The Athletic News- Monday, December 16, 1895
By the Loiterer
The fine form shown in the last few matches by the Everton team, and the prominent position their opponents hold in the League table, no doubt attracted many to Goodison Park in the hope of seeing a good match. The weather was as bad as could be, yet some 10,000 people were present, and those who were lucky enough to see the start will not soon forget the opening play. To put it mildly, the scoring was rapid. Some years ago one of the Notts clubs did a smart thing in the way of piling on goals against time, but the four goals obtained in under six minutes at Everton on Saturday will want some beating in first-class football. The teams, barring the absence of Hyslop, were representative, as will be seen from the following list;- Everton.- Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewrat, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Stoke;- Clawley goal; Clare and Eccles, backs; Turner, Grewer, and Brodie, half-backs; Maxwell, Dickson, Lonie, Sandlands, and Schofield, forwards. Referee; Mr. Adams.
From the kick off the home right went away, Milward beating the half-backs, and then passing over to McInnes, who in turn gave the ball to Cameron, and this player slipped past the backs and scored. Sandlands appeared to have a chance of equalising before the game was a minute old, but Arridge just stepped in the nick of time. Off went the Everton men again, and Bell got his foot to the ball and scored a grand goal. Time, two minutes. Stoke now had a turn, and Sandlands made no mistake this time. Still plodding on, the visiting forwards were quickly at the Everton end again, and a good shot from Schofield was charged down, but the flyer would not be denied, and he immediately placed his side level, barely six minutes having elapsed. Starting once again off the same mark, the forwards on both sides seemed eager for more goals, and the play was about as fast as anyone could wish. The heavy ground or the greasy ball did not seem to trouble the players, and many were the exciting bits seen at both ends. The game, however, was so evenly contested that there was hardly time to consider what a narrow escape one goal had of being captured before the ball was at the other end, where the other side had equally hard lines. After a time the men settled down, and Stoke had rather the best of it, but it was not for long, as the Everton forwards were bad to stop when once going. Up to now, and indeed all through the first half, the forwards had a merry innings, the quick movements of the Stoke men being too much for the Everton halves, and the backs also were a bit shaky. Arridge, however, did some smart tackling, and all the lot worked hard and stuck to the men, or more damage would have been done. The Stoke halves were not any better, as the Everton forwards, though not so smart as their opponents, were playing a stronger game, and there were some rough tumbles. Cameron was playing splendidly in the centre, feeding his wings with rare judgment. They were a bit weak in front of goal, or perhaps it would be more correct to say they were over anxious, as centres from both wings were missed. The game proceeded merrily until a few minutes before the interval, when Milward got the ball and beat Clawley, but the referee disallowed the point for offside, a decision the crowd did not relish, and Mr. Adams got the hump thereat, and waited until the demonstration ceased. The game was as keenly contested as ever, and nothing more was scored to the interval. The Everton men were soon on the job after the game had been restarted, Chadwick hitting the post, a similar fare attending an effort of Cameron from short range. The pressure was maintained, and Milward at length headed through. The Stoke forwards, although often making the play, were not so mart, and the home halves had matters more their way, with the result that Cameron and Co, were generally in the Stoke half. On two occasions Maxwell forced the play, and once he was making for goal in fine style when Arridge came up, and with a good, honest charge knocked him off the ball, or else the scores would once more have been equal. The fourth goal was the result of plucky work on the part of Milward. He was much hampered and knocked about, but he stuck to the ball until he got into position, and then passed to McInnes who scored. Milward had a hand in the fifth also, though McInnes put on the final touch. These three goals were a big lift, and only shows how effective the Everton forwards were in front of goal. There was no keeping them out, and the Stoke defence had a harassing time of it. Not that the pressure was continuous, for the play was fairly open, but the Everton forwards were not to be denied, and if one of them was beaten another was somewhere about to back him up. Two more goals were put on before the finish, and Everton thus won by seven goals to two. It was a well-contested game throughout, but the play in the first half was particularly spicy. Of course, with the ball travelling rapidly from end to end as suggested, there is no doubt both sets of halves were not so successful as usual. The play for the first forty-five minutes was very fast, and though the scoring was done early on there were many good attempts made a goal subsequently. Adams and Arridge played well or the whole, the kicking being powerful, but at times the quick forwards were too many for them, Schofield especially bothering Adams. Arridge had his wing well in hand, his speed assisting him greatly, and his tackling was sure. Boyle, Goldie, and Stewart came out all right in the second half, and had generally the best of it with the opposing forwards. The home vanguard was seen to great advantage. Cameron was a success in the centre, and was as energetic as any of them, while his passing was as good as could be desired. Both wings were in excellent trim; in fact, the whole lot will be had to beat on Saturday’s form. Clawley did well in goal despite the fact of having seven goals chalked against him. The whole five in the second half were obtained from short range, and could hardly have been stopped. The backs were right enough in the first half, but constant work told its tale and I should say both Clare and Eccles were glad when the game was over. The half-backs were weak all through the game, and this in a great measure accounts for their defeat by such a big margin. The forwards are a smart lot, but not so well balanced as Everton,. Maxwell was poor at the start, but did as good work as any in the second portion. Schofield was just the reverse; the flyer being seen at his best early on and then dropping down. Dickson kept it up all through, and so did Lonie; but, of course, they, too, were seen to the best advantage in the first half, when their movements were sharp and decisive.

THE LIVERPOOL DISTRICT AND NOTES
The Athletic News- Monday, December 16, 1895
By the Loiterer
In answer to the advertisement for gatemen, a crowd, estimated at several thousands, turned up at the office of the Everton Club, and they represented the commercial and labouring, and indeed all sorts of classes. The directors selected the requisite number and have also ordered a new rig out of turnstiles, fifteen of the latter being in use on Saturday. The men had to put up with a lot of good-natured chaff, but they got through the work fairly well. While they were at it the directors might have gone in for a complete change by dispensing with the services of those busybodies who go under the name of stewards. I think it beneath the dignity of a club like Everton to have these persons, ornamented with a badge, airing their authority before the supporters of the club, but it is satisfactory to know that they are being gradually reduced in number.
A sore point was raised at Everton on Saturday. The referee stopped the game for several minutes presumably because the spectators hooted him over disallowing Everton a goal. I always think a referee should be proof against the feeling shown by the crowd unless of a three-penny character of abusive. I have no doubt Mr. Adams can explain his action and justify it, but it is the first time I have seen it done. Suppose the spectators had cheered instead of hooting him would he have adopted, this course as a protest against this exhibition of feeling?

ENGLISH CUP DRAW
The Liverpool Daily Post, Tuesday, December 17, 1895
Notts Forest v Everton.
Referee Mr. W, Tillostson, Birmingham, Linesmen, Messrs. Townsend (Walsall) and Cooknell (Birmingham).

EVERTON’S ENGAGEMENTS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Wednesday, December 18, 1895
The following teams will represent Everton on Saturday next;-
Against Aston Villa, at Goodison Park, kick-off 2.15; Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Against Wrexham at Wrexham; 2.30. Landing stage 11.40.
Everton Combination;- Cook, goal; McDonald and Storrier, backs; R. Kelso, Meiklejohn, and Elliott, half backs; Williams, Murray, Mainman, Flewitt, and Hill, forwards.

CHARLIE PARRY
December 21, 1895. The Wrexham Advertiser.
Charlie Parry, the Everton full back and Welsh International, has decided to throw in his lot with Newtown. He has obtained his release from Everton, and taken with him one, if not two, the most promising junior football players in the Liverpool district. With such an addition, the holders of the Welsh Cup should stand a good chance of retaining the trophy another season. A sore point was raised at Everton on Saturday. The referee stopped the game for several minutes, presumably because the spectators hooted him over disallowing Everton a goal. Suppose the spectators had cheered instead of hooting him, would he have adopted this course as a protest against this exhibition of feeling? In answer to the advertisement for gateman, a crowd, esteemed at several thousands, turned up at the office of the Everton club, and they represented the commercial and labouring, and indeed all sorts of classes. The directors selected the requisite number, and have also ordered a new rig out of turnstiles, fifteen of the latter being in use on Saturday. The men had to put up with a lot of good-natured chaff, but they got through the work fairly well.

EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 0
December 23 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
The return engagement between these teams, which has been anxiously looked forward to, was brought to a conclusion on Saturday, at Goodison Park, before 24,000 spectators. Both teams were alive to the importance of the game and during the week indulged in assiduous training, the Evertonians at home, and the Villa at home, and at Druitwich. With the exception of James Cowan, the Midlanders were at their best and Everton were represented by the team that had been so signally successful lately. The sides were as follows: - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Adams, and Arridges, backs, Goldie, Boyle (captain), and Stewart, halfbacks, Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick and Milward, forwards. Aston Villa: - Wilkes, goals, Spencer, and Welford, backs, Reynolds, Chatt, and Crabtree, halfbacks, Athersmith, Devey, Campbell, Hodgetts, and Smith, forwards. Referee, Mr. Kingscott.
Aston Villa opened the play, and after a couple of rushes on the left, which were ably attened to, the home van got well under weigh, and dangerous backheeling by Welford almost left an opening for Bell. Immediately afterwards Athersmith was in possession, and after a smart run down, swung the ball across to smith, who looked a likely scorer, as Goldie slipped, and Hillman was a little late, though fortunately the ball rolled harmlessly over the line. Following this was a fine sequence of passing by the home quintet, and the ball was taken down in very finished style, the movement culminating in Chadwick heading the ball a few inches beside the mark. Athersmith and Devey well attended to be Reynolds, raced down strongly, but lost ground by fouling Arridge, and once again, after the Villa halves had executed some brilliant heading, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward darted off, and Spencer was decidedly lucky in meeting a successful attempt to lower the inside man which, appeared to be beating the custodian. At the other ends''hands'' against Adams looked ominous, but after the same player had cleared, Bell contributed a splendid run down, finishing up with a brilliant shot, which Wilkes got away with difficulty. This was a fine effort, and the crowd did not fail to appreciate it. A grand shot by Smith and an equal fine save by Hillman were the next items, but for some time play hovered dangerously near the home goal. A grand shot from Athersmith caused Hillman to concede a corner from which Reynolds headed in, only to see the burly custodian fist it safely away, and following with another attempt to score, the ball was driven over the bar. Crabtree also tested Hillman, but with no better luck, and then Chadwick and Milward broke the monotony with a fine movement down the left. Chatt was fouled for holding Cameron and after Chadwick had shot in, and wilkes again cleared, it was again driven hard in, and from a melee McInnes in a falling position, cleverly kicked the ball into the net the game having been in progess 23 minutes. Tremendous cheering greeted this success, and it was renewed on Bell, immediately afterwards racing down the wing. Goldie was at this juncture playing a splendid game and was responsible for much trouble to the Villa defence. Cameron appeared to have a clear course, but slipped, and Chadwick running over the line, met the ball and sent in a beauty with Wilkes cleverly kept out Devy Campbell, and Athersmith at length made off, but being well attended to by Stewart and Arridge the perforce restored to long range shooting, which suited Hillman immediately, as be invariably put his side in possession after clearing. Nothing further was done up to the interval. When Everton led by 1 goal to nil. Immediately on resuming Chadwick shot in, and Milward was penalised for handling the ball. This however, mattered little as Cameron drove in hard, and as Wilkes only brought off a feeble save Bell was up in a trice and put the ball into the net two minutes after the restart. During the next few minutes it looked long odds on Everton increasing their lead, but Crabtree, Spencer and Welford defended admirably, and after Everton's centre had made the running Stewart unfortunately collided with Boyle, and retired for a few minutes. Milward went halfback, and there seemed no apparent loss, and after a tame period of some five minutes the enthusiasm of the crowd was again raised as Bell raced away, and Chadwick put in one of his inimitable screws. Smith replied on the Villa's left, but took too long a range, and Hillman cleared with ease. The Villa were now mainly engaged in long kicking and sudden spurts down the wings, but the home defenders were not to be caught unstrung, and kept their charge well to the finish, when the game resulted in favour of Everton by 2 goals to nil.

WREXHAM 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 23 1895. The Liverpool mercury
The return friendly fixture between these two clubs was brought off at Wrexham on Saturday. When the attendance owing to the unfavorable weather, was much below the average. The home side played with but ten men; but their defence was sound, and it was not until well on in, the first half that the Evertonians found an opening when Elliott banged the ball into the net. After this point the visitors had all their work cut out to keep the home side from getting on equal terms, but nothing further was scored up to the change of ends when Everton led by 1 goal to nil. On resuming Wrexham were fully represented and made praiseworthy efforts to score. However, Storrier especially maintained a stubborn defence, and after 30 minutes play Hill added to the score, which was held to the finish. Everton winning a fair game by 2 goals to nil. Everton: - Cook goal, McDonald, and Storrier, backs Kelso, Meiklejohn, and Elliott halfbacks, Williams, Murray, Mainman, Hill, and Flewitt, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 23 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton directors rightly indigent at the attitude taken up by the referee on the occasion of the Stoke on Saturday week have appealed to the management committee of the League on the points of his ruling, but praying that Mr. Adams should not again be appointed as referee at Goodison Park. It is a somewhat novel application, but nevertheless a perfectly justifiable one. The referee delayed the game on the score of being hooted, thereby taxing the patience of the crowd that are generally ready to make the best of matters, though adverse to their interest. He certainly at fault, and had he persisted in his course of action it would not have been a difficult matter to predict who would have been the sufferer at the finish. A better regulated and more unbiased following are not to be found outside Goodison Park, and had a few unpardonable lost control of themselves on the occasion it would have been distinctly unfortunate the club. The directors in the interest of sport, we taking a very wise step and the reset of their application will be awaited with interest. The meeting of Everton and Aston Villa, which have of late been looked forward to as the event of the season, is now a thing past and Evertonians on the general play, were justly returned victorious, fortable- frost and fog-there was a crowd of about 24,000 on the ground, and as victory was thrown in, it can readily be imagined that the Everton enthusiasms greatly enjoyed themselves. The turf was hard and slippery, and the great pace which matched the opening stages of play, was responsible for many funny incidents, in which, the extremities of certain players seemed to mistake their proper function. The home players were much more comfortable on their feet than were their opponents, and it was due to this that they so frequently made the running to the Villa goal. The forwards play of the Evertonians was more skilful and finished than that of the Villa, who mainly trusted more to their speedy wingers, Smith and Athersmith, than to a general division of work. Against an average team, no doubt the style of play adopted by the midlanders would have been most effective, but against a couple of speedy backs such as Everton posses such methods are not likely to meet with much success. The Everton van infused plenty of dash into their movements, and had they been as deadly in front of goal as in late matches, the Villians would have been heavy sufferers indeed, though it must not be forgotten that Everton had on Saturday a much better defence to meet. Cameron executed some clever individual work, though most of his attention was engaged with the wings, which he kept together in excellent fashion. The right wing, in charge of Bell, and McInnes, was as dangerous as ever, and was responsible for the two goals scored, though were no deterioration in the play at the other end of the line. Bell was in fine form and delighted the crowd with several of his dashing runs. On one occasion he obtained the ball in the Everton half, and rushing off at full speed, tipped it past Crabtree, and made for goal, with Welford in close attendance. He was prevented by the latter player from getting into good shooting position, but nevertheless he finished up his fine individual effort by a beautiful shot from a difficult angle, which took Wilkes all his time to keep out. Milward came in for more attention than was necessary from the Villa backs, but still he played one of his best games, and when on occasions there were but little prospects of work he did not fail to go out of his way in pursuit of some. This was especially noticeable in the second part of the last half, when it was important that Everton should maintain their lead of two goals . Chadwick passing and shooting were brilliant, and he had on several occasions district ill luck in not scoring. He had many little tussles with his old friend Reynolds and the fact that he has lost none of his cleverness was clearly demonstrated by the way in which he usually got the better in the long run of the English international right half. Goldie played as well as ever, and was such a stumbling block to the visitors, left wing that Hodgetts on more than one occasion indulged in foul tactics with the young halfback, which however, it was satisfactory to see did not escape the watchfulness of the referee. Boyle in the centre was quite equal to the heavy task of looking after Campbell, and his play in the second half had a very telling effect. Stewart was again in fine form, and put in a tremendous lot of hard and effective work. Adams and Arridge played a dashing and safe game, and completely neutalised the two fast outside men's tactic. It is in a match like that on Saturday that they shine, as their great speed serves them so well. The fact that Hillman had a clean sheet against fine scorers like the Villa's front line speaks for his display. He had many difficult shots to deal with of all description, and was very cool and collected in the management of each. The Villa front line was quite the best they could put in the field, and their passing in midfield was as brilliant on one could wish to see. They usually however spoiled a pretty passing movement by kicking too strongly at the finish, no doubt trusting to one of their famous sprinters being able to reach the ball first- tactics which did not come off at all against backs which were, if anything more speedy than their fastest forwards, and a goalkeeper like Hillman, who can judge to a nicety when it is judicious to run out. Athersmith did not seen at all happy, and though he was most assiduously fed he could not make off the attentions of Arridge, and was not often able to get in either a decent centre of shots. The three centre man-Devey, Campbell and Hodgetts-passed nicely in midfield, but as a already stated, their efforts were usually spoiled by long kicking at the finish. Those who remembered Smith's brilliant display against the Scotch international team last season would no doubt wonder what had come over him on Saturday for he rarely rose above the average. He managed however, on one or two occasions to get in a good shot, and one-a beautiful low cross shot-might easily have beaten a less capable custodian than Hillman. The halfbacks Reynolds, Chatt, and Crabtree-all played a very fine game. Reynolds was undoubtedly the best, and made some very good attempts at goal, once very nearly finding the net with a clever header, which Hillman just managed to reach. He is undoubtedly the funnyman of the football field, and amused the crowd by many of his curious antics. The full backs Welford, and Spencer- were pretty safe, but seemed scarely fast enough for the well trained Everton forwards. Wikes was a very capable goalkeeper, and accounted in a satisfactory manner for most of the shots that he had to deal with. The two that beat him were from close quarters, and it is improbable that any custodian could have saved them. He however, did not clear as well as the home goalkeeper, and it was the fault that led up to the second goal being scored against him.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
The Athletic Notes -Monday, December 23, 1895
By the Loiterer
By their victory on Saturday Everton are three points in front of Derby County, the next best, perhaps, being the Blackburn Rovers. Both these clubs can beat them, but they have yet to get the points, and Everton, I expect, will have a say in the matter. Blackburn will be visited on new Year’s Day, and the game is bound to be a tough one. Everton will not be without support, as a special train is being run, and is sure to be well patronised. They have also to meet Derby County twice, and if the present form is maintained. I think Derby will be fortunate in getting any points out of the two games.
The directors are fortunate in having capable reserve for every position except goalkeeper. The latter will be remedied early, for the directors intend to try Kitchen, of Buxton, who did so well at Everton a few weeks back in the Combination match. An effort was made to get briggs, of Darwen, but the club’s terms were too high.
The English draw is favourable for our two clubs. Of course, neither have a soft thing on, but I fancy we shall pull through all right. Millwall are an unknown quantity up here, but they are evidently no novices at the game, and of the abilities of Notts Forest we know sufficient, as they were the last club to beat Everton. Still, I think Everton are clever enough to win.

EVERTON STILL LEAD THE WAY
The Athletic News- Monday, December 23, 1895
By the Loiterer
The visit of Aston Villa was rightly regarded as one of the tit-bits of the season, and recent events have made the fixture even more interesting. Some doubt existed in the morning as to whether the match could be played, as the fog in the city was dense in all conscience; but towards noon the smoke lifted, and despite the uncertainly which some people thought about the game being played, there was a big crowd present. The early time of the kick-off probably had some influence on the attendance, still there would be some 22,000 present, the gate receipts being £585. It is a pity the match could not have been played under more favourable conditions, the ground being hard and slippery, but the players on the whole got along very well. Holt was still absent from the Everton team, and Cowan from the Villa, the players being as follows;-
Everton.- Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Aston Villa.- Wilkes, goal; Spencer and Welford, backs; Reynolds, Chatt, and Crabtree, half-backs; Athersmith, Devey, Campbell, Hodgetts, and Smith, forwards. Referee Mr. Kingscott.
It took the players some little time to get accustomed to the hard and slippery ground, but they soon got warm and then the play was very interesting. The first bit of serious work was done by Bell, who tested Wilkes with a good shot, but the goalkeeper was not to be caught napping thus early. The home lot were doing most pressing, but they were not allowed to get in a decent shot, although Bell kept dropping the ball in the centre. Still there was very little in the teams and if the Villa had not done so much aggressive work, the forwards were shaping better than those of Everton, for they seemed to require more stopping when on the ball, and some good attempts were made to score. Presently they had the best of the play, and for a time the Everton defenders had the worst of the bouts. Luckily, Hillman was in splendid trim, for, with the exception of Smith, all the forwards had a try at goal, and the shots were from close quarters. The game was now as fast as could be wished, the Everton forwards affording the defence some relief by transferring play, but it was only for a moment, as the “Villans” were soon at Hillman again, Reynolds heading well into goal, but was not so accurate with his kick from the rebound. There was no mistaking the earnestness of the visiting forwards, who at this point were undoubtedly showing brilliant work, both in the open and at close quarters. Their movements were too smart for the home defence, but the Everton men stuck to their work, and the backs presently had the satisfaction of seeing their forwards making headway, Milward scored a corner off Spencer, and still pressing, Chatt was penalised for fouling Cameron. Boyle placed the ball with excellent judgement, and McInnes scored out of a ruck of players. This success seemed to give the home forwards a lift, and the Villa goal had a narrow squeak, Stewart only being an inch or two out of his reckoning. The most work, however, was done by the visiting forwards, but the home defenders were playing much better, and they were not allowed to get in so many shots as hitherto. Several times Hillman ran out to clear, and he showed great judgement in doing so, and just now the Villa forward play had lost much of its sting. Nothing more was scored to the interval, and I should think the home supporters were well satisfied with the score. The play in the second half was hardly so interesting. True we had a rare turn up in the first few minutes. Straightaway Milward, Chadwick, and Cameron raced away, and the ball was in the net before the game was a minute old, but for some reason the point was not allowed. It did mot matter much, for Cameron did a bit on his own, and when in front passed the ball to Bell, who made no mistake, and Everton were two goals ahead. Athersmith made a very good bid for goal, the burly keeper knocking two opponents down in clearing the shot. This was about the only dangerous bit the Villa forwards did. Smith got away twice, but made only one good attempt, and throughout the second half the Villa forwards were simply not in it. Stewart and Arridge, with Milward’s assistance occasionally, had the measures of the wing, and Boyle was generally successfully over Campbell. Most of the play was done on the left, but both Hodgetts and Smith seemed to part with the ball hurriedly, and lost a lot of ground thereby. I thought the whole five combined badly, and certainly their tactics in placing the ball between the backs and goalkeeper and then depending on their speed and weight for success, just suited the Everton defenders, who simply kept them off whilst Hillman cleared. The play was even, taking it generally, but the home forwards seldom threw anything away. Their short passing was more to the point, and frequently bothered the Villa defence, while they were the more clever dribblers. Some think they ought to have shot oftener, but I hardly fancy this would have brought goals. I consider they adopted the right course, relying on their skill until in a good position for shooting, and this is borne out by the fact that what shots Wilkes had were warm ‘uns. Altogether, the result-two goals to none in favour of the home team- will give outsiders an idea of the superiority of the Everton men. The game was not so interesting as that with Sunderland, and the fault lay entirely with the Villa forwards. In the first half they were a good lot, and showed all their old cleverness in dribbling and passing, those side touches which are so puzzling to the half-backs being often noticeable and they went for goal in the most approved style. Had it been kept up in the second half, perhaps the result would have been different, but, instead of working the ball with some regard to method, they swung it about in a heedless fashion, and Hillman ran out repeatedly and cleared easily. The outside men did not come off at all, and for once they met backs nearly as speedy as themselves; but while Athersmith put in some splendid centres, Smith was often erratic, and made bad use of the chances Hodgetts gave him. The half backs were kept busy, but none of them struck me as being anything extra. Both Crabtree and Reynolds had clever and determined players to face, and perhaps under the circumstances they will pass muster. Yet they were often beaten. The backs were good, Spencer being the better of the two. Neither of them were to blame for the goals scored, but they often allowed their opponents to get too near the goal to be pleasant. They were hardly decisive enough with such cute players as Chadwick, Cameron, and McInnes. Wilkes did his share of the afternoon’s work and made a good attempt to save his goal before McInnes scored, but the odds were against him. On other occasions he kept out some rattling shots. Everton were, man for man, as good as their opponents, and collectively were much better. The forwards were consistent all through the game, and their passing was well times and backed up by determination. There was not much to choose in any of them, Cameron dribbling well and keeping the wings well up in work. Both Bell and Milward were in grand form, but it was not all Bell and Milward, for the inside were always at it, and taking the five together, they are as good a set of forwards as any going. They were well-backed up by the half-backs, and in this match Boyle excelled himself, his judicious work often being the means of transferring the play. Goldie also came out well, his tackling being effective, and his placing of the ball more correct than usual. Stewart was hardly so prominent, and in the first half was often in difficulties, but afterwards he scored many successes in the second portion. Adams and Arridge did their part well, but they were harassed in the first half, when the Villa forwards played the legitimate game, and owe much to Hillman for bringing them through. In the later stages they had the best of the argument, and were assisted by the style of play of their opponents. I have said sufficient to justify the assertion that the team are indebted to Hillman in bringing them out of several difficulties at a critical time when the value of a goal could not be estimated, and all through he played with judgement.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, December 23, 1895
One of the choice tit-bits of the season was provided on Saturday afternoon at Goodison Park when Aston Villa engaged Everton in the return League fixture. Captain Boyle won the toss, and Hillman received a cheer as he crossed to take up his position, there not being much advantage as far as wind was concerned. There were about 15,000 spectators present when the visitors put the ball in motion, a dangerous move being at once apparent from the Villa right wing. This ended when the leather was forced over the line. The kick out noted the ball at the centre, where McInnes was seen to be busy, but after his pass forward the visitors’ centre half got to work, but his right wing was plainly repulsed by Arridge. It was apparent that the ground was somewhat slippery, as it seemed a matter of some difficulty for the players to keep their feet. However, some good work was shown by both sides, and Bell and McInnes dashed away at top speed, the former with a splendid shot just sending the leather outside. From the goal kick the Villians raced away, Smith sending slightly wide, and the ball rolling over the goal-line. Futile visits to each end were then paid after this, and then Everton attacked strongly, Chadwick, Milward, and Bell each having abortive shies. A throw in by Stewart gave Everton an advantage, but Arridge’s attempt to lower Wilkes’s charge proved ineffectual. Adams and Goldie were next seen to advantage, and then Bell crossed the ball to Chadwick, who shot strongly for the Villa goal, but his effort proved wide. Everton continued to press, and assailed the Aston goal to some purpose. Goldie served his front rank, who took full advantage of the chance afforded them by still attacking their opponents’ goal. After repeated shots by the Evertonians, Welford was compelled to concede a corner, which, however, failed to yield anything tangible, Chatt eventually getting the ball away. A lot exciting play followed Wilkes’s kick out, and for a time the visitors had slightly the best of the argument, their forwards breaking away and the ball going out of play on the left. Here the leather was nicely played, and Hillman cleared. The ball was then placed to Bell, who made a great race down, finishing with a magnificent shot, which Wilkes was especially lucky in saving. Shortly afterwards Smith was served nicely, and he went down in his own inimitable style, and shot like a real demon, Hillman coming forth with a beautiful save, which brought down the house. The play was fairly even for a while, and midfield was generally the scene of operations. Eventually Everton made a great burst, and a free kick further improved matters, but though Boyle placed the ball well into goal nothing came of it, Chatt relieving finely. The Villans then made a determined onslaught, Campbell, Devey, Athersmith, and Hodgetts each shooting in to Hillman, who in each instance cleared magnificently amidst a perfect fusillade of applause. The game was now very warm, and each set of players were playing with tremendous dash. A brief visit to the Villa goal was made without result, and then Hillman was again called upon, throwing the ball from goal to the half-way line, but he was somewhat lucky to save a shot from Campbell a moment later. A great rush by the visitors culminated in a corner, which Hillman met and cleared, and a moment later Reynolds shot over the bar, a like thing occurring a moment later. Remarkably smart efforts among the centre players finished with Cameron moving up, but before Chadwick could get into proper position he was spoiled. Then came a free kick to the benefit of Everton, the attack being taken up by Cameron. Spencer stepped in and administered a temporary check, but McInnes came up and met the rebound, and scored the first goal for Everton by sending the ball through a whole host of players into the net. Great cheering naturally greeted this success, and Everton, from the centre, again made straight for Wilkes’s charge, Bell shooting wide. There was now no mistaking the determination of the Everton men, who fairly revelled in their work, and for the next few minutes the Villa goal was subjected to a severe test. Fortunately for the visitors, however, the backs and custodian were in great form, and every attack was effectually repulsed. At length, the Midlanders broke away on the right, Athersmith dashing off at top speed, but his career was stopped by Arridge, who gave Boyle an opportunity of clearing. The game was evenly contested, but the fog was getting thicker, and even at this early stage of the game the players were at times difficult to distinguish. Hillman was, however, twice called upon, but in each instance he cleared his charge splendidly. Then Everton, aided by Arridge and the left wing, made a sudden raid, Milward and Cameron both being conspicuous in aggressive work. From the outside left’s cross Chadwick was given a chance, and shot strongly and true, but Wilkes was on the alert, and with a splendid effort got rid of the shot. The Everton left broke away, but Chadwick was clearly offside when he was pulled up. A return move was immediately commenced, and after the Everton goal had been for some time endangered Devey shot wide of the mark. A free kick to the Villans at the half line was well met, but again the ball went outside, the visitors taking up the attack once more until Boyle, by one of his smart tricks, put an end to the gallop of the attacking force. Then Everton had a turn, and after a lively move Cameron came in at the finish and shot for goal. Spencer giving a corner. This was splendidly put in by Bell, Wilkes by an almost superhuman effort fisting the ball way. After this Devey and Athersmith made tracks for Hillman’s charge, but the latter shot outside. Play in neutral ground was the order for some little time, after which Everton assumed a most determined attitude, andaided by a couple of free kicks, hotly assailed the Villan’s charge. Stewart on one occasion placed the ball so well for McInnes that everybody thought the little inside man had scored another goal, but appearances were deceptive, and only a goal kick resulted. Soon afterwards the interval arrived, Everton leading by a goal to nil. At the restart, the attendance had enormously increased, and it was computed that there could not be less than 25,000 present. Cameron set the ball in motion, the fog still being very thick. The restart saw Everton in a most determined mood, and immediately they dashed to the front, Chadwick at once putting the ball past Wilkes, but the point was disallowed for impeding the goalkeeper. Not disheartened, however, the home men continued to work with a will, and before hostilities had been resumed a couple of minutes Cameron rushed down the centre, and passed the ball to Bell, who with a magnificent shot scored Everton’s second goal amidst a tremendous outburst of cheering. Another great rush by the Villans was most enthusiastically received, showing that the Everton spectators were most impartial, so long as good play was shown. The movements of the contending elevens now became somewhat distinct owing to the Fog Fiend. The Evertonians still kept on pressing, and after a lively turn Bell shot from the corner, but his effort was easily accounted for. Coming back, the Everton men made a grand onslaught, but they could not get near their opponents’ goal, and then Smith had a great chance, but could not get near the mark. Next came a gallant attempt on the part of the homesters who made a capital advance, but ere long Campbell had a chance at the other end, Hillman giving a corner, which proved abortive. From the ensuing goal kick, Everton tried to break away, but ineffectually, and the Villans returned to the attack, and Hodgetts shot very wide. The game was of a very even character for some little time after this, and each goal in turn was the scene of exciting episodes; but the defence on both sides proved invulnerable, and withstood the numerous onslaughts to which they were subjected. Hillman cleared magnificently once from Devey, and for a few minutes after this midfield play was witnessed. After this the Villa pressed rather too much, but afterwards the home team more than held their own, and Bell just missed scoring. There was not much in the following play, and the result came as follows; Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Aston Villa;- Wilkes, goal; Spencer, and Welford, backs; Reynolds, Chatt, and Crabtree, half-backs; Athersmith, Devey, Campbell, Hodgetts, and Smith, forwards.

EVERTON COMBINATION v.  WREXHAM
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, December 23, 1895
There was only a poor attendance to witness this game at Wrexham on Saturday. Mainman commenced operations on behalf of Everton, Wrexham starting with nine men, Samuels and Rogers being unaccountably absent. Flewitt sent a few inches over the Wrexham bar shortly after, and a little later the hometsers broke away, Pugh and Owen making a brilliant run up the right. Storrier prevented anything serious and then Everton secured a corner, which proved abortive. Wrexham then took up the running, a short attack following upon the visitors’ citadel. Everton retaliated, and were conceded another fruitless corner, Elliott scoring a goal a little later. Half-time score;- Everton 1 goal, Wrexham nil. The second half saw an augmentation of Wrexham forces, the trainer Robert and Shelley turning out to fill vacancies. Play became brisk, the pace being much faster than it was in the first half. Wrexham played with increased determination, whilst their opponents feeling secure in having a lead, did not exert themselves to any great extent. The visitors maintained the pressure, and after holding out for half an hour, Wrexham citadel fell to a shot from Hill Everton being winners by 2 goals to nil.

THE VILLA LOSE TWO POINTS
The Birmingham Daily Post- Monday, December 23, 1895
Among the unbiassed spectators who viewed the great match at Goodison Park on Saturday between Everton and Aston Villa there was no difference of opinion. The better team on the day’s play won the match. Whether, however, Everton would have gained the victory had they been playing under similar conditions to the Villa is a question with some persons. The difference in the conditions was that Everton were playing in India rubber soled boots, whilst the Villa were not, and the home players kept their feet much better than did the Villa many of whom had frequent falls, which were not by any means calculated to inspire them with fresh confidence. The heavier men were manifestly at a great disadvantage on the hard and slippery ground. However, we do not wish to rob Everton of any of the credit due to them for their victory, which was thoroughly well deserved. Had both teams been shod similarly we think Everton would have won, for there can be no denying the fact that they have a really brilliant set of forwards. In our opinion-and we have seen them now three times this season- they are about the best five in the country.  Nearly every one is fast, whilst they combine in a most praiseworthy fashion, and they never forget to shoot. On several occasions on Saturday they made some really fine runs; indeed, we have no desire to see finer, and against a team with a weaker defence than that of the Aston Villa-and the Villa’s defence was splendid on Saturday-they must have scored many more goals. Now, it must not be imagined that Everton had it all their own way. Far from it, their goal was frequently in danger, but the attacks that were made upon Hillman’s charge were never really as perilous to its safely as were those at the other end, and the burly Everton custodian was rarely in great difficulty. Except on occasions- there was one in the first half to which no one could take exception- the Villa attacks were of a disjointed character, one rarely saw the five forwards going for goal in a line, as was the case frequently on the opposite side. the occasion we refer to as an exception was in the first half, before any goal had been scored. Previously there had not been much to choose between the teams, excepting that there was always a bit more method about the Everton attack, and perhaps, Wilkes had more nasty shots to stop than Hillman, but the latter a turn then came, and the Villa forwards played for a few minutes in a manner which raised hopes in the breasts of their supporters. They played, in fact, in much the same manner as they did during that last half-hour last season, when there seemed to be almost twice as many Villa men on the field, so completely did they cutman curve their opponents. On Saturday they worked their way finely up to goal, and in quick succession then ball was shot in four times by Campbell, Athersmith, Devey, and Hodgetts respectively, but on every occasion Hillman saved, although there was more than a suspicious of luck about his stopping one of the shots. A minute or two later a dash by Athersmith, who finished up with a fine shot, caused Hillman no end of trouble, and he only got rid of the ball by conceding a corner kick. This was well taken, and Reynolds headed in, but Hillman punched the ball out, and then the Villa right half-back shot yards too high. The scene of the play was quickly changed, and Chatt had a free kick awarded against him for some infringement of the rules- we fancy it was for placing his hands on an opponent’s shoulders and springing up to head the ball- and from this free kick Everton scored their first goal, the only point obtained in the first half. McInnes shot the ball into the net after a desperate scrimmage had been fought out under the crossbar. There was little else worthy of particular mention from the scoring of the Everton goal up to the interval. The game was desperately contested, and the Villa defence showed fine resource. One save by Reynolds is perhaps worth noticing. Cameron had burst through all opposition and seemed certain to score, but Reynolds came from somewhere and took the ball right off the home centre’s toes. It was a brilliant effort and the great crowd cordially cheered the Villa half-back. Everton commenced the second half with a series of desperate rushes, and within two minutes of restarting the ball was in the Villa goal-net, but the point was disallowed on the ground of offside. Nothing disheartened; however, the wearers of the blue were soon attacking again, and a great cheer announced a second Everton success, Bell scoring with a fine shot. It appeared to us that Wilkes partially saved a very hot shot from the left wing, and thus gave Bell possession, but it is impossible to speak with any degree of certainty, for the day was very foggy, and at times one could not distinguish the players at any distance. The Villa now made desperate efforts to pierce the Everton defence, and had their passing been better judged they must have scored. Frequently they burst past the opposing backs, but the ball was generally kicked too far in front, and Hillman was able to reach the ball before a Villa man could get up. Just towards the finish Smith treated the spectators to one of the runs that made him such a famous player last season, but his shot went straight to the goalkeeper, who easily caught the ball and threw it out of harm’s way. This was the Villa’s last real effort, and they retired beaten by two goals to nil, a result which about represents the difference between the opposing teams. For the winners, the forwards all played splendidly, but Bell was perhaps the most brilliant man in a brilliant quintette, several of his runs being a treat to witness. The half backs showed fine form, Stewart playing grandly against Devey and Athersmith who were the Villa’s best wing on Saturday. Arridge and Adams were a good pair of backs, whilst Hillman’s goalkeeping was irreproachable. He was never at a loss what steps to take to defend his charge. Wilkes could not be blamed for either of the shots that scored, while Spencer and Welford deserve praise for their defence, which, taken throughout was very sound. We do not care to enter into any comparison regarding their respective merits. Each played finely in his own particular style. The Villa half backs all did well against the clever forwards to whom they were opposed. Crabtree was responsible for some fine tackling and dribbling, although he manifestly found it extremely difficult to keep his feet; Chatt did a lot of excellent work at centre half, his speed standing him in good stead; whilst Reynolds showed up well on the right wing. It was to no weakness in the defence that the Villa’s defeat was attributable, but to an inferiority in the forwards. The slippery ground did not suit Hodgetts, and the left wing was consequently not as dangerous as usual, whilst Campbell also suffered from the same case as Hodgetts. The Villa centre, had he been a little faster, must have scored early in the game on Saturday, for he had a clear run for goal, but ere he could shoot he had been overtaken by the backs. Devey worked hard at inside right, and Athersmith made some good runs and centres, especially in the first half. Smith’s play showed an improvement, and we have hopes that he will soon be playing as well as ever; but, taking everything into account, the Villa forwards on Saturday certainly compared unfavourably with those of the home team.

TRAMPLED TO DEATH
Northern Guardian (Hartlepool) -Monday 23 December 1895
At the close of the Everton v Aston Villa match on Saturday, at Liverpool, a man named David Roberts was knocked down in the rush of spectators to the vehicles, and was tramped to death.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY POST
The Liverpool Daily Post-Tuesday, December 24, 1895
Sir- In these times, when so many are unemployed as was abundantly proved on Thursday evening last at the Everton Football ground, Goodison Park, when some hundreds (I would not like to say how many hundreds) were severely crushed in seeking employment, what would the public think the fairest way of engaging such? First on the list should have been those who had no employment of any sort, and who really need help and whose character and references gave satisfaction; next superannuated policemen, pensioners, &c., who have a little to reply on; last those who have leisure time, and wish to increase their poor earnings. Whilst on this subject is it fair for employers to allow any one in their service to hold two or three positions, such as master carters, master porters, warehousemen, &c.  Are there no other competent men to fill these posts, or is it better to enrich such while so many are left out in the cold through no fault of their own- Yours &c., A LOVER OF JUSTICE TO ALL., December 9, 1895.

HOLIDAY MATCHES AT GOODISON PARK
The Liverpool Daily Post- Tuesday December 24, 1895
On Christmas Day Everton receive a visit from Glasgow Rangers, and in this match Holt will be seen out for the first time since his accident at Nottingham on oct 12. On Boxing Day the famous Celtic team will put in an appearance, and on Saturday Small heath will play their return league match with Everton. The following players will represented the home club;-
Against Glasgow Rangers on Christmas Day. 2.15;
Everton; Kitchen, goal; McDonald, and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Holt, and Elliott, half-backs; Latta, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Against Celtic on Boxing Day; 2.15.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Kelso and Storrier, backs; Boyle, Meiklejohn, and Elliott, half-backs; Bell, Williams, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Against Small heath on Saturday; 2.15
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Boyle, Holt and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.

EVERTON 5 GLASGOW RANGERS 1
December 26 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
The holiday fixture played yesterday afternoon at Goodison Park, was not patronised as per expectation, for there would strongly be more than 6,000 present at any period of the game. The intense cold had, no doubt a high hand in the comparatively small attendance, and there was scarely sufficient excitement in the game to counteract the surrounding uncomfortable conditions. In view of the League match on Saturday, the executive wisely decided on playing the majority of the combination team. At 2-15 the sides turned out as follows : - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, McDonald, ad Arridge, backs, Kelso, Goldie, and Elliott, halfbacks, Latta, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Glasgow Rangers: - Bell, goal, Smith, and Sinclair, backs, Marshall, Burns, and Gibson, halfbacks, McCreadie, Boyd, Fulton, McPherson, and Smith forwards .Everton kicked off against a strong breeze and at once the Rangers made tracks for the home goal. A steady pressure was maintained on the Everton defence for some time, McCreadie and Boyd in turn sending in shots, which were well attended to. Eventually Flewitt got away, and following some smart play by the whole of the line, Milward steadied himself in good position and defeated Bell with a clinking shot. Getting to work again Fulton led on a fine forward move for the visitors, and a shot was levelled at Kitchen, which was not were ably attended to, and almost directly following one from McCreadie nearly found the mark the Everton forwards were more precise in attack than were the Rangers, but the strong breeze nulititated against accurate shooting. Smith the Rangers full back, repeatedly saved his side by his dashing display. Chadwick had several narrow squeeks in scoring. Than the Rangers centre backs broke off, and outpaced all his opponents, but Arridge who, however, only temporally arrested his progess, for the ball was tipped across to Smith on the outside left who promptly beat Kitchen with a clever shot. Play had no sooner been resumed than the Everton defenders were again in straits, and Kitchen was called upon from Fulton. Directly afterwards Burns with a fine overhead kick looked like scoring, when Arridges headed away, at the expense of a fruitless corner, and then Goldie opened out the play for Chadwick who made the running and passed to Flewitt, and Williams being in close attendance, a fine opening was taken full advantage of by the last named player. Everton once again taking the lead. A couple of free kicks placed the Rangers in good position and they were unlucky indeed in not finding the way to the net. Again the play ran frequently to the Evertonians, and after a fine movement on the home right the ball was swung across to Milward who headed wide of the mark. A corner followed immediately afterwards, but it was effectively cleared, and Smith, McPherson and Fulton raced away very cleverly down, but the last named was eventually at fault. Following a fine movement by Chadwick and Milward, Elliott rushed up and shot in from long range, the ball curling into the net. Half time was then announced with Everton leading by 3 goals to 1.
On resuming Flewitt was conspicuous with a fine run down the centre, and scoring looked certain as Chadwick lay in a good position, but Smith charged down the shot somewhat luckily, and on Flewitt again making a bold bid for goal the wily right back cleared in grand style. A further return this time met with better success, as Flewitt converted a beautiful movement in which Milward took a leading part, and brought up the score to four goals. Following this reverse the Rangers played up spiritedly, and the forwards, backed up by some capital assistance from the halves were frequently in dangerous quarters. Once Boyd had a clear course, but did not allow for the wind, and almost immediately afterwards a fine centre from Smith should easily have been converted. At the other end Milward missed an easy chance, as also did Fulton after Smith had placed the ball well from a free kick. Latta and Williams got through some good work on the home right, but there was no defeating Sinclair, who with his confrere Smith furnished many spicy bits of play. Flewitt had the ball often, but owing to the close attentions of Burns, had to part with it quickly as it was received. McCreadie had a couple of shots which nearly found the mark, and just when every one was expecting a downfall of the Everton goal, Flewitt dashed away and slipping between the Rangers backs, had no difficulty in notching a fifth goal. Latta next had the goal at his mercy, but shot across badly, and then a long beautiful effort by Chadwick resulted in a corner. The remaining play was evenly divided, and nothing further was scored. Everton won a good game by 5 goals to 1.

EVERTON v GLASGOW RANGERS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Thursday 26 December 1895
For the second year in succession the Rangers have been visitors to Goodison Park on Christmas Day. Yesterday, the weather was bitterly cold, and this probably prevented a crowd of spectators presenting themselves, for not more than 5,000 witnessed the game. It was expected that Holt would make his reappearance for Everton in this match, and although advertised to play he did not turn out, his place in the centre being taken by Goldie, while Kelso figured as right half-back. Kitchen, of Buxton, played in goal, and shaped fairly well; while at centre Flewitt did very good work. Considering the intense cold the game was a fairly good one, Everton started play, but as the wind blew pretty well all round the ground, little advantage was gained by the visitors in this respect. The Rangers at once attacked from the left wing. Gibson shooting over, and almost immediately after Smith put in a good shot from the right, which Arridge negotiated. From this Everton made their way towards Bell’s end of the field, but the attack which ensued was not of a very dangerous nature, as the men seemed to be effected by the intense cold. After a lot of midfield play Chadwick got possession on his wing, and after dashing the ball round several of his opponents he gave to Milward, who shot in from a long range, the ball going into the net at the corner. This little success seemed to put some warmth into the players. The Rangers rushed up to Kitchen, but he only tackled the shots half-heartedly. The play again fell somewhat flat, the only work of any importance being done on the left wing by Chadwick and Milward. The defence of the visiting backs, however, was excellent-Smith being very safe- and consequently what shooting was done came mostly from a long range. Once again the Rangers got up to Kitchen from the left, but the shot struck the upright. Then Flewitt made a fine sprint straight down the field, but was unfortunately tripped when in front of the rangers’ goal. The free kick which ensued was tipped back to Milward, who banged in a grand shot, which just skimmed over the cross bar. From the kick off the Rangers forwards rushed the ball up the field, and Smith, from the outside left, sent in a shot which Kitchen could not get at. Thus the score was equalised, but the Rangers were very near scoring twice after in as many minutes, the second effort being just saved by Kitchen, who swiped the ball away as it was dropping high up over his head. Some life was instilled into the play, and away went Everton forwards led by Flewitt and from a pass by the lasty named Williams put Everton in front by a grand shot. End to end play was the order for some time after, and for a spell the Rangers’ forwards settled down in front of Kitchen, but both McDonald and Arridge were always good enough to deal with the attack. Play once more veered round, and then, as usual, Chadwick and Milward were prominent. Before the attack had really been beaten off, Chadwick tricked the ball down, and passed to Milward; the latter, however, was beaten by Smith (full back) before he could get up, but from the Rangers’ kick up field Elliott got hold and banged in a fine shot just prior to the calling of half-time, when the score read 3 goals to 1 in favour of Everton. From the restart Flewitt rushed off, but had the shot charged down by Smith. Everton kept begging away for a few minutes, but nothing resulted. Kitchen’s charge was assailed in turn, but the shooting by the Rangers’ forwards was very poor, Boyd in particular, when he had a clear course in front of him, shying the ball very badly. From the kick out, Chadwick took play up the field, and from an excellent centre, Flewitt scored the fourth goal for Everton. There was no doubt which was the better side, and the visitors would have fared much worse, but for the excellent defence at their back division. Boyd had another chance, but he disfigured it by a very poor attempt, though Kitchen almost directly after scooped out a shot from McPherson on the other wing. After a spell of uninteresting work the home left again got on the job, but just as Chadwick was getting dangerous he slipped, and Smith had no trouble in putting the field to the right about, when play for a length of time settled down in Everton quarters, but without the Rangers securing any advantage, their forwards being unable to find the where-abouts of the Everton goal. On the other hand Flewitt put in another of his fine runs down the centre. This time he came clear away, and although a half-successful effort was made to trip him up he kept his feet, and finished with a fine shot, which landed the ball into the net. Towards the end both sides rallied themselves, and made an excellent finish both goals being visited in quick succession, the respectable goalkeepers being repeatedly called upon. The play, however, was always favourable to the home team who won a fairly good game by 5 goals to 1. Teams;- Everton; Kitchen, goal; McDonald and Arridge, backs; Kelso, Goldie, and Elliott, half-backs; Latta, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick and Milward, forwards. Glasgow Rangers;- Bell, goal; Sinclair, and N. Smith, backs; Gibson, Burns, and Marshall, half backs; Smith, McPherson, Fulton, Boyd, and McCreadie, forwards.
TO-DAYS ARRNAGEMENT
Everton v Celtic, at Goodison Park; 2.15
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Kelso and Storrier, backs; Boyle, Meiklejohn, and Elliott, half backs; Bell, Williams, Cameron, Chadwick and Milward, forwards.

EVERTON 3 CELTIC 2
December 27 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
The famous Scotch Leaguers continuing their holiday tour, made their appearance at Goodison park yesterday afternoon, with quite 18,000 spectators withstood the discomfort of the piercing cold, and thoroughly enjoyed the game, the visitors were strongly represented, while the Everton executives in view of Saturday's League contest against Small Heath, relied in the main upon the combination team. There was a little delay in lining up, but when the preliminaries were arranged the team were found to be as follows: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Kelso, and Storrier, backs, Boyle (captain) Meiklejohn, and Elliott halfbacks, Bell, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Schofield, forwards, Glasgow Celtic: - McArthur, goal, Meechan, and Orr, backs, King, Maley, and Battles halfbacks, Blessington, Cross, Madden, McMahon, and Ferguson, forwards. Madden started the play against the breeze. The opening stages did not at all appear too promising for Evertonians, and the mixed calibre of the team no doubt had much to do with the feeble efforts in the first five minutes. Blessington in this period was conspicuous in many fine runs down the Celtic right, and backed up, as he was by some clever work on the part of Maley the centre half the home defenders had more than one anxious time. The outside man eventually forced a corner, and on playing the ball beautifully in goal McMahon opened the scoring account this early. Getting to work again, Madden the Celtic centre opened out several chances, which were often on the point of being converted, and the Everton defenders must be accounted lucky in keeping many fine shots out. Eventually Schofield who partered Chadwick tipped the ball nicely across, but Williams was greatly at faulty, and when again Boyle, had put Chadwick in Possession, and that player had opened out a clear course for the home right, the ball was ultimately driven anywhere, but in the right direction. Meanwhile the Celts forwards divulged many of the nicer points of play, and their sharp and accurate passing, which stood out in marked contrast to the work of their opponents, was greatly admired. After Ferguson and McMahon had executed a tricky run down the left, Bell got clean away and placed a fine centre, which Chadwick took advantage of and score stood even. A moment later Flewitt should have taken the lead from an easy chance afforded by Schofield, and in the next couple of minutes both Boyle and Chadwick made a bid for goal with little success. A little later Chadwick shot in hard, and as McArthur failed to clear well, both Flewitt and Williams were on him in a trice and on the ball coming out to Schofield, that player with a clinking shot found the mark. Everton thus taking the lead. Up to this point most of Everton's efforts were of an individual character. Boyle, Chadwick, and Bell being the most noticeable; but from this juncture there was a district improvement in generalising the work, with the result that the Celts backs had plenty to do. Fouls against Storrier and Meiklejohn were frequent, and from one which resulted in forcing a corner, Battles was just a trifle wide of the posts. Bell had several tussles, and had invariably the better of him, but there was no beating Orr and Meechan, who were playing a fine defensive gam. Madden led the way to the Everton end, and gave Ferguson a fine chance to equalised, but it was not utilised, and Flewitt fastening on the ball, ran speedily the centre, only to be thwarted in the finals effort by Meechan. A fine centre by Schofield was cleverly got away by McArthur, and then followed one of the finest bits of forward play in the game. The Celts passed and repassed to each other in most clever fashion, and covered nearly the length of the field, a movement that would undoubtedly have resulted in a goal had not Maley displayed poor judgement at the finish. The interval had now arrived, leaving Everton leaders by two goals to one. Shortly after resuming Battles wrenched his knee, this delaying the game for a few minutes, and on getting to work again, it was at once apparent that the Celts were bent on leaving nothing to chance for there was finish about most of their movements. Maley tried a shot from long range, but was wide of the mark and after Blessington and Cross-had made the running, Madden got clear away, and easily defeating Storrier, had an open course and drove into the net. Restarting King fouled Chadwick, but a very poor attempt was made to place the ball in goal. Latter Flewitt, and Boyle shot in, but both were wide, and after Bell had failed to receive much support from Williams, who persistently passed to the inside men, he went off on his own account and put in some very fine centres. On a beauty-was met by Chadwick, who was pounced upon by Meechan, but the ball glided to Schofield who scored a very cleverly, Everton again taking the lead. At the other end Kelso saved very luckily in close quarters from Blessington, and after a retrograde movement Williams out in a couple of wretched shots. A corner taken by Schofield almost resulted in Chadwick heading in, and from this point to the close the bulk of the attack was maintained by Everton, who eventually won a fair game by 3 goals to 2.

BIG WIN FOR EVERTON
Scottish Referee- Friday 27 December 1895
By a Bootle Scot
EVERTON 5 RANGERS 1
For the second year in succession Rangers were the guests of Everton at Goodison Park. With a distinct remembrance of a three to one defeat on Glasgow autumn holiday, Everton put a strong team on the field, Holt was expected to make a re-appearance, but did not feel fit. Some 5,000 spectators were present when Flewitt started what turned out to be an interesting game. Rangers were first to press, and Gibson and Smith had both good shots at Kitchen’s charge. Arridge safely got rid of the second shot, and play settled at midfield. The intense cold seemed to affect the players at starting, but gradually they warmed to their work, and Chadwick and Milward beat the rangers’ defence and the latter with a long angular shot got the first goal. Rangers were now feeling a little more at home, and well backed up by Smith and Sinclair caused Kitchen no end of trouble. Flewitt latterly broke through, and ran the whole length of the field. An unfortunate trip right in front of goal stopped him, but nothing accrued, and a rush by the visiting forwards was capped by a fine goal from Smith (outside left). Still pressing Rangers came near scoring on several occasions. A huge punt by the goalkeeper let his backs kick clear, and Flewitt, taking along his forwards in grand style enabled Williams to put his side on the lead. The Rangers attacked, but could not score so well did McDonald and Arridge defend. A great bout between Smith, Chadwick, and Milward finished the first half. Out of this the Rangers emerged triumphant, but had the chagrin to see his kick caught up by Elliott and a third goal scored from a long shot. Crossing over two goals to the bad, Rangers were soon in front of Kitchen, but Boyd skied the ball when he had a clear goal in front. At the other end Flewitt showed the Rangers how to score, notching the fourth point from a centre by Chadwick. A splendid shot by McPherson was the next point of interest, and following his lead Rangers pressed. Their efforts to score proved futile, and breaking away Flewitt got the fifth and last goal for his side after a long run. Rangers were fairly beaten. Splendid defence, mediocre attack, summarises their play; but for the former Everton’s lead would have been larger, while the latter accounts for the fact that they only scored one goal. The game, slow to begin with had an excellent finish, and the spectators who braved the cold were certainly repaid by the grand display of the home team. Teams;- Everton; Kitchen, McDonald, Arridge, Kelso, Goldie, Elliott, Latta, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick and Milward. Rangers;- Bell, Sinclair, N. Smith, Gibson, Burns, Marshall, Smith, McPherson, Fulton, Boyd, and McCreadie.
EVERTON v  CELTIC
Everton 3, Celtic 2. At Liverpool yesterday, before 20,000 spectators. McMahon scored for the Celtic in five minutes, but immediately afterwards Flewitt equalised, while in close following Schofield put Everton ahead, so that at the interval the home side led by 2 goals to 1. On resuming Madden equalised for Celtic, and again Schofield put Everton in the front, which was the last point scored in a fine game. Final result-Everton 3, Celtic 2.

THE FATAL ACCIDENT IN GOODISON PARK
The Liverpool daily Post- Friday, December 27, 1895
TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY POST
Sir-May I beg a small space to try and draw a lesson from the late fatal accident, whereby a poor fellow was knocked down and killed by a passing ;bus at the exit gate of the Everton Football club. I wish to draw attention to the fact that a much more alarming and extended accident may happen on any Saturday afternoon while the present regulations are tolerated. I do not wish to throw blame on any one for the accident of last Saturday, as I was not an eye witness. The few police present do all in their power, and the Everton Football Club directors are always willing to do all they can for the comfort and safely of their patrons. May I suggest however, in your paper, what is often regretted in very forcible language by the outgoing crowd that the buses be made to wait at the Stanley Park side or down the off streets leading to Walton-road and not allowed to come alongside the ground and crush through the dense mass of people making its way out. The directors of the Everton Football Club might also with advantage make a wide sliding exit gate on the offside of the pavements. Which would greatly lesson the awful crush while passing out.- Yours, Tc., T.E.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY POST
The Liverpool Daily Post- Friday, December 27, 1895
Sir- Referring to the sad accident, ending in the death of one of the Everton spectators which occurred on Saturday last, I should like, through the medium of your valuable columns, to call the attention of the police to the dangers the public experience in leaving the Everton football ground. It is surprising that so many have escaped without injury, seeing how ‘buses, wagonettes, and spring carts are allowed to come close up to the gates and stand in the middle of the roads as the crowd in coming out, fill up, and rush at a maddening speed down Octon and other streets, heedless of the many lives they are jeopardising. There is an open space at the corner of Walton-lane and Spellow-lane-not much more than 100 yards from the football gates-and if the police would issue upon the vehicles remaining there to load it would make the exit for the public safer, and the buses, &c., would I am sure, receive the same patronage.- Yours, &c., SAFETY.

EVERTON v CELTIC
The Liverpool Daily Post- Friday, December 17, 1895
A great crowd, numbering some 18,000 people, assembled yesterday afternoon at Goodison Park, where the famous Celtic team paid a friendly visit. The composition of the Everton team was reckoned to be somewhat weak, only three of the regular League team being included but it proved strong enough to beat the Celts. Captain Boyle won the toss, and took the Park end of the field. Madden commenced operations, the first feature of the game being a foul against Maley. The free kick yielded nothing to Everton, but a moment later Schofield received a pass and went strongly down the left, afterwards effecting an accurate centre, which was not turned to good account. The visitors then broken away, but were quickly repulsed and the homesters took up a strong position in front of the Celtic goal, Williams sending in a capital shot, which McArthur dealt with cleverly. The next moment, however, a sterling advance was made by the Celtics, and at the finish McMahon had no difficulty in defeating Kitchen, the first goal to the credit of the visitors coming after five minutes’ play. Lively business in the centre was followed by a free kick to Everton, and from this Flewitt nearly scored. The visitors broke away to centre the field, where the homesters came in again and advanced on right and left. Eventually Chadwick and Flewitt each had a turn, and the latter put in a shot which made the game equal. Shortly afterwards Storrier checked Blessington, and then leather was taken by the home right into Celtic territory. McArthur saving from Williams. The homesters were now having much the best of the game, and some smart work by the left wing culminated in Schofield getting a favourable position, of which he was not slow to avail himself, for he directed the ball into the net and gave Everton the lead. Brilliant passing by the home front ended in Bell shooting high over, and a further raid was checked by Meehan. On the Celtic right King served his wing finely, but a check was administered by Storrier. However, a free kick helped the visitors considerably, Storrier conceding a corner. This being cleared, Battles shot at the finish of a further onslaught, with the result that Kitchen gave another corner, which was satisfactorily accounted for. A foul against Meiklejohn led to an attack on the Everton goal, but ere long Flewitt was racing against Meechan for possession. The Everton man got the ball right enough, but his shot at goal was ill-directed. The visitors went away strongly, but did no damage, and then Chadwick put in one of his pretty touches. Flewitt continued the move, but was pulled up on account of being off-side. Chadwick then shot by the side of the goal, and the kick out was met by the Celtic left, Ferguson and McMahon becoming positively dangerous before Kelso gave them the order of the knock. A cross from Boyle led up to a capital shot by Schofield, McArthur saving very finely. A free Kick taken by Orr gave the visitors another look in, the homesters being fairly on their mettle in their own goalmouth, and the Celts had hard lines in not scoring, the ball being partially cleared on several occasions before Storrier got a fair kick and routed the attacking party. On two occasions the ball was prettily worked down by the home front rank, Schofield being unlucky in not having a champion centre turned to good account, and bell from the other wing missing by inches. Good work on the part of the celts was spoiled by a wild shot from Madden, and after another burst by the homesters, which ended unluckily, half-time came, the Everton team leading by 2 goals to 1. Flewitt restarted, the opening moves of the second half being married by an accident to battles who collided with Bell. In a few minutes, however, he was able to resume play, although he was evidently in difficulties. The Celts went down in line, and Madden shot over, but a couple of minutes later Storrier missed his kick, and let Madden in again, and on this occasion he was more fortunate, sending in a shot with which Kitchen had not the slightest chance, the game thus being once more equal. Meiklejohn made and use of a free kick by shooting yards too high, and them some brilliant work was done by Ferguson, McMahon, and Battles the latter at the finish sending in an erratic shot. A futile attack on McArthur’s charge followed, the homesters being to bay by Meehan. At the other end Battles shot over the crossbar twice in quick succession, and the visitors kept up a hot attack until Boyle at last wormed his way in and administered a mast decisive check. The way being cleared for the home front rank, inroads were made by each wing, a centre from Bell being met by Flewitt and passed to Chadwick, who shot wide of the mark. A moment later Flewitt shot over the crossbar, and then the homesters fell back and were busy defending for some minutes. Relief came from Kelso, and Boyle signalised this by shooting close to goal. Bell slung the ball in from the right, and Chadwick met the leather and passed to the left, Schofield coming in possession, and by means of a rattling shot scoring the third goal for Everton. Chadwick followed with a praiseworthy effort, and directly afterwards Kelso broke up a combined attack by the Celts. The Everton men came back on the right, and Bell was much too good for Battles, the Everton right winger getting in his shot, and a fine one too, in first-class style. At length, the visitors’ left wing made an incursion, and Ferguson sent to the front of goal, but Kitchen was not to be caught, Kelso putting the finishing touch to a fine bit of defensive work. Strong play by the home right and centre was followed by a further capital shot from Schofield, and another goal nearly came from a corner forced by the left wing. The Celts then claimed a corner, the following play being fairly even. Before the finish, however, the Everton men put on high pressure, and McArthur was called on many times, the verdict being in favour of Everton, who gained a meritorious victory by 3 goals to 2. Teams;- Everton; Kitchen, goal; Kelso and Storrier, backs; Boyle, Meiklejohn, and Elliott, half-backs; Bell, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Schofield, forwards. Celtic; McArthur, goal; Meehan, and Orr, backs; King, Maley, and Battles, half backs; Blessington, Crosser, Madden, McMahon, and Ferguson, forwards.

EXPRESS AND ECHO v. RAILWAYS
Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, December 27, 1895.
This annual charity match, the object of which is to provide funds for entertaining the children (boys and girls) who sell newspapers on the streets, was played yesterday morning, at Goodison Park, the ground being generously lent for the occasion by the Everton Football Company, Unfortunately for the “gate,” the weather was cold, and there was not a great crowd of spectators present. At half-past eleven Sir William Forward (Deputy Lord Mayor), who had undertaken the task of kicking-off walked on the field, accompanied by his two daughters and the chairman of the match committee (Mr. W. Macfier, of the London and North-Western Railway Company) and set the ball on its charitable errand. Though not quite so scientific a game as is usually witnessed on the Goodison ground, the play was very much above the average style. Both teams had undergone “special preparation” for the event, and were in excellent condition. They at once got to work, and some good play took place. On the right wing the railway men (particularly Tyson, Fall, and Woods) showed up prominently, and for a long time most of the work was done on this wing, Davies playing to McGuinness and Evans as much as possible. Several times Broley’s charge was assailed in the first few minutes, but the shots, with perhaps the exception of a couple of stingers put in by Davies and McIlwraith, were not of a deadly character. The Railway team were best represented by the back division, their defence, which was repeatedly tested, being put to a severe ordeal. As half-time approached, the newspaper team pressed hard for a score, and it was certainly hard luck that they were not able to find a billet for the ball inside the net. May scored the first goal for the railways, and at half-time the position was -Railways 1 goal, Express and Echo nil. Immediately after the second half had been started the Press forced a corner, but McGuinness’s place came to nothing. The Railway men then got to work, and after pressing for some time May again scored, the shot being ridiculously easy, Hall who had just rushed out and missed his kick, leaving his charge undefended. Though the scoring had been all against the newspaper, the latter certainly had quite as much of the play as their opponents up to this stage. The success of the Railway men, however, told its own tale, the Press, recognising their forlorn position, seeming to lose spirit. At any rate, the ball now rarely passed over the half-way line, and the position of the goalkeeper of the railway men was almost a sinecure. Final result;- Amalgamated Railways 2 goals, Echo and Express nil. The Bovril Company regaled the teams at half-time with hot Bovril. Prior to kicking off, Sir William Forward generously contributed £1 towards the funds. Teams;- Echo and Express- C. Hall, goal; J. Carroll and E. Griffiths, backs; W. Mathews, D. McIlwraith, and R. Swann, half-backs; J. Monks, J. Byrne, J. Davies, E. Evans, and H. F. McGuinness, forwards. Railways;- Broley, goal; T. Tyson and J,. Woodroofe, backs; R. Fall, R. Parkinson, and W. Darlington, half-backs; W.A. Aiken, T. Woods, F. Meakin, E. May, and J. Hunt, forwards.

WREXHAM v  EVERTON
Wrexham Advertiser-Saturday 28 December 1895
On Saturday, the Everton Combination eleven visited Wrexham to play that team the return friendly fixture. The visitors brought a strong team, while Wrexham had to commence with nine men, owing to J. Rogers and E. Samuel failing to turn up, and through sending no intimation it placed the Wrexham committee in an unfortunate position. After five minutes’ play, Bob Roberts, an old Welsh international, but now the trainer of the team, went out to assist his side, and took up a position at right back. Up to the interval Wrexham played only ten men. Mainman started for the visitors, and they at once attacked. Flewitt sent in a nice shot, but Ball cleared grandly. Everton gained a corner, but “hands” sent them away, and Wrexham dashed down and took play into the visitors’ quarters, but the ball was sent behind. Everton secured “hands” near the opponents’ goal, and a corner followed on it. Wrexham cleared their goal, and were getting away, but they were soon sent back, and the Everton front were again at it, and from a free kick Elliott scored the first goal for Everton. This was a quarter of an hour after the start. Flewitt banged into goal just afterwards, but Ball was on the alert and cleared. Everton kept play in the home quarters, and from a corner a nice attempt was made on the home goal, but the custodian hit out. Wrexham were getting dangerous, but Kelso sent them cantering back. Everton came along grandly, but Roberts cleared. Ellis gave a corner, when the visitors looked like scoring. Wrexham showed up a bit better, and after one or two attacks they secured a corner, but a big dig by one of the defenders put them on the defence once more. Wrexham livened up considerably towards the interval, but no further scoring took place up to half-time, when the score stood- Everton one goal, Wrexham none.- On restarting, T.M.O. Shelby appeared for Wrexham, and thus completed their eleven. Everton started to press, but all their efforts were frustrated. Wrexham got away several times but the visitors’ defence was particularly sound, Storrier being very good. Play was practically confined to the home quarters, but “hands” sent the attacking party away for a time. A foul was given against Everton, but this did not help Wrexham much. A corner fell to the visitors, and the home forwards were getting away, but they did not get far, and another corner followed for Everton. Kelso essayed a shot, but it went wide. The Wrexham goal next had a narrow escape. After Everton had been pulled up for offside, they returned to the attack, and Hill scored a second goal for them. Wrexham livened up and got going nicely, but Pugh was given off-side when well placed. Hughes sent in a shot, but Cook easily cleared. Play continued to the end in favour of the “toffey men,” but no further scoring took place, and the final result was- Everton, two goals; Wrexham none. The following players composed the sides;- Everton; Goal, Cook; backs, McDonald and Storrier; half-backs, Kelso, Meiklejohn, and Elliott; right wing, Williams and Murray; left wing, Hill and Flewitt; centre, Mainman. Wrexham; Goal, W. Ball; backs, R. Roberts and A.E. Ellis; half-backs, E. Robinson, W. Harrison, and F. Stokes; right wing, Trevor Owen and D.H. Pugh; left wing, A. Williams, and T.M. Shelby; centre, J. Hughes. Referee, Mr. W. Squires, Wrexham.

EVERTON 1 SMALL HEATH 0 (abandoned 37 minutes)
December 30 1895. The Liverpool mercury
The weather on Saturday was altogether against a big crowd visiting Goodison Park for the attendance would scarely reach 6,000. The Everton executive turned out the strongest available forces which included Ho t who has not taken part in the game since October 12, and as Stewart had not recovered from his collision with Boyle on the previous Saturday, Goldie filled his position. The Heathens were strongly represented. At 2-15 in a perfect torrent of rain, the teams lined up as follows: - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Adams, and Arridges, backs, Boyle (captain), Holt, and Goldie, halfbacks, Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Small Heath: - Roach, goal, Lester, and Oliver, backs, Ollis, Walton and Friser, halfbacks, Adlington, Mobley, Bruce, Whekldon, and hands, forwards. Bruce started for Small Heath, but in the first minute Chadwick sent in a couple of shots at Roach, and on the home left again taking up the running, Cameron tipped nicely across to Bell, who scored with a beautiful shot. Getting to work again Holt opened out the play to Milward, who was a trifle wide of the mark, and then Bruce led the way to the other end, and in conjunction with Hands give Adams plenty of work. After a fine passing by Cameron Bell, and Mcinnes Fraser broke up the movement and Ollie was equally successful at the other end of the lines in checking the combination of Chadwick and Milward. Eventually a corner was forced of Lester, and for the next ten minutes play ruled persistently inside the Henthens half. Chadwick, Cameron, Bell, and McInnes popped at goal, but the greasy nature of the ball had a great deal to do with erratic shooting. Eventually Hands Wheldon, and Bruce, broke away, but Holt easily accounted for the visitors centre at the finish, and then Bell ran grandly down the right and sent in a clinking shot which Roach was lucky in meeting with his foot. Off side by Bruce spoiled a fine opening which, had been created by the visitors right wing pair, and after Chadwick had essayed a couple of screw shots both Goldie and Boyle tried their luck from long ranges but with no success. Eventually Cameron darted off, and sent in a fine drive, which appeared to be going under the bar, when Roach reached it and tipped it over, but there was no relief to the custodian as the home forwards again quickly swarmed round his charge and on every possible opportunity shot in. several capital clearance were effected and then Hands and Wheldon once more took the ball to the other end, where Arridges was beaten, but Hillman not, and the ball was transferred to midfield. Cameron took up the running, and for the next few minutes the home was were greatly in evidence but could not convert the final movement. After the game had been in progess for 37 minutes, the referee called the players together, certainly to consider whether the play should be continued. They left the field and several conferences with the officials of both clubs took place, and the game was finally abandoned.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 28 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton holiday engagements were satisfactory in every way. The attendance at the game were considering the cold weather, all that could be expected, and as both the games were won, and mainly by the efforts of the combustion team, who most prominently repressed the club, it speaks well for the reserves strength that the executive have at hands. The Glasgow Rangers were the visitors on Christmas day, and by their decisive defeat they will have occasion to remember their visit. They brought down a powerfully team, but they could make but little headway against the home defence, which although of a mixed character met most of the movements with perfect confidence. Their left wing, Smith and Mcpherson played a fine game, and none put in more telling work then did Smith whose display at right back was nothing less than brilliant. Flewitt played nicely as Everton's centre and with Chadwick and Milward withstood the brunt of the attack, while both Elliott and Arridge played a great game, these players being mainly responsible for the ineffective efforts of the Rangers. The Boxing day crowd numbered close upon 20,000 spectators, and the game proved a thoroughly enjoyable one. The Celtic were represnted by a powerful eleven and though they were defeated they played a most attractive game then did the Evertonians, whose display was fitful. The Celts forwards passed to each other in finished style and were most unlucky in having final efforts charged down, while the play of the Everton van was somewhat spoiled by injudicious methods adopted by Williams who rarely attended to Bell, even when good openings presented themselves. None of the Everton defenders, with the exception of Boyle rose above the average, while the defence of the visitors was a strong point. Smith, Maley, and McArthur being conspicuous throughout.
The game between Everton and small Heath came to a prenature end owing to the weather, and a close criticism of the play and players would be superfluous. There were nevertheless many good points, and right from the commencement Everton showed undoubted superiority, the passing of the forwards being of the highest class, and indeed in the respect the greasy ball and wretched state of the ground did not seem to make the slightest difference. The shooting was, however, mostly wide, but this defect can easily be accounted for. Bell was the notable exception with regard to shots, for during the 37 minutes play he got in several magnificent specimen, one which found the inside of the net, and a couple of others were saved in a distinctly lucky manner. The Everton men very rightly calculated that a goalkeepers task on a day like Saturday would be no easy one and both forwards and halfbacks kept putting away at the Small Heath goal, whenever they were at all reasonably near. It was a welcome sight to see Holt back in the team and he very early on made his presence felt. Fine as the halfback display of the last ten weeks have been, these is no doubt that the inclusion of the little international strength the centre line. No one better than he knows how to break up the opposing team's forward movement, and he always manager to be whereever danger threatens. Stewart was unable to play on Saturday owing to the injury to received the previous week through a collision with Boyle so Goldie services were requisitioned and their clever and improved young players acquitted himself in an admirable manner for he seemed quite in much at home on the left as on the right. At tines Smallheath men showed promising form, and on the whole played a better game than they did as home against Everton. but they went in for too much long passing, practice that have been amply proved to be of little avail against a pair of fast backs like Adams and Arridge. Hillman had consequently to do except occasionally run out and kick clear- duty which, he always performs to a nicety. On one occasion, however, he had to get away a dangerous shot by Wheldon, but was quite equal to the task. Altogether what with the drenching rain, the wind, and the state of the ground, it can be imagined that it was not at all a pleasant game to witness and it is a pity that the referee Mr. West crossed the ground five minutes before the start, and therefore had ample opportunity of judging what the turf was like, allowed the game to commence at all but having once begin it would undoubtedly have been wiser to continue, at any rate until half time, when he would have had an opportunity of consulting the officials and players of both clubs as to be the best course to presume. When it became known that the game was to be finally abandoned the studded appearance of the crowds on the two end stands made matters look somewhat ominous. For some time they remained unmoved and them numbers came stragging towards the press and directors boxes. A few of the more irate were loud in their determination of the action of the referee and demanded the return of their money. One individual, who had climbed over the barricades into the field, diverted the crowd for some minutes by a struggle with the police, who were trying to eject him, and this proved a signed for vast numbers to swarm on the ground, but after hooting and yelling they again gathered round the directors stand. A pack of small boys, as if to register their protest against the stoppage of the game and to clearly demonstrate that the state of the weather and ground was not sufficiently bad to warrant the referee's action, commenced a game with a small rubber ball on their own account. Meanwhile the attitude of the older section of the spectators was becoming more threatening. They clamoured round the director's bar, now the directors harbour of refuge, and the police had all their work cut out to keep them from forcing the position. Stones were freely flung, and the clock and several of the windows were smashed. Some of the railings were torndown, but no substanials damage was done, and after the crowd had vented their feeling in the above manner for nearly an hour the ground was cleared. One cannot help feeling some sympathy with the spectators, to many of whom the nimble sixpenne is a fair sum, and they no doubt felt very much aggrieved at having to spare this amount from their modest pocket money and then to witness not quite half a football match. It is difficult however, to suggest what the directors could have done in the emergency. It would have been palpably unfair to the club to have returned the money to the spectators, some of whom had wandered promisuslous over all portions of the ground and then again, it would have meant so much dead loss to the club through no fault of their own to have prepared and issued tickets for another match to about 6,000 people at a moment's notice would have been almost impossible. It seems a pity however, that one of the directors or officials of the club did not at any rate, attempt to address the crowd. In order to explain the position of affairs, so try to obviate that display of bad feeling which, so large a number indulged in, and which must initiate not at all to the club's advantage. It might perhaps tend to restore good feeling between the club and disaffected parties if the managers, after deducting all expenses from the gate money received on Saturday handled a portion of the balance over to some charitable institution. Especially would this come with good grace, seeing that the charity match with West Bromwich Albion played under Wells Lights did not turn out to be anything like a financial success. Everton visit Blackburn on New Years Day, to play the return League fixture with the Rovers, who it will remembered were victorious at Goodison Park early in the season by 2 goals to nil. After the game, the Evertonians go on their annual Scottish tour, meeting the Celtic St Mirren and Hearts of Midlothains on successive days. The executive are taking their full League team and in case of emergency four of the combination players.

EVERTON v. SMALL HEATH
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, December 30, 1895
The weather on Saturday was of the most wretched possible description, and this, together with e fact that the bill of fare was not so appetising as that proved on the last couple of Saturdays, kept thousands away from Goodison Park, where Small Heath antagonised Everton in the return League engagement. The early morning gave promise of a dry ground for the players and comparative comfort for spectators, but before noon a recurrence of the torrential downpour took place, which accompanied by a cutting wind, made matters very uncomfortable. As a natural consequence the ground in many places was very soft, and here and there were scattered small pools of water, whilst the heavy rain on the frozen turf made the foothold none too sure. It will be recollected that about a month ago Everton returned victorious from Small Heath with a margin of 3 goals, and a couple of points in their favour, so that the supporters of the home club anticipated a further substantial addition to their goal average from Saturday’s encounter. The attendance was poor in the extreme, so far as gates go on the Everton ground, and was the smallest of the season. Stewart was an absentee, owing to having had a nasty knock-on Saturday last. The half-back line was composed of Boyle, Holt, and Goldie- a rare good string-this being Holt’s first appearance since Oct. 12, when he had his shoulder broken at Nottingham. The teams took position in the following order;- Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Boyle, Holt, and Goldie, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Small Heath- Roach, goal; Lester, and Oliver, backs; Ollis, Walton, and Fraser, half-backs; Adlington, Mobley, Bruce, Wheldon, and Hands, forwards. Everton won the toss, and Bruce started with the rain coming down unmercifully, and the wind blowing pitilessly in the faces of the players, only about 6,000 onlookers being present. Holt immediately pulled up the visiting up the visiting front rank, and serving up to his own forward line, who dashed along at top speed, some effective passing being shown in the mud, the ball being sent outside. Everton, however, were not long in again assailing their antagonists’ charge, Milward and Chadwick going along the left, and sending across to Cameron, who passed to Bell, the latter scoring for Everton in the first minute. Keeping up the attack after this, Milward shot well over the line. Following the kick-off, Chadwick and Holt became busy, the former at last passing to Milward, who failed to pass Ollis, and was sent spawling in the mud. Again Chadwick got in, but he found it impossible to make headway, Mobley and Adlington making a return move. Arridge cleared, and the leather was at once snapped at by the Small Heath left. Wheldon was beaten by Adams, and similar sauce was served out by Boyle to Hands. Everton retaliated strongly on both right and left, but Oliver was found in a merry mood, and distinctly declined to allow Cameron and his right-hand supporters to advance within reasonable shooting distance. By way of a change the Heathens put a little pressure, and twice made their way to close quarters. Here Mobley on the one hand, and Hands on the other essayed shots, but neither got in decent attempts, and the attacking party were quickly sent to the right about. After a dashing advance by the homesters Cameron shot wide of the mark, but ere long Chadwick and Goldie put in some remarkably clever touches, and the immediate result was that Chadwick found himself in a position to shoot, but he failed to give proper direction to the ball. It was apparent that the ground was in a dreadful condition, the players slipping and floundering about in all directions, whilst it was absolutely impossible to pass the ball with any degree of accuracy. For a while play ensued in ensued in neutral ground. Everton again, however, assumed an aggressive attitude, Chadwick then shooting into Roach’s hands, after which there was some rate sharp play, when the Small Heath men endeavoured to break through. Walton proved conqueror in the skirmish, Holt being unable to keep his feet. The attempts which followed this burst was short lived, for the visitors were pulled up owing to offside play. Cameron broke away in the centre, and when pressed passed over to his right, McInnes experiencing very hard lines in not being able to score. Milward was up in time, but he was evidently under the impression that the ball was certain to go through, whereas it just missed. After a shot from Goldie, Cameron got up and forced a corner, but this was satisfactorily accounted for by the Small Heath defence. The bulk of the attack was still confined to the Everton forwards, and it was at rare intervals that the Heathens broke away, but so far in the game they had never been really dangerous. After Cameron had sent in to Roach, who cleared, Mobley and Bruce dashed off at top speed, the latter tricking Arridge and causing some uneasiness in the Everton camp, but Hillman with a huge kick returned Bruce’s shot to near the half line. Boyle was prominent on two occasions, but Small Heath, who were now more aggressive than at any stage of the game, at this period again assailed the Everton charge; Adams, however, causing them to beat a hasty retreat. Cameron was the next to show up to advantage, and then an attack was made by the home men, Chadwick on one occasion and Bell a moment later, each giving Roach a taste of their shooting qualities. The visiting custodian was several times called upon in a couple of minutes. Cameron, McInnes, and Chadwick each in turn testing him with good shots, but he treated them all alike and defended his charge in marvellously clever fashion. Bruce started on an excursion to Everton territory, and, when fairly in, passed to his left winger. Adams rushed in, but was beaten by hands, although this did not matter much, as the ball was directly afterwards forced out. A miskick by Fraser let in Bell, who travelled nicely before shooting, his shot being blocked by Lester. Then Chadwick got in two shots, and Roach saved a header from Cameron in magnificent fashion. The game was carried on for a while longer under depressing conditions and then Mr. West called the players together when it transpired that the nature of the conference between players and referee was as to the advisability of stopping the game. The players on both sides were desirous of proceeding, but the referee (Mr. West) was of a contrary opinion, and the players and referee left the field. Mr. West was then interviewed by a deputation of both clubs, who were anxious that the game should be resumed, and after strong pressure by the officials of both clubs Mr. West decided to proceed with the game. Both elevens by this time, however, were stripped and in the baths prior to dressing, and were loud in their protests at again being asked to “don the war paint” after wishing to proceed prior to retiring. A long harangue then took place between the respective committees and the referee, and at the end of more than half-an-hour’s consultation it was finally decided to abandon the match. Our representative crossed the ground in quest of the referee, who stated that it was utterly impossible to proceed with the game under the prevailing conditions. The ground was certainly of a very sloppy nature, but it seemed most injudicious on Mr. West’s part to start the game and then abandon it seven minutes before the interval, at which period he would have been enabled to consult the officials of both clubs. But, of course, a referee has full power in the matter, and Mr. West did not exceed his duties, though whether his decision was a judicious one is a matter open to question. When it transpired that no money was to be returned, a large and angry section of the crowd assembled in front of the office, trying their utmost to break down the railings leading into the committee’s sanctum. A number of police and stewards did their best to keep the crowd back, and to a great extent succeeded. Stones and turf were thrown in large numbers, and the clock face and several windows were smashed. The inspector was compelled on two of three occasions to use his staff, and one or two of the more rowdy were arrested, but allowed to go on getting outside the ground.

THE LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
The Athletic News- Monday December 30, 1895
By the Loiterer
The holiday matches have gone off very well from a football point of view, and both the Glasgow Rangers and Celtic were beaten. The games were fairly well contested, considering the ground was so hard and the wind very troublesome and cold. In the match against the Rangers on Christmas Day Flewitt showed remarkably good form, and were he only to keep himself in form and cultivate more dash he would be as good a centre forward as there is going. Everton had the best of the play, but the Rangers’ halves and backs were a good lot. Smith, the hero of a match between the teams some three years ago, again playing a splendid defensive game. His namesake on the left also did well, and the goal he scored was a beauty.
There was perhaps more “go” in the game between the Celtic and Everton on Boxing Day, and a good game resulted in a win for Everton by three goals to two. The Celts brought a good team, and Everton had a capital substitutes for the absent League players. Schofield, a local lad, who formerly played for Aintree, did very well on the outside left, and scored two goals in artistic manner. He also played well in the open, but what pleased me most was the way he finished his work, for McArthur had no chance with the shots. The visitors, as usual, gave a good exhibition of football. Perhaps the passing was overdone to be effective, but the work by Madden and McMahon, and occasionally by the outside men, was much above the average, and Maley was as good as ever at half. With such clever players as the Celts and Everton possess, and the men infusing some vigour in their efforts, the crowd of 17,000 fairly enjoyed the game.
Everton will journey North from Blackburn, playing the Celts on January 2nd, St. Mirren on the 3rd, and the “Hearts” on the 4th. The full League team will go, with the exception, perhaps of Stewart, who is injured; and they will be accompanied by Flewitt, Williams, and McDonald as reserves. Cameron will not go beyond Blackburn for various reasons. The amateur has won many friends here by his good play, and it is satisfactory to know he will be available for future matches. I don’t think we have seen the best of his play as yet.
I am sorry the executive have been unsuccessful in unearthing a reliable understudy for Hillman. A good sub, is required for this position, and the sooner one is obtained the better. Kitchen did not come up to expectation in the holiday matches. Not that he allowed many shots to pass him, but he did not shape like what is required from a man whom the players can trust. If Hillman should be unfortunately laid up, the chances of either the English Cup or the League Championship coming to Everton are very remote.
Unless Fleetwood Rangers are induced to take their beating in the Lancashire Cup Competition at Goodison Park, which will be greased by a share of the spoil, which is sure to be substantial, the Everton team will be away for five weeks. The chairman of the Finance Committee has, however, something to go on with, as over a thousand pounds have been taken in the holiday matches. Then there is another “gate” with Small Heath. After the way a few of the spectators behaved on Saturday the directors, I believe, will have placards posted up to the effect that spectators must take the risk of play being stopped as on Saturday, as they have no control over the action of the referee, who has power to terminate the game for various definite reasons or “other cause,” which covers everything. Another matter the public should note is that no change will be given at the turnstiles after December 31.

GAME UNFINISHED AT EVERTON
The Athletic News- Monday  30 December 1895
By the Loiterer
To put it mildly the weather on the occasions of the meeting of Everton and Small Heath has not been very inviting. At Small Heath on December 7, the afternoon was not enjoyable, and the elements were alone to blame, as Evertonians, seeing they bagged three goals to nil, have no occasion to grumble at the result, which, as things go at present, is very satisfactory. It is therefore, a pity that the weather should be so bad in the return match, as no doubt Small Heath sought a favourable opportunity of turning the tables on their conquerors. To dwell on the rawness of the atmosphere is only piling on the agony, as the weather, in Lancashire, at any rate, has been what people call seasonable these last few days, and well equipped as Goodison Park is acknowledged to be, the surface cannot stand six days’ east wind and a keen frost without getting hard, and then with a deluge matters are inclined to be uncomfortable for the players. Two or three of the directors pay very strict attention to the condition of the ground, and only the dog, which is part of the stock in trade, debars the ground committee from paying a visit on a Sunday, and after all their trouble it is only natural that they should not see eye to eye with Mr. West in his decision to abandon the game. Writing from memory, it is just a year by the day when Aston Villa should have played, and the game, to use an Irishism, was abandoned before a start was made. Previous to that Stoke and Everton had tried hard to play the Saturday before, but Mr. Brodie would not have it, although the players finished what was called a friendly. So that Everton might do better with a more judicious arrangement of fixtures at this time of the year. I don’t know that the prospective match had many attractive features, for Everton had the best of the away fixtures, and recent events did not promise anything like a turn-up in favour of Small Heath. Still, there would be over 6,000 persons present, but so ample is the covered space that they could be accommodated in a comfortable manner. Holt reappeared for Everton, and Goldie took Stewart’s place, the genial ex-soldier not being quite up to the mark. The visitors were well represented. The players being;-
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Boyle, Holt and Goldie, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Small Heath.- Roach, goal; Lester and Oliver, backs; Ollis, Walton, and Fraser, half-backs; Adlington, Mobley, Bruce, Wheldon, and Hands, forwards. Referee; Mr. West.
There was nothing in the condition of the ground or even the weather for the spectators to take exception to, for, as I have said, they were nicely sheltered, and the ground, to all appearances, was all right. Another item that went down well was when Bell sent across, and in endeavouring to clear of the “Heathen” defenders put through his own goal within a couple of minutes of the start. Matters went on smoothly for a time, the home team having all the play, which is not to be wondered at considering they had the wind behind them, which, accompanied by a heavy downpour of rain, was no mean advantage. Yet they did not get on so well, for no more goals came. Many were the good attempts made, but it was apparent the ground was too slippery for accurate shooting, and even for maintain a foothold. Once Mobley gave Wheldon a good chance, but the latter was glad to let the opportunity go, and allow Hillman to clear. This was about the only decent show the visitors made in the scoring line, for play was generally in their half. The defence, as can be imagined, had the better of the argument, for it was right so long as they kept the ball out of goal. But with the Evertonians it was different; they had to steer the ball within eight yards of space, and this was no easy matter. That they made good attempts redounds to their credit, but the backs defended well, the shots that were true being cleared, and, considering the pressure, Roach had not a great deal to do. Towards what proved to be the close of the game, he saved splendidly twice from close quarters, for with time going on the Everton forwards seemed anxious to have more goals in hand, and an attack on the “Heathens” goal formed itself into a scramble in front, and the goal escaped being captured in a lucky manner. Soon after this Mr. West motioned to Boyle and the Small Heath captain, and I anticipated his decision to abandon the match. He and the players went off the field, but there was a lot of talk between the representatives of the clubs about the advisability of playing out the match. The players, too, were agreeable, and were told to again don their war paint even after having a bath, to my mind the referee was in hot water, for he had to contend with two consenting parties for the game to proceed. On the other hand were Small heath, with only a goal to the bad and having everything in their favour for gaining the much-needed points, for with the wind, and rain to assist them in the second half they might easily have won, as in any case the scoring was a question of luck. Then the Everton directors were anxious to give their patrons the full-time allowance, for it is no joke to convince six thousand excited footballers, nicely wound up and comfortably situated, that the weather is unfit. As it was, the conduct of the spectators, in the words of the police inspector, was serious, and some bricks were thrown, when there were no signs of play, or of having their money returned, but beyond the smashing of the clock and a window or two there was no damage done. There was some excitement in the neighbourhood when the patrol waggon came up ladened with policemen, and the ground was with difficulty cleared.

EVERTON CLUB
The Liverpool Mercury-Tuesday, December 31, 1895
A very sensible suggestion is made in the Football Notes of the “Mercury” touching the disposal of the money which was received at the gates of Goodison Park on Saturday, when the match between Everton and Small Heath was suspended owing to the state of the weather. It is that, after the deduction of expenses, a portion of the balance should be handed to a chartiable institution. Even they who were most clamorous about the return of their money will not object to the adoption of this wise proposal.