Falkirk Herald -Wednesday 1 January 1896
At the close of Everton v. Aston Villa match on Saturday, at Liverpool, man named David Roberts was knocked down and trampled death.

ROVERS v  EVERTON
Lancashire Evening Post- Wednesday 1 January 1896
COLLAPSE OF A STAND -SPECTATORS INJURED
There has always existed the keenest rivalry between Everton and the Rovers, and the interesting in their meeting evokes the greatest enthusiasm, both in Liverpool and Blackburn. Their first meeting this season was on sept 21st at Goodison Park, when the Rovers accomplished a somewhat surprising yet easy victory, a winning by two goals to nil. Since that time Everton have not suffered a defeat, and their rapid rise in the League table has made them hot favourites in Lancashire. On the other hand the Rovers have performed rather indifferently, and suffered a crushing defeat at Nottingham on Saturday last, when the Forest ran out victors of a fast match by four goals to two. It was not surprising, therefore, that the interest in the return match to-day created great excitement, and the attendance at Ewood was fully 20,000 at the time for the start. The ground was in excellent condition, and the weather warm and favoured.
Teams;- Rovers;- Ogilvie, goal; Brandon and Murray, backs; Dewar, Anderson, and Cleghorn, half-backs; Haydock, Whitehead, Turnbull, Wilkie, and Chippendale, forwards.
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Elliott, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Armitt, Leek.
Everton won the toss, and set the Rovers to play against a fair breeze, and Turnbull set the ball in motion. Cameron got close to Brandon, and came within an ace of doing the trick, a corner being gained. From this Ogilvie had to fist away a splendid dropping shot, and Boyle shot over the bar by inches. The Rovers got away in the centre, Turnbull mulling the ball when right in front of goal. The return gave Haydock an opening, Boyle meeting the centre cleverly, carrying the ball to the Rovers’ defence. Arridge fouled Haydock in the next minute, and from the free kick the home team got in some smart work along the front. Adams coming out of a warm attack with honours. Chadwick was the next to rush in, and in centringlet Cleghorn get in a header, which
BROUGHT TIMELY RELIEF
Whitehead fouled Boyle, and the attack of Everton became fiercer and more concentrated. Another corner to Everton forced the Rovers to pack their goal, but the shot dropped on the net. The Rovers took up the pace in earnest on the left, and the referee, watching the game closely, penalised Boyle for a foul against Turnbull. Brandon took the free kick, and shot outside the upright. From the goal kick Everton ran right down, Bell finishing up a grand attack by shooting past with a terrific pop/ Milward found Ogilvie the next minute, and gave him a teasing shot, which he had to fist away. Wilkie and Turnbull brought off a fine combined run the next minute. Chippendale getting possession from a fine pass. The ball travelled right across to Haydock, who proved too slow for Arridge, who kicked out to save. Haydock and Whitehead indulged in some stylish tactics here, and simply collared the defence in pretty fashion. Everton were still bent on aggressive work, and Cameron receiving a pass from Bell, put in a grasser, which brought Ogilvie to his knees in a twinkling. He managed to clear, and away went the Rovers’ right pair with another smart dash, which gave an opening for Elliott to shine with a huge kick. Chadwick was conspicuous with some terribly effective work, Brandon pulling him up brilliantly. A foul against Boyle for pushing Turnbull made things livelier for the Rovers, but the final shot went outside Hillman’s charge. Cameron did a fine sprint down, finding Murray one too many for him in close quarters. Turnbull showed some quick movements on the ball in midfield, which resulted in Chippendale getting a clear field, but hugging too long,
GOLDIE ROBBED HIM
And concentrated the attack on the Rovers’ defence. The visitors were working with smarter attack, and, keeping their places, were oftener in the Rovers’ quarters, the pressure being severe. Chippendale forced a corner out of Goldie, and this was the signal for tremendous enthusiasm. Haydock forced Hillman to deal with a hot one, and Whitehead followed suit. Yet another shot, and two corners in succession taxed the Everton defence to the utmost. Still no score. At this stage Anderson left the field, having received a nasty kick from Boyle. Chippendale went centre half, and in spite of having but ten men, play went all in favour of the Rovers. Brandon and Milward came into collision, both receiving a crack on the head which stunned them. Anderson’s return was the signal for loud cheers, and with the team “as you were,” the Rovers again assailed fiercely, Adams and Arridge being kept at it hammer and tongs. Milward charged Haydock when off the ball, and the referee promptly awarded a free kick. Another corner to the Rovers was not improved upon. Hillman had all his work on to negotiate the deal. Again
EVERTON RACED DOWN,
Cameron getting very dangerous when Murray smartly pulled him up. The next minute Chadwick gave Ogilvie a straight one to get rid of, and he did it nicely. Haydock placed Chadwick at a discount with some remarkable fine dodging, which gave the crowd as much satisfaction as a goal. Whitehead tried a long pop, which missed the eight yards’ end enclosure by inches. Chippendale had a big race the length of the field with Goldie in attendance, the Rovers’ final effort proving fruitless. Cameron stood offside in his eagerness to score, and the pace fell off on both sides. In another minute Chadwick got a pass from Bell, and the latter taking it from Milward shot hard in, and this time Ogilvie was beaten, a big shoot signalising the success.
Half-time-Everton 1, Rovers 0.
The spectators got a welcome relief in the interval, yet they gave the teams a warm reception on their return. Cameron was the first to get a look in, and allowed a chance to go begging six yards from goal, McInnes shot in after all, and Ogilvie picked up in the mick of time. Whitehead and Anderson, on the other side, called upon Chippendale to dash in, and he did with a fine centre, which Turnbull failed to catch. Bell reserved a splendid pass from Chadwick, and sending down a patent grasser. Ogilvie could only get rid of it at the expense of a corner, and for a moment or two the Rovers’ charge was in jeopardy. Milward and Chadwick were doing the best of the work, and in point of pace were superior to their opponents. The Rovers now had a look in, Hillman stopping some scorching shots, and after a hot fusillade here, the Everton right wing took up the running with a vengeance, and after giving Ogilvie one or two warm shots, McInnes shot in, and Murray, seeking to divert the direction of the shot, put it through his own goal, and
EVERTON LED BY TWO GOALS.
The Toffy men were going as fast as at the start, and the Rovers were just about non-plussed in the field, their attack being very feeble. Haydock railed the forwards with useful runs and stylish centres, Chippendale once being a yard or two late. Anderson took advantage of an opening to have a try at the net, his effort being a yard or two out of measurement. Everton again rushed in at a marvellous pace, every man playing with great dash and always yards in front of the Rovers. Turnbull was too late for several close chances, and these missing, Everton forced the game once more, Ogilvie having nasty ones to clear from McInnes and Cameron. The Rovers were badly over-matched, and could not respond to the calls of their supporters. They made a feeble attempt to rally, as the front rank was altogether out of gear, and the shorts they put in were without sting. On the other hand, Everton played with splendid confidence. Wilkie
GAVE HILLMAN A SNEEZER,
The doughty custodian having to give a corner to clear his charge. The same player put in another fine shot. In another minute Chippendale had centred a beauty, which Haydock headed into the net, and for the first time the full lung power of 20,000 spectators was tested. This was the signal for a fine outburst by the Rovers, the enthusiasm rising to fever-heat. A free kick to the Rovers evoked a hurricane of cheers as Anderson grand the upright with a lightning shot. Chippendale sent in another, and Hillman was on pins as the players swarmed round his charge. The Rovers made a bold bid to retrieve their fortunate, Haydock putting in a long shot, which made Hillman look alive. The next minute Haydock performed the most brilliant feat of the afternoon. Racing through the line of defence, and giving Turnbull the chance,
THE FAMOUS CENTRE BEAT HILLMAN
With a lightning shot, amid a perfect hurricane of cheers. The excitement was terrific as Brandon dropped a fine shot right at Hillman. The next minute Bell raced away, and Cameron receiving a pass shot in, and beat Ogilvie, and again Everton had the lead. At stage.
ONE OF THE STANDS GAVE WAY,
And the crowd broke through the barriers. Several persons were badly hurt, and had to be carried off the field, the members of the police ambulance doing good service. After this incident, the pace fell off, and the interest in the game had gone. A free kick to the Rovers close in was the final incident of the fight, which had been a battle royal from start to finish. On the day’s form the better team won. Result Everton 3, Rovers 2.
THE COLLAPSE OF THE STAND
The accident to the stand might easily have been a serious one. The switchback erection situated at the Blackburn end of the ground was packed with spectators, and part of the woodwork collapsed without the slightest warning,. There was at once a rush to get clear of the structure, and had it not been for the prompt action of the police, under Acting-Supt. Dobson, who pacified the spectators by assuring them that it was all right, as only a planking had given way, many might have been injured. Two or three persons fell a distance of between 20ft, and 30ft, but only one -James Brown, weaver, 61, Emily-street -appeared to be seriously injured. He complained of pains in the side, and his legs were badly cut. He, however, refused to be taken to the Infirmary, and was subsequently conveyed home in a cab.

BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 3
January 2 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
This return League engagement between the above clubs was played yesterday afternoon at Blackburn before the largest crowd so far this season the spectators numbering quite 20,000. Owing to the indisposition of Holt, and Stewart the Everton halfback's line was re-arranged, the services of Goldie and Elliott being requisitioned. It will remembered that the Rovers gave a magnificent expectation of the game, when at Goodison Park in September, and won by two goals to nil, but recent performances rather favoured Everton, although some doubts as to yesterday contest was entrained owing to the disturbance of the middle line. During the period of waiting a four mile race between members of the Blackburn Harriers seved to while away the time. Briscoe coming in an easy first, and at 2-30 the sides lined up as follows: - Rovers: - Ogilvie, goal, Brandon, and Murray, backs, Dewar, Anderson, and Clehorn, halfbacks, Haydock, Whitehead, Turnbull, Wilkie, and Chippendale, forwards. Everton: - Hillman, goals, Adams, and Arridge, backs, Goldie, Boyle (captain), and Elliott, halfbacks, Bell, McInnes, Cameron Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Turnbull started against the wind, and the opening stage favoured Everton, and within the first minute Cameron looked like scoring, as he dribbled the ball well into the Rovers goalmouth, when Brandon fortunately saved at the expense of a fruitless corner. Getting to work again some very fine combination was shown by both teams, and when in good position Anderson had a shot at goal, without success. A fine movement by Chadwick resulted in Boyle shooting over, but a foul against the latter player was almost converted by Wilkes from Brandon, who placed the ball well up in goal. Haydock and Whitehead, ably attended to by Cleghorn, treated the spectators to some fine bits of passing against which Elliott coped with a fair amount of success. A capital cross shot to Wilkes resulted in Hillman being called upon and then Boyle was twice penalised, the second occasion being very close in, but both were got away, and, after Goldie had successfully attended to Chippendale, Chadwick and Milward worked the ball down in nice fashion, only to find Brandon ready for all emergencies. At length Chippendale broke away, and for the next five minutes the Rovers fairly held the position. Their forwards got frequently within close range, and the goal escaped in marvellous fashion. Three corners in quick succession followed, and the finish of a severe pressure was brought about Clegborn shooting badly. As the other end Milward got in a clinking shot, which Brandon luckily diverted and, following this, Bell was unfortunate in losing his footing when within nice shooting range. The Rovers forwards were on the whole, more exacts in their movements than their opponents and time after time, and Adams and Arridge had an arduous task in keeping the opposing forwards at bay. A rather curions decision of the referee in penalising Milward spoiled a fine chance for Everton; but not to be denied, the whole of the visiting forwards put on extra pressure, and Ogilvie was lucky in clearing a couple of dropping shots from Chadwick. Meanwhile Goldie, Boyle, and Elliott were playing a fine game, and Bell had plenty of chances on the right, but owing to the fine defence of Dewar, and Brandon he was unable to make much headway. Eventually Boyle placed the ball well ahead, and after Milward had supplemented, Cameron had a shot, which rebound of Dewar on to Ogilvie, as Bell was up in a trice, he promptly put the ball into the net. The play had no sooner started again then Bell missed a fine opening, and shortly following the interval was announced. Everton leading by one goal to nil.
The opening stages of the second half were characterised by the movements between Milward and Chadwick, and within the first half minute, Cameron shot into Ogilvie hands. At the other end Chippendale had a clear opening, but shot wide, and after the visiting forwards had held the mastery for some few minutes, Dewar, Whitehead and Chippendale had shots at the Everton goal, which called for Hillman's best efforts. A complete change now came over the game, as the Everton forwards by excellent combination, thoroughly defeated the home halves, and following a fine movement by Cameron, Chadwick and Milward, the ball was sent over to Bell, who put in a fine oblique shot, which glided off Murray leg into the net. The home team made most determined efforts, but Adams Arridge, and Boyle save no quarters, their defence being nothing less than brilliant. Following a long pressure on the Everton defence, their forwards went away in most finished style, and it was a pity, that Chadwick was faulty in the final effort. Immediately afterwards Ogilvie was called upon to negotiate a couple of difficult shots, and was generally accounted lucky in getting them away. From this point the home van changed their tactics and instead of attempting to catch close ranges they shot whenever they were within reasonable distance. At length Chippendale fairly baffled Adams and getting in a magnificent centre, Haydock rushed up and put the ball into the net. This success roused the crowd to a high pitch of enthusiasm, and the home players warmed to their work with each test that for some time they had matters much their own way. After a severe pressure, Haydock fairly defeat Elliott, and Boyle and parting to Turnbull, who had a clear course the last named player sent in a stringing shot altogether out of Hillman's reach. The excitement now reached a tremendous pitch, and the pace became faster than ever. After Hillman had executed a couple of smart saves, Bell got away in possession and after Cameron had missed fire, Chadwick had a clear opening, and gave his side the lead again. At this juncture the barriers on the portion of the ground gave way, and a few of the spectators were severely tampled upon. The Crowd did not, however, encroached upon the playing pitch, and the game was resumed under the wildest excitement. Both defenders gave no quarter and up to the finish the play ruled fairly even. As nothing further was scored, Everton won a well-deserved victory by 3 goals to 2.

EXCITING SCENE AT A FOOTBALL MATCH COLLAPSE OF A STAND
January 2, 1896. The Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser
During the progress of the match between Blackburn Rovers and Everton at Blackburn, yesterday, one of the stands collapsed. Much excitement was caused, as the structure at the time was crowded with spectators. Many of the occupants were badly shaken, but only two were seriously injured. A correspondent says; the accident to the stand might easily have been a serious one. The switchback erection situated at the Blackburn end of the ground was packed with spectators, and part of the woodwork collapsed without the slightest warning. There was at once a rush to get clear of the structure. There was at once a rush to get clear of the structure and had it not been for the prompt action of the police, under Acting-superintendent, Dobson, who pacified the spectators by assuring them that it was all right, as only planking had given way, many might have been injured. Two or three persons fell a distance of between 20ft and 30ft, but only one –James Brown, Weaver, 61, Emily-street appeared to be seriously injured. He complained of pains in the side, and his legs was badly cut. He, however, refused to be taken to the Infirmary and was subsequently conveyed home in a cab.

EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
The Liverpool Daily Post-Thursday January 2, 1896
The Everton team started on their Scottish tour yesterday morning from Exchange Station shortly before noon, breaking their journey at Blackburn for antagonise the Rovers on the Ewood Park ground in the return League game. In addition to the recognised League eleven and several reserves Messrs, Prescott, Cuff, Bainbridge, and Davies (directors) made the journey. Much interest was evinced in yesterday’s encounter, this being the first of five League matches away from Goodison Park in succession, and it was confidently anticipated by the large crowd accompanying the party that Everton would emerge triumphantly from the fray, and thus average the defeat inflicted in the seaport town in the first month of their season, when Blackburn won by 2 goals to nil. The weather was beautifully fine and quite springlike in character, a powerful sun shinning when Blackburn was reached. Crowded and enthusiastic excursion train followed the tourist party at at a later hour. The day was a general holiday in Blackburn, all the factories and workshops being closed, and hence a tremendous crowd put in an appearance, it being computed to be the largest attendance of the season. Unfortunately, Everton could not command their full strength, Holt being ill and Stewart not having sufficiently recovered from injuries received in the match against Aston Villa. While spectators were assembling a four-mile barrier race was organised by the Blackburn Harrier Club, nine competitors starting and much interest was manifested in the contest, the crowd frequently applauding the various runners, Briscoe proving the winner. The ground, in pleasant contract to that of Goodison Park, was in splendid condition, favouring a fast game. Both teams received a hearty reception on making their appearance, Blackburn, of course, coming in for the lion’s share of the applause. At the time of the kick-off there was an attendance of fully 20,000. Everton won the toss, and Turnbull kicked off against the breeze. The opening play was in midfield, and some splendid kicking was shown by the respective backs. Then Elliott put his forwards in possession, and Chadwick, Milward and Cameron rushing off, the latter forced a corner off Brandon. Boyle, however, sent the leather over the bar. Play still favoured Everton, but erratic passing let in the Rovers, Anderson giving Turnbull an opening of which he took full advantage. Arridge, however, with a long klick again put Everton on the aggressive, but play was not destined to remain in the Rovers’ territory long, Haydock and Whitehead making an incursion, the inside man’s shot being responded to by Hillman. A free kick gave Blackburn an undeniable chance, Anderson shooting well into goal. The ball, however, travelled a yard the wrong side of the post. Everton made an attack by the aid of Boyle, Milward, and Chadwick, but hands spoilt a pretty piece of combination. Wilkes was penalised for tripping, and Elliott taking up the free kick sent it well into goal, a corner accruing from Cameron’s shot. From this Chadwick landed the leather on the top of the net. A foul against Boyle resulted in play being taken to the Everton ground, but Arridge removed the danger by sending outside. In midfield a second foul against Boyle resulted in whitehead shooting about a foot wide. The game up to now had been slightly in Everton’s favour, their combination being much superior to that of the Rovers, but chiefly swing to the splendid defence no score was made, though Milward at last made one grand effort. The home right wing tricked Arridge, but Adams came to his rescue, and caused hostilities to be again hotly contested in front of Ogilvie’s charge, and Bell had a magnificent shot which almost brought about its downfall. The Rovers then had a rather long turn of attack, splendid exchanges being shown by the home front rank. Whitehead and Haydock being particularly brilliant. The half back play of the visitors was all that could be desired, and Everton again attacking. Cameron had a fine opportunity, but there was not sufficient strength in the shot, and Ogilvie got the ball away. Fouls were pretty frequently, and from one of these informalities Blackburn attacked strongly, but hands close to Everton goal resulted in play being again carried to neutral territory. On one occasion Adams came to the relief of his side in splendid style, breaking up a fine combined movement on the part of Turnbull, Wilkie, Whitehead. Everton hotly assailed the Rovers’ goal, Bell centring finely, but before Cameron could get up Anderson had got the ball away. Whitehead moved along the home right and sent the ball across, Turnbull by a judicious move, permitting Wilkie to make further progress. Goldie served his forwards well, and Everton made a prolonged attack, testing the Blackburn defence to the utmost, Chadwick, Cameron, and McInnes each having shies, which in each case proved futile. Hereabouts Anderson for some unexplained reason left the field, Haydock going half-back. Notwithstanding their reduced forces Blackburn continued to keep the upper hand, and for five minutes the Everton goal was subjected to a terrific bombardment. Adams at last effected relief, and the Everton left got away, and just as Milward was preparing to shoot he came in contact with Brandon, the collision severely testing the hardness of their respective craniums. Neither, however, was much hurt. The game was now hot and strong, both sides trying their utmost to gain the upper hand, and every inch of ground was strenuously contested. Milward was penalised for fouling Whitehead, Adams giving a corner from the free kick. This was placed well, and Hillman had to put forth Herculean efforts to get Wilkie’s shot away. The Rovers continued to have slightly the best of it, but fortunately for Everton Adams and Arridge were on their best behaviour. Everton at length found a footing in their opponents quarters, and Cameron sending to Chadwick the latter made a good attempt to beat Ogilvie, but without success. Everton continued to assail their antagonists’ goal to some purpose, and the home defence had a warm five minutes, Chadwick again sending in a beautiful screw shot which Ogilvie, however, cleared. Further pressure succeeded, but Bell brought the movement to an end by shooting over. Play continued of an exciting description, each side attacking in turn. Then Boyle served his forwards, McInnes passing the ball to Cameron, who shot in, the ball rebounding from Dewar to Ogilvie, and Bell rushed up and placed the leather in the net. This success naturally stirred Everton on, and the subsequent play continued to favour the visitors, though Turnbull made one gallant attempt to draw level. Bell then ran up, and a grand shot missed by the nearest shave. Half-time score;- Everton 1 goal, Blackburn Rovers nil.
It should have been stated that prior to the interval Anderson resumed his place. Everton restarted, and at once assumed an aggressive attitude, Cameron compelling Ogilvie to clear in the first minute. The Rovers then made an incursion by the aid of some splendid passing among the forwards, Turnbull being just too late to take advantage of a grand cross by Whitehead. Everton then forced a corner as the result of a magnificent shot by Bell; but nothing tangible occurred, Brandon getting the ball away to the centre line. The Rovers attacked very strongly, Whitehead sending in two shots, which were cleared by Adams and then Chippendale made a terrific attempt, Hillman saving splendidly. The Everton right then dashed away, the ball being passed and repassed with splendid precision among the whole line of forwards. Milward sent across the Bell, who shot in, and Murray, in attempting to clear, put the ball into his own goal, greatly to the chagrin of the crowd. The game was now all in Everton’s favour, and it was only the vigilance of the home backs and custodian that prevented further scoring. The Rovers were, however, not yet done with and they made a determined attack in Hillman’s charge, which on two occasions narrowly missed being captured. The Rovers continued to press, and Anderson on one occasion was within a foot of the desired mark. Everton, then, chiefly through the instrumentality of Arridge, made a further onslaught, some brilliant football being shown, and the movement culminating in Bell being brought up for offside just as he was about to shoot. Everton then moved along the left, Chadwick and Milward showing a fine turn of speed, McInnes shot in, and Ogilvie was lucky in clearing. In so doing he was compelled to give a corner. From this Everton continued the pressure, and the home custodian was then called upon, responding in such case with remarkable cleverness. The attack was further kept up, and how Ogilvie managed to keep out one from Cameron is a mystery. After further pressure by Everton the Rovers forwards got off in a fine combined movement, and after some splendid passing Whitehead sent in a splendid shot, Hillman saving grandly. The Rovers were now having most of the attack, and for several minutes the Everton defence was subjected to a severe test. At length victory rewarded the efforts of the Rovers. Chippendale shooting across and Haydock heading a goal, Hillman misjudging the exact direction of the ball. After this success, the Rovers attacked to some purpose, and the Everton defenders were kept away, being somewhat lucky to prevent the further downfall of their citadel. Relief however, was ultimately given, and a flying visit was paid to the home and without however, say tangible result. At the other end, Goldie saved a certain goal; but the Rovers were back in a minute, Turnbull making the scores equal with a splendid shot, amidst perfect hurricane of applause. In a moment, however, their was at the other end, and almost before anyone was aware that Chadwick had again given Everton the lead. Play was suspended for a while, owing to the barrier giving way behind the town goal on account of the pressure of the spectators, two or three people being injured. There was only a few minutes left, however, and play was continued, no further score being added, both teams being exhausted at the finish, Everton, however, staying better than their opponents. Final result;- Everton 3 goals, Blackburn Rovers 2.  Teams;-
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle and Elliott, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Blackburn Rovers.- Ogilvie, goal; Brandon and Murray, backs; Dewar, Anderson and Cleghorn, half-backs; Haydock, Whitehead, Turnbull, Chippendale, and Wilkie, forwards.

GLASGOW CELTIC 1 EVERTON 3
January 3 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
Madden sent Penalty kick wide
The Everton team, after their fine victory over the Rovers in the return League engagement at Blackburn arrived in Glasgow on Wednesday night, and played the first of their tour match at Parkhead yesterday afternoon before a crowd of 20,000 spectators. Adams who has earned a well-won rest, gave way to McDonald, and Cameron was unable owing to business engagements to journey north. Flewitt took up his position. Some doubt was enternated to the composition of the Celtic team, for Battles had been ordered off, the field on the day previous, but he was included in the team, while Doyle and McMahon both stood out. The teams was as follows: - Everton: - Hillman, goal, McDonald, and Arridge, backs, Goldie, Boyle (captain), and Elliott, halfbacks, Bell, McInnes, Flewiit, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Celtic: - Cullen, goal, Meehan, and Orr backs, Maley, Kelly, and Battles, halfbacks Madden, Blessington, Martin, Henderson, and Morrison, forwards.
Flewitt stated the game for Everton and the opening stages were in their favour. The game was not a minute old, when Chadwick tested Cullen, who filled Mcarthur's position in goal, and after a Brilliant clearance Bell and Mcinnes initiated a further attack which Flewitt attempted to convert with a long low shot, all to no purpose. The Celts not swarmed round Hillman's charge, and after a long pressure forced a corner, which Boyle attended to break fully and placing the ball nicely to Flewitt the last named player raced on and created a fine opening for Bell who rushed past Meechan, and with a magnificent oblique shot completely defeat Cullen. Upon this juncture the whole of the Everton team were playing most accurate football, and after Arridge and McDonald had been subjected to the severe pressure Flewitt again made the running, and looked like ending another opening, when Orr rushed across, but resorted to foul tactics, and was penalised. From the free kick, which was temporally checked by Meechan in the goalmouth, Milward got well up and converted in his own immutable fashion. The Celtic forwards following this second reverse, indulged in several fine bursts of passing and Maddon Blessington, and Martin gave considerable trouble to the Everton defenders. A fine centre by Madden and a weak save by Hillman were the next items, when the play again ran all in favour of the Everton forwards, who were frequently applauded by the crowd for they very fine efforts. A return to the other end, and Henderson and Morrison was well met by McDonald on two occasions, but on the third time of asking he fouled a shot from Martin, and a penalty kick was ordered. The kick was taken by Madden who made a very poor attempt to score, and a severe pressure sustained the Celtic defence. The Evertonians too managed to deluge the majority of the nicer points of play, and the spectators showed their appreciation on no half-hearted manner. Orr who, with all the dexterity of an accomplished forward converted a fine centre caused much ammement shortly afterwards by Milward. Following that Kelly made a grand opening for the Celtic left, and McDonald was in trouble when Arridge nipped across and saved grandly. The interval was now announced, when Everton led by 3 goals to nil. The opening play of the second half was marked by a fierce onslaught on Hillman's charge. The custodian saved a fine shot from Morrison and a minute later an ugly rush in the goalmouth but unfortunately succumbed to a fine centre by Henderson, which was headed through by Martin. After Bell had failed on several occasions to effectively measure Battle and Orr the home right pair away, and after several shots had been rained in from this quarter the home van settled down most and doubly to their work, and Hillman was frequently tested. A couple of diverting incident furnished by the Everton custodian served to amuse the crowd greatly, and a third fairly brought down the house as Hillman, who considerable hampered coolly threw the ball over his head and the line. Everton now had a turn at attack and Milward, Bell and Goldie each tested the ability of Cullen with really clever shots. The game, which through out had been altogether foreign to the usual class of friendly matches continued to be most earnest contested and the enthusiasm of the spectators who lavished their appreciation in, no unstinted manner, served to encourage the players to good work. A couple of grand centres by Blessington and Henderson called Hillman's best efforts and a third from the outside man was only missed by the merest shave, Boyle who all through the game had been playing magnificently both by attempting to the combination of the Celts and initiating attacks for his forwards, was the rock on which the Celts stumbled and many really clever movements were nipped in the bud before they were many seconds old. Meanwhile Bell and McInnes had changed position owing to the too close attention bestowed on the latter player by Battles, and towards the close Milward was roughly charged by Meechan, and left the field. The game ran on fairly even lines, up to the finish, when Everton led by 3 goals to 1. Today (Friday) Everton are trying a centre half named Smith of Lochgally, Fifshire against St. Mirren.

EVERTON v CELTIC
The Liverpool Daily Post- Friday, January 3, 1896
Elated by their hard-earned victory over the Rovers, at Blackburn, on Wednesday, the Everton team undertook the long journey North the same night in the best of spirits. Glasgow was reached at eleven o’clock, and the travellers needed little inducement to seek their respective couches, the day having been a long and tiring one. The weather in Glasgow yesterday morning was dull and damp. As usual the city was crowded with people, and the drive to Parkhead was accomplished through thronged and congested thoroughfares. The return friendly fixture with the famous Celtic club was evidently viewed with considerable interest, and long before the appointed start a large crowd lined the spacious enclosure at Parkhead. Everton played the same team as beat the Rovers, with the exception that Cameron, who had not come North, was superseded by Flewitt, and McDonald vice Adams. The Celtic team was well represented, the sides ranging up as follows;-
Everton; Hillman, goal; McDonald and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Elliott, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Celtic.- Cullen, goal; Meahan, and Orr, backs; Maley, Kelly, and Battles, half-backs; Madden, Blessington, Martin, Henderson, and Morrison, forwards.
The weather brightened as the day advanced, and there were about 12,000 present at the start, Everton started, and at once made off in the direction of Cullen. Goldie served up to his forwards nicely, and Chadwick sent in a long shot, which the goalkeeper, however, cleared cleverly. The visitors continued the pressure, and Flewitt banged in a low one, but this also was cleared, and Orr was instrumental in removing play to the other end, the home left racing nicely down. McDonald proved equal to the occasion, and the spectators were then treated to some beautiful passing on the part of the Everton forwards, Bell, Chadwick, and Milward all having shots, but without success. Maley fouled Milward, and from the free kick Everton looked certain to score, but Meahan cleared beautifully. The homesters now warmed up to the work, and the forwards moved off in nice order. Martin beat both Boyle and Elliott, and sent in a long shot, which found its billet in the net. For fouling Boyle, however, the referee disallowed the point. For several minutes after this the Celtic men pressed strongly, and both Arridge and McDonald were sorely pressed, while twice Hillman was called upon to save from Martin and Blessington. Boyle eventually cleared the danger, and serving up to Bell, the right winger sprinted away at lightning speed, completely out distanced Battles and Orr and finished a most brilliant effort with a grand shot, which Cullen had no chance with. The spectators loudly applauded the performance. Everton now showed to better advantage, and the Celtic defence was kept busy. Orr fouled Flewitt, and the result proved disastrous to the homesters, for from the free kick Milward quietly landed the leather into the corner of the net- two goals after fifteen minutes’ play. Play of a give-and-take character ensued, and at last Martin got off, and, passing to Madden, a corner was forced from Arridge. Though well placed, however, the ball was effectually cleared, and Chadwick and Milward faced away, both Evertonians having a pot at Cullen, who, however, was equal to both occasions. This was immediately succeeded by another futile shot from Milward, and then the Celtic forwards moved prettily away, Martin sending in one that caused Hillman considerable trouble. Everton’s giant custodian, though surrounded by the whole opposing quintet, however, got the ball away. Following this the Celtic had again the best of the play, and from a free kick close in Hillman had to grant a corner. This, however, came to nothing. Returning to the attack, Martin ran down, and a foul within the prescribed limit taking place, the Celts were awarded a penalty kick. Madden took the kick, but failed miserably, the ball rolling harmlessly about a dozen yards wide. Everton now warmed up, and again the left wing was in evidence, Milward once more trying his luck, but without success as a “shootist” Milward work followed, and then the indefatigable Milward once more made tracks towards Cullen. He centred nicely, and Orr running to meet the shot put it into the his own goal, thus placing Everton three goals ahead. As if determined to make amends the Celts now attacked vigorously, the forwards passing well, but Boyle and Goldie succeeded in breaking up the combination, and though Morrison shot it gave Hillman little trouble. Again the homesters returned to the charge, and again were they beaten off, the Everton defence being in all respects most capable, and half-time saw the score-Everton 3 goals, Celtic nil.
Without leaving the field, the players crossing over, and the game was at once resumed. The Celts were evidently determined to make up some of the leeway, for they burst off with a combined rush, and Hillman had three shots to cope with in rapid succession. Nimble as a cat he kept his goal intact, and Arridge at last removed the pressure. It was not long, however, before the home forwards were again on the job, and this time their efforts were crowned with success as from a well-judged rush from Henderson, Martin headed the leather past Hillman into the net. Stimulated by this success the Celts played up with redoubted vigour, and the Everton defence had all their work cut out for them. Boyle is finally kicking out. A harmless breakaway by the Everton forwards was followed by a lengthy and determined onslaught upon Hillman’s charge, which more than once was in imminent danger of falling. The goalkeeper’s coolness, however, stood him in good stead, and though he was forced to concede several corners in rapid succession, nothing tangible occurred, Arridge finally removing play. Everton then paid a visit to the other end, and McInnes handled in nicely, but the ball was safely negotiated by Cullen.  Chadwick worked the ball cleverly down, and passing to Bell the latter shot, but the leather went over. The home right then got off, and Madden shot strongly, but without effect, while a second effort on the part of Morrison came to nothing. The home eleven were now having all the best of the play, and Hillman was continuously kept on the move. He behaved splendidly, and the crowd, which had increased to close upon 20,000, was not slow to recognise his merits, cheering lustily as he safely negotiated shot after shot. The long spell of defending on Everton’s part was at length changed by the forwards moving off in their best style, and both Milward and Bell sent in lightning shots, which only just missed their intended mark. Goldie also sent in twice from a long range, but all to no purpose, and the homesters were soon back again in front of the visitors’ goal. Blessington sending in a beauty which Hillman had hard work to fist away. On two occasions McDonald was completely beaten by the home left wing, but Boyle came to the rescue just in the nick of time. Morrison then made one of his rushes along the wing, and centring cleverly, Martin headed over when the goal seemed at his mercury. Everton now warmed up and enjoyed much more of the play, though the efforts of the forwards to score were unattended by success. Each goal was visited in turn, and generally considered, the play was remarkably even. Nothing more was scored, however, and a remarkably good game ended in favour of Everton by 3 goals to 1.

CELTIC v  EVERTON
Scottish Referee- Friday 3 January 1895
EVERTON UP TO DATE
EVERTON 3 CLETIC 1
Continuing their holiday football, Celts had their Christmas conquerors at Liverpool at Parkhead. Judging by the team Celts turned out they either under-estimated the strength of their visitors, or else they could do no better under the circumstances. Doyle, McArthur, McMahon, Ferguson were all off, and Everton possibly gained confidence from these unavoidable absentees’ absence. The crowd would be sixteen or eighteen thousand strong, all still in holiday humour. The ground was soft and cut up badly under the pressure of the eager feet, Bernard Battles having a full and square yard of it per slide all to himself. With their foot on their native heath Bell, Boyd &Co were quite at home, whilst Brothers Chadwick and Milward did not seem off their usual. In fact this pair of dodgers and dribblers had quite a holiday. Celts being unable to outwit them. Whichever way they be regarded the two are dangerous, at shots especially so. The fault of their style lies with themselves -they overdo it. Martin, who was not too well supported all through, had the ball in the net, but a previous foul neutralised the points. Later on Martin made ample amends, and by as clever a piece of head play as one wishes to see, scored a fine goal. This effort, grand though it was.
WAS ECLIPSED BY BELL
Whose runs and success at goal was superb. Admission (it is not a tardy admission) is made of the Celts heroic efforts to stay the progress of their conquerors. The Celts had a share of ill-luck in their endeavour, but all the same they could not with the team they had on the field hope to cope with Everton’s sample of Auld Scotch and New English. Old England, however, was specially prominent in the game, and aided as he was by auld Scotland, Little wonder Celtic were beaten.  The very idea they say, that beat Celtic is the same idea that is to beat England-namely, a combination of home and foreign talent. Madden ought to have scored a goal from his penalty kick, yet he failed to find the net, and over the Hillman his way. Harmony is harmony. Everton were not due a 3 to 1 win even with Celts under strength. Had they won by a goal it was enough, and all that was deserved on play. A win is a win. The match proved that our Scottish training and idea of play are both far behind those followed in England. Over the Border, it seems, the club is the power. Here it seems to be the player.
BITS OF THE BUN
The Celtic v. Everton match proved a decided attraction yesterday, fully 12,000 spectators assembling at Celtic Park. Many, no doubt, went to see the crack Liverpool combination perform, their reputation this side of the Border being at the present time an enviable one.
The Celts, it was thought, would put their best foot forward to avenge the defeat they sustained at Liverpool last week, but when they turned out minus McArthur, Doyle, McMahon, and Ferguson their chances seemed remote indeed.
The Celts netted the ball shortly after the game opened, but off-side intervened.
Bell, the old Dumbarton man, now playing at outside right for Everton, is an improved man.
His first goal and his subsequent play all stamped him as a man fit for any company.
Chadwick’s shooting was an outstanding feature. From any spot and without any studying he let drive, and every shot was fast and accurate. More than once he brought Cullen to his knees.
Dicky Boyle outshone every other half on the field. His tackling was never failing, while his placing enabled his forwards to make ground in a manner that rather upset the Celts.
Than hillman’s goalkeeping nothing finer could be seen. For coolness he is unsurpassable, and at times he had the spectators in fits. If yesterday’s form in his usual then Everton have had the best of the exchange with Burnley. We do not in Scotland possess his equal to-day.
Cullen, although he lost three goals, deserves all praise for his display. He saved many an eye-opener. McArthur could not have done better.
Orr, although he unfortunately scored for his opponents, made a creditable appearance, but he is not a Doyle.
The Celts front rank was not in the best of fettle in the first half, but in the second period they made a much better show.
Little Henderson, one of the Celts latest recruits was not far from being their best forward.
He took some time to steady, but once he gained confidence he moved prettily. A little more experience and he will prove a rare ‘un.
Meahan was the strongest man behind for the Celts. He not only defended superbly, but had a hand in more than one attack.

CELTIC v  EVERTON
Glasgow Herald -Friday 3 January 1896
This holiday fixture was played yesterday afternoon, in splendid weather, before about 12,000 spectators. Teams;- Celtic;- Cullen, goal; Meechan and Orr, backs; Maley, Kelly, and Battles; Madden, and Blessington, martin, Henderson, and Morrison. Everton; Hillman, McDonald and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Elliott; Bell, and McInnes, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward. Everton kicked off, and with close passing made their way towards Cullen, where Chadwick had a try, but Battles cleared. Returning to the attack, a grand shot was sent in by Hewitt, but Cullen managed to clear amid much excitement. Boyle was in great form, and frequently dashed in and put a stop to any attempted inroads by the home forwards. As the game went on the Celtic put a little more energy into their play, and working to some purpose they at length broke the monotony of the game by a well-concerted effort by which they managed to net the ball, but off-side was given. The home lot were now showing to better advantage, and once or twice they were within an ace of scoring, but luck was against them. The Evertonians were very smart and a pass by Flewitt straight ahead gave Bell a chance to display his sprinting ability against the Celts’ defence, and outstripping them all, he let drive-and Cullen was beaten. The superior speed of the Everton was standing them in good stead, and before the interval they scored other 2 goals. Half-time- Everton, 3 goals, Celtic 0. In the second half fast play was the order, both teams going at it with increased zeal. The Everton’s combination was a treat, and they were not long in finding their way towards Cullen, but Maley was on the outlook, and time and again put an end to their inroads. For about ten minutes play raged round Cullen, but Morrison, having wakened up somewhat, brought relief with a timely rush, in which he beat Elliott, and Arridge. Passing back to Henderson, that player shot straight for goal, where Martin, lying close in, headed through. This success gave courage to the Celts, and their play improved wonderfully, for a time holding the upper hand, and having hard lines in not scoring again. Up to the very close there was not a dull moment, as both teams seemed full of running, and were equally anxious to make a good show. A slight accident which befell Milward near the finish stopped the game for a little, but the little champion speedily came round and went on with the game. Celts tried hard to put on another point, but without avail. Result-Everton 3 goals, Celtic 1 goal.

ST MIRREN 2 EVERTON 1
January 4 1896 The Liverpool Mercury
After the Celtic match on Thursday the Evertonians party spent a very enjoyable evening at the Throttle Royal Pantodine, Glasgow, and yesterday at noon continued their tour of Paisley, to oppose S. Mirren. The constitution of the Everton team differed from that which appeared at Parkhead; for McInnes gave way to Williams and Boyle partnered McDonald, while a trial was given to Smith of Lochgelly United who filled the centre half position. A dense fog being over Glasgow about midday and on arrival at the headquarters of the Santa the light was none too good, and it was with difficulty that the closing stages off the play could be followed. St Mirren turned out a strong team, and at 2-30, before some 3,000 spectators, the sides appeared as follows: - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Boyle (captain), and McDonald backs, Elliott, Smith, and Goldie, halfbacks Bell Williams, Flewitt Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. St. Mirren: - Patrick, goal, McGathan, and Haig, backs McKim, Ghee, and McBain, halfbacks Hunter, Stevenson, Brown (d), Millikin, and Wylie, forwards.
Brown opened the play for St, Mirren, and the game was contested for the first couple of minutes within the Everton half. Elliott eventually pulled up Hunter, and Chadwick and Milward, in conjunction with Flewitt, took the play to the other end, but the inside man unfortunately ran the ball over the line, when in a good opening presented itself. Bell put in a couple of good centres, when were well cleared by Haig, following which Hunter, the home right winger, got round both Elliott and Boyle, but the final centre was badly missed by Brown. Bell then raced away, and with Williams and Flewitt gave the St.Mirren's defenders, no little trouble Hillman was twice tested from the right wing, and ably cleared, and for a lengthily period the home forwards backed up by their halves who were veritable glutton for work fairly held the position, but both McDonald and Boyle were equal to all demands made upon them. Shortly afterwards Bell put in a couple of line centres, which Flewitt should have put to good account, and on a third attack the Everton centre was rather unlucky in running the ball over the line, when there was practically no opposition. Following the Saints for a considerable time forced the game and kept the Everton backs extended, and from a capital pass by Stevenson to Brown the latter only missed by a close margin. McBain was penalised for fouling Flewitt, and this opened out the play for Everton, whose forwards raced away in fine style, Bell supplementing a movement by Chadwick and Milward, and giving Flewitt another easy opening, which was again lost. McGathan and Haig, the two backs played a steady game, and met most of the Everton attacks very coolly, and Patrick in goal attended well to a couple of shots in quick succession from Chadwick. On the home right again taking up the running they looked like scoring, when Boyle tackled nicely, and cleared effectively. With the play in the Everton quarters, half time was announced without any scoring having taken place. Quickly resuming the Evertonians forced the game, only to find the opposing backs able to cope with their efforts. Eventually Hunter and Stevenson, by nice combination, got well down, but Milliken made a poor attempt to score. A moment later the whole line got off again, and after Hillman had attended well to a shot from Brown, Stevenson kicked across and Wylie headed through. The play had scarely been resumed when Smith placed the ball well forward, and Chadwick made the most of an opening and equalised matters. Getting to work again the home right ran strongly down and give Hillman some trouble and then Hunter drove into the net, put was ruled offside. A long attack on the Paisley goal followed, and several fine chances of scoring were not taken advantage of the heavy nature of the ground probably accounting for weak final efforts. From a sudden breakaway Brown tested Hillman, but the shot gave him no trouble, and after another return to the home and Hunter, Stevenson, Brown and Millikin raced off, Smith should have checked the movement, which eventually resulted in Hunter giving his side the lead by a shot of the soft order. Just before this Haig, one of the home backs, collided and retired, and on resuming play the game was again, stopped owing to McDonald twisting his knee, he also retired. This happened five minutes before time, but on further play took place, St.Mirren won by 2 goals to 1. It was not by any means a good game for the clayey nature of the ground militated against accurate passing, and the Everton men wisely ran no risks Smith, who played centre half, was not a success. The home players were much more at home on their heavy and narrow ground, and were not too particular in their method, and we should imagine that they are a team that will take a lot of beating on their own ground.

L & N.W. LOCO v  EVERTON COMBINATION
The Birkenhead News- January 4, 1896
The Loco’s New Year’s Day fixture with the Everton Combiantion team attracted exceptional interest in this district and a crowd of spectators numbering nearly 2,000 foregathered at the Bedford-road Enclosure to witness the match. The teams lined up as follows;- Everton;- Hiles, goal; Storrier, and McDonald, backs; Cook, Meiklejohn, and Kelso, half-backs; Reay, Murray, Williams, Chadwick, and Hill, forwards. Locos- Dixon, goal; Clarke, and Dutton, backs; Lindon, Dyas, and H.Morris, half-backs; Byrne,  Lee, Agnew, Waring, and W. Morris, forwards. Harry Reay turned out to play, but was compelled to leave the field prior to the commencement of the game owing to his knee having given way. The game was a good one and very interesting to watch. For the first half play was very even, and the Loco lads were frequently cheered for their gallant efforts to rout their more experienced opponents. Clarke was very useful to his side in breaking up Everton’s combination movements, and Agnew, Byrne, and Lee in turn made splendid shots at the enemy’s goal, but Hiles was too good for them. The Everton lot were the first to score, Kelso passing to Hill and the latter centring nicely to Billy Williams, the old Tranmere Roverite, who sent in a beautiful shot with which Dixon had no chance. Half time thus arrived with Everton leading by one goal to nil, but it was in the second half that Everton demonstrated their superiority over the Locos, for they were attacking the home goal nearly the whole time. Dixon had a lot of hard work to do, but he defended his charge manfully. At length, however, Williams sprinted up the field, passed every opponent, and scored the second point for Everton in dashing style. A couple of minutes later, Chadwick sailed away on the left and centred to Hill, who sent in a steady well-judged shot, which succeeded in scoring No 3 for the visitors. The Locos broke away and tested the Everton defence for brief spells, but the defence was sound and the end came- Everton Combination 3 goals, L. and N. Loco 0.

EVERTON v PAISLEY ST.MIRREN
The Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, January 4, 1895
Continuing their Scotch tour, the Everton team left Glasgow yesterday morning and journeyed to Paisley in order to meet the St. Mirren Club. The weather was again dull and depressing, and a heavy fog hung over the ground, obscuring objects at any distance. In the Celtic club match. On Thursday several of the Everton men were injured more or less.  Arridge, who was slightly hurt, stood down yesterday, Boyle going back, and a new player named Smith, who hails from Lochgelly, was tried at centre half. The wretched weather told its tale upon the attendance, and there was a comparatively small crowd present when the teams lined up as follow;-
Everton; Hillman, goal; McDonald and Boyle, backs; Goldie, Smith and Elliott, half-backs; Bell, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
St. Mirren.- Patrick, goal; McGathan and Haig, backs; McKie, Ghee, and McBain, half-backs; Hunter, Stevenson, D. Brown, Miliken, and Wylie, forwards.
St. Mirren started, and after the opening exchanges the home left attempted to get off, but McDonald pulled them up sharply, and the Everton forwards moved away in the prettiest fashion. Flewitt passed across to Williams, and the latter shot strongly, but Haig met the ball and the home team again assumed the aggressive. Hunter raced along and Boyle was beaten when the ball went over the line. Everton in turn took up the attack, and Bell sent in one which caused Patrick to fist out. Continuing the pressure, Flewitt put in some smart work, but the home defence was too much for him, McGathan clearing splendidly, and the home team once more tried to make headway towards Hillman. The right wing showed a fine turn of speed, but Boyle in his now position was admirable as ever, and more than once he put an effective shook on their progress. Hunter and Stevenson, however, maintained the attack, and finally the former sent in a fast shot, which went of its intended mark. Stimulated to further efforts, the home team played up vigorously, and for several minutes both Boyle and McDonald had all their work cut out for them. Hunter especially was a thorn in the side of Boyle, and twice the Paisley man shot strongly, Hillman having to run out on both occasions. McDonald finally cleared, and Bell raced away, but Haig stopped him. Goldie then served up to his forwards nicely, and both Flewitt and Chadwick tried their luck, but without success. Again the home eleven returned to the attack, and Brown looked extremely dangerous Goldie rushed in and removed the ball to midfield. It was not long, however, before the Saints were again in the visitors’ territory, and a raking shot from Wylie would inevitably have scored but for Hillman’s cleverness. A spell of midfield work followed, and then Bell and Williams worked the ball nicely up. The latter centred well, but the chance was completely missed by Flewitt, and once more the home right became troublesome. Boyle stayed them off, however, and Everton, now played up with more determination, Bell and Flewitt both shooting, but without success. A breakaway on the part of Wyllie was well stopped by McDonald, and Goldie placed the ball still nearer the home goal, but the Everton forwards failed to penetrate the home defence. Up to this point the home elevens had much the best of the game, though play, generally considered was rigid and uneven. Smith, at centre half was evidently a trifle nervous, and this undoubtedly gave the home forwards an advantage. They continued to be very troublesome, and two corners in rapid succession were granted, but these came to nothing, and at last Everton got another look in, Bell and Flewitt working the ball along, but the former’s final shot, however, had little sting behind it, and Patrick had no difficulty in getting the leather away. A few moments later Bell had another shot, but this went wide, and a subsequent centre from the same player was again spoiled by Flewitt, who put the ball over bar. Keeping up their aggressive attitude, a corner was forced from Haigh, but though Williams placed the ball nicely, it was got away. Goldie then tried from a long range, but this came to nothing and the home right wing again made off. They were stopped, however, by Boyle and nothing had been scored when half-time arrived. On resuming, the fog was so thick that it was impossible to see the length of the field, and owing to the bad position of the Press-box the work of following the game was rendered additionally difficult. Everton were soon on the aggressive. Flewitt sent in a stinger, but this was easily negotiated, and the home right wing again raced off. Boyle was beaten, and though Smith tried to cover him he failed, but luckily for Everton the final shot went wide. The homesters, however, were not to be beaten, and a few moments later a combined attack on the part of the forwards brought about the desired result, Wyllie beating Hillman from a good centre or the part of Hunter. This reverse speedily roused the visitors and they were not long in taking their revenge. Smith served up to Chadwick nicely, and that player, taking up the running scored with a good shot. Following upon this the Everton defence was again severely tested, and twice had Hillman to run to shots from Hunter, while the other four forwards all had shots on their own account. A further combined attack followed, and Hunter sent the ball into the net, but the point was ruled offside. As may be imagined the light did not improve as the afternoon advanced, and at this period one could scarcely see more than half the length of the field. The Everton forwards wakened up somewhat, and for some time they kept the home backs briskly engaged, though they failed to get the better of the defence. Then the Saints again took a turn at attacking and Hillman had a couple of stiff shots to tackle, which he did not fail to negotiate safely. Midfield play followed, and Everton getting the better of the exchange, play was kept for a long time in front of the home goal, but all attempts to score were unavailing. A bully in front of Patrick resulted in Haig being injured, and he was carried off the field. Then the home left wing raced speedily off, and from a pass by Wyllie, Hunter put the ball into the corner of the net. Hillman evidently miscalculating the shot. Restarting the game was attended by a second accident though this was of a more serious nature. McDonald in jumping for the ball, severely strained his leg, and he was carried off. Only five minutes were left for play, and before the men had time to resume the whistle blew, leaving the result;- St. Mirren 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.

ST MIRREN (PAISLEY) v  EVERTON
Sporting Life- Saturday 4 January 1896
The holiday season is now drawing to a close, and to-day (Saturday) finishing the visits for a while, at least of the English combinations. Yesterday St Mirren (Paisley) played Everton (Liverpool) at love-street Ground, Paisley, before a great crowd. Shortly before the advertised time the Saints set the ball in motion, and soon Wyllie sent in a stinging shot, which Hillman fisted out, Everton then began to press, and Chadwick sent in one or two shots, which were of a very dangerous nature, a corner from Everton made matters lively. Williams took the kick, and sent in nicely, but the forwards were slow in taking it up, and Haig saved easily. The new men in the St. Mirren ranks, Hunter, Gee, and Stevenson, played a rattling game against the English team. For the visitors Goldie, who played with the Saints last year, was doing splendid service, and he and his old clubmate, Wylie, had a few bouts, which, however, were taken in good part, and were evidently relished by the big crowd. On the left wing of the visitors the far-famed pair, Chadwick and Milward, did many smart things, which gave McKim, McBain, McGathan, and Haig every opportunity for showing what was in them, Dickie Boyle, who was playing back, was also showing his old friends that he still retains his dash and vigour which characterised his play at home.” Half time arrived without either team having scored. The second half was started with great spirit, and in ten minutes Wylie succeeded in getting the ball past Hillman, Everton scoring from Chadwick. The Saints came away from the restart, and Stevenson would have scored, but the referee gave it off-side. in a few minutes Stevenson again put the ball through but off-side was again given. Hunter got the second goal for the Saints a few minutes later, and the final result was -St. Mirren two goals, Everton one goal. Referee, Mr. McLean (Alexandra). Teams;- St. Mirren- Patrick (goal), McGrathan and Haig (backs), McKim, Gee, and McBain (half-backs), Milliken and Wyllie (right), Brain (centre), Hunter and Stevenson (left).
Everton.- Hillman (goal), McDonald and Boyle (backs), Goldie, Smith, and Elliott (half-backs), Bell, and Williams (right), Flewitt (centre), Chadwick and Milward (left).

HEARTS OF MID-LOTHIAN v  EVERTON
Edinburgh Evening News, Saturday, January 4, 1896
Continuing their Scottish tour, in which they had beaten the Celtic and lost to St. Mirren, Everton appeared at Tynecastle, which looked more like itself, the crowd turning out early and numerously. The Hearts played what may be accepted as about their strongest eleven, namely, Fairbairn; McCartney and Mirk; Begbie, Russell, and Hogg; McLaren, Baird, Walls, King and Walker. The Everton eleven differed in three respects from their recent League team, Elliott, Williams and Flewitt, three members of the combination eleven, replacing Stewart, McInnes and Cameron. Everton were thus represented by Hillman; Adams and Arridge; Goldie, Boyle and Elliott; Bell, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward. The teams appeared shortly after the half hour, and Adams, who was looking in the very pink of condition, got a cordial welcome back to Tynecastle, as did also Mr. McLaughlan, who referred after a fairly long absence from Tynecastle. Mr. McLaughlan looked as if he was going be a more active participant in the game than a mere official. There was no wind, and the Hearts suffered no detriment through losing the toss, fret it was rather the other way about, their forwards going off from the centre with a great rush, running through the Everton defence, and almost scoring in the first minute of the game. This was quite to the liking of the 5000 or 6000 spectators but it did not last, Everton putting in some pressure, in which Bell, the Old Dumbarton favourite, took a leading part. McCartney stopped two rather dangerous balls very nicely, and then the Hearts settled to their work, and for a time had the better of matters, the men seeming in better condition than in recent big matches Walls had an easy chance of opening the scoring but through he showed nice points when manoeuvring for position his foot caught the ground in front of the ball and his shot was a tremendous poor one. Some more chances fell to Hearts, but Hillman’s defence was very fine and gradually the home men were beaten off. The Evertonians worked themselves into nice position round the Hearts goal, but Milward ventured to encroach rather far and as he was shooting the ball into the net Mr. McLaughlan’s whistle drew him up. Although the match was “only a friendly” the teams put plenty of spirit into their work, and play was very interesting, and as exact as the slippery ground would permit. Especially were the Hearts in earnest when they got to the neighbourhood of Hillman’s charge. Baird tackled Elliott and Arridge, and sent in a very fine shot to Hillman, who might have been beaten by the ball, and a splendid shot from King also had he been anything but one of the finest goalkeepers playing. The same forwards had ineffectual tries, which did not reach Hillman, and then Williams got an accidental kick on the head which incapacitated him for a minute or two, and stopped the game for that time. Luckily, the injured player was enabled to join his companions shortly after play was resumed, and he started at a very serviceable time. Following up an attack he got the ball in nice position, and from long range sent in a tremendously long shot which hit the crossbar. Some pretty but profitless play by the Hearts’ right wing was followed by Everton going away in good style. However, they found the Hearts’ defence thoroughly sound, and when the Hearts came away again, the spectators, cordially though they had received Adams, seemed delighted when King very cleverly got the better of him. In the succeeding play the bulk of the chances fell ton the Hearts, but Walls seemed quite disconcerted by his first failure, and could make nothing of his opportunities at close quarters. The Hearts, however, opened the scoring though they did so in a very lucky fashion. A foul was given against Everton about 25 yards out, and the ball getting in the way of the referee, the attention of the Everton defenders was diverted sufficiently long to let King score with a shot which luckily found its way into the net. The Hearts left were very much in evidence in the succeed play, the pair making a sad show of Goldie and Adams. From a centre the bail came to Baird, who shot hard and rather unlucky hitting then crossbar and bounding over. Not that it would have matter much if it had been lower, for when Hillman could get hit eye on the ball he seemed prepared for any sort of shot, as Walls found when he put in a moderately good effort, which had the demerit of being too straight. Though Everton were not exactly playing holiday football, they were far from being up to League pitch-the Hearts were having too much of the game for that. Hillman’s clowning was an amusing as it was seasonable, but, as a Liverpool pressman remarked he reserved that sort of thing for matches on tour. His antics proved a bit infectious, and some rather funny passages of arms took place, the crowd being divided between the desired to enjoy themselves and to see the Hearts score. There was great gratification when, form a very fine centre by Walker, McLaren rushed up and headed through. Unfortunately, he had been lying too far up before he made the rush, and he was promptly penalised for off-side. McLaren had a chance of scoring a legitimate goal a minute later, but as an angry spectator remarked he kicked the ball like a chicken, and Hillman kicked it about 10 times further in the other direction. Half-time score;- Hearts one goal, Everton nil.
Full time; Hearts 4, Everton 1.

HEARTS OF MIDLOTHIAN 4 EVERTON 1
January 6 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton were for the first Saturday since the commencement of the season without a League match, and were engaged in the final game of their tour with the hearts, at whose headquarters some 8,000 spectators lined up to see the play. For Everton, Cameron McInnes (who was injured in the Celtic match), and Stewart were the only absentee from the full League team, and as the home lot were at their best, a good game was anticipated. The sides were as follows : - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Adams, and Arridges, backs, Goldie, Boyle (captain), and Elliott, halfbacks, Bell, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward forwards. Hearts: - Fairbairn, goal, McCartney, and Mirk, backs, Begbie, Russell, and Hogg, halfbacks, McLaren, Baird, Walls, King, and Walker, forwards.
From the start the home forwards got into a nice stride, and within the first few minutes Walls directed finely at Hillman, who ably attended to his work, and then Bell raced down, and made an opening for Flewitt, who made but a feeble attempt to reach the ball. A heavy pressure, due to weakness on the part of Adams, was put on the Everton defence and after both Walls and Baird had levelled shots, and custodian fisted out strongly, and Milward with Chadwick made the running, the former a moment afterwards driving into the net, but he was ruled offside. Flewitt was on several occasions at fault, and when in possession Russell accounted for him in most easy fashion, and it was quite clear that the brunt of the attack would have to be bourne by the wings. Boyle was unfortunately penalised close in, and Russell taking the kick met the return from the referee's leg and put the ball into the net, quite out of Hillman's reach. Up to the interval the Hearts by clever all round work, held a powerful lead in the play, but could not get the better of Hillman. Shortly after restarting, Chadwick sent across, and following a feeble return Williams scored though there was considerable doubt as to weather the ball was really over the line. Following this, shot after shot was levelled at Hillman, who was in one of his finest moods, but at length he succumbed to a fine drive by Baird. From a sudden breakaway Boyle all but scored. The ball striking the bar, which was repeated shortly afterwards. Then followed a long pressure on the Everton defence, and after Hillman had saved with three men on him, the ball was rushed into the net. The remainder of the game was generally contested in the Everton half, and scoring again the Hearts, who played a pretty and effective game won by 4 goals to 1.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 MACCLESFIELD 0
January 6 1896. The Liverpool mercury
At Goodison Park, before 6,000 spectators. Schofield scored first for Everton, and just on the interval Hill scored a second goal for the home side. The second half was exciting, the visitors having hard lines in not scoring. Eventually Murray obtained a third goal for Everton, the final resulted being Everton 3 goals Macclesfield nil. Everton: - Cook, goal, McDonald, and Storrier, backs, Kelso, Meiklejohn, and not known, half backs Reay, Hill, Hartley, Murray, and Scholfield, forwards.
Played 11 won 10 lost 0, draw 1, for 47 against 9 points 21.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 6 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
About three of four thousand enthusiastic Everton supporters journeyed to Blackburn on New Year's Day, intent on seeing their favouries wipe out that defeat at Goodison Park in the first month of the season. And their hopes were fully realised for by brilliant play Everton won a richly deserved victory by three goals to two. Although no club has been playing in finer form lately in league engagements, it was not without some trepidation that this match was entered on, for the Rovers are certainly one of the strongest teams on their own enclosure, and it will be remembered that the last season it was at Blackburn after a run of Brilliant victories, that Everton were first overthrown . The game was a very fast and interesting one all through and during the last half hour it was intensely exciting. At this period Everton were leading by two goals to nil, and it looked all through that Hillman's charge was going to escape altogether, when a brilliant run down the left wing and precise centre enabled Haydock to head the ball quite out of Hillman's reach. Encouraged by this success and spurred on by the shouts of their supporters, the Rovers were quickly back at the Everton goal, and did not relax their efforts until they had placed themselves on equal terms with their opponents. This put the followers of the home team fairly beside themselves will joy, for at this juncture it looked odds on the Rovers running out ultimate winners. The Everton men, however, kept very cool, and had satisfaction of again drawing ahead seven minutes from the finish, a point which scarely could have been obtained had Brandon watched the ball with the same eagerness as he did Chadwick who at the finish was too clever for him. The third success seemed to take all the heart out of the Rovers, and they never afterwards became dangerous. The Everton forwards played a fine game, Cameron and Bell especially being prominent. The halfbacks were also very good. And the back who had a pretty hard time of it, were generally equal to all demands made upon them, but they displayed a little hesitation in not tackling Turnbull when he shot the second goal. Hillman was as safe as usual and had no chance at all with the two shots that scored. For the Rovers, Haydock put in the most finished work in the front line, and at half back Anderson played a most telling game, whilst Brandon, Murray, and Ogilvie on the whole got through their work as well as could be expected.
Immediately after the conclusion of the match with the reverse the Everton party- including players, directors, and pressmen, the arrangements for whom were under the immediate charge of J.Prescott-left Blackbun for their annual tour in Scotland, and after a capital tea at Preston entrained the Northern mail at the''Proud Town'' concluding a pleasant journey considerably enhanced by the reception of the news of the downfall of derby County; the party arrived at Glasgow about eleven p.m., the Alexander Hotel being made the headquarters for the sojourn. After the Celtic match the directors among whom were Messrs., Kelly, Bainbridge, and Cuff, arranged a visit to the Theatre Royal to witness the pantomimed of ‘'Sinbad the sailor,'' three boxes being placed at the disposal of the party. On the following evening the company held an impromptu smoker at their headquarters, and in the morning continued the tour to Edinburgh. Throughout the tour the gentlemen, who were responsible for its proper conduct outvied each other as to who should make the outing as comfortable and enjoyable to all concerned as is possible to conceive, and that they fully attended their object is proved by the high enomiume awarded when on all hands. The most serious of the touring game was that with the Celtic club at parkhead, where close upon 20,000 spectators served to demonstrate what a capital drawing team the Evertonians are away from home. This game proved a thoroughly enjoyable one for all the incidents of the play partook of the nature of an English League match, and the big crowd assembled did not fail to show their appreciation of the efforts of both sets of players to make the game thoroughly attractive. The Everton team were admittedly the better exponents, and were the recipients of most of the encomiums, bestowed by the crow. The Celtic players, the backs especially were lacking in speed, and it was undoubtedly the possession of the quality that placed out local men ahead at the finish. Fine forward play assisted by some excellent work by the halves was one of the leading features of the Evertonians performance for Bell and Milward together with the inside men, were too formidable a phalanx for the home first line of defence to contend against. Towards the close Battles resorted to unnecessary methods, and injured McInnes knee, but a few day's rest will probably serve to put that right so that the full line will take the field at Bury on Saturday next. Adams and Arrdge left on room for fault, and Hillman was thoroughly reliable in goal. There was nothing of a striking character display by the Celts, front line, but Kelly and Maley were a capital pair of halves. Whatever, good work was accomplished by Meechan at full back, it was greatly discounted by his lying in wait for Milward. Cullen was a capable substitute in goal for McArthur. For he had no chance against the shots that found the mark, and frequently kept others out that would brother the best of Custodians. The following day Paisley was reached, and a rather uninteresting game took place against the St. Mirren club. The belabored condition of the team necessitated changes for the match, and a trial was given to a young centrehalf of the Dochgelly United club, Fifeshire, but he was far removed from being a success, and will doubtless not be heard of much at Everton. An inspection of the ground prior to the match showed its heavy clayey nature, and this very likely had much to do with Everton's defeat. To run risks with the team would have been most unadvisable, and though there was no apparent laxity of efforts on the part of the visiting players to make the match an honest and enjoyable one yet the deadly vim of a league match was wanting. The home players spurred on by their enthusiastic followers kept themselves extended to full concert pitch, all through and though there was nothing brilliant about their line of attack, they had a quintet of backs and a custodian that were thoroughly steady and reliable. A very singular coincidence occurred in the last five minutes of play. When each side lost the services of a full back-Haig, of St Mirren and McDonald of Everton team-the latter having severely twisted his knee. The heavy strain that the players had been subjected to by matches on successive days told most materially in the game on Saturday against the Hearts of Midlothians at Edinburgh. There was no gainsaying the fact that the team was under difficulties during the greater portion of the game, and the verdict of four goals to one was greatly minimised by the able work of Hillman, who was the hero of the game. It was somewhat signiicine that Adams after playing so brilliantly lately should cup up badly against his old club, for times out of number he was easily beaten. At the same time, it cannot be denied that the Hearts played a truly finished game, and if they display on Saturday last is a sample of their usual ability a meeting with Everton under more favourable conditions would result in a very close race.

EVERTON v.  HEARTS OF MIDLOTHIAN
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, January 6, 1896
The Everton team reached the concluding stage of their Scotch tour by meeting the famous Hearts of Midlothian at Edinburgh. After their defeat at the hands of the St. Mirren club, accounted for by the fact that most of the players were hors de combat, the Everton men returned to Glasgow and journeyed to “Modern Athens” on Saturday morning, arriving in the classic city at noon. The weather was again damp and misty, but there was nevertheless, a good crowd at the Tynecastle Ground when play commenced. The Hearts were fully represented, and Everton put their full available strength on the field, Williams partnering Bell, and Elliott playing at the left half back. There were about six thousand people present on the ground when play commenced, the teams facing each other as follows;-
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Elliott, half-backs; Bell, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
Hearts of Midlothian.- Fairbairn, goal; McCartney and Mirk, backs; Bagbie, Russell, and Hogg, half-backs; McLaren, Baird, Walls, King, and Walker, forwards.
The Hearts started and within the first minute of play Walls tested Hillman, from close quarters. The Everton goalkeeper fisted clear, and then Bell raced grandly down the right, a movement which was supplemented by Chadwick and Milward, the former of whom sent in a beautiful shot, which Mirk cleared out of the goal mouth. The home right wing then worked the ball cleverly along, and Boyle was forced to give a corner, but this came to nothing. The Hearts however, continued to press their opponents, and from a combined movement Walker shot over the bar. The home right wing continued to trouble Arridge, more than once the Evertonian was beaten. McLaren and Baird sent in shots in rapid succession but Hillman was equal to both occasions, and cleared cleverly. Following this McLaren nearly found the mark, and then both Baird and King sent in splendid shots, both of which Hillman attended to in masterly fashion. Here a slight delay occurred owing to an injury to Williams, but after a few minutes’ rest the Everton forward was able to resume his position. Everton now got a look in, and for some time the home backs were kept busily employed. The home defence, however, was sound, and though both Flewitt and Williams attempted to get a shot at goal they came to grief when tackled by McCartney. Midfield play ensued, and then from a free kick Russell had a shie, but Adams saved cleverly, and the ball travelled in the direction of the home goal. King and Walker next got away, and Adams was forced to give a corner, but this was cleared without much difficulty. Following this, Russell put in some very fine work, and the Everton territory was the scene of action for some time. A free kick against Boyle clean in proved disastrous to the visitors for the return King banged the ball hard into the net, thus drawing first blood for the Hearts. This success stirred the homesters to further efforts, and they swooped down upon Adams and Arridge in combined order, the movement ending in Baird shooting strongly. Hillman was on the alert, and a speedy clearance was effected. The home team kept up the pressure, and Everton were practically penned in their own half for almost a quarter of an hour. Hillman had innumerable shots to cope with, but he cleared all in his coolest and most characteristic manner, his conduct creating amusement and admiration combined. Nothing further occurred before half-time, the score then standing -Hearts 1 goal, Everton nil. Williams equalised soon after the restart, but the home team had the best of the subsequent play, Everton having to finish with ten men owing to Elliott sustaining a twisting knee. Final result;- Hearts of Midlothian 4 goals, Everton 1 goal.

THE LIVERPOOL DISTRICT AND NOTES
The Athletic News-Monday January 6, 1896
By the Loiterer
The Everton directors are threatened with an action at law for the return of the money paid for admission to the Small Heath match, or tickets for the replayed game when it comes off. Complaints are also made of the inaction of the directors in not explaining matters to the spectators, and no doubt in both instances the public were not treated as they had a right to expect. All through the affair was a muddle.
The New Year’s matches have gone all Everton’s favour. At Blackburn they won on their merits, and just to do them a good turn the Wanderers of Bolton took down Derby County, so that the supporters of the club have every reason to be satisfied with the course of events. Some apprehension was felt lest the injuries several of the players received in Scotland would turn out serious, but happily the men are not much the worse.

HEARTS v  EVERTON
The Scottish Referee-Monday, January 6, 1896
The Hearts did not fare very well against the Wearsiders on Thursday, but fully made amends against a better team on Saturday. Everton came with no mean reputation, and the 6,000 spectators showed their good sense in patronising such a worthy lot of players. Their defeat of the Celtic, too, made, the Hearts all the more eager for victory, and right glad was everybody when the Maroons appeared fit as fiddles, and going as strong as ever they did. McCartney, Russell, and McLaren got their places once more, and fully bore out the confidence of the committee who need only keep an eye on these players to insure their fitness. The appearance of Jimmy Adams, the old Tynecastle idol, in the visitors’ ranks was also an attraction; but when they appeared it was seen that neither Cameron, Stewart, nor McInnes were present. Their reserve men-Elliott, Williams, and Flewitt- were tried players, however, and worthy of their places. The big crowd, many of whom were of the type peculiar to the New-Year holidays, gave Adams and his companions a rare reception. It was not an ideal football day, a nasty fog hung about, and the pitch was wet and greasy. The Hearts lost the toss, but the Liverpool men derived no benefit from this, as there was not a breath of wind. The Maroons early made their presence felt, and nearly scored in the first minute. The attack, however, was repelled, chiefly through Hillman, who thus early demonstrated himself to be a custodian of more than average ability. During the first half the Hearts certainly had the best of exchanges, and on several occasions, had Dame Fortune favoured them in the slightest, they would have found the net more than once. Adams, who was cynosure of all eyes, gave a good display to begin, but latterly seemed to tire, which was not to be wondered at seeing he had one of the trickiest wings in the Scottish football world to negotiate. His partner, Arridge, also gave a finished exhibition. Early in the match Williams received a nasty knock on the head which completely prostrated him for a few minutes, but he gamely refused to leave the field, and after his trainer had supplied him with what I heard a spectator call the “elixir of life,” resumed, and after a fine run almost scored. The score at half-time stood one up for the Hearts. After a somewhat lengthy interval the teams reappeared, and the home team still continued to have the best of matters. The visitors were rather lucky of equalise before play had been long resumed, after this, however, the Hearts fairly took the game in hand, and pressed almost incessantly. An unfortunate accident to the Everton left half delayed the game for several minute, and he having to be carried off the field, Milward took up the vacant position. With only men the Evertonians acted for the most part on the defensive, but were unable to stem “the flowing tide,” and on the referee giving the signal for hostilities to cease the Maroons walked out winners by the substantial score to 4 to 1.
Seeing that the Scottish Cup ties are due to be played next Saturday, it must be gratifying to the numerous supporters of the Tynecastle club to see their favourites opportunely return to form. In McCartney’s case especially this feature was most marked. He played quite up to his Leith athletic form, and did not make a single mistake, his saving at close quarters being really grand. Mirk was not so safe, and is inclined to be rather rash. Russell once more appeared in his old position,  and fairly gave the finishing touch to the half back division, Hogg and Begbie also being in tip-top form. As usual, the left wing was responsible for most of the aggressive work, and towards the finish completely waltzed round Adams. Walls played a steady game in centre, and Baird and McLaren combined well, and completed an exceedingly strong front rank. Fairbairn got little to do, but once, at least, saved brilliantly. For the losers, the outstanding feature of their display was the miraculous goalkeeping of Hillman. Had it not been for the splendid judgement and remarkable coolness the score- without exaggeration -might have been doubled. He was well supported by his back division, the pick of whom were Boyle, Adams, and Arridge. Milward and Chadwick made a most effective wing, the centre position being capably filled by Williams. Bell was inclined to be lazy, and, like the remainder of his clubmates, seemed to regard the fixture too much in a holiday light.
The Hearts’ committee would be well advised to entrust the honour of Tynecastle with the team that did duty for them to-day. They really acquitted themselves with credit, and it would seem that the weak spot has been at last field in the person of McCartney. Teams;-
Everton; Hillman, Adams, Arridge, Goldie, Boyle, Elliott, Bell, Williams, Flewitt, Chadwick, and Milward. Hearts; Fairbairn, McCartney, Mirk, Begbie, Russell, Hogg, McLaren, Baird, Walls, King, and Walker. Referee-Mr. J.H. McLaughlin, Celtic.

A NEW CENTRE-FORWARD FOR STOKE
The Athletic News- January 6, 1896
ALLAN MAXWELL
The Stoke club has engaged another centre-forward and the directors are to be admired, if only for the determination they are showing in trying to fill satisfactorily what has long been a weak place in the team. Allan Maxwell, of Darwen, and formerly of Everton, is the new man, and the negotiations for his transfer, which have been for some time in progress, were completed last Friday night. A day later, and the engagement would not have come into effect, for Stoke wanted a player more especially in view of the approaching Cup ties, and if his resignation form had not been posted on Friday evening he would not have been eligible. Maxwell was told that he would be engaged at all if he did not sign on Friday, and Mr. W. Bowley went over to Darwen and settled the business satisfactorily. Darwen wanted money badly or they would not have parted with Maxwell. He is said to be playing better at the present time than any previous part of this season, and if he is able to retain his form, Stoke may have secured a bargain.

NEW GOALKEEPER FOR EVERTON
January 8 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
We are informed that last evening Everton secured the transfer of frank Briggs, the famous goalkeeper of the Darwen club. Briggs who has long been accounted one of the finest goalkeeper in the league, is a Nottinghamshire man. It is said that a big price has been paid for his transfer (£50)

ANOTHER GOALKEEPER FOR EVERTON
The Liverpool Daily Post-Wednesday January 8, 1896
Last evening Everton secured the transfer of Frank Briggs, the famous goalkeeper of the Darwen Club. Briggs, who has long been accounted one of the finest goalkeepers in the League, is a Nottinghamshire man. It is said that a big price has been paid for his transfer.

EVERTON’S ENGAGEMENTS
The Liverpool Post-Thursday January 9, 1896
The following teams will represent Everton on Saturday next;-
Against Bury, at Bury; 2.30.
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Goldie, Boyle, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
The League team leave Exchange Station at 10.47, and an excursion train for Bury is timed for 1.
Against Blackburn Rovers Reserves at Goodison Park; 2.45.
Everton Combination;- Briggs, goal; Cook and Storrier, backs; Kelso, Holt, and Meiklejohn, half-backs; Latta, Williams, Hartley, Flewitt, and Mainman, forwards.

BURY 1 EVERTON 1
January 13 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
A large party of Evertonians travelled to Bury on Saturday, and at the time for commencing the game there would be quite 10,000 spectators on the ground. Unfortunately for Everton, the halfbacks line had to undergo a change as Stewart was unable to play, and Holt again cried off thus leaving an opening for Kelso. The Bury team was strongly represented, and at 2-30 the sides appeared as follows: - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Adams, and Arridge, backs, Kelso, Boyle (captain), and Goldie, halfbacks, Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards: - Bury: - Montgomery, goal, Barbour and Davidson, backs, Pray, Clegg, and Ross, halfbacks, Wyllie, Barr, Miller, Henderson and Plant forwards. Cameron opened the play, and after Bell had forced an opening on the right the Bury left got away, and for a lengthy period had a little the better of matters. Arridge was busy at this juncture in checking Barr, and Wyllie and eventually Milward raced off, and shot hard in at Montogomery, who cleared and within a minute Hillman was called upon from a fine centre by Wyllie. Then Clegg levelled a shot from long range, which clearly found the mark. The work of the Everton forwards was somewhat ragged, and when occasionally they did get one of their passing strides they were not allowed to revel in it long. Barbour kept his man well forwards by resorting to hugh Image, and after Arridge had obtained the measure of Wylle, Cameron raced off, but was tipped, and from the free kick, Boyle tipped the ball to Milward who drove hard into the net. After this reverse the Bury forwards swarmed round the Everton goal, and Hillman was responsible for a couple of grand saves. After first fisting out from Henderson he took the ball almost from Miller's toe, and getting it away, relieved the backs of much anxiety. An offside goal by Milward was the next item, and at the other end Plant had a smilar ruling. Nothing further was done upto halftime when Everton led by a goal to nil. On resuming the Buryities swooped down on the Everton quarters, and almost without exception in the first ten minutes besieged their goal. Several shots were sent in, all of which Hillman, attended to in clever fashion. One in particular from Miller being saved by throwing himself full length at the ball. Relief ultimately came from Arridge, but strive as they would the visiting forwards could not take in the situration. The Bury halves most assiduously attended to their forwards, the right wing pair especially, and during the remainder of the game most of the attacks were levelled from this quarter. At last miller, after several attempts, got away and looked like scoring when Adams was penalised for tripping, and a penalty kick being ordered, Barbour had no difficulty in defeating Hillman. The remainder of the game was in Everton's favour, but they could not penetrate the Bury defence, and the game resulted in a draw of 1 goal each.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 1
January 13 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
This friendly match was played on the Everton ground, before a limited attendance. The opening play was all in favour of the Evertonians, but eventually Briggs (late of Darwin) was twice called upon and cleared well. Schofield and Latta in turn bore down, and after several unsuccessful attempts to score, the veteran found his way to the net. Briggs was shortly afterwards beaten by Clarke, and showed plenty of resource and for some time the home defender had plenty of work. Towards the interval a heavy raid was made on the goal and the ball was rushed through, the team thus reaching level terms. On resuming the Rovers looked like taking the lead, as they frequently visited Briggs charge but later on Everton obtained a lucky goal from a scrimmage, and following this, Latta put the game out of doubt by scoring a smart goal, after a fine run down. Nothing further was scored, and Everton won by 3 goals to 1. Everton: - Briggs, goal, Cook, and Storrier backs, Kelso, Hill, and Meiklejohn, halfbacks, Latta, Williams, Hartley, Flewitt, and Mainman, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 13 1896. The Liverpool mercury
The failure of Everton to obtain full points at Bury on Saturday was not at all considered with popular opinion before the commencement of play, for on all hands could be heard expression to the effort that Bury had a very poor chance of holding their own, but as events transpired a victory to the latest inclusion to the League could not have been honesty begrudged. At the very outset the Bury team went about their work in most earnest fashion, and gave unmistakable evidence that if sheer determination would assist then against their more notable opponents in obtaining point they were of the right quality to carry their tactics through. With regards to the nearer points of the game there was very little to chose between the team. In the first fifteen minutes the home forwards had several attack, and but for a little loose judgement on the part of the right wing pair, who were rather slow and thus gave Arridge every opportunity to clear, Hillman must have been severaly tested. Right through the first half there was little combination that reached a high standard, and when Everton obtained their goal from a free kick close in and kept the lead up to the interval, they were lucky. Immediately on resuming Everton defenders had about as warm a time as they have experienced this season, for the bury forwards, now prominent by clever passing movements tested the visitors to the full extent, and certainly, by their very fine efforts deserved to get on equal terms. Every Bury man was scoring for all that was worth determination being depicted in every movement. Eventually a change came over the scene, and them for the greater part the Evertonians made most of the running, without tangible results. Sudden break away by the home left were always of a dangerous character, and after the teams had drawn level the pace, which all though had been very fast, increased, and if anything the game up to the finish was favourably to Everton, who however, found themselves opposed to a fine pair of backs and a custodian equal to all demands made upon him. The Everton team as a whole failed to approximate to that high standard of excellent work that has during the last three months led them on to fame, and the cause for their disappointing display is not a difficult matter to active. The forwards were not in their usually effective mood, and the heavy work in Scotch tour matches undoubtedly had a deterrent effect upon the men. It will be remembered that McInnes received a bad injury to his knee in the Celtic match, and against the Heart, Chadwick was in a somewhat belabored condition, and as they were not thoroughly recovered, the failure of the Everton inside play to come out strongly can very readily be understood. It was only on rare occasions that the Everton van indulged in those brilliant passages that one has been accustomed to see of late, and when they did find themselves in comfortable quarters they were generally dispossessed with ease. One has lately been accessioned to expect something out of the common from the Everton wingers, but they called for once in a way, and as stated above through no fault of their own. At half back also the average standard was not reached. While the defence and goalkeeping made up considerably for the front line. If the Bury forward play was not of an over attractive character, it was nevertheless effective, and to a man the quiet were not slow in playing on to the weak spots in the opposing team. Almost invariably when Bury back secured the ball, did it find its way to the left wing. As a rule the Everton right defence had many an anxious moment. Comparing the work of the two sets of forwards there was little to chose between then, so far as cleverness was concerned, though when on the ball the home van were the more determined in their movements. Halfback play favoured the home side and the remaining positions were filled with little if any, inequality. Coming to the players, Cameron did fairly well, and had those on either side of him been their accessioned moo, there is no doubt that it would have taken the home halves all their time to keep down scoring. With McInnes in difficulties, Bell had very few openings, and generally most of the play located at the other end of the line, where Chadwick and Milward were the recipients of most of the attention of the opposing trio. At half back Goldie and Boyle played very well, and kept down must of the attacks from the centre and right wing, but Kelso though he kept pace with the rest in the first portion, when he put in some fine bits of play, lagged somewhat in the second; but this was only to be expected after a long absence from high pressure football. Both Adams and Arridges played magnificent, and it is indeed questionable whether the pair were ever more successful. Time after time did Adams block the ball as an opposing forward was about to propel at goal, and the amount of work that he got through can he gauged when it a remembered that almost every attack in the second half came from his wing. It was distinctly unfortunate however that a brilliant performance should be marred by the loss of a goal from a penalty kick, and doubtless the speed rather than intentional tripping had much to do with disaster. Arridges consistency was demonstrated throughout the game and the Bury right wing were allowed for libertie from his quarter. There can be no doubt that had Everton an ordinary custodian they wound have experience no light defeat. Class shots were tainted in from Plant Henderson and Miller, and it was marvellous how on two occasions Hillman managed to get them away. Summing up the Everton players, Hillman Adams, Arridge and Goldie best represented the side. For Bury Miller was a capable centre, and after finding that Goldie and Asrridge were far too clever for Wylie and Barr he combined most of his attention to the left wing pair, Plant and Henderson and with fairly good success. Both these players had a hand in most of the attacks, being generally left to finish the movements, and with the assistance of a little lucky might have scored on more than one occasion. The halfbacks were on the whole more resourceful than the Everton trio and gave those in front of then plenty of chances to shot. Pray put in excellent work, and Clegg nearly always had the better of Cameron while Ross played steady game. The oblige Barbour was undoubtedly the hero of the fray and the committee by removing his suppuration did themselves a service they little expected. He cleared his goal in fine fashion and partnered by Davidson, also at his best, a good idea can be formed of the strength of the Bury last line. Montgomery kept his charge well, and cleared with good judgement, his being also an important part in the afternoon'' proceedings.

A HARD FIGHT AT BURY
The Athletic News- Monday, January 13, 1896
By the Free Critic
Chiefly by a series of one goal defeats, Bury occupy a very poor position in the League, but after their unexpected victory at Blackburn a week ago they meant business against Everton on Saturday, and with the exception of Davies, placed on the field their very best team. Everton were also well represented, for the result of the match meant a great deal to them, and, if we except Holt, whose place was admirably filled by Boyle, only Stewart could be counted as an absentee, and this necessitated the removal of Goldie from right to left, the names being;-
Bury.- Montgomery, goal; Barbour and Davidson, backs; Pray, Clegg, and Ross, half-backs; Wyllie, Barr, Millar, Henderson, and Plant, forwards.
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams, and Arridge, backs; Kelso, Boyle, and Goldie, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Lewis, Blackburn.
There were about 10,000 spectators, and I might say that the accommodation is a great improvement on that of last year, a capital uncovered stand, the length of the ground, having been erected. It was a good day for Bury, but, notwithstanding their win at Blackburn, very few appeared to think they would get the better of Everton, and when you came to look at the records of the two clubs, there is little wonder this feeling prevailed, but on the other hand, Bury have invariably played Everton a hard game, and in the first match at Goodison Park ran them to a single goal. It is not too much to say that they kept up their reputation on Saturday. The first half was in favour of Everton, although I should say Hillman had mor work than Montgomery, but the Everton people were certainly smarter, and had more of the play. Barbour was in great form, and went about his work like the master he is when in the humour. It did not matter whether he had to contend with Chadwick’s mystifying dribblers, or Cameron’s clean passes, he was always there or thereabouts, and evidently meant to make amends for his short-comings on the last occasion he appeared before the Bury public. Je succeeded. The Everton men were a lot quicker on the ball than their opponents, and when they scored from a free kick they seemed almost certain winners. This goal was the result of a capital shot by Milward, who took a short pass cleverly and shot the ball amidst a small sea of legs and through the posts before Montgomery had exactly realised the position of affairs. All the same, it was lucky to get through. Bury played up well after this, but with such clever opponents adopted the wrong tactics, and it was almost painful to see them sticking to the ball until a more expert player would come up and rob them of it. Hillman twice saved miraculously -once, I thought, was more by accident than design. This was when he put out his brawny arms and just intercepted a good shot by Millar; but taking it all through, Everton were certainly the superior party in the first half. After Hillman had once saved, the ball got to Wyllie, and he passed across to Plant, who was standing with no one but the formidable Everton custodian to face, and placed it safely in the net, the wild cheers degenerating into groans as Mr. Lewis pointed to the goal-line. To my mind it was a very clear case of off-side, but I was afterwards told that the ball glanced off Arridge to Plante, which if true, makes a slight difference. Anyway, the referee had a warm time of it up to the interval, and when he left the field the unruly members exercised their lung power, but I was pleased to notice that the more respectable portion of the stand occupants had a counter blast in the shape of a cheer. With the score at one to none in favour of Everton the match was neither lost nor won when the teams came out after the usual rest, and that Bury did not mean it to be lost was pretty evident from the manner in which they went for the goal, where the burly Hillman was in sole charge. How it missed falling on more than one occasion I don’t know, except that the Bury forwards forgot to follow up, and that when they did either Adams, or Arridge, or Hillman were knocking around, Millar once got through, and it seemed all up with Everton, as he shot hard and true, but Hillman’s paws met the ball, and only a corner resulted. All this time Everton were playing a sort of game which suggested that they were under the impression victory was theirs. Bury, however, appeared to hold a somewhat different opinion, and when Millar, after working his way down the centre shot and then fell to the ground they had their opportunity, for Mr. Lewis promptly awarded a penalty. Hillman, who is great at stopping penalty kicks, came out and looked very ferocious, but Barbour planted the ball in the net all the same, and Hillman said something. Adams, who was penalised, said he didn’t trip Millar at all, but from the stand he certainly seemed to foul the Bury centre, and whilst in a similar case at Preston the previous week I had an objection to the rule being put in force, I quite agreed with the dreaded penalty kick being awarded on Saturday, for Millar was straight in front of goal, although I believe he had given his final kick when Adams came along. Up to this point we had seen Everton resting on their oars, as it were, but from now to the finish we had a sample of some of the most exciting football I have ever witnessed. Everton appeared to realise his matters really stood, and the way they went for the Bury goal during the next ten minutes was an eye-opener. Chadwick, who was suffering from a bad leg, tried outside left, and put in some real stingers, whilst all the lot of them went about their work in splendid fashion. Once over, from a faulty return by Montgomery, they seemed certain to score, but buy some means or other Cameron got the ball on the wrong side of the post. Try as they would, Bury could not get the ball away, for if they cleared- and Barbour, Davidson, and Montgomery worked like demons-the Everton half-backs pounced on it, and was a sultry time for the Bury defenders I can tell you. We had a slight variation in Ross getting winded, and as if by magic four gentlemen enveloped in ambulance clothing appeared on the scene, and soon Ross was all right. A minute later, the “first aid” representatives were called in to attend to Henderson, but after one or two wriggles the Bury forward was himself again. There is not doubt about it, though the ambulance people are useful in a football field. Towards the finish Bury played up splendidly, and twice over seemed certain to score, one puzzling customer from Plant on the ground almost getting the better of Hillman; but both goals were kept intact, and everyone seemed satisfied that the result was a draw. Everton are a much-improved team. I was told that they played below form on Saturday, and if they did I am not at all surprised at finding them in their present position. They are clever all round, and the only fault I can find with them is that their half backs did not break up the opposing forwards as well as they might have done. The forwards are clever enough -perhaps a bit too much so to play a winning game- and Cameron took my fancy. Arridge and Adams are powerful backs, with any amount of speed and resource, and both men have come on wonderfully, whilst hillman is a fine goalkeeper, and at times it was amusing to witness the futile attempts of the light Bury forwards to get at him. Yes, Everton have a clever team- one good enough to win either the League championship or the English Cup, or both for that matter. I was much disappointed with the play of the Bury contingent in the first half. They appeared to imagine themselves as scientific as their opponents, which was a great mistake, and what they wanted was a determined series of rushes, instead of which they simply waited whilst an Evertonian coolly got the ball and despatched it. In the second half they were much better, and certainly fully deserved to make a draw, but still the extreme wing men did not centre as often as they might have done, and in consequence often lost the ball. They played a most determined game, however, and, I should imagine, rather surprised Everton. I have little hesitation in saying that Barbour was the best man on the field, and the way he cleared time after time was really surprising. Adams and Arridge both did extremely well, but Barbour was the shining light, and came to the rescue when all seemed to be lost- not once, but on innumerable occasions. The half-backs played a hard, telling game, and the only really weak spot in the team was the wight wing.
The Blackburn Rovers Reserves tackled the powerful Combination team of Everton at Goodison Park. Briggs was included in the home team, and did very well in goal. During the first half each side scored once, but in the second portion Everton had most of the play, and won by three goals to one. It is to be hoped Briggs will turn out an efficient substitute for Hillman should he be required. The price paid for him is not large as such things go, and I should say £50 is about the figure with a match thrown in. we could do with an inside-right of the first water at the same price for the wear and tear of League matches is beginning to tell on McInnes, who is not a robust man at the best.

THE LIVERPOOL DISTRICT AND NOTES
The Athletic News -Monday January 13, 1896
By the Loiterer
Everton did not do so well as their supporters expected at Bury, yet they did exactly the same as against Liverpool last season. By all accounts the Bury men played a fine game, and Everton might have fared worse. It is hard lines to have a goal scored by a penalty kick. Hillman hitherto has been very successful with them, but Barbour this time was one too many for him.

EVERTON v BURY
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, January 13, 1895
Everton journeyed to Bury on Saturday for the first time under the auspices of the League to engage the North-East Lancashire team in the return fixture. The ground was filled with crowds of eager spectators, and when operations commenced there were fully 10,000 spectators present. The weather, though dull and threatening, was fair and cold. Everton won the toss, and punctually to time Miller kicked off, there being little or no wind. The first move was made by Bury, but after passing along the line of forwards the ball was sent harmlessly over the line. Much uneasiness was caused amongst the Everton club’s supporters by a splendid movement on the part of the Bury left wing pair, who dodged Kelso, and Plant sent the ball across the goal mouth. Arridge, however, by a grand effort, removed the danger, but Bury continued to be most aggressive, the whole line of forwards showing marvellous form and combination, and on one occasion had it not been for Hillman’s vigilance Henderson must have scored. Bury on three occasions attacked their opponents’ stronghold and it was exceedingly fortunate for Everton that their defence was in such grand trim. A free kick placed Everton on the aggressive and Doyle landed the ball into goal, Montgomery saving grandly. Then Milward dashed along the left, but as he was about to shoot he came in contact with Barbour, the result being that the ball was sent over the line. Bury were getting away splendidly, when Arridge intercepted their progress, landing the ball almost to the twelve yards line. Here Everton were granted a free kick for some informality, and Boyle tipping to Milward the latter with a swift low shot scored after fifteen minutes’ play. This success infused new vigour into the Evertonians, but “hands” against Boyle gave Bury an undeniable chance, which they failed to take advantage of, Miller, with a long shot, sending the ball over the goal-line. A further free kick to Bury followed, this resulting in the game being furiously contested in dangerous proximity to Hillman’s charge. Twice were good shots sent in, one of the attempts that by Henderson, striking the upright. Everton were somewhat lucky in eventually clearing out their opponents, who were very persistent in their intentions upon the visitors’ goal. Eventually Everton worked their way in front of Montgomery. Kelso by a splendid screw shot almost brought about the downfall of the Bury goal, a splendid save being effected by Montgomery, and a moment later Goldie shot wide. Soon afterwards Hillman was the means of averting an almost certain score by running out to intercept miller, and literally kicking the ball from that player’s toes just as he was about to shoot. This feat was loudly cheered by the crowd. There was no mistaking Bury’s pertinacity, and for a few minutes Hillman’s charge was besieged, but though the shots sent in were exceedingly good, the defence to which the home team was opposed was of equal quality, and time after time the Bury forwards were repulsed. A sudden burst by Everton culminated in Milward netting the ball, but he was palpably offside, and the point was, of course, disallowed. After this the game was greatly exciting, Bury attacking strongly, and Plant and Henderson each shot in to Hillman, who cleared rather weakly, but a subsequent save by him from Miller was well worthy of his great reputation, the giant custodian literally swooping the ball from the feet of half a dozen opponents- a magnificent effort which fully merited the cheers it evoked. A break away in the part of the Everton forwards was spoiled by Cameron being pulled up for offside, after which Bury made a brief incursion without tangible result. Cameron then again dashed away, giving Milward an opportunity of displaying his ability, but Barbour was one too many for him, and prevented him getting in his centre. The popular outside left had ample revenge a moment later when he gave Chadwick a grand chance, but the latter shot wide of the mark. Everton for several minutes kept up a strong attack on the Bury goal but though several shots were sent in they were misdirected, the shooting of the forwards being by no means as accurate as desired. At the other end Henderson was given a splendid opening, shooting strongly into Hillman’s hands, who cleared to the centre line. Bury, however, would not be denied, and again assailed the visitors’ stronghold, Wyllie centring the ball beautifully, and Henderson scored. He was, however, distinctly in an offside position, and Mr. Lewis promptly disallowed the point. A couple of free kicks to Everton followed, but in neither did any advantage accrue, though both Milward and Bell made good attempts to beat Montgomery. Nothing further transpired, and at the interval Everton led by a goal to nil. Though Everton held the lead up to the interval Bury had quite as much of the game, and the body of excursionists from Liverpool were by no means sanguine as to the ultimate result. Immediately on the resumption of hostilities Bury dashed to the front, and Miller sent in a grand shot, which hillman by an almost superhuman effort got rid of, but only at the expense of a corner. Though this proved abortive, play continued to hover around the visitors’ goal, a couple of free kicks enabling Bury to put a considerable pressure, and a centre by Plant resulted in a free kick close in, but Clegg found it difficult to pilot the ball between the array of feet which guarded the goal. Bury continued to hold the whip-hand, and the Everton defence was sorely tried, the goal on several occasions narrowly escaping capture. During these trying episodes Hillman, Arridge, Adams, Kelso, Boyle, and Goldie rendered yeoman service time after time repulsing the persistent efforts of the Bury front rank. A magnificent effort by Miller ensued, Hillman again showing his quality by grandly clearing the home centre’s shot. Play continued in Bury’s favour, who seemed determined to leave no stone unturned in order to overcome their opponents, and fortunately, however, the visiting defence was equal to every emergency, Adams, Arridge, and Hillman each performing most brilliantly, their coolness throughout a lengthy trying period being a conspicuous feature. At length relief was given by Adams, who, along with Bell, caused hostilities to be hotly fought in front of Montgomery. Their attack, however, was of brief duration, and in another moment Bury were again desperately assailing Hillman’s charge, and it required extreme vigilance on the past of the visitors’ defence to cope with the attentions of Bury’s front rank. The game continued of a most exciting description, the ball travelling very rapidly between the respective uprights, and each set of backs found plenty of work. Arridge and Boyle placed Everton in a splendid position, and Bell was given a good opening, but his shot went a yard wide. From the goal kick Henderson received possession and dashed along at top speed, and when well within the twelve yards line he was fouled by one of the Evertonians, which resulted in Mr. Lewis granting a penalty kick. This was taken by Barbour, who had no difficulty in placing the ball quite out of Hillman’s reach, and thus equalising for Bury, the game ending in a draw- 1 goal each. Teams;- Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, abcks; Kelso, Boyle, and Goldie, half backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward,. Forwards. Bury.- Montgomery, goal; Davidson and Barbour, backs; Ross, Clegg, and Pray, half-backs; Plant, Henderson, Miller, Barr, and Wyllie, forwards.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
Friendly society charity cup
January 14 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
He annual charity match which for the third time was player for the above society at Stoney lane yesterday, lost somewhat of its interest by the fact that the visitors team, who are deservedly great favorites with the West Bromwich spectators were at their poorest strength, the whole of the League team, with one exception, being prominent, only by their absentee. The full names were Everton: - Briggs, goal, Kelso, and Storrier, backs, Cook Meiklejohn, and Goldie halfbacks, Latta, Williams, Hill, Flewitt, and Schofield forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Reader, goal, Horton, and Williams, backs, Perry, Higgins, and Hadley halfbacks, Bassett (captain), Green, Richards (j), Richards (w), and Heywood, forwards. The spin of the coin resulted in favour of the home team, who of course selected to play with the wind and skips and the opening exchanges was entirely to their liking. After Richards had sent over the bar, Storrier intervened with effect, but again the homesters bore down upon the Liverpool gaol, and Bassett missed what appeared to be a fair chance. Well fed by Meiklejohn, Williams and Latta made progess, the latter especially showing individuality, but Williams interposed and again the Evertonians were placed upon the defensive. At length the left wing were placed in possession, and sending over to Latta the right wing returned so well that Flewitt kneed the ball past Reader, this bring Everton first visit to the home quarters. In a trice Briggs charge was again in danger but Kelso was excellent in defence, and as the result of his sterling work the visiting left, Flewitt and Schofield made headway, and from a feeble return a shot by the latter of the goalkeepers, Flewitt scored the second point. Bassett in response to the calls of the spectators, put in a lot of dashing work, but so good was the exhibition of Goldie and Storrier that he was never allowed to become dangerous, and what little he sent in towards Briggs, the latter attended to in a compliance manner. Half time arrived with Everton leading by two goals to nil, and having the elements at their backs it looked great odds on their winning early. On returning to work the Stoney lane brigade rushed the ball right into the mouth of goal, but Storrier relieved, and then the Everton right slipped past Williams in fine style but failed to obtain any tangible result. Another characteristic rush by the Throstle brought about a menacing period for the visitors, but Kelso and meiklejohn between then eased the pressure, and although Higgins levelled some grand shots, Briggs respond also in gallant fashion. Reader was next in evidence for a fine clearance, and Williams giving to Bassett and Green, a smart cross from them was neatly taken by Heywood and converted. The Everton players made a strong appeal for offside, but the referee decided against them. From this point to the end the Liverpool men were rather the best, and Bell command in a more renounced manner than hitherto, but Williams Horton, Higgins, and Reader defended well, and kept them out. A well-deserved victory for the Everton Reserves then ended with the result Everton 2 goals West Bromwich Albion 1 goal. / The magnificent cup was on view afterwards as Mr.Louse Ford's but was not brought home by the victorious team.

EVERTON v  WEST BROMWICH ALBION
The Liverpool Daily Post- Tuesday 14 January 1896
The third annual match for the West Bromwich Friendly Societies’ Charity Cup took place at Stoney-lane yesterday, in fine weather, and before about 3,000 spectators. Owing to the severe gruelling the first team underwent during their Scottish tour, coupled with the efforts of the arduous game at Bury, the Everton League team was virtually non est. the respective sides were;- Everton; Briggs, goal; Kelso and Storrier, backs; Cook, Meiklejohn, and Goldie, half-backs; Latta, Hill, Flewitt, and Schofield, forwards. West Bromwich; reader, goal; Horton and Williams, backs; Perry, Higgins, and Hadley, half-backs; Bassett, Green, J. Richards, W. Richards, and Heywood, forwards. Mr. Townsend, Walsall, referee. The party left Lime-Street at 9.45, under the charge of Mr. Molyneux, he being the only director present. Everton having lost the toss, kicked off, and at once the “Throstles” bore down the slope, and Heywood earned a free kick off Kelso, which was headed over the bar by W. Richards. A second infringement by Flewitt menaced the Liverpool goal, but Storrier nipped in and danger was temporarily averted. A foul throw in by Cook, Richards lobbed into goal, Bassett just failing to reach the leather in time. A lot of wild kicking on both sides ensued, a tricky piece of play by Latta being the only redeeming point, but somehow Everton could not get into a fair stride, although Hill tried twice to open the game unsuccessfully. The game continued principally in favour of the home team, but so good was the defence of the backs and half backs that the West Bromwich eleven, although pressing strongly, were unable to get a decent shot at Briggs, who up to this stage had not touched the ball. Excellent half-back play by Goldie and Meiklejohn gave Schofield and Flewitt an opening, and Williams sending on to Latta, his well-judged centre was taken by Flewitt, and put past reader after fifteen minutes’ play, this being the first time the Evertonians had reached the home quarters. Following this the Blues’ goal was subjected to a regular fusillade, but Kelso and Storrier up by Briggs, staved off danger, and Latta and Williams being given an opportunity, almost brought off a second point, Reader just reaching the leather as Hill was in the act of shooting. Another attack upon the Everton goal was frustrated by excellent work of Kelso and Goldie, who coped with Bassett’s centres in a masterly style. A miss by Hadley let in Williams and Hill, but before they became dangerous Williams gave relief by an overhead kick. Once again the Throstles swooped down upon the Everton goal, but splendid play by Kelso sent them to the right about. A sudden dash by the Everton forwards was but just missed being turned to account by Latta losing control of the ball, Williams clearing easily. After Kelso had attended to a rush by the home side with great effect, Flewitt and Schofield dashed away, and the other forwards assisting, Flewitt was enabled, due to a weak return by reader, to defeat the home custodian-thus registering No. 2 for Everton. This second unexpected success almost paralysed the home spectators, for it must be admitted that so far as the generality of the play was concerned the home team were having much the best of it, but so poor were their finishing touches that Briggs as but seldom called upon. Kelso and Storrier were responsible for a lot of the easy nature of the work of the custodian, and when half-time was called Everton were leading by 2 goals to nil.
The Albion started the second half with a big task in front of them. They rushed the kick off right up to Briggs, where a penalty kick looked very threatening. Storrier slipped in and cleared, and Everton came nicely down the left. Hill was challenged by Williams, but the Evertonians got the better, and then a fine bit of work was put in by Schofield and Flewitt in the face of Reader. Latta took a pass from Flewitt, but the ball went wide. The Albion then raided, and for a few minutes the Everton goal was bombarded smartly, Briggs saving marvellously from W. Richards. Back again Kelso sent the field, and a nice piece of forward play by the visitors brought the pack once more in front of Reader. The play was now much faster than it had been for some time, but the home side averted disaster, and Higgins retaliated with a grand shot, which just missed fire, a corner soon after falling. This came to nothing, and the Evertonians were soon after swarming round reader. The “Throstles” infused some vigour into their work, but they got their Roland. For some minutes, the home goal was pressed. Latta had a good shot charged down, and then Williams banged the leather into goal, Reader sweeping out with both hands. Like most goalkeepers of his class, Reader showed great capability in dealing with good shots, while on the other hand he allowed a soft thing to beat him. Schofield tried hard, but the shot collided, and from the rebound Williams headed in, but was promptly given offside. Storrier gave Bassett a foul, the Evertonian heading the kick away, but back came the home right wing, and from a pass by Higgins, Heywood scored for the homesters with a rattling good shot. This success did the homesters a lot of good, for they went off again with tremendous dash, and for some few minutes the Everton defence was harassed, but a bad shot from Green spoiled the movement. There was no doubt as to the play. The Evertonians, although only a second team, were much superior to their opponents. They carried the play mainly by dash, and every effort they made was a straight bid for goal, and this generally achieved their desires. The result of 2 goals to 1 in favour of Everton was undoubtedly deserved.

EVERTON v.  FLEETWOOD RANGERS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Thursday, January 16, 1896
The Lancashire Senior Cup tie between the above will be played at Goodison Park on Saturday next; kick-off 2.30. Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Boyle, Holt, and Storrier, half-backs; Latta, Williams, Cameron, Flewitt, and Schofield, forwards.

EVERTON 4 FLEETWOOD RANGERS 1
Lancashire senior cup round one.
January 20 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
Owing to the indisosition of several of the Everton Leaguers, the majority of the reserves were called upon to represent the club against Fleetwood Rangers. The class of fixture was not favourable to a large gathering and an attendance of some 7,000 spectators must be considered a highly satisfactory one. The Rangers brought their strongest team, and at 2-30 the sides turned out as follows: - Everton: - Hillman, goal, Adams, and Arridge, backs, Kelso, Boyle (captain), and Storrier, halfbacks, Latta, Williams, Hill, Flewitt, and Schofield forwards. Fleetwood Rangers: - Haslam, goal, Brown, and Sellars, backs, Nuttrall, Dunn, and Fisher, halfbacks, Holmes, Cartmal, Birket, Scott and Ashcroft, forwards. Everton had all the best of the opening play, and following some good defence by Brown, Arridge placed the ball well up the field, and Hill scored two minutes from the start. Following this Storrier conceded a corner, and Hillman was twice called upon, and cleared in his usual effect style. A little later Adams placed the ball well up from a free kick, and it glided off a Rangers into the net, thus bring about their second downfall early on in the game. The play continued to ran all in favour of the Evertonians, and after Kelso had levelled some fine dropping shots into the goalmouth Schofield fastened on the ball and drove hard past haslam. After this third reverse, the play took a desultory turn and it was only at odd times, when the Rangers bestirred themselves, that the game was at all interesting. A fine shot by Birks claimed Hillman's best attention, and then for the major part up to the interval the Everton men held the play, but could not score again. On resuming Williams quickly put on a fourth goal, after Storrier had made the opening, and following this Latta missed scoring when there was practically no opposition. Then followed another tame period, until Birkes with a fine individual effort worked his way across to the left, and sent in a beautiful shot, which glided from the upright into the net. Hillman in the meantime being attended to by the Rangers right. Great cheering followed this success and the visitors were about their work in more determined fashion, up to the close when the score remained unaltered, Everton passing into the second stage by 4 goals to 1.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 20 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
The extraordinary performance of the Everton Reserves on Monday last in winning the West Bromwich Chartity Cupp from almost the full team of the ‘'Throstle'' is worth more than ordinary notice. Owing to the excitement of the time- through injuries and indisposition of the first league team the whole of the second string had to be called upon with one exception-that of Goldie, but so well did they dispute themselves that they honesty deserved to win the trophy. As can well be imagined the Evertonians were overweight, and during the first half altogether outplayed, although then they scored twice, but the splendid defence of Kelso, Storrier and Briggs, kept the home forwards at bay. The latter stages were marked for the confidents, determined and skilful manonuverd of the second stringers, and the best praise thus can be given then was the remark heard more than once. It this is Everton's second team they are almost as good as the first and equally as good as several first division clubs.
On Saturday last the first round of the Lancashire Cup competition came on for settlement, the Everton club having Fleetwood Rangers as opponents. It will be remembered that, according to the draw, this match should have been played at Fleetwood, but the officials of the Rangers club, in response to negotiation from the Everton committee very sensibly agreed to take their almost certain beating at Liverpool, where a much bigger gate could be looked forward to. This proved to be the case, for although a match of the class had little attraction for the majority of football followers a crowd of about 7,000 turned up at Goodison park, a number that must have come quite up to the expectations of the most sanguine of the Everton directors. The game was of a very half hearted and tame description, the Everton men appearing to and stand that they had a very comfortable task on hand, and rarely indeed did they exert themselves much, whilst their opponents, after three goals had been registered against them seemed to lose heart, and played a very dull game until late on in the second half whom Birket, their centre forwards, scored after a fine individual efforts. This success, which was greeted in a well deserved manner, by the spectators gave the Rangers much better opinion of themselves, and for some time they fully held their own, but they were undoubtedly outclassed and, when the end came, Everton were easy winners by four goals to one. There was nothing specially brilliant about the play of the Everton men, who went about their work in a sort of jig jog fashion, but it was pleasing to notice the undoubted return to form of Kelso. He was much quicker on the ball and his kicking was infinitey better on Saturday that it has been of late. Schofield was the pick of this forwards, and is a great acquisition to the clubs reserve. With a little moré weight which to doubt will come with time, for he is very young yet, he should develop into a first class forwards, for he centres beautifully and shots straight and hard. Flewitt, was not up to the mark, and wasted too much time in putting in fancy touches which, needless to state served very little purpose. Hill in the centre for the first few minutes played a good game but as it progressed he fall off considerably and on the whole was not a great success. Latta and Williams were useful, but very slow. The backs and halfbacks played a quiet and safe game, and the same can be said with regard to Hillman. An amusing incident at the game was when the last named player was charged and upset when in the act o9f stepping the shot that scored against Everton by one of the light Rangers forwards. The visitors were clearly outplayed from start to finish, but one or two of their men are worthy of special mention. Fisher and Dunn, the left and centre halves, played a hard and plucky game, and the former came off very well indeed against the Everton right wing pair. The backs Brown and Sellars also were very fair, whilst the goalkeeper Haslam did exceptionally well, and saved several shots splendidly, he having very little chance against the clubs that found their way to the net.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
The Athletic News- January 20, 1896
By the Loiterer
At a meeting of the Liverpool association on Friday evening the draw for the Senior Cup was made, and resulted in Southport Central being drawn against Everton and Chester against Liverpool. Southport Central and Everton will no doubt play at Goodison Park on February 1st. It will be left with the Combination team to settle the pretensions of the “Sand-grounders,” as the seniors will be at Nottingham, where the issue is not so certain. As in the old days of Everton and Bootle, the draw rarely brings out two premier team together until the final, but lest there should be any doubt in the minds of outsiders of the genuineness of the proceedings, the draw was made by the representatives of Chester and Southport.
Everton had a desire for McAvoy, the Darwen half-back, but I understand the club’s terms were rather too high. Many people will wonder what the club wants with another half-back, but I fancy several players in the Combination team will be dispensed with at the end of the season.

AN EASY VICTORY FOR EVERTON
Athletic News- Monday January 20, 1896
By the Loiterer
The Lancashire Cup Competition still retains its attraction amongst the followers of the various clubs, and though the draw occasionally brings together teams that are not evenly matched, I am glad that clubs consider it of sufficient importance to devote a Saturday afternoon to its service. Whether it pays certain clubs or not is another matter about which I don’t trouble my head, but it is evident that Fleetwood Rangers on Saturday had a tidy haul. To my mind this match was an uneven draw, and the Rangers apparently considered they had not much chance, for they had choice of ground, but elected to take their defeat at Goodison Park. They were wise, for the spectators turned up to the number of 6,000, and their share of the spoil will be about £70 clear, which will tone down the defeat of four goals to one. For various reasons, principally injuries and staleness of some of the forwards, the team Everton placed on the field, was hardly up to the standard required by the rules of the Lancashire Association, but was good enough to beat West Brom the Monday previous, and was much too good for Fleetwood. The teams were as follow;-
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Kelso, Boyle, and Storrier, half-backs; Latta, Williams, Hill, Flewitt, and Schofield, forwards.
Fleetwood Rangers;- Haslam, goal; Brown and Sellars, backs; Battall, Dunn, and Fisher, half-backs; Holmes, Cartmell, Birkett, Scott, and Ashcroft, forwards. Referee; Mr. Thomas.
The Everton forwards were soon busy, and after gaining a corner Hill received the ball from Arridge, and running round Sellars scored when the game was only a couple of minutes old. The Rangers for a little while were aggressive and won a corner, but though the ball was kept near the home goal they did not shape very well, and were easily knocked off the ball. The defence of the visitors was not up to the mark either, and from a free kick by Adams the ball went through off one of the Rangers. Soon after Schofield put on the third goal very cleverly, all three being scored within ten minutes. A lot of loose play followed, but at the interval Everton were leading by three goals to none. Immediately after the resumption Storrier gave the ball to Williams, who rushed it through. The visitors next had a look in, and the rest seemed to have done them good, for they were more lively in their play and placed the ball much better. Hillman was hard pressed at times, but came out all right. The game had its humorous side, for three of the Everton men stood still in front of goal while the ball passed them, and Latta from underneath the bar shot high over. As if to get some value for their money the spectators turned their attention to the visitors and cheered every bit of good play on their part, with the result that the game opened out and Birkett cleverly worked the ball up and sent in a splendid shot which scored. They play, however, was mostly at the other end, where Haslam did good work in defence of his goal. Nothing more was scored, Everton winning by four goals to one. The licking was not severe, but this is due more to the indulgence of the home team than to any merit on the part of the visitors. They appeared beaten before the game started, and I dare say the three goals scored early on took a lot out of them. Certainly, they did not infuse any spirit into their efforts, and altogether they lacked the dash which their neighbours Blackpool showed in the same competition last year. Sellers played a good game at back.

LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, January 20, 1895
EVERTON  v  FLEETWOOD RANGERS
So far as Lancashire was concerned, the League competition give way on Saturday to the Lancashire Cup contest, the whole of the chief Palatine club being engaged in opposition to each other. Everton were drawn to appear against the Fleetwood Rangers on the latter’s ground, but the fact that a much better financial result would accrue to them by visiting Liverpool, induced their to take their “gruelling” at Goodison Park. The day was gloriously fine football, the atmosphere being quite genial, and more like a spring afternoon than the middle of January, Boyle won the toss, and Birkett started towards the Park goal. A move by the Everton right was at once checked by Fisher, and from a free kick taken by Storrier the ball was taken over the line. Scrambling play ensued until Boyle checked, and sent forward, Hill at once fastening on the sphere and scoring the first goal for Everton. After a few minutes play Storrier gave a corner, and Cartmell headed in, but Kelso cleared finely. However, the visitors kept up rather a prolonged attack, and Ashcroft sent in from the left. The leather kept bobbing up and down in front of goal in a most tantalising fashion, and at last Cartmell found his opportunity, but put too much power into his shot, the ball finding a safe resting place just behind the net. This determination on the part of the Rangers roused up the Evertonians, who at once made a further incursion. A free kick was conceded Everton near the centre line, and Adams landed the ball right into the goal, the leather rolling past Haslam off one of the Fleetwood backs. It was thus early apparent that the visitors were entirely outclassed, and immediately the ball was again set in motion Everton again took up an aggressive attitude, some beautiful passing being shown, and Schofield scored a third goal with a magnificent shot. The game continued all in Everton’s favour, the Rangers being kept constantly on the defence, Brown and Sellars performing well on several occasions, Latta commenced a sprint on his own account, being well met by Sellars, but a moment later a combined attack by the homesters culminated in Flewitt shooting finely. Haslam answering well in goal. A header from Flewitt was treated in most unceremonious fashion by Haslam, and then the ball was flashed from centre to left, Flewitt passing forward to Scofield, who dropped the ball in front, Hill coming to mother earth as he shot over the crossbar. By way of a welcome change, after about half a dozen players had tried their hands at goal potting, the visitors away finely on the left, and it remained for Birkett to endeavour to lower the Everton colours, but Hillman ran out to the rescue, after which Adams attended to a further onslaught in the liveliest possible manner. The onslaught was kept up for a somewhat lengthened period, Latta ultimately sending in one of his special centres, Schofield missing the goal by a few inches. Just by way of showing that they were capable of attacking as well as defending Fleetwood, by the aid of Dun, Scott, Cartmell, and Birkett, got a footing well within the Everton quarters, the latter sending in a rattling shot, which Hillman playfully intercepted, and then effectually cleared, much to the amusement of the crowd, which at this time numbered some 5,000. At the other end, Kelso made an attempt, the ball just topping the bar, and ere long Williams got one past Haslam, but he was unquestionably offside and of course the point was very properly and promptly disallowed. Arridge returned heavily from the centre line, and “country” play on the part of the visitors’ left wing was rewarded when Birkett came in position, and sent a spanking shot, which Hillman dealt with cleverly. A further raid should have been attended to by Arridge, but for some reason or other he appeared to be slightly at sea, and the ball went unexpectedly from Holmes to Hillman, who nearly made a blot on his copy book. However, this bit sharp play brought the homesters to a proper view of the situation, and they at once bounded down to close quarters, Hill getting at the leather in the goalmouth, and back-kicking over the bar. After a long spell of pressure by the Evertonians the Rangers moved up in attacking order, Nuttall trying a shot from a long range without effect, after which Schofield made a brilliant attempt to beat Haslam, the latter saving splendidly, half-time arriving, the score being 3 to nil in Everton’s favour.
Hill restarted in the presence of about 7,000 spectators. A futile visit was quickly paid by Everton, and this was smartly returned by the visitors, Hillman picking up a shot from Birkett. The homesters then went to work with some purpose, rushing to close quarters, Storrier putting the ball in, and Williams brushing it through about a couple of minutes after changing ends. The teams now went to work with some vigour if there was not so very much method in their way of business. However, Kelso at last put his side on good terms with themselves, and soon after this they moved up in decent attacking order, Hill coming in at the finish, and sending in a magnificent shot, which was splendidly attended to by the Fleetwood goalkeeper, who was heartily cheered for his performance. Kelso then tried his hand at his opponents’ goal, but his shot was too high. The onslaught by Everton was hot and strong and shots literally rained upon Haslam, who performed brilliantly in goal, repulsing the invaders time after time. A change then came over the scene, and a combined rush on the part of the Rangers, initiated by Dunn, resulted in a corner to the visitors. Hillman keeping out a magnificent shot when surrounded by a host of opponents. The visitors were not destined to remain in the home quarters long, a combined movement resulting in a further attack on the Fleetwood goal, a good attempt coming from Latta, who, with a fine shot, was about a yard from the desired mark. The visitors soon afterwards got up, but there was little method in their mode of attack, and only a corner was gained. The Fleetwood attackers by this time seemed played out, the whole of the pressure being on the part of Everton, but though innumerable attempts were made no further score was added, notwithstanding excellent work on the part of Kelso, Boyle and Hill, who were within a few inches of the net with their attempts. Great credit is due to Haslam, brown, and Sellars, who, during many trying periods, performed excellently and had it not been for the vigilance of this trio the Everton score would doubtless have been something prodigious. At length Fleetwood made a sudden burst, the forwards combining well, and Scott shot in, Hillman being bundled through whilst in the act of clearing, and the ball rolling into the net. This success and the manner in which it was obtained was hugely relished by the crowd, who lustily cheered the plucky Rangers, who now played up with redoubled energy, their praiseworthy efforts to reduce the margin against them receiving the hearty approbation of the onlookers, who never failed to recognise any good points displayed by them. Everton, however, were not long in again making their presence felt. Hill received from the left, and raced right through, but his final effort was of the tamest description for he put no life into his shot, and went tumbling head over heels into the net as Haslam gathered the ball up and threw out. The closing stages proved very interesting, Fleetwood showing that they were not by any means to be despised, though it was apparent throughout that they were outclassed, and the final result was a win for Everton by 4 gaols to 1.  Teams;-
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Kelso, Boyle, and Storrier, half-backs; Latta, Williams, Hill, Flewitt, and Schofield, forwards.
Fleetwood Rangers;- Haslam, goal; Sellars and Brown, backs; Fisher, Dunn, and Nuttall, half-backs; Ashcroft, Scott, Birkett, Cartmell, and Holmes, forwards.

EVERTON F.C.
Sporting Life- Saturday 25 January 1896
Everton F.C have made an application to the Sheppey United F.C for the trainer of Arthur Rule, the popular centre forward of the Sheerness team. The committee of the Sheppey Club were called together at an emergency meeting at Sheerness, on Wednesday evening to meet Mr. Molyneux, who made overtures on behalf of the Everton executive. The Sheppey committee passed a resolution that no offer for the transfer of A. Rule be entertained, and their decision has given general satisfaction to the supporters of the club. Everton recently secured the League transfer of Rule from Woolwich Arsenal F.C.

PRESTON NORTH END 1 EVERTON 1
January 27 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
The first of the season's League engagements between these clubs was played at Deepdale on Saturday last, and the fixture always a popular one brought together the largest crowd so far this season on the North End ground. Quite a couple of thousand availed themselves of the excursion arrangements from Liverpool, and when the teams appeared on the field there would be quite 12,000 spectators present. Both sides were full represented, and were as follows: - Everton: - Hillman, goal Adams and Arrdiges, backs, Boyle (captain), Holt and Stewart, halfbacks, Bell, McInnes, Cameron Chadwick, and Milward forwards. Preston North End: - Joy, goal, Holmes, and Tait, backs, Sharp, Sanders, and Orr, halfbacks, Smith (t), Blyth, Stevenson, Cunningham and Henderson, forwards. North End had the better of the opening exchanges, and before the game was many minutes old a fine opening was made for Stevenson, when Holt chipped in the put his left wing in possession. Some fine passing between three players was eventually checked by Sharp but returning again Holmes defended magnificently has tackling and clean kicking being particularly fine. Sanders at tended well to Cameron, and after placing the ball to Stevenson that player made off and parted to Cunningham who sent in a shot that appeared to be out of Hillman's reach, but the custodian spring out and saved when at full length. Bell, who ran brilliantly down the wing and finished up with a fine centre that Holmes was lucky to meet, contributed the next item. At the other end a miskick by Arridge looked ominous, but fortunately for Everton, Stevenson was ruled off side. During the next few minutes the Everton goalkeeper was several times called upon, and got through his work splendidly one save-a header by Blyth-being exceptionally clever. The Everton forwards were not in their usually combined mood, and rearely got away, in a dangerous stride, so effective was the halfbacks play of the north Enders. T.Smith got away in his characteristic sprinting fashion and Stewart was penalised for pulling him up unfairly while Hillman was immediately called upon. A good clearance was effected, and then Cameron and Chadwick made the running, the former finishing up, with a fine shot at Joy, who had not previously handled the ball. A heavy pressure followed this on the home goal, and shots were sent in from McInnes, Chadwick, and Bell, but none found the mark. Following a lengthy period, during which Holmes and Tait showed excellent defence a spell in midfield play ensuded, when Henderson got round Adams, and screwing across gave Smith a fine chance to score, but Arridge kicked over the line. Nothing came of the corner kick, though a moment later, the visiting defenders were again in straits, and Hillman who tested by Smith and Orr, both being fine shots which, were cleverly kept out. At the interval nothing had been scored, and on resuming some dashing play by Holt put the Everton van well ahead. A corner was forced off Sharp, but immediately Everton centre half handled the ball, when a clear course appeared open, and from the free kick Henderson and Cunningham raced clean away, the latter player finished up with a clever shot, which Adams was lucky in charging down, Cameron got away after a series of free kicks, and in conjunction with bell and Mcinnes looked like forcing an opening, when the Queen's Park man passed out to the left pair, who were offside. A few minutes later Sanders misjudged his kick, and in a trice Bell drove low to Chadwick, who had no difficulty in scoring, play having been in progess 15 minutes from the resumption. Getting to work again, Bell looked like increasing the lead, as he sent in a clinking shot, which was only a trifle wide of the mark. Holt was penalised about 20 yards from goal, and after Hillman had partially cleared, the ball was rushed through thus equalising matters. The pace, which, despite the heavy ground, had all through been fast increased considerably, and spurred on by the crowd, neither side gave quarter. Adams was playing a fine game, but eventually Stevenson forged ahead and sent in a hot shot, which Hillman again kept out by throwing himself full length in the mud. At the other end, Bell drove hard in, and joy melted the ball, but regained it at the second attempt, when it was on the line, and threw clear, an appeal by the Evertonians for a goal not being entertained by the referee. Up to the finish the play was carried on in sprinted fashion, but further scoring was not forthcoming, and a grand game ended in a draw of one goal each.

EVERTON RESERVES 8 EAST STIRLINGSHIRE 0
January 27 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
Played at Goodison Park, before a fair attentance. Everton started the game, and after a spell of even play, Reay drove the ball into the net, but the point was disallowed. After repeated attempts to lower the Scotch goal, Schofield eventually succeeded, and after a visit to Briggs charge, Reay added a second. Following this point the Evertonians had most of the play. Meiklejohn and Hartley scoring before the change of ends. The second half was altogether in favour of the Combination team, and Hartley, Flewitt twice and Schofield registered four other goals. Everton eventually winning by 8 goals to nil. Everton: - Briggs, goal, Cook, and Storrier, backs, Kelso latta, and Meiklejohn, halfbacks, Reay, Williams, Hartley, Flewitt, and Mainman.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 27 1896. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton team journeyed to Preston on Saturday last with high hopes of repeating their performance of last season when, after a hard fought game, they justed emerged victorious. In view of the close race for the League champions an honour which, in spite of their failure to beat Bury a fortnight ago, the Everton club did not consider out of their grasp, the team have been putting in a little extra cxercise and are in every way striving to keep themselves up to concert pitch. Cameron whilst playing for Queen's Park last week in their Scottish cup tie, unfortunately received a kick from which he had not completely recovered on Saturday, and which, had at unmistakable effect on his speed and general effectiveness. A hugh train left the Exchange Station crammed with Everton followers, whilst excursions were run from various other quarters the result being that the Preston club obtained their biggest gate so far this season. The game was a fast and exciting one all through, and the evenness of the play is very fairly demonstrated the score of one goal each. The combination of Everton front rank, although not nearly so billiant as some of their displays of late, was superior to that of their opponents who for the most part indulged in long passing out to the wing men. Henderson, the outside left undoubtedly their smartest forward, being very assiduously attended to. The North End halfbacks played a very fine game, and death satisfactorily with most of the efforts of the Everton forwards. The Everton halfbacks line although not quite up to form in the early stages. Improved immensely as the game went on and on the second half were very effective. Their passing to the forwards was very judiciously worked out and occasionally, chiefly the initiative of Holt they adopted the half back passing game with success, tactics which, it will be remembered, helped in a great measure to the defeat of Scotland by the English team last season. The halfbacks play of both teams was very good, and the forwards were almost invariably kept outside dangerous shooting distance. The North End front line were, on the whole, able to get in more decent shots than were their opponents, but on the play all though each team fully dersered the one point obtained. Of the Everton forwards, Bell was certainly the best. Whenever he got the ball- an occurrence which unfortunately for the club, did not happened often enough-it spell danger for North End. He was in fine sprinting form, and shot with great precision and in the second half he had distinct ill luck in not scoring at least once from the splendid attempts he made. One in particular a beautiful low shot, was too hot for Joy to hold, and it scewed out of his hands, and almost found its way into the net. The Evertonians appealed strongly for a goal in this instance, but it was not sustained, as the whole ball had not passed over the line, although it was a very near thing for North End. McInnes was not up to form, and it is no doubt owing to this that his partner did not get the ball often enough. The little inside right does not yet seem to have quite recovered from the knocking about he received at the Celtic match at the New Year, but it is to be hoped that he will soon recover himself, for when up to the mark there is no more useful man on the field. Cameron as already stated, was a little lame, and was not consequently able to get in so many of those beautiful clean passes for which, he is distinguished. Chadwick was as useful usual and at times not in exceptional fine work. He scored Everton's only goal, but his partner Milward was not up to his usual standard of excellent though it should be stated that he was rather unfairly treated with regard of the offside rule. Boyle was back in his old position at right half, and although he did not shine at first, he improved and in the second half played a very fine game. The team did not then anything by the inclusion of Holt, as might have been expected, and he still appear to have the facility of coming up unexpectedly just when he is wanted. He was very unfairly treated by the North End centre forward, who appeared to have a special mission to look after him. A mission he endeavored to carry out either by fair means of foul. Had the referee diverted some of the attention he was bestowing unnecessary on imaginary infringements of the offside rule to the gentleman's tactics the game would have been a more pleasant one to witness. Stewart played a sound game all though, and it is pleaure to ace him back again, in the ranks. Arridge was not quite as successful as in late games, although he was generally equal to the call made upon him, but Adams on the other hand played one of his best games, and did not know when he was beaten. Hillman's display in goal was magnificent, and his brilliant play all through the season ougly certainly to gain him his international cap. Some of his saves were marvellous and called forth the loudest plaudits of the spectators. Of the North Enders forwards Henderson the outside left, was undoubtedly the best. He is pretty fast, and lies well up the field so that when the ball comes his way, he is usually a dangerous customer to deal with. Cunningham was a very able partner, and occasionally got in fine shots. Stevenson did not shine especially except as already mentioned, by his attention to Holt; The right wings pair, T.Smith and Blyth were not so prominent as the left wing, though they got in much useful work. The halfbacks Sharp Sanders, and Orr were undoubtedly the backbone of the team, and it would be hard on Saturday's play, to find a much better trio anywhere. Sanders especially play a very fine game. Holmes was in magnificent form, and was seldom beaten. His kicking was superb, and time seems to have no effect on the veteran international. Tait was quite equal to any efforts from McInnes, but he could never get the proper measure of Bell, and joy, in goal did all he had to do in a very satisfactory manner, but he does not always clear very well.

THE LIVERPOOL DISTRICT NEWS
The Athletic New -Monday January 27, 1896
By the Loiterer
Everton are not in luck’s way at present. To many the granting of that penalty kick at Bury was hardly justified, and now the supporters of the club are sore at losing a point at Preston. Of course I cannot speak definitely on either case, simply because I saw neither; but I have great faith in Mr. Lewis’s ability and every regard for his impartiality. I would rather think the team just now are not in luck’s way, and are having to fight for all they get. Clubs do experience this sometimes, and find a great difficulty in persuading the referee to take the same view of matters as they do, because probably he was not in so good a position to judge as the players concerned in the matter. So we shall have to put up with it as well as we can though all the points we can scrape together will be wanted if the League Cup is coming this way.
West Bromwich Albion and Everton have always been on good terms, and I have heard a rumour of an alliance being formed between the two clubs. It seems to be fashionable at the present time and under all circumstances to form alliance. We hear of them being entered into all over the world, and I think something of the sort existed between several clubs at the back end of last season. To come to the point, I believe Everton are disposed to lend the “Throstles” a back and a forward to assist them in getting out of the test matches. With such an abundance of talent at their disposal the Everton club can do this without weakening their first team in the least. If any argument is wanted to substantiate this I would refer my readers to the result of the match between Everton Combination team and East Sterlingshire, which Everton won by eight goals to nothing so recently as Saturday last.

“ONE ALL” AT DEEPDALE
The Athletic News- Monday January 27, 1896
By Censon
The gallant struggles which North End made with Sunderland and Aston Villa were last week overshadowed by the disaster which the Lancashire Cup holders met with at Manchester, and there were not wanting those who were ready to prophesy that Everton had only to come to Deepdale to see and to conquer. But this confident feeling was not shared in by the Liverpool club. They were not to be caught napping, for they were aware that they would not have all their own way, and they accordingly prepared for their first match this season with North End by getting together their strongest available team. North End did likewise, and depended on the same team as defeated Sunderland. There was a large attendance, though the weather was somewhat threatening, some 10,000 spectators lining the enclosure, among whom there were many from Liverpool. There had up to noon been about 24 hours’ rain, so that it was not surprising that the ground was heavy, though there were none of the lakes-large and small- which at one time were very prominent on the Preston ground after rain. The sides were;-
North End;- Joy, goal; Holmes and Tait, backs; Sharpe, Sanders, and Orr, half-backs; Tom Smith, Blythe, Stevenson, Cunningham, and Henderson, forwards.
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Boyle, Holt and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.  Referee; Mr. T. Armitt, Leek.
The game started at a sensational pace considering the condition of the ground. The visitors were playing down-hill, and for a considerable time had to act on the defensive. There was no denying that the home forwards meant business. Time after time they made their way through the Everton half-back line and gave a lot of anxiety to Hillman, who had not by any means a sinecure. As time wore on the Everton men appeared to settle down to their work better, but it was fully half an hour before they were able to call upon Joy. They appeared to reply a great deal on their left wing, and neither Milward nor Chadwick was slow to take advantage of any opportunity that offered. Henderson, on the home left, gave at least two rare chances to his opposite wing by dropping the ball very near to Hillman, but on each occasion the Cumberland man was for some reason or other unable to rise to the occasion. Thus the interval arrived without either side having scored. Twelve minutes had elapsed in the second half before the first goal of the game was recorded. A mistake by Sanders enabled the visitors to get in front of Joy, where Chadwick had not much difficulty in scoring. Only for five minutes, however, were Everton allowed to plume themselves on having a lead, for at the end of that time, from a free kick, the Deepdalians were able to equalise. For some time after this the Preston men, who were greatly encouraged by their supporters, attacked with great spirit, and Hillman had more than one anxious moment. Once he had to throw himself full length to save the ball from reaching the net. The home half-backs were very ubiquitous. They would not let the Everton front rank combine, but the latter, for all that, came very near scoring the winning goal, when joy fumbled with a low shot, and nearly took the breath of some North Enders by allowing the ball to slip through his hands. He  was lucky in grasping it before it passed over the line and getting it away. An amusing phase of this incident was that the Everton forwards (all but Milward) contented themselves with looking on. The conditions of the ground told severely on some of the players, and I don’t suppose any of them were sorry when Mr. Armitt’s whistle signalled the conclusion of a very stubborn struggle. Fickle fortune would not lend her smile to either side, and the clubs had to be content with a division of honours. North End undoubtedly had more of the attack than their opponents, but looking at the game impartially few will deny that a draw best represents the game in all its aspects. There was a striking between the methods of the two sets of forwards. The visiting front rank showed us at times some capital passing, but their combination could not withstand the dogged determination of the home half-backs and backs. On the other side the forwards would break away in almost irresistible rushes, which the Everton defenders found to be very difficult to cope with. Stevenson did far better than I anticipated he would against the indomitable Holt, and both Blythe and Tom Smith gave Stewart and Arridge a lot of anxiety. The right couple have yet to learn to combine and until they do they will be handicapped. The left were the best wing, and Henderson was the most effective forward; in fact, it was from this side that most of the danger came. Sharpe, Sanders and Orr, at half back, have a great capacity for work. They dogged the footsteps of the Evertonians most persistently, and sent in some dangerous shots at goal. Both Holmes and Tait were at their best, and they left little to be desired in the way of defence. Tait has made the best use of his opportunities, and in judgement and general play can hold his own with most of the full backs in the League, Joy acquitted himself smartly, except for the one little slip which might have led to a catastrophe. He had not half so much work as Hillman, who was ready for all sorts of shots, and was only beaten in a scrummage. Nothing could have been finer than the defence of Everton, and they were fully tested by their determined opponents. Under all circumstances Arridge and Adams acquitted themselves creditably, while the play of Stewart, Holt and Boyle was first-class. The ex-North Ender is always a favourite at Deepdale and Holt was found to be as effective as ever, but he had not all his own way by any means. Milward and Chadwick had always to be reckoned with, but why should they so frequently forget the off-side rule? Bell was always ready for an opportunity on the other wing, but his partner McInnes was disappointing. Cameron was a fair centre, wanting a little in “go.” The game, let me add, was contested in a thoroughly good-tempered spirit, as all such games between such clubs ought to be.

EVERTON v PRESTON NORTH END
The Liverpool Daily Post -Monday, January 27, 1896
Everton met North End at Deepdale on Saturday for the first time this season. The weather when Everton left Liverpool was of the most miserable description and when Preston was reached the atmospheric conditions were not improved, rain having fallen more or less all night and during the morning. This had a detrimental effect upon the playing portion, and though the ground did not appear so bad generally it was apparent that it was upon the soft side, particularly close to both goals. For the first time for many weeks Everton played what it recognised as their strongest League eleven, Holt again appearing this being his second assay in an important game since his accident at Nottingham in October. The attendance was not by any means so large as would have been the case had the weather been more propitious. Still there would be quite 10,000 present at the start. Everton lost the toss, and Cameron started punctually to time, the opening stages being contested in neutral ground. A free kick was then granted to the visitors and Adams landing the ball well up Chadwick supplemented this by a judicious pass to his partner, who again returned the leather to the inside man, Chadwick shooting about a foot over the crossbar. After Stewart had made a futile attempt, Holmes placed his forwards in possession, Smith and Blyth getting away beautifully, but Holt came to the rescue of his side, and caused hostilities to be again contested in Preston’s ground. North End, however, were in an aggressive mood, and they again assailed the visitors’ goal, Arridge twice repulsing the home right wing. Keeping up the pressure, Cunningham forced a corner, but Adams relieved, and a tricky movement on the part of Chadwick resulted in Everton assuming the upper hand. Smart work by Cameron gave the visiting left a good opening, but the fine defence of Homes prevented any score. Everton then made a determined raid, and it required great vigilance on the part of the Preston backs to save their charge. North End for several minutes had much the best of the argument, and after a brief breakaway by Everton they again returned to the attack, Blyth making a good but unsuccessful attempt to beat Hillman. Notwithstanding the fact that the ground was in a fearfully heavy condition, good work was shown by both sides of the forwards, North End displaying slightly inferior tactics. At length Chadwick was given a fine opening, but his attempt was frustrated by Holmes, who again placed North End in an aggressive attitude. There was no mistaking the determination of the Prestonians, who, as the result of a spirited attack forced Hillman to give a corner, Cunningham shooting in with great vigour, and Hillman saving in magnificent style. For a time play was contested in neutral territory, and then a free kick against Holt gave North End an undeniable chance. Boyle made a partial clearance, and then Arridge supplemented this with a powerful kick which planted the ball well within the home quarters. A free kick to either side followed, and then Tait landed the ball close on the visitors’ goal, where Arridge by a miskick let in the home right wing, fortunately for Everton, however, Stevenson was declared off-side when he had no one but Hillman in front of him. Hands against Stewart placed the Everton goal in jeopardy, Sanders placing the ball so well for Blyth, that Hillman had to put forth herculean efforts to prevent the downfall of his charge. A second later the visiting custodian saved a shot from Stevenson, Adams, further improving the position of his side. Bell then took up a very smart run and centred splendidly, but unfortunately no one was up in time to take advantage of his pass. Good work by Boyle led up to an attack on the North End goal, and from a free kick, which was well placed, Bell almost scored. A smart passage-at-arms then ensued between Stewart and Smith, the North Ender coming off best, and a free kick against the Evertonian nearly ended disastrously for his side. fortunately, however, Hillman, who was on the qui vive, cleared Stevenson’s shot in magnificent style. A couple of shots were then sent in to the Preston goalkeeper, one by Cameron being particularly fine; and a moment later Milward was pulled up for off-side when in a splendid position. Ball then dashed away at top speed, eluding Orr in splendid style, and finishing up a brilliant run with a grand shot, which drew out the energies of Joy to the full, in his efforts to clear. There was now no mistaking the determination of the Everton men, who fairly swarmed round the home goal, Chadwick on two occasions calling forth the plaudits of the crowd by his excellent attempts to lower Joy’s colours. A few moments later the same player made another splendid attempt from a long range, the ball just travelling over the cross-bar. The visitors left wing then indulged in some exceedingly pretty and effective passing, Chadwick and Milward exchanging the ball while they took it from one end of the field to the other, and just as the latter looked all over a scorer Holmes dashed in and saved an almost certain goal. Excellent work by Arridge led up to a further attack on the Preston goal, Milward and Chadwick eluding the home half-backs, but before they could get into shooting position Holmes once more came on the scene and frustrated their endeavours to score. After North End had taken an abortive corner, Everton assumed an aggressive attitude, Cameron forcing a corner. This was beautifully placed, and how Joy’s goal escaped capture was a mystery, several of the Everton forwards having chances of piloting the ball into the net, but each failed in the effort. In a twinkling, however play was taken to the other end, where Hillman had warm time of it, several hot shots being sent in to him, but luckily for Everton, the giant was in great form, and he kept out innumerable shots in his own inimitable style. When half-time arrived neither side had scored. When the teams reappeared the weather was not of the brightest, a thick have overhanging the ground. Stevenson re-started, Everton at close becoming aggressive. Holt made a good though ineffectual effort to break down the home defence. A corner then ensued to Everton, but this proved abortive. Holmes served up to his forwards, Smith dashing along at a terrific rate, and centring grandly, but Blyth shot high over when he had practically an open goal. Milward was injured, but though he played on he limped as though in great pain. Soon afterwards Holt missed his kick, and let in the home men, but luckily no harm was done, and Everton were soon again busily attacking and made repeated attempts. Some smart exchanges among the home front rank then ensued and after Joy had saved a splendid shot from Bell, Chadwick received the ball from Cameron, and scored the first goal for Everton amidst the loud plaudits of the crowd of Evertonians assembled. This success naturally placed Everton on good terms with themselves, and Bell was very near adding a second point a couple of minutes later. North End equalised from a scrimmage following a free kick. In the last ten minutes Everton strenuously attacked and Bell shot in magnificently to Joy, who dropped the ball, which appeared to pass over the line into the net. The Evertonians at once unanimously claimed for a goal, but Mr. Armitt, the referee, ruled that the ball had not passed through, and that it was no goal, the game thus ending in a draw. Teams;-
Everton; Hillman, goal; Adams and Arridge, backs; Boyle, Holt, and Stewart, half-backs; Bell, McInnes, Cameron, Chadwick, and Milward, forwards.
North End;- Joy, goal; Holmes and Tate, backs; Sharp, Sanders, and Orr, half-backs; Smith, Blyth, Stephenson, Cunningham, and Henderson, forwards.