OSWESTRY 1 EVERTON RESERVES 4
February 3 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
At Oswestry yesterday. The opening exchanges were fairly even. The first goal fell to Oswestry, Kitchen putting the ball through his own goal off a shot by Gooderich. Then Stringfellow scored for Everton. clarke adding the second and Bright a third, when ends were changed Everton led by 3 goals to 1. In the second half the home team held their own for half an hour, and then gee beat Davies with a grand shot. Nothing further was done, and the final score Everton 4 goals Oswentry 1.
OSWESTREY V EVERTON RESERVES.
February 4, 1899. Wrexham Advertiser.
These teams meeting on Thursday in their combination match, the first match being put off on account of bad weather. Oswestry were the first to score, the visitors goalkeeper adding the first goal for Oswestry. At half-time the game stood, Everton three, Oswestry one. In the second half the game was very evenly contested, Everton, however, scoring one more point the game ending in favour of Everton by four goals to one. The referee was Mr. R. Davies, Wrexham.
EVERTON RESERVES 3 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 2
February 6 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park. Oldham started for Everton against a blinding snowstorm. North End pressed heavily from the start. But Kitchen played finely in the Everton goal. The game was afterwards even, but just before the intervals Hargreaves scored, Preston leading at the interval by a goal to nil. When play was resumed snow had almost ceased. Oldham equalised and afterwards gave Everton the lead. Preston scored from a foul. Clarke scored for Everton, won by 3 goals to 2.
EVERTON REVIEW
February 6 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton team, who, in view of the Cup-Tie against Notts Forest, had been training at Lytham, made the journay to Bolton on Saturday to play the return League match of the season. An inspection of the ground determined the Everton directors to protest, as there were numerous ice bound, hollows about the ground that would tend to make play a dangerous experiment. On communicating their views to Referee Lewis, he was also of that opinion, but added that if both sides were willing to proceed with the game he would carry out his usual duties. The Wanderers were earger to play, but the Evertonians were not prepared to run any risks in view of their serious engagement on Saturday next, and shortly after the advertised time for commencing operations the fixture was declared to be postponed. There was not a great attendance, but those present left the ground with great reluctance. The Everton team left Bolton early in the evening for their training quarters and by Saturday next they should turn out in the best possible conditions, and make a bold bid for entrance into the third round of the competition for the English Cup.
EVERTON 0 NOTTS FOREST 1 (Fac Game 36)
February 13 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
Saturday was an ideal day for the pursuit of outdoor pastime, and it was not surprising to find a crowd of 23,000 at the headquarters of the Everton club, despite the attraction at Anfield. A goodly proportion hailed from the lace capital and made themselves heard in unmistakable fashion during the progress of the game. Several changes were decided upon by Everton directors, and resulted in a complete rearrangement of the front line, while at halfback Taylor and Boyle exchanged position. The Forest brought down a strong side, and at three o'clock the teams faced as follows: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer, and Molyneux, backs, Wolstenholmes, Boyle and Taylor (captain) halfbacks, Kirwan Proudfoot, Bell, Chadwick, and Gee, forwards. Notts Forest: - Allsop, goal, Scott and Iremonger backs, Norris McPherson, and Frank Forman, halfbacks, Bradshaw, Capes, Benbow, Morris Fred Forman forwards. Benbow commenced the game, when some fine placing by Taylor to his forwards gave the home side an opportunity of scoring in the first couple of minutes. On two occasions the ball was driven wide, and then the Forest right wing broke away, Bradshaw eventually being pulled up when nearing Muir on an appeal for offside. Again Everton took up a good position, and following several attempts Chadwick shot over the bar, and immediately afterwards another from Bell passed slightly wide of the mark. Meanwhile Scott and Iremonger had defended in capital fashion, and from a long clearance, Bradshaw put in a beauty at Muir, which was only got away at the expense of a corner. The Forest left was then in evidence, and benbow made further progress, which lead up to another corner kick that caused the Everton defence much axiiety. Eventually pressure was relieved on appeal for offside, and from the free kick the Everton forwards were in possession, a fine movement ending in Bell shaving the upright with a beautiful shot. Immediately following Kirwan put in a fine centre, which was allow to pass unheeded, and for some time afterwards the Forest levelled a strong pressure on Muir's charge. On one occasion the custodian had to run out to clear, and before he could recover, Morris had a clear opening, but shot badly. At the other end Chadwick had a splendid opening, but stumbled and on Iremonger easing further pressure. Boyle sent in a splendid shot that required Allsop best efforts to deal with. Forman and Morris again made headway, but Molyneux held them well in check, and the next item of any moment was a fine long drive by Balmer, which the custodian only cleared at the expense of a corner. After a spell of even play, a shot from Chadwick struck the bar, and Allsop later kept out a header from Taylor. At the interval there was no score, and on resuming Gee and Kirwan exchanged position. For a little time the change worked well. However, the visiting halves gradually got the upper hand of the Everton forwards, and keeping their own van well employed the home citadel was often in danger of being captured. Forman was the most aggressive forward. A rush to the other end resulted in a miraculous escape by the Forest. Allsop stumbled, as also did his backs. In attempting to clear a dangerous centre from the left wing and on the ball going to Gee that player also lost his footing when the slightest touch was only required to effect a score. This ill luck appeared to thoroughly disconcert, the home players, who were quickly driven back to their lines but rallying they made another bold bid, only to find their opponents this time in a very determined mood. From a strong clearance Benbow put the ball out to Forman, who evading both Wolstenholmes and Balmer dribbled close in, and shot a difficult angle the ball glancing off Muir into the corner of the net. Immediately afterwards Morris struck the upright and on Boyle clearing Chadwick tested Allsop to no purpose. Everton them put on great pressure without success, although favored with several corners kicks. At the other end, Muir saved splendidly from McPherson, and as time was drawing to a close the visitors did not hesitate to kick out, and resort to other methods to eke out time, which on one occasion called for remonstrance from the referee. Nothing further was scored, and the Forest won a hard game by a goal to nil.
EVERTON REVIEW
February 13 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
In Cup-tie contests, most attention was directed towards Goodison Park, where the holders and Everton were expected to crown their previous best efforts and give a capital exposition of the game. As a matter of fact, however the players of a very ordinary character, and no doubt this was partially brought about by a peculiar complication of affairs. To begin with the drastic changes that had been decided upon by the Everton managers were viewed with not a few misgiving for the nature of the contest scarcely warranted to many minds, the adoption of so dangerous an experiment. Then again we are informed that the Forest team had almost to a man been indisposed, the result of having partaken of some tainted food, so that when these matters are taken into consideration, the only moderate display that resulted can readily be accounted for. At the outset it must be admitted that the Forest were the superior team, and fully deserved victory, but at the same time it cannot be denied that their opponents had several chances offered them that might easily have turned the balance in their favour. One opportunity to open the account was missed in most tantalising at the time when the Forest custodian and the backs had stumbled, leaving a clear opening for Gee, who had he retained his foothold could not have failed to put the ball into the net. This though an exceptionally narrow escapes, was not the only one that favored the visiting side, but still they were the better balanced team, distributed the play more uniformly, keeping the ball low, when playing against the wind, and none could honestly begrudge them their right to enter the third round. It was only at rare intervals that the Everton forwards displayed anything approaching safe command of the ball, and many of their chances that were allowed to go begging were not altogether the result of any brilliant effort on their part. The wingman did little towards adding to their reputation, but possibly in one instance non-success was the result of the experiment that was embarked upon. Why Chadwick and Kirwan should have been separated one is at a loss to the understand after the fairly successful run the pair have enjoyed in late engagement, and why Gee should have been included is also a matter that occasion no small surprise. If the line that did duty on Saturday is the best that the executive in their judgement have at command, them it is time for them to cast about for players of experience. In critical contests the old hand invariably is an invaluable servant and the few that remain in the Everton ranks exemplified this to the full. The defections is not entirely confined to the forward rank for the half back line-the key of the game-has deteriorated in late matches where prospects of honours were held out. The services of Robertson and Holt have been severely missed and there can be no question that the vanguard has suffered from the transference of Taylor to halfback. A good outside right was wanted on Saturday, and had the position being ably filled there might have been quite a different complexion put on the game. Chadwick was the only forward to do himself justice, and at halfback while Taylor worked untiring and was generally successful. Boyle was often prominent and Wolstenholmes did well against the Forest left wing. Still the trio as a body reached a fair standard, but this was possibly due to failure of the forwards to retain possession for any lengthily period, thus throwing heavy work on those immediately behind them. Balmer was erratic at times very much so, as valuable time was lost by faulty kicking over the touch line and he certainly should have pulled Forman up before getting within range of Muir. Molyneux played a fine gentlemanly game, and was never short of resources while Muir kept out many deadly shots, and it was unfortunate that he assisted the Forest outside left in finding the net. The victors had a bold defence, and the superior weight of the men in the rearguard generally was in no small degree an important factor on their side. It was at halfback where they excelled most and the fine work of Forman in this division was always prominent. The forwards were a well-balanced lot, kept well employed by Benbow and when once on the ball their sharp, clever passing low down was greatly admired. Bradshaw on the outside right lost a couple of chances, but he made amends by some capital centres, and on the whole line gave a good account of themselves. The attendances reached 23,000, and the receipts were £665.
CORINTHIANS 0 EVERTON 1
February 20 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton team made the journey to the Metropolis on Friday in order to bring about their return engagement with the famous Corinthians tea. Unfortunately neither team was at its fullest strength, some changes being made in the ranks of the Corinthians, but still a good side took the field and a capital game resulted. A little later the advertised time for commencing operations, when there would be about 4,000 spectators, the team took up their positions as follows: - Everton: - Muir goal, Eccles, and Moyneux, backs, Boyle (captain) Stringfellow, and Blyth, halfbacks, Schofield, Proudfoot, Crompton, Chadwick, and Kirwan forwards. Corinthians: - Moon (WE) goal, Fry (CB) and Oakley (WJ), backs, Bliss (EC), Wrelford-Brown (OE) and Hornby (R), halfbacks, Day (M), Wright (RE), Wilson (GP), Stanbrough (W), and Corinthians (A) forwards. The weather was favorable for a capital display, but the opening stages were rather uneventful, and on the whole the sides did not appear to over exert themselves. Eventually the amateurs drew out, and for some time raided the Everton defence, which had a tredency to enliven matters up considerably. Though the Corinthians had just a little the better of matters as this period they could not find an opening, for Muir was in grand form, and after some little time Moon was afforded an opportunity's of showing his ability between the upright. Chadwick shot in hard ability between the uprights. Chadwick shot in hard, only to find the keeper in readiness but after close upon half an hour from the start Proudfoot took the lead from a centre from the left wing. After this reverse the amateurs bore well down, and in quick succession Muir had trice to clear one shot from Wilson being a particularly clever effort to equalise. However, nothing further was scored up to the interval, when Everton had retained their lead of 1 goal to none. On resuming the pace became brisker and there was little indeed between the teams in point of superiority. Neither custodian was severely tested and during one attack on the Corinthians defence. Fry was unfortunately kicked on the elbow, but resumed play after a few minutes absence. Matters looked like finishing up with a different result than was at one time anticipated for the Corinthians fairly let themselves loose towards the close, and peppered at Muir's charge with the greatest precision. Wright sent in a shot that troubled the keeper, but it was eventually got away while Wilson followed with another that struck the crossbar and passed over. Several corners followed but to no purpose and a capital game was brought to a close in favour of Everton by 1 goal to nil.
EVERTON RESERVES 4 WREXHAM 0
No details. Everton: - Kitchean, goal, Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholmes, Turner, and Hughes halfbacks, Clarke, Bright, Oldham, Barlow, and Gee forwards.
BOLTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 4 (Game 297)
February 27 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The postponed League fixture between these clubs played at Bolton on Saturday last, before about 6,000 spectators. Everton played Taylor among the forwards, thus finding a place for Blythe at left half, and Eccles filled Balmer's position in the home team. At three o'clock the sides faced as follows : - Everton: - Muir goal, Eccles, and Molyneux, backs, Wostenholmes, Boyle and Blythe, halfbacks, Taylor (captain), Proudfoot, Oldham, Chadwick, and Kirwan forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Sutcliffe, goal, Somerville, and Lockhart, backs, Davies, Freebairn, and Gilligan (w) halfbacks, Nicol, McKay, Morgan, Barlow, and Jack, forwards. At the commencement the home forwards were the first to attack, and Muir had a narrow escape from a fine centre by Jack, but pulling themselves together the Eevertonians led on by Oldham, caused some trouble to the home defenders. Lockhart sent them back, and on the ball travelling to Jack, that player sent in a magnificent shot, which Muir cleverly dealt with. Returning again Sutcliffe was called upon, and after saving luckily, was beaten by Oldham took a pass from Taylor. This success came after 18 minutes play. The Wanderers left were again busy, but little assistance was forthcoming from the right wing, and generally the halfbacks easily accounted for movements in the direction of the Everton goal. Nicol however, had a clear chance but shot wildly, and at the other end, Proudfoot was also at fault. Eventually Mogan was in possession, and racing so close quarters, was challenged by Muir, but the ball came to Barlow, who had no difficulty in placing his side on level terms. Play became more spirited after this, but nothing further was score upto the interval, when the score was one goal each. Play was fairly interesting after the restart, but neither custodian was troubled. The Bolton left wing was again prominent and a splendid effort from Barlow resulted in giving his side the lead, Muir having no chance of saving the shot. The Wanderers then played up with great vigour, but their opponents roused themselves, and rarely allowed them to get within range of Muir. Kirwan and Chadwick put in many fine runs, from one of which the outside man swing the ball cross to Taylor, who equalised. Immediately afterwards the home defence was hard pressed, and Proudfoot placed his side ahead and for some little time the Wanderers were completely overplayed, signs of fatigue being evident all along the line. There was now only one side in it, but it was not until close on time that Oldham obtained a fourth goal, the result being Everton 4 goals, Bolton Wanderers 2.
EVERTON RESERVES 0 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 0
January 27 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park. At this was practically for the Combination championship great interest was manifested there being 15,000 spectators. Crompton started for Everton against the wind, and sun. Liverpool at once assuming the upper hand. The Everton halves, however, were in fine form, and though Kitchen was tested. Liverpool could not score. McQueen was also called upon, but was safe. The Everton goal had a narrow escape. Kitchen saving grandly. Crompton got away, but hit the Liverpool post. Just before interval, the Everton goal escaped miraculously. At the interval nothing had been scored. Resuming, Kitchen saved grandly from McCowie in the first few seconds. Each goal was visited in turn and although Everton claimed most of the game Kitchen was most tested, but proved equal to all demands. The play was exciting towards the end and Liverpool forced a corner, but Stringfellow cleared and the game ended Everton nil, Liverpool nil. (Game 21) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Turner, and Crelley backs, Owen, Stringfellow, and Hughes, halfbacks, Marquis, Clarke, Crompton, Barlow, and Schofield, forwards
EVERTON REVIEW
February 27 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
Having an open date on Saturday last, Everton and the Bolton Wanderers arranged to play off their postponed League fixture. The prevailing conditions were favorable to a capable exposition of the code but, as might only be expected from the relative positions of the clubs, the quality of play rarely soared above the average. Everton had the game in hand all though, and won by four goals to two though at the same time a team with any presentations whatever to first class football could easily have given the Wanderers their quintet. The display of the visitors was not over exhilarating. The forwards were uneven in their movements, and it was only occasionally that complete command of the ball was noticeable. The left wing pair were as usual the more prominent and the services of Edgar Chadwick in the direction of making openings for the confreres, had a most important bearing upon the result of the game. Three of the goals were the outcome of capital work on the left wing, but there were innumerable chances opened out from this quarter that had Sutcliffe not been well on the alert must have ended more disastrously to the Wanderers. Oldham kept the wings going fairly well, and was credited with two of the goals while there could be no question that the further inclusion of Taylor on the outside right will strengthen the line as a whole. The Wanderers forwards with but two exceptions were feeble to a degree, and if Saturday's display by the team as a body is a criterion of their work throughout the season one can readily imagine how they have come to occupy the position of wooden spoonist. The disparity in certain quarters was simply astonishing, and it was mostly in evidence in the attacking department. The left wing were proficient enough and none were more cognisant of this act than the remaining members of the team who at every opportunity kicked across to Jack and Barlow and trusted to the speed of the outside man to bring about the desired success. Had the display of two men above mentioned been levelled down to that of the others the line would have been a most ordinary one indeed and certainly would not have executed much quarter from a junior team. The halfbacks of Everton had consequently a fairly easy tack on hand, and the only player that was kept thoroughly extended to his work was Wolstenholmes who met the dangerous Bolton left with confidence and success. Boyle was rarely beaten, and though Blythe was often prominent a more serious engagement would serve a better opportunity of testing his resource. There was no fault to first with his play on Saturday, but Nicol and McKay were only moderate opponents to meet, and no doubt the Jarrow recruit will are long have an opportunity of proving his worth against better mettle. The Bolton halves did exceptionally well considering the repeated failure of those in front and it was not surprising that they like the full backs should at times have completely collapsed before the occasional determined attacks of the Everton van. It was while they were in a state of discomfiture that Everton's second and third goals were put or in quick success, not to mention another-the prettiest of the match-that was wrongly disallowed on the appeal for offside. The Everton defence was sound. Eccles filled Balmer's position with credit; Molyneux played his usually finished game, and Muir was thoroughly reliable in goal. It was not a great game, but the monotony was broke by free scoring and at one period, when the Wanderers were leading the play was followed with much enthusiasm which unfortunately was short lived. On Saturday next Everton visit Sheffield Wednesday the close companions of the Wanderers in the competition table, and should annex full points.