SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 3 EVERTON 1
April 1 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
About 5,000 spectators witnessed the contest at Owlerton on Saturday, the limited attendance being accounted for by the wretched conditions that prevailed. On the Everton side, Settle stood down owing to an injured ankle, and Crawshaw, Ruddersdin, and Langley were absentees from the home ranks. The sides were as follows: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer (captain), and Eccles, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth and Abbott halfbacks, Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Gray, and Turner forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Stubbs, goal, Layton, and Gosling, backs, Ferrier Thickeray and Fish, halfbacks, Davies, Chapman, Wilson, Wright. and Spikesley, forwards. Everton won the toss, and played with a crosswind in their favour. They monopolised the bulk of the opening play, and were often within shooting range, but their final efforts were extremely weak. Gray frequently passed badly and lost much headway, and then the Wednesday forwards broke away and put on severe pressure. After 20 play, Wilson was placed in possession with an open goal, but shot very wide. For a long period the home side held the advantage, and eventual, Davies forced a corner. Several exchanges followed, and the Everton backs failed to clear the ball, which lay but a few yards from goal, when Chapman rushing up, put it into the net, this point coming three minutes from the interval. On changing ends, Everton showed up well for a few, but they rarely looked like getting a tangible point, and following a smart run down by Davies, the ball came to Chapman, after Muir had partially saved a second goal resulted. Play had not long been resumed when a shot from Wilson struck the crossbar, and Spikesley who had followed up well, headed an easily into the net. Play became more even, but still the efforts of the visitors were disjointed, and the Wednesday defence continued to prevail. At length the ball was put to Taylor, who raced on and shot a really clever goal. Stubbs having no chance of saving. No further scoring took place and Wednesday winning by 3 goals to 1.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 ACRRINGTON STANLEY RESERVES 0
April 1 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park. Dawson started for Accrington in a duluge of rain. Everrton immediately assailing the visitors goal, a corner being forced. O'Brien shot in, the leather bounding of golding, the Accrington half into the net. Kitchen next saved from Brandon and Everton again scored through McDonald. When the interval arrived Everton were leading by 2 goals to nil. Accrington showed better form, but failed to score fine defenc being shown. During a scrimmage in the Accrington goalmouth Dawson, and Everton winning by 3 goals to nil put the ball into the net. (Game 27) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Halliday, and Watson backs, Blythe, Green and Taylor (r), Roche Dawson McDonald Grey, and O'Brien forwards ,

EVERTON REVIEW
April 1 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton team gave as elementary an exhibition against Sheffield Wednesday as one would expect to witness from a second rate organisation in one of its off days; indeed, for general ineffectiveness they established a record that should stand unquestioned for some time to come. There was absolutely no method in their play, and but for spasmodic efforts at intervals the final result would have been dreadful to contemplate. Aimless wandering, faulty passings, and the expenditure of maximum energy with minimum effect, prevailed all through the game and following as it does upon recent satisfactory performances one is at a lose to account for such a complete several reversal. For such an utowed state of affairs, the forwards were mainly responsible for they never looked like getting the upper hand, and the only items worth chronicling in their favour were a few clever individual efforts which, of course, can never be depended upon to bring about good results. Often enough did one or other try to get the better of the whole Sheffield team on his own account, needless to state the efforts was short lived and by a steady combined move on the part of their opponents it required the severest methods of the Everton backs to stem a persistent tide of disaster. With a cross wind in their favour the Everton forwards in the early stages showed a fairly good front, but their play was greatly discounted by the ludicious attempts to defeat the custodian failure that stood out in marked contrast to the combination movements and sharp shooting by the Wednesday line. At ordinary times the visitors must have converted several openings, but invariably their shots lacked sting. and the custodian was given every opportunity of clearing. As the game wore on the home forwards got into a good swinging stride, and at times the perfect understanding that existed between them was one of the brightest features of the game. The players flank each other and anticipated a pass to each other, and so keen were they in following up the ball, that one could come to no other conclusion than that the Everton team were in for a severe trenching. Two value of closely following up the ball was never more apparent than in this game, for two of the three goals seem were the direct outcome of this plan of campaign, and several other efforts only failed to bring about tangible results by the merest shave. Steady combined play characterized the Wednesday eleven, and disjointed movements those of their opponents. The only forward to do himself justice was Taylor, who worked hard to minimise the severity of the defeat, and in quite befitted the occasion that he should score the first goal gained in the game. It was unfortunate that Settle was unable, owing to an injuried ankle, to take the field, but that does not altogether account for such a paltry exposition, and a leg improvement will be necessary for the side to finish up in a satisfactory position in the League table. For Sheffield Davies, and Spikesley on the wings found plenty of openings for the inside men who with a couple of exceptions, when open goals lay before them, pounced upon in every opportunity of testing Balmer, Eccles and Muir. The half backs were distinctly good, so that Crawshaw and Ruddlesdin were not missed from the ranks. The backs were never severely tested, and often enough they obtained a bad attention from their opponents. They kick and cleared well, and Stubbs in goal was thus rarely troubled. It was a poor game in which the Blades were always the better team, and they thoroughly deserved their margin of success. They have thus extracted three points out of Everton this season having previously accomplished a similar performance at the expense of Liverpool.

WEDNESDAY BEAT EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 01 April 1901
By Nemo
Had the weather been favourable there is little doubt that the return match between Sheffield Wednesday and Everton would have attracted a good crowd to the Owlerton enclosure on Saturday. But frequent and copious showers kept the people away, and only some 5,000 witnessed what proved a very interesting and well-contested game, wherein the Wednesday men proved victorious by three goals to one. Considering the alternations of frost, thaw, snow, and rain of the few previous days, the ground was in far better condition than might have been expected, though of course very soft and somewhat heavy. Everton had Settle away with an injured ankle, and Wednesday were without Crawshaw, who had been called to the Crystal Palace, Langley and Ruddlesdin also being absent from the Sheffield team owing to injuries. Gray filled the Everton vacancy at inside left. On the Wednesday side Gosling at left full back. Thackeray at centre half, and Fish at left half, proved themselves very capable reserves. Considering the state of the ground the game was a fast and lively one, and at times very exciting. Play was by no means as unequal as the score, for the visitors did a good deal of attacking by well sustained combination, but in dash and effectiveness near goal the Wednesday men were distinctly the superior side. The Evertonians had several slices ill-luck in front, but, all things considered, success rested where it was best deserved. All the goals were well got, and each side narrowly missed getting others, for there was some very smart forward play both sides.
THE GAME.
Ferrier, who captained the team, lost the toss, and his team had to face alternate gusts of wind, showers of rain, and bright gleams of sunshine. In the early part of the game the Everton vanguard were so busy that a defeat for the home team seemed in view, especially as several sprightly dashes away by the Sheffielders failed at the critical moment. Once Wilson, with only Muir to beat, and well placed, shot merely a few inches wide, and later Chapman, after seeing Muir brilliantly save a header from him, also missed from a scrimmage in front. At the other end Stubbs had some capital shots to deal with, notably from Sharp and Taylor, but the Wednesday custodian made no mistake. Not until three minutes from half-time was a goal scored, though there had been narrow escapes of both citadels, and this was shot by Chapman for Wednesday, out of a scrimmage. The Sheffielders had every reason to be satisfied with their lead of a goal to nothing at half-time. The early stages of the second half were even and the pace lively. Sixteen minutes after the change of ends Layton, by a brilliant and dashing bit of back play, not only checked a clever movement of the Everton left, but set Davis flying away on the Wednesday right, the result being a clever centre by the ex-Barnsley man, which left Chapman with nothing to do but to put the ball through and score a second goal. Three minutes later Davis repeated his performance, and Wilson, screwing in most skillfully, struck the cross-bar, and Spikesley, who was well up, neatly headed a third goal. Muir having no chance. These successes of the home team were enthusiastically cheered by the small crowd present, and both goals were excellently got. But if Wednesday were scoring goals, Everton were playing rare good football, and time after time swooped down on the Wednesday goal in dangerous fashion, in front of which, however, Layton did splendid thing in defence. When at length Taylor broke right through and gave Stubbs no chance with a shot in the top corner of the net, well-earned cheers rewarded the scoring of a good goal for the Goodison Park men. The concluding stages of the game were exciting and brimful of incidents, especially the last five minutes, and close on time Muir saved smartly from Spikesley; the dashing style in which both teams kept the pace up to the finish, despite the heavy ground, keeping the spectators on the qui vire.
THE PLAYERS
It was a well contested game and the winners had nothing like the advantage of the general run of the play which they had in the scoring.  But as they were dangerous when in front of goal at one end, and very safe in defence at the other, they fully deserved their success. The three reserve men who were playing all acquitted themselves with credit.  Gosling in Langley’s place at back deepened the good impression he made against Liverpool at Anfield-road the previous week, and Thackeray and Fish, though of course, not equal to Crawshaw and Ruddlesdin performed very well at half-back, for they had a very clever line of forwards to face.  Ferrier played a lovely game at right half, and that shot with which he hit the upright deserved a better fate.  The Wednesday front rank were more dangerous in front of goal than I have sometimes seen them, and played well,, severed of Davis’s runs on the right being very fine.  Everton played well although beaten.  Much of their forward combination was pretty to watch, and Sharp and Taylor were a speedy and clever wing.  The front rank were repeatedly unlucky in fast, straight shots cannoning back from defenders and never gave up until the whistle sounded for time.  Muir made a number of admirable saves, and had not a ghost of a chance at either of the shots that beat him.  Stubbs also added to his growing reputation as a goalkeeper.  Balmer did most excellent work at back for Everton, and Layton was the star of the Wednesday defence.  The teams were;- Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.  Wednesday;- Stubbs, goal; Layton, and Gosling, backs; Ferrier, Thackeray, and Ruddlesdin, half-backs; Davies, Chapman, Wilson, Wright, and Spikesley, forwards.  

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY v  EVERTON
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 01 April 1901
SMART PERFORMANCE BY THE SHEFFIELDERS
What should have been one of the most attractive fixtures of the Wednesday card was spoiled—from a financial point of view, at any rate—by the wretched weather that prevailed on Saturday. The 5.000 spectators who gathered at Owlerton, in defiance of the hurricane and its accompanying showers of almosttropical intensity, witnessed a really interesting game, in which the home team played bright and attractive football, and gained a well-merited victory by three goals to one. Such result was scarcely anticipated when the players took the field, and it was seen that Wednesday were without Langley— still suffering from the accident sustained while training -Ruddlesdin- injured the previous Saturday at Liverpool—and Crawshaw, who had been called to the Crystal Palace as reserve for the International match. Their substitutes, however, quite rose to the occasion, and to Gosling, Fish, and Thackeray no little of the credit for the victory is due. With the exception of Settle, whose place was taken by Gray. Everton had their full team. Considering the slippery nature of the turf, both sides gave a capital exhibition, but though the Wednesday forwards missed three or four ridiculously easy chances of scoring, were, on the whole, much more dangerous in front of goal than their opponents. Owing to the non-arrival of one of the appointed linesmen, considerable delay was caused after the teams had turned out, but eventually Mr. Fred Bye took the place of the missing official. Ferrier, who acted as captain of the Wednesday team, lost the toss, and his men had to face half a gale and a terrific downpour of rain. At the start, Everton were dangerous, and obtained a free-kick in a capital position, but Wolstenholme shot high over the bar, and the Wednesday right wing transferred play. The visitors, however, quickly returned, but Fish placing the ball to Spikesley, the Wednesday winger, aided by Wright, made a splendid run more than half the length of the field. His final shot was very weak, and Everton were quickly pressing again, but naturally their shooting was very wild, and only once Stubbs tested, this being a long shot from Sharp, which the custodian easily dealt with. Although the rain was falling in torrents, a blazing sun was shining, and this added to the discomfort of the Wednesday men. Gosling stopped a run of the visiting forwards in clever fashion, and a moment later Turner was clearly offside as he was heading into goal mouth. Tricky play by Davis led to Wednesday making progress, and then, from a free kick. Thackeray with a long shot just missed the mark.  Wednesday still kept up the attack, and Muir severely tested by a hot grounder from Wright.  The custodian, however, was able to clear, and a free kick against Davis once more put Everton on the offensive, but with Layton and Gosling both in fine form the speedy Everton forwards had little chance of scoring. . Still for some timethey remained in the vicinity of the Wednesday goal, and once looked supremely dangerous till Ferrier with a big kick landed the ball up the field. Chapman was getting away nicely when he handled the ball, and from the free kick there was more pressure on the Wednesday goal. Gosling securing a well-deserved round of applause for the plucky manner in which he dispossessed Taylor. Neat passing between Wilson and Wright left the Wednesday centre with practically an open goal, but he shot too soon, and just grazed the upright, a splendid opportunity thus being lost. The first corner of the match fell Wednesday, and this led to a prolonged bombardment of the Everton goal. Chapman and Wright were each within an ace of scoring, and eventually, when Chapman seemed absolutely certain to do so, he missed the ball altogether, when two yards from the goal line, and one of the backs managed to clear. The rain had now ceased, and against the smart gale Wednesday were more than holding their own. Beautiful passing between the whole of the home front rank ended in Wright weaving his way through the opposing defence, but his shot was very erratic, the ball going high over the bar. The Wednesday Reserve half backs, Fish and Thackeray, were playing capitally, and after a very interesting movement, in which both took prominent parts. Thackeray got in a tremendous shot. Muir caught the ball, which, however, slipped out of his hands, but before it could roll over the line he again got to it and cleared. Still Wednesday were having by far the better of the game, and in another tremendous assault the Everton goal bad several narrow escapes, Muir's charge seeming to bear a charmed life. It was only at rare intervals that Everton got away, but once, after Taylor and Sharp had circumvented Fish. Wolstenholme just shot wide. As the interval approached the Everton forwards made a desperate effort to gain the lead, and shot after shot was sent in to Stubbs, who saved from practically everyone of the opposing front rank. However, at last the danger was cleared, and Davis and Chapman racing away Eccles conceded a corner, which resulted in a scrimmage in front of Muir, Chapman eventually putting the ball into the net. The remainder of the play was in favour of the visitors, but they failed to improve their chances, and half time arrived with Wednesday leading by one goal to nothing. On resuming the Everton right wing once took play to the Wednesday end, and Sharp forced Gosling to concede a corner. The ball was well dropped, but one of the Everton men knocked it down with his hand, and from the free kick Wednesday at attacked strongly, Thackeray being just wide with a long shot. Sharp immediately afterwards forced a second corner, but this time the ball was not so well placed, and Wednesday were quickly attacking again, only for Davis to be given off-side. However, aided by wind and sun, they kept up the pressure, till Spikesley a weak shot, and succeeding play went on in midfield. A long dribble by Fish threatened danger, but in the end the ball, carried by the strong wind, beat the Wednesday half, who could not get in his shot, and in a dash to the other Sharp was given off-side. At length, Wednesday were again set going by sparkling bit of combination fine save from Wilson, Wright, and Spikesley,  and when Balmer intervened it was at a critical moment for Everton, while a little later Muir brought off a fine save from Wilson. As the result of good work between Gray and Turner the home goal was threatened, but Layton brought off one of his most brilliant clearances, and the ball going to Davis, he dashed away along the touch line, finishing up with a splendid shot. Muir caught the ball, but could not get away, and Chapman had no difficulty in registering a second goal, play having been progress twenty minutes. A minute later another brilliant run by Davis led a third goad, to the home team. The little winger's centre was prettily taken by Wilson, and although Muir managed to save his shot, he only put the ball Spiksley, who coolly headed into the net, this additional success being received with tremendous enthusiasm. Rain was again falling in torrents, but the Everton men played up against it in plucky fashion, and more than once Layton had to clear dangerous rushes. Once Proudfoot looked certain to score, but when within a few yards of goal he was hampered by Gosling, and his shot went wide. At the other end Wright struck the side net with a terrific shot, and a moment later the ex-Bolton man from a very good position placed the ball wide. Still pegging away, the Everton forwards at length gained their reward, a long, high shot from Taylor just entering the angle of the net out of Stubbs's reach. Nettled by this reverse, which came at the end of half an hour, the Wednesday forwards again took up the attack, and after Wilson had shot just past the upright, the same player was given off-side when he looked like going through. Subsequently play fluctuated a lot, the visitors never seeming to lose heart, and whenever they broke away they looked dangerous. Layton and Gosling, however, were very steady, and only twice was Stubbs really troubled. Once he gave a corner in disposing of a high shot from Abbott, but from this Booth headed wide. Towards the finish it was evident that both sides had enough of the terrible conditions which prevailed, and there was little wonder that Spiksley should miss a golden opportunity as the rain and hail were beating down with terrific force. The closing stages were tremendously exciting. Both Spiksley and Davis placed the ball beautifully from corner kicks and Wilson gave Muir a fast shot to deal with, but the Everton goal escaped luckily, and a sudden rush to the other end saw Stubbs almost beaten. He recovered, however, in brilliant fashion, and Davis again took the ball to the Everton lines, where Muir brought off a splendid save from Spiksley, who, however, ought to have made no mistake with a clear opening. The whistle sounded immediately afterwards, with the result: Sheffield Wednesday 3 goals. Everton 1 goal. Teams:— Sheffield Wednesday.—Stubbs, Layton and Gosling backs; Ferrier, Thackeray, and Fish, half-backs; Davis, Chapman, Wilson, Wright, and Spiksley, forwards. Everton.- Muir, goal; Balmer (Captain) and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Gray, and Turner, forwards. Referee; Mr. R. Glass (Northumberland).

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday April 1, 1901
The Everton team, in charge of Mr. Molyneux, left Central Stationon Saturday morning for the cutlery capital in order to meet Sheffield Wednesday in the return League game. On arrival, about one o’clock, the weather was of a miserable character, rain falling torrents, which would have damped the ardour of the most enthusiastic devotee to the pastime. Both elevens were without prominent representative, Crawshaw accompanying the English team to London as reserve, whilst Everton were minus Settle, who received an injury on the ankle last week. Gray being introduced. The initial game at Goodison Park ended in a division of points, this circumstance giving additional interest to Saturday’s encounter, which Everton were particularly anxious to pull off, to retain their good position in the table. Fortunately, the weather improved before the start, and on arrival at the ground Old Sol tried heard to smile upon the proceedings, though a powerful wind was blowing. In addition to Crawshaw, Langley and Ruddlesden were absent from the Sheffield ranks through injuries. The ground, on account of the recent vagaries of the weather, was of a somewhat soft nature. There was not a very great crowd present, only about 5,000 being present at the start. Balmer, who acted as captain, won the toss, and naturally took advantage of the wind. Rain again commenced to fall when Wilson started the game. Everton took up the play at once, some good work on the right ending in Booth shooting over the bar. From the goal kick, Sheffield got away on the left but Spikesley shot wide. Grand work by Eccles beautifully cleared Everton’s lines, in which Booth was again prominent, but Sharp was pulled up by Gosling. Some tricky work on the part of the Everton men left Turner in possession, but though he kept the ball in play, his centre was well responded by Layton. Everton were having by far the most of the game, and the Sheffield defenders were given plenty of work. From an attack, Taylor was given an opening, but he dallied too long, and allowed Layton to dash up and clear. A free kick to Sheffield placed the visitors’ goal in danger, Thackeray twice testing Muir, the Everton custodian clearing on the second occasion in great style. By degrees Everton worked themselves into a favourable position, but when becoming dangerous Gray made a bad pass, thus allowing Layton an easy clearance. Turner was the next to show up, but once more the defence prevailed. Nothing daunted by their ill-success, Everton again returned to the attack, Sharp and Taylor found an opening for Proudfoot, who sent a yard wide. The Sheffielders’ right got away, and Abbott was in difficulties, the result of which was that he fouled Davis; but the ensuing free kick was not utilised to advantage. Some tricky work on the part of the Sheffield front line spelt danger. Wilson putting a fine shot. Muir saved his charge in gallant fashion after Balmer had repelled the home attackers. From a corner an exciting few minutes followed in front of Muir. Chapman shot into the Everton keeper from short range, the visiting custodian saving cleverly, and a second later he was called upon Wilson, again clearing well, and ultimately Wilson drove the ball over the line. After this Everton attacked with great spirit, but off-side play on the part of Gray spoilt an otherwise excellent move. Three minutes before the interval Chapman scored for Wednesday. Half time:—Wednesday 1 goal, Everton nil. On resuming, the rain ceased. Everton attacked, Sharp’s splendid centre being repulsed by Thackeray. Muir saved from Wilson on two occasions when Everton were dangerous. Ferrier and Thackeray repulsed and Davis and Chapman ran the ball up. Davis passing to Chapman, who scored the second goal after sixteen minutes’ play. Three minutes later Spikesley headed a third from Wilson's shot that hit the crossbar.  Everton now had a short spellof pressing, and Taylor, who made a fine run, finished a shot that beat Stubbs, and scored the first goal for Everton. From free kick to Everton the ball was headed outride. A run to the Everton end finished with Ferrier shooting wide. Result:—Sheffield Wednesday 3 goals, Everton 1 goal.
Teams:— Sheffield Wednesday.—Stubbs, Layton and Gosling backs; Ferrier, Thackeray, and Fish, half-backs; Davis, Chapman, Wilson, Wright, and Spiksley, forwards. Everton.- Muir, goal; Balmer (Captain) and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Gray, and Turner, forwards.

Johnny Holt
Dundee Evening Post - Tuesday 02 April 1901
In an article dealing with the transfer of players in the Association professional world, a writer in the Sphere remarks that however beneficial the system may the clubs concerned, it can scarcely prove anything but prejudicial to the players, for should any of the latter refuse carry out the contract what has been entered into with reference to, them they are debarred from playing for any other League club, and are consequently compelled to leave that class of football. The case of John Holt, the old International and player, shows how hardly transfer system may bear upon a brilliant and deserving player. In a letter to the writer Holt says " I cost Everton nothing to secure my services, played for them for nine years, and then when I wished to make change, they asked for $300 for my transfer. This practically barred me from playing in the North, for naturally a man could not be worth that to any club after having played so long. I may state that New Brighton offered Everton for may transfer, and Burnley were prepared to pay but neither offer came to anything. Consequently i had to come South out. of the reach transfer fees. Directly i had signed for Reading I received a telegram from Everton to come and meet the secretary of the Clyde Football Club. The two clubs had agreed about my transfer. It had been arranged without my consent, and then it was also too late."

JOHNNY HOLT
Middlesex & Surrey Express - Wednesday 03 April 1901
Hol, who for years did good service as centre half at Everton, has been a prominent figure in the Association world for over a decade now. He is a native of Church, a small town near Churington, in East Lancashire, which in the early ‘eighties could boast as good a team as any in the Couty Palatine. On the Church team becoming defunct in 1885 Holt found his way to Bootle, but did not remain there long, for he soon crossed over the boundary into the city. He then went into the Everton ranks. He is as famous a man for his size as ever held the position. He is small, but his agility makes up for this. He would, however, be still more popular did he not resort to practices that are not always acceptable to his opponents or to the referee. He began his International career against Wales in 1890, and there have only been a few seasons since in which he has not been capped.

LIVERPOOL 2 EVERTON 1
April 4 1901. The Liverpool Courier
A friendly game between these old rivals took place at Anfield yesterday afternoon and with both sides playing at full strength an increasing game was interested. The weather fortunately kept fine, the ground being in excellent condition whilst the game was witnessed by some 6,000 spectators. Liverpool Kicked off give and take play following. Then Raisbeck sending down, forced the “Blues” to defend. A free kick, however spoiled the move, and after pretty forward play, Everton went to the other end, where, after some finessing, Turner let drive at Perkins, who caught and kicked away. Dunlop checked on a return being made, and although the Evertonians were awarded another free kick, no impression could be made, Liverpool packing their goal well. In close following the home right raced down and forced a corner, which was taken by Robertson, and Dunlop had a couple of drives for goal, the second-a particularly hard one-being headed away by Booth. Liverpool continued to monopolise the bulk of the play, until at length Taylor and Sharp made a breakaway. The ball was sent across to the other wing but on McDonald returning the former, with an open goal, sent over the bar from an easy position. Balmer and Booth were subsequently prominent in an attack on the Everton goal, and danger was averted whilst in close following the Liverpool citadel had narrow escape on a couple of accasions, Sharp giving Perkins an awkward shot to save, whilst during bully in front of goal Everton had hard lines in not forcing an entrance. Play was of an exhilarating character, and somewhat above the run of “ ordinaries “Hunter and Satterwaite in an endeavour to break through were brought to bay by Crelly running across, and another passing movements took the ball to the other end, Raisebeck being in the way and serving to Robertson and Walker. The outside man centred and Scatterthwaite, palpably offside, put the Muir, who had no chance of saving. Turner later on headed finely into Perkins hands and on the custodian sending clear Liverpool moved to the other end, Balmer clearing. Play followed upon level terms, there being little to choose between the sides, who crossed over with Liverpool leading by a goal to nil. On resuming, Liverpool again forced the pace, and Walker sending over, the visitor's goal had a narrow escape of being captured again, the ball passing just outside the far upright. Crelly was next prominent in an attempt made to lower the Everton colours by Hunter and Walker, and then Turner and McDonald dashed off, Parry interfering in the nick of time, and enabling Liverpool again take up an aggressive attitude. Booth headed away, and at the other end Proudfoot had a chance, but preferring to pass instead of shooting, the advantage was nullified and Glover had no difficulty in clearing. Raybould next shot hard, only to find the ball topping the crossbar, and Parry being penalised. Taylor shot strongly, the ball striking Turner, thus impeding its progress into the net, and giving a free kick to Liverpool on account of the latter player being offside. Perkins was next called upon to fist out a shot from McDonald, whole moment later sent yards wide. A finely concerted movements between the home forwards was not utilised, Raisebeck going outside with a final shot. A hot attack by Everton was the next noticeable item, Dunlop letting them in by miskicking, only, however, to find Perkins covering safely, and sending up the field, where Scatterthwaite centred for Raybould to head over. Dunlop safely negotiated a couple of corner kicks to the visitors, and Parry and Blythe broke up an attempt at combination by Robertson and Walker. A couple of minutes later, Scatterthwaite received possession, and centring nicely Raybould easily placed the ball past Muir thus recording the second point for Liverpool. Then Dunlop brought down Taylor, and from the resulting free kick, Wolstenholmes shot in, and the ball gliding off one of the home players into the net, the whistle sounding immediately afterwards with the score Liverpool 2 goals Everton 1 goal. Teams: - Liverpool: - Perkins, goal, Glover, and Dunlop, backs, Parry, Raisebeck, and Goldie, halfbacks, Robertson, Walker, Raybould, Hunter (s), and Scatterthwaite, forwards. Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer (captain) and Crelly, backs Wolstenholmes Booth, and Blythe halfbacks Sharp, Taylor Proudfoot, McDonald and Turner forwards,

EVERTON RESERVES 1 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
April 4 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
A hugh holiday crowd, numbering 15,000 person, was present at Goodison Park to witness the aboral rivals decide their return fixture in the combination. Both sides were strongly represented, and a remarkably fast and interesting game ensuded. Liverpool commenced operations, and straightway a tremendous pace was initiated, in which the respective combatant proved to be equally matched. Several well meant strong defence checked efforts, the splendid returns of Robertson and Watson being a prominent feature of the contest. In the opening half Liverpool held a slight ascendancy forward, and McGuigan got away, only to find the Everton left back impassable. The Everton front rank were kept in motion owing to clever work by Green and Boyle, and Roche was a thorn in the side of Morris, but as was the case at the other end of the field, the defence eventually prevailed. Both custodian were called upon, and Soulsby failed to utlise a capital chance, though from a centre by the same player, Davies headed against the upright what time Kitchen lay prostrate. This was a narrow escape for the Everton men, and roused by the partial reverse, their forwards rushed smartly away, and Storer only just succeeded in averting a dangerous centre from O'Brien. Two grand opportunities than came to Liverpool, for McGuigan got clear away from his opponents, but Watson overtook him and saved. A moment later Davies had a similar chance, and on this occasion Kitchen came to the rescue, but though the custodian failed to check the onward career of his opponent he managed to divert the shot, which rolled just outside the upright. Everton took up the running, and Dawson gave Storer a warm handful, but the Derbyshire man was equal to the emergency. Despite strenuous efforts on both sides to gain the lead, there was no score at the interval, a result which was strictly in accordance with the general run of the play up to this point. On resuming, the played waxed as keenly as ever, and smart passing between Soulsby and McGuigan gave the latter an opening. Dashing along the centre, McGuigan placed across to Otty, whose cross was headed in by Soulsby, and Kitchen, though failing in his attempt to clear, saved marvellously. Everton retaliated with rare dash, and a heavy bombardment of the Liverpool goal followed, shots being showered in without effect, though many narrow escapes were recorded. The home left wing proved very troublesome, and after severe pressure Roche took advantage of a series of weak returns by driving the ball past Storer, to the accompaniment of tremendous cheering. The Everton forwards were now showing more forceful tactics than their rivals though for the “Reds” McGuigan was always dangerous when in possession, but the great fault of the visiting forwards was lack of shooting power. A pretty sequence of passing between McArdle and McGuigan was well terminated by the latter, for racing beautifully past the Everton backs, he ran close in, and beat Kitchen in rare style. With both, sides again on an even footing, play was continued with greater determination than ever and McGuigan again beat the backs centring well, and causing Kitchen great difficulty in clearing. The custodian ran out, and a long shot from Howell, almost gave his side the lead whilst the keep was unguarded. Away went Everton, and Roche was presented with an open goal, but Morris managed to hamper his opponents so well that Storer was easily enabled to throw away the final shot. To the other goal flashed the “Reds” and McGuigan's speed was once more in evidence the home goal escaping by the merest chance. The pace began to tell a tale, and the movements were now not so incisive; but a mistake by Wilson let in O'Brien, who shot right across the goalmouth, missing the net by inches only. From a foul against Green, Robertson drove the ball into the net and the referee allowed the goal; though it was difficult to imagine why, for it did appear as if a second player had touched it in its progressed. Everton strenuously appealed against the decision, and they certainly deserved commiseration. In the closing stages Everton strove hard to regain the even balance, and obtained a couple of corners, but nothing further was scored, and a splendid game, which should have resulted in a draw, was won by Liverpool by two goals to one. (Game 28) Teams: - Everton: - Kitchen goal, Halliday and Watson backs, Boyle, Green, and Taylor (r) half-backs, Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and O'Brien forwards. Liverpool: - Storer, goal, Robertson and Morris backs, Wilson Hunter, and Howell, halfbacks, Soulsby, McGuigan, McArdle, Davies, and Otty, forwards.

EVERTON’S HOLIDAY ARRNAGEMENTS
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 4 April 1901
EVERTON v  LIVERPOOL
A friendly match will be played on the Liverpool ground to-morrow, when the following team will represent Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer, and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Blythe, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, McDonald, and Turner, forwards. The kick-off is fixed for two o’clock and Everton ticket holders will be admitted free.
EVERTON v  SUNDERLAND
The Wearsiders who are always welcome visitors to Liverpool, will form the attraction at Goodison Park on Saturday, where they are due to oppose Everton in the return League game. The keen struggle between the top clubs for pride of place renders this match a particularly interesting one, and if Everton can only manage to secure the maximum number of points they will confer a great favour upon their Anfield-road neighbours. Everton will be represented by the following;- Muir, goal; Balmer, and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Toman, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Kick-off 3.30.
EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
For this League match, at Goodison Park on Monday next (Easter Monday), a great holiday crowd is expected to welcome the Northerners, and a good game is sure to be witnessed. Everton, will reply upon the following;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Kick-off 4.15.
EVERTON v  NOTTS COUNTY
On Tuesday Everton journey to Nottingham, where they will meet Notts County at Trent Bridge, and will be represented by the following team;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. The train leaves central Station at 9.35, the kick-off being fixed for 3.15.
EVERTON COMBINATION v. LIVERPOOL RESERVE
A Combination match between the above rivals will be played at Goodison Park tomorrow; Kick-off 4.15. the following team has been selected to represented Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Watson, backs; Boyle, Green, and Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards.
EVERTON COMBINATION  v NEW BRIGHTON
This Combination match takes place at New Brighton on Saturday, and the following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Watson, half-backs; Boyle, Green and Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards. Boat leaves Landing-stage at 2.30; kick-off 4 o’clock.

JOHHNY HOLT
April 6, 1901. The Tamworth Herald
Holt, who for years did good services as centre half at Everton, has been a prominent figure in the Association world for over a decade now. He is a native of Church, a small town near Churington, in East Lancashire, which in the early ‘eighties could boast as good a team as any in the County Palatine. On the Church team becoming defunct in 1885 Holt found his way to Bootle, but did not remain there long, for he soon crossed over the boundary into the city. He then went into the Everton ranks. He is as famous a man for his size as ever held the position. He is small, but his agility makes up for this. He would, however, be still more popular did he not resort to practise that are not always acceptable to his opponent of to the referee. He began his international career against Wales in 1890, and there have only been a few seasons since in which he has not been capped.
Thanks to Kjell Hanssen for senting this

FRIENDLY MATCH
The Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, April 6, 1901
LIVERPOOL v  EVERTON
Contrary to expectation, the friendly game between these two clubs drew together a very small attendance at the Anfield enclosure. The hour fixed for the kick-off. two o'clock, may have had something to do with this, but the gathering was certainly disappointing from a numerical point of few. The weather was fine and mild when the teams faced each other. Liverpool started, and the opening stages of the game were of a give-and-take character. It was early evident that the players, no less than the spectators were in holiday humour, and serious football was frankly at a discount. A rather clever movement on the part of the Everton forwards, ended in Turner shooting strongly, but Perkins saved very smartly. Following upon this Everton attacked strongly, but the Liverpool defence was admirable, and the succeeding stages were altogether in favour of Liverpool, who showed great cleverness, but deplorable lack of dash when in front of goal. A break away on the part of Everton looked exceedingly promising, but the movement was spoiled Taylor, who had an open goal before him, shooting over the bar. After this the Evertonians again played up strongly. Sharp sending in a fine shot, which Perkins coped with admirably. The game now improved considerably in point of pace, and the increasing circle of spectators were treatedto a first-rate exhibition of the code. The visitors made ground on the left, and Turner headed in nicely, but the leather was thrown away by Perkins. Then Liverpool advanced strongly, Raisbeck as usual, doing yeoman service in the way of serving his forwards, and from one of his judicious passes' Satterthwaite succeeded in netting the ball. Play after this continued to be of even character, and half-time arrived with the score:- -Liverpool 1 goal, Everton nil. In the second half the game progressed at a somewhat free and easy pace, though some pretty football was shown in the way delicate parsing. The Anfielders for time pressed very strongly, and on one occasion Cox was unfortunate in not finding the net. Subsequently the Evertonians took up the attack, and there were several very warm onslaughts upon the Liverpool defence, but both Glover and Dunlop preserved a firm and watchful attitude, and the invaders were kept out. The Anfielders at length advanced strongly, and this time they did so to some purpose, for, from pass by Satterthwaite, Raybould sent in a fine shot, which completely beat Muir. The Evertonians, however, never gave up heart, and pressing strongly they were given the further advantage of a free kick. From this Wolstenholme planked the sphere amongst a host of players standing close in goal, and in its transit it cannoned, off one the Liverpool men into the net. There was only just time to restart from the centre when the final whistle sounded. Result: - Liverpool 2 goals,  Everton 1 goal. Teams Liverpool- Perkin, goal; Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half-backs; Robertson, Walker, Raybould, Hunter, and Satterthwaite, forwards.
Everton; Muir, goal; Crelly and Balmer, backs; Blythe, Booth, and Wolstenholme, half-backs; Turner, McDonald, Proudfoot, Taylor, and Sharp, forwards.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
The Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, April 6, 1901
EVERTON RESERVE v  LIVERPOOL RESERVE
Great interest manifested itself in the return fixture between these keen rivals for Combination honours, at Goodison park yesterday afternoon, the encounter being witnessed by about 15,000 spectators. The following were the teams;- Everton; Kitchen goal; Halliday and Watson, backs; Boyle, Green and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards. Liverpool; Storer, goal; Robertson, and Morris, backs; Wilson, Hunter, and Howell, half-backs; Otty, Davies, McArdle, McGuigan, and Soulsby, forward. The Goodison Park contingent won the toss, McArdle kicking off on behalf of Liverpool, Kitchen being called upon to clear his lines in the first couple of minutes. A smart run up the field by the “Blues " next ensued, and Storer was tested by Dawson. A corner then fell to Everton, but nothing resulted. Still the home team kept the Anfielders in their own quarters, and capital play was shown by both elevens. The Liverpudlians at length got down, and after Otty had been nicely robbed by Watson, they forced a corner, which proved abortive. Everton took the leather up field, and pretty play was exhibited by the home quintet. Stern defence was shown the “Red,” however, and the Liverpudlians sailed away on the right. Kitchen being tested with a slow shot from Otty, which the home custodian had no difficulty in clearing. Play remained in the Everton half for sometime. Otty making strenuous efforts to draw first blood. A corner was conceded the Anfielders, but nothing tangible resulted therefrom, and the scene of hostilities was removed to midfield. Play did not remain here long, and the Liverpudlians again assailed the home goal, Otty forcing Kitchen to handle a warm shot. Capital football was the order from both sides, and each clever movement was enthusiastically applauded by the respective followers of the clubs. A free kick against the "Reds ” availed Everton nothing,and the home defence was troubled for some time, until Everton, getting possession, rushed to the other end, and hotly bombarded the Liverpool defence, Storer carrying the ball out, ana successfullyclearing. The next minute the leather was in front of Kitchen, and Davies headed in the ball, striking the upright, and Kitchen clearing in the nick of time greatly to the delight of the crowd. Dawson at the other end shot hopelessly wide, after which another fruitless corner fell to the lot of the home team. Everton were a few minutes later within an ace scoring. Worthington beating all opposition with the exception of Storer,  what looked like a certain goal for the “Blues” was averted by the Anfield goalkeeper running out and blocking the progress of the ball in the cleverer fashion. Liverpool now attacked, and got within easy reach of Kitchen, who rushed out to clear from Davies, the latter shooting in hurriedly, the ball rolling slowly over the line. Half time:—No score. Immediately on resuming Roche hit side of the Liverpool net. At the other end Kitchen kicked away on the line from Soulsby. The Everton forwards were showing more combination this half. O'Brien improving on his previous exhibition. Kitchen saved splendidly from Otty while on the ground, and Davies headed into the custodians hand. Everton afterwards pressed heavily, and, after Storer had saved twice from Boyle, Roche put the ball through. Five minute- later, however. McGuigan raced through, and equalised in splendid fashion. The game was contested in a ding-dong manner afterwards, and near the close McGuigan gave Liverpool the lead. Final: —Liverpool 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 06 April 1901
QUEEN’S PARK
By Perseus
More illustrious in their distinguished past than any other club in the circles of football, Queen’s Park are the pride of us all. Perhaps may pray for the success of our own Corinthians when leading amateurs of the two countries met in vigorous conflict, but that is only our national patriotism. And as for the Scotch man of the old school, whose memory carries him back to the halcyon years of the famous club, ay, and the eventful time when it paved the way for the founding of the Scottish Association itself, well, he literally adores the name. Do you wonder? Nay, how could anyone, indeed, whether Scotch, English, Irish, Welsh, or anything else, fail to be moved to admiration? Why, for the first seven years of their existence, the Queen’s never had a single goal kicked against them, let alone sustained a defeat—invincibility if you like. Even the only North End in their all-conquering season of dual success League and Cup, when they won the former without a defeat and the latter without goal against. —even then they lost 16 goals in the League. And allowing for the vast difference in the circumstances, which one is bound admit renders any comparison impossible, it remains an astonishing thing that any club, however strong itself and however weak many of its opponents, should go over seven years and never have their goalkeeper beaten. If that does not compel admiration then let me confess that even the glorious Queen have not the power to move you.
PIONEERS OF THE NORTH.
But put their claim to our esteem on another ground let pass from the individual supremacy of the club to its predominant, influence in popularising and spreading the game in Scotland. The above record is proof of the club’s leading position at home; now to give evidence the spread of their fame. The tale is bound up in the initiation of the Football Association Challenge Cup, which took place in 1871. This makes it the more interesting. The competition was not confined to England, and the Queen’s were one the original entrants; indeed, they paid a guinea towards the cost of the Cup (£25). What a pity this old trophy, with such a history, was stolen as it was a few years ago in Birmingham, for count worth in associations. It does not sound much to say that Queen’s subscribed a guinea, but Mr. Catton, in his excellent work on football, puts a comparative value on the gift when he says that the club's yearly income then was only £6. And certainly it is a fact that a subscription had to be organised in Glasgow to send the Queen’s to England to play for the Cup in that first, year of its existence. ’The Football Association had exempted Queen’s Park as far as the semi-final because of the expense of travelling from Scotland. Then in London, on the dear old Oval, Queen s met the famous Wanderers, who included, amongst others, the veteran C. W. Alcock; a draw resulted, and because they had not the funds to go South again the Park retired.
WAVE OF ENTHUSIASM.
The retirement itself was regrettable, but what a widening and ever widening influence this semi-final between the best club of the two nationalities was destined to have. The Scots, proud of their champions, became still keener on the game, the English, led by Mr. Alcock, developed earnest andesire for a real and recognised international event. Yet how was that possible? There was no Scottish Association. To whom could the challenge be sent? To Queen’s Park, it was suggested, and the Glasgow Club, bold-hearted and ambitious, accepted. And the first Association international, which took place in the city of the Clyde, in 1872, was managed by Queen’s Park, who supplied every one of the home players—in fact, the Queen’s were Scotland. Do not these things stir again our admiration, the more so when I mention that the Queen’s not only accepted the position of representing a kingdom, but actually played the pick of England to a draw?  Thence you may trace, with Queen’s ever prominent, the formation of the Scottish Association soon afterwards.
OF Y.M.C.A. ORIGIN.
The club destined thus lead the way in Scottish football had its origin in a Glasgow Y.M.C.A., and you may estimate its small beginning when I say that the entrance fee was a shilling and the annual subscription the nimble sixpence. Yet there was a good deal of spirit and individuality about these first members, otherwise they would simply have floated into the tide of Rugbyismin the wake of the Academicals and other clubs. Association you must remember was unknown across the border, indeed even in England in the sixties Association clubs had differing sets of rules. What a wonder Q.P. did not solve their difficulty of fixing upon a set rules by going in for Rugby? But no, adopted a sort of Association basis, introducing such variations as they thought fit, and about 1867 we see the club properly constituted.
GROWING AMBITION.
Enthusiasm for their adopted code was only strengthened by the opposition they had to encounter in some quarters, and ambition grew surely. Their ranks included the famous half-back, Charles Campbell, who was capped against England on ten occasions, and only falls short of Arnott in the fact that his appearances were not all consecutive. Some of the English authorities in London, struck by the manly fight of the Glasgow club to establish Association football ayont the Tweed, invited the Queen’s to join the parent body, and this being done, the way was paved for the Scottish team to participate in the battle for the English Cup in the very first year of the competition. This led to an increased appreciation of the Queen’s, to the establishment of Association Internationals, the latter club representing Scotland, and soon afterwards to the founding of the Scottish Football Association-a series of advancing steps directly traceable to the excellence of the Park, and the pushing ambition of their splendid secretary. Archibald Rae, who was a thorough enthusiast and a first-rate organiser.
A WONDERFUL FILLIP.
I am now going to give one or two facts tending to show up very clearly the fillip which Queen’s Park, by their distinguished appearance in the English Cup and their founding of Association Internationals gave to the dribbling code in Scotland. The youth of Glasgow and of other districts became imbued with the spirit which spreads a game, and we find clubs rising up quickly, amongst them such distinguished organisations as Vale of Level -the first Scottish club get a goal against the Queen’s —Renton, who, having won the Scottish Cup, beat West Bromwich Albion, winners of the English Cup, in match styled the championship of the world, and far-famed Dumbarton. Indeed, so popular did the code become that England was hopelessly beaten at her own game so much so in fact, that of the first sixteen international matches the Rose only won a couple.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS.
But to return specifically to the Queen’s, we find that on the founding of the Scottish Cup competition in 1873-4 they started by winning it three times in succession—a performance repeated after a three years’ period of Vale of Leven ascendancy in the competition; and altogether they have housed the Cup on 10 occasions, while twice they have been in the English Cup final. Other Cup successes have marked their historic career, and if in late years the advance of professionalism has somewhat shadowed the doings of the old amateur organisation, which is now scarcely equal to Rangers, Celtic, Hibs., and Hearts, Queen's Park are the first amateur team going, barringonly the Corinthians. And give idea of the multitude of talented players who have passed through the club ranks, perhaps I cannot do better than give a list of internationals, as only in such record can you realise the full extent of Queen’s Park’s share in Scottish representative football. I have divided the players into three groups—those who have against England, against Ireland, and against Wales, and the figures in parentheses indicate the number of appearances while members of Queen’s Paris. It were idle to attempt to describe the play even the surpassingly brilliant of these, bat perhaps the most notable of all have been the magnificent half-back, Chas. Campbell, W, McKinnon, the famous dribbler, W. Arnott, the most graceful full-back ever seen. W. Sellar, too, was a grand player, and had seven English caps, but only three them while with Q.P. To-day the best Queen's player is Scotland's clever centre, McColl, splendid dribbler. The Queen’s Park ground is Hampden Park. It was on old Hampden that Scotland in 1878 scored seven goals against England—the biggest total put on by one sidein the England v. Scotland series—and many deeds of signal skill were there accomplished. The club moved there in 1875-4, about the same time adopting the famous black and white stripes which are ever associated with the Spiders, and the new ground being open to the road that fine forward. J. B. Weir, being a joiner, set to work to erect a wooden paling. Then the Queen’s were able to charge for admission. Always true to amateurism, Q.P. have however, this season, taken important step in joining the Scottish League, in which all the other are professionals, and which is Scotland what the Football League is to England.

EVERTON 1 SUNDERLAND 0
April 8 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
These clubs met at Goodison Park, before 18,000 spectators. Everton started, and at once the game become exceedingly fast. The home left wing was particularly prominent, and after Doig had saved a terrific ground shot from Abbott, Settle worked through and forced a corner, from which Sharp scored the only goal of the match after 15 minutes play. A clever move by the Wearsiderd give Hogg a chance, but he shot over the bar, whilst Miller had a similar experience a few minutes later. Doig tripped a long drive from Wolstenholmes over the bar, and up to the interval the play was continued at high pressure. Everton holding a slight advantage. The second moiety was not so interesting owing to the numerous fouls, but Everton were the most dangerous, and efforts from Sharp and Turner were with difficulty saved. Miller was hurt and left the field, and Balmer twice checked the opposition when close to the home goal. From now till the finish, even play was witnessed, but Everton always held their ground, and had the satisfaction of winning a splendid tussle, and Everton winning by a goal to nil. Everton: - Muir goal, Balmer and Eccles, backs, Wolstenholmes Booth, and Abbott halfbacks, Sharp Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. Sunderland: - Doig, McCrombie, and Watson backs Ferguson, McAllister, and Jackson, halfbacks, Hogg, Leslie, Miller, Livingstone, and McLatchie, forwards.

A GOOD WIN FOR EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 08 April 1901
By the Loiterers
The visit of the Sunderland team is always looked upon as one of the most attractive on the cards at Liverpool, and no matter whether the venue is at Goodison Park or Anfield there is sure to be a big crowd. The reason is not far to seek. Everton since they became members of the League they have proved the most dangerous lot that the Liverpool clubs have come across; and although the rivalry at present is not so pronounced, still it is very keen, and for many reasons. The match under notice had another fillip given to it in the fact that a win for Everton meant a good lift for Liverpool in the running for championship honours: so that the attendance of something like 25,000 people testifies to the interest taken in the meeting, and those who were present had an enjoyable time of it. The football was always of an exhilarating description: one of those ding-dong games which is relished by the crowd. Another thing which was the taste of the majority present was the win of the home team. It was a good win, too, and thoroughly deserved.
THE PLAY GENERALLY
Much could be written of the details of the play, as the game was full of exciting incidents, but space will not allow, and a brief summary must suffice. Everton, I may say at the onset, was the better team, inasmuch as they enjoyed the bulk of aggressive work, and were, moreover, the more dangerous at goal. There was not much in it in the first half, when the proceedings were very lively, and had their half-backs not stuck well to their men the game might not have ended so satisfactorily for them. The Sunderland forwards during this period put in splendid work, but do what they would first one or another of the home defenders nipped in and spoiled their well-meant attempts. In the second half, which opened very tamely, the home team had a big pull ever their opponents, and, whilst keeping up the good form shown in the initial stage, the Sunderland men, on the contrary, seemed to tire, and with the exception of one or two bursts were seldom dangerous. Of course, Miller was absent for about ten minutes, and his reappearance gave rise to some commotion. Ah he stepped on to the field the ball was going over the Everton goal line, but he had a kick at it and play went on. Unless an Everton man played the ball last, he was undoubtedly off-side, but, anyway, no damage was done. In the last few minutes the visitors had a good look in, but in other respects the game went all against them.
THE WINNERS
The Everton men made a good show both fore and aft. Muir had little to do, and not once during the game was he hard pressed. This was due to a great extent by the fine work done by the men in front of him. Both Balmer and Eccles were in good form, playing with confidence and judgment and at different periods both had a hand in breaking up the combination single-handed.  They kicked well, too, and their tackling was sure, and on the whole they had the better of the bouts when it came to close quarters. But the most praise for the discomfiture of the Sunderland forwards is due to the half-backs. All three were in the best of condition and were remarkably quick clever with the ball. They seemed to work hand-in-hand, and if one missed another was in the right spot and took up the work. They were the best part of the team, and whatever move was on the board they had one to beat it. Another thing, they did not lose ground when gained by erratic work to their forwards, and throughout the game Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott played a great part in the -access of the whole. At one period of the game the left wing was the more prominent, but in the latter stages the right wing was just as catching, and the best shot of the afternoon came from Sharp. Taylor worked very hard, and showed great judgment in passing to his partner, Settle, too, was clever, and on the whole the Everton team gave one of their best exhibitions. THE LOWERS
Sunderland are a great team, and no doubt strove for all they were worth to strengthen their position for championship honours, but on the day’s play they met rather a better team, a shade superior at all points, barring the goal-keeping, which we had not an opportunity of forming an opinion, as Doig practically had it all to himself. He was fairly beaten on two occasions when disaster was averted, but he is still one of the best custodians we have. Active and quick of discernment, he wants a lot of beating, and the goal that was scored came from a corner and rolled in the net just out of his reach. The backs were not so good as the home pair, but there is this to be said in their favour, they had more work to do, but neither McCombie nor Watson gave a good display of defensive work. They were too often beaten to be classed as successful, and McCombie under pressure was erratic. The halves worked hard, but with the quick Everton forwards at their best they had a fair grueling. The play of the forwards was very systematic, too much so. I thought, and had they played a more open game the result might have been different. As it was the home half-backs seemed to know just what they would do, and generally baulked, no matter how keen they were. But the tussles between them were many, and both lots seemed to enjoy the bustling each received. The teams were;- Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.  Sunderland;- Doig, goal; McCombie, and Watson, backs; Ferguson, McAllister, and Jackson, half-backs; Hogg, Leslie, Miller, Livingstone, and McLatchie, forwards. 

NEW BRIGHTON TOWERS 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 8 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
At New Brighton. The Tower eleven defeated Everton by 1 goal scored by Cunliffe to nil. Everton: - Kitchen goal, Halliday, and Watson backs, Boyle, Green and Taylor (r) half-backs, Roche Dawson Worthington, Gray, and O'Brien forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
April 8 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
The defeat of the present leaders of the League at Goodison Park opens out a question of the championship considerably, and it is a matter of pure conjecture where the honour will finally rest. Rarely has the ultimate issue been so evenly apportioned among so many clubs, and from all appearances it is highly probable that the proud possessor of the title will not be made known until the curtain descends and leaves the present season amongst the multitude of things that have passed into oblivion. Everton had a tremendous tussle with the Wearsiders and they eventually triumphed though their success was well deserved, and on the play no other verdict could be deemed satisfactory. Still the visitors did not lesson their reputation by any means, and one can easily imagine them as League champions-a sturdy vigorous side pegging away throughout the 90 minutes, and a well balanced team that would earn respect from the most select organisations on either side of the Border. There is something substantial about their general methods that precludes the possibility of a rout, and their present proud position has been gained by a steady persistency which has worked most successfully throughout the season. To Everton therefore, is great credit due that they managed to check the career of their opponents at a period when the latter were never more bent upon advancing; and advancing; and the Northerns despite their ceaseless determination, and vigours tactics had to acknowledge the superiority of the home team's cleverness. Stubborn defence was met by a harassing attack which would not be denied, and sound resistance by Everton backs nullified the most incisive rushes of their opponents. In no department could the doughty visitors claim an advantage and when they discovered their inability to master the opposition there was more than a tinge of roughness about their methods that appeared to denote the irritated spirit of the skilled performer foiled at every turn. The pace of the first half was enough to test the qualities of the most perfectly conditioned player for the game waged from end to end in furious fashion, and there could be no mistaking the fact that Everton were the more accomplished exponents. Sunderland were beaten on their merits in this moiety, and when several well meant efforts were capped by a goal after 15 minutes play, the success was no more than Everton's skill deserved. The home left had baffled McCombie repeatedly, and Settle forced a corner which was accurately placed Turner, and after some vain attempts by two of three members of the team to find the net Sharp had the felicity of diverting a slow ball out of the reach of Doig. The Sunderland forwards made feeble attempts to equalise from some clever crossing by their right wing, and Everton were more dangerous near goal than their rivals. Abbott and Turner came very near increasing the lead, and in the second half Sharp banged the ball at Doig so viciously that worthy must have felt the effects of the clearance for some time afterwards. But the most perfect chance of the day came to Settle. Who received a masterly centre from Wolstenholmes, and the Everton skipper found himself with the ball at his toes, and the custodian alone a few yards in front. The sudden opportunity seemed to bewilder the recipient and instead of giving the final tap, which was all that was required to place his side two goals in front, he remained motionless-the situation was too much for him, and in the true spirit of Mark Tapley considered there would be no credit in scoring under such simple surroundings. Close on time Muir made a galant save from a beautifully placed corner kick, and thereby destroyed Sunderland's last hope, the result being that the honours of the contest went where they were due. The foundation of Everton's triumph was laid by the half backs divisions, and whilst giving every praise to the other branches of the team, to this trio must be awarded precedence. They baffled the well-laid schemes of the opposition, initiated the most seductive movements for their own front rank and practically became the pivot not only of attack, but defence likewise. Rarely indeed, has this line, amongst many creditable performances shown to such advantage as on this occasion, and to individual would be invidious. Each man work and as a result of the game depended entirely upon his exertions and in their dealings with the forwards the utmost harmony was manifested. In the van, Turner and Settle gave a very fine exhibition in the first half, but after the interval they were not too prominent. Their passing was exceptionally clever and whenever they got the ball the Sunderland defence had an anxious time of it. In the second half the right wing took a turn though Sharp experienced rather rough usage from Watson, who was more than necessarily severe on the Everton flyer. Taylor was not so effective as usual, though in the later stages improvement was noticeable, whilst Proudfoot was useful in the centre. In actual play they demonstrated a lighter grade of skill than their opponents, and in the opening half this was strongly displayed but when it came to a question of rough and tumble methods, and a not too close adhesion to the strict rules of the game they handed over the supremacy to their visitors, who, in this latter respect, felt the salutary restrictions of the referee repeatedly. The latter, by the way must have had a trying ordeal to keep up with the rapid exchanges of the early period, which were sufficient to test to the utmost the most physically fit. The Everton defence was sound, backs and goalkeeper rarely being in difficulties, and even when faced by the stiff breeze, which blew in their faces during the initial period, the returns of the full backs were telling. Balmer tackled in rare style, and twice checkmated the whole Sunderland front rank when apparently a score was imminent. The Wearsiders are a powerful combination, and though beaten, were not much behind their opponents in point of ability. They infused abundant dash into their movements; their kicking was strong and judiciously timed, but in front of goal they failed to maintain the advantages gained in midfield, and their shooting was by no means as accurate as it might have been. Hogg was the cleverest forwards on the side but the inside men spoiled many opportunities by dribbling too much instead of passing out to the extremities of the line, where capable exponents, were eagerly awaiting the chance to demonstrate their skill. The backs division adopted a vigorous policy, and gave little quarter to the opposition though McCombie in the second half made several mistakes which were only rectified by the vigilance of Doig, who was in his customary effective humour. Two clearances stood out prominently amidst a number of smart saves. One from a rasping shot by Sharp and another at the opposite goal where a low shot by Abbott almost succeeded in entering the net. The two points thus secured by Everton place them in close proximity to the leading clubs in the table, and a bold determination by the team at this juncture might easily land them much nearer the head of affairs than at present appears within the range of possibilities.

EVERTON v  SUNDERLAND
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, April 8, 1901
Without doubt one of the most popular teams visiting Liverpool is Sunderland, and their appearance at Goodison Park on Saturday had been eagerly looked forward to. There would be fully 20,000 spectators present. Settle was unsuccessful in the choice for positions, Proudfoot kicking off in face of a slight, gusty wind. After long kicking between Balmer and Watson, Sharp’s was cheered for one of his fine dashes, which, however, came to nothing. A miss by Eccles let in the Sunderland right, but the Everton defence recovered, and it was not until a couple of minutes later that Hogg made a bold bid for goal. The scene was quickly changed, the Everton centre and left getting through, and Proudfoot shooting outside. Another rush by the Wearsiders was made on the left wing, at the end of which Milelr finished by passing to Livingstone, the latter sending outside. A corner was foiled from the same quarter, and a second followed, from the latter of which Hogg sent over the bar. The goal kick gave no relief to the home defence, as Ferguson again placed his forwards in front, Jackson shooting wide. A beautiful move by Abbott found Turner with a clear course, and away he dashed at top speed, getting in a good centre, which Booth lifted close into goal, where Turner again secured, but was given offside. The game was a very fine one, and exceedingly fast, Sunderland, if anything, being slightly superior, but the defence of both was of a very high order. A moment later the Sunderland goal had a very narrow escape. Proudfoot was away at a terrific pace, when you outside the twelve-yards’ line Watson fouled him. From the free kick the ball was placed well in, and headed out again to Abbott, whose shot was a wonderfully good one, and it took Doig all his time to avert defeat, his clearance being cheered. Sharp made a smart run along his wing, and managed to hook the ball to the front, and from this one of the Sunderland defenders gave a corner, which was soon afterwards converted into a goal by Sharp; but not before an exciting struggle had taken place in the goalmouth. This occurred about a quarter of an hour from the start, and was loudly cheered by the spectators. The Wearsiders very quickly made ground from the centre, and Leslie, from a capital position, shot hard across the goalmouth, after which Everton made play, several of the front rank having chances, but only an abortive corner ensued. A fine clearance was effected by Balmer, which led up to a severe bombardment of the visitors’ goal. Settle, Proudfoot, and Sharp put in a lovely move, and Taylor, when in a splendid position had his shot charged down, but he recovered the sphere again, and tried hard, but without success, to make amends. Abbott became very aggressive, and from one ground shot the ball just went the wrong side of the post. A little later the Sunderland goal had a further narrow escape from a free kick, the ball striking the crossbar, and rebounding at the feet of several players, none of whom, however, could pilot it into the net. Loose play by the Everton halves let in Leslie, who let fly from a long range, the ball travelling harmlessly across the goalmouth. Shortly afterwards McLatchie made a couple of smart runs, but was too closely shadowed by Wolstenholme to succeed in putting anything like a finishing touch to his efforts. Still, Sunderland had at this point matters very much their own way, and gained a corner on the left, but they were unable to pierce the Everton goal. Right and left wing made their way through from the centre, where play was very quiet, Hogg, on the one hand, and Livingstone on the other, each trying their best to make matters better for their side, but they failed, and at last Everton had a couple of free kicks, but made nothing of them, Abbott letting his opponents away. After Eccles had once been beaten, which, however, resulted in no harm being done, Everton came along in fine style. Booth giving every opportunity to his front line. Taylor had a shie, following which Wolstenholme tried to lower Doig's colours, Sharp following suit, but all to purpose, as Watson, M’Combie, and Doig were in splendid fettle. A free kick against led up to an attack on the home goal, and the ball being well placed, the Everton citadel was jeopardised momentarily. Balmer ultimately effecting a clearance. For some reason not discernible from the Press box, Mr. Adams ”interviewed” Balmer, afterwards throwing the ball up near the centre line. Everton dashed away, Turner almost doing the trick, Abbott trying his luck from a free kick. Half-time score: Everton 1 goal, Sunderland nil.
Miller restarted, and end to end play was the order for a time, the opening stages, although fairly fast, being anything but interesting. Booth at last set his side going, and a across from the right was captured by Turner, from whoso centre Doig had exert himself in order to save his goal. For some minutes subsequently Everton had the major portion of the game, and Sharphad the hardest of lines when he sent in a lovely shot which dropped on the crossbar and rolled behind; Taylor following with one just outside. Mr. Referee had occasion for a few moments’ serious conversation with Jackson, one of the Sunderland half backs, after which the game proceeded once more in favour of Everton; but shortly afterwards the Wearsiders had the benefit of a free kick, which led them to front of the Everton goal. Here, however, they made no mark, and the Evertonians brokeback until “hands” gave them the order to retire. Booth put his side in attacking order, but a couple of free kicks gave Sunderland an advantage, until Sharp dashed way and centred. McCombie kicking out to save. Proudfoot tried his hand at goal-potting, as also did Booth, but each tailed to put the ball the net. Miller was injured and carried off the field. The game deteriorated at this stage, and there was a tendency to roughness which necessitated Mr. Adams, the referee, admonishing one or two of the players. As regards the exchanges, however, Everton generally more than held their own, and once Proudfoot ran clean through, after Wolstenholme had missed by inches only. The ball, however, travelled across the goal to Turner, who ran it over the line. Miller returned, after being absent about ten minutes. Sunderland now played up desperately, doing their utmost to draw level. The defence, however, withstood the onslaught, and the home forwards went away with a dash. Sharp giving Settle a glorious chance, but he dallied, and the chance was lost. The closing incidents were in favour of Everton. who tried hard to gain another point, but failed, and a fine game ended in Everton’s favour by 1 goal to nil. Teams:— Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Sunderland;- Doig, goal; McCrombie and Watson, backs; Ferguson, McAllister, and Jackson, half-backs; Hogg, Leslie, Miller, Livingstone, and McLatchie, forwards.

SUNDERLAND v. EVERTON.
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Monday 08 April 1901
VICTORY OF EVERTON.
These teams met at Everton on Saturday in return League fixture. The first match ended in a win for Sunderland by two goals to nothing. The following were the teams :— Sunderland: Goal, Doig; backs, McCombie and Watson; half-backs, Ferguson, McAllister, and Jackson; forwards. W. Hogg, Leslie, Miller, Livingstone, and McLatchie. Everton : Goal, Muir; backs, Balmer and Eccles; half-backs, Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott ; forwards. Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner. The Wearside team are always welcome visitors in Liverpool, and Saturday's encounter was vested with more than ordinary interest on accountof its important bearing on the championship. During the forenoon the weather prospects were anything but promising, but fortunately the rain held off. Everton were fully represented. Settle again resuming his place. There would be fully 30,000 spectators present.
THE GAME.
Sunderland having won the toss, Proudfoot kicked off for the homesters prompt to time. Sunderland were the first to attack, but Miller sent behind. From the goal kick Sharp and Taylor broke away, but Watson relieved. Booth
NIPPED IN THE BUD
a nice movement by the Sunderland right. A fine overhead kick by Booth let in Proudfoot, but he was too much hampered to shoot effectively. The right wing got down, and Leslie shot a few inches wide. A foul for hands spoiled a movement by the visiting left, while a moment later McAllister got offside when nicely placed, Sunderland continued to press, and Livingstone forced Balmer to concede a corner, which, however, proved abortive, Hogg shooting over the crossbar. Balmer headed away a fine centre from McLatchie. Abbot was applauded for a brilliant piece of tackling which led up to a severe attack on the Sunderland goal. Proudfoot, however, was bundled off the ball before he could get his final shot. The visiting right were getting dangerous when Balmer kicked over the stand. Taylor served up to Sharp, and a foul against Sunderland ended inAbbot
ALMOST DEFEATING DOIG
with a lightning shot, Sharp meeting the return and shooting wide. McCombie robbed Turner as he was getting dangerous. From a corner, finely placed by Turner, Sharp scored for Everton, to the accompaniment of ringing cheers. From the centre Sunderland went straight down, and Miller shot inches wide, Sharp doing likewise at the other end.
BALMER STOPPED LIVINGSTONE,
and afoul against the homesters was cleared by Eccles. Everton were now playing in improved style, and Doig was forced to concede a corner after an exciting scrimmage. Balmer miskicked and nearly let in Hogg, but Eccles nipped in and cleared. A fine centre by Sharp was beautifully cleared by McCombie, who was excelling himself. Half-time result— Everton 1 goal Sunderland Nil
Sunderland re-started, andEverton made headway, Settle shooting wide. Jackson served up nicely, and the visiting left were getting dangerous when Balmer cleared.  Doig saved twice in quick succession from Turner, McCombie kicking outside to save his lines. A fine dropping shot by Sharp just topped the crossbar.  Miller spoiled a chance by hesitating. Booth dispossessed him. The game was stopped for a few minutes while Mr Adams administered a caution to Jackson. A series of throws-in followed. From one of them Sharp broke away, but in his eagerness the chance was lost. Two fouls were given against Everton, but these were not improved upon. Doig tipped a hot one from Proudfoot over the bar, but the ensuing corner was got away. Miller raced away, but was floored in the act of shooting by Balmer. At this stage Miller was injured and had to be carried off. For a time Sunderland were penned in, their own half being handicapped by the absence of Miller. The right wing, however, broke away, and Hogg shot into Muir's hands. Miller now re-appeared at a moment when Sunderland were pressing, and coolly had a shot at goal. An exciting melee in front of Doig ended in the referee throwing the ball up and cautioning two
THE SUNDERLAND BACKS.
Abbott conceded a corner, which was well placed, but Muir saved. A free kick to Everton led up to a hot attack on Doig's charge, but this was repelled at the expense of a fruitless corner. Doig just caught a terrific shot from Sharp as it was sailing into the corner of the net. McCombie miskicked, and let in Turner, who shot over the bar. Final— Everton 1 goal Sunderland Nil
NOTES ON THE GAME.
The first half was evenly contested, Everton, if anything, holding a slight advantage, their front line displaying unwonted accuracy when in the vicinity of Doig. If the Sunderland forwards had taken advantage of the many chances they had of shooting instead of finessing until those chances had been neutralised by the smartness of the Everton defence, the score at the interval might have been different. There was nothing to complain about in the defence, which, up to the interval, was superb, both backs showing up well when hard pressed. Doig was in grand form, saving well under difficulties. Of the half-backs, Jackson was, perhaps, the best a hard-working trio. The second half was mostly favour of Everton, who all round played a brilliant game. Sunderland never seemed to get into their stride, and, allowing for the temporary absence of Miller, the display of the forwards was disappointing. Luckily for them the score against might have been heavier. Both backs played a sterling game throughout, as did those of Everton. The second half was spoiled by the frequency of fouls, this being more evident than in the first moiety. Everton fully deserved their victory.

EVERTON V NEWCASTLE UNITED.
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 08 April 1901
LEAGUE-~-FIRST DIVISION.
Except for a boisterous wind, which was bound to interfered with accuracy of play, the weather was beautifully fine when the return League match between Everton and Newcastle United took place this afternoon at Goodison-park. The Liverpool club this year had the advantage of the earlier kick off, and many of the spectators who witnessed the victory of the Anfield-road team wended their way across the park to see Everton’s game, which was timed to commence at 4.15. When the Evertonians were unluckily defeat by a penalty goal, and after theirdisplay against Sunderland last Saturday they were quite expected to turn the tables on the Newcastrians. In the Everton ranks no changes were made, while United were strongly represented., The teams faced as follows :— Everton: Muir, goal:; Balmer and Eccles, backs ; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs ; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner forwards.  Newcastle United : Kingsley, goal; Burgess and D. Gardner, backs ; Ghee, Aitken, and Carr, half-backs ; Gardner, Macfarlane, Peddie, Heywood, and Niblo, forwards. There would be some 20,000 spectators present when the visitors, having lost the toss, kicked off against the wind and sun.  The first aggressive movement came from Evertonians but it was no very dangerous, though the home side, and particularly the right wing, were in strong evidence.  Suddenly a great change came over the game, Nibble ran down the wing like lightning, and parting with the ball toGardner that player had no difficulty in banging it into the net, the referee, Mr. Brodis, disregarding Muir’s appeal for offside. Everton retaliated, and after fine work by theright wing Abbott shot the ball just wide of the upright. From a throw in the same player shot wide. A couple of corners next fell to Everton, and from the second of these Kingsley got his foot to the ball just in time to prevent it rolling into the net. The passing between Taylor, Proudfoot, and  Sharp led to the latter missing by inches. Evertonat this time were having all the play, but their  efforts in front of goal were not marked by much generalship, the players showing a tendency to lift  the ball too high. The United were full of determination, and considering the conditions played a remarkably plucky game. The ball was shot into the net asecond time, but there was no mistaking the fact that Peddie was offside. Everton had the bulk of the play, which did not reach a very high standard, Proudfoot from Taylor’s pass shot high over the bar, and then both Balmer and Eccles were found plenty of work, the United outside men exhibiting a tendency to infringe the offside rule. Peddie just failed to get his head to a fine centre from Gardner, who a moment later forced a corner,from which Aitken from long range sent wide. A great deal of long kicking was indulged in by both sides the Newcastle men being the more vigorous in their efforts. Muir had to fist out from a corner, ! which was splendidly placed, and for a time the game favoured the visitors. Sharp next troubled  Kingsley with a nasty dropping shot, but the Everton attack was not sustained. At the other end Muir had to encounter a fast, low shot, and atter the United backs had rather a trying time. Proudfoot failed by inches to meet a neat passfrom Taylor, the ball rolling wide of the upright. Burgess luckily charged down a fast shot from Abbott, and United getting away in fine style Muir splendidly saved from Gardner and Pedde. Balmer granted a corner from which the ball was placed behind. For a change Abbott put in a fast shot which banged against the upright, and wentover the line, and for a few minutes Everton pressed without, however, causing Kingsley much anxiety. Taylor missed a fair opening just before the whistle blew for the interval. Half-time; Newcastle United 1, Everton 0.

EVERTON 0 NEWCASTLE UNITED 1
April 9 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
The supporters of the Everton club have witnessed in the two latest League matches at Goodison Park the highest and the lowest depth of their team's form; one day their favourites perform feats of valour, and trample in the dust the colours of the League leaders; 48 hours later they themselves are smitten hip and thigh by a combination thatt has not by any means the same pretensions to a high position in the football world. Anything more depressing than the display given against Newcastle United can scarcely be imagined; weakness in every branch of the team was manifest lackadaisical movements, absence of all combined effort and general inability to do anything well were the prominent features of the Everton players performance yesterday. After the splendid exposition given against Sunderland another victory at the expense of the club hailing from farthest North seemed a matter of certainly, but the game had not been in progress very long before these expectations were ruderly dispelled and Everton were fortunate in not being more soundly thrashed. In less than five minutes the game was won, and lost, for Niblo completely outwitted Eccles, raced close in and then crossed to Gardner, who had no difficulty in registering the first and only goal of the match. Several times did the United left wing round the Everton back, and the repeated rushes of the latter led to nothing more than a narrow escape for Muir's charge whilst had the visitors shown any great efficiency near goal they must have been returned more decisive victors. Abbott made some creditable efforts to change the fortune of the game, and Sharp indulged in much clever work, but there was no cohesion amongst the forwards; the halves were in the whole too rambling and uneven in their methods, and with Eccles rarely able to hold the opposing wing in check. Everton were not seen to any particular advantage. In the second half, the home forwards made an occasional attempt to equalise matters, but Taylor missed a splendid chance and close on time Settle dashed clean through but shot against the side of the net. The United had much more of the game, and Heywood narrowly missed placing his side further ahead, but when the final whistle blew Everton were deservedly beaten. Their display was about the most feeble they have given at home since the opening of the season, and Saturday's effort had apparently taken all the energy and efficiency out of the men. The forwards never got going; the halves were little better with the exception of Abbott, and all round there was a want of swing and dash that boded nothing but disaster all through the play. Everton never gave the impression that they were likely to win no concerned action was forthcoming leading to a maintained attack on Kingsley's charge; consequently the visitors' defence was never really in difficulties. A few creditable individual efforts were noticeable. Sharp being the most prominent in theirs respect; but as a body the Everton attack was no match for the Newcastle halves, and by their superior dash and determination the latter made sad havoc of the quintet that had performed so meritoriously against an equally powerful defence two days previously. The halves were most disappointing, probably on account of the high standard exhibition in the previous game, and Abbott alone was in anything like the form usually associated with this department of the team. Further behind, defects were prevalent, and, as already stated, the rushing tactics of Eccles were seldom of advantage and often to the complete detriment of his side's welfare. The United forwards were a smarter set than the line, which visited Anfield a forthnigh ago. Niblo and Heywood making a capital pair, the ex-Turton youth being the pick of the whole line. Too much dribbling was indulged in, and more honest shooting would have benefited then to a greater extent than the useless finessing of Peddie, who was the greatest sinner in this respect. The halves were the best part of the team, each man rendering excellent service and breaking up the home team's combination samply by their vigour, and by anticipating their oppositions. The backs were sturdy and sound, and Kingsley was never beaten, though on one occasions a shot from Abbott almost brought about his downfall. To say that the result was a surprise to the crowd, is putting the fact mildly, but the better team won, and Everton were vanquished solely on account of their wretchedly indifferent efforts. Teams: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer, and Eccles backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, halfbacks, Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner forwards. Newcastle United: - Kingsley, goal, Burgess, and Gardner (d), backs, Ghee, Aitken, and Carr, halfbacks, Gardner (a), MacFarlane, Peddie Heywood, and Niblo, forwards. Referee M.J.Brodie

BURNLEY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 9 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
These teams met at Turf Moor last evening, in splendid weather. Some good football was witnessed. At the outset Everton, who showed smart form, had the best of matters; but from a penalty Mole scored the first goal for Burnley after 15 minutes. The ensuing play was fairly even, and just before half time Dawson equalised, the half-time score being 1 each. Immediately on resuming Roche placed Everton ahead. There was little to choose between these teams, though the visitors showed rather better combination and Everton won by 2 goals to 1. (Game 30).

EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
The Liverpool Daily Post- Tuesday, April 9, 1901
This match was played at Goodison Park yesterday afternoon, before a big crowd. In view of the close race for the championship, the chief interest centred in the meeting of Liverpool and Notts at Anfield, but, nevertheless, a large percentage of people journeyed across the park at the conclusion of the game in order to patronise the match at Goodison Park. When the teams turned out under the control of Mr. Brodie there would be 2,000 present. Peddie started for the United against the brilliant sun, but clever work by Booth stopped their progress, and Turner and Settle went up on the left, Proudfoot sending out at the finish. From the goal-kick Peddie secured and passed out wide to Niblo, who sped along the left, and at the precise psychological moment crossed the ball to Gardner, who dashed in and beat Muir with the greatest ease. This success on the part of the United came only three minutes from the start, and naturally put the visitors on good terms with themselves. Resuming Everton applied pressure, and for minutes play was all in the vicinity of the Newcastle goal. Kingsley, however, made a couple of clearances, which had the effect of relieving his l.ne. Peddie led off his front rank again, and the position looked serious, when Heywood was off-side. Afterwards Everton attacked in real earnest, Taylor centring finely to Proudfoot, who shot wide. A fine run and centre by Gardner followed, Eccles failing to check him. but Balmer made up for the deficiency by a splendid clearance. The Northerners were very aggressive at this period. Niblo and Gardner both got in some lovely centres, all of which the inside men failed to turn to good account. A corner to Newcastle was placed, but Abbott cleared, after which Settle and Turner got along at a terrific pace Taylor, however, was badly fouled when in a good position. The free kick was driven into the net without touching a second player in its transit. A corner kick to Newcastle was placed right into Muir, who fitted away. Settle taking up the running and carrying play back to centre. Aitken was responsible for breaking up Everton's combination, but before long the Evertonians again advanced to the front, Sharp missing a yard from a difficult run. Niblo was applauded for a tricky run. Balmer accounting for him after Wolstenholme had been beaten. Everton now made a somewhat sustained attack, Sharp, Settle, and Proudfoot displaying excellent judgment, the sphere, however, ultimately being driven outside. The onslaught was kept up for some time Abbott shooting in very strongly, but his shot was charged by D. Gardner. The game was of a very interesting nature, and end to-end play left Peddie in possession, the centre making a magnificent effort to lower Muir's colours. The Everton keeper, however, cleared grandly, and though Newcastle came again, the only result was an abortive corner. The home lot worked the ball again, and once Abbott sent in a really beautiful long shot, which struck the corner the goal, and passed outside. Everton pressed again, and continued to have the best of matters. Taylor, shortly before the interval, having a fairly easy chance of equalising, only to throw it away with a wide shot. Nothing further occurred to the interval, which found Everton pressing and Newcastle a goal to good. Half-time: United 1 goal, Everton nil. Proudfoot restarted, and the first item was an injury to Aitken in the first minute, but fortunately he was not seriously hurt, and resumed immediately. Muir came out to clear a long shot, following which Everton went down in good order, and after Kingsley had saved once Taylor found himself in possession, only to shoot high over the bar. Almost immediately afterwards the United keeper was floundering on all fours with the ball in hispossession, and parted with it so weakly that Proudfoot appeared to have a great chance, but only a corner and this proved abortive. It was only at intervals now that the United got away, the Blues pressing very hard. Sharp put in a speedy run, and put a fast high ball across the goalmouth, which Settle jumped at, and almost converted, having desperately hard lines. Subsequently Peddie, supported by his left flank, raided the Everton quarters, and the result of the attack was a dangerous low grounder from the centre forward, which Muir stopped just by  corner of the post. The visitors became very troublesome at thisstage, and were bad to shake off. Turner raced away onthe home left, and was badly brought down by Ghee just outside the penalty area, but the free kick brought no advantage. Keen play followed, Everton trying hard to get level, while the United were not only bent on retaining their lead, but seemed anxious to strengthen it. A bad mistake by Gardner let Settle in,but the back recovered himself, and managed to save the position by kicking behind the goal line, the corner yielding nothing. Before the finish Everton put on pressure, and once Settle almost scored with a lightning shot. Nothing further was done,however, and a rather disappointing game ended in a victory for the Northerners. Final: Newcastle United 1 goal,Everton nil. Teams;-
Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.
Newcastle United;- Kingsley, goal; Burgess and D. Gardner, backs; Ghee, Aitken, and Carr, half-backs; A. Gardner, McFarlane, Peddie, Heywood, and Niblo, forwards.

NOTTS COUNTY v. EVERTON
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Wednesday 10 April 1901
Played at Nottingbam.yesterday, in showery weather, beforea capital attendance. The game was fast for twenty-five minutes, when Settle scored for Everton. Notts then woke up again, and Morris scored with about ten minutes to go before the interval. Ross got a second, and half-time came with the score—Nott County 2 Everton 1 goal. The second half opened favour of Notts, though the early exchanges Everton had the advantage, and Proudfoot dribbling scored and equalised for Everfon. Afterwards Notts bombarded visitors' goal, both half backs and forwards shooting. Turner and Settle now and again were prominent, but were always cheeked. A stoppage of five minutes was made whilst the police was called to an abusive spectator. Morris scored for Notts two minutes from time. Result:—Notts 3 goals, Everton 2 goals

NOTTS COUNTY 3 EVERTON 2
April 10 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton completed their holiday fixtures yesterday with a return League engagement at Nottingham with the County team. They were, owing to injuries without Balmer and Booth, for whom substitutes were found in Watson and Blythe. The same team that appeared at Liverpool on the previous day represented the County and, although the weather was showery, about 8,000 spectators witnessed the game. The teams were as follows: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Eccles and Watson backs, Wolstenholmes Blythe, and Abbott, halfbacks, Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner forwards. Notts County: - Pennington, goal, Lewis, and Montgomery, and backs, Ball Bull, and McDonald, halfbacks Hadley, Warner, Ross, Morris, and Gee, forwards. Everton had the choice of ends, and with the assistance of a cross breeze had slightly the better of the opening play. Settle and Turner made headway, and the former player looked like getting through when Lewis came to the rescue of his side. The Everton forwards combined with good effect, and for some time the full resources of the County defenders were kept in requisition. The monotony was broken with a smart run down by Gee, who, repeating the performance directly afterwards was only a trifle lacking in an attempt to lower the visitors goal. The Everton forwards continued to more than hold their own but the final touches were difficult to convert, owing to the very fine defence of the County backs. A brilliant shot by Ross was the next item, and had Muir been beaten none could have blamed him. The ball was immediately at the other end, and following a movement initiated by Taylor, Sharp put the ball across to Settle, who defeated Pennington with a low shot, play having been in progress 20 minutes. The visitors continued to play effectively together, and looked like adding to their score, when Hadley and Warner broke off, and obtaining a free kick Morris defeated Muir with a fast shot into the corner of the net. Immediately afterwards Turner came near scoring, and within a couple of minutes Pennington was called upon to keep out two well-directed attempts at scoring. The play was interesting at every turn, but when it came to the critical test the respective defences prevailed. Settle had affair opening but shot wildly and following a couple of very fine kicks by Montgomery the County forwards were placed in a good position, and from a very fine centre by Gee, Ross placed his side ahead. There was now no holding the County, who bore down in irresistible fashion, and Muir kept out a brilliant shot from Warmer in marvellous fashion. So far, Everton had shown the better form, but were not so decisive in their attacks when in front of goal. There was no further scoring at half-time when Notts led by two goals to one. The second half opened with a strong attack on the Everton goal Gee being principally concerned, but both Watson and Eccles defended well, and Muir was not troubled, Sharp made headway on the right but could not get the better of the home defenders, who stopped at nothing to protect their goal. Eventually Sharp and Taylor made the running and the latter passing to Proudfoot the last named made the best of an opening afforded him and scored a really fine goal, thus placing his side on level terms. During the next few minutes the County forwards were distinctly dangerous and Muir and his backs were kept fully extended. Hadley was only a trifle wide with a capital shot and on play being transferred to the other end; Turner made a capital attempt to score. The home side now put a big effort forward to gain the lead, and for some time Muir had many anxious moments. On one occasion his charge looked like being captured by Hadley when Blythe put his head to the ball, and a further return required all the efforts of the visitors to keep down the scoring. A free kick against Settle close in looked ominous, but Proudfoot came through and supplemented with a run by Turner play was taken to the home end of the field. There was however, no mistaking the superiority of the County team, for whom Ross, put in a brilliant effort, which was ably dealth with. Toward the close the County forwards attacked strongly, and after Muir had partially saved from Warmer Morris pounced upon the ball and shot it safely into the net. The game, which was finely contested, ended in a victory for Notts County by 3 goals to 2.

EXCELLENT EXHIBITION AGAINST EVERTON
Burnley Express - Wednesday 10 April 1901
The Burnley and Everton Reserves match, which took place at turf Moor on Monday evening, attracted only a moderate attendance. Burnley were represented by the following players;- Tatham, Dixon, Ross, Mole, Howarth, Barker, Parkinson, Smith, Sawley, Driver, and Savage; while the Everton eleven were;- Kitchen, Crelly, Halliday, Boyle, Greaves, Jones, Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and Chadwick. Mr. Howcroft was the referee.
The home side operated down the slope, thus having the advantage of an oblique breeze. Everton had all the best of the opening exchanges, and Tatham brought off a particularly good save. Burnley invaded Everton territory a few times, but continued to have the better of the play. The home defenders were kept busy, though some time elapsed ere Tatham requisitioned again by a ground shot. Burnley got down, only to be quickly placed on the defensive again. However, they were not daunted. Coming again Smith was pushed down inside the twelve yards mark, and without a moment's hesitation Mr. Howcroft awarded a penalty, which was entrusted to Mole, who shot with great force into the net, thus scoring the first goal for Burnley the end of rather over twenty minutes. This success stimulated the home side, who pressed, Kitchen having save four shots in a short space of time. Both ends were rapidly visited, there being very little to choose between the sides, though Everton had whatever advantage that could be claimed. Tatham effected very smart clearances in hot pressure, conceding a corner at the second shot. Playwas spirited, and Everton by no means had matters all their own way, albeit they had more of the attack than Burnley. Fortyminutes from the start Dawson equalised with a fast cross shot from close quarters, giving Tatham no chance. Burnley got down two or three times, and Everton had turns of pressure. At the interval the score was one goal each. On resuming Everton at once assailed, and Roche placed his side ahead. Then Burnley waged a prolonged attack the Everton goal, but the defence prevailed. Burnley were driven back, but recovering, Kitchen had to save. Then the home defence was severely tested, Barker and Ross showing up well. Again Kitchen ran out and cleared, and Tatham distinguished himself. Everton had the better of the exchanges for a time. By good play Burnley threatened danger, and wrested a corner, from which Kitchen saved well, an operation he had to repeat soon after. Both ends were rapidly visited, and each side wrested a corner, Kitchen saving. The home players shone on attack and defence, Ross being very prominent. The Burnley forwards showed neat combination, but found the Everton defenders all there. Both teams had looks in, being the more dangerous, and Tatham cleared on two occasions. After an interval Tatham saved very smartly from the outside right, and repeated the operation, while a corner accrued to Everton. Burnley raced up and Kitchen saved, Tatham doing a similar feat, and then Burnley wrested a corner, which, however, was fruitless. Towards time there was little to choose, Burnley putting on strong pressure. Everton got rather the better of mid-field exchanges, and then gained a corner. In the last two minutes Burnley had a look in, but failed to utilise it, and then Kitchen saved from Savage, from Ross fine return. The point equalising point was not forthcoming, and Everton won a very good game by two goals to one. Burnley made a distinctly creditable show against a powerful side, and the score about represents the game.

EVERTON v  NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 10 April 1901
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Everton were due at Nottingham yesterday to encounter the County team in the return League match. The Trent Bridge ground being closed in order to prepare for the forthcoming cricket season, the game was decided on the Forest enclosure. Mr. Molyneux, the energetic secretary of the Everton Club, had made elaborate arrangements for the players and a few friends who accompanied them. A special Midland dinning saloon was provided for the comfort of the visitors, in which lunch and dinner were served en route. The weather was very changeable, with a gusty wind, and rain fell at intervals, with the sun shining brilliantly between the showers. Both Booth and Balmer were suffering from injuries, and Blythe and Watson took their places. It may be interesting to recall thefact that Notts succeeded in winning at Goodison Park by a goal to nil, a performance which Everton were particularly anxious to reverse. The day was a recognised half holiday in Nottingham, and asa consequence a good crowd assembled. The ground, notwithstanding the heavy showers of the morning, was in good condition. The County team was identical with that defeated by Liverpool at Anfield on Monday. When the teams appeared they were loudly cheered, quite 8.000 spectators were present. Everton won the toss, and took advantage of the breeze. Ross started the game, the home left at once making incursion, but Gee ran the ball out. A beautiful move by Settle placed Turner in possession, but he was forced off the ball by Lewis. Some very tricky work on the part of Ross caused hostilities to be hotly contested in the Everton half, and Eccles and Blythe were beaten. Watson, however, came to the rescue in fine style, and averted disaster. The Everton front rank at this stage were very busy. Wolstenholme placing perfectly to their advantage, and as a consequence the home defenders had a hot time of it. Lewis and Montgomery, however, covered Pennington so well that he was only once called upon, when he cleared finely from the visiting left. A beautiful bit of work by Ball placed Morris in possession, he and Gee moving along splendidly. Ross's final shot going a trifle wide. Blythe pulled up Ross in fine style, following which Proudfoot found an opening for Sharp, whose centre was not utilised to advantage, though Abbott made a gallant attempt to score from Montgomery's clearance. At the other end Gee put a terrific shot, the ball just going over the bar. Following this, Everton asserted themselves tosome tune, forcing three corners in quick succession, none of which, however, were turned account. After another brief spurt by the County, Everton returned to the attack, Wolstenholme  making a most magnificent attempt. Pennington clearing with difficulty. Gee made an effort to get away, but was baffled by Eccles, and after the sphere had been transferred to the other wing. Watson checked a very dangerous one. The home men were attacking desperately, at this period, shots being sent in by Warner and Ross, the latter’sattempt being a fine one, but it was magnificently repelled by Muir. From the clearance Wolstenholme gave Sharp possession, the latter centring finely, and Proudfoot failing to secure. Settle collared, and making no mistake scored first goal for Everton after twenty minutes' play, the County unsuccessfully appealing for offside, which would probably have been given had Proudfoot touched the sphere. This placed the Evertonians on good terms with themselves, and the next five minutes saw them attacking hotly, the only decent shot, however, being one from Wolstenholme. Then the County advanced on the right wing, and were given a freekick for a foul throw in. The ball was sent across to the centre, where Blythe was at fault. Morris dashing and, with a fine swift shot, making the score level. After thisEverton went to the front, forcing a corner on the right,which Montgomery accounted for. Everton continued to press with great persistence and Turner ran along and centred grandly, but Taylor missed the mark, and, though Turner followed him up, he was given off side. Play for a while afterwards was very even, and end to end work was witnessed.  Everton, however, generally held more than their own, but the defence of the "Lambs" was of a very high order. Five minutes before the interval Wolstenholme failed to check the visiting left wing, and Gee put in a lively centre, from which Ross scored a brilliant goal, thus placing the County ahead. Imbued with their success, the home men again made a desperate onslaught. Muir saving splendidly from Warner. Half-time: Notts County 2 goals, Everton  1. On resuming, the County were first to attack. Hadley making an incursion which forced on the defensive. Gee was the first to test Muir, following which the other extreme wing man had a shie, the visiting custodian saving in each case. At the other end Sharp made a fine run, but was dispossessed, following which Morris completely ran through all opposition, ultimately, however, being pulled by Blythe, who stuck to him like a leech, the ball going outside. From the throw in Everton advanced on the right, Taylor crossing at the right moment and Proudfoot had no difficulty in placing the sides on equality. Both elevens now played up with the great dash, the Everton goal having a particularly narrow escape from a grand centre by Hadley, from which Ross missed by inches only. The County at this stage were playing for all they were worth, and the visiting citadel was perpetually bombarded, the defence, however, proving equal to the emergency, and both halves, backs, and custodian rendered a splendid account of themselves. The game afterwards was evenly contested, the exchanges being of a fine order. Just before the finish, however, Morris, after Muir had saved from Hadley, scored the third goal for the County, who won an exceedingly well-contested game by 3 goals to 2. Teams;-
Everton;- Muir, goal; Watson and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Blythe, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards.
Notts County;- Pennington, goal; Montgomery and Lewis, backs; McDonald, Bull, and Ball, half-backs; Gee, Morris, Ross, Warner, and Hadley, forwards.

NOTTS v  EVERTON
Nottingham Journal - Wednesday 10 April 1901
Everton;- Muir, goal; Watson and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Blythe, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards.
Notts County;- Pennington, goal; Montgomery and Lewis, backs; McDonald, Bull, and Ball, half-backs; Gee, Morris, Ross, Warner, and Hadley, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Adams. Of Birmingham. The Notts team have been called upon to accomplish some stiff work during the past four or five days, and in bringing four points out of a possible six back from Lancashire they merit unqualified congratulation. Second in the League table with 40 points for 33 matches, and more wins to their credit than any of their rivals, the record of Notts is one of which the supporters of the club may justly feel proud, and but for a succession of moderate performance early in the season it is quite probable the “magpies” would now be in the position occupied by Sunderland. The team was welcomed home again yesterday to the City Ground of the Forest Club-owing to certain conditions connected with the tenancy of Trent Bridge-to play the penultimate match of their League programme. The in-and-out Everton team were the visitors, and although in endeavouring to predict the result of a game where the “toffee men” are concerned every allowance must be made for their waywardness, Notts were pretty confidently expected to annex full points at their expense, because usually Everton are not a dangerous combination away from home. Late in December the Nottingham club created no little surprise by beating Everton at Goodiosn Park by a goal to nothing, so that although no vital consequence attached to the return game, the visitors had a definite object to work for, namely the wiping out of the stain of that defeat. Matches between Notts and Everton were inaugurated in 1887 and in all the teams have met on 22 occasions. Everton have now been successful on twelve occasions, against Notts, seven, and have scored a total of 48 goals against 33. Notts relied upon the same team which did duty at Liverpool on Monday, but there were two changes in the Everton ranks. Owing to injury Balmer was absent at right back, and his place was taken by Eccles, who crossed over from the other side, letting in Watson; while Blythe filled the place of Booth at centre half, the usual man also being on the injured list. The heavy rains of the previous night had made the ground somewhat soft on the surface, but the going was not particularly uncertain. The weather was pleasant, and at the start there were about 9,000 people on the ground. The visitors won the toss, and decided to defend the river end for the initial half, but despite the fact that they had the assistance of what wind there was Notts, had considerably the better of the first ten minutes, Gee and Morris moving splendidly on the left wing. The outside man was especially clever, and trouble the defence with three fine centres from one of which Ross scraped the ball into Muir’s hands, and the visiting custodian cleared safely. It must not, however, be inferred from this that the homesters did as they liked with the “light blues” for Sharp and Taylor several times ran past the half-backs, but were held safe by Lewis and Montgomery, before Pennington could be troubled. Following the brief attack by the visitors Morris darted out from the pack in eel-like fashion, and clean beat Eccles for speed. When challenged by Blythe he sent a wide pass to Gee, who ran in a few yards and shot the leather, just grazing the top pace whilst travelling at lightning speed. A heavy shower of rain at this period made things decidedly uncomfortable for players and spectators alike, but still the former struggled on the increasingly greasy surface, Everton having considerably the better of the argument for a while. Wolstenholme tested the capabilities of Pennington, with a lovely straight drive, and the Notts custodian also found other work to do, and did it assuredly. At length the home defence relieved the pressure, and when Notts got down, chiefly by the aid of Gee and Morris, Ross fastened on to a centre from the former and gave Muir a tremendous high drive to negotiate. The force behind the leather almost knocked the custodian over the line, but he held the hot ball securely and cleared amid generous cheering. Eccles called down upon himself the disapprobation of the spectators by an unsuccessful attempt to trip Gee as the lively little winger was running through and Everton pluckily obtained relief by a free kick for a foul by Warner, which appeared to be unintentional. Considering the uncertain going, the exchanges were fairly fast and interesting-also even-and Montgomery, Ball, and McDonald were especially prominent in defence of their goal whenever the Evertonians assailed, but Settle scored for the visitors after 21 minutes from a pass off-side. The homesters were soon destined to open their account also, and it was left to the useful Morris to do the trick. The attack was led by Hadley and Warner, and when the leather was middled it fell nicely to the toe of the Liscard man, he registered a neat point after half-an-hour’s play. After this reverse the Evertonians played with much more vim, and the home goal was twice endangered, once by Turner and Settle, and then by Wolstenholm with another of his famous long shots, Pennington saving finely. The home vanguard were just now held safe by the Everton halves, and play was carried out chiefly in Notts quarters until Ross sailed away and swung the ball out to gee. Eccles robbed him neatly, and Ball was recognised for an equally smart piece of tackling against the redoubtable Turner. Montgomery punted out a hot one from close quarters by Proudfoot and attention was then directed to some keen bours between Gee and Morris and Wolstenholme and Eccles, in which honours were equally divided. Two big lunges by Montgomery gave Notts a stout footing in their opponents’ territory and Wolstenholme was a bit lucky in baulking Ross before he could shoot from a pretty pass by Bull; and subsequently Warner ran in a little too far before taking aim, or another goal seemed likely. But there was not long to wait for it, for when the home quintette came down in line Ross met a centre from his right wing before it reached the turf, and while going at a great pace crashed the ball into the meshes of the net before Muir had time to take in the situation. There was only just time for Hadley to bring Muir to his knees with a trimming grounder before the interval arrived, with the score;- Notts 2 Everton 1.
On resuming, Notts at once made the running and claimed two corners, neither of which Mr. Adams could see his way to allow, and at the end of five minutes the visitors relieved the pressure on their goal, Taylor and Sharp getting clean away on the right wing, and from a pass by the former Proudfoot shot a splendid goal, and thus the teams were once more on equality. Following this, hard work by Hadley and Warner several times threatened danger, and after Morris had pluckily tried to get in a shot, despite the vigorous attention of several opponents, he scraped the leather out to Hadley, who, however, shot weakly past. The Notts forwards were now making it very hot for the defence of the Liverpudlians and with the backs not too steady Muir had many anxious moments, and the way he cleared from Ross, Morris, and Warner stamped him as a custodian of the first order. Several fouls against the visitors assisted Notts, but Muir continued his fine work in goal, and Everton survived the second hot fusillade of the half. Turner then led an incursion in the direction of Pennington, but Taylor spoiled what chance the visitors had of taking the lead by lying off-side, and after some finessing close in the “light blues” were driven back and were again for some time vigorously engaged in defence of their goal. Morris skimmed the timbers with a terrific shot, and Bull, from a corner, also missed by the narrowest of margins. Everton then trotted off to the other end, only to be immediately sent empty away, and Hadley enlivened the proceedings by an electric dart down the full length of his wing, finishing up with a drive well on the mark which brought Muir to his knees. The visitors  gained a fruitless corner, but the balance of play still continued in favour of the homesters, who frequently placed the Everton goal in danger. The struggles between attack and defence were always interesting, and the home forwards were so dangerous when at close quarters that they seemed likely to take the lead at any moment. Muir was deservedly applauded when he turned a tremendously fast grounder from Ross round the post, and after the visitors had cleared the flag kick their forwards raced away to the other end, and hey were awarded a free kick within the eighteen yards line. Before this could be taken the referee stopped the game while some objectionable person in the crowd was cautioned by the police for his conduct towards the official. Getting to work again, the visitors made no further ground from the place kick, and considering that time had nearly run out and that the sides were on an equality comparatively speaking little interest seemed to be taken in the game. The Notts forwards, however, made a supreme effort in the last few minutes and from Hedley’s centre Morris sent past Muir, amid tremendous enthusiasm. Nothing else was done, and the result was;- Notts 3 Everton 2.

DERBY COUNTY v. EVERTON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 13 April 1901
At Derby, in threatening weather, and before 4.000 spectators. Derby were without Bloomer and Haslam , both ill, Arkeeden and McQueen coming in, whilst Everton had McDonald and Boyle for Sharp and Booth, otherwise the teams were the same as last matches. Everton, playing down the hill had the best of matters at the start, and forced three corners in succession. From the third Goodall led the way to the other end, and netted, but the point was disallowed for offside. Everton retaliated, and Fryer saved in the corner from Settle. Derby now took up the running strongly, and from Crawford's centres the Everton goal had a narrow escape, Wombwell once failing to put through when the ball was practically on the line. Fryer needlessly gave a corner, and from the scrimmage which ensued Proudfoot scored, after Morris had once cleared on line. Derby had the best the play, but Wombwell missed the easiest chances. —Everton 1, Derby 0. The second half was all in favour Derby, who made many fine efforts to score, but whose play in front goal was in striking contrast to their excellent work in midfield. Once the Everton goal was fairly bombarded, but the defence prevailed. Wombwell, when offside, got the ball in the net. In the last few minutes there was an exciting tussle, but Muir beat Boag—EVERTON 1. DERBY 0.

CELTIC SUSPEND STORRIER
April 13, 1901. Aberdeen Journal
We are officially informed that the Celtic have suspended D. Storrier for the rest of the season, and, further, have placed him on the transfer list. It is alleged that after being declared fit by his own medical man, the player neglected his training on several occasions, hence the action of his directors. Storrier gained the highest honours since he left Everton.

EVERTON FIXTURES AND TEAMS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, April 13, 1901
EVERTON v  DERBY COUNTY
At Derby; Central Station 11.30. the following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.
EVERTON v  TURTON
At Goodison Park; Kick-off 3.30. Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Watson, backs; Blythe, Jones, and Boyle, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards.
EVERTON v.  LEYLAND
This Combination match will be played at Goodison Park on Monday next, and the following team has been selected to represent Everton; Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Watson, backs; Boyle, Jones, and Blythe, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards. Kick-off 5.45.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 13 April 1901
SOUTHPORT CENTRAL
By red Rose
During the thirteen years of its existence, the Southport Central Club has never been in a happier position than at present, when running a neck-and-neck race for the championship of the Lancashire League in company with Staybridge Rovers. The Central seriously imperilled their chances by failing to account for their most dangerous rivals on Easter Monday at Southport, but very little separates the teams, and if the championship should be captured by the Sandgrounders, no one can begrudge them the hardly-won honour, for Stalybridge Rovers forged ahead so strongly during the earlier part of the season as to look very likely candidates for the premier position in the League. The Southport Central players worked together with a will, and their achievements during the past two or three months have, until Monday last, formed a sort of triumphal procession. The players are not in receipt of lavish pay, and they are not a particularly heavy lot, or a team of ‘‘stars,” but the results achieved have been brought about by an all-round excellence of play.
THE TEAM FOR THE MASSES.
Somehow the' Association game has never “hummed” in Southport as one might reasonably have expected it to do. There is fairly large population upon which to draw for spectators, but still the gates have never been of a particularly high order. The fact is that the better classes have held completely aloof from the club and failed to take any interest in it; while even the tradesmen of the town —who surely, of all persons, would benefit the presence of healthy, vigorous club drawing goodly crowds of visiting supporters to the place—have extended a very meagre support to the officials. The affairs of the club have thus been managed and maintained for the most part by the working class, and upon more than one occasion the chancellor of the exchequer must have been hard put to it to find the wherewithal to make ends meet. But in Councillor Isaac Smith the club hasa staunch and faithful friend, who has lifted the organisation out many a rut, and without his willing efforts and assistance it is hard to see how the club would have kept its head above water- certainly it would not be the strong organisation it is to-day. The present season has been a good one financially, and there is every probability of a brighter future for the dribbling code in this favourite Lancashire watering-place.
EARLY STRUGGLES.
Football was played in Southport in the early eighties —for several years prior to the formation of the Central club. Teams playing under the titles of Southport, Southport Wanderers, High Park, Churchtown, and Southport Old Boys existed, and aroused some little local interest, but as the game increased in popularity in other Lancashire towns, it was felt that a team of stronger calibre should be formed represent the district. The idea met with favour, and the initial meeting called to form such a club, held in the Victoria Gallery, Chapel-street, June 12th, 1888, was largely attended. The late Mr. McGowan proposed that the club should be called the “Southport Central and Association F.C.,” and Mr. E. Ramsbottom was elected the first hon. secretary. Councillor Smith took a leading part in the formation of the club, and was elected the first chairman, and through thick and thin has stuck loyally to his guns. In company' with numerous other organisations the Central had to fight desperately hard for existence. The Central experienced difficulty in arranging fixtures, and some of the clubs whom they applied to for matches treated them rather curtly. Indeed, Lytham simply wrote across the corner of the memorandum bearing the application, “We do not know this club,” and returned it to the Central secretary without further ado. Other clubs—South Shore amongst the number —treated the Central quite as discourteously, but, notwithstanding, the club fared fairly well in their opening season, Blackpool and Bury obliging with fixtures.
RESPECTABLE MEDIOCRITY.
At this period there was a great demand for Leagues and Combinations, and the want of a county competition began to be felt and expressed in Lancashire. The secretary of the Earlestown club took the initiative, and support being forthcoming from Bury, Blackpool, and other clubs, a meeting was called, and the Lancashire League became a reality. In this competition the Central have always maintained a degree of respectable mediocrity. They have never excelled greatly, and at the same time their performances have never been of the worst, and thus whilst they have never finished at the head of affairs, they have always kept a safe distance from the foot. The close of the season has found them installed in the second, third, and fourth position, but never in the first. It is also worthy of note that the Central is the only club which has played in the Lancashire League from its formation. Earlestown, it is true, were members of the League at the start, and still retain the connection, but it must be remembered that the club became defunct for a period, and the same holds good with respect to Nelson. The Southport players have never been in receipt of high wages; the club funds have never allowed it. For the first few years of its history the professional players were only paid half a crown weekly, while the amateurs, who were in the majority, and who received their bare railway fares only, offered to forego half the amount when the club got into ratherlow water. Amongst the best remembered of the earlier matches were the English Cup matches with Irwell Springs and Blackpool South Shore in the Centralities’ opening season. The Central won the game with Irwell Springs after extra time, but South Shore gave them an awful whacking. The final stage for the Lancashire Junior Cup was reached a season or two later but the Centralites after a fierce struggle on the Deepdale enclosure finished a goal in the rear.
WILLING WORKERS.
Peculiar interest attaches to the present Central ground. With a by no means lavish expenditure it could be transformed into one of the best in the country, for the turf itself leaves nothing to be desired. The ground is of an extremely sandy nature —hence the nickname “Sandgrounders” with which the players have been dubbed —and even after a downpour it rarely gets heavy or sticky. In the first season the club played on a field in Sussex-road, but afterwards removed its goods and chattels to the present scene of operations in Scarisbrick-road, the said goods and chattels consisting merely of a few balls, goalposts, flags, toggery, &c. The ground was enclosed in a rather unusual fashion, not a single penny being paid for the labour incidental to the task of erecting the hoardings, dressing tents, refreshment tents, &c. Willing hands were forthcoming in goodly numbers, supporters of the club doffing their coats and working with zest, and the ground was effectively enclosed in remarkably short space of time. Councillor Smith was in the habit of sending down “five small loaves and two fishes” during a lull in the men’s labours, but this was the whole remuneration they received.
RELICS THE GREAT EASTERN.
It is not generally known, too, that the pillars, stays, and a great deal of the railings around the ground consist pitch pine logs from that famous old vessel the Great Eastern, yet such is the case. When this leviathan of the sea was put in the hands of the brokers Mr. Birch, the secretary of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Association, purchased a large quantity of the timber. This coming to the ears of the Southport officials, they waited upon Mr. Birch and secured sufficient for their requirements. Some-time later when the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show was held in Southport the society erected the present stand, and rather than that it should be pulled down Councillor Smith stepped in, and purchased it for the club. The arrangement was that should take the whole of the stand receipts until the club had paid for it, and if desired he could return them 50 per cent. Mr. Smith, however, has always returned 100 per cent, of the accounts—sometimes a trifle more.
THE PLAYERS.
Never has the club been represented by a more capable or more evenly-balanced lot of players than during the present season, and never have there been more local lads in the team—a heathysign. As a rule there has always been a strong East Lancashire element in the Central ranks, the officials having had a fondness for the shining lights in the Oswaldtwistle Rovers, Bell’s Temperance, Accrington Stanley, and similar organisations. Now this element is represented by Spink and Tattersall. I do not think there are many footballers in the country who have been playing the game longer than the last-named. I remember his displays with the old Accrington Reds when League football was presented to Accrington sportsmen; and when the club became defunct eight or nine years ago, Tattersall was by no means a youngster. Yet he can still play a hard, untiring game at half-back, and the Central hope to have his services at their disposal for some time to come. Tom Smith is another fine old veteran, who has maintained a high degree of form for the last ten years, and in Fred Spink the club possesses one of the soundest defenders in the Lancashire League. Spink came to the fore with the Blackburn Etrurians, and afterwards assisted Darwen when the old club’s fortunes were at low ebb, and although the Blackburn Rovers and other League clubs sought his services, Spink remained loyal to the Peaceful Valley club, until business affaire took him elsewhere. Tasker, Atherton, and Halsall have all worn the Preston North End jersey. The two latter possess a rare turn of speed, but both played disappointingly at Preston, showing at times a lack dash and some timidity.
PAST MASTERS.
The club has been represented by many capable players in the past. A few Scotchmen have from time to time worn the Central jersey, and amongst these Geordie Duncan, D. Maclaren, McCabe, Jack Bryce (an old Accringtonian), and Downie were the most prominent. Geo. Dobson, the old Everton full back, captained the Central at one time for three years, and James Southworth, the famous sprinter, and brother well-known centre-forward, has defended the Southport goal. Joe Sowerbutts, of Blackburn Rovers fame, and Kenny Davenport, Bolton Wanderers, also played with the Central at different periods. Dobson, who was almost a giant, had at one time as his partner Billy Hodgkinson, one of the smallest full backs ever seen on a football field. The contrast between the pair was almost ludicrous.

EVERTON v.  DERBY COUNTY
The Liverpool Football Echo- April 13, 1901
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
EVERTON LEAD AT HALF-TIME
The Everton players travelled to Derby on Saturday in order to fulfil their return engagement with Derby County. The weather was wretchedly wet as Liverpool was left behind, but passing into the Peak district the sun came out strongly, and there appeared every promise of a fine afternoon. On arrival at Derby, however, a drizzle was failing, and this state of things no doubt interfered with the attendance, for there was a very small crowd present when the teams turned out. Everton were without the services of Sharp and Booth, and the front rank was rearranged by Taylor taking the outside right position with McDonald for a partner, while Booth’s place at centre half was taken by Boyle. Bloomer and Haslam were absent from the Derby ranks, Arkesden and McQueen coming in, the men finally facing each other as follow;- Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer, and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Boyle, Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Derby County – Fryer, goal; Methven and Morris, backs; May, Goodall, and Leckie, half-backs; Crawford, Arkesden, Boag, Wombwell, and McQueen, forwards.The sun came out genially when Proudfoot set the ball in motion before about 4,000 spectators. After the opening exchanges Taylor got nicely down, but he overran the ball. Proudfoot and McDonald then came along in nice style, but Morris robbed the latter just as he was about to shoot, and play was transferred to the other end, where the Everton defence was given some warm work to do. Bamner robbed Boag when the latter looked extremely dangerous, and the following movements were all in favour of Everton, who got down on the left. Here a couple of corners were forced, but nothing came of them, Methven clearing his lines. After this the home front rank made ground, and a warm bully ended in Boag netting the ball, but he was promptly ruled offside. Archie Goodall again put his forwards in possession, and a hot shot from Crawford was only cleared by Eccles at the expense of corner. This was safely negotiated, and Everton again took up the attack, Proudfoot causing Fryer to run out in order to clear. Still the visitors pressed, and a splendid shot from Settle was cleverly dealt with by the Derby custodian. Crawford then got away over the slippery turf at surprising speed, and ended a brilliant run by shooting across the goal mouth. The visitors next returned on the right, and Taylor had a clear opening, when he shot over the bar. The game now slowed down and though Everton continued to have slightly the best of the argument, the forwards missed several magnificent chances of scoring. McDonald had a rare opening, but he failed to profit by it, and then from a judicious pass by Settle, Turner sent the ball just outside. From a free kick close in, the home forwards subjected Muir’s charge to a hot bombardment, the onslaught terminating by Arkesden shooting a few inches on the wrong side of the post. At this point the home eleven were having more of the game than their opponents, the right wing being especially industrious. Crawford sent in two magnificent centres, but, fortunately for Everton, there was no one time to meet them, and Muir was enabled clear Turner and Settle were next busy, but they failed to get past Methven, and a subsequent movement on the part of Taylor and Proudfoot was nullified by Goodall. The home forwards then attacked strongly, and both Boag and Wombwell were given chances, but they failed to score. The home forwards continued to attack with great pertinacity, and from a scrimmage in front of goal Arkesden sent in a stinging shot, which Muir just saved. A breakaway by the visitors ended in a corner being forced off Morris. From the place kick a terrific bombardment of Fryer’s charge ensued. Abbott sent in a low, swift shot, which the custodian only partially cleared, and the leather then touched the toes of a half a dozen players in rapid succession. The Derby backs could not clear their lines, and the struggle finally ended in Proudfoot netting the ball. This success, which came after the game had been in progress less than half an hour, gave the Evertonians renewed vigour, and they kept the defence busy for some time, but without doing my further damage, their shooting as a rule being decidedly weak. Towards the interval the home eleven attacked strongly, but their forwards also were lacking in the necessary dash when in front of goal. From a free kick close in Boag just failed to score, and a minute later Crawford was equally unlucky. Just before half-time Everton bombarded Fryer, but without success, the interval leaving the game--Everton 1 goal, Derby nil. Final Everton 1 Derby County nil.

EVERTON COMBINATION v  TURTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 13, 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Watson, backs; Taylor, Jones, and Blythe, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards.
Turton;- Lill, goal; Yates, and Duckworth, backs; Cannon, Tyrer, and Haworth, half-backs; Jackson, Deakin, Gunhalph, Munroe, and Booth, forwards. At Goodison Park. Turton won the toss, Worthington kicking off on behalf of Everton in the presence of a fair gate. Everton immediately assailed the visitors’ goal, Gray compelling Lill to concede a corner, from which nothing resulted the leather being taken up the field by the Turton front rank, when the services of Halliday and Jones were requisitioned who, by good play, drove the invaders across the half-way line again. Pretty forwards play was shown by the home team. O’Brien essayed a shot which struck the upright, Worthington striking the crossbar a minute later. Another fruitless corner fell to Everton, and the Turton goal was subjected to a fusillade, Lill having his work cut out to keep his charge intact. The visitors eventually got possession, and made considerable ground, but the Everton defence was not troubled. Play was of a give-and-take character for some time, neither side appearing to exert themselves. At length the Everton quintet got to work, and it looked odds on them opening the score, but when right in front of the goal by dallying with the leather their efforts were frustrated. They kept up the pressure, however, and after a persistent attack Wolstenholme got the ball, raced through all opposition, and banged the leather past Lill, who had no chance. Everton’s success was the means of livening up the game, and Turton made an effort to draw level, a good, combined movement enabling the visitors to get to the front o Kitchen, but they were nicely held in check by Halliday and Watson, Everton again assumed the aggressive, and Worthington put his side still further ahead by heading the leather into the net, the same player scoring a third a few minutes later, followed by a fourth. Half-time;- Everton 4 goals, Turton nil.
Final Result Everton Combination 7 goals, Turton Nil.

WEAK SHOOTING AT DERBY.
Athletic News - Monday 15 April 1901
By Peakite
The appearance of the Baseball Ground at Derby on Saturday afternoon presented a strange contrast to what it had done forty-eight hours earlier. There an attendance that numbered little more than a fifth of Thursday’s big crowd, and the ground still was terribly slippery on the surface, rain having fallen all morning. Derby were expected to make their position in the First Division absolutely free from doubt, but in the absence of Bloomer their forwards were painfully weak in front of goal, and Everton won somewhat luckily a goal to none. The International crack has not keen himself since the Scotch match, and it is thought that in his over anxiety on that occasion he exerted himself more than was good for him. At all events, he came home from Grimsby earlier in the week far from well, and on Saturday he was still not fit to take part in serious football. This meant the reintroduction of Arkesden into the team, and as Haslam also laid up with injury. McQueen partnered Wombwell on the left wing. Sharp and Booth were absentees from the Everton team, and their places were filled by Macdonald and Boyle, the former’s inclusion necessitating Taylor going outside right.
EVERTON OPEN STRONGLY.
Archie Goodall, on winning the toss, decked to play towards the Barracks goal, the wind slightly favouring that position, though it necessitated Derby starting with the sun in their eyes. The opening exchanges were decidedly in favour of the visitors, and Methven was not long ere he effected a very fine stop at the expense of Turner. The Derby men could not get going, and after Crawford had missed a couple of good passes. Everton attacked hotly, forcing three corners in quick succession. Their shooting at goal, however, was very weak, and this, as it afterwards turned out, was the keynote of the play all through. Weaker attempts than either side made to score have scarcely been seen in a League match at Derby this season, and though this is going very far, we scarcely think it is beyond the actual facts. Boag once forced a corner at the expense of Eccles, but for the most part Crawford's fine centres went abegging, the pace apparently being more than the Derby forwards could stand. Boag, however, got the ball into the net, but the referee gave offside, though it must have been a very near thing. Wombwell missed the easiest of chances, and when the ball was returned Boag shot wide. Three were the lines on which the game proceeded for half an hour, at the end of which period Fryer most unnecessarily gave a corner when the ball was going out. From the flag kick there was a tremendous attack on the Derby goal, and the ball cannoned on to several Derby players, the home defenders being quite unable to clear their lines effectively. Eventually Boyle put the ball to Proudfoot, and the latter gave the visitors the lead.
DERBY CLAIM A PENALTY.
The game proceeded on somewhat uneventful lines after this, though there was an exciting moment once when Wolstenholme brought down Boag close to the penalty line. Derby strongly appealed for a penalty, but the referee eventually decided that the offence had been committed just outside the area, and only an ordinary free kick resulted. The only other event of note in this half was a capital save by Fryer from Settle, in the far corner of the goal. When the teams crossed over, the Derby men went about their work with deadly earnestness, and the way in which they occasionally brought the ball down the field was exceedingly smart. Unfortunately, however, there was a marked distinction between this and their efforts in front of goal, as the only really dangerous shot they put in was one by May, which Muir cleverly got rid of. Once there was an exciting time following a centre by McQueen. It was quite half a minute ere the attack was properly cleared, but during the whole of that time Muir never had to save a single likely shot. Had Arkesden kept his head he could hardly have missed on one occasion, but in the end the defence prevailed. Wombwell, when obviously offside, shot into the net, and just before the close there was another exciting tussle in front of goal, Muir foiling Boag at the finish. Everton’s attacks throughout this half were of the spasmodic order, but Taylor once missed a beautiful opening, and taking matters as a whole Derby did infinitely more pressing than their opponents. All the same, they failed to equalise, and Everton won by one goal to none.
WEAK SHOOTING
The costly effects of bad shooting were plainly manifested in the course of the game. Derby’s defeat was clearly attributable to this cause. Their forwards had plenty of chances, but they simply could not take advantage of them. Hence their defeat. Their left wing was a complete frost, and they had really no better forward than Boag. Crawford’s cleverness being spoiled by his numerous mistakes. No fault could be found with the halves, nor, for the matter of that, with the defence generally. Fryer’s mistake alone excepted.  Methven was always to the fore in stopping the attacks of the Everton forwards, and there was no better back on the field. Of the Everton men, the left wing was completely bottled by the Derby veteran, and Proudfoot and Taylor were their best forwards. Their backs played a fine game, and, indeed, it was the defence all round that carried off the honours. On neither side were the forwards given a chance. Mr. J. Adams, of Birmingham, was the referee, and the players under his charge were; Derby; Fryer, goal; Methvan and Morris, backs; May, Goodall, and Leckie, half-backs; Crawford, Arkesden, Boag, Wombwell, and McQueen, forwards.  Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Boyle and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Settle, ands Turner, forwards. 
COMBINATION
SEVEN GOALS TO NONE!
Such was the score of Everton against Turton on Saturday afternoon at Goodison Park, Worthington had the honour of scoring five goals out of the seven.  The home forwards were in fine form, and displayed pretty combination.  Lill, in goal for the visitors, saved some difficult shots, while his vis-a-vis had practically nothing to do, with the exception of fisting out three or four weak balls.  Turton made many good efforts to notch a point, but the home defence was at its best, and the visitors might as well have tried to get the leather through a six-foot wall, so good was their back play.  Everton ought now to top the championship. 

DERBY COUNTY 0 EVERTON 1
April 15 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
This game was played at Derby on Saturday. Everton were without Booth and Sharp, and Bloomer was an absentee on the home side. Everton commenced play, and during the early stages were seen to great advantage. Turner forced a couple of corners, and placed them well, but so stubborn was the home defence that scoring was out of the question. Goodall followed up some fine tackling by putting Crawshaw in possession, and the latter sprinting down sent the ball across the goalmouth. Both Boag and Wombwell missed it, and Everton had a narrow escape. A few minutes later Taylor tested Fryer, only to find him in good trim, and once again, Crawshaw shot across only to find it going abegging. Then followed a stern bombardment of the home goal, and after the ball had been kept out several times. Proudfoot drove into the net. Nothing further was scored up to half time. After resuming the County forwards had more of the play, but could exact no quarter from the Everton backs. Settle than made headway, but lost an opportunity by preferring to pass to Turner when a clear course lay open. Immediately afterwards a heavy attack was levelled on Muir's charge without result, and the following play was generally even and Everton won by 1 goal to nil. Teams: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer, and Eccles, backs, Wolstenholmes, Boyle and Abbott, halfbacks Taylor, McDonald Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner forwards. Derby County: - Fryer goal, Methven, and Morris, backs May, Goodall, and Leckie, halfbacks, Crawford, Arklesden, Boag, Wombwell, and McQueen forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 7 TURTON 0
April 15 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park. Gray forced a fruitless corner one-minute from the start. Everton asserted themselves and Worthington defeated Hill. Everton always held the upper hand, and Worthington scored another goal, the same player added a third and fourth. As the interval approached Turton made strenuous efforts to open their score, but failed to penetrate the defence. Half time Everton 4 goals Turton nil. Resuming Everton kept up the pressure. Hill having many difficult shots to contend with, but the preformed splendidly in goal. A brilliant long shot by Taylor struck the post. Roach shortly afterwards defeating Hill with a beauty. Worthington added another from a penalty. Everton scored a seventh and won by 7 goals to nil. (Game 32) Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Halliday and Watson backs, not known, Jones and Blythe, halfbacks, Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray and O'Brien, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
April 15 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
By defeating Derby County on the Baseball ground, Derby, the Everton team accomplished a very smart performance, especially so when it is remembered that a couple of enforced changes had to be made in the team. Their victory was one by the narrowest possible margin-one goal to nil, and though on the actual run of the game, and the chances attendant upon it, they could scarcely lay claim to superiority they are to be congratulated upon having taken better advantage of their opportunities than did their opponents. They opened in very promising fashion, for the game had not been ten minutes in progress and a trio of corners had fallen to their lot, and nothing but the indomitable resource and pluck of the home defenders could have kept them from scoring. To this vigorous attack the County forwards replied with a siege that placed their supporters upon excellent terms with themselves, and three times did Crawshaw in quick succession put the ball across the goal mouth with such accuracy and precision that only the slightest touch was required from the inside left to direct into the net. Had these chances been taken, they must have been chronicled as occurring in the ordinary run of events, and none who watched the play observantly could have denied that the County should have been at least two goals up in the first half an hour. Wombwell was the delinquent, and his failure to take advantage of the openings afforded him had a damping effect upon the subsequent play of his confreres up to the change of ends, for Everton, profiting by their escapes, simply bombarded the home goal, and called up the best of the County defenders. After a prolonged attack in front of the upright, during which there were many exchanges and a brilliant save by Fryer the ball was put through by Proudfoot, and on charging ends the visitors were this leading by a goal to nil. During the second half play fluctuated considerably the most exciting incident being a terrific attack upon the Everton goal, one almost identical with that in the first half, but in this case a tangible point was desired, and following this effort the home players never looked like getting upon level terms with their opponents. It was not by any means a brilliant game, and possibly the changes in the forward ranks of the respective teams had something to do with the unevenness and general inaccuracy that prevailed. As an instance of this, much good work on the part of Taylor was reduced to a minimum by the feeble attempts of McDonald and this somewhat unhinged the whole line. Again, Bloomer would probably have taken advantage of openings that occurred, and the lack of finish by the left wing was one of the striking weaknesses of the County team. None could take exception to the general distribution of the play; it was when in the vicinity of the goalmouth that the sides showed their greatest weaknesses. As before stated, Taylor put in some capital work, and was the most effective of the Everton forwards. Proudfoot in the centre, kept his wings fairly well employed, and did well when on his own account while the left wing, much hampered by the attention of May and Goodall were rarely allowed to get in a shot at Fryer. For the County, Crawford was the most successful and dangerous forward, his centre across the goalmouth being always exceedingly accurate, and had they been put to advantage his side must have enjoyed a lead at the finish. The left wing was rarely in evidence; in fact McQueen was practically a spectator during the second portion of the proceedings, and Wombwell's failures in the first half can scarcely be overlooked. At halfback Boyle filled the centre half position in a manner that left nothing to be desired, and both Wolstenholmes and Abbott gave quite a satisfactory exhibition. The finest defensive work was displayed by Eccles whose attention top Crawford, with almost unvarying success, being one of the finest features. The tussles between these players were frequently, and that the forward, who was in one of his best humours, should be so repeatedly foiled rebounds greatly to the Evertonian's credit. The display of the County forward's was rather uneven, though they had every assistance from the half backs, of whom Goodall and May gave a sound display. At full back Morris was the most reliable, and in goal Fryer saved several dangerous shots and cleared with good judgement. Everton have thus extracted all four points from Derby this season, and should make a big effort to repeat the performance against Bolton Wanderers and West Bromwich, the last named fixture being set down for April 25 at the Hawthorns.

EVERTON v  DERBY COUNTRY
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, April 15, 1901
The sun came out genially when Proudfoot set the ball in motion before about 4,000 spectators. After the opening exchanges Taylor got nicely down, but he overran the ball. Proudfoot and McDonald then came along in nice style, but Morris robbed the latter just as he was about to shoot, and play was transferred to the other end, where the Everton defence was given some warm work to do. Bamner robbed Boag when the latter looked extremely dangerous, and the following movements were all in favour of Everton, who got down on the left. Here a couple of corners were forced, but nothing came of them, Methven clearing his lines. After this the home front rank made ground, and a warm bully ended in Boag netting the ball, but he was promptly ruled offside. Archie Goodall again put his forwards in possession, and a hot shot from Crawford was only cleared by Eccles at the expense of corner. This was safely negotiated, and Everton again took up the attack, Proudfoot causing Fryer to run out in order to clear. Still the visitors pressed, and a splendid shot from Settle was cleverly dealt with by the Derby custodian. Crawford then got away over the slippery turf at surprising speed, and ended a brilliant run by shooting across the goal mouth. The visitors next returned on the right, and Taylor had a clear opening, when he shot over the bar. The game now slowed down and though Everton continued to have slightly the best of the argument, the forwards missed several magnificent chances of scoring. McDonald had a rare opening, but he failed to profit by it, and then from a judicious pass by Settle, Turner sent the ball just outside. From a free kick close in, the home forwards subjected Muir’s charge to a hot bombardment, the onslaught terminating by Arkesden shooting a few inches on the wrong side of the post. At this point the home eleven were having more of the game than their opponents, the right wing being especially industrious.Crawford sent in two magnificent centres, but, fortunately for Everton, there was no one time to meet them, and Muir was enabled clear Turner and Settle were next busy, but they failed to get past Methven, anda subsequent movement on the part of Taylor and Proudfoot was nullified by Goodall. The home forwards then attacked strongly, and both Boag and Wombwell were given chances, but they failed to score. The home forwards continued to attack with great pertinacity, and from a scrimmage in front of goal Arkesden sent in a stinging shot, which Muir just saved. A breakaway by the visitors ended in a corner being forced off Morris. From the place kick a terrific bombardment of Fryer’s charge ensued. Abbott sent in a low,swift shot, which the custodian only partially cleared, and the leather then touched the toes of a half a dozen players in rapid succession. The Derby backs could not clear their lines, and the struggle finally ended in Proudfoot netting the ball. This success, which came after the game had been in progress less than half an hour, gave the Evertonians renewed vigour, and they kept the defence busy for some time, but without doing my further damage, their shooting as a rule being decidedly weak. Towards the interval the home eleven attacked strongly, but their forwards also were lacking in the necessary dash when in front of goal. From a free kick close in Boag just failed to score, and a minute later Crawford was equally unlucky. Just before half-time Everton bombarded Fryer, but without success, the interval leaving the game--Everton 1 goal, Derby nil. The Crowd had increased 6.000 when play was resumed, and Everton at once forced a corner. Fryer just pushing McDonald’s shot behind. Crawford raced away and shot into Muir’s hands, and from a centre by McQueen, Arkesden and Boag both shot feebly. Derby being weak front of goal. Boag twice headed over from corner, and at the other end Taylor shot yards past when in a good position. Derby worked down prettily, but Wombwell was yards off side. Then May tested Muir with a beauty, and though Derby had the best of the exchanges they were weak in front, and allowed many chances to slip. Crawford raced down and shot, and though Muir dropped the ball he cleared safely. Derby tried to draw level, hut they shaped poorly in front and failed. Result Everton 1 goal, Derby County nil.
Teams;- Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer, and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Boyle, Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards.
Derby County – Fryer, goal; Methven and Morris, backs; May, Goodall, and Leckie, half-backs; Crawford, Arkesden, Boag, Wombwell, and McQueen, forwards.
Lancashire Combination
Everton 7 goals, Turton nil.

EVERTON RESERVE v.  LEYLAND
The Liverpool Daily Post- Tuesday, April 16, 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
This replayed Combination match took place last evening at Goodison Park, before a fair gate. The visitors won the toss, Everton kicking off and immediately pressing, good defence being shown by the visiting backs. After some end-to-end play the home team assumed the aggressive, and kept up a hot attack on the Leyland goal, which terminated in Worthington defeating the visitors’ custodian after fifteen minutes’ play. From the centre the ball was taken down the field by the Leyland front rank. Kitchen being tested with a weak shot, which he got rid of without difficulty. The Everton forwards then got possession, and raced away at top speed, Roche putting the leather beyond the reach of the Leyland goalkeeper. The visitors showed better form after this, and Kitchen’s services were frequently called upon, the home custodian acquitting himself with credit. Everton again got away and looked like adding a third goal, but the Leyland defence appeared to have improved, and the invaders were driven out. A foul against the home team enabled the visitors to gain considerable ground, but their attack was but a brief one, and a free kick against them nearly ended disastrously. Half-time; Everton 2 goals, Leyland nil. On changing ends, Everton were early prominent, and the Leyland goal was subjected to a warm fusillade of shots, the ball being eventually scrimmaged through, but for some informality the point was disallowed. Worthington made up for this ill-success by registering another goal. Final; Everton 4 goals, Leyland nil.

ANIMATED PICTURES AT HENGLER’S
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 16 April 1901
The best exhibition of animated photographs that has up to the present visited Liverpool is undoubtedly that of the North American Company. Hengler's Circus, a building admirably adapted for the purpose, is mighty filled with audiences which testify in repeated rounds of applause their appreciation of the excellent entertainment. Pictures from all parts of the world are thrown upon the canvas, and the local scenes ate hailed with shouts of admiration. The Landing-stage, football matches (Liverpool v. Notts County and Everton v. Sunderland) afford us excellent proof of the advancement of the photographer’s art. All the pictures are remarkably clear, and can be readily seen from all parts of the building. A relief is afforded by exercises by the boys of the Indefatigable, songs, and sketches, and one feels sorry when the band strikes up the National Anthem. There are afternoon performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and those who cannot go in the evenings should not miss these opportunities of visiting a capital show.

SCOTTISH SENSATIONS
Football Chat and Athletic News- Wednesday April 17 1901
One or two sensations in the Scottish football world last week was the official intimation that the Celtic had suspended D. Storrier, their left back, for the rest of the season, and further, had placed him on the transfer list. It was stated that, after being declared fit by his own medical adviser, Storrier neglected his training on several occasion, the consequence of which was that the directors resorted to the extreme measures stated. When Storrier was secured by the Celts a few seasons ago he was reserve with Everton, and since his advent to the Celts he gained the highest honours, representing Scotland in several international encounters. In each of his international games he was an undoubted success. The other sensation was the rumour, freely circulated, that the Celts were after that skilful player, Walker, of the hearts.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRIICT NOTES AND CHAT
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, April 17, 1901
By the “Mersey Man”
What a funny lot are Everton. They beat Sunderland at home and follow this up by deservedly losing at home two days later to Newcastle United.- In this latter game Balmer and Booth were really not fit to play; the effects of a Sunderland legacy.- Each was a semi-passenger.- Newcastle’s goal was offside; also the result, to Everton- The Toffees introduced Blythe at Notts next day; also Watson. This was a better game, and Everton deserved a draw. But better luck against the next County opponents.- I rubbed my eyes. Everton 1; Derby County 0;- and at Derby, too! -Well, well, wonders never cease.- Booth was still an absentee, “Dicky” Boyle subbing; good old Dickie,- Balmer was back again, but Jack Sharp spectated at Anfield Road, just as he did last season for the Liverpool-Manchester City match.

EVERTON FIXTURES AND TEAM NEWS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Thursday, April 18, 1901
WREXHAM v  EVERTON
The tie between the above teams will take place on Saturday at Wrexham; kick-off at 4 p.m. The following team will represent Everton; Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Watson, backs; Boyle, Green, and Blythe, half-backs; Roche, McDonald, Worthington, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards. Train leaves Landing stage at 1.20
EVERTON v  BOLTON WANDERERS
This League match is set for decision at Goodison Park on Saturday when thefollowing team will represent Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle and Turner, forwards. Kick-off 3.30
EVERTON v  WEST BROMWICH ALBION
These teams meet at West Bromwich for the return League match on Monday next. The following team has been selected to present Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Train leaves Central (Low Level) Station at 11.30. Kick-off 5 o’clock.

Everton
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Saturday 20 April 1901
Everton reported that they had entered into an agreement with a player prior to the new rulelimiting the wages to $208 per annual. Everton had agreed with the player referred to pay him per week for two years. It was decided that, as a two years' agreement was opposed to the rules of the Association, the request could not acceded to.

BIOGRAPHIES OF THE PLAYERS
Sporting Life - Saturday 20 April 1901
TOTTENHAM
EDWARD HUGHES, the right half is best known to his friends and on the field as Ted. He is a Taff, being born at Ruabon some twenty-five years ago, but must of his time has been spent in and about Liverpool. He played two seasons with Formby before Everton spotted him, and booked his services for three seasons. He distinguished himself so in First League football matches that Wales selected him to play in all three of their internationals in 1898-9. He played against Ireland and Scotland, but owing to an injury sustained in the latter match had to stand down against England. Hughes is a dashing half, brilliant at heading, and fearless at tackling, and in addition shoots splendidly at goal. He can play in any position on the half-way line, but prefers the left. He stands 5ft 8in., and tips the scale at 11st 4lb.
JOHN CAMERON, the inside right, first came into prominence with Ayr Parkhouse, but when barely out of his teens was persuaded to join the Queen’s Park, for whom he subsequently did brilliant service as centre forward and inside left. He was in the International team against Ireland, and only lost his place against England by one vote with Willie Lambie he was considered the best left wing the Queen’s ever had. Owing to business Cameron went to Liverpool, and was persuaded to play as an amateur for Everton. His doing so caused friction with the other players, and the result was, though much against his will, he became a bona fide pro. He was not treated by the Goodison Park people as he should have been, and the consequence was he went South with a view of following up his commercial career, but afterwards decided to continue as a professional with the Spurs. He is the secretary of the Players’ Union, and an exquisite exponent of the dribbling code. He can play in any forward position, is a deadly shot, and his height and weight are 5ft 10in, and 11st 2lb respectively.

JACK KIRWAN is the only representative of the Emerald Isle in the team. He was born at Wicklow, but when quite young was transplanted to Southport, Lancashire. The club of that name was his first love, and he played great games for them, winning the distinction of being most prolific goal scorer in the Lancashire League. Everton soon pounced upon him, but experienced trouble with Blackburn Rovers, for whom he has signed a League form, and the result of the controversy was that the sum of £250 was paid to the Rovers by the Toffeeites, who never regretted their bargain. They didn’t want to let Jack come away, but he did, to the gain of his present day club. Jack can play either outside or inside left with equal ability, is very speedy, and gets goals when they ought to be got. His is twenty-two years of age, stands 5ft 6 ½ in., balances the scale at 10st 8lb, and was once selected to play for Ireland but Everton declined to let him off.

EVERTON v  WREXHAM
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday April 20, 1901
LIVERPOOL CUP-SEMI-FINAL
Glorious weather favoured this match, which was played on the Wrexham Racecourse today, before 1,500 spectators. Wrexham kicked off with the sun facing and the wing against them. Racing away irresistibly the home forwards looked dangerous, but the ball went wide. Everton then forged ahead, and for a while hostilities were waged in Wrexham’s territory. Evans receiving from Worthendon. Midfield play was the order for some minutes, after which Owens carried operations into Everton’s quarters, but without avail, Halliday relieving. Everton had a couple of attempts at goal at the other end McDonald essaying a smart shot, which Davies accounted for. Mitchell tried Kitchen with a long shot, but the visiting custodian had no difficulty in clearing. Both Harrison and Rogers were successful in intercepting dangerous attempts by the Everton front rank, who were rather troublesome to the home defence. A corner to the visitors was safely negotiated. A free kick yielded no advantage to Wrexham who immediately afterwards had to assume the defensive, and a corner to Everton culminated in Gray putting the leather into the net. Mitchell and Owens next made a desperate effort to equalise, and after an unproductive free kick to the attacking party, Jones made an unsuccessful attempt.

EVERTON v.  BOLTON WANDERERS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 20, 1901
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
BARLOW SCORED FOR BOLTON
TAYLOR EQUALISES FOR EVERTON
PICKEN SCORES A SECOND FOR BOLTON
BOLTON LEAD AT THE INTERVAL
SHARP EQUALISES
DEFEAT OF EVERTON
A lovely spring day favoured the return League fixture between Everton and Bolton Wanderers, which was played at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, before a large crowd of spectators. It will doubtless be remembered that when the teams met at Bolton on the 15th December last Everton were defeated by 1 goal to nil.  The teams on Saturday were representative ones, and turned out as given below;-
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards.
Bolton Wanderers;- Sutcliffe, goal; Somerville and Ostick, backs; Fitchett, Freebairn, and Burnison, half-backs; Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Brown, forwards. Settle lost the toss, the result being that his men had to face the sun and stiff breeze. After a few exchanges in midfield Turner was racing away; when he was fouled, and from the free kick Wolstenholme shot wide of the mark. Turner just afterwards gained a corner, but a sudden rush was made by the Wanderers, and Muir was compelled to exert himself in order to save his goal. However, leather was sent in again, and Barlow scored for Bolton after the game had been in progress less than five minutes. From the centre the Evertonians pressed forward, and Abbott nearly scored, after which Proudfoot was in threatening mood, but could not score. Another rush by the Everton men, and Proudfoot was left in possession in front of goal, but when he was on the point of shooting he came to grief. Just afterwards he regained possession and passed to Settle, who let the ball travel on to Turner, who shot with great force, and Sutcliffe brought off a fine save.  At the other end Brown caused Muir a little trouble, but the Evertonians soon regained possession, and Abbott being in a particularly aggressive mood shot hard from a long range. Sutcliffe again saving splendidly. More pressure on the part of Everton came from the left-wingers, who worked up in pretty fashion, and at the end of this move Taylor scored a beautiful goal. When about twenty yards from the goal Picken took a pot shot, which found the net, and thus scored the second goal for Bolton. Proudfoot gave Taylor a chance, but before could find an opportunity of shooting he was brought down. Then Proudfoot gave Taylor once more, the latter passing on to Settle, from whose shot Sutcliffe gave a corner, but no advantage was gained from it. For some time after this the Bolton men put some pressure on the Everton defence, but the movements all round were certainly not of high class nature. A couple of free kicks were given to Everton, but Wanderers bored their way in again, and from a pretty centre by Bell McKie put the ball over the bar Turner continued the move, but meanwhile the Bolton defence closed in, and when Turner came to shoot he found some difficulty in so doing. However he sent a good shot, to which Sutcliffe answered in masterly fashion. Tho Evertonians were now having all the game, but the finishing touches' were always wanting. Sharp having hard lines on several occasions. Towards the close of the first half the game became very tame, the Everton men finding great difficulty in facing the sun, which was very strong. At half time the score was as follows:—Bolton Wanderers 2 goals, Everton 1 goal. McKie restarted in presence of about 15.000 spectators. Right away from centre the Everton men dashed at top speed, but the Bolton defence was very strong, and a check was soon administered. However, Balmer, with a long Kick, put his front rank in possession once more, and the Bolton defence had a lively time of it. Settle, Proudfoot, Taylor, and Sharp each bustling about and doing threatening work. Fitchett proved the master of the situation, but shortly afterwards Proudfoot gave the ball to Sharp, the last-named making no mistake and scoring Everton’s second goal, the equaliser being received with a joyful shout from the crowd. This success put new heart into the Everton team, and they kept their opponents busily employed defending their lines. A cross from Turner to Sharp was the next item, the last-named swinging the ball in for Proudfoot to head into Sutcliffe’s hands. Then Abbott had a shie, and Booth followed suit, and, capping the lot. Balmer sent in a beautiful hot shot from the half line, the ball being just about to sail under the bar when Sutcliffe beat it away. The Bolton men twice broke way, but principally through Eccles and Wolstenholme the visitors' efforts failed. The Everton right replied vigorously, and after a while the ball was slung across to Turner, who had a very fair opening, but shot over. Final Result: Bolton Wanderers 3 goals, Everton 2 goals.

EVERTON 2 BOLTON WANDERERS 3
April 22 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
The last League engagement at Goodison Park was brought off on Saturday, when Bolton Wanderers furnished the visiting side. The weather was all that could be desired but there would not be more than 10,000 spectators present. The sides were as follow: - Everton: - Muir goal, Balmer, and Eccles, backs Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott halfbacks, Sharp Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Sutcliffe, goal, Somerville, and Ostick, backs, Fitchett Freebairn, and Burnison halfbacks, Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Brown, forwards. The visitors had the advantage of playing with the wind, and early on were very aggressive. Barlow forced a corner and this being well placed the same player scored after Muir had only partially cleared from Picken. This success came after play had been five minutes in progress and on the game settling down again the home forwards took up the running, with the result that Turner sent in a fine cross shot, that was, however, not put to advantage. This was the signal for renewed pressure, and Sutcliffe was kept fully extended for some time, a fine attack ending with Taylor equalising from a pass by Turner. Shortly afterwards Picken give his side the lead again. Half time Everton 1 goal, Bolton 2. On resuming the Everton forwards had the bulk of the play and after several attempts had been made to defeat Sutcliffe Sharp finished up a weak shot from Proudfoot, and put his side on high terms again. Play became more spirited, and many clever efforts to score were repulsed by the Bolton custodian, one from Turner and a dropping shot from Balmer being kept out with capital judgement. Eventually Bell sprinted down and a capital centre to Barlow gave Muir no chance of saving, and Bolton again took the lead. There was now no defeating the Wanderers defenders and when time was announced the score stood Bolton 3 goals Everton 2.

WREXHAM 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 22 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Liverpool Senior Cup Semi-Final
On Wrexham Racecourse. Playing with the wind Everton had rather more of the game than their opponents and scored from a corner Gray doing the deed. The home team twice had hard lines. After crossing over, Everton scored again though, O'Brien, and ran out winners by two goals to nil.

LIVERPOOL CUP-SEMI-FINAL
Athletic News - Monday 22 April 1901
Wrexham Lose at last
After a long spell, during which they have not been defeated, Wrexham on Saturday had to “knuckle down” to Everton.  The teams met at Wrexham Racecourse in beautiful weather in the semi-final tie of the Liverpool Cup competition and a fast game was witnessed by the 1,500 spectators who lined the ropes.  Wrexham were at a considerable disadvantage in that they were without Pountney, Robinson, and Grainger, this necessitating the introduction of three reserve players.  However, they made a good show, and every point of the game was keenly contested.  Playing with the wind in the first half, Everton scored from a corner, and after the change of ends a second goal was added by O’Brien, the Evertonians thus running out winners by two goals to none.  They were just a little too speedy for the home lot, who, however, made a good show. 

EVERTON FINAL SALUTE.
Athletic News - Monday 22 April 1901
By The Loiterer
Everton terminated their home League engagements with a defeat, and thus maintained to the last their ability to disappoint their supporters by collapsing at what was considered to be a very easy hurdle. It was a splendid sample of end season football that the 10,000 spectators who congregated at Goodison Park were treated to, and the final canter may be regarded as a fitting finale to a season that was entered upon with the highest hopes, but which realized nothing but chaff. Whilst giving every credit to Bolton for their success, it must not be forgotten that they had the good fortune to encounter an opposition that was in one its most lackadaisical humours, when it did not require a particularly formidable combination to register a victory over them. The early stages of the game foreshadowed the ultimate verdict most faithfully, for in five minutes some nice footwork by the Bolton right wing forced a corner, from which Barlow had no difficulty in notching the first goal. This part of the visitors’ attack was a persistent source of danger to the Everton defence, and Bell, who found himself once more on the scene of many former triumphs, took full advantage of the occasion to demonstrate that he is still a force to be reckoned with as an extreme winger. He received any amount of encouragement from the crowd, and was the prime leader in many a deadly attack on the Everton citadel. The home forwards were not- -at least, in the incipient stages— inferior to their opponents, and Turner, after several praiseworthy attempts to equalise, had the satisfaction of seeing one of his centres fully utilized by Taylor. Bolton, however, played another trump card, and Picken, after a tussle with Abbot, flashed a second ball into the net, whist Muir coolly ignored the effort, and the Wanderers led at the interval by a goal. They had been assisted by a strong breeze in this half, but on resuming Everton made headway, and in five minutes the scores were again equal. Sharp doing the needful after Proudfoot had made a most inglorious attempt. After this much desultory play followed, but Bell took upon himself to clinch matters by racing round Eccles and presenting Barlow with an open goal, of which the latter promptly availed himself, and Everton were a beaten side.
A FEW CURSORY REMARKS.
''Requiescat in pace” might be most appropriately adopted as a final salute to the present Everton team. Their display against the Bolton contingent was just of the calibre to make our thankful that the season was finished, and after a prolonged experience of expecting bread and receiving nothing but stones, few would depart with regret at the curtain being rung down for a welcome vacation. There were several screws loose in the Everton combination, and many well-meant efforts from the stronger parts the structure went all awry, owing to weakness in other branches. The forwards could not by any stretch of imagination be termed satisfactory, and Sutcliffe was found more employment from the half-back division than from the front rank. One or two of the latter played a very fine waiting game, and certainly deserve some commiseration for not having their patience rewarded. There was little harmony between them and the halves, and Abbott was the most conspicuous of the trio, some of his attempts to score being a welcome break amongst a host of puerile efforts that emanated from other sources. But the weakest part of the team was the defence, and the most feeble part of the defence was Muir. The custodian has rarely been seen to such disadvantage, and though the Wanderers did not get into shooting distance as frequently as the  home side, they had far less trouble in finding the net when they did get there. All the goals obtained by the victors resulted from mistakes by the defenders under conditions when such errors were least anticipated. Balmer was the pick of the back division, but really there was nothing about the team as a whole that was worthy of being noticed. It was a warm day certainly for football, but Everton must have considered it tropical, and it only remains to state that not only were they beaten, but that they fully deserved their fate. The only consolation remaining is, that there will no more repetitions of a similar character for four months.
BOLTON JOTTING.
The Wanderers were superior, forward to the home quintet, and herein lay the secret of their success. As already stated, Bell was the most prominent of this line, but the remainder rendered capital service, and they made the most of the chances that came their way. Their goals were obtained in ridiculously easy fashion, but the best shot of the day came from Picken, who gained the second point. The rest of the team kept plodding along without being unduly conspicuous, but Sutcliffe was a notable exception, and gave a most sprightly and effective display between the uprights. He was always at the exact spot where his services were required, and there was a touch of the old Rugby days in the manner he twilled the ball down the field from the goal kicks. His presence made the Bolton defence sure, and coupled with the indecisive efforts of the home forwards, Everton’s downfall. Thus, exit Everton, but there is still some hope out Anfield way better things. The teams were: Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer, and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.  Bolton Wanderers; Sutcliffe, goal; Somerville, and Ostick, backs; Fitchett, Freebairn, and Burnison, half-backs; Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Brown, forwards.  Referee; Mr. Cooper, (Blackburn). 

EVERTON REVIEW
April 22 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
The final appearance of the Everton team at home in this season's League journey, was the occasion of another feeble exhibition of football, such a one indeed, as was eminently suitable for putting up of the shutters and consigning the winter pastime to a much-needed four months' oblivion. A year ago, in the closing match on the same enclosure, Everton were seen at the top of their form against Manchester City-their scintillating and exhilarating footwork against the representatives of the rival seaport, making one feel somewhat saddened that the season's limit prevented the repetition of another such rousing display. Their most recent performance, however, will not produce any such inward regrets, and a disappointing campaign was terminated in about the most unsatisfactory fashion possible. The last two matches played at Goodison Park have shown the home team in a very unfavorable light, and when it is considered what can be accomplished by them, the results become all the more astonishing. Neither side any anything to fear as regards position in the League table, and naturally at this period of the year, and under conditions of such a nature, coupled with the fact that the afternoon was more suggestive of cricket than football, it is possible to unearth some exuse for the paltry performance. Goals came plentifully enough in the early stages, but the Wanderers were always the leaders in this department. They went ahead on three occasions, and Everton twice retaliated but at the last time of asking the visitors maintained their advantage. Weak defence by Everton undoubtedly gave the Bolton team a helping hand towards their final triumph, and the easy manner in which they registered their three goals was startling on account of its novelty. Sutcliffe had far more difficult work to tackle than his vis-à-vis, and came through the ordeal with greater credit, for at various periods the home forwards were very persistent in their attentions, turner and Sharp making several good attempts to defeat the custodian. But the forwards were not in an incisive humour as a body, and the most effective work came from the extreme wings. Taylor best represented the inside men, and the weakest player in the front rank was Settle. In the rear division Balmer and Abbott carried off the honours, but the custodian had evidently commenced his vacation. Generally speaking it would be an extremely difficult task to discover anything praiseworthy about the display of the team as a whole, and the season had apparently come to an end none too soon for some of the experts. The Wanderers would most probably be as astonished as anyone at the result of the match, which now places them in a decidedly respectable position in the League table. Their forwards were as a body superior to the home quintet, not clever perhaps, but certainly more energetic and determined in their movements. Bell was the pick of the line, and it was not without considerable difficulty that the Everton defence on the left wing could hold him in check. Whenever he got the ball he invariably made good use of the opportunity, and two of the points scored were the outcome of dashing work by the quondam Evertonians. The front rank was an evenly balanced one whilst further behind the halves struck well to their task with out being unduly prominent, but the defence had a rare solid foundation in Sutcliffe, who was as alert and able as of old, and his exposition was quite in keeping with those previous astoning displays that the Yorkshireman appears to reserve for his visits to this locality. But it was a relief when the final whistle blew, for Everton never shaped like a winning team, and whilst giving every credit to the Wanderers for profiting out of what must previously appeared to them a forlorn hope, it must be admitted that they had little to beat, and by catching the Everton team in one of its inexplicable homours gained not only credit from a football standpoint, but if rumour hath it correctly a splendid opportunity of a more substantial reward. Another season has vanished as far as Everton are concerned, and football honours are apparently as far distant as ever from Goodison Park.

EVERTON v. BOLTON WANDERERS.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 22 April 1901
A company of 10,000 people witnessed at Goodlsen Park, Liverpool, for this match. Everton at first were seen to the greater advantage. The Wanderers, however, made a rush, and Muir was beaten by Barlow after stopping a shot from that player. Turner equalled the scores, but Picken placed Bolton ahead once more, and though Everton pressed for the rest of the half the Wanderers were still leading 2 goals to 1 at the interval. Shortly after the restart Sharp equalised. After fine run by Bell, Barlow obtained a third goal for the Wanderers. Everton were unable respond, and Bolton thus won by 3 goals to 2.

EVERTON v  BOLTON WANDERERS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, 22, 1901
A lovely spring day favoured the return League fixture between Everton and Bolton Wanderers, which was played at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, before a large crowd of spectators. It will doubtless be remembered that when the teams met at Bolton on the 15th December last Everton were defeated by 1 goal to nil.  The teams on Saturday were representative ones, and turned out as given below;-
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards.
Bolton Wanderers;- Sutcliffe, goal; Somerville and Ostick, backs; Fitchett, Freebairn, and Burnison, half-backs; Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Brown, forwards. Settle lost the toss, the result being that his men had to face thesun and stiff breeze. After a few exchanges in midfield Turner was racing away; when he was fouled, and from the free kick Wolstenholme shot wide of the mark. Turner just afterwards gained a corner, but a sudden rush was made by the Wanderers, and Muir was compelled to exert himself in order to save his goal. However, leather was sent in again, and Barlow scored for Bolton after the game had been in progress less than five minutes. From the centre the Evertonians pressed forward, and Abbott nearly scored, after which Proudfoot was in threatening mood, but could not score. Another rush by the Everton men, and Proudfoot was left in possession in front of goal, but when he was on the point of shooting he came to grief. Just afterwards he regained possession and passed to Settle, who let the ball travel on to Turner, who shot with great force, and Sutcliffe brought off a fine save.  At the other end Brown caused Muir a little trouble, but the Evertonians soon regained possession, and Abbott being in a particularly aggressive mood shot hard from a long range. Sutcliffe again saving splendidly. More pressure on the part of Everton came from the left-wingers, who worked up in pretty fashion, and at the end of this move Taylor scored a beautiful goal. When about twenty yards from the goal Picken took a pot shot, which found the net, and thus scored the second goal for Bolton. Proudfoot gave Taylor a chance, but before could find an opportunity of shooting he was brought down. Then Proudfoot gave Taylor once more, the latter passing on to Settle, from whose shot Sutcliffe gave a corner, but no advantage was gained from it. For some time after this the Bolton men put some pressure on the Everton defence, but the movements all round were certainly not of high class nature. A couple of free kicks were given to Everton, but Wanderers bored their way in again, and from a pretty centre by Bell McKie put the ball over the bar Turner continued the move, but meanwhile the Bolton defence closed in, and when Turner came to shoot he found some difficulty in so doing. However he sent a good shot, to which Sutcliffe answered in masterly fashion. Tho Evertonians were now having all the game, but the finishing touches' were always wanting. Sharp having hard lines on several occasions. Towards the close of the first half the game became very tame, the Everton men finding great difficulty in facing the sun, which was very strong. At half time the score was as follows:—Bolton Wanderers 2 goals, Everton 1 goal. McKie restarted in presence of about 15.000 spectators. Right away from centre the Everton men dashed at top speed, but the Bolton defence was very strong, and a check was soon administered. However, Balmer, with a long Kick, put his front rank in possession once more, and the Bolton defence had a lively time of it. Settle, Proudfoot, Taylor, and Sharp each bustling about and doing threatening work. Fitchett proved the master of the situation, but shortly afterwards Proudfoot gave the ball to Sharp, the last-named making no mistake and scoring Everton’s second goal, the equaliser being received with a joyful shout from the crowd. This success put new heart into the Everton team, and they kept their opponents busily employed defending their lines. A cross from Turner to Sharp was the next item, the last-named swinging the ball in for Proudfootto head into Sutcliffe’s hands. Then Abbott had a shie, and Booth followed suit, and, capping the lot. Balmer sent in a beautiful hot shot from the half line, the ball being just about to sail under the bar when Sutcliffe beat it away. The Bolton men twice broke way, but principally through Eccles and Wolstenholme the visitors' efforts failed. The Everton right replied vigorously, and after a while the ball was slung across to Turner, who had a very fair opening, but shot over. Just before the finish Barlow scored again for the visitor?-. Final Result: Bolton Wanderers 3 goals, Everton 2 goals.

LIVERPOOL CUP-SEMI-FINAL
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, April 22, 1901
EVERTON v  WREXHAM
At Wrexham. Everton had rather more of the game than their opponents, and scored from a corner. The home team twice had hard lines. After crossing over Everton scored again through O’Brien. Result; Everton 2 goals, Wrexham 1 goal.

EVERTON v  WEST BROMWICH
Liverpool Evening Express- Monday April 22 1901
This League match will be played at West Bromwich to-day, the kick-off being fixed for five o’clock. The following will represent Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Train leaves Central (Low Level) Station at 11.30.

THE CUP FINAL
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 22 April 1901
WHY THE VEUE WAS CHANGED
PROTEST BY LIVERPQOL.
POPULAR INDIGNATION
Is the Alteration Final?
Extreme disappointment will be generally felt and forcibly expressed by the tens of thousands of patrons of football in and around Liverpool at the change made for replaying the Cup tie. The luck of the early draws and the irony of fate combined to deprive these patrons seeing on either of the home grounds one of the Cup games of the expiring season. Liverpool succumbed away from home in the first round, and Everton shared the same fate in the second round. None of the semi-finals were played either at Goodison-park or at Anfield, and the announcement on Saturday morning that the final would, if necessary, be replayed on the ground of the Everton Club gave great satisfaction and aroused an expectation which was infinitely accentuated when it was found that the first tussle of the finalists had resulted in a draw. The great hopes thus raised have been destroyed by the determination arrived aton Saturday afternoon that Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur must meet next Saturday on the ground of the Bolton Wanderers. The Council of the Association arrived at this decision in consequence of a protest by the Liverpool Club. That club has a League fixture for Saturday afternoon at Anfield with Notts Forest, and in view of the supreme effort being made by Liverpool to secure the League championship such a match would attract a large attendance. It was because the directors feared that the Cup tie being replayed at Goodison-park would altogether spoil their “gate ”’ that the protest was made and sustained. Very many will be of opinion that a better arrangement might have been made whereby both matches could have been played the same afternoon, with bumper “gates” at each, in this city, for the daylight is now long enough in the eveningfor a match to start at 5 30, and  the ideals is held that the Cup tie might have been played at Goodison-park at 3 30, and the league match at Anfield at 5 30. On the other hand, it must be said that there are objections to such an arrangement in the shape of railway travelling, &c. Probably large contingent of local patrons will find their way to Bolton, and thus the Liverpool ‘‘gate’ will be reduced toa considerable extent. The news of the change of venue will be received with much disappointment by the football public in, this city, who have not for years had such a chance within their reach.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING EXPRESS.
Sir,—l was astounded to read this morning in the Sunday papers that the replayed tie had been altered in Its venue from Liverpool, as originally decided by the Football Association, to Bolton, and you will, I am sure, share my astonishment when it is stated that the alteration has been made solely on the objections raised by the Liverpool Football Club. As a workingman and a supporter of the Liverpool Club, I can quite understand that Liverpool viewed with dismay the probability of losing one of their good“gates ” by the final beingplayed at Everton on the date that had beenfixed for theirlast home match in the League with Notts Forest. But surely Liverpool could realise that it was possible for them to so arrange the time of their kick-off that they would benefit much more than lose by the attraction to Liverpool next Saturday of a larger football crowd than they could hope to get under ordinarycircumstances. What I mean is this. Let us suppose for a minute that the local supporters of League football number 20,000, and that Liverpool arranged the time of their kick-off next Saturday for 5.30 or even six o'clock, after the final was over at Goodison-park, they would have been sure of the attendance at their game, important as it was, of those 20,000, and at least of 5,000 of those football enthusiasts who come from all parts of England, making a total attendance at their match of 25,000. Now, as it is, Liverpool is sure to send 5,000 lovers of the game to Bolton, if the tie is played there, and taking this number from the above estimatednumber of local supporters it reduces their probable gate next Saturday to 15,000, so that by their action they are really reducing their gate by at least 10,000. But in addition to spoiling themselves, must we assume that Liverpool as a club are so unsportsmanlike as to deprive the Liverpool spectators of a chance of seeing the finest game of recent years for a mere matter of £50 on a £l00, even if they consider the loss to them would equal such an amount ? Surely we workingmen, who have given our “ tanners” week after week to support the local clubs areentitled to demand that when the chance of the English Cup final coming to Liverpool arises the local clubs should have helped us to have secured it rather than have thrown difficulties in the way, and I hope the spirit of sportsmanship which we as working men have always given Liverpool F.C. credit for, will show that their decision in protesting to the F.A. has been a hurried one. We have always regarded Mr. Watson as a sportsman first and a partisan afterwards, and we hope that no action of his will be the means of taking away from the Liverpool workingmen the chances of seeing the best final of recent years. I am not a football financier, but if Liverpool F.A. have protested for fear of losing a £100, surely the Everton Club, who would receive a couple of hundred as their percentage of the *gate,” are also entitled to consider themselves as shabbily treated by their neighbours, and a lot of my mates, whom I met to-day, feel that we as supporters of the game have been left in the lurch by the sudden change in the plans of the F.A. I should like to make a suggestion to your readers. Myself and my fellow-foremen in the works where we are employed are sending a telegram to-morrow (Monday), at two o’clock, to Mr. Wall, Football Association, Chancery-lane, London, in the following terms, and we ask all foremen and overseers in our Liverpool workshops and foundries to tend a similar one at the same time, with a view to a reconsideration of their decision, Viz, ;—
We, the employes of – numbering – men, respectively request the Football Association to reconsider their decision as to the ground of the replayed final tie and award the same to Liverpool, who have loyally supported the Association code, as originally decided.”
A number of us foremen are going to send this at two o’clock tomorrow and if all the representatives of Liverpool workingmen do the same there is a good chance of the Association reconsidering their decision and sending the game to its only natural home in the North of England, viz., Liverpool. One word more. If the Liverpool F.C arrived at their decision hastily in protesting against the game being played here, may I ask them on behalf of the workingmen who have supported them so well in the past, to remove what will be a reproach against them for may years by joining us in this appeal to play the tie in Liverpool, as originally fixed, and not leave themselves open to the charge of “unsportsmanship.” By so doing I am sure sire, they will redeem themselves in the eyes of their followers, who just now don’t know what to think of their extraordinary action. FOREMAN, April 21, 1901.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING EXPRESS
Sir- I ask all true sportsmen to show their disgust at Liverpool’s action by boycotting the Anfield enclosure on Saturday afternoon, and thus show the directors of the Liverpool F.C. on which side their bread is buttered. April 22, 1901-DISGUSTED
To the Editor of the Evening Express
Sir- Kindly allow me to protest against the selfish policy of the Liverpool Football Club in appealing to the Football Association not to replay the final tie at Goodison-park, and so getting the venue changed to Bolton. I think it is very unfair to the “football” public who support the local clubs all through the season, and unfair to the city generally, as an influx of, say 50,000 would mean the circulation of a lot of money. If the kick-off time in the League match had been changed to a later hour the Liverpool Club would not have lost much in gate money, and their chance for the championship could not have been affected. In short, sir, I think everyone will agree with me that the Liverpool Football Club officials have played us a very shabby trick. Wm. MAXWELL, April 30, 1901
To The Editor of the Evening Express
Sir- It is scarcely conceivable that the opportunity of witnessing the English Cup Final in Liverpool should be deliberately thrown away. From every point of view it is desirable that no stone should be left unturned to have the decision changing the venue of the match to Bolton revoked, as the leading stronghold of Association football, Liverpool has a paramount claim on the consideration of the authorities. Nowhere in the provinces, it is safe to say, is a bigger “gate” assured, and at few places would it be so big. Even from the merely sordid point of view theaction of the Liverpool Football Club is, tosay the least, short-sighted. An arrangement whereby their League match would follow the Cup tie would assuredly enhance the takings of the former. If the directors of the club have not, the sportsmanlike instinct, the presentation of the financial aspect in this light may influence them. VIATOR. April 20, 1901
TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING EXPRESS.
Sir,—If it is true that the change of venue for the final tie (from Liverpool to Bolton) is due to the Liverpool Club protesting, it is to be feared ‘that such an action will not enhance the popularity of the club. Great disappointment and chagrin will be felt throughout the city and suburbs. T. SKELTON, 14, Russell-street, Liverpool, April 20, 1901.
TO THE EDITOR CF THE EVENING
Sir- Will you allow me to protest against the Shylock-like action which the Liverpool Football Club have been successful in making against the replayed final Cup tie being played at Goodison Park? If the Liverpool Club were afraid they would suffer as regards gate money, all they need do was to fix their kick-off later, when the thousands, who, being unable to gain admission to see the Cup-tie would have formed quite a respectable gate for any League match, especially at this time of the season. The Liverpool football public do not get too many chances of seeing either international matches or English Cup finals, and I think it is hard lines for them to be deprived of this opportunity.
In conclusion, I hope the public will show their appreciation of such treatment by giving Anfield-road a wide berth on Saturday next. April 22, A SPORTSMAN,
(We have received a number of other letters of similar tenor for which space cannot be found.- Edit.)

West Bromwich Albion v. Everton
Derby Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 23 April 1901
The Albion made big effort to win this match at the Hawthorns, but they could not break through whilst, on the other hand, Taylor scored a lucky goal for Everton. Five minutes after the interval Abbot put on Everton's second goal, Ten minutes later Pickering but on a point, but they failed to score again, and Everton won by two goals one. The Albion will thus be relagated to the Second Division next season.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 EVERTON 2
April 23 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Played at West Bromwich. The weather was regular summer, the warmth being oppressive. Seeing that the loss of a single point meant life of death to the Albion as far as their existence in the First division was concerned, more than the 10,000 spectators evinced the usual interest in the game that lined the enclosure. Everton won the toss, setting their opponents to face a dazzling sun. Allbion: - Reader, goal, Adams and Chadburn, backs, Perry, Jones, and Hadley, halfbacks, Roberts, Pickering, Stevenson, Smith, and Walker, forwards. Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer and Eccles, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth and Abbott, halfbacks, Sharp, Taylor Proudfoot, Settle (captain) and Turner, forward. A smart run into Everton's territory was terminated by Eccles getting his head well in the road of a dropping shot from the toe of Smith. At the other end the visitors forced a corner, a scrimmage in goal being cleared by Reader, and Roberts raced off to the other end. A flying shot from Stevenson came to nothing the ball going a trifle wide, and then a rush by the whole visiting string looked dangerous. Adams saved the situation by a timely kick, sending the ball spinning well over the halfway line. A soft thing now occurred, for Sharp running down, sent in a slow shot at long range, and Reader, baffled by the sun, let it slip through his handles and go into the net. The game had so far been keenly contested every foot of the ground being fought for, but the pace began to tell, and play slowed down considerably. Some good passing between Sharp and Taylor, brought the ball within shooting distance, and Settle reveiving the pass, let fly, but Reader was on the alert, and caught the ball as it was flying into the net. Half time-Everton 1 goal West Bromwich nil. Crossing over after a few minutes interval, the visitors had to face the sun, and although handicapped by it, got up, and Settle shaved the bar with a beauty. Twice Perry proved too much for the visitors left wing, and Stevenson, getting the ball when close up, only missed the mark by inches, while Pickering a little later shot when in a grand position, but only succeeded in hitting the side of the net. Then Everton rushed down. Settle put across to Sharp, who passed back to Taylor, that player scoring neatly. Adams cleared away a good shot from Turner that looked like scoring, and from a foul in midfield the Trostles once more became dangerous, but over-excitement when near goal nullified their effort, Smith shooting yards wide of the post, amid derisive cries of “oh” he made amends later by hitting the post with a beauty. A corner to the Albion resulted in Jones heading the ball into the net. As times drew near the homesters gathered themselves together for a final effort, in which all the forwards participated but the effort came too late, and Everton won by 2 goals to 1.

WEST BROMWICH ABLION v  EVERTON
The Liverpool Daily Post- Tuesday, April 23, 1901
At West Bromwich, before 5,000 spectators. Albion kicked towards the Smethwick end, and were the first to attack. Everton retaliated, and within five minutes of the start Taylor steered through their first point in the easiest fashion. The same player got through again directly after, but was ruled offside. Albion replied but missed two fine chances. Albion improved towards the interval, and had hard luck. Half-time;- Everton 1 goal, Albion nil.
Ten minutes after resuming Everton broke away, and Reader, leaving his goal, missed the ball, with the result that Abbott scored the second for Everton. The teams now strengthened the attack at the expense of the defence, and Albion almost scored, while Pickering directly after did so. The Albion had some hard luck indeed in the closing stage. Result;- Everton 2 goals, Albion 1.

ALBION IN THE SECOND DIVISION
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Tuesday 23 April 1901
The fate of the Albion was sealed last night by Everton, who beat them in a League match by 2 goals to q. most Midland sportsmen will regret that an old favourite club like the Albion should suffer the indignity of being relegated to the Second Division, but they have had many near squeaks before, and on the principle of the survival of the fittest they were bound to go on the general form of the present season. They have never been able to hold their own except in a few instances, and valuable points have been absolutely thrown away with great persistency all through inability. They were not strong enough to commence with, and the directors knew it, but they ahd launched into a very heavy expenditure in connection with their new ground, and were afraid to incur further liabilities in securing new players. They trusted to creep through as they had done on former occasions. Their ground has proved a little gold mine, for they have paid off about £4,000 in connection with it, but it has cost them dearly, and unless they make a big effort to head the Second Division and fight their way back to the First Division it may prove only a burden to them. This is easier said than done, however, and it would have been better to have kept their position, although it must be confessed they have not deserved to do so. There was just a chance of them winning their last three League matches at home, and this escaping, but Everton last night played for all they were worth, and could not have done more had it been an English Cup-tie or a fight for the championship. There was a large contingent over from Stoke to witness the match, and it must have been pleasing to them to see how hard Everton fought. Reader gave them the first goal in the first minute, and the Albion were never able to equalise. When Everton scored a second goal early in the last half it was felt to be all over. But the Albion made despairing efforts. Adams went among the forwards, leaving only one back. When Pickering scored 15 minutes from time they tried to rush the goal, and they were certainly very unfortunate in their shooting, the ball striking the opposing backs innumerable times, and Muir effecting some remarkable clearances. The Everton men kicked the ball outside at every opportunity, and so the Albion were defeated, because they were too excited to properly utilise their chances. Their passing was inaccurate, and the forwards were not big enough to cope with their powerful opponents. The half-backs were strong, and Adams was responsible for some fine efforts in thattacking line. Everton were better able to control the ball than the Albion, and they were a superior team in every department. One can scarcely understand why they should fight so hard at the end of the season, with nothing to gain or lose except points of no value to them, however valuable they would have been to the Albion. Their forwards played a dashing game, while Booth as centre half was in magnificent form. The backs also did remarkably well. There is no escape for the Albion now, and the directors will have time to consider their position before any decisive steps in regard to the future are taken.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION v  EVERTON
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Tuesday 23 April 1901
At the Hawthorn last night, before 5,000 spectators. Playing with the wind the first half, Everton went with great determination, and Taylor shot, the ball going through reader’s legs. Both teams played with great vigour afterwards, but Everton had slightly the better of the exchanges. Crossing over the Albion at once pressed, Adams sending out from the free kick. Then Everton gained a free kick, and from this Taylor now went among the half-backs, and Stevenson shot wide. Albion pressed severely, but met with a stubborn defence. At last Pickering, however, scored from a corner. The home team played desperately hard, and there were only occasional breakaways by Everton. Proudfoot on one occasion had only Reader to beat, but he failed. The Everton goal had several narrow escapes, and once the ball curled into the net from a corner without a second player touching it, Albion suffered very hard lines, but could not score. Result; Everton 2 goals, Albion 1.
Teams;- West Bromwich Albion; Reader, goal; Adams, and Chadburn, backs; Perry, Jones, and Hadley, half-backs; Roberts, Pickering, Stevenson, Smith, and Walker, forwards.
Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Fox (Sheffield). 

WEST BROMWICH ALBION v  EVERTON
Birmingham Daily Post - Tuesday 23 April 1901
At the Hawthorns yesterday, West Bromwich Albion were defeated by Everton by 2 goals to 1. To the Albion the issue was of the utmost import, in that their very existence in the First division depended upon it, and the result of course, means that they descend into the Second Division. At Goodison Park this season Everton defeated the Albion by one goal to nothing. Much interest centred in the return meeting, and when the game commenced there were present between 5,000 and 6,000 persons. During last week the Albion underwent strict training in view of the encounter.
The teams were as follows;-
Teams;- West Bromwich Albion; Reader, goal; Adams, and Chadburn, backs; Perry, Jones, and Hadley, half-backs; Roberts, Pickering, Stevenson, Smith, and Walker, forwards.
Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Fox (Sheffield). 
The game started in a most sensational manner. From the Everton right Sharp attempted to get through, but he was smartly pulled up by Hadley. The attack was continued in determined fashion, the Everton forwards displaying good combination. From one of these runs Taylor put in a swift low shot, which, after passing through Reader’s legs, found the net just two minutes from the start. To the home team nothing could possibly have been more depressing, but notwithstanding this they continued to play pluckily, and after Muir had cleared from Pickering, Stevenson, experienced hard lines in not getting through with a capital low shot. The game afforded plenty of excitement, neither goals being free for long from visitation. From the left Turner and Settle delighted the spectators with a splendid run, in which speed and tact were displayed and as a result of it, Reader had top throw away. The Albion were playing quite up to their customary form, and retaliated smartly. In front of the Everton goal several exciting scrimmages occurred and once West Bromwich nearly scored by a cleverly-judged overhead kick by Stephenson. The Albion played desperately, but they failed to keep the ball down sufficiently, and often did not well follow up the attacks. After this Everton had decidedly the better of the game, the work of the Albion being largely confined to defensive work, reader saved several rather difficult shots. The play was of a ragged character, and for an exhibition of roughness a couple of players-Stevenson and Booth -were cautioned by the referee.
Half-time; Everton 1 Albion 0
The Albion having what wind there was in their favour, started off in determined fashion. Walker who had showed weakness, put in some excellent work, passing judiciously and aiming well for goal. To the home team fell a corner, but from this no advantage accrued. Then came a spell of play in favour of Everton, and from a second attack-each well supported by every division-Abbott got through; Reader ran out, but he had no chance whatever to prevent the goal. The Albion played pluckily, and though they got many times into advantage positions they could not, try as they would, find the net. Hadley, who had played a consistent game, was conspicuous for clever work on the wing, and Walker maintained the improvement shown in the opening stages of the half. The Albion continued in the visitors’ quarters, and Pickering breasted through, just 23 minutes from the restart. This was, of course the signal for great enthusiasm and the Albion worked-if that was possible- with greater determination than before. But the defence was very sound, and kept them at bay.
Result;- Final; Everton 2 Albion 1.
No one will deny that the better team won. The combination of the forwards was much better than that of the Albion, and they did not daily so much as them in front of goal. The half-back line, too, was very sound, and the backs played a sturdy game. The Albion, generally speaking, played up to the average. It was true that they did not combine properly until near the interval, but they made some splendid attacks. Their improved work in this direction in the second half was no doubt largely due to the fact that Adams was sent forward. On one occasion, from a corner, the Everton goal narrowly escaped disaster, the ball curling into the net, without having been touched by a second player. The halves, especially Jones played satisfactorily, and no fault could be found with the defence. Reader made ample amends for the slip at the commencement of the game.

EVERTON’S TOUR IN SCOTLAND
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 23 April 1901
Now that Everton have completed their League programme, arrangements have been made for a short tour in Scotland, during which four matches will be played. Satisfactory guarantees have been obtained, and, moreover, it is not unlikely as a result of the trip that some new young players may be obtained for next season. The team leave Liverpool next Friday morning and in the evening encounter Hamilton Academical’s. On Saturday afternoon they met Third Lanark, on Monday Falkirk and on Tuesday are sur to appear in far-away Aberdeen. 

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES AND CHAT
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, April 24, 1901
By the “Mersey Man”
Inconsistency, thy name is Everton! The Toffees' success at Derby led their ever patient followers to hope for a victory at home over Bolton Wanderers. Alas, fate, themselves, the referee, and the Trotters (“fate" ones more, as Paddy would say) ruled otherwise. In one sense, it was the Newcastle game over again. But I cannot help insisting that the Boltonians were wonderfully lucky to get off with the spoils by 3 goals to 2. They had the worst of the game, treating it as a whole, by a good, big slice. Their first goal was doubtful, the second should never have been allowed; whilst Everton had an apparently genuine point vetoed. Blackburn is a strong Association centre, and one of the game's seniors, so to speak; but a more incompetent referee than Mr. Cooper proved himself to be it has not been my good fortune to drop across. Seldom, if ever, does the writer attempt fault-finding in this column, but Saturday's " wielding" it is impossible to pass over. Mr. Cooper never seemed to secure a grasp of the game, and one could not help feeling thankful that no championship or Second Division possibilities hung on the result. Men a long way off-side were allowed full away; handling and tripping, &c., were ignored almost ad. lib.; and really the whistle seldom went except in answer to a linesman's claim, who, luckily, were a sound pair. The crowd soon weighed up Mr. Referee, I can assure you, and the running fire volleyed in from the four sides were anything but complimentary. For the winners Sutcliffe played a great game, but Bolton were very weak at full-back. Fitchett and Freebairn did finely at half- back and all the forwards were good, particularly Picken and "Larry" Bell. The last-named, of course, was bound to shine, for is he not an old Everton cast-off,
On the Everton side, the halves and Muir were not up to concert pitch, whilst Settle was an utter failure in the front rank. I should really feel ashamed to accept my salary if I did not work harder for it than some of these high-priced 'stars" do.
The protest of Liverpool against the Association Cup final replay taking place at Goodison Park on Saturday next has created a good deal of dissatisfaction in certain sections here. Granted the Anfielders had right on their side re protesting, seeing that they, have an attractive fixture on with Notts Forest, it did not seem impossible that the League fixture might be decided a couple of hours later than usual. I feel sure had an arrangement been entered into, the Anfield gate would not have suffered, for a large number of trippers into the city would almost certainly have availed themselves of the opportunity to witness a second interesting match.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 26 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Liverpool Senior Cup Final
The reserve teams of the above clubs met at Anfield yesterday evening to decide who should hold the handsome trophy presented by the local association for the coming year. There was a fair attendance, and, both sides being strongly represented, an interesting encountered ensued. In the first half play was evenly contested, Midfield being the scene of operations chiefly. Neither custodians was seriously troubled, for in front of goal the respective forwards showed a sad lack of accuracy, and weak shooting nullified many capital movements. The interval arrived without any score, but on resuming more energy was thrown into the play. There were a number of accidents, mostly of a minor nature and due to fair state of the ground. Glover Blythe, Satterthwaite, and Gray being amongst the sufferers. Three minutes after half time Halliday failed to judge a lofty ball and Otty was left five yards from Kitchen with the sphere at his feet. To the dismay of his side, he dallied until Kitchen was able to divert the ball and Everton once more breathed freely. Halfway through the second period, Sailor, Hunter essayed a long drive, and Kitchen fumbling the ball passed into the net. This proved the winning point, though a couple of clever efforts by Boyle and McDonald only just failed to bring an equalizer. Liverpool thus won the trophy by 1 goal to nil. Councilor Rutherford, who complimented the players upon the excellent spirit in which they had conducted the game, afterwards presented the cup to Howell, the captain of the winning team. Liverpool: - Forrester, goal, Glover, and Morris, backs, Wilson, Hunter (j), and Howell (captain), halfbacks, Soulby, Hunter (s), McCuigan, Satterthwaite, and Otty forwards. Everton: - Kitchen goal, Halliday and Watson, backs Blythe, Boyle, and Abbott halfbacks Roche, McDonald, Worthington, Gray. And O'Brien forwards.

EVERTON RESERVE v. OSWALDTWISTLE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 27 April 1901
This concluding match at Goodison attracted only a few hundred people. Soon after starting Roche got through and beat Platt with a beauty. Five minutes later Worthington sent into Platt's hands, and Green rushing up, converted a second goal. Play opened out a trifle, and Dawson had a look in for the visitors, but Everton coming again, scored twice through Grey and O'Brien. Hair-time—Everton 4, Oswaldtwistle 0. The second half opened quietly, the home team being content with the lead. Then Platt was kept busy, shots coming from Dawson and Roche, which beat the visitors' backs. The Rovers would have been badly off if Platt had not continued to keep a fine goal. Bolton, at centre-half, checked the rushes of the home Centre several times. but there unity about the Rovers, which spoiled their attempts.

EVERTON COMBINATION V. OSWALDTWISTLE ROVERS
April 27, 1901. The Liverpool Football Echo
(Lancashire Combination)
At Goodison Park before a moderate gate. The following teams turned out;- Everton; Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Watson, backs; Blythe, Green, and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Gray, Corrin, and O’Brien, forwards. Oswaldtwhistle;- Platts, goal; Rushworth and Shaw, backs; Livesey, Bolton, and Lord, half-backs; Hindle, Richardson, Dawson, Yates, and Birtwistle, forwards. Oswaldtwistle won the toss, Gray kicking off for Everton against a strong wind. The home team at once pressed, Roche defeating Plattt after about five minutes play. Green lowering the colours of the Rovers shortly afterwards. Everton kept the visitors penned in their own half for some time, another goal being added by Green. By good play the Rovers got to the front of Kitchen but the home team were back at the other end in a trice. Platt being tested by Roche after which Dawson scored. Everton continued the attack, and forced a corner without tangible result. A free kick against the home team enabled the Rovers to get beyond the half-way line, but they were never dangerous. The scene of hostilities were removed to the front of the Rovers custodian, who negotiated many fine shots in brilliant fashion. Everton kept up a persistent attack until the interval without scoring anything further. Half-time score; Everton 4, Rovers Nil.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 27 April 1901
NELSON
By Red Rose
The North-East Lancashire star grows less and less in the football firmament. Not so many years ago the district was one of the biggest hotbeds of Association in the country, strong clubs abounding everywhere. In Blackburn we found the Rovers, Olympic, Park Road, and Witton, and a number of smaller lights; in the Peaceful Valley, Darwen, Darwen Old Wanderers, Darwen Hibernians, and Lower Darwen flourished; Clitheroe possessed a fair eleven; at Accrington there were the famous old Reds, the Ecclesiasts, Bell’s Temperance, Peel Bank Rovers, and Oswaldtwistle Rovers; Burnley, the club bearing the town’s name. Burnley Union Star, and others existed while Padiham, Brierfield, Nelson, and Colne all possessed elevens. With the advent of professionalism the bulk the less wealthy organisations sank into oblivion, and the formation of leagues and combinations considerably hastened the decline. Accrington and Clitheroe went spark out, and Darwen descended into lower regions, and passed through straits from which few clubs in the kingdom would have managed to emerge, and its speaks well for the sportsmen of the Peaceful Valley that they should not have remained content to lower their colours in face of the difficulties they had to surmount. No one can say that the affairs of the Burnley club are in flourishing state, and the Brunsiders must needs make a game effort to find their way back into the First Division of the League. The fortunes of East Lancashire clubs were never at a lower ebb. and to-day’s position is far removed from the time when cup and league honours were almost, plentiful in the district as blackberries. However, a long lane that has no turning, and perhaps better things are in store for the football-loving public of Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley, and Darwen.
CRICKET AHEAD OF FOOTBALL.
The keen interest taken in cricket is undoubtedly a feature of East Lancashire sport, for within a very limited area can be found a small host of powerful local cricket elevens, each drawing large crowds weekly to their matches. Nowhere is this interest keener than in Nelson and Colne, which supports two first-rate cricket clubs, and yet cannot maintain one strong football team. Of course a very wide margin separates the expenditure necessary for the maintenance of a cricket and a football team, but the fact remains that whereas crowds of two and three thousand turn out weekly to witness five hours’ cricket, the attendances on the football field are much thinner. As a rule, the Lancashire working man finds the summer game rather too slow for his liking, preferring the briefer and more exciting spell of football, but in Accrington, Nelson, Colne, and the Rossendale Valley the reverse is the case.
EARLY HOSTILITY.
Football in Nelson may be said to be a plant of comparatively recent growth, and it is rather singular that it should have to be introduced into the borough by strangers who had seen the game played elsewhere and become enamoured of its excitements. Prior to 1882, when Nelson was practically but a big village boasting of ten or eleven thousand inhabitants, football was an unknown quantity, and when the formation of a club was mooted at this late period it was taken up eagerly by the people. Yet there were those who had a decided objection to the movement, and were not afraid of expressing it. However, the “Fors” predominated greatly over the Againsts,” and it was decided that the winter pastime should be adopted in the town. A difficulty arose as to the ground, but this was soon overcome. A general meeting of the Cricket Club members was called in 1883, the object being to decide as to whether they should allow football to be played on the cricket field. An amendment was moved to the effect that “no football shall be allowed in the town,” and this Mr. Wilmore—afterwards a warm supporter and hon. secretary of the football club—seconded. Upon being put to the meeting, however, this stringent resolution was lost, and soon afterwards the hunt of the pig-skin commenced on the cricket field.
LOCAL RIVALRY.
Of course, at first the eleven was wholly composed of local youths, and their fixture list did not cover a wide area. Ido not mention the latter as any detriment, for the travelling expenses were thus almost a vanishing point, and tremendous local interest centred in the encounters. During the first season or two clubs like Colne, Brierfield, Burnley Union Star, Padiham. Oswaldtwistle Rovers, Bell’s Temperance, Rossendale, Rawtenstall, Irwell Springs, Blackburn Park Road, and Clitheroe were met, and the Nelson Club came out with a very creditable record as the result. Speaking of local talent reminds me that on one occasion when Nelson were successful in defeating Brierfield in the final for the Burnley Hospital Cup, they had to pass through their opponents’ village upon their way home. The Nelson men’s delight, loudly expressed as they entered Brierfield, seemed to have irritated the peaceful villagers, who stoned and “sodded” them on their journey. The rivalry between the Nelson and Brierfield teams was always very keen, and in order give nothing away to their opponents it was customary for the Nelson men to strip at home, so as to keep Brierfield in ignorance as to the composition of their team.
FROM PILLAR TO POST.
In 1884-5 Nelson entered for the Lancashire Cup, but lost when pitted against Wheelton in the first round. Then came a disagreement with the cricket committee with respect to the ground, the result being that the committee refused to allow football to be played on their pitch any longer. A new piece of turf was taken at “Archer’s Field,” but at the end of the following season this was required for building purposes, and a field opposite the Golden Ball had to obtained. A long sojourn here was not desirable, and the season was finished up on the old Nelson Wanderers’ ground, at Hodgehouse. At the close of the 1886-7 season negotiations with the committee of the cricket dub were again entered into, the outcome being that the club once more secured the use of their old quarters. The same year Nelson entered for the Lancashire Junior Cup, but soon received their quietus. A year later, however, made a good fight, getting amongst the last eight before being dismissed by Preston St. Joseph’s, the ultimate winners, by a bare goal.
LEAGUE STRUGGLES.
In the early games of 1887-8 Nelson had the assistance three members of the famous Blackburn Olympic team —Tom Dewhurst, Tichie Parker, and Jimmy Costley—Dewhurst and Costley being members of the eleven which wrested the English Cup out of the hands of the Southrons in 1882. On February 11th, 1889, Mr. Wilmore moved at a meeting of the committee. “That a League be arranged if possible.” Mr. Wilmore drew up a circular, and at a subsequent meeting at the Bell’s Temperance Club, Accrington, the North-East Lancashire League was formed. The necessity for leagues and combinations was about this period troubling the minds of footballers up and down the country, and while Nelson and other clubs were busy founding the N.E.L. League, Bury, Blackpool, and Southport Central were engaged with the formation of the Lancashire League, an invitation being held out to Nelson. The latter, seeing the strength of the Lancashire League, accepted the invitation despite the protests of the other N.E.L. clubs, who strongly urged them to stick to the League had been instrumental in forming. The Lancashire league consisted 14 clubs during the initial season, which ended with Higher Walton as champions. Nelson finishing fourth on the list. The following season found them in a similar position, while a year later they dropped a couple of steps. But worse was to follow, for in the fourth year the League Nelson fell to eleventh in the list. According to rule the last four had retire, but Nelson were re-elected, and did so well subsequently that they finished fourth, and then captured the championship, creating a record for the League by scoring 105 goals against 39. and totalling 48 points. In 1897-8 the powerful New Brighton club were champions, but Nelson, who were the runners-up, had the satisfaction of accomplishing what other clubs failed do—of taking a majority of points out of the Merseyites.
THE DECLINE.
Then came the decline. The finances were at a pretty low ebb, the team was not kept up to correct pitch, and kisses began to predominate over the wins. Then came suspension for an offence which created no little sensation at the time, and which it is hardly necessary to recall to memory here, for the facts will fresh in the minds of “Football Post” readers. As a result of the suspension the borough had no club in the season 1898-9 and 1899-1900,- and during this period of inaction the bailiffs were put into possession. However, a new team arose out the ashes of the old, and captured the championship of the N.E.L. Combination.  This season the Lancashire League tournament has been participated in with fair although it cannot be said that future prospects are bright, still gleams of sunshine here and there present themselves. The finances have recently benefited by a  medal competition, and considerable  improvements to the present ground are contemplated.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 27 April 1901
Everton Combination v Oswaldtwistle Rovers, Goodison Park.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Watson, backs; Blythe, Green, and Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards. Kick-off 3.30.

EVERTON RESERVE v OSWALDTWISTLE
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 27 April 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
This concluding match at Goodison attracted only a few hundred people. Soon after starting Roche got through and beat Platt with a beauty. Five minutes later Worthington sent into Platt’s hands, and Green rushing up, converted a second goal. Played opened out a trifle, and Dawson had a look in for the visitors, but Everton coming again, scored twice through Gray and O’Brien.
Half-time;- Everton 4, Oswaldtwistle 0
The second half opened quietly, the home team being content with the lead. Then Platt was kept busy, shots coming from Dawson and Roche, which beat the visitors’ backs. The Rovers would have bene badly off if Platt had not continued to keep a fine goal. Bolton, at centre half, checked the rushes of the home centre several times, but there was no unity about the Rovers, which spoiled their attempts.

Third Lanark v. Everton.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 29 April 1901
Played at Cathkic Park, Glasgow. The first half was contested even lines. Settle notching the first point for the visitors. With change ends. the Volunteers gave an improved exhibition, but failed at goal, whereas Abbott added a second point for Everton. Final:—Everton, 2goals: Third Lanark, 0 goals

THIRD LANARK 0 EVERTON 2
April 29 1901. The Liverpool Courier
Everton paid their first visit this year to Scotland, to play the clever Third Lanark team at Catkins Park, Glasgow. The day was brilliantly fine, and everything was in favour of a big crowd and a good gam. The crowd was slow in arriving and at the start there would only be five thousand present. The teams were: - Third Lanark: - Raeside goal, Barr, and Thompson, backs Cross, McCue, and Smith, halfbacks, Johnson, Lynn, Sloan, Cross, Junior, and Lambie, forward. Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer and Eccles, backs, Wolstenholmes, Baugh, and Boyle, half-backs, Taylor, Settle (captain), Proudfoot, Abbott, and Turner, forwards. Everton at once's started the game, but the Volunteers early paid a visit to Muir. Keeping at it the home club were soon back again, and after some splendid work on the part of Cross, and Lambie, the latter ended in putting the ball wide. This livened up the Englishmen and for fully five minutes the Third's goal was hotly besieged, Proudfoot, Abbott, and Turner all having shots at Raeside. Up to this point the Everton forwards were doing work in front of goal, and after a little dodging on the part of Proudfoot, the lively centre forward sent over to Settle, who had little difficulty in beating Raeside. With this early success, play began to liven up a bit. Everton through Abbott, had hard lines, in not scoring, the ball shaving the post by inches. Everton were having the better of the game, but at goal they were too fancy in their play, too many tricks being tried on in front of goal. Taking advantage of this the home lot tried to get on level terms, but were very weak in shooting in front of goal. After a foul against Everton the Volunteers had a fine chance to score, but the parting shot of Sloan went wide of the mark. Again the warriors were paying a visit to Muir, but Booth got the ball away, and play rested in front of Raeside, who had some work to do than the Englishmen. Again the warriors had a chance to score, but Sloan was pulled up for offside. Everton tried hard to increase their lead, but after a few tries at goal by their forwards the ball went outside. From the goal kick the Third Lanark made a bold attempt to get on level terms, and after Sloan had led his forwards to within a few yards of Muir, Lambie and Cross lost a good chance. Keeping at it the home lot were determined to get a goal, but Sloan who was playing a fine game, was pulled up for off-side. From the place kick, Everton got down on Raeside, and for a short time the Cathkins goalkeeper had a hot time. The Englishmen were not done for, as in a few minutes, Proudfoot had the ball safely in the net. Offside was given against the Liverpool centre. This was all the scoring at halftime when Everton lead by a goal to nil. During the second half Abbott scored a second goal, when Abbott scored with 15 minutes remaining and Everton won by 2 goals to nil.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 OSWALDTWISHLE ROVERS 0
April 29 1901. The Liverpool Courier
At Goodison Park. Play was in Everton's favour, and Roche soon scored. Green scored another shortly afterwards from a pass by Aintree. A free kick close in gave Green another chance, and he again scored easily, the goalkeeper being weak. Everton continued to have all the play, and scored again through Dawson. Oswaldtwishle made a very poor show, and Everton won by 4 goals to nil. (Game 34) Everton: - Kitchen goal Halliday, and Aston (j), backs Blythe, Green and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Gray and O'Brien, forwards.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION’S HARD STRUGGLE
Athletic News - Monday 29 April 1901
By Brum
After several hair-breath escapes from reduction to the Second Division of the League in previous years, Monday last saw the Albion defeated by Everton, and the loss of the points consequent upon this result made it impossible for the club to retain its position in the First division, unless something entirely unforeseen and unexpected happens.  After the enterprise shown by the directorate in obtaining their present commodious ground, and the hard work the removal has entailed, it is a depressing piece of ill-fortune that they should have to lose their position in first-class football before they have had a fair chance to turn themselves round, as it were.  Had the Albion won this particular match, there was just a chance that they would keep their place, in view of the hard work entailed upon both Sheffield United and Liverpool of late, but it soon became apparent that the visiting side meant to give nothing away, for after scoring soon after the game started, they kept up their attacks with unflagging vigour.  With a brisk wind behind them, the Everton players had little difficulty in forcing the pace, but when they turned round with only one goal to the good, it was generally thought that the Albion would pull through.  Another softies goal, obtained from a free kick taken a long way from goal, enabled the visitors to increase their lead, although many of the defending side protested against the legitimacy of the point.  Striving with all the energy of despair, Adams was called up from the rear to assist in the attack, and, after battering away incessantly, the Albion at last scored.  But Fare was against them, and try as they might the Everton goalkeeper was too clever for them, and the light of hope flickered gradually out. 

THIRD LANARK v  EVERTON
The Liverpool Mercury, Monday April 29, 1901
Played at Cathkin Park, Glasgow, before 8,000 spectators. This first half was contested on even lines, Settle notching a point for the visitors before crossing over. With change of ends the Volunteers gave an improved exhibition, but failed at goal. Abbott added a second point for Everton 15 minutes from the close, the final result being- Everton 2 goals, Third Lanark nil.

THIRD LANARK v  EVERTON
The Scotsman - Monday 29 April 1901
Played at Cathkin Park, Glasgow, before 8,000 spectators. This first half was contested on even lines, Settle notching a point for the visitors before crossing over. With change of ends the Volunteers gave an improved exhibition, but failed at goal. Abbott added a second point for Everton 15 minutes from the close, the final result being- Everton 2 goals, Third Lanark nil.

FALKIRK v  EVERTON
The Scotsman - Tuesday 30 April 1901
Played at Falkirk last night. Teams;- Falkirk- Thomson; Smith and Reid; Hall, Morton, and Scott; Silcock, and Webster; Young, Burt, and Kemp. Everton; Muir; Wolstenholme, and Balmer; Boyle, Booth and Abbott; Taylor, and Sharp (Burnbank Athletic); McDonald, Bone, and Know (Glenbuck Juniors). Referee-Mr. Nielson (Thornliebank.) Everton kicked off, and opened up well. The narrow field handicapped the efforts of the visitors. After twenty minutes’ play Young scored for Falkirk, Sharp equalising near the close of the half. Half-time; One goal each, Falkirk set the pace at the opening of the second portion, Webster putting the local team on the lead after twenty minutes’ play. On call of time Taylor equalised. Result- A draw -two goals each.