TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 01 December 1900
Everton made the long journey to Sunderland yesterday, and this afternoon they will tackle the Wearsiders in the first of the season’s engagements. There is, however, little hope, judging from recent form, of Everton returning with points, and it will occasion little surprise if the home side annex a substantial victory . only once this season have the Wearsiders been defeated on their ground at Roker, the present leaders of the League having the honour of achieving this excellent result, and Everton do not give the impression that they are likely to emulate the feat pf the Forest.
Sunderland v Everton, Sunderland. Referee, J. H. Strawson; linesmen W. Chard and W. Allen.
Everton;- Muir; Balmer, Watson; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Corrin.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Everton reserve v St. Helens Recs. Goodison Park.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelley, backs; Blythe, Green, and R. Taylor, half-backs; Burton, Settle, Worthington, Chadwick, and Turner, forwards.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 01 December 1900
SOUTHAMPTON
By Red Rose
Southern football has undergone great changes and vicissitudes since the “Socker” game came to be a power in the realm of English sport some 25 to 30 years age. From 1871-2 to 1880-1 not a single Midland or Northern team managed to find its way into the final for the English Cup, teams like the Wanderers (who held the trophy three years in succession, or five times in all, and returned it to the Association to be put up for further competition) the Royal Engineers, old Etonians, Clapham Rovers, and Old Carthusians, divided honours amongst themselves. Football enthusiasts of the old school will recall with pleasure reminiscences of the form displayed by the Old Boys of Eton and Charterhouse, their brilliant individual work, wonderful dribbling powers and speed and stamina. The Southern Counties undoubtedly brought the Sockers game into prominence in England, and it was not until 1881-2 that the Blackburn Rovers ploughed their way into the final stage of the English Cup Competition, only to receive their quietus at the hands of the Old Etonians. The following season the Southrons received a shock from which it took them a long time to recover. A team of factory and foundry lads carried all before them, upset the Old Carthusians in the round preceding the semi-final, and, finding themselves face to face with the Old Etonians in the final, won a memorable game, after extra time had been played by two goals to one.
A SOUTHERN REVIVAL
Eighteen years lapsed before another Southern eleven figured in the final stage. For a long time Southern football was in a parlous plight, but gradually Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Millwall Athletic, Woolwich Arsenal, and others began to rise out of the ashes of the dead past. In 1897-8 the first-named reached the semi-final stage, and but for a sad accident to Farrell in the second of the hard-fought encounters with Notts Forest at Sheffield, would probably have progressed a step further in the Competition. Last season, however, two Southern rivals- Southampton and Millwall-reached the semi-final, and had the fortune or misfortune to come out of the hat together. Southampton were the ultimate survivors, but the fond hopes of the sunny South were quickly and very rudely shattered by the sturdy Buryities in the final tourney ay the Crystal Palace. A great revival in Southern football has lately taken and is taking place; and now several clubs are fit to compete and take their place with the strongest in the land. We shall doubtless hear and see further of Southern organisation in the English Cup Competition, and when, sooner or later, this coveted trophy is captured by Southampton, Tottenham, Millwall, Woolwich, or any of the neighbourly rivals, Lancashire clubs at any rate will not begrudge the Southerners of a temporary return of the old-time honours.
A THRIVING YOUNGSTER.
Whatever the good people of Tottenham, Bristol, Millwall and Portsmouth may claim for their particular pets, there can be little doubt that Southampton are the most prominent of Southern organisations of the present day. In the Southern League they have carried off the highest honours-they have never finished in a lower position than third- while they are entitled to the highest praise for their magnificent Cup fights against great odds. Like a great many other of our best professional clubs, Southampton sprang up in a quiet, unpretentious manner. In 1885, the members of the St. Mary’s Church Young Men’s Association banded themselves together to pursue the dribbling code, which was then little known in Southampton, where the Rugger game was all the rage. As in countless other places, however, it did not take very many years to convert a Rugby stronghold into a hotbed of Association football, and now the handling code enjoys comparatively little popularity in Southampton. The Saints throve, and quickly developed into one of the strongest junior organisations in the district, and win the Hampshire Junior Cup, thrice in successive years entering the final stage and emerging victorious therefrom. In accordance with rule, they were then compelled to join the Senior Cup competition, which they won two successive years, being beaten in the final the third year by Freemantle.
LEAGUES AND PROFESISONALS
Until the early eighties the club was run strictly on the amateur ticket, Dorkin being the first paid player to be engaged. His discharge from the Royal Engineers was purchased, and his appearance was followed by an influx of other paid men to strengthen the ranks of the Saints, J. Angus, an old Evertonian; Thompson, of Stoke; and Furby, of Leeds, being engaged. The Southern League was now in existence, and the engagement of further professional talent became inevitable, and the demands of the South for better men caused the tables to be turned on Northern and Midland clubs. The latter, in their time and generation had oft depleted Scottish organisations of the flower of their flock, and now their men, without fee and without price, began to forsake them for Southern climes. As the result of a visit to the Potteries, Mr. Robson, the famous county cricketer, and Mr. McMinn, Southampton made one or two good captures, including Farrell, of Dresden United; Weston of Stoke; and Wood, of Burslem Port Vale. This got the club into hot water, however, Stoke reported Southampton for approaching their player before the specified period, but failed to substantiate their charges but Port Vale were more successful hence the result that Mr. McMinn was strung up for the rest of the season. This was not the only misfortune which ensued, for Wood’s registration form was annulled, and he cast in his lot with Stoke. The Southampton officials were not to be denied-they had made up their minds to have a winning team at any cost. In 1894-5 Keay a Derby County forward of some repute, and Buchanan, of Woolwich, were engaged, and subsequently rendered yeoman service to the club. In 1897 the club was formed into a limited liability company, and has now a bright prospect before it. The Championship of the Southern League has been captured upon more than one occasion, large gates are the rule, and more will probably be heard of the club in the near future.
AN ARRAY OF TALENT
A splendid lot of players have now been gathered together from North and South, from East to West. Many people may, with a certain amount of justification, share their heads and assert that there are far too many old players in the eleven, but veterans though they are, Harry Wood, Edgar Chadwick, and Alf Milward are still worthy a place in the best of company. Robinson, who has several times been chosen to guard his country’s sticks, has hardly a superior in the land. Many more faces familiar to “F-o-o-t-b-al-l-l Post” readers can be found. Toman, a Turf Moor idol, who whilst at Burnley showed promise of developing into one of the cleverest centre forwards in the country, leads the forwards division, while Art Blackburn, a splendidly built, hard kicking Mellor youth, can be seen further in the rear. When playing under the auspices of the Blackburn Sunday League a few years ago, Blackburn gave signs of promise, and although he may not have equalised the expectations of his many Blackburn friends, still he is one of the steadiest and most reliable backs to be found in the Southern League. There are few wings in Southern England, too, to compete in general usefulness with Chadwick and Milward, that famous Everton combination. Neither of these renowned players possess anything like their old fleetness of foot or dexterity toe, but considering their age it is really wonderfully now consistent is the form they maintain. It is hoped that it will be many years before Herr Chadwick -as he has been jocularly nicknamed with German experience-will wholly disappear on the Association game. As a player it is important for him to dwell much longer in our midst; but extremely probable that he will follow in the footsteps of Bob Holmes and he seen on the line or holding a more important position in the centre of the field.
AN OLD ACCRINGTON
This article would be but incomplete without reference to a sturdy scion of Lancashire, who, season in and season out, has rendered valuable service to the Southampton Club- I fer to Arthur Chadwick. In Accrington’s declining days I have seen this ruddy haired, lion-hearted player pluckily and successfully face great odds, and when the old Reds ultimately went to the wall, he migrated south and joined the Saints, with whom he has operated with great skill at centre half. Last year he deservedly gained international honours, and although perhaps not so clever or distinguished a player as the other internationals of whom Accrington can boast- Jud Haworth and Jimmy Whitehead-he stands, needless to say, in the very forefront of English halves. A few days ago he took a well deserved benefit, and if the pecuniary outcome be proportionately large to his sound, skilful play, allied to loyalty of service, he should benefit handsomely.

SUNDERLAND 2 EVERTON 0
December 3 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The first of the season's League engagements between these clubs was played at Sunderland on Saturday. On the Everton side Corrin and Gray displaced Settle and Turner, the usual left wing, and Sunderland had their usual League team at command. The weather was dull and threatening rain, and at 2-10, when the teams turned out there would not be more than 5,000 spectators present. The sides were as follow: - Everton: - Muir goal, Balmer (captain), and Watson, backs Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott halfbacks, Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Corrin, forwards. Sunderland: - Doig goal, McCombie and Watson, backs, Ferguson, McAlister, and Raisebeck. Halfbacks, Hogg, Common, Miller, Livingston, and McLathchie forwards. The ground was heavy and Sunderland having won the toss elected to play with a strong wind behind their backs. They were at once aggressive, and for some time the Everton defenders kept extended to their best efforts. Muir was several times called upon notably from McLatchie and cleared in capital style. A rush down by Taylor was short lived, and returning again, the ball was shot in, and Muir put through his goal. It was only on odd occasions that the Everton forwards could get going, but even then they did not appear likely to score, and following some capital defence the interval was reached without further disaster. Having now the wind, the visitors commenced to press and Doig was called upon to save a warm shot from Proudfoot. McDonald was a trifle wide with another effort and following a long spell the home forwards took up the running and kept Muir well employed, for some time. Several capital saves, were effected, when played veered to the other end, where McCombie and Watson showed to advantage. Three minutes from the close the home forwards swept down and after Muir had saved from a long kick, by Watson, the ball was returned and Common scored. Nothing further was scored, and Sunderland won by 2 goals to nil.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 ST HELENS RECREATION 0
December 3 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison park. Wiggins started for the Recs. Everton at once asserting the aggressive, and though Settle scored in the first two minutes of the game, nothing further was done to the interval. On changing ends, Worthington augmented Everton's score with a magnificent shot. The visitors them attacked, and Davies had a try at goal, but Halliday slipped in and cleared. Lee saved from Turner twice, and Everton won by 2 goals to nil. (Game 14) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Halliday and Crelly backs, Blythe, Green and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Barlow, Settle, Worthington, Chadwick (t) and Turner, forwards.

SUNDERLAND V EVERTON
December 3, 1900. Glasgow Herald.
Despite the fact that this match at Roker Park, Sunderland, was one of the most important of the league fixtures, there were only about 10,000 people present to watch the play. The Sunderland team had given their supporters something of a disappointment by losing last Saturday to West Bromwich Albion, but they were confidently expected to give a much better display against the Lancashire team. The weather was dull and threatening, and the turf very soft, but the Sunderland forwards played a fast game, and ten minutes from the start they scored a goal, Muir, in trying to save, fumbling the ball and letting it go between the posts. Sunderland after this pressed continuously, but they could not get through again before half-time, and thus changed ends with a lead of one goal to none. In the second half the Everton men tried utmost to equaliser matters, but the Sunderland defence proved admirable, and quite to all the demands made upon it. For the most part Everton had a good deal of the best of matters, but just before the finish, the Sunderland forwards broke away, and Common scored for them. There was nothing more obtained after this, and Sunderland thus won by two goals to nil.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 3 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
Following upon the repeated failure of the Everton forwards to reach even an ordinary level of ability it was but natural to expect some changes in the representation of the team to oppose Sunderland on Saturday. In this matter the managers of the Everton Club acted in no halfhearted fashion, and they can at least be accorded every credit in endeavoring to resuscitate a wanting interest in the club. Up to a week or two ago, the personnel of the team had been unchanged. The players had enjoyed the full confidence of managers and supporters alike, and few indeed were prepared for such a complete revolution, which has however, been rightly merited. Four of five forwards that played on Saturday figured in the reserve team against Glossop last month, and that they at any rate fared no worse than the particular stars of the club had recently done in a healthy sign of the times. The usual left wing was dropped entirely their places being filled by Corrin and Gray, the former making his debut in League football, and though this pair were not over burdened with work they put in several touches that were not the least brilliant among the many features of the game. Both sent in capital shots that called up the agile Sunderland custodian's best efforts, and under less trying conditions they should turn out a very serviceable. Proudfoot under the circumstances was justified in directing most of his passes to the rightwing, when Taylor was a veritable glutton for work, and what with the general leveling in the play was an improvement upon what was witnessed in recent home matches. The slippery nature of the ground had a deterrent effect upon the play for there was an absence of that crisp, low passing, and high speed that usually characteristic the meeting of these rivals but still the game was full of exciting incidents, and interest was sustained up to the last minute of the game when Sunderland clinched the matter by putting on the second goal. The home side was very clever team, and fully merited their success and had they been as accurate in front of goal as they were clever in reaching close range they might easily have established a more pronounced lead. With the wind in their favour-and this was a most powerful factor, as it blew strongly from end to end-they brought a tremendous amount of pressure to bear upon the Everton defenders who considering the sticky nature of the turf, were lucky in reaching the interval with but one goal recorded against them. After the change of ends it was not too much to expect that the visitors would accomplish at least a draw, but to determined were Doig and his backs that scoring became a very difficult task. The superior play of the home forwards, who often worked the ball nicely down against the wind, increased the visitors difficulties during the second portion, and it was the outcome of a spirited rush, aided by feeble resistance by the Everton defenders, that a second point was recorded. As already stated Sunderland were the better side, superiority being more manifest among the forwards, while the other positions compared very favorably. There was a little looseness at times noticeable among the Everton backs, but this is such a rare occurrence that it will be readily overlooked. The heavy grounds especially near the goalmouth, greatly handicapped them, and it was some time when they became accustomed to the surroundings. The halves played a hard untiring game, and none had a more difficult task than Booth who attended to Miller with a big share of success. The Sunderland centre forward played an admirable game, and had evidently much football, yet in him. His passes to the wings were well timed, and most of the home attacks were due to his initiative. The rearguard formed a solid defence, and Doig in goal played a big part in the success of his side. Taking all the composition into account, the game was quite in keeping with other stern contests between the clubs, and as matters now stand Everton have yet to defeat any Northern rivals on the banks of the Wear.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 03 December 1900
By The Loiterer
Having gone in for a change, forced upon them in the first instance by Sharp’s elevation to League honours, the Everton directors have made more extensive alterations in the team, since his inclusion in the League eleven at Belfast, Sharp has not played for the first team of Everton; his substitute, Taylor, having done very well in the scoring department, a much felt want, I may say, and Taylor has accordingly justified his selection. But he is not a team in himself, and however obliging in filling up vacancies his presence has not commanded general success, I don’t know that anyone is justified in entirely blaming the Everton directors, but it appears to me that having got the thin end of the wedge in by unforeseen circumstances, they have driven it further. As one of them pointed out to me, if a team can only score three goals in 7 ½ hours he thought it about time to try other men. I quite agree with him in his observations that the forwards. I should say, have done well in the open, but failed to secure goals, and a change was necessary in the hope of a better crop of goals; but I should have preferred the reserve lads having their first trial at Goodison Park. However, they selected Gray and Corrin to pay at Sunderland , but they failed to improve their goal average. Perhaps the regular members would have done no better,  for Sunderland are a stiff lot to tackle, but fancy such artists as Settle and Turner playing in the reserve team!

SUNDERLAND AGAIN VAQUISE EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 03 December 1900
By Tom Tiddler
On Saturday Everton paid Sunderland a visit, and retired beaten by two goals to nothing. Sunderland played the same team for the third consecutive Saturday, an unusual thing for them, although their area of selection is a limited one. Everton were not so fortunate, making several changes from the previous match. Their left wing was a new one, Corrin making his debut in League football, and his partner, Gray, figuring in the senior team for the first time this season. The weather had been miserable throughout the week, and consequently the ground was very heavy. The rain cleared off just at the start, and there were 7,000 spectators. Sunderland had the advantage of the wind during the first half. They early forced the pace, and during the first quarter of an hour Everton could only manage to cross the centre line twice or thrice. They made up for inability to attack, however, by presenting a solid defence. Eighteen minutes from the start there was a tight scrimmage in the Everton goal, the ball coming out of the ruck, McLatchie returned it with a fast, rising shot. Muir jumped up to fist away, but the ball glanced off his hand and dropped into the net. After this Everton became really dangerous, and Doig was called upon. He easily cleared a long shot, and this was the only time he touched the ball during the first half.
EVERTON PENNED
From then to the sounding of the whistle play was practically confined to the Everton end of the field. Sunderland made almost superhuman efforts to increase their lead, but they could not manage it, and the teams crossed over with Sunderland just in front. This was too much to face the breeze with and the crowd was a bit uncertain, I can assure you. Everton were not long in making their presence felt at the home end, and they gave the defence plenty of work to do. A remarkably fine shot by Corrin just missed the upright by inches only, Doig being at the other end of the goal at the time, and for several minutes the visitors were continually on the aggressive. Then the play opened out, and the Everton defence was tested. Back again went the strangers, and they fairly bombarded the home goal, Doig saving on four occasions in brilliant style. These were very anxious moments to the crowd, and loud was the cheering when the Evertonians were at length driven back. Later Sunderland had more of the play, and in the last ten minutes made an almost continuous attack, the issue still being in the balance, however, until three minutes from time, when Watson, from the half-way line, dropped the ball close to the goal-mouth, Hogg collared it and shot for goal. The leather rebounded from an opponent and Common, who was close by, slipped it into the net. This was the last and most pleasing incident of all, and the Wearsiders left the field, with a well-won victory.
A CRITICISM
The game was not a bad one, but there was no doubt about the points going to the better team. During the first half Sunderland with the wind, pressed fully five-sixths of the time, and they had hard lines in not scoring more often. On one occasion, for instance, Ferguson struck the crossbar, and the ball would have gone into the net, but it struck McLatchie on the head in falling and bounced a few inches wide. Again an unexpected fast shot by Millar struck Balmer and glanced off over the line. After the cross over play was certainly more in favour of the visitors, but they did nothing like the pressing they had to put up with prior to the changing of ends. Sunderland stayed the better and to this was due their second point. The home forwards exhibited a dash and precision that was pleasing to witness. Hogg and Common showed improved form, and were quite as good as the left. Miller played a fine game in the centre, and Muir found his shots difficult to deal with. Ferguson was the most successful of a good half-back line, and the defence was really first-class, Doig having probably more to do than in any other match at Roker this season. The visitors also shone in defensive work. Muir is a spry custodian, and time after time baulked the home men, Balmer and Watson are a pair of backs much above the average the former doing particularly well. The halves were fairly good, but could not be beaten for hard work. Taylor was the best in the forward line, and with McDonald made the most dangerous wing. Proudfoot was too well looked after by McAllister to do much. Nevertheless, he got in some fine shots, and the left wing, all things considered, gave a good account of itself. The teams were;-
Everton.- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Corrin, forwards.
Sunderland;- Doig, goal; McCombie, and Watson, backs; Ferguson, McCallister and Raisbeck, half-backs; W. Hogg, Common, Miller, Livingstone, and McLatchie, forwards. Referee. J.H. Strawson, of Lincoln.

SUNDERLAND v EVERTON
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Monday 03 December 1900
VICTORY FOR SUNDERLAND
This League fixture was played at the Roker Park ground to-day. The teams were as follows : Sunderland: Goal, Doig; backs, McCombie and Watson; half-backs, Ferguson, McAllister, and Raisbeck; forwards, W. Hogg, Common, Miller, Livingstone, and MuLatchie, Goal, Muir; backs, BalmerandWatson; half-backs, Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; forwards, Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Corrin. Referee—Mr J. H. Strawson (Lincoln). Linesmen—Messrs W. Chard (Gateshead) and Rand (Middlesbrough). A fresh breeze was blowing from the south end of the field, and the weather was cold and cheerless. The turf, owing to recent rains, was in a very sloppy condition. The attendance was about 7,000.
THE GAME.
Sunderland won the toss, and elected to play with the wind in their favour. Directly after the start they made a rush down on the right, wing, but were stopped at the end of the pavilion by Abbot, and a return was made to the home halfway line. W, Hogg then made a dash, and arrived within about twenty-five yards of goal, when Watson, the left back, pulled him up. The home right wing then drove by. After the goal kick both teams went back to the centre, when Miller broke away, and was checked by Balmer when nearing goal. A few seconds late Miller put in
A VERY STRAIGHT SHOT,
But, struck Watson and rebounded. The Wearsiders kept up the pressure and again drove harmlessly by. From the scrimmage which followed a corner kick McLatchie shot in, and Muir, in trying to knock the ball up over the crossbar, sent it into his own goal, thus giving Sunderland thefirst goal after fifteen minutes' play. Following this, Everton were able for the first time during the match to invade the home goal. A short scrimmage was fought out close to the uprights, and Common cleared. Taylor made the next attempt on behalf of Everton to reach the home citadel, but he
WAS GIVEN OFFSIDE.
McDonald, on the same wing, then made a rush, but McCombie passed back to Doig, who cleared. The visitors then tried to force their way through on their left wing, but without effect, and gradually they retreated until they reached the end of the pavilion,in their own territory. Here McCombie took a free kick close to the touch line, and dropped the ball on the net at the back of the goal. Twice in succession Miller, from long range, took shots at goal, but in each instance they were very wide. Doig had so far only been called upon once,
PRACTICALLY ALL THE PLAY
having taken place at the Everton end of the field. A shot from McLatchie was knocked away by Muir, and from the other end W. Hoggsent behind the goal. McLatchie made an effort to score, as did also Miller, but both shots hit the opposing backs. They were still pressing when the whistle blew for the interval with the score:— Sunderland 1 goal Everton Nil
In the first minute of the second half Sunderland attacked on the right wing, but neither Hogg nor Common could get by the backs. Everton then advanced, and Doig was called upon from the right wing. He cleared, and then on the other wing Corrin put in a low fast shot, but Doig could not have got out, but, luckily for the home team, it hit the post and turned outside. A corner was yielded—the first given Sunderland—but the visitors gained nothing from the corner kick, and, after
A SHORT STRUGGLE IN FRONT OF GOAL,
were compelled to fall back to the half-way line. Advancing again they forced a second corner, and immediately afterwards drove by twice in succession. They followed this up by continuing on the aggressive, but were prevented from getting very close in. After a brief bout in midfield the visitors advanced and Doig saved cleverly from Proudfoot. Over 20 minutes of the half had already gone by, Everton had had far the greater part of the play.
DOIG HAD TO VERY ACTIVE
during the next minute or so. He saved grandly from Gray and very neatly from Proudfoot. W. Hogg traversed three-quarters of the length of the ground, and dodged several opponents en route, being pulled up only a few yards from goal. Miller shot in sharply, but Muir was on the ball like a flash. Play was carried to the other end with great rapidity, and Doig kept out a splendid shot by Proudfoot. After the home team had been in front the visitors' goal for a period of five minutes they were compelled to withdraw, and in face of pressure Watson gave a corner. With
THE VISITORS CLOSE TO THE HOME GOAL
excitement increased, but they were soon got at a safe distance, and W. Hogg went down on the right wing in grand form. He passed all opponents who tackled him, and shot when within a few yards of goal, but Watson, the visitors' left back, touched the ball over the bar. After the corner kick the ball was carried down nearly to the halfway line. Here, three minutes from the finish, the Sunderland Watson put in a long shot, which dropped close to the goal. W. Hogg shot in, but the ball struck an opponent, and Common, who was about two yards from goal, put the ball into the net. The ball having been centred Sunderland again gathered round Muir's charge and Miller shot by. With a scrimmage in full swingCommon sent behind, and as he was running after the ball Abbot kicked at him and was cautioned by the referee. Final result— Sunderland 2 goals Everton Nil
NOTES ON THE GAME.
“BY REFEREE."
Sunderland were again unfortunate in regard to weather, and the club's receipts will look small compared with those of last season's fixture with Everton. Nevertheless the weather, for the actual game, was fine, if windy. Those who had turned out were rewarded with a capital game, which wound up with splendid win for the home team. The homesters were lucky enough to win the toss, and the crowd, by their applause, showed that they reckoned that to be something good. Sunderland went at it in great style when the ball was started, and in the first quarter of an hour Everton only played the ball in the home half. The Everton goal had several narrow escapes, the ball being shot at each side of the posts and over the bar, but somehow the defenders were always in the road when the leather was going straight. At length McLatchie, with a rising shot, caused Muir to jump. He made attempt to fist over the bar, but the ball glanced off his hand into the net. Sunderland fully deserved the point, as they had done well-nigh all the pressing leading up to it. Play continued to be very largely in favour of the Roker lads, and only once or twice were the home backs called upon to clear their goal. On the play in the first half Sunderland deserved quite a three-goal lead. They were at the Everton end fully five-sixths of the half. With the wind in their favour the Evertonians were not long in getting to work, the positions being reversed very early. Sunderland were by no menus disposed to lie down tamely, and they succeeded on several occasions in all but increasing their score. Indeed, they had much more of the play than Everton had in the first half. As time wore on Sunderland improved, and, notching point near the call of time, turned a game of doubt and anxiety—certainly in the second half —into a fine win for the homesters. The home team played quite as well as they did a fortnight ago, the difference in the calibre of the visiting teams accounting for the difference in the score. Yet in the first half I should not have been surprised had they crossed over with a bigger lead, as twice the defence was clean beaten, but the ball would not go through. The forwards exhibited any amount of dash, and worked with a skill and precision that kept the defenders on tenter-hooks pretty nearly all the afternoon. Miller, I was glad to see, shot oftener than usual, and he had hard lines in not scoring on several occasions.  Hogg and Common combined better together than ever they have done, and this tended to make the front rank much more level. There is no need to speak of the left wing pair, they were all right. The halves were in great form, and the °defence was of the best. Doig, in fact, could not have improved upon himself. The visiting forwards were clever with the ball, but had not the “go "of the home men. Their right wing was the smartest, Taylor being very useful. Proudfoot and Gray each shot remarkably well, but the line as a whole was not a great success.  The halves were only moderate, but there was no mistaking the defence. The backs and goaler were, very fine, and, it may be added, they were also lucky to get off so easily. There was some doubt among the spectators and in the press-box as to who registered the first goal of the match. On inquiry however it was ascertained that it was McLatchie.

GRIMSBY'S NEW GOALKEEPER
December 4, 1900 Grimsby Daily Telegraph
A Scotch International
Macfarlance of Everton Signed
That the Grimsby Town directors do not mean to have any tomfoolery with players is very evident from their recent action in advertising for a new goalkeeper and back. It is hardly the thing that one or two players should endeavour to render non-effective the hard work of the remainder of the team for First League honours by throwing chances away. It's neither fair to the club, the other players, or the local supporters. The directors are to be congratulated on the manner in which they tackled the matter. They received many letters from players in answer to their advertisement, and last evening they signed Robert MacFaralance, formerly of Everton for the position of goalkeeper. MacFarlance is now in Grimsby training with the other members of the team. The new goalkeeper, who is a Scotch International, played for Everton the latter part of one season, and in the last match or two he got severely hurt, his knee cap being injured. This happened a fortnight before the end of the season, and he went home to Greennock, near Glasgow, and placed himself under medical treatment. He eventually signed on for Bristol St. George's, but when he had played in two or three matches, unfortunately his knee broke down, and he was sent to Mr. Allison's establishment at Manchester, afterwards returning home to Scotland, and playing for East Stirlingshire. Then Everton put him on the transfer list, asking the sum of £250 for him. MacFarlane applied twice to the League Committee to reduce the amount and the sum was reduced to £100. Since then, however, he again applied, and got it down to £50. He answered the Grimsby Town Club advertisement in the “Athletic News” on Monday week, and stated that he believed the club could get his transfer for a matter of £20. Therefore the own directors offered Everton that amount for his transfer, but the Everton management flatly refused to take anything less than £50. MacFarlane, however, undertook if Grimsby asked him, to attend before the League Committee, which he did yesterday, and Grimsby got his transfer for the £20. MacFarlane then came straight on to Grimsby. I may say that MacFarlane when he went to Everton was considered a big capture, and he has performed brilliantly between the sticks. Indeed, there was quite a furore when the Toffee team managed to secure him. His knee s now stated to be sound, and it is to be hoped he will prove a valuable acquisition to the Town team in their struggle for First League honours. He is 24 years of age, stands 5ft 10 ½ ins, high, and weighs 12 stone. He kept goal at Ibrox Park for Scotland against Wales, in 1896, when the Scots beat the Welshmen by four goals to nil, whilst in 1897 he again figured on the Scottish side in the International League match at Ibrox Park, at which Mr. W.H. Bellamy, of Grimsby, acted as linesman, the English League representatives being beaten by three goals to nothing.

EVERTON, BANGOR AND THE UNDER GUARANTEE
Sporting Life - Wednesday 05 December 1900
An interesting case, with possibilities ’' about it, in that the Emergency Committee of the F.A., in which Everton, Bangor, the Welsh F.A., and the F.A., are all taking part. The Bangor Club had a fixture arranged with Everton on Good Friday of last season, which Everton did not keep, because, as there was no train service on Good Friday, the journey had to be made by water, and, on the day of the match, the weather was so bad that the boat by which Everton team had arranged to travel, did not sail. Bangor, accordingly, felt that they had a grievance, and made a claim upon Everton for £15, which they estimated they had lost, through the non-fulfilment of the engagement. This claim was forwarded through the Welsh F.Ato the FA., the Welsh F.A. backing up Bangor’s claim with the opinion that could have made such arrangements. when they found the boat would not start, ass would have enabled them to get to Bangor to fulfil their engagement, and that Everton ought therefore to pay Bangor the sum of £10 as compensation. Tho F.A., not satisfied with merely inviting Everton's remarks, and giving full consideration to their explanation, took the trouble to go into the whole affair with the steamship company, and found that Everton were bona fide prevented from getting to Bangor through the boat being detained. In the result, they notified the Welsh F.A. that they were unable toagree to Everton being liable to pay the compensation demanded, but that if Bangor or the Welsh F.A. could show that there were any means which Everton could have travelled to Bangor in time to keep their engagement, after they had ascertained that the boat which they were to have travelled would not sail, they would be willing to reconsider the matter. Now it is not the way the Welsh F.A. to abandon a cause which it has set its hand; and though, as far we can see, Everton could not anyhow have got to Bangor in time for the match, that fact need not by any means necessarily prevent the Welsh F.A. from sticking to its guns. They will be quite likely to insist that their decision shall be respected and endorsed by the F.A and there is such a thing as an agreement between the several national Associations to respect each other’s decisions. That agreement was not, of course, intended to cover cases such as this, but only such ordinary things as suspensions and so forth. Nevertheless, we should not be in the least surprised to find the Welsh F.A. trying to bring this case under the agreement, in which case there should be some fun.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES AND CHAT
Athletic Chat - Wednesday 05 December 1900
By “The Merseyman.”
My surprise at Everton’s downfall on the Roker way is not by any means great, for not only have Sunderland in times past proved Gibraltar-like at home to both them and Liverpool, but Everton on Saturday placed a forward line on the field that read a very “improbable” lot before the kick-off took place. We know- in fact the Press have pretty well rubbed it in of late-that the Goodison front line has not earned sufficient in the way of goals to keep them in “corn,” but surely a vanguard consisting of Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Corrin was rubbing in the “experimental” lotion a wee too strongly. And according to all accounts the Toffees put in a regular Bay o’ Biscay time against the -to them-Gibraltar defenders of Wearside.
It seems a strange thing that the Everton selection committee should be now found in such a quandary, when it is recollected that the Toffee team which opened the campaign three months ago remained unchanged longer than any other in the League. Yet such is the fact. As an illustration of the manner in which the other extreme has been reached in the forwards rank I may point out that of Saturday’s five seen at Roker Park, only McDonald was included of those who faced Notts Forest and Blackburn Rovers a few weeks ago.
And fancy Settle, the captain and internationalist dropped! Ah, well! This only adds yet another to the long string of Everton skippers, who during the past half-dozen seasons have almost invariably experienced the same sort of sensation. Were I an Everton player, methinks I should fight shy of the captaincy reins if same were offered, tradition and precedent pointing to a very rough passage for the “top decker.”
Yet I cannot see how Settle can quarrel with this drastic move on the part of the team’s committee, for his play latterly has left a great deal to be desired, more especially goals. But I cannot quite see how Turner came to be relegated to the reserve ranks, as from personal observation I should set him down as the most consistent forward in the team this season. Not only this, but he is their leading goal-getter, and it seems to me that it is goal-getters whom the directorate are after. Then again Jack Sharp is still buried in obscurity. Sharp, I admit has not found the net often this season; but may I mention that he was chiefly responsible for the three goals obtained against Sheffield United at Goodison Park, in addition to performing creditably in the great majority of other games participated in? It only seems the other day one read in a certain journal that Sharp, Settle and Turner were dead in the running for international honours.

TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 08 December 1900
Everton will be visited to-day by Derby County, a team which has scored more goals than any other organisation in either division of the league. As this is the particularly weakness of the Everton forward line much curiosity will be aroused in the match, and it will be interesting to notice how the tide of fortune will turn. The experience of the Everton directorate in trying a new left wing at Sunderland has been much criticised, but, as the previous combination had a prolonged trial, and proved unsatisfactory, the innovation was justifiable and deserving of further trail. If the new introductions can only score a few goals the change will not have been in vain, for be it known that it is nine weeks since Everton scored two goals in a League match. It is to be hoped they will emulate the deeds of their opponents from Derby sharpshooters may become imbued with some of the same qualities.
Everton v Derby County, Goodison Park- Referee A.J. Barker; Linesmen. E.H. Dodd and A, Briggs.
Everton;- Muir; Balmer, Watson; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Corrin.
Derby County; Fryer; Methven, and Morris; May, Goodall, and Leckie; Crawford, Bloomer, Boag, Wombwell, and McQueen.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Padiham v Everton reserve, Padiham
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelley, backs; Blythe, Green, and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Settle, Beveridge, Worthington, and Turner, forwards.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 08 December 1900
SUNDERLAND
By Perseus
Glamour of past glory gathers like a halo around the honoured name of Sunderland. Stepping on the stage of first class football while the North End orb was still glowing in the firmament, the Wearsiders gathered unto themselves many of Scotland's leading lights, and became firmly established as Preston’s legitimate successor. Admitted to the League in its third season, they brilliantly won the Championship in its fourth, and twice in the next three years this star of the North, this team of all the talent;—favour its terms of enthusiastic followers—stood at the head of affairs, on the other occasion coming second. Thrice champions and once runners-up in four successive seasons—that is why Sunderland are famous. And none will dispute the merits of so a great a record.
THREE ERAS OF SUPREMACY.
Taking the League Competition as the truest criterion of form in first-class circles, there have been three eras of supremacy since the start of that body in 1888-9. This, at all events, roughly. Three clubs in turn have absorbed a very large share of the honours--North End, Sunderland, and Villa. To concern ourselves with the centre one, the Wearside club began its real reign in 1891-2, when it galloped home five points ahead of North End and won the riband with 42 points out of a possible 52—a per centage easily excelled by the Prestonians in the League's first year, but never otherwise equalled before or since. A year later we had the same pair leading, only North End were declining, and Sunderland headed them this time with 48 points out of 60 this remaining a record in thenumber of points until last season, when Villa scored 50, and Sheffield United 48, both, however, really inferior to Sunderland for the “possible" had ere risen to 68. In 1893-4 Villa annexed their first championship, in winners 5, with the Wearsiders second when the latter recovered splendidly, and in the following season again came out on top.  That was the end of Sunderland's ascendancy. A couple of years they were struggling in the test matches, and though since then they have been second and third in the League, there deeds have scarcely recalled past supremacy, Aston Villa, with Sheffield United as strongest rivals, having stepped into the position, occupied originally by North End and subsequently by Sunderland.
THE FLIGHT TO FAME.
Football clubs, like the individual, must rise off stepping-stones if 'tie their ambition to attain unto high places. And you care take a hasty respect the origin of the famous Wearsiders will be found in a club started by members of the scholars profession in the early eighties, and it was some years ere the organisation took on the shape of a club really representative of the town. Several gentlemen of standing, including Mr. Samuel Tyzack, buckled to work, and Mr. Tom Watson, now the genial and cheery secretary of Liverpool, was invited from Newcastle, where he had been engaged in similar duties, to become the Sunderland manager. It was a step fruitful of happiest results, for Mr. Watson has always been awarded much of the praise for the energy and discrimination displayed in building up that solid construction of football skill and excellence which for some years made the Sunderland club the strongest force in the game.
THE HAPPY HUNTING GROUND.
Scotland was the club's happy hunting ground, even as it was North End's, the famous old Renton club, which once played West Bromwich Albion for the Championsbip of the world, supplying several brilliant men, notably J. Campbell, Jack Harvey, and David Hannah. Other players of special parts were Hugh Wilson, the Ayrshire half-back, and Johnny Auld, from Third Lanark, while among famous members who came in the early days of the importation or while the Sunderland boom was on everyone’s lips were the goalkeeper, Doig, a model of consistency as of ability, Donald Gow, Porteus (English born),  Meehan, McNeil, J. Murray, J. Smith, Stevenson, Gillespie, John Scott, Jimmy Miller, Dunlop, Harry Johnstone, McCreadie, T. Hyslop, &c.--almost all Scotchmen, and Sunderland's partiality to men from the land o’ cakes is indicated by the fact that their best eleven today includes only two or three Englishmen. Gibson, I may say, was playing before Mr. Watson got to work.
OLD BRIGADE'S CHARACTERISTICS
Never such artistes as old North End in short passing, the Wearsiders have had no superiors in their own game, which, more open than the style cultivated by the former, was still a model sound combination leavened with a lot of dash; and their players, usually well-built. possessed fine physical powers. To glance at a few of the finest men, one may say that Doig, besides being one of the cleverest and safest custodians of the last decade, has a reputation for consistency never excelled; Donald Gow, of the club’s array of fine backs, was the best; Auld was the master breaker-up of opposing forwards, and Hugh Wilson, who in the old days could run up to the touch line and with the greatest comfort throw the ball into the goalmouth, was one of the loveliest feeders of forwards it is possible to imagine. Place for Campbell at the head of the forward!In combination he was superb, and his happy fashion of diving between the backs and scoring all in a rick was the terror of custodians. Then again, Gillespie's spirits were almost of Athersmithian character, while on the other wing Hannah and Scott's partnership was rather after the Milward-Chadwick order, with Scott centring in a manner beyond praise.
LINKS WITH THE PAST.
There remains in the Sunderland team to-day, only two of the old school, their names Doig and Miller, the former of whom has never left the club since his connection commenced, over ten years ago, and the latter of whom has returned this season from Glasgow Rangers. What a commentary on their powers that even now they are two of the most invaluable players in the eleven! Where are others of the old iron-sides? McNeil, a sharer in some of the club's deeds of valour has just recently severed his connection, and returned to Scotland. In a chat we had a short time ago we attempted to locate a few of the famous men either preceding him in the team of contemporary with him. Burly Will Gibson is captaining Lincoln, Hugh Wilson still foots it for Bristol City. Porteous I have not heard of since he was with South Shore, Meehan was recently transferred from Southampton to Manchester City. McNeil has joined Greenock Morton, and a small host of the veterans have retired from the game. Among the latter are Scott and Harvey in partnership in Sunderland as engineers, Campbell now the landlord of at Newcastle hostelry and Auld in the boot made at Sunderland, and a director, I believe of the rival northern club, Newcastle United
PRESENT-DAY CONDITIONS
Past greatness imposes a penalty on the present. Supporters are apt to look for something approaching the old results, and to draw comparisons. But conditions change, and there is no chance to-day of such wholesale capture of talent as we saw in the early days of the Scotch boom; team building is a slower process than at the time. And, with so many first class clubs competing for players, circumstances are against such congregation of ability as North End and Sunderland whipped together. Remembering that the Wearsiders may well be pleased with their present team, which, though not brilliant is very serviceable, effective rather tan pretty, and capable, one would think, of giving the club a good position even as the eleven did last season, when Sunderland were third- a performance not unworthy of their name. the ground, Roker Park, a comparatively new enclosure, is well laid out and capitally equipped and close by is a finely-appointed clubhouse where the men may indulge in billiards, cards, &c., or gymnastics, as they feel inclined. The club management is sound and if Sunderland’s name is universally honoured today it is not merely because of its historic significance, but largely because of the sportsmanlike character of the brother Henderson and other such gentlemen associated with the guidance of affairs. Nowhere do visiting teams and officials receive more courteous attention from the home club directors. 

EVERTON 2 DERBY COUNTY 0
December 10 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
For this engagement the directors of the Everton club decided to play the same team that were defeated at Sunderland so that Settle and Turner again stood down. The County were well represented, and the sides faced as follow: - Everton: - Muir goal, Balmer (captain), and Watson, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth and Abbott, halfbacks, Taylor, McDonald Proudfoot, Gray, and Corrin, forwards. Derby County: - Fryer, goal, Methvin and Morrie, backs, Warren, Goodall, and Leckie, halfbacks, Crawford, Bloomer, Boag, Wombwell, and McQueen, forwards. Everton faced the wind, and put on pressure at the start, but replying the County forwards made off, and Muir effected a clear save from a swift low shot by McQueen. Taylor made good progress, and finished up with a shot that struck the side of the net, while directly afterwards a swift drive from Bloomer hit the crossbar. A couple of corners followed to the County without tangible result, and upto the interval the play continued spirited with the defence always prevailing over the attack. No scoring resulted in the first half and on resuming the Everton forwards having now the wind, laid siege to the County goal. Three times in quick succession did Fryer save his goal, and on the visitors, right getting away. Bloomer struck the crossbar, with a terrific shot. Returning again, Abbott put in a magnificent effort, which Fryer saved, and following further clever defence, McDonald at length beat the custodian. The Everton forwards put even more into their play, and several times the upright was struck, Wolstenholmes eventually adding a second goal after prolonged pressure. Nothing further was scored and Everton won by 2 goals to nil.

PADIHAM 1 EVERTON RESERVES 3
December 10 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
At Padiham. The home team kicked off, Abbot scoring in the first five minutes. Everton equalising soon after, from Turner Beveridge put his side ahead. Half time Everton 2 goals Padiham 1. The second half was well contested, the visitors scoring, Abbot having hard lines later on, just missing by a few inches, and Everton winning by 3 goals to 1. (Game 15) Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Eccles, and Crelly, backs, Blythe, Green, and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Roche, Settle, Beveridge, Worthington, and Turner, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 10 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The habitues of Goodison Park had on Saturday the uncommon felicity of seeing two goals scored by Everton forwards in a League match, and as it is nine weeks since such a feat was accomplished before, the incident is worthy of being recorded in indelible characters. Derby County provided the opportunity for the achievement of this success, and that four or five more were not chalked up against them was due simply to a masterly display of custodianship by Fryer whose defensive powers were severely tested, and who came out of the ordeal triumphantly. The constitution of the Everton forwards division naturally created much curiosity and surprise, more particularly with regard to the left wing, but a change had become imperative, and it was a commendable move on the part of the directorate to try at home what had fared not so badly a Sunderland. It would be idle to deny that the pair did not dazzle the spectators with their brilliance, but the inside player-Gray-was equal to the best on the field, and Corrin has evidently plenty of football in him if he would only let it come out more fluently. There was more swing and dash about the play of the front rank as a body than has been witnessed for some weeks and after an uneventful first half the men pulled themselves together and gave the Derby defence a warm time of it in the concluding stages. Two vital points, which have been conspicuously weak in the forward line previously, were in the match greatly improved upon, mainly the passing and shooting. Instead of continually tapping the ball back to the halves, and rarely making headway, the men indulged in forward placing, and the advantage of such a methods were amply justified by the ultimate result. It was a pleasure to witness the creditable efforts made in front of goal, and though occasional blunders occurred, particularly in the first portion of the game, the stern determination shown in the later stages more than compensated for the earlier deficiencies. To hear the ball rattling ‘'against the upright'' and crossbar was after so many weeks of milk and water shooting, was like music to the watchers cars, and many a shot that was turned outside by the adroit Derby keeper deserved a better fate. Fryer's skill however, only seemed to urge the attacking force to more incisive effort, and though twice beaten, never did player more thoroughly deserves the applause that was showered on him as he left the enclosure than did the lengthily Midlander. His excellent work is sufficient evidence of the pressure brought to bear by the home front rank, and Fryer could not, like many custodians that have appeared at Goodison Park this season, complain of his position being a sinecure. McDonald and Gray were the pick of the front line, though Taylor also rendered capital service. The halves played a better game than usual, and were likewise not averse to shooting, some very fine efforts coming from the trio. The backs were in good trim, both men showing stubborn defence, whilst Muir officiated between the upright with his customary efficiency. The visitors were well beaten on the play, for, although the first half was fairly even, Everton monopolised the bulk of the attack in the second moiety, the County making but occasional rushes to the home goal in this period. The forwards were very speedy, and when on the move gave the home defenders an anxious time of it. Both wings demonstrated smart tactics, Crawford's rousing sprints and Bloomer's express shots being balanced on the opposite wing by the accurate centres of McQueen, and the untiring persistency of Wombwell. Altogther, they formed a dangerous quintette, and one, which would play havoc with a hesitating group of defenders. They experienced hard luck in having a couple of shots from Bloomer strike the crossbar, and Everton were certainly favoured by fortune in this matter. Goodall was the pick of the halves, amd Morris at fullback defended well, but chief praise must be awarded to Fryer. Finer goalkeeping could not be desired, and no matter how difficult or unexpected the shot, the custodian was fully equal to the emergency. He alone was responsible for the defeat being kept down to such a narrow margin, and he display could not have been improve upon. The result was a fair reflex of the general character of the play, and it is to be hoped that Everton's improvement will steadily continue, and that to furnish a material stimulant to their goal record will be the main object of their ambition. Messrs. Hughes and Gregson of the International Selection Committee were present at the match, doubtless in the hope of spotting likely candidates for honours in this direction. It is believed that a couple of backs on the Everton side were objects of their particular attention.

DERBY COUNTY v  EVERTON
Derby Daily Telegraph - Monday 10 December 1900
By our own Reporter
Derby County travelled to Liverpool to day to oppose Everton on their fine enclosure at Goodison Park, and though their chances of being the first to lower the Evertonians colours on their own ground this season were somewhat lessened by the inability of that sterling and hard-working half-back May to turn out they went, encouraged by their recent excellent displays, determined to render a good account of themselves, and, if possible, bring back a point. On the Derby side there were two alterations from the eleven that defeated West Albion last Saturday, Crawford, having recovered from his indisposition, coming in to the exclusion of Davies at outside right, and Warren taking the place of May in the half back line. Everton, who had the same number of points as the County for two matches less, relied upon the same team that lost at Sunderland the previous Saturday by two goals none, so that the teams were :— Derby County: Fryer, goal Methven and Morris, backs ; Warren, Goodall, and Leekie, half-backs ; Crawford and Bloomer, right wing; Boag centre ; Wombwell and McQueen, left wing. Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs Taylor and McDonald, right wing ; Proudfoot, centre Gray and Corrin, left wing. Referee . Mr. A. J. Barker, Hanley.
Losing the toss Everton kicked off against a fair breeze, in the presence of 12,000 spectators. They were the first to attack, but Corrin centred weakly. A foul to Derby followed close up, McQueen putting behind. Some pretty work by Boag and Bloomer promised well, but Watson held them up. It was some time before either side became dangerous. At last, however, Proudfoot beat Methven, and looked like scoring, but Fryer, who fell in the attempt, cleverly saved, and danger was averted. Taylor next, when close up, shot ridiculously wide. Initiated Goodall a fine attack on the part of Derby was then witnessed, Bloomer and Wombwell both working well. A goal kick, however, was the only result. Everton retaliated, and Fryer had to throw away from Gray, after which Crawford was applauded for some clever, if somewhat selfish, play, his final shot at goal, after having beaten three opponents, almost finding its mark. From a free kick, well taken by Warren, Wombwell was enabled to head into goal, Muir clearing. Leckie was penalised for jumping, and this relieved the pressure to which the home defence for some time had been subjected. Then Everton attacked, but Corrin spoilt the advantage by putting behind. From a corner the Derby goal experienced a remarkable escape, Fryer acquitting himself splendidly after Morris had headed out from Booth. Derby again attacked, and Bloomer, shooting with terrific force, struck the Everton crossbar, the spectators heartily applauding the effort. They paid a similar compliment shortly afterwards to McQueen, who from a pass by Bloomer shot well at a difficult angle, Muir being obliged to concede a corner. Taylor was tackled by Leckie when about to shoot at short range, danger to Derby being thus averted, and it was a considerable time ere anything else eventful happened. Then Everton gained a corner, from which McDonald nearly scored, whilst Bloomer, also from a corner, shot behind and almost lowered Everton's colours. At the interval nothing had been scored by either side. Immediately on resuming Everton placed the visitors on the defensive, and Gray' shot over, the same player also putting in a straight one, which Fryer tipped behind. From the ensuing corner Fryer had to fist away a header from Wolstenholme. After five minutes' play Crawford led an attack for Derby, but the latter were soon driven back, and defended well. Then Wombwell, whilst setting off alone, was tripped by Balmer. Goodall, taking the kick, passed outside to Crawford, who in turn centred,and Bloomer, having taken lightning aim, again hit the cross-bar. The crowd were much relieved at this second escape, sending up a loud but admiring " Oh." Still the home forwards continued to display the most activity, but in front of goal they were not always reliable. Abbot put in a stinging shot, for the stopping of which Fryer deserved every praise, it being sufficiently unexpected to have excused any custodian missing it. Two more corners to Everton followed, but neither of them came to anything. Fryer had another warm shot from Gray, which he safety negotiated, and then the County forwards were again busy, but neither Boag, who made one very good attempt, nor Bloomer could do anything. A further attack by Everton produced a scrimmage in front of the Derby goal, and during this McDonald, 12 minutes from the close, put through and scored the first goal. Thus encouraged the home side pressed harder than ever, and several corners were awarded them, but when their shooting was not faulty the opposing defence proved too good for them. However, just before time Wolstenholme, with a fast long shot, scored Everton's second goal, and the final was— Everton 2 Derby  County 0
COMMENTS THE GAME.
If ever a side deserved to escape defeat it was Derby County in their match with Everton, and Everton the game, judged as a whole, might without injustice to either side have been drawn. True, Everton did rather more attacking Ihan their opponents, but their forward play was inferior,and whenever they did rise to the occasion they found in Fryer a Tartar. The County backs, too, were in rare form, particularly Morris, and it was only in the concluding stages that they failed to hold their own. Such work, on the other hand, as the visiting forwards accomplished, although it failed to bear fruit, was more effective in style. Moreover, few sides have the misfortune to see one of their players hit the cross bar twice, when each time, with the least possible luck, a goal might easily have accrued. Bloomer deserved a better result with both shots, but he was shadowed by Wolstenholme to such an extent that he had few opportunities of doing himself justice. Crawford was as speedy as ever, but occasionally forgot he had a partner. The Derby left wing also accomplished much useful work,whilst Boag, though in a less degree than usual, was often prominent. The halves all laboured hard, and if May was missed, credit must not be withheld from Warren, who made a fairly good substitute.

EVERTON DISPLAY IMPROVED FORM
Athletic News - Monday 10 December 1900
By The Loiterer
The visit of Derby County to Goodison Park was awaited with feelings of keen interest. The Peakites came with the proud knowledge of having score more goals than any other team in either division of the League, whilst the Everton side had for nine weeks failed to score more than one goal in each of their League matches. Thus were antagonised what, on the basis of figures, might be termed the most dangerous and least effective forward divisions in the League, and on this account the match under notice excited more than usual curiously. In view of the disappointing display of their front rank, the Everton executive had the previous week, at Sunderland, experimented with a new left wing, and though beaten at Wearside, the team was left unchanged, the same players opposing Derby that had failed r=to register the first victory in the far north. As Everton won by two clear goals, the first they had gained by such a margin since October 6, when they overcame Sheffield United by three goals to one, the daring innovation of the selectors was thus justified, and it must be admitted that the Everton forwards gave the best exhibition that has been seen at Goodison Park since the defeat of the Blades. Having lost the toss, Everton had to face a stiff breeze in the first half, and this may have had something to do with the feeble quality of the football witnessed. Although there was no scoring in this part of the game, both goals had very narrow escapes, but the bulk of the play was of an uninteresting nature. Watson almost gave his side away by dallying with the ball, which seemed likely to go outside, and, when hard pressed, passing back to Blamer in the goal mouth, a movement which enabled Bloomer to gain possession close in, but this deadly shot could do no more than clear a couple of feet of whitewash of the cross-bar.
A ROUSING FINISH
On resuming, Everton gave a decidedly improved display, and it was practically a case of Fryer versus Everton for the greater part of the half, and right manfully did the Derby custodian discharge his duties. Still, the pressure exerted by Everton could not remain unrewarded for long, and eventually eighteen minutes from the finish, after the custodian had again cleared marvellously from Booth, at the expense of a corner. McDonald put the ball into the net. After their severe and prolonged pressure, the goal was well merited by the home players and the inside right was fairly overwhelmed with congratulations at having overcome such a doughty opponent. Everton kept up a continuous pressure from this period, the visitors being content with occasional rushes to the other end of the field, and after the uprights had been shaken and battered as surely timbers were never so severely tested, Wolstenholme put on a second point about five minutes from the finish.
IMPROVEMENT BY EVERTON
The re-arranged forward ranks of the Everton team naturally caused much speculation as to its efficiency, and without maintaining that the display of the forwards reached high-water mark, there was one vital point in which comparative excellence was reached, namely, in the attempts at goal. Corrin on the outside left, a local lad, by the way, seemed affected by his position, and hesitancy completely marred his play. This was the weakest spot noticeable in the attacking force, but, naturally, allowance must be made for an inexperienced youth in such an important position. His partner, Gray, was the most effective forward on the home side, and the manner in which he banged the ball into the goal mouth was as exhilaratingas it was unexpected, McDonald also played on the weakness on the left wing, the display of the front rank was deserving of commendation. In the first half they were not seen to much advantage, but as they became more accustomed to each other’s trifles, they developed in efficiency to an alarming extent. The halves also tumbled to the fact that they might do worse than pop at goal, and whilst Wolstenholme did actually score, and in addition played a particularly clever game all through, Abbott gave the Derby custodian the opportunity of making one of the finest saves in his career. Halves, backs, and goalkeeper on the home side gave a meritorious exhibition of sound football, and with the rear division no fault could be found, though Abbott, perhaps found the opposing right wing as warm a couple as any half need wish to meet. One save by Muir from McQueen was not excelled during the afternoon, if fact, the goalkeeper was grand at both ends.
FRYER’S FAMOUS FEAT
If any one player on the Derby deserves praise, unalloyed and unstinted that man is the lengthy warder of the visitors’ keep. Not once, but repeatedly did he divert shots that came in at express speed from all sources and every variety of angle, and friend and foe alike could but join in genuine admiration at such a brilliant display of custodianship. Time after time did he save his goal when disaster appeared a certainly, but amidst a host of splendid efforts stands the magnificent clearance which warded off Abbott’s shot. It was a glorious shot, checked by a slightly superior save. The Derby forwards were very speedy, and Bloomer had hard luck in thrice hitting the cross-bar with terrific shots, which the custodian would never have seen. The outside wing men, Crawford and McQueen, were extremely clever, though the former spoiled his play by selfishness, but the centres of the latter were irreproachable. Goodall was the pick of the halves, though Leckie was very effective, and Morris was the better of the backs. Here are the respective sides;-
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray and Corrin, forwards.
Derby County;- Fryer, goal; Methven and Morris, backs; Warren, Goodall, and Leckie, half-backs; Crawford, Bloomer, Boag, Wombwell, and McQueen, forwards. Referee; Mr. Barker, Hanley.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 10 December 1900
By The Loiterer
Everton put the same team in the field that was beaten at Sunderland the previous week, but with a better result. The Everton directors are stickers, and no mistake, and once having made up their minds on a team do not lightly throw it overboard. On the whole it did very well at Sunderland, and probably as good as the old lot, and on Saturday last made up for anything by scoring a good run over Derby County. To an outsider it looks strange that a club can dispense with the service of such players as Settle, Turner, and Sharp, and find substitutes to win matches, but it is so. The composition of the team has given rise to much writing and more discussion, but it results are anything to go by the action of the directors is justified. At the same time, I cannot think the present team the best at the disposal of the executive. But that is a more detail. What is wanted to better results, which all of us have been yearning after without avail, and if one lot cannot give the relief expected, it is well the club can find others who can.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES AND CHAT
Athletic Chat - Wednesday 12 December 1900
By “The Merseyman.”
On Saturday both Everton and Liverpool met with reverses – compared with the preceding week’s results! “That’s smart,” I fancy I hear somebody say. But why should “Friar Tuck” have all the fun to himself? During the next three weeks -perhaps less- look out for “Merseyman” literally going pop with Christmas crackers, of which the forgoing is but a sickly sample. What think ye of our December 8 results, Messrs. Peakite and Cottonite? Everton present the heaviest scoring team in the League-up to Saturday-In Derby County, getting a single goal home at Goodison, whilst Liverpool score double the number of goals at Hyde Road that Sheffield Wednesday, Notts Forest, Stoke, Everton, Derby County, Notts County, and the Wolves combined have taken home at Manchester City’s home expense the season though. Nippy forwards in that Anfield crew, friend “Nipper.” The double event has for the time being at any rate enabled the Livers to step into Derby County’s shoes as the most prolific scoring team in either League Division. Let us be thankful for at least one distinguished mark.
In view of the fact that Everton failed to score at Wearside, it was half anticipated that a further reshuffle of the forward cards would be indulged in for the Derby County engagement. But the selectors stuck to their guns and decided to give the “experimental line” a further trial. Win or lose on Saturday, this, in my opinion, was the proper course to adopt for a single trial- Sunderland away! 0 is surely not sufficient for any young blood. If the selectors erred at all it must have been in picking the team FOR the Sunderland match. Having gone so far with the bottle labelled “drastic,” I repeat it was only right that the trialists should have another go.
It is old news now to state that Everton came out on top by two goals to nil; that Muir’s citadel had two wonderful escapes; that Fryer’s had a similar number after that worthy was beaten to the world, and that Fryer, in addition, saved innumerable shots which in the majority of instances well deserved to score and in others went beyond probable point, so certain did they appear to be on a journey inside the net. From the foregoing it will be gathered that Everton were the superior side. Without a doubt. Yet, as in the Sheffield United match on the same venue, the victory was a long time in coming, for one had begun to write the result down a goalless draw, when McDonald, after a hard struggle in the goal mouth got the ball home, to be followed a few minutes later by a still better goal from the foot of Wolstenholme. This, I believe, is the first League goal credited to the Farnworth man. So here’s to you, Mr. Fairhead, and many more of ‘em. (Warranted “pure”- aqua pure, in fact). After this it was “all up” with the Midland men, Fryer being hard pressed without cessation to the call of time. What did I think of the game? A very good one. It opened quietly, but the pace soon quickened, and with each man of the twenty-two apparently imbued with the laudable idea of putting his best foot foremost a most enjoyable nicety minutes were spent. The visitors adopted pretty tactics, and whenever Everton cross swords with one of this kidney, it almost invariably happens that a pleasing struggle is witnessed. The initial forty-five was fairly equal, but for majority of the second moiety, it was a regular case of Fryer v. Stoke (with Everton substituted for the last word) over again. As usual Everton’s defence throughout the piece was sound, whilst among the forwards that dash which has been absent since September and which alone has prevented several draws and losses being turned into victories. The half-back line was at its best. On the visiting side Fryer over=shadowed everyone. The backs were sturdy, halves moderate, and the forward line was uneven. Individualizing briefly, Muir (for the winners) was safe in goal. Balmer gave another magnificent exhibition and I feel tempted to say that he will not soon share the fate of previous captains and retrieve the order of the shunt. I will go further, and declare that an unbiased selection committee CANNOT keep him out of England’s eleven this season, provided the popular back keeps fit and well. Watson, on the whole gave a good account of himself against such a pair as Bloomer and Crawford but once came within ana ace of letting his side down by passing to Balmer when right in front of goal. Ere a clearance was effected, Bloomer stepped in, and the cross-bar alone saved Everton’s goal. Well played, cross-bar, and ditto for a similar save from one of Steve’s specials in the second half. In front of Watson, Abbott played finely. A few monkey tricks has Jumbo up his sleeve. Were he not so ponderous Abbott would soon quality as the Holt of the team. Booth, in the centre, was Boag’s bogie man, whilst Wolstenholme appeared quite happy in dealing with the visiting left. Respecting the forwards I feel inclined to set Gray down as the best of the Evertonians. It was against Derby County that he made his debut last season, and then he showed pleasing form at outside left. On Saturday Gray improved on this at inside-left, which, I believe was his position in the Partrick Thistle team. He proved more troublesome to Fryer than any of his comrades. Taylor, McDonald, and Proudfoot also did well, whilst Corrin’s feature was his corner kick taking. I don’t remember seeing a man taking these more frequently in a match, whilst Corrin’s accuracy was wonderful. But in other footwork he was often lacking. However, it is a big leap from Junior to First League football in the course of a few months, and a little experience may work wonders with Corrin, if so be that his masters intend giving him further opportunities. As for Derby, Fryer was in a class by himself. Surely here we have England’s keeper. Nothing finer has been seen on the ground than one save from Abbott, whilst others from Gray (four times), Proudfoot, McDonald, Taylor and Booth were really grand. For brilliancy commend me to Fryer. Morris (a new face) was the better back, whilst Lackie and Goodall were superior to Warren. Crawford and Wombwell were the shinning lights forward. The first-named was a treat. Whatever were Sunderland thinking about to let him go? Sixteen First leagues clubs would be ready to snap him up to-day, I’ll warrant. Wombwell is a better inside-left than outside-right. McQueen means well, and was dangerous prior to half-time. Bloomer busied himself (!) looking around for snips, but was twice “pipped on the post”-or, rather, crossbar. Steve looked cross, too, and after “blank” No 2. Couldn’t understand it at all, judging from his blank stare at Crawford.
Everton tackle Bolton Wanderers at Burden. Two years ago they won by 4 goals to 2. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company will run a 2s 6d excursion from Exchange station at 1 p.m. here’s a cheering prospect for their followers.
Everton had a 15,000 gate for the Derby County match.
The latest; Beveridge was boycotted, and his comrades would not play with Jack Sharp. Rubbish.
Everton’s reserve team forwards on Saturday included Settle, Beveridge, and Turner, and again people asked, “Where is Sharp?”
Everton’s League team against Derby County included seven Scots and four Englanders. On September 1 it read four Scotsmen and seven Englishmen.

TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 15 December 1900
Everton have made but one change in the team which won at home last week to do duty at Burden Park this afternoon. Turner displacing Corrin on the outside left. This will be regarded as a more in the right direction and the reintroduction of the ex-Stoke player should strengthen the attack. A repetition of the form shown against Derby County should enable Everton to have something to say in the distribution of points, though the Wanderers, smarting under their reverse sustained at the hands of the Throstles, are bound to make a big endeavour to show that this result was a false one.
Bolton Wanderers v Everton, Bolton- Referee J. Stott; Linesmen, W. Dawson and S. Pickard.
Bolton Wanderers;- Sutcliffe; W. Brown, and Woolfall; E. Brown, Haslam, and Hodgkiss; Bell, Picken, McKee, Barlow, and Tracey.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer, and Watson; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Turner.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Everton Reserve v Glossop reserve, Goodison Park.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelley, backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Settle, and Corrin, forwards. Kick-off 2.30.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 15 December 1900
BLACKPOOL
By Red Rose
It can truthfully asserted that Blackpool have proved one of the surprise packets of the present season. With a wage list barely entering into the teens, and with a practically local combination of players, they have fought their way to a high position in the Second Division of the League—indeed, until a fortnight ago, when they fell before the hosts of Middlesbrough, they had not tasted the bitters of defeat. The amalgamation with South Shore 12 months ago has borne good fruit, and the Seasidersmay warmly congratulate themselves upon the position they now occupy in the football world. Many Blackpool sportsmen still hope that their team will fight their way into the First Division the league before the arrival of April30th, and it must be acknowledged that there is reasonable ground for such expectation, for were the Blackpool eleven to be strengthened in, say, two or three places, a formidable organisation would be the result. The Blackpool directors mean to leave no stone unturned to bring about the desired result—a First Division team would be the very bestwinter advertisement breezy Blackpool could possibly have. But the length of the Blackpool purse, falls short of that of New Brighton, Burnley, Grimsby Town, and others, and though the weak spots in the team could be readily strengthened were the finances of the club in a satisfactory state, the gates at the command of the Blackpool officials will not permit of any rash expenditure in the shape of engaging new players. On Saturday last when Burnley were the visitors at Raikes Hall, and provided by far the biggest gate of the season, the receipts fell considerably short £100, and it will thus seen that this will not warrant the directors in spending their money in transfer fees or materially increasing their wage list.
YOUTHFUL DAYS
Association football is by no means in its infancy in Blackpool, for it 24 years since the popular seaside watering-place had first a team at any note. Thus the dribbling code was played in Blackpool prior to the establishment of a club in Proud Preston, the most prominent Rugby centre in this part of Lancashire in the later seventies and the early eighties. For a number of seasons the old Blackpool Club met Blackburn Rovers, Blackburn Olympic, Witton, Park Road, Bolton Wanderers, Turton, Great Lever, Astley Bridge, Darwen, Padiham, and similar once-prominent lights in the Association world, and just about managed to bold their own. The old Accrington Reds were most welcome visitors to Blackpool, and did the Seasiders many a kindness, and in no place outside Accrington was their speedy demise more regretted than by Blackpudlians. History tells, too, how, when the Blackburn Olympians roused East Lancashire by their gallant fight in the English Cup Competition, and were sent to Blackpool, thanks to public subscription, to train for their semi-final tie with the Old Carthusians, the favourites for the trophy, how they played the Blackpool team, and had to bow the knee after hard-fought struggle. Whether the Olympic put in all they knew, however, was doubtful, for after disposing of the Old Carthusians at Manchester, they journeyed down to Kennington Oval, disposed of the Old Etonians, after extra time had been played, and brought the muchprised trophy to the North for the first time. A season or two later, Bolton Wanderers, meeting with success in the same competition, came down to inhale the invigorating breezes of Blackpool in preparation for the final stages, and played the Seasiders a friendly match. This was unfortunate game for the Trotters, for Howarth, one of their best half-backs, had the misfortune to break-his leg in a collision with one of the homesters.
AN UNFULFILLED ENGAGEMENT.
In course of time, however, the old Blackpool Club became defunct. The players were to a certain extent outside the pale of Association football, and had to travel upwards of a score miles before coming to the ground of any of their opponents—Blackburn and Bolton being the nearest districts where the dribbling code flourished. Those were the days of real amateurism. Players had to pay an entrance fee and their own railway fares, &c., and had also to provide the necessary outfit. And not infrequently after experiencing difficulty in being excused from their employment and travelling 20 or 30 miles had they to return without satiating their desire for ninety minutes football, for Associations were hardly so severe in those days as now upon clubs who did not fulfil their engagements or start their games punctually. On one occasion the Blackpudlians journeyed to Blackburn to meet Rising Sun, and upon arriving at their destination were much chagrined to find that the farmer from whom the Rising Sun players rented the field had given the club immediate notice to quit owing to the rent not having been forthcoming. A brisk bunt round for another field was made without success, and Blackpool had perforce to bottle up their energies for another week in consequence of this unsportsmanlike tiller of the soil s action.
THE NEW BLACKPOOL.
The new Blackpool came upon the scene in 1887. Football had languished somewhat in the district, but the young men connected with St. John’s Schools had banded themselves into a club, and for some years boasted an undisputed superiority over other local juniors. In the year mentioned they held a meeting in St. John's Schools, at which a proposal was made that the team should henceforth take over the name of “Blackpool.’’ This was bitterly opposed by the vicar (the Rev. Mr. Jeffreys), and as he refused to hear of the proposal an adjournment was made to the Stanley Arms Hotel,where the motion was  agreed to, and it wasdecided to enter for the Lancashire Junior Cup. This meeting took place in August, but the opening of the season found the young Blackpudlians ready for the fray. They plunged into the struggle with ardour, and had a most successful season, crowning all by capturing the Lancashire Junior Cup at the first time of asking, by defeating Preston St. Joseph’s in the final by two goals one in March, 1888. Upon the same day Preston North End—the greatest team of the day —met West Bromwich Albion in the final for the English Cup, and were defeated by a similar score. That was indeed a day of mourning for the Prestonians, who had anticipated both trophies being captured and brought home. The team which generally did duty for Blackpool about this time was: Lol Wright, goal;Williamson and T. Nelson, backs; T. Parr, M. Hull, and J. Schofield, half-backs; A. Bond, J. Nelson. W. Parkinson, W- Corry, and Salthouse, forwards; and old Blackpool footballers state that the club never possessed a better forward quintette than then.
CUP HUNTING.
In subsequent years the Blackpool lads proved gallant cup fighters. The season following they again fought their way into the final ties, only to suffer defeat at the hands of Oswaldtwistle Rovers somewhat unexpectedly, while a season later Bury stepped in at the last, and prevented them again holding the Cup. Not to be denied, however, Blackpudlians entered the final tie for the fourth season in succession, and this time had the satisfaction of vanquishing Ardwick at Higher Walton. In addition to this the Fylde Cup was twice captured, and the doughty deeds of these plucky juniors attracted the attention of the Lancashire Association, with the result that Blackpool were allowed to compete for the Senior trophy. In this competition they have never net with much success, although last season they defeated Blackburn Rovers at Ewood and drew with Preston North End in the semi-final. They were vanquished, however, in the replayed tie at Deepdale, after having rather the best of the play. In the early nineties they headed the Lancashire League at the first time of asking, and later on managed to repeat the feat, so that a few honours have fallen to their lot. At the outset the Blackpool officials were opposed to joining the Lancashire League, but the difficulty in arranging fixtures if they remained outside presented itself, and compelled them seek admission. The later career and fortunes of the Blackpool club need no repeating here, for the efforts and struggles of the officials to keep in the front rank are out recent date. A willing band of workers, however, has always been forthcoming, and now the club is in a happier andmore prosperous condition than for some tame past. Their first couple of seasons in the Second League were a fairly successful character, but two years ago they finished at the tail end, and had to seek re-election accordance with the rules. This was denied them, and to use a Blackpool expression the team was “talked out" of the Second League. Last year, however, their career in the Lancashire League was a successful one, and after their amalgamation with South Shore in December last the team carried all before them, and finished in the first three. The amalgamation with South Shore was a wise step which might have been taken with advantage some yean ago. The population of Blackpool is by no means sufficiently largo to maintain a couple of Association teams, and the result of the amalgamation was the cutting down of expenses and the getting together of a fairly formidable eleven. 
GROUNDS.
At the outset the Blackpudlians conducted their operations on a sandy piece of turf at Bloomfield-road.  Then a move was made to Raikes Hall, and from thence to the Athletic Grounds in Whitegate-lane. Whilst the playing pitch of the latter is all that can be desired, the ground is too far removed from the centre of the town to allow of large attendances, and a return to Raikes Hall was made as soon as circumstances would permit. The turf at Raikes Hall gets a trifle heavy at times, and perhaps this has been responsible for one or two rather weak displays by the home players this season. The club has done splendidly away from home, and had the players made the most of their home engagements they would have stood unchallenged at the head of the division.
PLAYERS.
Dependent to a large extent on local talent, Blackpool have brought many a first-class player into prominence. To enumerate  all is needless. There are several capable players at present wearing the club’s jersey, more than one of whom have refused offers from other clubs. Bob Birkett, a sturdy, clever centre forward, is said to have been much sought after by League organisations, but has stuck loyally to the Seasiders, holding a good position under the Blackpool Corporation. This season, I am told, he has been somewhat under a cloud, but he undoubtedly possesses great capabilities, and is pretty certain to reassert himself before long. Stirzaker, too, has stuck loyally to the team, of which he is the oldest playing member. Veteran though is, he still plays an unflagging game at half-back, which is the strongest department in Blackpool's present eleven, and is one of its most reliable members. Little Morris, I hear, is doing good work with Notts County, Blackpudlians have reason to point with pride to Cox. Liverpool’s outside left, one of the finest forwards of the day in English football. The Blackpool Club and its officials deserve well at the hands of the public, and the charmed circle of Division 1. may not be attained, it is hoped that sufficient support will be forthcoming to maintain the team in its present satisfactory position.

EVERTON v BOLTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 15 December 1900
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
A CLEAN SHEET AT THE INTERVAL
EVERTON BEATEN
The Everton team, in charge of Mr. Molyneux, travelled to Bolton to-day, for he purpose of meeting the Wanderers. The weather though fine was cold and windy, but this did deter many enthusiasts from Liverpool accompanying the Goodison Park contingent. There was one change in the Everton ranks from last week, Corrin being dropped and Turner coming in again. The Wanderers put their best available eleven on the field, and the men finally faced each other as follows;-
Everton.- Muir, goal; right back, Balmer, Left back, Watson; Wolstenholme, Booth, Abbott, half-backs; Right wing, Taylor, McDonald, centre, Proudfoot, Left wing, Gray, Turner.
Bolton Wanderers;- Sutcliffe, goal; Right back, Woolfall, Left back W. Brown; F. Bell, Haslam, Hodgkiss, half-backs; Right wing, Bell, Picken; Centre, McKie; Let wing, Barlow, Tracey.
The ground at Burden Park was heavy and anything but good going, when the Wanderers started operations at 2.25. The opening exchanges were much in favour of the Wanderers, who advanced in businesslike fashion, and both Balmer and Watson were given something to do. It was not long, however, before the visitors got under weigh, Taylor for sending in a long dropping shot, which Woolfall kicked away. The visitors persevered, however, and McDonald sent in a swift one that went over the bar. A run down by the home front rank looked dangerous, but Abbott gave a ball to Muir, who ran out and cleared. Following upon this the visitors made ground in clever fashion, and a warm bombardment of Sutcliffe’s charge took place. Taylor centred splendidly, and Booth sent in a low shot at lightning speed, which passed a few inches on the wrong side of the upright. The Everton men at this time were showing plenty of dash, but the ground was fearfully bad, and several of the forwards floundered in the mud when they should have been shooting. A break away by the home right wing came to nothing, and then Turner and Gray got along at top speed, the latter forcing a corner. This was successfully negotiated, but the Evertonians still kept pegging away, Gray finally sending in a stinging shot which passed about a yard wide of the goal. A movement on the part of Laurence Bell and Picking was well accounted for the Balmer, who ran across to Watson’s assistance, and after this the game slowed down considerably, neither side doing anything worthy of notice for some time. Indeed for several minutes the play was of the most scrambling nature. The Boltonians, however, proved the clever workers in the mud, and they gradually forced the Everton defence into its own quarters. Barlow twice shooting dangerously, but without success. The home eleven however, kept pegging away, and an advance on the right looked very ominous for Everton. Watson was completely beaten, and Barlow, running across, had an open goal before him when, greatly to the disgust of the crowd, he shot high over the bar. After this the “Trotters” put on double pressure, and for quite a long time the Everton defence was sorely taxed. McKie then took the ball along in fine style, and his shot would certainly have scored had not Wolstenholme very luckily intercepted the ball. The ensuing corner was safely disposed of, and the succeeding phases of the game were in favour of Everton, who advanced strongly. Gray passed out to Taylor, but the latter was offside when he shot into Sutcliffe. Still Everton pressed, and another bombardment ended in Turner striking the side of the net. A free kick close in to the Wanderers looked dangerous, but Balmer cleared splendidly. More midfield work ensued and Turner and Ray tried to make ground, but Brown administered a check. Everton then tried twice to get away but first Proudfoot and then McDonald were pulled up for off side. The visitors, however, still maintained an aggressive attitude, and Booth once more tried his luck from long range, but all to no purpose. Taylor put in a lobbing shot which Woolfall cleared, and then Abbott sent the leather flying over the line with a huge punt. The pace was now extremely slow, and the game altogether of a dull and uninteresting character. A breakaway by Bell and Picking put a little momentarily life into the operations, but this flash in the pan soon flickered. Following upon this the visitors came along nicely, but, as usual, they failed to put the necessarily finishing touch on Sutcliffe proving easily capable of dealing with all the shots sent in. Gray, Proudfoot, and McDonald were concerned in a nice movement but it all came to nothing Woolfall finally clearing. Bell then made off at top speed, and he looked very like getting through, when wonderful to relate. Watson beat him, and sent the ball spinning back to midfield. Towards the interval the home front rank made desperate efforts to draw first blood, but without success, and when the whistle blew for half time neither side had scored.
Half-time score; Everton nil, Bolton Wanderers nil.
Final Result; Bolton Wanderers 1 goal, Everton nil.

EVERTON COMBINATION v GLOSSOP RESERVE
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 15 December 1900
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
At Goodison Park in glorious weather before a fair gate. The teams turned out as follows;- Everton; Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelley, backs; Boyle, Green, and R. Taylor, halves; Roche, Palmer, Worthington, Settle, and Corrin, forwards. Glossop;- Saunders, goal; Brooks, and Lupton, backs; Pattison, Wilde, and Sutcliffe, halves; Jones, Hyde, Bell, Barlow, and Spiby, forwards. The visitors won the toss, Worthington kicking off on behalf of Everton. Glossop made off in the direction of the home goal. Kitchen picking up and clearing from Hyde. The leather was taken down the field by Corrin, who when  close in, passed beautifully to Settle the last named player defeating Saunders within the five minutes of the game. The visiting custodian a minute or two later was called upon to save from Settle. Everton, although a glaring sun was in their eyes were playing in excellent game and the Glossop goal had some narrow escapes, a shot from Boyle missing by inches while Settle struck the upright. Fine defensive work were shown by the visitors. Kitchen effecting a grand save from Bell, at close quarters. The leather was next rushed down to the other end and Corrin had hard lines with a fine shot the ball striking the side of the net. Everton kept up the pressure and the Glossop citadel was subjected to a fusillade of shots. Saunders being seen to advantage in goal. A corner was forced by Everton, but nothing came of this, and after Settle had unsuccessfully attempted to augment the home score, the ball was taken up the field by the Glossop quintet. Their progress was, however, spoilt by “hands” and Everton again assailed the Glossop goal, which ahd another remarkable escape from Palmer striking the crossbar and rebounding into play. Play was then taken to the front of the home goal, where Barlow shot in, Eccles charging the ball. Half-time Everton 1 goal, Glossop nil. Final Result; Everton Combination 5 goals Glossop Reserve nil.

BOLTON WANDERERS 1 EVERTON 0
December 17 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
Played at Bolton on Saturday. On the Everton side, Turner took up his usual position; otherwise the team was unchanged, while the reserve halves, who made their debut in League football, represented the Wanderers. The sides faced as follow: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer (captain) and Watson, back, Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, halfbacks, Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Turner, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Sutcliffe, goal, Brown and Woodfall, Bell (f), Hardham, and Hodgkiss, halfbacks, Bell (l), Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Tweeney, forwards. By winning the toss, Everton had the assistance's of a cross breeze, and early on caused much anxiety among the Bolton backs. Eventually Bell raced down the right only to fine Watson ready and on Proudfoot putting out to Turner, Sutcliffe had to leave his charge in order to clear. Directly afterwards the keeper threw himself full length to clear a shot from Booth, and on a further return Turner missed an easy chance of scoring. Most of the Wanderers play was directed towards the right wing, and the ex-Evertonian kept the visiting backs well employed. Barlow had an open goal, but shot high and McKie was unlucky in one of his shots striking the upright. There was no scoring during the first half and on turning round matters looked none too promising for the Everton players. Tracey the Wanderers left, had a good opening, but bungled, and a shot from Bell caused Muir to handle. The Everton van got away again, and Turner should easily have beaten Sutcliffe, the Bolton goal this time having a marvelous escape. Everton pressed severely, but there was no defeating Sutcliffe, who kept out shots of all kinds. McKie led on a movement to the other end, and probably owing to some misunderstanding between Muir and Watson, Bell was enabled to score a ridiculously simple goal. The Everton forwards subsequently brought great pressure to bear on the Wanderers defence, but could not defeat Sutcliffe, and when the end came they were a goal behind.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 GLOSSOP 0
December 17 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
At Everton, where the home side had all the play in the first half. They led by a goal at the interval. Resuming Palmer scored for Everton. following this Worthington, form a corner added a third, Settle scoring a fourth. Corrin than defeated Saunders, but the point was disallowed. Settle got possession, and made no mistake, placing a beautiful shot out of the reach of Saunders, and Everton winning by 5 goals to nil. (Game 16) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Eccles, and Crelly backs, Blythe, Green, and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Settle, and Corrin, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 17 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The meeting of Everton and the Bolton wanderers at Burden Park, on Saturday, produced but a moderate contest, and to this must be attributed the wretched state of the playing pitch, combined with the vagaries attendant upon a fitful breeze. Recent performances of course placed Everton as first favourites, and to those who witnessed the game at Goodison park on Saturday last the result have come has complete surprise. Probably the team viewed the game to lightly especially as the Wanderers as the Wanderers executive had to resort to most drastic changes, and it was not until they were in arrear that there were efforts extended worthy of the reputation of the players. On the heavy ground the Everton forwards were certainly at a big disadvantage, but apart from this, there was not that whole-heartedness put into the work that one is accumstoned to see when a team is somewhat handicapped. No exception could be taken to the play of the wingmen, indeed, had their confreres played up to an ordinary standard the result would have been completely reversed. Much of the non-success was attributed to weak centre forward play, and in games played so far this season, it is questionable whether this position has been so feeble filled. The inclusion of Turner, strengthened the left wing, and in conjunction with Gray, a very fair exposition was given, which augurs well for coming games. The pair played well together, and it must have been disappointing to find that several of their centres were allowed to go abegging. At the other end of the line, Taylor was indefatigable in his efforts to claim advantage for his side and had McDonald been more at home on the heavy ground, there must have been trouble in store for the Bolton defenders. Waiting for the ball was the worse fault of the Everton forwards and this provided the Wanderers with opportunities. Though the quintet is far removed from this brilliant order, they were certainly more active in pursuit of the ball, and leaving nothing to chance, they frequently showed themselves in a very favourable light. They gave the Everton halfbacks plenty of trouble by their close attentions, and the left wing frequently got the better of Wolstenholmes, which is a somewhat unusual item to chronicle. The Wanderers half-way line was represented by three local players, who had not before taken part in League football, and that they held their own speaks well for further trials. The backs on both sides gave a capital display, and it was unfortunate for Everton that owing to lack of judgement in leaving his goal. Muir should give his opponents a couple of points. Apart from this, the custodian played a very fine game, and keeping in mind his sterling work so far this season, it would be kinder to arrest adverse criticism. As for Sutcliffe he simply played the whole of the Everton forwards, and by his great resource the Bolton team were saved from what must otherwise have been a prouncuned defeat. During the second half he disposed of all kinds of shots, many from close range, being nothing short of brilliant, and it is questionable if a finer display of questionship has been witnessed at Bolton were unquestionably the better of two very moderate sides. They were very unlucky with their final efforts, which on many occasions only just missed the mark, and under the circumstances a draw would have better befitted the occasion.

BOLTON WIN
Bolton Evening News - Monday 17 December 1900
The Wanderers made some atonement for the disastrous reverse they sustained at Birmingham last week by a welcome and, under the circumstances a very satisfactory victory over Everton on Saturday in the last League engagement in which they will appear at home this year. Although they only just pulled through by the barest possible margin, they deserved their victory, and it was especially gratifying from the fact that it served to justify the action of the Committee in the drastic alteration they made in the team. The three locals- F. Bell, Haslam, and Hodgkiss- who supplanted Fitchett, McAteer and Freebairn in the half back line, more than came up to expectations, and it seems to be the general opinion that under similar circumstances they might again be included without fear. They may not be polished players as yet, but what they lack in brilliance they counterbalance by a wealth of energy, and what is more, they may be relied upon as a trio of genuine triers whose hearts are in the game. It was a great and perhaps a risky experiment to include the three simultaneously, but circumstances demanded it, and since they have given such satisfaction on an occasion when much could have been allowed, there ought not to be the least hesitation in again trying any of the trio when occasion demands., Individually, that is to say, tried with the more experienced halves, they might do better than was the case on Saturday, and one, in particular, promises very well. Everton brought their best team, and the Wanderers lined up as follows; Sutcliffe, goal; W. Brown and Woolfall, backs; F. Bell, Haslam, and Hodgkiss, half-backs; L. Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow and Tracey forwards. The heavy rain during the early morning had rendered the ground very soft, and this militated somewhat against the play. Though they were set to play against a stiff wind in the first half the Wanderers were the more dangerous and it is only reasonable to suggest they ought to have had a couple of goals before the interval. They worked hard for their openings but when they got them they positively threw them away by about as poor attempts at goal scoring as could be imagined. The most flagrant blunder was that committed by Barlow, when, with an absolutely open goal, he lifted the ball, in the most unaccountable fashion, high over the bar. The slightest touch must have done the trick as Muir was at the mercy of the forward. This was not the only occasion on which the chagrin of the crowd was aroused. The play was by no means all in favour of the Wanderers, and indeed it was only with the utmost difficulty that Sutcliffe, brown and Woolfall kept their goal intact. The Evertonians put in some very clever work the forwards and half-backs playing strongly and on the extremes Turner and Taylor showed to great advantage. They were both speedy and clever and made some capital runs, which, however, did not bear the desired fruit. Sutcliffe on one occasion erred after Gray had beaten Brown, but his mistake was fortunately remedied by Woodfall, who cleared with one of his characteristic dashes across the goalmouth, and at half-time neither side had scored. The game was more vigorously contested in the second half the play, which for the most part had been rather time, livening up considerably, and both sides going into their work with all the energy they could command. It was fourteen minutes after the resumption when Larry Bell scored the only goal of the match, and his success was the outcome of a commendable piece of individual work and the deserved reward for his persistency the outsider beating Watson for possession and landing the ball into the net as Muir came out to save. The reverse had a wonderful effect upon the visitors, and in the remaining time they showed up better than at any previous stage in the game. They pressed almost continuously and most incisively, the forwards displaying great dash and it was only a marvellous exhibition by Sutcliffe that prevented them from scoring. Three of his clearances in particular were wonderful, and how he got the ball away from a crowd of opponents on one occasion, following a grand run and centre by Turner, was astonishing. Picken also made a gallant single-handed attempt to augment the Wanderers’ total, but after threading his way through the defence he was beaten by Muir, and the visitors retired defeated by a goal to nil. On their display Everton are anything but a poor side. The defence was very good, and the half backs are a very capable trio. Booth playing a fine game. The forwards were smart, and passed well, and on extremes Taylor and Turner showed to great advantage. Fleet of foot and clever with the ball, they executed some delicious runs, which ought to have been turned to better account. Though, as previously stated the victory they gained was very satisfactory, the Wanderers did not give a brilliant exhibition, the play of the forwards leaving much to be desired. They were not on their best behaviour, and the passing and shooting was below the standard. Bell and Picken were the best of the line, and apart from his goal, the former made the best shot of the afternoon almost from the touch line. Tracey did not take well to the slippery conditions, and wasted time by dallying too long. As to the half backs, further comment is unnecessary. They all did well, and their only fault was that they lay too close upon the backs. As could only be expected, they occasionally made mistakes, and Brown and Woolfall had to be more than usually active, but they came through with flying colours, and along with Sutcliffe formed the best part of the team.

BOLTON IN LUCK
Athletic News - Monday 17 December 1900
By Tramp, Junior
Whilst Bolton Wanderers deserve every credit for their victory of one to nil over Everton, the Goodisonians on the other band are heartily to eb sympathised with, for if a team ever sowed to reap and failed to secure any results that team was the Toffee men on Saturday at Burnden Park . it was not that they were so much the superior of the home eleven, but they certainly merited a point, and in my opinion would scarcely have had more than their due if the result had been in their favour. Of course, the Wanderers played a stubborn uphill game, and when in front were strikingly dangerous, but they did not impress me so favourably as the Evertonians, and if Sutcliffe had not been in one of his superbly brilliant moods there is no telling what the result have been. Despite the prevalence of a strong raw wind, the play suffered none, and as both sides were evidently triers, an interesting struggle was the outcome. The prowess of both back diversions was early and severely tested, but emerged with flying colours, though Everton were more than fortunate on one occasion from escaping disaster, a wild kick by Barlow when a goal seemed absolutely certain saving the situation. It was tantalisingly hard lines for the Wanderers, but they had the compensating satisfaction later of seeing equally glorious chances allowed to go abegging by their opponents. In fact, it was a day of wasted opportunities, and Everton were the greatest losers. Though the playing pitch was soft and slippery, both teams moved along with surprising ease, and for the major part of the contest the ball was rapidly veering from one end to the other. Neither get of forwards however, rose above the ordinary level, but they went at it ding dong all the time, though they were assisted materially by some hard clean kicking by the backs and halves.
A TRIO OF UNTIRED HALVES
The experiment of the Wanderers in completely dropping the old half-back line and substituting a trio of players absolutely untried in First League football was a bit risky, but as things panned out they certainly lost nothing by it. The three lads acquitted themselves with great credit, and F. bell in particular should be heard of again, whilst Haslam has the making of a clever centre half. This division played for all they were worth, and time after time they were the means of frustrating dangerous combined movements by the Everton quintette. Where danger to the Wanderers came was mainly from the two extremes, the fleetness of Turner on the one side and Taylor on the other being a sore menace; whilst Booth was ever on the alert, and caused more than ordinary trouble with his long pops for goal. Larry Bell and Picken were the greatest thorn to the Evertonians, though McKie bothered Watson and Balmer to some tune. Like the backs, the custodians were given plenty to do, but the palm must be given to the Wanderers’ keeper. He played a grand game, and although there was an element of luck in some of his saves, others be accomplished were wonderful to behold- in fact, he was the saviour of his side.
A COSTLY MISUNDERSTANDING.
Muir also gave a commendable exhibition, but he was responsible for the goal awarded against him. He ought to have left his goal, and then the misunderstanding between himself and Watson, which let in L. Bell, would never have taken place, and a clearance would easily have been effected. Bell’s foresight, however, stood him in good stead, and be crowned an admirable afternoon’s work by scoring the only goal of the game. As to the winners, I have never seen Brown play a better or safer game. His kicking, like that of Woolfall’s was neat and strong, and the two deserve all praise for the work they got in. the halves, as I have previously hinted at, were an improvement of the three dropped, though Hodgkiss has scarcely the necessary speed. Larry Bell was essentially the cleverest of the forwards, and Barlow the worst, in fact the latter was woefully out of it as times. Of Everton I can only repeat they sat on the wrong side of the hedge from a playing point of view. Whilst Proudfoot occasionally got in a good shot or two, the two players who struck me as being the best were Turner and Taylor, though the former should have equalised about ten minutes before the finish when he had only Sutcliffe to neat, and clean under the bar. But for this mistake he played a rattling game. The whole line combined well, but on Saturday they were opposed by a master hand, and the efforts they made would in a majority of instances and in something tangible. Booth was the pick of a good half-back line, whilst Watson and Balmer were strong in defence. It was a fine struggle, and well enjoyed by the 7,000 spectators. Teams;-
Bolton Wanderers;- Sutcliffe, goal; W. Brown and Woodfall, backs; F. bell, Haslam, and Hodgkiss, half-backs; L. Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Tracey, forwards.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Proudfoot, Gray, and Turner, forwards. Referee- Mr. Scott, Rawtenstall.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 17 December 1900
By the Loiterer
Everton rather upset our calculations by being beaten at Bolton. Sharp and Settle were again left out of the team, and when once a change is made the Everton directors are bent of giving the men a fair chance. This is as it should be, but yet it is strange that the services of such players as Sharp and Settle should not be utilised as the men can scarcely be earning their wages. That we have not been getting the most out of them is the general opinion, just as it is that they are not alone to blame for this, Sharp especially suffering from want of attention from the comrades. This defeat, coming so soon after a brilliant exposition of forward play against Derby County, must be a puzzler for the executive as it is for many of the club’s supporters and it is quite evident the composition of the team is not near perfect.
The Lancashire Combination game between Everton and Glossop, at Goodison, was well patronised. Although Everton in the first half had a glaring and dazzling sun in their eyes, within one minute from the start they defeated Saunders, through Settle, who, receiving a nice pass from Corrin, placed the ball beautifully into the net. The visitors after the reverse tried in vain to equalise, the interval showing Everton on top. Resuming, the home team went away with wonderful dash, and added four more goals to the score, Palmer, Worthington, Settle, and Corrin being the executants. Capital defence was shown by the visiting backs, but their forward line was lacking in attack, with the result that the superior aggressive tactics assumed by the home halves and forwards broke up entirely any attempts at combination. Kitchen had several ticklish shots to negotiate though, but always came off uppermost. At the other end Saunder’s display of the art of goalkeeping was superb and he deserves every praise.

EVERTON PLAYERS’ SOCIAL EVENING
Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 18 December 1900
Last evening the Everton League and Combination players were entertained to dinner at the Falcon Restaurant, Lord-street by the directors of the club. The gathering was a most enjoyable one. An admirable dinner was provided and the subsequent proceedings took the form of a smoking concert, to which the following gentlemen contributed;- Messrs. W. Austin, J. Clarke, A. Dean (Little Tich), G. Hill, F. Girvan, J. Elliott, C. McKie, Victor Hindle (accompanist), and R. Molyneux, the popular secretary of the club- The Chairman during the course of the proceedings made a few remarks to the players. He regretted that business engagements on the Continent had not enabled him to see more League matches than he had done. There was no doubt that the season so far had not been so successful as they had wished. The defence had been excellent but the forwards, upon whom they had centred great hopes, had not come up to expectation. It was true that the team had experienced hard luck, and this would be seen from the fact that the loss of four goals had meant the acquisition of eight points by opposing clubs. The directors had that evening decided upon a re-arranged forward ranks, including the reappearance of the captain of the team, and they confidently looked for better results. Personally, he did not despair of the team winning the League championship. From the beginning of the new year to the end of the season he would be away in India but he trusted that under the guidance of his friend, Mr. B. Kelly, the old Everton Club would achieve either the League championship or be heralded as the winners of the English Cup- Mr. B. Kelly also said that he had confidence in the ability of the team to accomplish what the chairman had suggested.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES AND CHAT
Athletic Chat - Wednesday 19 December 1900
By “The Merseyman”
The glorious consistency which marked the efforts of Everton and Liverpool during the early part of the season is indeed a thing of the past, for seldom are they now found going “hand in hand” where victory is concerned. True, on Saturday week they, for once in a while simultaneously prevailed, but the “good state” lasted a mere matter of seven days for Everton somewhat unexpectedly went under to a most disappointing lot in Bolton Wanderers. The Toffees, with one exception, placed the same team in the field that gave such a good account of itself against derby County, Corrin being left out in favour of Turner. Jack Sharp, therefore, was given another week’s rest,” whilst Settle was seen out with the Combination Eleven once more. It does not say much for the Toffees’ goal-scoring powers that they failed to get a shot past Sutcliffe, notwithstanding the Boltonians had a full reserve half-back line doing duty. Even Taylor, who presumably retaining his place by reason of his early goal-getting successes is going “dead-off” the target and surely Jack Sharp cannot much longer be kept in idleness in view of that Taylor has failed in succession against Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland, Derby County, and Bolton Wanderers. Then Proudfoot, as usual, is losing his effervescence. Really the Selection Committee must be found wearing a “worried look” by this time re the construction of the forward line.
I forgot to mention last week that two members of the International Selection Committee were present at the Everton-Derby County match, chiefly, I am told for the purpose of watching Balmer and another Everton player, I feel positive that the popular back created a big impression, whilst Fryer’s wonderful display must also have done likewise.
Dicky Boyle turned out on Saturday for the first time this season in the Combination match between Everton Reserves and Glossop. The Toffees tried a new player in this game, Palmer, an inside right from Barrow. Everton won by 5 goals to nil, and are not the only unbeaten club in the competition, Liverpool Reserves losing their certificate at Bury by 1 goal to nil.
This week-end it is a case of Liverpool v. Nottingham, Everton entertaining the County, and Liverpool visiting the Foresters.
Everton should reserves last season’s result with the Lambs, who then won by 2 goals to nil. The Toffees, however, must see to the goal-scoring part of the business.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Glossop-dale Chronicle and North Derbyshire Reporter - Friday 21 December 1900
GLOSSOP RESERVE v. EVERTON RESERVE.
On Saturday last Glossop Reserve journeyed to Everton to engage in the return fixture with that Reserve team. It will be remembered that, when Glossop entertained Everton on the North Road Ground the homesters were beaten by four goals, the result being Everton 5, Glossop 1. On Saturday Everton had the better of the play in the first half, but thanks to the strong defence shown by the visitors only managed to score on one occasion. On resuming the visitors failed to show much brilliancy, and it was seldom that the forward rank could gain possession, and Palmer scored the second for the home team, who were decidedly the superior lot. Shortly after the kick off Glossop conceded a corner and Worthington securing he banged the ball into the net. The visitors had to defend from the kick off, and Settle managed to score Everton's fourth. Another kick off thus fell to the lot of the visitors, and Corrin defeated Saunders, but the point was disallowed: The visitors were kept hard at work in defending, and Settle getting possession scored the homesters' fifth goal, the ball being quite out of the reach of the custodian. The whistle blew with the score:— Everton Combination 5 Glossop 0.

TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 22 December 1900
This afternoon will witness a struggle between Nottingham and Liverpool for supremacy, for the County are due at Goodison Park; whilst Liverpool antagonise the Forest on Trent’s banks the latter’s task is the more difficult one, for the leaders of the League are going great guns this season; but the County should meet with a decided reverse at Everton. The Blues’ forward rank will again include Settle, with McDonald in the centre position, and it will be interesting to see what success attends this combination. The “constant supporters” have shrieked loud and long for the placing of McDonald as the pivot of the attacking force, and the experiment is being tried at last. Its efficiency remains to be seen.
Everton v Notts County, Goodison Park, Referee, T. Armitt; Linesmen. S. Thomas and G. Sparrow.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, Settle, McDonald, Gray and Turner, forwards. Kick-off 2.30.
Notts County;- Pennington; Prescott and Lewis; Ball, Bull, and McDonald; Spencer, Warner, Ross, Morris, and Gee.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Turton v Everton reserve, Turton.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelley, backs; Boyle, Green, and Taylor, half, backs; Roche, Dawson, Proudfoot, Worthington, and Corrin, forwards. Train leaves Exchange Station at 11.15.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 22 December 1900
ASTON VILLA
By Perseus
Immeasurably the strongest force in football since the Sunderland ascendency of the earlier nineties, Aston Villa alone share with North End the wonderful dual distinction of winning the League and the Cup in one and the same season. That indeed is the hall-mark of absolute supremacy at the time of its accomplishment; and should the reader require a reflection of the constancy as well as the brilliance of the Villa star he may see it perfectly in the luminous fact that during the past seven seasons Aston have secured a quintette of League championships, and a couple of Cup triumphs. And the only possible regret of a Villain in connection with so splendid a record may perhaps be found in the recollection that the aforesaid dual success was not quite so sweeping as that achieved by North End in 1888-9; for doubtless devoted Villains would like to say that in a single season they won the League without a reverse, and the Cup without solitary adverse goal. Any so inclined to wander its thought may well remember that their double event was brought off when teams generally were stronger, and the programme longer and more exacting than in the heyday of Preston’s powers. Think, then, Villans, of the great deeds done, and hope that the ebb-tide associated with the club during the present season may be turned again and not prove the precursor of any decline similar to that which overtook the proud Prestonians and in a lesser degree the well-esteemed Wearsiders.
POSSIBLE DECLINE: AN EBB TIDE.
Still, the scarcely satisfactory results during the past few months have at least suggested the possibility of Villa losing for a time their supremacy and coming on to a level with several others, though their Well-lined exchequer will probably prevent any such pronounced descent as fell to the lot of Preston North End. It is beyond question, however, that even their lavish means have not been able to adequately fill the gaps caused by the departure or decline of Reynolds, Campbell, Wheldon,&c., for no one, I suppose, would venture to contend for moment that the present team could compare, say,with that of 1886-7; the skill,speed, and stamina displayed in that latter eventful season when Everton were beaten in the final formed a striking combination of qualities. And money cannot pick up such wholesale. So the process of replacing the old brigade is slow and difficult. Possibly it would not be such a very bad thing either for the gamegenerally if Villa were absent from the lists of chief honours for season or two; after all it is scarcely encouraging to see so many plums going to one spot. All praise to that particular club if it can continue to keep reaping in the honours, but outsiders would prefer it otherwise, and therefore I think that there would be little weeping outside Birmingham if Villa’s period of supremacy was at least temporarily closed.
IN THE DISTANT PAST.
The Villa had to work gradually up to the dizzy heights aforementioned, and if their position in later years has been built up largely on their financial resources something must yet be allowed for good management: it is idle to airily attribute the club’s success wholly to £ s. d. when another club with almost any amount of money has never been able to rise far above the rest. Without money the best body of directors in the world could not have succeeded to the same extent as the Villa people; while with it incompetents might have obtained only straggling successes altogether incommensurate with the funds at their disposal. Perhaps someone may interpose the remark that it would have had to be a very poor body of managers that could not run the concern well on an income which has exceeded £15,000 in a single year. However, to pass on—or rather to cast our eyes back from this princely total to the early days when the small band of members had to rely on their own modest subscriptions. By those early days I mean the middle seventies, for the club came into being in 1874. And like other our leading clubs it sprung from a cricket club, and that was connected with a Wesleyan church in Birmingham. We owe some of our best organisations to religion, among them, as my colleague " Red Rose” recently pointed out, Everton.
A TWENTY SEVEN YEARS’ TRIP.
It will not be twenty seven yean since the formation of Villa for another six or seven weeks, but perhaps the above cross-head may aptly precede a very hasty sketch of the club's progress. Having already indicated Villa’s origin and the date of birth, let me pass on to remark that among the men associated with its early development the best known in present day is that courteous Scotchman G. B. Ramsay, who has for many years been secretary. Roughly speaking he came upon the scene two years after the actual start, a chance invitation to join in a game being his introduction. He was largely instrumental in securing Perry Barr, which remained the club’s ground for twenty years, and was improved out of all recognition, though at its best it never compared for a moment with the present Aston Lower Grounds, which boasts splendid accommodation. Towards the dawn of the eighties the team was strengthening; then they developed rapidly, winning many good matches, joining the professional ranks, and in 1887 carrying off the Cup- the first many triumphs including the winning of the same national trophy in 1895 and 1897, and the five already mentioned League championships, with a host of other cups, &c.
ILLUSTRIOUS PLAYERS.
After the club, which has won several times the honours best worth winning, let us look at some of the players individually. Lead off, if you will, with Ramsay himself, reputed in his time to be a clever forward,and then to the two Hunters, of whom Archie, played originally on the left wing, became a superb centre, and an ideal captain, his own skill and ability, great as it was, being no more pronounced than his masterly generalship, the way in which he marshalled his forces being beyond praise—a characteristic in later days of another Villa captain, to wit John Devey. Than Archie Hunter club never had a better servant There were Eli Davis, noted for his swinging centres from the left. Howard Vaughton and Dennis Hodgetts, who were afterwards associated on the same wing, the last-named learning much from his distinguished colleague and afterwards in turn standing sponsor for rising young players, including Steve Smith, well-known present-day crowds. Coming into the nineties we find Hodgetts was for a while a link with two generations, the later of which has included a stalwart skilful back like Howard Spencer, not, perhaps, in his finest form just now; halves like little Johnny Reynolds, speedy James Cowan with a physique as fine as his running powers, and the artistic, versatile James Crabtree; while forward we have seen the flying Athersmith, John Devey, in some respects the legitimate successor of Archie Hunter, John Campbell, a talented centre fostering combination capitally, Fred Wheldon, wonderful both as shooter and dribbler, Stere Smith, an outside left, both fast and clever, giving at times really stunning displays. International honours have been rained thickly upon Villa players, among the most successful of their Englishmen in this direction being Crabtree, Athersmith, Reynolds, Hodgetts, and Vaughton.
CHARACTERISTIC OF THE TEAM
As there have been distinctive styles associated with North End and Sunderland so Villa have had the characteristic; and perhaps the chief of these is speed- a quality generally possessed by Villa in a greater degree than by either of the above noted clubs, so much so that the name Villa has in recent years been almost a synonym for pace and dash. The rate at which they have played their games, and by their stamina kept at it hotly right to the finish has totally upset many fine teams. Of course, skill has run alongside with speed, or such results could never have been achieved. And their staying powers are not surprising when you think of the physique of Hodgetts and others in the past, and more recently of the build of Spencer, Evans, Jas. Cowan, Crabtree, Athersmith, Campbell, and so on.
A CHAT WITH DENNIS HODGETTB.
In Birmingham recently I came across the burly left winger, Dennis Hodgetts, who is one of the best known of old Villans. Hit former usefulness in the dub’s front rank can scarcely be estimated; it was not only what he did himself, for as a coach he was a capital man, and Steve Smith’s success is built in large measure on the great value of his association with Hodgetts. That the latter was right in thefront rank of players is shown by the fact that he obtained half a dozen international caps and that, too, during a period when honours were probably harder to get than now, and he had the distinction of securing his triple cap in that eventful season of 1887-8, when England won all three of her battles, scoring 5-0, 5-1, and 5-1, the biggest beating of the three being administered to the Scots. In that happy encounter, at Glasgow, Hodgetts was associated on the left with Fred Dewhurst. Tinsley Lindley was centre, with “Spry” and J. Goodall on the right, while at back were G. Howarth, the old Accrington and Allen, and Holden White, whose strong tactics, and Holmes who I believe played his best on internationals. (Missing lines at this point) -internationals-Linley whom he classed with Goodall as far ahead of Smith; the last named he regarded as over-rated. Perhaps a third expert might regard Thomson himself anyhow in the science of combination, as equal to any of them; doctors still disagree. Hodgetts looks back to old North End as the best team he has known, but Aston Villa, he proudly maintains have been the leading club in football for a long time. Few will combat such an opinion.

EVERTON v NOTTS
Football News (Nottingham) - Saturday 22 December 1900
WELL WON SUCCESS OF THE VISITORS
WARNER SCORES AND WINS
Notts;- H. Pennington, goal; T.G. Prescott and G. Lewis, backs; W.H. Bell, W. Bull (Captain), and E. McDonald, half-backs; F. Spencer, and A. Warner, right wing; W. Ross, centre; J.J. Morris and E. Gee, left wing.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, and Settle (Captain), right wing; McDonald, centre; Gray and Turner, left wing. Referee; Mr. T. Armitt, of Leek. The visit which the Notts team paid to the classic home of the Everton Club at Goodison Park, Liverpool, called vividly to memory the pleasant surprise they “sprung” on their friends exactly twelve months ago on that enclosure by defeating their powerful rivals with two goals to love in their favour. At that time things were going badly with the Trent Bridge organisation. They had not won a match since the last Saturday of the preceding October, but had lost six and drawn one, and seemed likely to step into the yawning chasm of the Second Division once again. But in football as in most other things, it is the unexpected which often happens and when Notts in their ragged state went to Goodison Park and took two points out of the “Toffee” men people held up their hands in pious amazement. This improvement was not a splash in the pan either, for they followed the victory up by winning three, drawing four, and losing only one of their next eight games. This time matters were somewhat different, though it must be frankly confessed that they did not make the journey today taking the full confidence of their admirers with them. Sized up carefully the records of the rivals were pretty much on a par, but Everton are a force to be reckoned with, and having advantage of ground chances were slightly in their favour. Following upon their sparkling deeds in the month of October, the “magpies” have gradually deteriorated, and although they have bagged full points at home at the expense of Blackburn Rovers and the Albion, the form of the men was not such that people could extract much satisfaction there-from. The blame has rested at the door of the forwards, who have of late altogether failed to exhibit that spirit of restless.
DASH AND ENERGY
Which carried them to port in several momentous fights; and the chopping and changing which the directors have been obliged to resort to has scarcely improved the ensemble, or cement the confidence between the vanguard and the men behind them. One point in favour of Notts was the fact that the Everton forwards have not set the Mersey on fire lately, and are in a state of confusion, as evidenced by the exclusion of the two internationals, Sharp and Settle, both of whom have been left to cool their heels in the Lancashire combination. The visitors therefore had a chance to reassert their erstwhile brilliancy at the expense of the none too happy Evertonians. There was one change in the visiting vanguard from that which met the “throstles” -Spencer for Hadley, who is not well, and very much off his form this year. It was the third time Spencer had been included in the team, and he never had a better opportunity of making the place a permanent one than now. Matches between Notts and Everton were inaugurated in 1887, and on all the teams have met on 21 occasions. Everton have been successful 12 times against Notts, five, and have scored 46 goals against 29. The Everton directors made several changes in the forward rank, and tried McDonald for the first time this season in centre. It was ideal football weather, and the turf was in splendid condition, with just a nice bind in it. Bull won the toss, and Everton through McDonald started in the presence of 12,000 people, the elements being quiet and about neutral. In the first minute Morris shot into Muir’s hands from a pass by Gee, and Ross ended another burst with a fine drive which went slightly wide. Notts kept up the pressure and Watson headed away.
A lovely centre by Gee and then Pennington was grassed while saving from Gray; but, fortunately, Prescott saved the position. Position. Danger continued to come from Taylor and Settle, but Abbott ended a sharp storming of Pennington’s charge by sending a pot shot wide. Off-side pulled Settle up, but Morris finished weakly from Prescott’s free kick. The visitors then hovered round Muir, who was lucky to be in the way of a rattling shot by Gee, the leather striking him full in the chest and rebounding clear. But Notts were not done with until Spencer was forced to send into touch, following an abortive incursion by the “Toffeyites” into the visiting quarters. Notts again secured a position through a foul by Wolstenholme. Morris and Gee struck the side net. Booth gave Turner a nice chance, and the outside left centred on the mark. To see Pennington run out and kick away McDonald’s finishing touch was a treat. The crowd did not relish Mr. Hewitt on the off-side rule and booed when he pulled Taylor up as he was nicely on the wing. Notts, failed to obtain relief from the free kick, but Prescott and Lewis defended stoutly, and eventually more work was found for Muir and Co., Warner scoring the first goal in 25 minutes from short range. Everton then woke up, and Pennington was roundly cheered for a brilliant save from Gray when an equaliser seemed certain. Discreetly nursed by Ball, Warner and Spencer made a lot of ground, the first-named closing in and giving to Ross, who, however, lost possession through Balmer, the full back also heading away a couple of Gee’s centres, and Turner and Gray forced a corner, and McDonald missed the mark by a foot or so only. The homesters were struggling hard to get on terms, and seemed likely to do so. From a centre by Taylor the leather fell to the toe of the home pivot, but he was crowded out of his shot, and eventually somebody sent out of action. As the interval approached the exchanges were not replete with much incident, but business revived when Lewis conceded a corner to Taylor, Everton could not make anything out of it, however, and following some midfield work, Booth gave his vanguard another chance. McDonald dallied too long and lost possession, and two centres from Taylor went begging. An attack by Notts, was frustrated when a free kick was given against gee, but Bull brought his men back, and shots by Ross and Warner were charged down by Balmer and Watson. Muir afterwards buffered away from Warner, and Everton were busily engaged in the Notts, quarters when the armistice was called with the score; Notts 1 Everton 0.
When hostilities were resumed the light was just beginning to fade, and the bird’s eye view from the Press pavilion was somewhat indistinct. Everton first got away, and one of Booth’s drives, which was bumming home sweetly, was put outside in Pennington’s best style. Two corners ensued, and they were fruitless, but the visitors could exert no sustained pressure, and the Liverpudlians loomed dark on the Notts, horizon as Settle and Taylor sailed through and took a corner out of Lewis. This also was not turned to account, Booth lifting the leather over the heads of a pack among the crowd. Lewis summarily held up the home right, but they returned and secured a fourth corner, Booth having hard lines in striking the post with a beauty. Gee and Morris then had a brief look in, but were sent back by Wolstenholme, and after remaining a few moments in midfield Everton again moved towards Penning. A foul sent them to right abouts, but the Notts halves could not hold their forwards and clever touches by the local McDonald looked like bringing disaster to the “Magpies.” Lewis saved the situation by giving an abortive corner, and Warner ended a burst by the visitors when he shot wide. Ross then called the services of Muir into requisition, and Spencer, in trying to centre, sent the ball out of play. Each end was visited in turn, and when McDonald was nicely placed for going through Lewis slipped across and punted the ball powerfully among his forwards. There was little incident in the game just at this period, but things were very even. Neither team looked like scoring, so safe were the two sets of forwards held by the divisions. Ball, Gee, and Morris eventually enlivened the exchanges by some determined manoeuvring on the Notts left, and Watson was ironically cheered for a ludicrous shot sky high, but very wide. Two pots shots by Booth and Balmer were charged down, and McDonald was conspicuous for cleverly checking the international Settle. Gray made a laudable effort to turn Taylor’s centre through as the ball bounced within a span of the post, but the recoil missed him, and Lewis meeting a shot by Abbott gave a corner, Taylor placing the flag kick on the top of the net. Ross worked past Booth and intended to feed Spencer, but the pass was too acute, and out. Everton were now making things hum, the vanguard attacking on the kick and rush principle, but though they had the advantage of still another, no appreciable effort could be made upon Pennington and his nippy colleagues. Warner was pulled up for offside after he had shot wide and a foul by Gray nullified an opportunity which otherwise he or McDoanld might have turned to account. Notts were not exerting themselves much now except to kick out on every possible occasion, which was the right course to adopt with a useful lead and only five minutes to go. Everton struggled on, but all to no purpose, and the curtain was rung down in semi-darkness and a half empty enclosure, with Notts the plucky and deserved winners by the narrow majority of a goal. The victory of last year was thus repeated.
Result; Notts 1 Everton 0
NOTES ON THE GAME
The first half was on the whole a fairly interesting exhibition of the game, and Notts having had a shade the better of the argument deserved their lead. The forwards on both sides were none too well together, which was probably attributable to the worrying tactics of rival halves. Warner’s goal was smartly obtained after Ross had led a brisk general attack, but Everton several times looked like coming on terms, and Pennington’s save from Gray was a gem of the first water. Everton were undoubtedly the superior parties in the later part of the game, but excepting on two or three occasions they did not shape like goal-getting, and were held in check without much difficulty by the Notts defence, which worked solidly and with judgement. The Notts forwards were rarely dangerous, and wisely assisted the defence as time wore on to hold fast to their lead. It was a capital win, and the points are distinctly welcome.

EVERTON 0 NOTTS COUNTY 1
December 24 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The directors of the Everton Club reorganised the forward rank to oppose the Nottingham club on Saturday by bringing in Settle to partner Taylor. While McDonald displaced Proudfoot. The visitors had a full team, and at 2-30 the sides faced as follow: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer and Watson, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, halfbacks Taylor, Settle (captain), McDonald, Gray, and Turner forwards. Notts County: - Penningham goal, Prescott, and Lewis backs, Ball, Bull, and McDonald, halfbacks Spencer, Warmers, Ross, Morris, and Gee (e) forwards. There would be about 10,000 spectators present when the game commenced, and at once the visitors gave considerable trouble to the home defenders. A capital run and centre by Taylor placed matters more favourable for Everton, but Pennington disposed of the final effort, and later on must have been relieved as the result of a capable shot from Abbott, who was only a trifle lacking in elevation. Later on Gee was in good position, but had his shot charged down by Balmer, and from a subsequent cross shot was only a trifle wide. Eventually the ex-Evertonian centred well, and after the ball had been cleared Warner drove hard in, and defeated Muir after 25 minutes play. Upto the interval Everton had more of the game, but could not score and on changing ends the County led by a goal to nil. On resuming Everton pressed hotly but their final efforts were of a very feeble character. Once Abbott made a big bid for a tangible point, but Lewis stood in the way, and other attempts to score were easily warded off by the custodian. The close attentions of the visiting backs quite nonplussed the Everton forwards who never appeared like scoring while the occasion's rushes of the visitors always savoured of danger. The bulk of the play favoured Everton right up to the finish, but there was no defeating the County defence and the game ended with the Everton nil, Notts County 1.

EVERTON v NOTTS COUNTY
December 24 1900-Lancashire Evening Post
At Goodison, before 15,000 spectators. Proodfoot stood down from the home team, McDonald filling the vacancy at centre forward, and Settle, after sereral weeks' absence, returned to his old position on the wing. Everton started play, and had the best of the opening exchanges. but at the end 20 minutms clever passing by the forwards enabled Warner to score for Notts. Everton tried hard to equaliser, but there was a want of concert forward. Proodfoot's absence being severely felt, and Settle was stiff and shot poortly. Muir soon had to handle again from Warmer, who was playing a capital game, while Pennington hardly touched the ball. Taylor and Wolstenholme did good work at half-back without able stop tho Notts forwards, who moved freely and well, and kept up a running fire at Muir's. Thay had all the game till the interval Half-time—-Notts 1. Everton 0. resuming Everton attacked hotly and forced severel corners kicks, but their finishing touches were weak, and the County backs cleared with ease. With but few exceptions Everton had the bulk of the atack. but had in the County a strudy set of defenders. Result; Notts County 1, Everton 0.

TURTON 0 EVERTON RESERVES 3
December 24 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
At Turton. Everton opened the scoring from a penalty kick early on, Duckworth handling. Turton afterwards more than hold their own against their doughty opponents, Kitchen being called upon, but starving off disaster. Proudfoot, with a soft chance, beat Lill. A race between Greenhalgh and Kitchen ended in favour of the former, who cleared with a ponderous kick. Turton could not get through, and at half-time the score was Everton 2 goals, Turton nil. Result Everton 3 goals Turton nil. (Game 17) Everton: - Kitchen goals, Eccles, and Crelly, backs, Boyle, Green and Taylor (r), halfbacks, not known Dawson, Proudfoot, Worthington, and Corrins, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 24 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
A defeat at home has to be recorded against the Everton team, and one may be pardoned for wondering whether a decent display of football on their it ever again going to be witnessed. The exhibition given against Notts County was but a repetition of what has prevailed for over two months noticeable chiefly for the utter lack of ability by the forward division to furnish even a moderate exposition and absolute failure to score goals. As already stated, this weakness has been the outstanding feature in the League games played at Goodison Park for some considerable time, but it is doubtful whether the front rank have ever shown such an utter want of understanding and cleverness as they demonstrated against Notts County. It is, indeed, wearisome to be everlastingly grinding at this part of the team, but there is not the slightest doubt that it is here where the root of all the failure is deeply implanted. The most optimistic supporters of the club must be getting heartily tired of witnessing the continued profile efforts of the Everton attacking forces, and some striking charge is imperative. The selection committee have not been particularly fortunate in the disposition of the men under their control, and it was a move in the wrong direction when they decided upon playing McDonald as centre forward. As an experiment it was an out and out failure, but what reason was there to make such a change necessary. This player, who has figured at inside left, with great credit, showed not the slightest idea of leading his forwards and ability to pass an opposing full back is not one of the requirements of a centre. This was where McDonald's passes chiefly went, and the Notts defenders had an easy task on hand, although they were kept fairly busy. The whole forward machinery was out of gear, and is likely so to remain until the men are played in the positions for which they have given evidence of being best suited. With the mainspring so to speak, not in working order, the rest of the forward work was completely upset. Gray was another complete failure and was a semi-tone below Turner all the way though the place. The outside man was also out of tune, and the pair did not hatmorise in the slightest degree. On the right wing, Settle was responsible for one good shot, a fact worth chronicling, and for which alone some considerable meed of praise is due. There decent efforts, which came like angels visits, impress themselves on one's mind, something after the manner in which a gentle slope becomes a stiff climb to the traveller who has journeyed along level country for some hours. What would other wise pass unnoticed becomes a landmark by reason of the monotonous surroundings. In these days of goal famine, small mercies in the shape of a good shot now and then have to satisfy every craving. Taylor again bore off the palm in the front rank, and the remainder might take a lesson from his dash without detriment to themselves. It is this lack of go and determination which has become a characteristic of Everton forwards play this season, but with the man properly apportioned there should be no difficulty in regaining lost prestige and making their matches worth watching. At present it is absolutely painful to view their puny endeavors and a reviving influence will be hailed with delight. The backs were as usual, in capital form. Muir kept goal finely, and repelled several difficult shots, whilst Balmer and Watson kicked accurately and with judgement. Booth was the pick of the halves, but as a matter of fact, weak back play would behind such forwards as Everton posses, appear the incarnation of extreme skill. Notts deserved their victory, if only by reason of their superiority in front of goal. In the second half they were chiefly defending, though when the farwards broke away they were always dangerous. The right wing was smart, Warmer doing several clever things whilst the quondam Everton player, Gee, shaped very fairly on the left wing. The halves were a strong trio, Bull being the most prominent, and further behind Prescott and Lewis defended very stubbornly, their kicking being vigorous and effective. Pennington had two troublesome shots to deal with, and by clearing these spoiled the only descent attempts made by the home team to score. The result was a great surprise to local enthusiasts, but such play an Everton showed will never win matches, and when a team of the calibre of Notts carried away points from Goodison Park matters have indeed reached a grave crisis in the club's history.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Athletic News- Monday December 24, 1900
The Lancashire Combination and Birmingham and District League may not be organisation of national importance, but when picked teams from the two oppose each other the standard of the play is equal to that in the majority of English League Matches, and their third meeting at Everton on January 2 will doubtless attract much attention from Liverpolitans. The rivals forces are;-
Lancashire Combiantion,- Kitchen (Everton); Ross (Burnley), and Slater (Manchester City); Sanderson (Preston North End), Green (Everton), and Archer (Bury); Soulsby (Liverpool), Hunter (Liverpool), Dawson (Accrington Stanley), Berry (Bury), and Barnes (New Brighton Tower).
Birmingham League;- Whitley (Aston Villa); Lester (Small heath), and Wassall (Brierley Hill); Nurse (Wolverhampton) (captain), Smith (Stourbridge), and Banks (West Bromwich); Brown (Aston Villa), McAulay (Aston Villa), Woolridge (Wolverhampton), Bache (Stourbridge) and Tebbs (Small Heath).

EVERTON EXTINGUSIHED BY NOTTS
Athletic News - Monday 24 December 1900
By The Loiterer
Everton have commenced their series of holiday fixtures in truly disastrous fashion. Despite the unsatisfactory performances of the team, and even taking into account the fact that Notts County were victorious by two clear goals on the occasion of their last visit to Goodison Park, there were fairly confident anticipations afloat that the eleven from laceopolis  would be over-thrown and the previous season’s defeat avenged. What actually did occur comes rather as a nasty blow, and Everton’s defeat must be writ down as one of the greatest surprises of the afternoon. The forward line was again changed, the most important alteration being the substitution of McDonald for Proudfoot as the pivot of the quintette. There are many who have clamoured unceasingly for the former to be tried at centre forward and this section have had their wishes fulfilled. It would be interesting to know what are their ideas as to McDonald’s fitness for this important position now, and one cannot altogether free the selection committee from blame in dropping Proudfoot, and thus weakening the whole structure of attack. Settle was again included in the side, and the play worked out somewhat after the following fashion.
THE PLAY
The visitors started in good style, and Morris early tested Muir, whilst Ross shot over when in a nice position for scoring. Everton, however, quickly retaliated, but were not long in furnishing abundant proof that they were not likely to score, however, they might monopolise the play, and numerous easy chances of scoring were feebly utilised. Notts were considerably more dangerous in this half, their right wing acting in very fine style, and eventually, 25 minutes’ play from the start, a centre from Gee was turned to account by Warner, after several shots had been sent in, but charged down by the home backs. The visitors fully deserved this point, and as after events turned out, it gave them the victory. Immediately on resuming, Settle worked an opening for himself, and sent in a terrific shot, which Pennington coolly threw away, this being the only decent attempt to score that came from the Everton front rank in thus half. Thus Notts led at half-time, as they did also when the final whistle blew. The second half admits of no description, for Everton practically had all the play, but were absolutely incapable of scoring.
CAUSE OF EVERTON’S FAILURE
It is a wearisome task to eb continually harping on one string, but there is not getting beyond the fact that the sole cause of Everton’s repeated reverses lies in the inability of the front rank to approach even a moderate standard of efficiency. Week after week has the same failing to be dilated upon, until the everlasting iteration of the fact becomes totally obnoxious. It has been patent to most people of ordinary observation that the Everton Club possesses but one player who is capable of filling the position of centre-forward with anything like success. Proudfoot may not be an ideal centre, and doubtless has his off-day like all other players, but amongst the whole collection of men at present sporting the Everton colours, he has no superior for this arduous position. McDonald was tried in the centre against Notts and it may as well be stated straight away that he was an utter failure, and there is no doubt that the inefficiently of the front rank was due to his inability to fill this position with anything like credit. Do not, however, let me be misunderstood. Rather than lay the fault to McDonald let the blame lie with those who were responsible for placing him thus, and the defeat will have effected one important result if it dispense with the idea of the ex-Jarrow player ever being the leader of the Everton van. The best player in the whole line of forwards was Taylor, and this seems to be the only quarter to which we may look for any dash or resource or ability to place an opposition in jeopardy. The backs were in good trim, and executed their share of the afternoon’s play in creditable fashion, but it must be disheartening to see their efforts thrown away so repeatedly. No, not to the defence must Everton’s reverses be attributed. To the front rank is the non-success of the team entirely due, and the fact that they have scored seven goals in their last ten League games is, I should think, sufficient evidence of their inability. With a capital defence it seems indeed hard lines for the club that the forwards cannot be so constructed that something like decent football may be witnessed from them.
A WORD OF PRAISE FOR THE COUNTY
Notts fairly deserved their victory, and though in the second half they were kept busily defending, they did so with such cleverness and efficiency that they wore down all the attacks of the Everton forces. Their forwards were speedy and the right wing executed some very smart manoeuvres. This was by far the most dangerous part of their front line, but the others did not do by any means badly, and Gee placed across accurately, whilst his partner was ever ready to utilise any chance opening that night crop up. The half-backs were particularly smart, and in the centre Bull made a sorry example of McDonald, but the whole line exhibited any amount of dash, and gave the forwards every assistance. The backs kicked splendidly; indeed, on both sides, the rear divisions could scarcely have been improved upon. In this department the teams were on an equality, and with the defence no fault could be found. In goal, Pennington admirably expounded his skill, and in him Notts have evidently discovered a custodian of no mean ability. The teams are herewith appended;-
Everton.- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, Settle (Captain), McDonald, Gray, and Turner, forwards.
Notts County;- Pennington, goal; Prescott, and Lewis, backs; Ball, Bull (Captain), and McDonald, half-backs; Spencer, Warner, Ross, Morris and Gee, forwards. Referee; Mr. T. Armitt, Leek.

EVERTON v. NOTTS
Nottingham Journal - Monday 24 December 1900
Notts. Pennington, goal ; T. G. Prescott and G. Lewis, backs; W. H. Ball, W. Bull, E. McDonald, half-backs; F. Spencer and A. Warner, right wing; W. Ross, centre; J. J. Morris and E. Gee, left wing. Everton: Muir. goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor and Settle, right wing; McDonald, centre; Gray and Turner, left wing. Referee: Mr. T. Armitt, Leek. The Notts, team on Saturday repeated the performance of twelve months ago, which was also replica of that accomplished 1898, by defeating Everton on their own enclosure at Goodison Park. It was not a sound exhibition of football by any means, and the ground wide had rather the better of the argument in the open but failed miserably in front of goal, and very rarely looked like scoring. Notts, with the exception of Spencer, who scored the only goal of the match from a scrimmage, for Hadley, had the same side out Which defeated West Bromwich Albion the week previously, but the homestershad a curious mixture in the front rank. McDonald was put in the centre, but was a dismal failure, weakly, and failing to keep his wings going. The Notts, defence all through was magnificent, and the forwards, though not showy, always finished and strongly, and for that reason deserved their victory. It was ideal football weather and the turf was in splendid condition, with just a nice bind in it. Bull won the toss, and Everton through McDonald in the pretence of 12,000 people, the elements being quiet end about neutral. In the first minute Morris shot into Muir’s hands from a pass by Gee, and Ross ended another burst with a fine drive which went slightly wide. Notts, kept up the pressure, Watson headed away a lonely centre by Gee, and then Pennington was grassed while saving from Gray; but, fortunately. Prescott retrieved the position. Danger continued to come from Taylor and Settle, but Abbott ended a sharp storming of Pennington's charge by sending a pot shot wide. Off-side pulled Settle up, but Morris finished weakly from Prescott’s free kick. The visitors then hovered round Muir, who waslucky to be in the way of a rattling shot by Gee, the leather striking him full in the chest and rebounding clear. But Notts, were not done with until Spencer was forced to send into touch, following an abortive Incursion by the “Toffeyites " into the visiting quarters. Notts, again secured a position through a foul by Wolstenholme, Morris and Gee struck the side net. Booth gave Turner a nice chance, and the outside left centred on the mark. To see Pennington run out and kick away McDonald's finishing touch was a treat. The crowd did not relish Mr. Armitt on the off-side rule, and booed when he pulled Taylor up as he was nicely on the wing. Notts, foiled to obtain relief from the free kick, but Prescott and Lewis defended stoutly, and eventually more work was found for Muir and Co., Spencer scoring the first goal in twenty five minutes from short range. Everton then woke up, and Pennington was roundly cheered for a brilliant save from Gray when an equaliser seemed certain. Discreetly nursed by Ball, Warner and Spencer made a lot of ground, the first-named closing in giving to Ross, who, however, lost possession through Balmer, the full back also heading away a couple of Gee’s centres, and Turner and Gray forced a corner, and McDonald missed the mark by a foot or so only. The homesters were struggling hard to get on terms, and seemed likely to do so. From a centre by Taylor the leather fell to the toe of the home pivot, but he was crowded out of his shot, and eventually somebody sent out of action.  As the interval approached the exchanges were not replete with much incident, but business revived when Lewis conceded a corner to Taylor. Everton could not make anything out of it, however, and following some midfield work. Booth gave his vanguard another chance. McDonald dallied too long and lost possession, and two centres from Taylor went begging. An attack by Notts, was frustrated when a free kick was given against Gee, but Bull brought his men back, and shots by Ross and Warner were charged down by Balmer and Watson. Muir afterwards buffeted away from Warner, and Everton were busily engaged in the Notts, quarters when the armistice was called, with the score;- Notts 1 Everton 0. When hostilities were resumed the light was just beginning to fade, and the bird’s eye view from the Press pavilion was somewhat indistinct, Everton first got away, and one of Booth’s long drives, which was humming home sweetly, was put outside in Pennington’s best style. Two corners ensued, and they were fruitless, but the visitors could exert no sustained pressure, and the Liverpudlians loomed dark on the Notts horizon as Settle and Taylor sailed through and took a corner out of Lewis. This also was not turned to account, Booth lifting the leather over the head of a pack among the crowd. Lewis summarily held up the home right, but they returned and secured a fourth corner, Booth having hard lines in striking the post, with a beauty. Gee and Morris then had a brief look in, but were back by Wolstenholme, and after remaining a few moments in midfield Everton again moved towards Pennington. A foul sent them to right abouts but the Notts halves could not hold their forwards and clever touches by the local McDonald looked like bringing disaster to the “Magpies.” Lewis saved the situation by giving an abortive corner, and Warner ended a burst by the visitors when he shot wide. Ross then called the services of Muir into requisition, and Spencer, in trying to centre, sent the ball out of play. Each end was visited in turn, and when McDonald was nicely placed for going through Lewis slipped across and punted the ball powerfully among his forwards. There was little incident in the game just at this period, but things were very even. Neither team lacked like scoring on safe were the two sets of forwards held by the divisions. Ball, Gee, and Morris eventually livened the exchanges by some determined manoeuvring on the Notts left, and Watson was ironically cheered for a ludicrous shot sky high, but very wide. Two pot shots by Booth and Balmer were charged down, and McDonald was conspicuous for cleverly checking the international Settle. Gray made a laudable effort to turn Taylor’s centre through as the ball bounced within a span of the post, but the recoil missed him, and Lewis meeting a shot by Abbott gave a corner, Taylor placing the flag kick on the top of the net. Ross worked past Booth and intended to feed Spencer, but the pass was too acute, and went out. Everton were now making things hum, the vanguard attacking on the kick and rush principle, but though they had the advantage of still another corner, no appreciable effort could be made upon Pennington and his nippy colleagues. Warner was pulled up for off-side after he had shot wide, and a foul by Gray nullified an opportunity which otherwise he or McDonald might have turned to account. Notts were not exerting themselves much now except to kick out on every possible occasion, which was the right course to adopt with a useful lead and only five minutes to go. Everton struggled on, but all to no purpose, and the curtain was ruing down in semi-darkness and a half empty enclosure, with Notts plucky and deserved winners by the narrow majority of a goal. Result;- Notts 1 Everton 0.

TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 25 December 1900
Sheffield United v Everton, Sheffield.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.
ORDINARY MATCH
Everton Reserve v White Star Wanderers, Marsh-lane, Bootle. Kick-off 11 a.m.
Everton;- Bryne, goal; Halliday and Robinson, backs; Greenslade, Blythe, and Chadwick, half-backs; Peace, Dawson, Corrin, Worthington, and Gray, forwards.
Everton Combination v Newton Heath, Goodison Park, Kick-off 2.30 p.m.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelley, backs; Boyle, Green, and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Girdwood, Hodson, McDonald, and O’Brien, forwards.
TOMORROW (BOXING DAY)
Everton v Bury, Goodison Park, Everton.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.

EVERTON v. BURY
Sheffield Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 26 December 1900
At Park, before 25.000 spertators. Bury were without McLuckie, Sagar playing centre forward. The game was magnificently contested, both sides exhibiting dash. After 17 minutes' play Abbott scored for Everton from corner, and Pray moment later equalised, also from a corner. Then the Bury attacks were rewarded Sagar scoring. Wood adding another. Interval ; Bury 3 goals. Everton 1 goal- In the second half the game was again splendidly contested, with Bury if anything the smarter team. Both goalkeepers were frequently called upon, and did their work well. Everton were unable utilise opportunities, and could not overcome the strong Bury defence. At last Turner scored for Everton, and Proudfoot equalised. Final:— Bury-3 goals. Everton 3 goals

SHEFFIELD UNITED V EVERTON
December 26, 1900. Glasgow Herald.
At Bramell lane, before 20,000 spectators, in fine weather. Play was fast from the start, and Turner had hard lines with a grand shot. Eleven minutes from the start Settle scored a grand goal for Everton. Bennett equalising five minutes later. Everton played beautiful football, Turner missing a good opening. Muir saved from Almond, and Foulkes from Taylor, and Turner shot just wide. Halt-time Sheffield United 1 goal, Everton 1 goal. On resuming Muir saved a fine shot from Lipsham. But during the next 20 minutes Everton had the best of matters, Foulkes saving from Turner, Settle, and Taylor. Then United took up the attack, but Bennett was off-side when he put the ball through, whilst Muir saved from Hedley, but Almond scored from a pass by Lipsham barely a minute from the finish, thus winning a good game Result Sheffield United 2 goals, Everton 1.

SHEFFIELD UNITED 2 EVERTON 1
December 26 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
For the first time in the history of the Everton Football club, the team had to forge afield on Christmas Day and the engagement with the Sheffield united eleven necessitated a journey to the cutlery town on Monday. The directorate decided upon a further change and brought in Sharp to partner Taylor with Proudfoot in the centre; while the home side were at their usual strength. The players at eleven o'clock lined up as follows: - Everton: - Muir, goal Balmer and Watson backs, Wolstenholmes Booth, and Abbott, halfbacks Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner forwards. Sheffield United: - Foulkers, goals, Thickett, and Boyle backs Beers, Wilkinson, and Needham (captain), halfbacks Bennett, Gilhooty, Almond, Hedley, and Lipsham forwards. Settle lost the toss, and on Proudfoot kicking off against a cross breeze the opening play was slightly in favour of the United, but after ten minutes play the visitors began to feel their feet, and showed that it would require the best efforts of the United to stare off defeat. Turner and Settle particularly, on the left, were very aggressive, while Proudfoot was distributing the work in a manner that boded well for the success of his side. Following a well worked out plan of attack. A corner was forced off Boyle, and this being taken by Sharp, Taylor headed the ball on to Settle, who defeated Foulkes with a magnificent shot. Play continued favourable to the visitors, but misfortune came as the result of a miskick by Booth, which ended in an opening being made for Hedley, who put the ball to Lipsham, and in turn Bennett equailsed. From this to the interval, Everton were greatly in evidence, but could not take the lead. On changing ends, the visitors at once looked like forging ahead, and the forwards playing a magnificent game Taylor is particular being most prominent in attack. The van was however, opposed to a stubborn defence, and for quite 20 minutes the home side were not within range of Muir. Foulkes had plenty of work in hand, and by dint of kicking out, and clever saves by the custodian, the home line were repeatedly saved from downfall. During one of the aggressive onslaughts on the United goal. Thickett fsted the ball from Turner, but the referee apparently had not seen the infringement, and did not upheld a strong claim for a penalty. The play still favoured the visitors, but a break away by the United found Muir at fault in the last two minutes the game Almond scored an easy goal. There could be no question as to, which was the superior team for on all hands the visitors were freely admitted to have given one of the finest displays that have been witnessed at Bramell lane, this season. That the United obtained full points was more Everton's misfortunate than their fault, for from start to finish they set a terrific pace and played excellent football and deserved success.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES AND CHAT
Athletic Chat - Wednesday 26 December 1900
By “The Merseyman.”
Following their ardour-damping defeat at Burnden Park, the Everton players sat down to dinner with their directors on the Monday evening, but, of course, it could not be expected the affair should go off with that cloudiest sky apparent, for instance, when the Toffees' boys were behaving as they should and can do, say in September last. Many things were said which might well be inwardly digested with good results, whilst it was also stated that Captain Settle would be reinstated for the Notts County match, the ex-Buryite eventually being allocated to the inside-right berth, McDonald drafted to centre vice Proudfoot, and the remainder of the team as at Bolton, Sharp's name again mysteriously being conspicuous only by reason of its absence.
Apropos the Toffees, their trials and tribulations, one of our local evening papers has for some time past lent itself to Everton's supporters, whereby the latter can pour out the vials of their wrath, select forward lines, &c., ad lib. These latter have chiefly gone in for seeing how many different ways seven men's names can be chosen, somewhat similar to the manner in which your late couponeers, Mr. Editor, would "box up" the winning clubs in an endeavour to hit the £150 nail on the head; whilst one correspondent went to the extent of advocating Abbott's claims to the onerous centre-forward post! What a spice of variety would be added to the doings of the Everton club, had a " man in the crowd" Selection Committee. The holiday programme of our two First Leaguers is of a stern character. Look for instance, at that of Everton;- Saturday, December 22, Notts County (home); Tuesday, December 25, Sheffield United (away); Wednesday December 26 Bury (home); Saturday, December 29, Preston North End and that £10 note (home); Tuesday, January 1, Bury (away); Wednesday, January 2, Middlesbrough (away). All but the last mentioned are League battles. It is evident that the Toffees are in for a busy Yuletide. I trust it will be a correspondingly happy and profitable one.
On Wednesday, Bury will put in an appearance at Goodison Park, where last April the Shakers succumbed 2 to nil. The present should prove a capital match, for both sides will be particularly anxious. The Shakers may begin the fresher eleven, and I noted they had no Christmas Day league fixture. But the Blues have but to give a sample of their best form to come out on top. I shall be pleased to find Abbott repeating his goal-saving efforts of last season against the Gigg Lane men, aye and his comrades catching the infection.
Next Saturday's game with the men of Preston should see other 2 points added to the Everton sideboard, for surely what the Goodisonians accomplished at Deepdale on September 1 they can repeat at home. Strange that the Toffee pair who found the net at Preston, Sharp and Proudfoot, have clipped into such disfavour will the selectors. Last New Year's Day the erstwhile Proud 'Uns Balmer and Co. a very hard game here, in fact, deserved a division of the spoils.
Considerable interest was vested in the appearance of Notts County at Goodison Park, if only by reason of the fact that the visitors included two ex-Everton players, Ball and Gee, and two Liverpool-born men, Prescott and Morris, in their ranks. It must not be forgotten, also that the Lace club, dubbed Magpies, gave the residents here a glimpse of how an English Cup should and could be won, some years ago. Further, should Everton win, they would climb over the heads of the Trentsiders on that ever-revolving "table." Notts only made one change in the team which seven days earlier had won a disappointing game with West Bromwich Albion. This was Spencer, the old Forest emergency man (who shaped so well at Hyde Road recently) vice Hadley on the outside right. Notts, by the way, introduced four new faces here in Morris, Ross, Warner, and Pennington.
The game opened evenly, Notts shaping well. But their charge early had two narrow escapes from fine centres by Taylor. Turner on one occasion turning the ball right into Pennington's hands from a three yards range. Abbott also had a pop. Then we saw Gee trying to do for Notts what he could never manage for Everton, viz., score a goal. Balmer alone saved the situation. A few minutes later Gee was guilty of a still finer effort; but an inch made all the difference. However, Bull and Co. were one up, Warner finishing a centre from Gee by defeating Muir. Shades of 1899.
Nothing but a  masterly save by Pennington prevented Settle equalising a minute later. For some time the visiting citadel was subjected to fierce bombardment; but luck was dead against the Toffees. At last the pressure was relived, and Muir twice saved from stray visits to his end. From here to the interval Everton monopolised the attack, but an inability to readily seize upon splendid chances, combined with a determined, non-sparing defence by the Lambs, prevented any score accruing, and the interval was called showing Everton in a one goal minority instead of holding a substantial lead. The second " 45 " was terribly disappointing from a “sports” standpoint. The home attack became more disjointed as the game advanced, and it was positively cruel to “sit it out.” To while away the time the usually stoical “press” actually attempted “Christmas crackers!”  It was indeed a happy release when “time” expired!
A lengthy comment on the play and players is a too excruciating task at this festive period. Once more it was the forwards who lost Everton the game. A more foggy” display it has not been my lot to peer into, for no low was the point of mediocrity touched upon that one could count the decent bits on half the fingers of a single hand. The latest “forward reshuffle” will surely never do. McDonald at centre almost out-Beveridged Beveridge.
Gray always succeeded in doing the wrong thing, and the others were not a great deal better. Settle’s strong point once upon a time, alas! Was his deadliness in front of goal. Now he only seems deadly in another sense. With the defensive portion of the team there was little to cavil at, Balmer and Booth particularly doing good work.
For the visitors, Pennington and his backs presented a bold front. The firstnamed appeared guite as cool as Suter was excitable. Prescott kicked finely, whilst Bull played a grand half- back game.
Among the forwards I liked Morris, Spencer, and Gee in the order named. The first-mentioned, who learnt his football quite close to Goodison park, so a friend tells me, was both clever and tricky, a second McConnachie in fact. The defeat was a great blow to the Everton management, who surely are to be commiserated with on the troubles seas whereon they have been tossed of recent years.

EVERTON V BURY
December 27, 1900. Glasgow Herald.
Fully 25,000 witnessed the league match at Goodison Park in dull weather. Everton made no changes, but Bury were without McLuckie, Sagar going centre. The game opened in most spirited fashion, and Everton scored, after severe pressure, from a corner, through Abbott. A couple of minutes later Pray equalised, and Sagar place Burt ahead. Although Everton played desperately, Wood scored a third goal. Interval Bury 3 goals, Everton one. Play was very exciting, in the second half, before fully 30,000 people. Each goal was vigorously airmailed, and both Muir and Thompson made fine saves, the Bury forwards being particularly smart. Everton attack's were without sting, but eventually Turner scored, and close on time Proudfoot equalise, the game end in a draw of three goals each.

EVERTON 3 BURY 3
December 27 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The only really important fixture in this district yesterday was the League match at Goodison Park between Everton and Bury. Probably the fact that people were on holiday had rather more to do with the excellent attendance than the display that Everton have recently given. These have been most unfortunate seeing that on Saturday and Tuesday they lost four points to Notts County and Sheffield United. On the Principe, however that those results have been too bad to be true, people pourned into the magnificent enclosure yesterday in the hope that at last Everton would exhibit their true form fully 30,000 being present. Everton played the same team as on the previous day, while on the Bury side the absence of McLuckie caused Sagar to be tried at centre forward, with Berry inside left. Shortly before 2-30 the teams faced as follow: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer, and Watson, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, halfbacks, Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. Bury: - Thompson goal, Darroch and McEwan, backs, Pray, Leeming, and Ross, halfbacks, Richards, Wood, Sagar, Berry, and Plant forwards. The visitors opened the play, but at once the home side settled down to earnest work and in the first couple of minutes Taylor, with a clever shot, was only a trifle wide of the mark. The visitors made desperate efforts to change the venue, but some time elapsed before they got into a favourable position. Balmer gave a corner, which led up to a sharp attack. Leeming put the ball well up, and Woods, when but a few yards off goal, shot hard into Muir's hands. This was a lucky escape for Everton and it was signalised by a further strong attack on the Bury goal a splendid shot by Taylor calling for Thompson's best efforts to keep his goal intact. The pace did not flag in the least, and the ball was up, and down the field with rapidity that quite delighted the larged crowd. Plant led on a movement to the Everton end, and sent across to Richards, who returned the ball, which the outside left put into the net. He was, however, palpably offside, and the point was promptly disallowed. Getting away again Thompson saved twice in quick succession from close range, the second time at the expense of a corner. This was well placed, and Abbott, rushing up headed into the goal after play had been in progress 17 minutes. As the result of capital movement by the home left, the visitors goal was all but captured. Richards and Wood made play on the Bury right, and following a corner kick, Pray, with a swift shot, defeated Muir, the sides being now on level terms again. Sharp and Taylor made headway, and the latter to save a fair attempt to score called upon Thompson. The play was now of a more even character, and the swift cross shots by the Bury wingers always savoured of danger. The right wing pair were the more aggressive, and as a result of several movements towards Muir, Richards put the ball to Sagar, who had no difficulty in placing his side ahead. The ball was quickly at the other end, where Turner made an excellent bid for goal with a fast grounder. The Bury forwards were now most persistent, Sagar keeping his wings well employed and finishing up with shots that caused much uneasiness to the home defenders. A couple of spurts by Sharp were the next items of interest, and from a corner kick Abbott put beside the mark. Another fine run down and centre by Plant led to further disaster to Everton. Abbott was at fault in not clearing, and Woods slipping in, scoring the ball, and gave Muir no chance whatever of saving. This third reverse was quite a staggering to the home supporters, who following upon the earlier proceedings were anticipating a comfortable margin at the interval. Just before half time the Bury forwards were again very aggressive, but no further scoring took place, and Bury led by 3 goals to 1. On the resumption Bury were the first to the become dangerous, but met with strong opposition from the Everton halves, and on play veering to the other end Settle shot in splendidly, and Thompson brought off a very fine save. A few minutes later Proudfoot put the ball into the net, but was clearly offside, and the point was disallowed. Richards was unfairly pulled up by Abbott when close in, but nothing came of the free kick, though on a further return, Plant, Sagar, and Richards put in shots, that kept Muir well employed. Play continues to be interesting, and slightest in favour of Bury. In attempting to head the ball away Settle came in contact with one of the Bury halves, and play was suspended for a few minutes. Sharp and Taylor made good progress, but at this juncture had but little support, and Sagar raced off, with but Balmer and Muir to defeat. The former prevented an accurate shot, being sent in, and Everton breathed freely. Meanwhile Ross had the measure of the Everton right wing pair, and there was not the sting in this part of attack as was so noticeable in the first portion. Settle, Turner, and Proudfoot made a big effort to get through, but to no purpose, and another sprint by Plant resulted in the ball being driven against the side of the net. For some time Everton enjoyed the greater share of play, but there was no defeating the visitors, halfbacks, who prevented anything like a good shot being sent in to Thompson. Leeming was especially clever in his attention to the Everton inside men. Some eight minutes from time Sharp raced grandly between the backs, and led upto a skirmish in the Bury goalmouth. The ball had been shot against the crossbar, and following a rush on the goal, Turner put through and reduced the lead. When close on time, Settle put out the ball to Sharp, who swing it across to Proudfoot with the result that the score were level again. Up to the finish, the play favoured Everton and a capital effort from the right was but the merest shade at fault. Nothing further was scored and a capital game ended in a draw.

TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 29 December 1900
Everton v Preston North End, Goodison Park
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle and Turner, forwards. Kick-off 2.30.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Preston North End reserve v Everton reserve, Preston.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelley, backs; Boyle, Green, and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, McDonald, Worthington, Gray and Corrin, forwards. Train leaves Exchange Station at 1.5.

PRESTON V EVERTON
Lancashire Evening Post- Saturday 29 December 1900
By Perseus
Early this season Everton were cracked up as just about the finest team in the country. Since then they have cracked up themselves in another sense; and as in seasons gone by, Goodison hopes have been unrealised for surely a point per match is by no means the extent of the anticipation of those who got together the present Everton team. Yet the individual calibre of the players is such that it would never be surprising to find them doing a few big things; only these star combinations seem to lack continuity in well-doing. Probably, however, the home club anticipated North End’s visit this afternoon with some little confidence, for the Prestonians were not full strength, being without both Elliott and Gara in whose places Orrell and Pierce appeared, while Henderson was given a trial on the extreme night. Pierce’s inclusion seemed wise, but why Orrell, a full back, who has never shown any adaptability for half, should be played in the intermediate line was a puzzle. Teams;- Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer and Watson, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott half-backs, Sharp Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. Preston North End: - McBride, goal, Dunn and McMahon, backs, Orrell, McIntyre, and Todd half-backs, Henderson, Pierce, Pratt, Becton, and Green, forwards. Sharp weather favoured the match, which was started before 10,000 spectators. Settle won the toss, and Everton made the first advance, Sharp sending in a capital centre which McBride caught and threw away. Dunn cleared subsequently, and McIntyre set his right wing moving, bit Pierce’s passing was too strong, and a little later Green shot rather softly when beautifully placed. Taylor have his partner a chance at the other end, only for the ball to fly high over. Proudfoot was offside, and Henderson was penalised for a foul on Abbott. Becton fed Pratt, who shot too soon, and with play quickly transferred Dunn fisted the sphere down. Settle headed outside from the free kick, and Sharp sent over from a corner secured by Turner. Everton continued to exert pressure, and Booth drove in a deceptive cross shot which coming through a crowd of players was an awkward customer. McBride fisted out, but the attack was renewed, and from a swift sprint by Sharp Turner had a lovely chance, which he spoiled by a wild drive. But after 13 minutes play Abbott scored with a curling long shot which seemed to deceive McBride. The home side again bore down with force, and McMahon cleared at dangerously close quarters. Then at length the scene was changed, Pratt on the left obtaining a corner, Pierce having, however, been prominent in the preliminary work. The flag kick was cleared by Watson, but for a minute or two the Prestonians had just a look in. Proudfoot transferred and McBride got rid of a stinger amid applause. Dunn was penalised for fouling Turner, but subsequently headed away strongly. Settle was whistled offside when in a fair position, but in spite of the free kick the game was largely one of the attack by Everton and defence by North End. Once the ball was netted from Wolstenholme, only for offside to be signalled. McBride excelled even himself with two superb saves, an effort by Settle being a veritable teaser. Muir dispossessed Pratt right in the goal mouth at the other end, and Henderson was guilty of weak work against Watson. Orrell let in Turner, whose shot luckily rebounded, and next he was penalised for what looked like a fair enough charge on Settle. The North End forwards were handicapped by over kicking on the part of the halves, but occasionally they got away without Muir being troubled. Taylor sent a trifle wide and Wolstenholme rattled in a fiery grounder, McBride saving, although his view was badly obstructed. Pratt by dint of determined work led an attack, but he was poorly supported. Booth fouled Pierce, but Balmer returned the free kick,. Turner was left quite alone by Orell, who seemed principally concerned with the inside man Settle, and five minutes before the interval the extreme player slipped away, rounded Dunn, and sent across a centre which Taylor converted. Dunn robustly repulsed Turner directly afterwards, but the home left were very busy, and again got down only for Proudfoot to be given offside. Balmer beat back Green, and Henderson seemed capable of doing little. On the other wing Ted had a tussle with Sharp, and Abbott shot without effect. Half-time; Everton 2 North End 0
Everton’s lead of two goals was no more than they deserved for their pressure had been almost continual. They had played a good game, while the weak spots in the North End eleven were quite apparent though so far as Orrell is concerned it should be remembered, in fairness to him personally, that he was in an entirely strange position. There was a thin mist over the ground when play was resumed. Pratt missed a rare chance from a centre following a run by the left wing, and then Dunn was slightly hurt, resuming, however, after a little rubbing. Sharp and Proudfoot executed a dashing movement, ending in the former shooting outside, as he was pressed by Tod and McMahon. Becton made a magnificent dribble, and shot at great speed, Muir arousing the spectators with a brilliant save. North End were now having more of the game, and Pratt and Pierce in turn, had hard lines with shots rebounding. Muir had to run out to save from an advance by Becton and Pratt, and this half promised to be much more even than the first. A corner gained by Sharp and Taylor was ineffective, and Pratt shot over for North End. This mist was becoming a little thicker. Everton took up the attack, and Booth was very unlucky with a hard shot, which struck Dunn and came back. Pratt headed over from a corner, and Green was slow. From a free kick Turner struck the side net, and Sharp, fed by Wolstenholme, lifted in a lovely centre, which McBride fisted away. The weather was clearer again, and the game had taken on more of its earlier character. A roar of amusement was caused by Taylor, who nearly skied the ball out of the ground. Turner and Settle made play along the left, and the latter whizzed in a veritable torpedo. McBride was safe, and Tod started Green, only to find his forwards driven back at once. Pratt several times kicked too far in front of him, enabling the backs to clear. Turner outpaced Orrell, but the Everton forwards seemed to have lost purpose in front of goal. The last ten minutes, however, which was played in a gathering mist which rendered the figures on the far side of the field indistinct had a surprise in store, as Sharp converted a centre form the left and Becton, receiving from Green, beat Muir with a screw shot which the custodian might have saved. Sharp came along with another goal, and thus the visiting defence, although improved since the interval, had been beaten twice in each half. Still Everton were immeasurably the superior side. Result;- Everton 4, North End 1.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 29 December 1900
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
By Red Rose
Good professional clubs in the South cannot now be counted upon the fingers of one hand, as was the case a few years back. The day upon which Woolwich Arsenal openly decided to embrace professionalism a new era dawned upon Southern football, a better class of artiste, and a higher standard of play at once being the result. The tables were turned upon Midland and Northern clubs, who, until a few years ago, were went to strengthen their ranks at the expense of organisation at the other side of the Cheviots. International agreement, however, put an end to this, and now English clubs desirous of Scottish players have to make their approaches in more circumspect fashion. There was nothing, however,  in the way of Southern teams preying upon the presences of Northern neighbours, and as a result of the high rate of remuneration offered it was not surprising to find a number of the most brilliant stars of English migrating to Southampton, Tottenham, Reading, Millwall, and other hot-beds of Socker in the South during the close season. Tottenham seem to have had a peculiar regard for Preston players-although indeed it must be confessed that there are extremely few Southern clubs who are not the fortunate possessors of an old North Ender-and among others Tom Smith (No.1) Sandy Tait, Bob Stormont, and Tom Pratt have worn the Hotspur colours, and when the ‘Spurs visited Deepdale last season in the English Cup Competition there was quite a reunion of old Prestonians.
AMATEUR DAYS
Though brief, the career of the Tottenham club is full of interest, and its history may be divided into two distinct portions—the days of amateurism and the later days of professionalism. To the great majority of Northern footballers the ’Spurs were an altogether unknown quantity up to five or six years ago, but the club has been in existence since 1882, when it commenced operations as a junior amateur organisation, the games for the first few years being played on the Tottenham Marshes. The duties of the Tottenham treasurer were then very light, and there was no rash expenditure of any money lying in the club’s exchequer; so slender were the resources that the custodian had to do duty beneath a set of homemade props. The club rapidly grew into a thriving junior organisation, meeting with considerable success in local competitions, with the result that at the commencement  of the 1887-8 season the officials were in a position to rent an enclosed ground. Northumberland Park being secured, and a charge for admission being made. In this season, the club entered the English Cup Competition, and the very first game upon the new ground was a cup-tie, the Old Etonians—more than once the holders the national trophy—being the visitors. The Etonians were by no means so strong a combination as that which did battle with the Blackburn Rovers and Olympians, but they experienced little difficulty in crushing the new aspirants to cup honours with half a dozen goals to spare.
CROSSING THE BAR.
The Spurs, however, forged ahead, meeting with increased support, and considerably strengthening their ranks. About this time Southern clubs began to after hanker after the flesh pets of professionalism, and in 1895 an incident occurred which had an important bearing upon the future of the team. The club was hauled up before the F.A. for a breach of amateurism by providing one of the players named Payne with a pair of football shoes out of the funds, and the action of the Association in suspending the club for a fortnight rankled in the minds of its principal supporters and before very long the committee found it impossible to continue under the old rules. Professionalism was adopted, and new players with reputations were extensively engaged, and before very long the ’Spurs were one of the most powerful organisations in South. The inevitable limited liability company came in due course, two teams were run, and improvement was steadily made until the team can now hold its own with the best in the three kingdom. The excellent fight made in the English Cup competition a couple of years ago, and the manner in which they carried off the Southern League Championship last season, is known to all; indeed, their deeds since they became a professional organisation are of such recent occurrence that to recount them here would be a work of supererogation.
PERSONAL
A glance at the players constituting the team will not, however, be amiss. Tom Smith is an old favourite with Deepdalians, who remember with pleasure the Cumberland lad’s flying runs along the extreme right. He is undoubtedly one of the fastest sprinters Association football, and with a little more finesse would have no superior in North or South. A man of his speed would not be unwelcome on the Preston right at the present juncture, and a man of the calibre of Sandy Tait would not weaken the Preston defence in the slightest. Sandy's removal to the South was a distinct loss to Preston football, for his resolution and grim determination were very pleasing to those who dearly love a trier. No matter what the matchmight be—an importantLeague match or Combination encounter in which the North Endersheld an overwhelming advantage —Tait nevertook liberties, but could be relied upon to put in his best, and play football of a bright and forcible character. He appears to be a fixture at Tottenham now, and certainly has the best wishes of many Preston friendsfor a successful career. Bob Stormont a clever half-back, who hardly fulfilled expectations formed of him at Deepdale has also done good work for the Spurs while Bob Cain, the famous full back who donned the Sheffield United jersey for a good many seasons, has defended the Tottenham goal in manya hard fought encounter. James McNaught, a superb tackier and a perfect glutton for work, is a Dumbarton youth, who is a forward at one time partnered jack Bell, the famous Scottish international. At Newton Heath, however, he shone best at half-back, and retained this position upon removing his goods and chattels to Tottenham. Harry Errents a strapping half-back, has captained the Oldham County team; and Melia, a full back was secured from Sheffield United. This latter player has not been so prominent during the last year or two. Whilst dealing with the players, reference must be made to poor Harry Bradshaw, the Liverpool international, who came to an early grave a couple of years ago. Bradshaw was one of England’s most brilliant outside men, being a fast and clever dribbler and a tricky opponent.
A MAN OF PARTS
John Cameron is undoubtedly one of the most interesting personalities in the Tottenham team and the present position of the organisation is due to a very large extent to his efforts as secretary and player. Cameron who is now the energetic secretary of the Players’ Union, first came into prominence when a member of the Ayr Parkhouse team; he afterwards cast in his lot with the famous Queen’s Park. He gained a place in the Scottish team against Ireland, and played as an amateur with Everton upon his business necessitating his removal to Liverpool. Subsequently he signed a professional form for the Toffeeites, and rendered good service for that team until at Tottenham he found a more congenial sphere of operations. A brilliant forward in any position when at his best, an excellent captain, a capable official, and a jolly good fellow to boot- no wonder Jack Cameron is so popular at Tottenham and in Southern league circles.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Tottenham have again an excellent chance of carrying off the championship of the Southern League. How long will they be content with the class of sport to be obtained under the auspices of that body? That is a question which might easily be put to Southampton and other clubs without a reply being forthcoming. Southern clubs seem to evince no great desire to gain a place in the First Division of the League, although they have made and are still making efforts to secure the strongest combination of players which well-filled cash bags can provide. There can be no mistaking the fact that the presence of Aston Villa, Notts Forest, Newcastle United, Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and other Northern lights would prove an immense attraction on Southampton, Tottenham, and Millwall grounds, and would also gave a great fillip to Southern football. It is within the bounds of possibility that before many years the constitution of the English League may undergo radical alteration, and be divided into geographical sections-Northern, Midland, and Southern. Then would come the opportunity of clubs like Southampton and Tottenham, if a satisfactory settlement of the transfer fee question was arrived at.

EVERTON 4 PRESTON NORTH END 1
December 31 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
There would be quite 10,000 spectators at Goodison Park on Saturday, when Everton apposed North End. There were a couple of changes in the North End while the side that played during the recent holiday engagements represented Everton. At 2-30 the teams lined up as follows: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer and Watson, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth and Abbott halfbacks, Sharp Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. Preston North End: - McBride, goal, Dunn and McMahon, backs, Orrell, McIntyre, and Todd halfbacks, Henderson, Pierce, Pratt, Becton, and Green, forwards.
The game opened in a brisk pace, and from the earlier movements it was quite evident that Everton were bent apart on winning game. Their right wing were repeatedly in evidence, and several of the centres by Sharp caused the visiting defenders much anxiety. McBride put aside much capital shots, but eventually he was thoroughly beaten by a splendid effort on the part of Abbott who from fairly long range drove hard into the corner of the net. Getting to work again, Becton and Green made play on the Preston left, and Pratt looked dangerous when Balmer brought about a change of venue, which led to a further prolonged attack on the visitors goal. McBride saved many clever shots, but was at last beaten by Taylor, who converted a smart centred from Turner. It was only occasionally that the North Enders got into the home left, and then they rarely looked like scoring. At the interval Everton lead by 2 goals to nil. On resuming the Preston forwards were seen to better advantage, but still they did not give one the impression of being able to score. The home left took up the running, but now met with an improved defence, and scoring became a very difficult matter. The play was well advanced when Booth, who had run the ball almost to the line, centred to Sharp, with the result that a third goal was recorded, but play had scarcely been resumed when Becton reduced the lead. Towards the close Sharp completely outwitted the opposing halfs and backs, and racing on to a few yards from goal, out on a fourth goal and Everton won by 4 goals to 1.

PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 31 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
At Deepdale, before 2,000 spectators. North End were the first away, and Henderson scored from a penalty kick. no further goals was scored upto the interval. In the second half Worthington Beat Woodhouse, Corrin repeated the effect shortly afterwards and Everton won by two goals to one. (Game 18) Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Eccles and Crelly, backs, Boyle, Green and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Roche, McDonald, Worthington, Gray, and Corrin forwards .

EVERTON V PRESTON
DECEMBER 31, 1900. The Glasgow Herald.
Beautiful weather favoured the meeting of the sides at Goodison Park, and some 10,000 spectators assembled. Everton made no changes in their team, but the North End played Pierce, Orrell, and Henderson. Everton forced the play, and the Preston goal was subjected to a severe pressure, but McBride defended splendidly. Abbott, however, scored with a very fine shot. The North End seldom looked at all dangerous, and before the interval arrived Taylor put on a another point for Everton, who crossed over leading by two goals to nil. Soon after the commencement of the second half, Becton had a fine chance of scoring for North Ned, but Muir saved in brilliant style. North End showed better football than before change of ends, but were never quite the equal of their opponents, who repeadedly shot in to McBride. Sharp at length increased Everton score, and though Becton got through for Preston, Gray scored a further point for the home side. Everton thus proved victorious by 4 goals to one.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 31 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The last League game of the 19 th century at Goodison Park found the Everton forwards in a more prolic goal-getting honour than with one exception, in any other previous encounter this season. On poof, unfortunate Preston was this infection thrust and the name of the once famous organisation is being sadly being in the mire by repeated reverses. On the form demonstrated on Saturday, the North Enders are about the weakest team in the League, and their position in the table cannot be wounded as if their most recent display be taken at any auriferous of what they are capable of accomplishing. They never extended Everton, and all through the place were struggling along in a disjointed sort of way that boded nothing but disaster, and for this reason there was no particular merit attacked to the victory of the home side. The game was a most one sided affair, and the excellent work of McBride in goal, was responsible for the score being kept down to a fairly respectable margin. A pleasing feature was the improved form shown by the Everton forwards in front of goal, and worthy of emulation was the persistency of the halfbacks in popping at goal. Some of the finest shots of the afternoon came from this line, and Abbott had the joy of scoring with a superb drive into the corner of the net. The forwards had matters pretty much their own way and probably would have done better, had a more powerful defence faced them. The most prominent of the five was Turner, who sprinted and centred in something like the fashion one expects from a player of his reputation. He repeatedly raced round the Preston backs, and dropped the ball accurately in front, furnishing openings, which might easily have been turned to more profitable account. Taylor also did well, and gave Sharp every opportunity of utilising his fine turn of speed by placing his passes well down the field. This brightest the attack considerably, and although matters did not always work out exactly as could have been desired, the idea were meritorious, and more in accord with a high standard. Settle was not a failure on the left wing, but it would be pleasing to be able sometimes to record that he played a distinctly fine game. This, however can hardly be expected more energy in infused into his play, and a little more determination would not cause any deterioration in the efficiency of his labours of those of the front line as a body. The capital work done by the halves has already been commenced upon and each of the trio rendered excellent services, giving the forwards every assistance's, and shooting whenever the opportunity presented itself. The backs were sound and the little that Muir had to do was accomplished effectively, but it was on rare occasions that his services were required. The only branch of the North End team merited any praise was the custodian, McBride, who gave a capital exposition and cleared many awkward shots which scored certain to find the net. Dune was the pick of the backs, but the rest of the side were very erratic in their efforts. Occasionally the forwards would break away, in something like a concerted manner, but they almost inevitably failed to reaching the home backs, though, on two occasions, when Becton raced clean through to Muir, and when Pratt seemed to have the goal at his mercy, the North Enders were unlucky in not obtaining a tangible reward. Becton shaped better than his confreres, but ought certainly to have scored when he had only Muir to beat, and Pratt in the centre was good and bad at times. The outside wing players were by no means a dangerous part of the attack, but, indeed as a body, the whole rank of forwards did not convey the impression of ever giving the opposing defence an anxious time. Their best work was done in the first quarter of an hour after the interval, but the succeeding play was all in favour of the home side. Today the Everton combination team will oppose Stoke Swift, who are the leaders of the Birmingham League. When these eleven were members of the Combination''many stern struggles took place between them, and a good game may be confidently anticipated this afternoon.

EVERTON WIN AN EASY GAME
Athletic News - Monday 31 December 1900
By Harricus
Everton cannot compliment themselves on the results of their holiday games, for in two matches at home they only earned a solitary point, as Notts County beat them, while they may be considered rather fortunate, on paper at any rate, to have made a draw with Bury after being behind 3-1 about a quarter of an hour before time. On the other hand North End appeared at Goodison Park as they very bottom club in the table, and, as Elliott, Gara, and Smith were off duty owing to Christmas injuries, they must have held little hope of being strong enough to lower the colours of Everton on their own ground, though if the players were as optimistic as Mr. Tom Houghton they would never enter an opponents’ field without some hopes of returning with one or even a couple of points occasionally, as at West Bromwich, for instance. Whatever they may have hoped to do on the day, however, any idea of victory was quickly dispelled, and once Everton had got the upper hand they treated the North Enders as a beaten team, and the game consequence lost interest. What made pretty evident that there stood the outstanding feature, was that goalkeeping of Peter McBride. He brought off some really save until he was ultimately beaten by a 30 yards radius from Abbott, which was not up to the standard of saves of the previous one, but it counted the same. The game continued in the same strain throughout the first half. McBride being the most noticeable man on the field, indeed the shooting of the Everton forwards came as a sort of revelation to me, who had heard weary accounts of their ineptitude in front of goal. A few minutes before the whistle sounded for half-time the efforts of the Everton front rank were rewarded, for, after Turner had put in one cross to have the ball out to him again by one of the North Enders, Settle, In think it was, finished up by making the score 2-0 for his side. An idea of the state of the game can be imagined by the manner of the crowd, who at half-time moved round with McBride, who had a rousing reception both on retiring and resuming after the interval.
AN INDIVIDUAL EFFORT.
Yet the best piece of work throughout the afternoon came from Becton, who got through several opponents in first-class style, and it seemed a pity almost that his work was not rewarded with a goal. He had only Muir to face at the finish, but the custodian just managed to turn away his final effort into touch. This seemed to give Preston a little heart, but they could not sustain the pressure, and the play went back again. Sharp, with a clear opening, put on a third point for Everton when darkness was fast creeping on, but just afterwards Green received the ball in an apparent off-side position and being allowed to go on he enabled Becton to register North End’s only point. The scoring was not finished, however, for Sharp, being left with the field to himself and the North End defenders not being very desirous of impeding his progress, he just ran on as he liked, and had no difficulty in beating McBride, and made the final score 4-1 in favour of the home team, all the last three goals having accrued in the closing five minutes, when the light was none too good and when the players had dropped into a lackadaisical spirit. There can be no doubt as to which was the better side, and the fact that the Everton players had a pretty fair idea that they had the game in hand almost from the commencement had its effect on the play, which was not of that robust character which one would expect at Goodison Park.
THE FEATURE OF THE GAME
This was the fine display of McBride, without whom I am afraid North End would be a queer street. I have seen him on many occasions, and I know of no better custodian, and he is certainly the back bone of the side. The spectators fell in love with him and well they might. There was not much to complain of in the back division, but the halves were not of that assistance to their forwards as they should be, and had no idea of following the ball up. Orrell is of course a full-back, and some excuse can be made for him, bit he had a sorry time of it in the second half with Turner and Settle. In addition to receiving very little support from the half-backs the attackers did not get that assistance from the outside men which is necessary to success, and Green and Henderson presented a rare contrast to Turner and Sharp. North End could certainly do with a couple of wingers, and I believe they have been making strenuous efforts to secure a couple of men who would have been in-sustainable to them, men who have already proved their worth on the football field. Becton played another capital game at inside left, and was the best forward, while Pierce was not bed, and Pratt worked out a lot of openings for himself, but generally failed at the finish.
WITH THE WINNERS
The Everton team struck me pretty favourably, and I was rather surprised to see the good work of the forward line, which has given so much trouble to the directors. When one comes to look at the names of the men it is really non-understandable that they should not be more successful. I must say, though that there was nothing to complain of on Saturday, and that bothersome left wing proved that they are well worth their place in the team. Turner did not do a great deal in the first half, but afterwards he made much headway, and he and Settle formed a very effective wing, the inside man providing his partner with plenty of work. The other pair, who have been given their place back again, Proudfoot and Sharp, were also more than passable, though the outsider would do to place the ball into goal instead of centring square. Taylor, as usual, did a lot of useful work, despite a tendency to trip, and altogether, for once in a way, the crowd would be pleased with the form of the front rank, which would I fancy have done even better had it been required of them. The halves were perhaps not so prominent as usual, though there was nothing to complain of, and as usual, they stood out as shootists, while both Balmer and Watson were in the top form, the latter playing a particularly fine and clean game. The players were;-
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Preston North End;- McBride, goal; Dunn and McMahon, backs; Orrell, McIntyre, and Todd, half-backs; Henderson, Pierce, Pratt, Becton, and Green, forwards. Referee; Mr. D. Hammond, Heywood.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 31 December 1900
At Goodison park, where Bury were on view, on the other hand we had a real treat in the scoring line. For a long time it went the wrong way to be appreciated by the bulk of the spectators, but happily it ended all right and the result was a draw of three goals each. The result is the most satisfactory part of the afternoon’s entertainment, as the Everton team were very feeble and slovenly in their play in comparison with the well-timed passes and quiet following up of the Bury men. I wish the same enthusiasm could be infused in the Everton team as what apparently exists amongst the Bury men, and we should not have to bewail such poor results. The termination was quite sensational Everton pulling level and making a draw of three goals each.