EVERTON’S CUP-TIE
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 01 March 1901
TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING EXPRESS
Sir- Allow me to contradict the statement of a contemporary that Wolstenholme was not able to contend with the smart rushes of Bennett. Wolstenholme did not play on Bennett in any portion of the game, as they are right half and right forward respectively. I am also state that Wolstenholme played a grand game, and held a smarter man-Lipsham-in check for the full ninety minutes. J.B. Fountains-road, March, 1901.
Tomorrow’s Team Arrangements
Everton v Notts Forest.- The leaders visit Goodison-Park to decide the return League match, and a splendid game should be witnessed. The following eleven respect Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Kick-off qt 3.30.
Stockport County Reserve v. Everton Combination -This Lancashire Combination match will be played at Stockport. The Everton team has been selected as follows;- Kitchen, goal; Watson and Crelly, backs; Boyle, Grene, and Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, McDonald, Gray and Corrin, forwards. Train leaves Central Station at 1 o’clock.

EVERTON V. NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Nottingham Evening Post - Saturday 02 March 1901
If, prior to the Cup-tie at Birmingham, anyone had ventured to predict trhe Forest team for to-day against Everton, he would unfailingly have been laughed at. Such a combination would certainly have appeared highly imporbable for it uneant the wholesale rearrangement of the side and the introduction quantities so far as the Forest Club was concerned. Curiously unfamiliar looked the team as the players took up-their position, for it had under goone a complete metamorphosis. Of the regular member Norris was in the General Hospital at Birmingham nursing his broke leg, Fred Forman was suffering from a bruished shoulder, and Calvey and Peers were left out consequent upon a decision arrived at by the committee at thew close of the replayed tie at the City ground on Wednesday. The leaving out of the two last named represented a very drastic attempt at reform upon the part of the directorate, and with such a step deemed advisable the necessity of keeping first-class players in reserve was abundary apparent. Fortunately these requirements have been borne in mind by the Forest Club with the result that they were able today to effect a thorough shuffing of the cards upon lines which promised to prove successful. With the exception of the goal and left wing there was no single department in which a change had not been made. John McPherson was once more called upon to take up his old position of centre half, Frank Forman figuring at right half, and Robinson crossing over the left wing. McCurdie, late of Luton, appeared for the first time in the Foest colours as Iremonger's partner, but there is no doubt from the Nottingham point of view interest centred in the work of Dean the newly acquired centre from Walsall, who thus made his debut in a red shirt as soon as he was eligible to do so. Capes was moved from left-half, the position in which he distinguished himself on Wednesday against the Villa to outside right, where he was associated with Murray. It thus came about that the only Forresters playing in the accustomed places today were Morris, Spouncer, Murray, Iremonger and Linacre. All the same great hopes were entered of the efficiency of the combination which looked on paper an admirable one. Forest have still a considerable distance to go before they will be able to materially reduce the lead which Everton possess at present in relation to the matches played between the two clubs. Latterly, of course the “Reds” have inatufested a distinct superiority over the “Toffeemen” as their respective positions in the League chart conclusively shows. It is long time since the Forresters were at Goodison Park, where their last League engagement took place in October 1899. Upon the occasion Everton won by two goals to one, but as Forest beat them in the return encounter 4-2 and won at Nottingham in the early part of present season 2-1, they have since been in the ascendant. The form of the “Reds” at Stoke and Aston was good enough for anything, and though there was an unaccountable falling off at the City Ground on Wednesday it was hoped that under the latred circumstances which obtained today Everton would for the third time in successive have to take second place. The “Blues” it will be remembered went down aat Bramell Lane a week ago in decisive style. Forest left Nottingham yesterday afternoon in charge of Mr. Harry Hallam, and travelled by the Great Central to Liverpool, via Manchester. The headquarters of the team at the Mersey seaport were Lawrence's Temperince Hotel. A fine night was succeeded by a showry morning, rain frequerntly being extremely heavy. The wind was blowing half a gale when play commenced and the conditions were miserably wet and cold. At the start the spectators numbered about 8,000. Settle won the toss, and defended the goal at the cemetery end. Dean started the ball and Abbott at once repelled from Murray. Frank Forman passed nicely to the right wing when Abbott again checked their advances, and Taylor receiving Booth worked slowly towards the Forest goal, with Sharp, Irtemonger having no difficulty in securing the ball from the inside right and returning Spouncer and Morris executed a taking movement the effect of which was spoiled by Balmer. A free kick against Settle took Forest nicely in, and Eccles was cheered for smart work against Murray. After this Everton attacking strongly, and with McCurdie missing in attempting to head away from Proudfoot, Iremonger cleared cleverly at the expense of a corner. Abbott shot from this, but was wide, and directly afterwards Booth with a fine chance lifted loftily over the goal. Forest were playing in the teeth of a strong wind, and with the Sun, which broke through at this point, in their eyes, and the “Blues” continued to press. A free kick helped them considerably, and Wolstenholmes gave Linacre a hard one, which was splendidly negotiated; indeed all the shots up this juncture had come from the Everton halves. Sharp was the first of the forwards to make an attempt, and many spectators thought the ball had gone inches wide and rolled behind. The “Blues” remained in close proximity to the Forest goal, and Linacre saved a straight one from Wolstenholmes, while McCurdie kicked out of goal from Settle. The Forest goalkeeper next conceded a corner to Turner, but McPherson relieved. The “Reds” made a breakaway, and Dean was going on when Balmer met the ball with a strong kick, and returned it well up the field, where Proudfoot made his way close in and Linacre's charge survived a series of atatcks. Taylor shot past, and the goalkeeper knocked down a high attempt from Booth, following which the Forest got away. Spouncer and Morris were unable to get pass Wolstenholmes, who transferred to Proudfoot, and the centres, dribbling up a short distance, scored the first goal for Everton after twenty two minutes had elapsed. Danger threatened from the Everton left when the ball was set in motion. Turner eluding McCurdie and centring, but Iremonger kicked away, and Forest attacked. Murray passing to Dean, who sent past. Capes put in some clever work against Eccles, but Abbott assisted the back to clear, and Everton went straight to the other end, where Taylor was just wide. Frank Forman checked Proudfoot finely and Robinson was safe when challenged by Sharp. Then Forest secured their chance, and they made the best use of it. Capes received from Frank Forman and tricking Eccles deftly put in a lovely shot right from the corner flag, which Muir got rid of only weakly, and Murray running in was able to equalize after half an hour's play. The elation of the Foresters did not last long, however, as Everton attacked again, and Settle placed his side ahead two minutes later. Morris worked an opening for Spouncer, who could do nothing owing to the attentions paid him by Wolstenholmes. Proudfoot essayed a run, but was easily stopped by Frank Forman, and after McCurdie had once stopped Settle the ball went across to Sharp whp passed Settle the ball went across to Sharp whp passed to Abbott, the latter putting on a third goal. Play ruled in favour of Everton up to the interval, and Iremonger conceded a corner to Sharp. Interval; Everton 3, Nottingham Forest 1.
Players; Everton; Muir (goal), Balmer Eccles (Back); Wolstenholmes, Booth, Abbott (half-backs), Sharp, Taylor (right wing), Proundfoot (centre), Settle, and Turner (left wing); Notts Forest; H.J. Linacre (goal); W. McCurdie, J. Iremonger (backs); Frank Forman, J. McPherson, G.H. Robinson (half-backs); A Capes, P. Murray, (riught wing), A. Dean, (Centre), A.G Morris, and W.A Spouncer (left wing). Referee; Mr. J. Adams of Birmingham.

JOHNNY HOLT
The Sphere -Saturday 02 March 1901
The case of John Holt, the old International and Everton player, shows how hardly the transfer system may bear upon a brilliant and deserving player. In a letter to the writer Holt says it cost Everton nothing to secure my services. I played for them for nine years, and then when I wished to make a change they asked 300 for my transfer. This practically barred me from playing in the north, for naturally a man could not be worth that to any club after having played so long. I may state that New Brighton offered Everton 135 for my transfer, and Burnley were prepared to pay 200 but neither offer came to anything. Consequently I had to come south out of the reach of transfer fees. Directly I had signed for Reading I received a telegram from Everton to come and meet the secretary of the Clyde Football Club. The two clubs had agreed about my transfer. It had been arranged without my consent, and then it was also too late."

FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 02 March 1901
Everton v Nottingham Forest, Goodison Park -Referee J. Adams.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Kick-off 3.30
Notts Forest;- Linacre, goal; McCurdy, and Iremonger, backs; Frank Forman, McPherson, and Robinson, half-backs; Capes, Murray, Dean, Morris, and Fred Forman, forwards.
Lancashire Combination
Stockport County reserve v Everton Combination Stockport
Everton Combination; Kitchen, goal; Watson, and Crelly, backs; Boyle, Green and Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, McDonald, Gray, and Corrin, forwards. Train leaves Central Station at one o’clock.

EVERTON v  NOTTS FOREST
The Football news (Nottingham), Saturday, March 2, 1901
Forest being no longer in the rain for the English Cup, have fixed their hopes upon the League championship, for which they are determined to make a bold bid. Misfortune has, however, overtaken them. Through a regrettable accident they have lost the services of Bob Norris, for whom, by the way, a subscription list has been opened at the headquarters of the club. Not only that, the committee was compelled, through injuries, to leave out of to-day's two players—Fred Forman and Calvey. The latter is the more seriously injured, having received several nasty knocks on the ankle, and it may be some time before he is again fit. His lameness was lamentably apparent on Wednesday, when, mainly through his inefficiency, the Forest lost the Cup tie game. Fred Forman recently has been playing only moderately, and his absence will not be greatly regretted. Fortunately the committee, having let no opportunity slip of signing on a likely player, were prepared for a contingency similar to that which just occurred, and two of the most recent captures found a place in to-day's team, with McCurdie, late of Luton, and Alf Dean, recently of Walsall. The latter, who figured at centre, is accustomed to that position, and can also play outside right.  McCurdie, though he came to Nottingham from the South, is a sturdy Scot, and learned his football ayont the Tweed. Other changes were made in the Forest team. The veteran McPherson was again requisitioned, and Capes was played at outside right, a position he filled most creditably at Stoke a fortnight ago. Great interest naturally was takes in the match today, not only because the Forest team was vastly different to that which has been doing duty, but also became the reset was vital to the chance of the Foresters winning the championship. Forest, after a good game, beat the Evertonians on the City Ground in October by two goals to one. Whether they would equal that performance to-day with a different team and away from horns was doubtful. The fact that Forest, contrary to what was the case last year, have played much better away than at home this season inspired their supporters with confidence. The indications pointed to a close and interesting game. Forest, so far as the League is concerned, had, of course, a much better record than their opponents, who, occupying the sixth position, and poisoning only 28 points, have performed but indifferently this season. Past form, however, is of small account, and there was no reason to think, before their own supporters, the "toffee" men would not rise to the occasion. Many and desperate have been the encounters between the teams in the past. First coming together in 1890, they have played no less than twenty-five games.  Twelve of these Everton have won, Forest claiming eight victories. The Forest team left Nottingham yesterday afternoon, staying overnight in Liverpool. Team:— Forest: H. J. Linacre, goal; W. McCurdie and J. Iremonger, backs; Frank Forman (Captain), J. McPherson, and G.H. Robinson, half-backs; A. Capes, and P, Murray, right wing; A. Dean, centre; A.J. Morris, and A. Spouncer, left wing.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Adams (Birmingham).
A stormy morning, during which rain fell and the wind blew in fitful gusts, was succeeded by a fine but boisterous afternoon, the sun coming out and sinning brightly just before the commencement of the game. The ground, thoroughly saturated with the copious rain of preceding days, was sodden and treacherous, players in their eagerness to get at the ball floundering about a good deal. The wretched weather experienced just before the match militated against a good attendance and not more than 8,000 were present at the start: Frank Forman losing the toss, Dean started against the wind. Booth stopped the initial rush of the Forest forward, but Dean, meeting the return, gave to Spouncer, who, after passing nicely with Morris, skied the ball, and the wind sent it out of play. The at first was of
A VERY QUIET CHARACTER,
neither team putting much life into the work. A sprint along the touch-line by Spouncer, who was closely followed by Wolstenholme, roused excitement. Spouncer, however, took matters too quietly, and Wolstenholme overtook him and sent the ball into touch. Morris from the throw-out tried hard to break through, but not finding an opening transferred the ball to the other wing, where Murray, instead at passing to Capes, who had so far been left completely in the cold, tried to get round Abbott and lost the ball. Following this, the Everton forwards, who were playing by far the best football in midfield, hotly attacked the Forest goal, which narrowly escaped downfall. Abbott, from long range, sent the ball whizzing just over the bar, and a minute later Booth, who had an easy chance, shot the ball high over the bar. Then McCurdey, whose kicking was uncertain, and tackling ineffective, made a bad miss, and Iremonger came on the scene opportunely, and by conceding a corner saved the situation. Following this the Forest goal was again hotly assailed, and Wolstenholme close in drove the ball hard at Linacre, who saved marvellously. The attack was continued, and Linacre several times distinguished himself by brilliant saves. Anything more week sod miserable than the attempts at combination made by the Forest forwards could not be imagined. Concerted action was rarely seen. For the most part it was a case of each for himself; they never looked like scoring, much less winning. Everton, on the contrary, were playing a fine game both in attack and defence, and after twenty minutes' play reaped their reward after several good clearances by Iremonger. A misunderstanding seemed to occur between McPherson and Frank Forman. Meanwhile Proudfoot calmly stepped in said appropriated the ball, and from long range
SHOT A FINE GOAL.
Linacre's vision being obstructed. Some five minutes after this Forest, for the first time showing a glimpse of their usual style of play, ran down the field in line, Capes winding up with a splendid shot from the line. This was badly cleared by Muir, and Murray, rushing up, banged ball into the net, equalizing the scores. Exciting play followed this. The Evertonians, still playing by far the better game, made several dashes upon Linacre, and finally Settle, with a fast low drive, again gave the homesters the lead. Everton continued to have the best of matters, though their forwards, indulging more in individual work, were less effective. Following a  free kick near the Forest goal, Booth scored a third goal. Interval- Everton 3 Forest 1
With Morris in the centre, Capes as inside left, and Dean on the extreme right, Forest showed up much better on the restart, penning their opponents in goal for about five minutes, and losing no opportunity of having a shy at Muir. Morris was first to send in a sharp shot, which just missed the mark, and his example was emulated a few minutes later by frank Forman, who, with a fast shot along the ground, was only an inch or two wide. Then Robinson had a shy from the half line, but sent the ball a little too high. Dunn then fell an easy prey to Abbott, who gave a nice pass to his wing, and the ball was landed in front of Linacre in no time. Here Sharp seized upon it, and putting all his weight behind the ball, shot Everton’s fourth goal, the ball cannoning through of Proudfoot. Thirteen minutes after the resumption Forest were three goals behind, and their play was not much as to inspire one with the hope that they would wipe off their arrears. They were, however, having considerably more of the play than in the first half, but in front of goal they were not effective. Spouncer, could he have used his right foot, might have scored, but by the time he had turned round to use his left Balmer had got in front of him, and was enabled to charge down the shot, conceding a corner, which was fruitless. The game, though the play was fairly even, lost a great deal of its interest, and it was a very were heard. The defensive play of Iremonger was greatly admired, and McCurdy was better than in the first half. Capes, who was playing much better in the inside position, gained a cheer for a tricky dribble, but Murray finally kick the ball on to Balmer’s toes. Then frank Forman, who had not been so much in evidence at right half as he usually is in the centre, tried a long shot, sending the ball over the bar, while McPherson sometime after from long range shot wide. Sharp many times gained the admiration of the crowd by his speedy runs along the line. McCardy on one occasion stopped one of Sharp's centres, and cleared very neatly. Dean for the first time showed a really good piece of play. Running down the wing at top speed he centred nicely to Morris, who, being challenged by Eccles, sent in to Capes, who missed a rosy chance.
Result : Everton 4 Forest 1
NOTES OF THE GAME
Disappointing in the extreme was the play of Forest in the initial half. Forward they were weakest, Dean in the centre being little than a spectator. Between the wings there was some passing, but there was no concerted action between the whole five. As a rule the ball was kicked aimlessly on to the toes of the opposition backs. What danger there was came from the individual dashes of each player, Morris and Murray in this respect being conspicuous. The defence was also weak, especially the new player, McCurdy, who seemed uncertain in his kicking, and was easily beaten by Settle and Turner. With the re-arranged front line Forest had a fair share of play in the second half, but they had to acknowledge a merited defeat. A worse game they have not played this season. The new players were disappointing. 

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Cheshire daily Echo- Saturday, March 2, 1901
STOCKPORT RESERVE v.  EVERTON RESERVE
This, the return Combination match between these two teams who are both well up in the table, took place at green-lane. In the first encounter at Everton, the Evertonians were easily victors by 4 goals to nothing, but the subsequent display of the County, especially against New Brighton Reserve last week, awakened the Everton executive to the importance of to-day’s occasion, and ample indication of it was evident in the fact that the renowned. Settle, together with Sharp and Chadwick, were selected to visit Green-lane. Teams;-
County Reserve team; Butler, goal; Freeborough and Chorlton, full abcks; Potts, Bentley, and Brooks, half-backs; Sharpley, Parrott, Watson, Jack Foster, and McLachlan, forwards.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Watson and Crelly, full-backs; Blythe, Green, and Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Worthington, McDonald, Gray, and Corrin, forwards. About 1,000 spectators were present. Some disappointment was caused when it was seen that neither Settle, Sharp or Chadwick was present. Everton who the toss, and played with the help of the gale, started in promising fashion, their centre-forward quickly becoming prominent. A weak pass, however, spoilt the move, and the County left-wing bore away against the wind, but the ball went out. Freeborough neatly cleared several attacks from the Everton right, his kicking being very judicious. Everton were very smart at forward, and Chorlton showed up fresh and well against their efforts. A nice passing movement from the County centre gave Sharpley a fine chance, but he was bothered for position, and kicking with his left foot, struck the post, the ball glancing out of play. The high wind again and again upset the best intentions. McLachlan twice sped along his wing, and the second time his centre gave Watson and open goal, but amid the groans of the crowd he missed the ball. Going away to the other end the visiting forwards looked like scoring, and Gray amid loud cries of “off-side” gave Butler a hot shot, which he cleverly turned out of play. The corner was fruitless, but Everton still pressed, and Gray very smartly eluding Chorlton shot just past. Corrin shortly afterwards got offside, but by fine passing the Toffy men were quickly on the offensive again, Butler distinguishing himself by tipping a nice shot from Green over the bar. The County were doing well to keep out their opponents, who were doing their best to make use of the wind and slope. Butler saved a grand shot from Worthington in a style which called forth the applause of the crowd. Speed and tenacity enabled Sharply and Parrott to get ahead on the County right, but Parrott ran the ball out. A bot attack by Everton brought out the determination of the Stockport Reserves who were full of fire, and dispossessed the Evertonians at every point. Half time; No score.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 02 March 1901
GLASGOW RANGERS
By Red Rose
Hitherto this series of articles has dealt exclusively with English clubs, but the Glasgow Rangers have loomed so large in the public eye during recent years that it will doubtless prove pleasant and instructive task to take a trip the Cheviots and glance at the history Scotland’s premier professional eleven. And a long and brilliant history it is. No club in the four kingdoms can point to such a brilliant sequence of performances during the past ten or a dozen years as those achieved by the Rangers, no honour in Scottish footballdom having been too high for them attain. With ample financial resources, a large and brilliant company of players, and an able management, theclub has experienced little difficulty in finishing the season in one of the leading positions in the Scottish League, while Cup honours have not infrequently come their way.
IN THE BEGINNING.
Socker football was rampant in Scotland long before it began to permeate the cities and large towns of England, and thus it will be found that the Rangers have had a much longer lease of life than the average English League club. The inauguration of the team is slightly hidden in obscurity, but it is believed have taken place 1872, when a band of youths decided to form an eleven under the title of Glasgow Rangers. A private enclosure was out of the question, even if one had been desired. But the Flesher’s Haugh—a public park in Glasgow —amply met the requirements of the players. There were so many aspirants for playing pitches on this park that the least enterprising of the clubs were often left pitchless, but it was the custom with the Ranger.'’ officials to claim a space every Saturday morning by rising at four and five o’clock and planting their goalposts in the park. Practice was indulged in three or four nights per week. The players who enrolled themselves under the banner of the club in the first instance were principally strangers to Glasgow, youths and young men whose business brought them into the city—hence the title. Junior dubs were met, and generally thrashed—during the first year or two of the dab’s existence.
ON THE UP-GRADE.
In 1874-5 the club joined the Scottish Cup Competition, their first tie with the formidable Dumbarton eleven. At home the Rangers succeeded in effecting a draw, but in the replayed encounter Dumbarton managed to scrape through. The Rangers began to feel the necessity for a private ground,and the following year rented one at Burnbank for 12 months, their last line of defence hereabouts being greatly strengthened by the coming of Geo. Gillespie, one of the finest goalkeepers ever possessed Scotland. He came to the Rangers, however, as a half back, and afterwards played full-back, and some little time elapsed before his abilities as a goalkeeper came to be recognised and he was played regularly in the position in which he afterwards gained so much fame. In the following season the Rangers obtained fixtures with the majority of the leading clubs, and managed to survive the first round of the Cup Competition.  Draws with the Vale of Leven and Clydesdale eleven were effected, but the Rangers hardly proved good enough for the invincible Queen's Parkites, who beat them two goals to nil. It is interesting to note that Queen’s Park refused play the Rangers at Burnbank, and the Rangers had perforce to visit Hampden Park.
CUP FIGHTERS
The Rangers have several times had the Scottish Cup their custody. In 1877 they progressed as far as the final in company with their old opponents from the Vale of Leven. The first game was drawn, as also was the second after extra half hour had been played, but at the third time asking the Vale carried off the pot by three goals to two. The Rangers removed their goods and chattels from Burnbank to more commodious premises at Kinning Park, and two years later had once again to meet the Vale of Leven in the Cup Competition. The referee declared the match a draw, but the Rangers stoutly asserted that they had won, and refused to turn out in the replay which was ordered. The cup was thus awarded to the Vale and for the first 20 years of their existence the Rangers failed to capture the Scottish Cup. Another of their Scottish Cup ties with Third Lanark had a remarkable and somewhat unfortunate sending. The Rangers won by one goal to nil, but the Lanark protested on the ground that on one occasion the Rangers had instead of their kicked off the ball, and upon thus alight irregularity the game had to be replayed. Third Lanark won the replay a goal nil, and once again the Rangers' hopes were frustrated.
IN THE ENGLISH CUP COMEPTITION
In 1886-7 the Rangers joined the English Cup Competition, and met with a fair degree of success. It has been said- with some degree of truth it must be admitted-that Scotch footballers are anything but good Cup fighters; certainly the teams which have won this most coveted trophy have generally been almost wholly composed of Englishmen. In the season mentioned the Rangers carried everything before them in the earlier rounds. Church, then one of the most stalwart of East Lancashire elevens, had to visit them at Kinning Park, and returned home beaten by the odd goal; Lincoln City and the Old Westminsters being subsequently thrown out. In the semi-final, at Crewe, however, the Rangers proved no match for Aston Villa, who won by three goals to one. Readers will also remember the way in which Queen’s Park- then, perhaps, the finest Association team in the world- ploughed their way through the competition, only to be beaten at the last hurdle by the Blackburn Rovers.
HERE AND THERE.
It is totally unnecessary to wade through the performances of the Rangers year by year, suffice it to say that they met the best teams of the country year by year, with results largely in their favour. In 1887 they opened their present magnificent enclosure at Ibrox, Preston North End, then in the zenith of their fame, journeying northwards and defeating them by eight goals to one. The gate on this occasion amounted to £350 -a splendid sum for a friendly. In the Glasgow Cup competition the Rangers once had to meet the Cowlairs five times before a definite result could be arrived at. In the first season of the Scottish League competition, and Rangers were joint champions with Dumbarton, and on three other occasions have finished undisputably at the head of affairs, on three occasions they have finished second, three time third, once fourth, and once fifth. In 1898-99 they ran through the competition without losing a single point, their full record being;- Played 18, won 18, lost 0, drawn 0, points 36; for 79, against 18. Preston North End, it will be remembered, went through the English League the same season without losing a game, but on four occasions had to share points with their opponents, their record being- Played 22, won 18, lost 0, drawn 4; points 40; goals for 74, against 15. Which is the better of these records the reader must himself decide.
A TEAM OF INTERNATIONALS
The Rangers have furnished a good many internationals for the Scottish Association, and very rare indeed are the occasions upon which a Ranger has not been found in the team battling for the Thistle against the Rose, the Leek, or the Shamrock. Against England the following have played-J. Drummond, N. Gibson, G. Gillespie, Donald Gow, D. Haddow, D. Hill, J. Inglie, A.M. Creadie, M. McNeill, J. Milelr, D. Mitchell, A. Smith, N. Smith, J. Campbell, R.C. Hamilton, J. Robertson, and T. Vallance, while a number of other Rangers have from time to time played against Ireland and Wales.
A BLACKBURN PAIR
The present players are a splendid set of footballers, although by no means a heavy lot, N. Smith being about the biggest made of the bunch. Wilkie and Campbell, as Blackburn footballers know, are as brilliant a pair of forwards as can be found-when in the humour and condition. Their wonderful control over the leather, finesse, and thorough understanding of each other’s methods rendered them a stiff nut for an opposing half-back to crack, and their flying duets along the left have aroused many shouts of delight and enthusiasm from an Ewood crowd. Campbell was undoubtedly the cleverer of the two, and for his pounds and inches I have never seen him rivalled or surpassed. He just about scaled 9 stone in weight, but made up any lack of stature by a superabundance of dash and pluck. He made many friends and admirers in East Lancashire, and only the other day I observed that Aston Villa had unsuccessfully applied to the Rangers for his transfer.
PERSONALIA
Of the other players John Drummond has played with the Scottish League Champions for nine seasons at left back. With a great physique and a style which has been described as more vigorous than cultured, he has done grand service for his club. He generally shone when his side were engaged in a winning game. His partner, Nicol Smith, has been put forward by his Glasgow friends as the best right full back in Britain, and about the speediest. A strong, fearless player, and a robust tackler, his claim is not easily shaken. Neil Gibson, who is only 23 years of age, has kept his place in the International game with England every year since 1895. A light, graceful, half-back, brilliant in overhead play and in recovery work, he is the Needham of Scottish football. Amongst the forwards, Alexander Smith is perhaps the shinning light. A fleet-footed outside left, he has a thorough control over the ball, and dribbles and shoots brilliantly. The qualifications of other members of the team could be dwelt upon did space permit, for in a team of such all-round excellence a man must be somewhat of a star to gain a place.

EVERTON V. NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 04 March 1901
Played at Goodison Park, Liverpool before 12,000 people. The home side attacked strongly from the outset, and scoring through Proudfoot after twenty minutes play. Murray made matters level after another ten minutes, but Settle given Everton the lead again and a third goal was scored just before the interval. After changing ends Proudfoot give Everton a fourth goal and thus winning by 4 goals to 1.

EVERTON DEMOLISH THE FOREST.
Athletic News - Monday 04 March 1901
By the Loiterer
The visit of the present leaders of the First Division of the League was awaited with feelings of keen interest in Liverpool, and as both Everton and their opponents had bidden adieu to all hopes and anticipations relative to the destination of the English Cup, a keen game was expected by the crowd that wended their way towards Goodison Park. Unfortunately the weather was of a very boisterous character, and this, no doubt, had a marked effect on the attendance, which at the best would not exceed 15,000 persons. The play, too, did not come up to expectations by any means, for the visitors never gave the impression at any part of the afternoon that they were likely to win, or even run the home side a close race for victory, and Everton gained a decisive success, which did no more than demonstrate their superiority in actual warfare. The Forest played their new recruit, Dean, in the centre during the first half, but the arrangement did not work at all well, and at the interval the ex-Walsall player changed to outside right. Morris being brought in as the pivot of the attack, whilst Capes, who commenced on the extreme right, was relegated as partner to Spouncer on the left wing. Everton had their usual combination, and Settle winning the toss, took advantage of a fairly strong breeze, and, in addition, placed his opponents to face a glaring sun.
AN INTERESTING OPENING
Everton laid the foundation of their ultimate success in the first half, and straightaway began pegging at the Forest goal in grim earnest. Many well-meant efforts went astray owing to wild work in front of goal, and Abbott made several attempts to lower the Notts citadel without avail.  With the elements in their favour, Everton monopolized the play, but for some considerable time appeared unable to score. Twenty-two minutes had elapsed before a point was obtained, but after Proudfoot had hooked one of the many clever centres sent across by Sharp into the corner of the net, the fun grew fast and furious. Five minutes later a splendid centre from Capes was feebly repelled by Muir, with the result that Murray, with the goal at his mercy, equalized. Almost before the cheers had died away, Sharp bad whipped across another deadly centre, and Settle deftly placed his side once more ahead, whilst just before the interval a foul against the visitors enabled Abbott to attain the consummation of his desires, and a terrific shot gave Linacre no earthly chance of clearing. The second half was not nearly so interesting as its predecessor, and though the re-arranged front rank of the Forest worked more efficiently than before, Everton once more led the way in scoring. The visitors demonstrated pretty footwork, but in front of goal they fell away sadly, and it was left to Sharp, who banged one of Turners centres into the net, via Proudfoot, to reopen the scoring. From now until the finish the play veered from end to end, and Capes, with an open goal, made terrible mess of a glorious chance, whereas Everton were with difficulty prevented from adding to their total, and eventually won by four goals to one.
CONCERNING EVERTON
Everton had their opponents practically beaten in the first half, and they might easily have held a more pronounced margin at the interval, than they actually did gain. The bulk of the play favoured them, but in front goal they made very ordinary attempts to find the ne, and Proudfoot’s initial goal came at a most opportune period. The home forwards, when once they had settled down, gave a capital display, and in the centre Proudfoot accomplished some very smart movements, affording the men on either side every opportunity of demonstrating their skill. The wing men were greatly in evidence, both showing speed and resource, whilst their centres formed one of the outstanding features of the match. Sharp led the way to the first two goals scored by his side, and as he obtained the fourth himself, his share in the victory was by no means a small one. Turner on the left wing was a great success, and in conjunction with Settle indulged in most effective work, the skipper being in one of his happiest veins. The whole front line displayed a pleasing and harmonious combination, and they ran round the Forest defence in a style that must have been a surprise to the Midlanders. The halves were well in touch with the forwards. Booth playing a capital game in the centre, and Abbott doing ditto on the left, the varied attempts of the wing man to score being rewarded by one of the best goals of the match.  The backs were equally sound, though the wind bothered them somewhat in returning, but Muir had very little to do in goal, and should have avoided the downfall of his charge, which was caused by an unusually weak. Clearance from the centre by Capes.
 FOREST FAILINGS
The visitors must have been suffering from their heavy work of the preceding week, for the form displayed by them suggested no possible visions of the championship, or anything approaching it. The forwards gave the impression of individual cleverness, and the passing was extremely pretty to witness, but they gained no tangible benefit from all their labours, and their attempts at goal were weakness itself. As at first constituted the front rank was not a success, for the men did not work well together, and though some smart footwork was achieved by first one and another, there was a lack of sting and determination when the final touches were necessary. In the second half, their play improved considerably, but they rarely caused Muir ranch trouble, and two lovely chances of scoring were allowed to pass unheeded. Morris running through and then shooting over, whilst Capes had a gift of a goal, but kicked somewhere in the vicinity of the touch line. The latter was, despite this, the most prominent of the attacking forces, but the whole line, though extremely clever at times, failed in the same respect, namely, inaccuracy near goal. The halves were none too effective, Frank Forman being the most conspicuous, and the defence did not convey the idea of being particularly sound. The Everton wing men repeatedly got the better of both McCurdy and Iremonger, and altogether the team that has figured so prominently at the head of the table for so long, did not enhance its reputation.  But on present form, the Everton forwards are qualified to make a more powerful defence appear very shaky, and continuance in this vein should place them in a much closer position to the head of affairs than they at present occupy. The teams, as they entered the field, are herewith subjoined, the duties of referee being well discharged Mr. J. Adams, Birmingham; Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, backs;  Nottingham Forest;- Linacre, goal; McCurdy, and Iremonger, backs; Frank Forman, McPherson, and Robinson, half-backs; Capes, Murray, Dean, Morris, and Spouncer, forwards. 

STOCKPORT COUNTY DRAW WITH EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 04 March 1901
With a very strong team Everton paid a visit to Green-lane and after a thoroughly interesting game, time was called with the score sheet blank, due in a measure to the fine goalkeeping of Kitchen the visitors’ custodian, formerly of the County club.  The game was of an exciting character to the close and the result forms a fair estimate of the play of both teams.  Of the visitors a word of praise is due to the forwards, who showed some pretty combination at times.  Roche and McDonald were the pick; Blyth was in capital form in the halves, and Kitchen in goal gave a good exhibition.  The County forwards did not appear to be in their usual form.  Potts was by far the best of the halves, and Freeborough, Chorlton and Butler were a capable defence. 

EVERTON v. NOTTS FOREST.
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Monday 04 March 1901
Everton, before 15,000 spectators. Notts Forest had three reserves in their team. Everton had the best of play to half-time, Proudfoot scoring. Murray equalised, and Settle and Abbot gave Everton the lead. In the second half Sharp scored a fourth goal for Everton. Everton Notts Forest 1

EVERTON 4 NOTTS FOREST
March 4 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
The League leaders put in an appearance at Goodison park on Saturday, and but for the unfavorable weather conditions there would undoubtedly have been a goodly gathering. There were about 12,000 spectators present when the teams faced as follow: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer and Eccles backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott halfbacks, Sharp, Taylor Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner forwards. Forest: - Linacre, goal, McCurdy, and Iremonger, backs, Forman McPherson, and Robinson halfbacks, Capes Murray, Death, Morris, and Spouncer forwards. The game opened evenly, when Forest left wing became aggressive, only to be foiled by Wolstenholmes, and smart passing by Settle and Turner ended in Abbott shooting beside the mark. A second attempt from the left half led to a corner kick which afforded an easy chance of scoring when Booth badly failed, and for some little time the Everton forwards attacked in vigorous fashion. Wolstenholmes tested Linacre with a difficult drive, and during the next few minutes several capital centres from both wings were abegging. Eventually Proudoot utilised a smart centre from Sharp, and the first goal was registered after 23 minute's play. Directly afterwards the Forest left were prominent, Muir being called upon and on a further return, Capes put in a beautiful cross shot, which Morris utilsed to the best advantage, thus equalising. Directly following Settle placed his side ahead on receiving a clever pass by Sharp. This led upto further pressure, which resulted in Abbott scoring a third from a free kick. No further scoring took place up to half-time, when Everton led by 3 goals to nil. After the change of ends the Forest front line was reconstructed, Morris going centre, Capes inside left, and Dean outside right. The change appeared to work well, for the visitors were now persistent in their attacks, but there was no defeating the Everton backs and keeper. Muir was however, twice called upon to negotiate difficult a shots. Eventually play was transfereed, and following a smart run down by Turner, the ball was put to Sharp, who scored a fourth goal. Turner was in capital trim, and sent across several fine shots to no avail, following which the Forest had a brief spell of attacking, during which Forman and Capes were prominent the latter player, however, falling badly with an open goal. No further scoring took place, and Everton won comfortably by 4 goals to 1.

STOCKPORT COUNTY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 4 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
At Stockport, in wretched weather, half time Everton none Stockport none. Everton's defence was a very strong, Kitchen being applauded for several good saves, and a goodless game resulted. (Game 25) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Watson, and Crelly, backs, Boyle, Green, and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Roche, Dawson, McDonald, Gray, and Corrin forwards .

EVERTON REVIEW
March 4 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton entertained the present leaders of the first division, and had the satisfaction of gaining a decisive and well deserved success. The Forest players were doubtless suffering from their exertions in the two tussles with Aston Villa, which would account for their apparent staleness, whilst in addition they had to be moan the absence of their most prominent members of the team. This necessitated a complete change in their forward division, but apart from this, Everton always had their opponents well in hand, and played a winning game throughout. In the first half the home side with the wind in their favour made matters very warm for the Midlanders, and had their work in front of goal been as accurate as their midfield play was in advance of that of their rivals they wound at the interval have held a more pronounced lead than actually did occur. The Notts defence could not cope with the persistent attempts of the Everton front rank, and the extreme wingmen beat the Forest Backs repeatedly, dropping across accurate centres, which, however for thirty minutes were feebly utilised. After the ice had been broken, as it were, by Proudfoot, the scoring was more rapid and at half-time Everton had practically made their position as victors secure. The visitors entirely re-arranged their forward division in the second moiety, and this combination proved more efficient from a playing standpoint, but was unable to baffle the opposing defenders. Weak shooting terminated Clever passing, and one or two beautiful chances of lessening the adverse margin were allowed to pass unheard. Capes and Morris were the chief offenders in this respect and the consequence was that Everton credited themselves with the only goal of this half. The Forest did not display anything like championship form, and it is difficult to imagine that the team on Saturday's display can ever gain one of the most coveted positions in the realms of football. In every department did Everton show their superior prowess, their attack having more sting in it, whilst the display of rear division was considerably in advance or that of their opponents. The home forwards were in a lively mood. Proudfoot giving his wings every opponent by his judicious up to right and left and the outside men did not fail to itilise these openings to the utmost. Turner fairly had the measure of McCurdy, the Reds latest recruit to first division warfare, and repeatedly did he round the back, dropping the ball in front of the post with clever accuracy. At the other extremity Sharp was over ready with his rapid rushes, and equally skillful centres, and it will easily be understood that the inside players had numerous chances of scoring, which as already stated was nullitied for fully half an hour by wild kicking in the vicinity of Linacre. Settle was seen in a more aggressive homour than has of late been the case, and Taylor was always on the alert for a stray opportunity. The halves were particularly prominent. Booth leading the way with some sterling work, and several times, did the Forest goal escape capture by the narrowest margin from the persistent shooting though one attempt when the centre half was only a few yards from the custodian, was a huge failure. Abbott likewise strove hard to lower the Forest citadel, and after numerous attempts the burly winger had the satisfaction of registering a very fine goal. In addition he played a hard game throughout and on the other wing Wolstenholmes was fairly successful with the energy. The backs were rarely in difficulties, though they found the wind more than usually troublesome and Muir had little to accomplish in goal, but one weak clearance from Capes centres led to the Forest gaining their only goal of the afternoon. The visitors gave a disappointing exhibition, and the failure of their front rank to take advantage of much clever work in midfield, by reason of their feeble shooting must have come as a grievous surprise to their supporters. Their new recruit Dean was a greater success and the outside right than in the centre, and Calvery's usual position was weakly filled by the ex-Walsall player. Capes was the most effective worker in this branch of the team, though he like others failed when near the Everton custodian, and the climax was reached, when with an absolutely open goal, and placed not more than five yards away from the posts, he sent the ball away over the line, considerably wide of the upright. The halves were best represented by Frank Forman; but the general display of this line was not of a very efficient nature, a remark which applies with equal force to the defensive work of those further in the rear. Iremonger played a very fair game, but could not go the pace with Sharp though he frequently tackled the Everton flyer cleverly. The home team had the upper hand of their opponents throughout the first half and was worth their four goals to one victory.

EVERTON v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Nottingham Journal - Monday 04 March 1901
Everton played exceptionally good football, an effective blend of combination and clever individualism forward, and strong tackling and sure and judicious kicking behind. In attack Forest were ragged, almost without method, faulty in their passing, and in general play totally unlike the team which in the past has achieved such great results. To some extent, though not altogether, this was due to the changes in the composition of the eleven. Dean, in the centre, rarely got near the ball, and when he was possessed of it seldom did the right thing. Capacity to find the wings work and keep them in hand was lacking in him. Dash and energy to work hard he possessed abundantly, but of executive ability he has but little. In the second half, at outside right, he seemed to know better what was required of him, and displayed plenty of dash and speed. But from the first things went wrong with the Forest forwards, and they seemed to lose confidence in each other and heart in the struggle. The re-arranged line in the second half was more effective for purposes of combination but the commanding lead of their opponents damped the ardour of the quintette, and their attempts tp redeem the situation were of a desultory character. Everton deserved their win. Great interest naturally was taken in the match, not only because the Forest team was vastly different to that which has been doing duty, but also because the result was vital to the chance of the Foresters winning the championship. Forest, after a good game, beat the Evertonians on the City ground in October last by two goals to one. Forest; H.J. Linacre, goal; W. McCurdie, and J. Iremonger, backs; Frank Forman(Captain), J. McPherson, and G.H. Robinson, half-backs; A. Capes, and P. Murray, right wing; A. Dean, centre; A.J. Morris, and A. Spouncer, left wing. Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Adams (Birmingham). A stormy morning, during which rain fell incessantly and the wind blew in fitful gusts, was succeeded by a fine but boisterous afternoon, the sun coming out and shining brightly just before the commencement of the game. The ground, thoroughly saturated with the copious rain of preceding days, was sodden and treacherous, players in their eagerness to get at the ball floundering about a good deal. The wretched weather experienced just before the match militated against a good attendance, and not more than 10,000 were present at the start. Frank Forman losing the toss, Dean started against the wind. Booth stopped the initial rush of the Forest forwards, but Dean, meeting the return, gave to Spouncer, who, after passing nicely with Morris, skied the ball, and the wind sent it out of play. The game at first was of a quiet character, neither team putting much life into the work. A sprint along the touch-line by Spouncer, who was closely followed by Wolstenholme, aroused excitement. Spouncer, however, took matters too quietly, and Wolstenholme overtook him and sent the ball into touch. Morris from the throw-in tried hard to break through, but not finding an opening transferred the ball to the other wing, where Murray, instead of passing to capes, who had so far been left completely in the cold, tried to get round Abbott and lost the ball. Following this, the Everton forwards, who were playing by far the better football in midfield, hotly attacked the Forest goal, which narrowly escaped downfall. Abbott, from long range, sent the ball whizzing just over the bar, and a minute later Booth, who had an easy chance, shot the ball high over the bar. Then McCurdie, whose kicking was uncertain, and tackling ineffective, made a bad miss, and Iremonger came on the scene opportunity, and by conceding a corner saved the situation. Following this the Forest goal was again hotly assailed, and Wolstenholme close in drove the ball hard at Linacre, who saved marvellously. The attack was continued, and Linacre several times distinguished himself by brilliant saves. Anything more weak and miserable then the attempts at combination made by the Forest forwards could not be imagined. Concerted action was rarely seen. For the most part it was a case of each for himself; they never looked like scoring, much less winning. Everton, on the contrary, were playing a fine game both in attack and defence, and after 20 minutes’ play reaped their reward. After several good clearances by Iremonger, a misunderstanding seemed to occur between McPherson and frank Forman. Meanwhile Proudfoot calmly stepped in and appropriated the ball, and from long range shot a fine goal. Linacre’s vision being obstructed. Some five minutes after this Forest, for the first time showing a glimpse of their usual style of play, ran down the field in line, Capes winding up with a splendid shot from the line. This was badly cleared by Muir, and Murray, rushing up, banged the ball into the net, equalising the scores. Exciting play followed this. The Evertonians, still playing by far the better game, made several dashes upon Linacre, and finally Settle, with a fast low drive, again save the homesters the lead. Everton continued to have the best of matters, though their forwards, indulging more in individual work, were less effective. Following a free kick near the Forest goal, Booth scored a third goal.
Interval- Everton 3 Forest 1.
With Morris in the centre, capes as inside left, and Dean on the extreme right, Forest showed up much better on the restart, penning their opponents in goal for about five minutes, and losing no opportunity of having a shy at Muir. Morris was first to send in a sharp shot, which just missed the mark, and his example was emulated a few minutes later by Frank Forman, who, with a fast shot along the ground, was only an inch or two wide. Then Robinson had a shie from a distance, but sent the ball a little too high. Dean then fell an easy prey to Abbott, who gave a nice pass to his wing, and the ball was landed in front of Linacre in no time. Here Sharp seized upon it, and putting all his weight behind the ball, shot Everton’s fourth goal, the ball cannoning through of Proudfoot. Thirteen minutes after the resumption Forest were three goals behind and their play was not such as to inspire one with the hope that they would wipe off the arrears. They were, however, having considerably more of the play than in the first half, but in front of goal they were not effective. Spouncer, could he have used his right foot, might have scored, but by the time he had turned round to use his left Balmer had got in front of him, and was enabled to charge down the shot, conceding a corner, which was fruitless. The game though the play was fairly even, lost a great deal of its interest, and it was a very rare occasion when the cheers of the spectators were heard. The defensive play of Iremonger was greatly admired and McCurdie was better than in the first half. Capes, who was playing much better in the inside position, gained a cheer for a tricky dribble, but Murray finally kicked the ball on to Blamer’s toes. Then frank Forman, who had not been so much in evidence at right half as he usually is in the centre, tried a long shot, sending the ball over the bar, while McPherson some time after from long range shot wide. Sharp many times gained the admiration of the crowd by his speedy runs along the line. McCurdie on one occasion stopped one of Sharp’s centres, and cleared very neatly. Dean for the first time showed a really good piece of play. Running down the wing at top speed he centred nicely to Morris, who, being challengedby Eccles sent in to Capes, who missed a rosy chance Result Everton 4 Forest 1.

EVERTON v. NOTTS FOREST
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 04 March 1901
Played at Goodison Park. When the teams appeared the sun shone out gloriously, but a powerful wind was blowing, of which Everton, winning the toss, took advantage. There would be some 12,000 present at the start. Dean kicked off towards the park goal. After the preliminary scramble Turner and his captain commenced working their way down very prettily, but McCurdy proved a stumbling block. Spouncer took the ball back along the Forest left, but Balmer intervened, and although the Notts men had a couple of free kicks, they did not trouble the Everton defence very seriously. Shortly afterwards the homesters attacked strongly. Proudfoot missing a grand chance, and Booth sending over the bar after a corner had been taken. Iremonger saved his side on one occasion, and Abbott sent in a rattling shot to Linacre, who subsequently was troubled on several occasions, but came out of the ordeal with flying colours. The Blues kept up a very prolonged attack, some exceedingly clever combination being displayed and after a lot of pressure had been put on Wolstenholme, after extricating himself from the attentions of his opponents, put in a very fine shot. Linacre saying with equal clearances. A further bombardment of the visiting goal ensued, after which McPherson passed out well to Capes, the latter ineffectually trying to dodge Eccles, who returned the ball near the centre line. Here the half backs indulged in some tricky work, which culminated in a further onslaught on the Forest goal, but the only decent bid for goal was another great attempt by Wolstenholme. Free kicks to either side had the effect of each end being visited in quick succession. Then Turner made a grand move, and centred finely, Sharp making a splendid effort, but getting too far under the ball he lifted it clean out of the ground. Linacre then beat away a shot from the corner of goal, and Wolstenholme nearly netted the ball, but was manifestly off-side, as also was Turner, who made another effort. Booth supplemented this work with a fine shot, and Turner put in further good centres, but no one took advantage of the opportunities offered. For the last ten minutes Notts had not been over the half-line. Everton attacking fiercely the whole time. The Forest were not giving a great exhibition by any means, and Everton were almost entirely monopolising the game. From one severe attack Sharp centred beautifully, and Everton at last succeeded in opening their account, Proudfoot by a grand shot piloting the sphere safely into the net, this point coming after twenty-two minutes’ play. Imbued with their success, the blues again swarmed round Linacre, Booth making another gallant attempt to lower the Forest colours. At length the visitors had a spell of pressure, Murray coming away at top speed, Morris testing Muir, who by a judicious move cleared, though Spouncer was close upon him. During a Forest move one of the advancing players was fouled, and the free kick gave the ball to Capes, whose shot was well saved by Muir. However, before the ball could be taken down the field Murray fastened on, and beat the Everton custodian. The homesters made their way into Notts territory from the restart, and Turner effected a beautiful centre, but the Notts goal again escaped. Proudfoot brought the ball down again, and gave to Sharp, whose centre was captured by Settle, the Everton skipper scoring a beautiful goal a couple of minutes after Murray’s equaliser. Turner commenced another move, and Wolstenholme was busy finishing it when he was fouled. The free kick gave two or three of the Evertonians an opportunity of goal-shooing, but when Abbott’s turn came he made no mistake, his terrific shot scoring Everton’s third goal. Everton had nearly all the remaining play, and at half-time the score was -Everton 3 goals, Notts Forest 1. When the teams reappeared the attendance was fully 15,000. Proudfoot, the initial stages being contested in midfield, following which Everton made a raid. Taylor shooting wide. From the goal kick Forest made play up the right, Murray racing away at a terrific pace, but his shot was not a good one, and went about a couple of yards wide. A brilliant move on the part of Taylor led up to an attack on the Forest goal. Sharp racing away and centring grandly, but Turner was checked by McCurdy before he could get in his shot, and a clearance was effected. With the object of improving matters. Forest changed their forward line, Dean going to outside right. Capes outside left, and Morris taking the centre position. Notwithstanding these alterations, Everton had the best of matters and hotly assailed the visitors’ goal. Robinson sent in a splendid shot, which nearly brought about the downfall of the Everton goal, and shortly afterwards Murray shot by the side of the post, Everton’s counter move ending in a half-hearted manner. A couple of other moves were of a very spirited nature, the Foresters playing up manfully in their endeavours to keep back the Evertonians. However, the efforts of Settle and his merry band prevailed in the end, the work of the left wingers being smartly taken up by Sharp, who at last let fly for all he was worth, and the balls truck Proudfoot in its flight, and passed into the Forest net, Everton’s fourth goal being cheered all round the ground. With brief intervals Everton monopolisedthe attack, and once Proudfoot was badly fouled when a splendid opening presented itself, the ensuing free kick proving fruitless. A magnificent run and centre by Sharp “brought down the house,” McCurdy just nipping in and clearing.
Result;- Everton 4 goals, Notts Forest 1 goal. Teams;-
Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.
Notts Forest;- Linacre, goal; Iremonger, and McCurdy, backs; Robinson, McPherson, and Frank Forman, half-backs; Spouncer, Morris, Dean, Murray, and Capes, forwards.

LIVERPOOL CHAT
Football Chat and Athletic World – Wednesday, March 6, 1901
By Mersey Mentor
It was a proud day for Everton when the famous Forest were pulverised. That is what it amounted to, far from the start, beyond occasional flashes of pretty play, the Lacemen were never in it with Captain Settle’s little lot, who were brought and lively from start to finish. Particularly fine was Jack Sharp’s work on the right wing. It was worth the money to see how beautifully he centred time after time, and how smart and nippy the other forwards were on the ball.
Of course it has to be remembered that the Forest were hardly the same team as played the Villa to a standstill the Saturday before. Four of these men were away, and six of the players were in positions to which they were not accustomed-hence, perhaps, some of their raggedness. Dean, the centre-forward, over whose transfer a League Commission last week sat at Walsall, hardly seemed worth so much bother-indeed, in the second half he was ousted by Morris, and went outside-right. The Forest did better then, but Spouncer was the dangerous man. In the meantime Turner had begun to show a light, some of his crosses being beauties. The goals were scored by Proudfoot (2), Abbott, and Settle. The Forest’s only point fell to Pat Murray.
The Goodison Park frequenters were very disappointed with the visitors’ form, but on the whole they were contended with the result. And they had reason to be. It had scotched the Forest’s chance of the League Cup, and almost brought Everton into the running again.

TODAY FIXTURES
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 09 March 1901
EVERTON v.  BLACKBURN ROVERS
This League match will be played at Blackburn today, when the following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-back; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. The train leaves Exchange Station at 1.35 p.m. Kick-off 3.30 p.m.
EVERTON COMBINATION v BLACKBURN PARK ROAD
This match will be played at Goodison Park to-day. The following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Watson and Crelly, backs; Blythe, Green, and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Worthington, McDonald, Gray, and O’Brien, forwards. Kick-off, 3.30 p.m.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 09 March 1901
READING
By Perseus.
If for no other reason than their plucky battle at Bolton a fortnight since, Reading deserve at once to be promoted to a place in our gallery of famous clubs. How this victory of the Biscuit Boys conjures up visions of the past! Here they come into Lancashire and beat a First Division team; yet do you not recall that only seven years ago, when the same club came to the Palatinate in the Cup, they were thrashed at Deepdale by the overwhelming score of 18 to 0. Recollections crowd in as one mentions this well-remembered match. Truth is indeed sometimes stranger than fiction. You remember that Jimmy Sharp, on account of his heart, was absent from this particular match; pessimistic views were taken of his case, and who could have dreamt that seven years hence he would be leading to a Cup tie victory in Lancashire the very club which was then undergoing so severe a gruelling. Yet so it has turned out, for the old North Ender was not the least conspicuous force in the surprising defeat of the Trotters a short fortnight since.
RECELLECTIONS OF A THRASHING.
But decisive as was the defeat administered to the Biscuit townsmen in 1893-4 the tie was nevertheless one on which Reading looked with some pleasure, for it was a proud achievement in itself that they were the only amateur club in the competition proper. Besides, they never expected anything but a whacking, though, mayhap, their anticipations had not counted quite so many as 18 stripes. Indeed, in their latter matter North End surprised themselves. By the by, it was the first match in which Nick Ross took part after his prolonged absence through ill-health, and in consequence of the inclement weather it was considered prudent for him to retire before the game was finished. Brother Jimmy was centre that day, and chalked up a round half-dozen goals, Becton and John Cowan netting four apiece, while the trainer J. Barton, brought in as emergency man, made himself happy with a trio. The evening before this Hughie Dunn had arrived on the corridor from Glasgow -his first trip outside the borders of Scotland, perhaps indeed his first far beyond the confines of his native Johnstone. All this is apart from the point-Reading-but tis pleasant sometimes to wander in the fragrant garden of the past. Let me explain ere proceeding, however, that the accompanying photo is of Deane, the captain of the Reading amateurs in the tie of ’94.
OLDER THAN NORTH END
Returning to Reading, it may come as a surprise to many that the Berkshire club is in point of age North End’s senior in the Association game, ay, and for that matter, the senior of many other of our well-known Northern and Midland clubs as well. For its birth you go back to 1871 right into the days when Southern amateurism ruled supreme in English football, and over 20 years ago Reading were so strong that Old Etrurians, the ultimate winners of the trophy, only dismissed them from the English Cup by the narrow margin of a goal. So Reading in no degree partake of the character of the mushroom which springs up in a single night; and if one writes the names of the earliest pillars of the superstructure, Mr. J.E. Sydenham and Mr. J. Simonds, few, if any, in this part of the country will know such old supporters of the game. Yet the merest outline of the club’s history could not pass without their mention any more than it could without reference to another stalwart. Mr. Horace Walker, who up to a few years ago rendered sterling service, for which he was made, I believe, a life member.
IN PROFESSIONAL DAYS
In the interval between reading’s early days of amateur excellence and its comparatively recent advance as a professional club the organisation has had its own experience of football vicissitudes, through which, however, it would scarcely be interesting to wade. Once, I believe, it almost flickered out, but it has come at length through all, and aforementioned entry into the competition proper for the national trophy, in 1893-4, was a hopeful sign of strengthening life. By this time the professional wave had spread southwards, and in 1894-5 Reading followed the lead of such as Woolwich and Millwall by deciding to pay their players. A year or two later came the formation of a limited liability company- another adoption of Northern ideas- and about this time still another important step was taken in the engagement of the ex-North Ender, James Sharp, who, on the playing field, and still more, perhaps, as secretary manager, has been a servant of great value, and remains so to-day. Members of the Southern League since its establishment. Reading have maintained a moderate level in the tournament, but have not been so prominent therein as Southampton, Millwall, and Tottenham. In the Cup they have this season made their presence and their prowess felt. In succession they dashed the hopes of Bristol by beating, first the City, and then the Rovers, the former in the supplementary round, and to the surprise of Bolton it is unnecessary to refer again. And now, what will they do with Tottenham in the third round, a fortnight to-day? That is the question discussed in all Southern football circles. We in Preston, who have a lively respect for the ‘Spurs, may have certain views, but Tom Eccleston, the injured North Ender who was for two seasons at reading, gives a straight tip that whatever Tottenham might do on another ground, they will certainly not beat them at Reading.
FEATURE OF THE GROUND.
There is no peculiarity in the field of play which prompts such an opinion; it is merely that against Hotspur and one or two other of the bigger clubs Reading have in the past had a happy knack of rising to the occasion as their supporters have cheered them on. No the playing pitch is very fair indeed, level and well laid, comparing not unfavourably with Football League grounds. In regard to the extent of accommodation for spectators, probably 15,000 could see comfortably, a large proportion of them being placed on the terracing which runs along one side of the ground, and forms quite the leading feature of the enclosure. In the excellence of the construction of these terraces Reading is equalled by few if any grounds, and I can well believe that no one pays a visit without taking away a capital impression of this particular part of the Biscuit Boys’ battlefield.
PERSONAL JOTTINGS
As soon as one touches the personal element, and glances in memory through the ranks of past and present members of the team, say since professionalism was adopted, a wealth of talent is unfolded. Many of the men who are thus brought to mind are not unknown to followers of the game in the domains of the Football League, and therefore in this part of the country they are familiar in more than mere name. You may start with secretary Sharp himself and Eccleston, old Prestonians; then go on to Johnny Holt, the ex-Evertonian, who played five seasons in succession against Scotland; to the Bury contingent, which included Millar and Jack Plant, the latter since returned to his former allegiance; or you may pick out Walter Whittaker, who, born at Manchester, has appeared for Newton Heath, Reading, and the Rovers. O’Brien and Hosie also came to Balckburn from the Berkshire borough; Notts County secured Hadley, Watts and Ross therefrom; Crawford was on the Reading right ere he joined Sunderland. So one night go on. Amongst the present players, who are a gritty, go-ahead lot, in whose keeping the traditions of the club are safe, are Henderson, the fearless, whose kicking for being absolutely sure has been surpassed by few- Mainman, Clinch, Watts(returned to his old club), and A. Sharp, whose daring sometimes borders on recklessness, with others almost equally dashing.

BLACKBURN ROVERS v  EVERTON
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 09 March 1901
By “Rovers”
These old rivals met for the third time this season to-day, when Ewood Park was the venue of the encounter. Earlier in the season the Blackburn men returned from Goodison Park with a draw to their credit, but they went one better than this by beating Everton in the Lancashire Cup competition. Last season, when the Goodison Park representatives visited Blackburn they were beaten by three goals to one. Up to noon to-day there was some doubt about whether W. Whittaker, the Rovers’ goalkeeper, who had been indisposed, would be able to take part in the match. He, however, had so far recovered that he reported himself at head-quarters at being fit to play. In his absence, Platt, who played last Saturday, would have filled the position. Everton brought their best eleven. Teams;- Rovers;- W. Whitaker, goal; Crompton and Howarth, backs; Moir, McClure, and Houlker, half-backs; A. Whitaker, Somers, Dewhurst, Bryant, and Blackburn, forwards.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Referee; Mr. T. Helme, Farnworth.
Better weather could not have been desired. The spectators numbered 8,000. Settle won the toss, and Everton defended the town goal, with a light wind at their backs. Everton were the first to break away, Booth putting his right wing on the attack. Sharp and Howarth collided, and both went over. The efforts of the visitors produced a corner, the ball going over the line off Blackburn. The flag kick was worked away, but the Rovers, although they came down the field, could not pass the dividing line. The visitors continued busy, and Whittaker was called upon in quick succession. A free kick helped the home side to get into the opponents’ territory, Blackburn failing to improve on a cross from the right. Houlker lost his side a chance by dribbling too long, Taylor fouling. From the free kick Byrant headed over the bar. The Rovers were called upon for hard defensive work. Wolstenholme sending in at long range. Whittaker got his fist to the ball, which he drove down the field. Booth accounted for his opponents, when they endeavoured to break into his quarters. Sharp was given the ball, and he centred for Proudfoot to head in a beauty. Whittaker caught the ball on his left hand, and threw it round the post -a brilliant save. A piece of smart play by Blackburn put the leather over Balmer’s head. Dewhurst rushed in and drove in a grand shot, which Muir dropped at his feet. Somers made a dash for the ball, but Muir was too quick and got the leather away at the expense of a corner. This gave the Rovers little advantage, and after the Everton forwards had been checked, a retaliatory run came from the home side, but finished badly. McClure ending the assault by shooting too high. Some lively play was now witnessed in front of the home goal, several of the Everton forwards making attempt to send in shots, but being prevented in each instance, as a Rover pounced quickly on the sphere. After some scrambling work Dewhurst lifted the ball from near the right corner flag to Muir. Blackburn made him part with the ball, but Bryant, with an open, missed a glorious chance. Everton took full advantage of the mistake, for they went down the field in good style. Howarth allowed Sharp to beat him, and the Everton player went on towards goal with no one to stop him. Whittaker awaited his final kick, taken a few yards away, and there was a great cheer when it was seen that the ball was reposing in the arms of the custodian, who promptly ran out and sent into touch. A minute later Crompton gave a corner. Whitaker was ruled offside, a decision which the crowd did not agree with. Turner now got away, his centre striking Crompton’s body, and a corner resulted. The defence got this away. The Rovers worked down by their right, but there was no one in position for Whittaker’s centre. Once or twice the ball was sent in the direction of the goal, but it did not reach Muir. Settle getting hold, he dodged about until he got an opening. He then delivered a quick, low shot, which was wide of the post. Two corners for Everton were now taken. Bryant drove the ball to the centre, and Blackburn and Balmer came into collision. Both men went down, but the Rover was the first on his feet. He could not shoot and gave Whittaker. The latter who was on the penalty line, tarried too long, and his attempt was charged down by Eccles. Although the Rovers got in front again they were weak and caused no trouble. A short stoppage was made through Taylor winding Houlker. Mr. Helme gave a free kick which produced a corner off Wolstenholme. This kept the Rovers in the vicinity of Muir, and out of a scrimmage Whittaker backed the ball through with his left foot- a splendid goal. This point came four minutes from the interval. The Rovers kept up the pressure, but they failed to make the best of their chances. Half-time;- Rovers 1, Everton 0.
No sooner had the game resumed than Crompton tripped Turner. Abbott dropped the ball into a crowd of men who were lined up in front of goal. The danger was easily averted, and Blackburn was the means of carrying play to the other end. Whittaker getting the ball, dropped in a splendid centre, which Bryant missed. In a sharp scrimmage the ball bounded over the line off an Everton man. For a few minutes following the corner Everton had to act on the defensive. A tussle between Blackburn and Booth ended in another corner, which was easily worked away. Everton broke away, the ball being dropped in goal from the right. Crompton had a couple of his opponents to deal with, the back, after a lucky clearance off his shoulders. Being floored and winded, Balmer, having miskicked, recovered himself, although he was pursued by Dewhurst. A fine cross from the left was put in by Somers, but his partner, Whittaker, who had a splendid chance, shot wildly over the bar. Sharp fouled Houlker, and, as he had offended twice against the same player within a very short time, he was cautioned by the referee. Pretty work by the home right and the centre put Whittaker in a good position for shooting. He dallied too long, and had the shot knocked over the line. Whittaker dropped the leather in beautifully from the flag, and Bryant receiving it on his head, it flew into the net well out of the reach of Muir. This goal came after sixteen minutes. Everton worked their way down, and,  Howarth falling, he let in his opponent. Whittaker run out, but he was too late-the ball was sent into goal by an Everton man. Crompton had gone into goal and got the ball away. The visitors were not got rid of without difficulty. Whittaker being sometime before he got back into his goal. Everton were not now showing the same vigour as they had done in the early part. Settle getting close in, essayed a shot, which Whittaker dealt with. A free kick for the visitors produced a corner, Crompton failing to head away. Whittaker was called out of his goal to repel an assault. Taylor dashed at the custodian, but bounded off him to earth, and the referee gave a free kick for charging the goalkeeper. At the end of half an hour Turner screwed in Whittaker after getting the ball, allowing it to slip-through. Some anxiety attended a free kick for Everton. The Rovers’ defence was equal to the emergency. There was a burst away to the other end, Bryant causing Muir to handle with a long attempt. The Rovers, hereabouts, were having the best of matters. Twice Whittaker got near goal, and on one occasion he was tripped within the penalty line by Eccles. The referee disregarded the appeal for a penalty. An attack by the Everton men, who worked in a body, looked like proved disastrous, a whizzling shot was sent in, Moir fortunately lifting the sphere away. Bryant tried a run which was not effective and directly afterwards he and Blackburn worked the leather in front. Somers made a poor attempt with his head to beat Moir. Moir deliberately tripped Settle on the centre line. A lively incident followed this, as when McClure was endeavouring to clear Settle jumped at him and floored him. Before the end came McClure had his revenge on the same player. Everton played hard to the finish, but had to accept defeat. Result;- Rovers 2 Everton 1.

EVERTON REESERVE v PARK END
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 09 March 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
At Goodison Park, there being only a handful of spectators. The visitors were late in arriving, and the home team kicked off, and after a few minutes’ play a free kick against Park Road enabled McDonald to get up and score against Davies. Everton continued to have much the best of the game, and ten minutes later, through a miskick by one of the visitors’ halves, the home forwards broke through again, and Davies making only a feeble attempt to save, McDonald scored goal No.2 as Play progressed the visitors became more and more hemmed in, and the Everton men did pretty much as they liked, except score, Kitchen rarely touching the ball. McGee and Dewhurst were most prominent for the visitors, but their forward play was slack, and disjointed, and they were seldom dangerous and entirely kept at bay. Half-time- Everton 2 Park End 0
The second half was slow and uninteresting. Now and then park End got down but they could make nothing of their chances. Townsend passed badly to his wings and mulled some good openings while neither Nield not Galloway was of much account. Everton took things quietly for a time, but towards the close they were swarming round Davies and bombarded the goal.
Result- Everton Reserve 4, Park Road 0

THE BUYING OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Southern Echo - Saturday 09 March 1901
THE CASE OF John Holt, the old international and Everton player, shows haw hardly the transfer system may bear upon a brilliant and deserving player. In a letter to the writer Holt says; “It cost Everton nothing to secure my services. I played for them for nine years, and then when I wished to make a chance they asked £300 for my transfer. This practically barred me from playing in the North for naturally a man could not be worth that to nay club after having played so long. I may state that New Brighton offered £135 for my transfer, and Burnley were prepared to pay £200, but neither offer came to anything. Consequently I had to come South out of the reach of transfer fees.  Directly I had signed for Reading I received a telegram from Everton to come and meet the secretary of the Clyde Football Club. The two clubs had arranged about my transfer. It had been arranged without my consent, and then it was also too late.”

GEE
Southern Echo - Saturday 09 March 1901
Few people looking at Gee’s burly figure would take him to be only 23 years of age, yet he is barely that, for he was born at Grassmoor, in Cumberland, in 1878. He made a good reputation with Chesterfield before he went to Everton from which team, as readers will remember, he came to Notts.

BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 1
March 11 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
These teams, which were at full strength, took the field at Ewood Park, on Saturday, before about 10,000 spectators. At 3-30 the players faced as follows: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer and Eccles backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth and Abbott halfbacks, Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Whittaker goal, Crompton, and Howarth, backs, Moir, McClure, and Houlker, halfbacks, Whittaker, Somers Dewhurst, Bryant and Blackburn forwards.
Everton had the better of the opening play, and several smart skirmishes took place within range of the Rovers goal. Taylor called upon Whittaker, and after Sharp had failed to get through Turner centred neatly, and Proudfoot headed in. the ball was actually in the net, when Whattker fisted out, but an appeal was not sustained. The home pair of backs had plenty of work on hand, but eventually Whittaker transferred play, and Dewhurst tested Muir with a shot that required his best efforts to clear. For some little time play was evenly distributed, when Sharp broke through, and having the better of Howarth, found himself with an open goal. He, however, shot straight at Whiitaker and his opportunity was lost. The visitors continued to have slightly the better of play until close on the interval, when taking advantage of an opening afforded by the Everton backs, Whittaker put the ball quite out of Muir's reach. And gave his side the lead. After resuming the Rovers became very aggressive and following several raids on the Everton defence, Bryant scored a second point from a centre by Whittaker. Everton now attacked strongly, but success was not forthcoming until 15 minutes from time, Sharp rushed the ball through after Whittaker had failed to clear. The visitors still pressed their opponents but could not exact quarter from the home defenders, and on the Rovers breaking away, a claim for a penalty against Balmer were not upheld. No further scoring took place, and Rovers winning a hard game by 2 goals to 1.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES.
Athletic News - Monday 11 March 1901
By The Loiterer.
IT appears to be a neck and neck race with the two Liverpool clubs for position. On Saturday morning Everton appeared to have a good chance of securing a lead more substantial than what appeared on paper, but they failed at Blackburn, and Liverpool winning at Anfield the latter had some advantage. Everton appear to have been a bit unlucky in not at least drawing level in the closing stages of the game. At Anfieid the ”Wolves” gave Liverpool more than they bargained, as the visitors seem pretty low down in the table, but all the same they made Liverpool go all the way, and in the end were unlucky lo lose. It was the Liverpool defence that saved them, as the forwards appeared very slow in comparison with their opponents, and the only goal of the match bit of a surprise. Liverpool got It and the two points, which are very useful. I was pleased to see such a good muster of spectators. With one thing and another the till at Anfieid must have been pretty well run dry.
At Goodison Park the Everton combination team further strengthened their position as probable champions of the Lancashire Combination.  Park Road, of Blackburn, were the victims, and as they trotted on the ground, some twenty minutes late, it reminded me of the doings of our best Lancashire friends of years ago, who had always some excuse of missing trains or connections. However, the crowd bore the infliction well, and it is a pity they did not make a better show on the field. They were never in it, and only once dangerous, and then it come from a free kick in the first half with the exception of the backs, who stuck to their guns well, and the goalkeeper, Davies, the team was a poor one, and made no show of scoring. When one team is peppering away nearly all the time, and only score two goals until the game is well advanced, someone is shining, and that individual was Davies. He is lively chap, and seemed to judge the ball well, but with a desire to improve their goal average, the Everton forwards put on a bit extra during the last ten minutes and scored twice, thus winning by four goals to none.

WELL-FOUGHT GAME AT BLACKBURN.
Athletic News - Monday 11 March 1901
By Harricus
Blackburn Rovers have been playing an improved game for some time, and with so much success that they have only lost one out of their last eleven matches, and their defeat at Newcastle was only sustained after an encounter In which they had by no means the worst of it, but the odd goal which was registered was against them. Their opponents of Saturday, Everton, have likewise played up to their reputation since Settle and Turner were re-introduced the left wing, and their meeting at Ewood Park was looked upon to provide a keen struggle for supremacy and a bumping gate. The latter item may not have been so satisfactory to the Rovers’ directorate as could have been desired, for the attendance was under 9,000, the receipts only amounting to about £2OO. The game, however, was all that could be desired, and particularly so from the point of view of the Rovers' followers, for the score went against Everton by 2—l. The Rovers may thus claim an advantage over their more powerful opponents in their association this season, for in the Lancashire Cup Competition, on Election Day, the Rovers won, while the League match at Everton ended in a draw.
EVERTON’S GOOD WORK UNREWARDED
Play throughout the first half was rather in favour of the visitors, who played up right well.  So did the Rovers for that matter, with the result that the spectators had full value for their money, yet, withal, Everton seemed the most likely team to score. They would doubtless think it was just their luck when nearing the interval Whittaker notched the only point of the half, especially as they were of the opinion that Whitaker was in an off-side position when he received the ball. Two further instances could be quoted in which they are entitled to some sympathy, though for my own part I am not with them with respect to Whittaker On one occasion Sharp was let in, and, running straight for goal, he gave one the idea that he was going to run through with the ball, but a few yards from goal he shot straight in the hands of Whittaker, who went down on his knees to complete his work.  Then, again, Proudfoot headed in, and the uplifted hands of Whittaker were dangerously near being over the imaginary line when he pulled the ball out, but I suppose it was one of those instances in which a referee is justified in giving the defending side the benefit of the doubt, and doubt there was.
THE ROVERS’ TURN.
The home team's turn came in the second half, and when, after a quarter of an hour, Bryant headed through from a corner the game looked well won, particularly as the Everton forwards were inclined to give way under the odds against them. However, with about fifteen minutes to play, a centre from the left was turned to account owing to the inability of Whittaker clear, for he secured to drop full length on the ground and lose the ball altogether, and Sharp, dashing up, he made the most of his chance and whipped the ball into the net. The Evertonians made strong efforts after this, but they could not again get through, and at the earnest request of the spectators the referee sounded his final whistle with the score 2—l against Evert on. Although I wish to give the losers every credit, the Rovers were certainly entitled to their victory, for they infused a little less of the science and more dash into their play than their opponents, end that mixture well blended is the most effective in the long run. The game was very well contested, and such an exhibition was worthy of a better gate considering the fine day. I have seen more “class” movements in a league match, but the one under notice was a real ding-dong struggle from start to finish.
THE PLAYERS.
The Rovers are a well-balanced side and are good all round. Howarth seems to have fallen into a full-back game, and McClure, who took his position at centre-half, may be a diamond in the rough, but he is just sort of fellow that is wanted for a centre-half—one who is always knocking around and taking and giving knocks as a matter of course. Houlker, who was called upon at the last moment, did not get along very well with Jack Sharp or rather they did not get on well with each other, though I must say that that Sharp indulged in the major part of the hacking which characterized the encounters between the pair. Bryant and Blackburn made the better wing, and I thought the former was about the pick of the forwards. The Everton goalkeeper, Muir, made a couple of blunders which might very well have resulted in goals, and the strength of the team lay in the half-back line. Booth played a fine game against his old comrades, and Wolstenholme was little if any behind, indeed, there were no better players on the field. Abbott, too, was all there, and Everton, in my opinion, possess a middle line which requires some beating. The forwards were not at their best. Sharp losing his play owing to his differences with the men opposed him, while I thought Joe Turner was not given enough work in the first half, though there was some improvement in this direction after the interval. Proudfoot was about the pick of the quintette, but on the whole they did not get going in that style which I know them to be capable of. The teams were: Blackburn Rovers; Whittaker, goal; Crompton, and Howarth, backs; Moir, McClure, and Houlker, half-backs; Whittaker, Somers, Dewhurst, Bryant, and Blackburn, forwards.  Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.  Referee-Mr. T. Helme, Farnworth. 

Blackburn Rovers v Everton
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 11 March 1901
The meeting between the Blackburn Rovers and Everton at Ewood Park produced a downright hard game, and the spectators got full value for their patronage. Honours at the finish remained with the Rovers, but during the first 25 minutes, when the visitors completely bottled up their opponents, few expected that the Blue and Whites would emerge with a victory to their credit. That they were outplayed during this period cannot gainsaid, yet the stubborn defence and the remarkably clever goalkeeping on the part W. Whittaker kept the Evertonians from scoring. In field play the visitors were greatly superior to the home side, who experienced better fortune in scoring, the points obtained by A. Whittaker and Bryant being cleverly got. Only one slip was made by Whittaker, the goalkeeper, and this was when gave Everton their goal. Muir made similar mistake the same spot, bat luckily put the leather round the post. Play was fast all through, and the second part was of a ding dong character, especially the last quarter of an hour, when the Everton forwards made strenuous efforts to come out with a draw. Several of the men became excited, and there was some rough and tumble work, but despite the quick rushes of the visitors their efforts were always frustrated. Neither side was strong in front of goal, accurate shooting being their chief weakness. A fact greatly to the credit of the Rovers is that they have only lost one match out of 12 successive League games.

BLACKBURN ROVERS v. EVERTON.
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Monday 11 March 1901
At Ewood Park, before 10.000 spectators. Proudfoot kicked off, but the visiting left took up the running, and a corner accrued, which Muir cleared. Hands against Howarth brought Everton back, but Crompton cleared, only to see Sharp drop the ball into goal again. Two'corners to Everton were fruitless, and the Rovers again broke away, and. with a pretty hooked shot, Whittaker scored. Half time score : Rovers, one goal: Everton, nil. The Rovers opened the second half in promising fashion. A. Whittaker and Blackburn put in good centres, which cased the Everton defence some trouble. The Rovers followed with a pretty movement which ended a corner, from which Bryant scored a second goal. Everton responded with series of smart attacks, and at length Turner got through. Blackburn Rovers 2 Everton 1

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BLACKBURN PARK ROAD 0
March 11 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park. The home team scored in the first five minutes through McDonald, the ball being scrimmage through again before the interval, half time Everton 2 Park Road nil. Resuming Everton attacked, and though Davies displayed fine form in goal they put on to more goals (Game 26) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Watson and Crelly, backs, Boyle Green, and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Roche, Dawson, McDonald Gray, and Corrin, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 11 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Results of certain matches on Saturday were awaited with keener interest than is usual, as with close competition for final honours, there was several organisations that were directly concerned. Locally the visit of Everton to Blackburn was previously viewed with few misgivings as to success, and had such a consummation have realised these could be no question that in this district a capital fillip would have been given to the closing stages, especially so as come of the leading clubs had to complete engagements with each other. However the unexpected once again happened, and final honours are in oblivious as far as the immediate neighborhood is corcerned. It is strange how the Everton team fall to rise to the occasion when something out of the common is expected from them. The disappointing at Sheffield was a serious blow to the aspirations of their well wishes and on Saturday again chances were allowed to pass unheeded in a manner that must have impressed their opponents with their illimitable magnanimous spirit. There were openings provided the first portion of the game sufficient to lay a good foundation for success, but as in many other games this season, the team preferred to have all the play and none of the goals. It was unfortunate for them that the referee could not rule upon a point that should certainly have opened the scoring in their favour, for Whittaker repelled a ball which had actual passed under the bar but what can be said of chances that any ordinary team would itilise being allowed to go abegging? On one occasion Sharp run down, and after the ball had rebounded from one of the backs had the goal quite at his mercury; in fact he could have literally walked through with it but preferring to shoot concentrated his attention upon the custodian, and defily directed the ball to him. There were other instances where opportunities were lost by merily following up the ball, and there can be no doubt that the Rovers owed their success, and deservedly to the very close attention they paid to the all important branch of the game. The pace was highly strong all through the game; at times there were passages brimful of incident that placed the contest much above the average; at others the game was earnestly and heatedly contested men, hard knocks being given and received, but this was probably due more to the keen tension under which the game was contested than to any ebullition of feeling. Taking a broad view of the game. Everton had a little in hand in the general movements of play, but in their final touches they were not nearly so accurate as the Rovers. When the home forwards got into the good stride, danger generally threatened and the whole of the quintet were not slow in taking advantage of occasional looseness in the Everton defence. This weakness had been a somewhat unusual item to chronicle, but it was nevertheless patent that the average standard of play in the Everton rear division was not even approximated. The half-backs played sterling game, and some very clever passages and the final efforts to score late on in the game condoned somewhat for the lassitude of the forwards in the earlier portion when favourable opportunities had presented themselves. A big effort was made in the last quarter of an hour when but a goal divided the teams, and had an equalising point been forthcoming a division of honours could not have been begrudged the visitors. During this period Sharp sent in a very fine shot, which Whittaker surprising kept out and several ugly rushes more stemmed by the backs under at times difficult conditions. Turner was kept well under control by Crompton, and rarely effected anything indicative of success Settle put in many fine touches and displayed great command of the ball; Proudfoot though well marked did well, Taylor was always about when hard work was required, and Sharp was generally dangerous, when in possession, and was the centre of much close attention from the Rovers backs. Still the passing movements were not crisp and well directed, and it was in this respect that their opponents held their lead. The right wing, Whittaker and Somers understood each other perfectly, and Whatever the line, in general lacked in skill was accounted for by the determined efforts they put forward to secure the ball at any cost. The half backs hung on to the Everton forwards with a persistency that the latter did not at all appreciate, while the full backs and goalkeeper got through their work in more finished style than did the Everton defenders. It was a fairly good game all through and though there was not better footwork shown by the Rovers, there was a persistent goalheadness about their movements that warranted a successful issue.

EVERTON v  BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 11 March 1901
Played at Blackburn, before 10,000 spectators. Settle won the toss, and the Rovers kicked off against a slight breeze. Though the Evertonians had to face the sun, the visitors at once moved off towards the Rovers goal, but the ball went over the line. From the free kick Settle returned vigorously, and centreing nicely, a corner was forced off Howarth, but this was cleared without any damage being done. Crompton served up to his forwards nicely, but Taylor got possession, and he and Sharp attempted to make ground, Sharp eventually sending the leather over the line. The Evertonians persisted in their attack, and from another centre by Settle, Taylor put in a lobbing shot, which caused Whittaker considerable trouble. At length the home’ front rank got down on the left, but the outsider failed at the last moment, and it was not very long before the visitors were once more swarming around the Blackburn goal. Howarth raised the siege, and the Rovers again swooped down on Muir’s charge. A free kick close in gave them an opening, but Bryant headed the ball high over the bar. The next move was in favour of the visitors, who moved cleverly along the right, and from long range Wolstenholme put in a magnificent shot, which Whittaker was very lucky in fisting out. A spell of midfield work followed, but thanks to the superior cleverness of the Everton half-backs, the visitors were soon swarming in front of the home goal, and from a pass by Taylor, Proudfoot headed the leather right in, but Whittaker just succeeded in reaching it and clearing at the expense of a fruitless corner. The home front rank then took up the running, and a smart combined movement ended in Dewhurst shooting in. Muir made a very feeble attempt at clearing, letting the ball drop between his legs, but, fortunately for Everton, he was able to recover himself before the opposing forward could get up. An injury to Sharp momentarily delayed the game, and then the Rovers once more took up the attack, Balmer and Eccles being given a tremendous amount of work which they performed most satisfactorily. Both Bryant, Dewhurst, and Somers tried shots unsuccessfully, and relief came by McClure shooting over the bar. A short spell of ineffective pressing on the part of the Evertonians was followed by a break away on the home left, Bryant and Blackburn only being pulled up at the cost of a foul by Balmer. The subsequent free kick, however, was safely negotiated, and it was not long before the visitors were again paying attentions to Whittaker. Their final attack lacked the necessary dash, and the Rovers in turn took up the argument, and they pressed strongly, a hot bombardment ending in Bryant, when in a splendid position, shooting high over the bar. The visitors next got away on the right, and Sharp, getting clean through, had an open goal in front of him, when he shot very tamely into the custodian’s arms. Then Blackburn got away in really brilliant fashion, and when tackled he crossed to A. Whittaker, who tried to run the ball through instead of shooting, and was robbed. The Rovers came again, and from a free kick against Taylor they pressed severely, A. Whittaker ending an attack by scoring. Half-time; Blackburn Rovers 1 goal, Everton nil.
The Rovers opened the second half in promising fashion. A. Whittaker and Blackburn put in good centres, which caused the Everton defence some trouble. The Everton forwards at length got away, and Crompton, in clearing a centre from Sharp, was sandwiched between two opponents and winded. Somers placed the ball nicely to W. Whittaker, who shot over, and the Rovers followed with a pretty movement which ended in a corner, from which Bryant scored a second goal. Everton responded with a series of smart attacks and at length Turner scored. A. Whittaker, when challenged by Eccles, sent in a hard drive, which was wide. Everton made a big effort to get level, and play was exciting to the finish. Result; Blackburn Rovers 2, goals, Everton 1 goal. Teams;-
Blackburn Rovers.- Whittaker, goal; Crompton and Howarth, backs; Moss, McClure, and Houlker, half-backs; A.W. Whittaker, Somers, Dewhurst, Bryant, and Blackburn, forwards.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards.
Lancashire Combination
Everton 4 goals, Blackburn Park Road nil.

ENGLAND LEAGUE MATCH
Liverpool Daily Post- Tuesday, 12 March 1901
The following team was selected to represent the English League in the match with the Scottish League, on Saturday next, at Glasgow;- Kingsley (Newcastle United), goal; Balmer (Everton) and Crabtree (Aston Villa), backs; Bull (Notts County), Bannister (Burnley), and Needham (Blackburn Rovers), half-backs; Whittaker (Blackburn Rovers), Athersmith (Aston Villa), Raybould (Liverpool), Sagar (Bury), and Blackburn (Blackburn Rovers), forwards. Referee, Mr. Sam Torrens, Belfast.

LIVERPOOL CHAT
Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday, March 13, 1901
By “Mersey Mentor”
Everton have no luck in their encounters with the Rovers, who have this season taken a point from Goodison Park, knocked them out of the Lancashire Cup, and now bagged both points in the return fixture. A local critic remarks that “Everton were surprised by the form they ran up against,” but why on earth should they be? They have never had an easy journey at Blackburn, and surely the Rovers’ form has been consistently good of late-quite as good as that of the team which upset the Forest so easily the week before.
Yet Everton are entitled to the credit of giving the Rovers a fright. I have seen a good few encounters between these teams, who have always been deadly friends, but I don’t think I ever saw a more keenly contested one. More interesting play I certainly have seen on both sides, for there was hardly a forward on the field who knew where the goal was. But Everton and especially the Everton halves, never showed more determination and doggedness, and I was glad to notice that the Blackburn people were sportsmen enough to recognise the guard work of their old captain, Booth, and his colleagues in the heartiest manner.
Settle set an example of dallying in goal, which was unusual in him, and the other men followed suit, except Sharp, who was beautifully fed by Proudfoot and got away with ease many times. All his centres went to waste, however, for none of his chums could fasten on them properly. But he made a terrible mess himself when, after a solo run, he found himself unhampered in front of an open goal and couldn’t miss the goalkeeper.

EVERTON FIXTURES
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 14 March 1901
This return League fixture takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday next. It will be remembered that when the teams met at Stoke in November, the visitors won by 2 goals to none; and although Stoke only appear fifth from the bottom of the League table, their victory on Saturday last over West Bromwich Albion in the League encounter, and their victory on Monday last at Aston Lower Grounds over Aston Villa in the final of the Birmingham Cup, seems to demonstrate that they are at present in tip-top form, and the homesters will require to give such another exhibition as against Notts Forest if they are to gain full points. Watson takes Balmer’s place at back, owing to the latter playing for the English League at Glasgow. Kick-off at 3.30. The following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Muir, goal; Eccles and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.
EVERTON COMBIANTION v BLACKBURN PARK ROAD
This Combination match will be played at Blackburn on Saturday next, when the following will represent Everton; Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Crelly, backs; Blythe, Green, and Taylor, half-backs; Roche, McDonald, Worthington, Chadwick, and O’Brien, forwards. The team leaves Exchange Station at 1.35.

Blackburn Rovers v Everton
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Saturday 16 March 1901
Blackburn Rovers made creditable position the League table secure by beating Everton 2-1. This result seems to have caused some surprise in Liverpool, although the consistently good form of the Rovers who have lost only one game since the beginning of December-and the results of the two previous meetings this season between the teams, could not nave afforded Everton much hope of victory. a matter of fact, however, Everton were the better lot during the first twenty-five minutes, and the last twenty minutes, and had their forwards been able to shoot well as they passed they might have won. But tho Rovers stuck them gallantly, and, getting the upper hand the middle stretch, were never caught. The halves played splendid game, Booth especially doing well against his old club. A draw would have been a more equitable verdict, considering everything.

BLACKBURN PARK ROAD v. EVERTON RESERVE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 16 March 1901
At Audey Hall, before a few hundred spectators. Park Road set the ball rolling, and after five minutes' play Law, for the home team, scored from a penalty, O'Brien equalising shortly afterwards. The game in tbs first half was of an even character, but the Parkites played the smart passing game. Crookshaw, In the Park Road goal, showed up well, and was repeatedly called upon to save, while Tracey, in the front rank, also displayed good form. Both teams straggled hard to gain the lead, but despite the many attacks made by the visitors, the defence never wavered. Half-time— Park Road I, Everton Reserve 1. On the resumption the visitors were the aggressors. After about 15 minutes' play Roach scored No. 2 for Everton, Chadwick scoring, later from a corner. The home men strained every nerve, but fate was against them. Time after time did they invade the visitors' defence, but their slowness in front of goal, and inaccurate shooting proved disastrous. Once' more play was transferred to the home quarters. The Roadsters redoubled their efforts to score, but were unsuccessful, Chadwick netting the ball just before time for Everton, Result—EVERTON RESERVE 4, PARK ROAD 0.

CARD SHARPERS COMMITTED.
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Saturday 16 March 1901
William Molyneux, James Sutcliffe, and George Evans, of Bolton, and John Tyler, of Manchester were sent to prison for three months by the Bolton County Magistrates on Monday for stealing 7 pounds by means of trick from Wm. Henry Dawson, an Everton footballer. Dawson was a passenger on a Liverpool train in which the four men, by means of the three-card trick, relieved him of the money. Tyldesley, a Liverpool porter, who was in the compartment, got it back again. Tyldesley was complimented by the Magistrates.

Johnny Holt and Jack Southworth
Dundee Evening Post - Saturday 16 March 1901
Johnny Holt, the late centre-half of Everton, later of Reading, recommends plenty of good wholesome food, avoiding
spirits and beer." He thinks the latter are apt to make a fellow short-winded and bloated." "In my opinion," he says, " the best way of training is walking and sprinting; long good walk between breakfast and dinner and a sprint in the afternoon about four o'clock, followed by a good rub-down with towels and fresh-glovers." Dumbbell exercise considers good for expanding the chest, &c., as it materially strengthens and expands the breathing apparatus."
John Southworth, the famous Blackburn Rovers' centre-forward, and latterly of Everton, confessed that in the summer he did really nothing in the way of training. After eight months hard football, he opined that players were apt to grow stale, and he always welcomed the close season " for rest. " I didn't go in for any special diet," he says, "good, plain, wholesome food is best, with very little pastry." He was not exactly a teetotaler, but very moderate regards drink. Southworth thinks that about nine hours sleep is necessary.

FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 16 March 1901
EVERTON v  STOKE
This return League fixture takes place at Goodison Park. When the teams met at Stoke, in November, the visitors won by 2 goals to none; and although Stoke only appear fifth from the bottom of the League table, their victory on Saturday last over West Bromwich Albion in the League encounter, and their victory on Monday last at Aston Lower Grounds over Aston Villa in the final of the Birmingham Cup, seems to demonstrate that they are at present in tip-top form, and the homesters will require to give such another exhibition as against Notts Forest if they are to gain full points. Watson takes Balmer’s place at back, owing to the latter playing for the English League at Glasgow. Kick-off at 3.30. The following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Muir, goal; Eccles and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards.
EVERTON COMBINATION v.  BLACKBURN PARK ROAD
Combination match at Blackburn. The following will represent Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Crelly, backs; Blythe, Green, and Taylor, half-backs; Roche, McDonald, Worthington, Chadwick, and O’Brien, forwards. The team leaves Exchange Station at 1.35.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 16 March 1901
MILLWALL
Recent events have demonstrated beyond doubt that the best seven or eight teams composing the Southern League are little inferior, if at all, to the average League eleven. Association football has made great strides in the Sunny South during the past few years, and Southern League combinations have gone on steadily improving their ranks season after season, sometimes at the expense of the Midland and Northern clubs. I came across Moses Sanders the other day, and he stoutly insisted that Southern League football was quite equal to that shown by English League clubs, indeed, he averred it was more scientific and pleasing to the spectator. There can be no disputing the fact, however, that southern football is now of a very fair order, and as long as high wages are forthcoming for Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Millwall, Portsmouth, and other clubs, so will some of the best professional talents of the country find its way south. Some of the teams command excellent gates, and the few who have had the good fortune to run up well in the English Cup Competition have been able to present very favourable balance sheets. Other clubs, however, have indiscreetly outrun the constable, but still getting a good team together is hardly so expensive a matter when heavy transfer fees have not to be forthcoming.
IN THE OLDEN DAYS
Millwall, commonly known as the “Dockers,” have earned for themselves a high degree of popularity amongst Cockney sportsmen. Although the chances are that Southampton will once again capture the championship of the Southern League, Millwall are by no means entirely out of the running, for they have put 29 points to their credit as the result of 21 matches, and now stand fourth on the list. During the last fortnight Southampton and Bristol City- the two leading clubs- have been overcome, and but for the fact that several points were dropped at home at the beginning of the season, the Dockers would be in a happy position. A fair distance of the League course, however, has yet to be run, so that anything may happen. The present players are a capable lot, and perhaps the officials can now present a stronger front than at any previous time of the team’s history. And it possesses a history of greater length than some people may imagine. It is the off-spring of an organisation which was formed 15 or 16 years ago, under the title of Millwall Rovers, by Mr. W. Henderson (for many years secretary) and a number of workmen employed at a large establishment in the district. For four seasons the Rovers performed with a fair degree of success on the Isle of Dogs, in close vicinity to the North Greenwich Railway Station. For some years little financial support was forthcoming from the Millwall public, and it is interesting to note that a Cup tie played at home against Woolwich Arsenal realised the magnificent sum of 30s. eight years later the clubs again came out of the hat together, and this time the proceeds amounted to no less a sum than £390. The demonstrates the growing popularity of the Socker game in the London district, but similar comparisons might be made in various parts of the country.
THE GROUND
The present enclosure at East ferry-road was opened in 1889-90, several hundred pounds being spent in laying out the turf and in the erection of stands, &c., the site being secured from the Millwall Dock Company. The club was formed into a limited liability company in 1895, and considerable improvements to the ground have been annually made. New stands have been erected, and now a crowd of 25,000 people can be comfortably accommodated. The team is thus in a happier position in this respect than Preston North End. Burnley, and one or two prominent clubs which could be mentioned. The ground can boast of spacious dressing-rooms and bathrooms, with hot, cold, and shower baths for the players, while every attention is paid to the comfort of spectators. But I am getting too far ahead.
PROFESSIONALISM ENBRACED
With the securing of a new sphere of operations, the name of the club changed to that of Millwall Athletic, and spectators began to be attracted to the East ferry road enclosure in goodly numbers. Until eight years ago the team was run on strictly amateur lines, and during their last seasons as unpaid men the players performed so admirably as to only lose 11 matches out of 46, and pile up 146 goals, against the 77 obtained by their opponents. A professional eleven, however, became an absolute necessary of pace had to be kept with other prominent Southern teams, and despite warnings that the step would land them in the bankruptcy court, the directors launched into professionalism in the wake of Woolwich Arsenal, and got a very fair combination of players together. Almost immediately success crowned their efforts, the large expenditure necessitated by the engagement of paid men being more than met by the increased support which was forthcoming from the public. In their first season under the professional regime the Dockers experienced a most successful time. Forty-six matches were again played, and of these 29 were won and five drawn, 145 goals being scored, against 52- a capital season’s work. The team was under good management, and the affairs continued to prosper.
LEAGUE SUCCESSES
The Southern League was inaugurated in 1894, Millwall taking a prominent part in its formation, and in this competition the Dockers proved themselves rather too strong for their rivals. During the first season of the League’s existence they went right through the competition without experiencing a single reverse, scoring 68 goals against 19, and getting 28 points as the result of 16 games. This performances naturally placed them in the premier position. April 1896, again found the Dockers installed as champions, but this year the League consisted of ten clubs, and they failed to reach the end of the tourney without tasting defeat. They only lost one game out of 18, however, and scored 75 goals against 16, and bagged 33 points. In the third season of the League they were deposed from the top place by Southampton, who had by this time come strongly to the front, and had to remain content with the second position, their record being- played 20, won 13, lost 2, drawn 5; goals- for 63, against 23; points 31. In 1897-8 they came somewhat of a cropper, having only 18 points to show at the end of the season as the result of 22 matches-a miserable performance compared with previous years. They have since done much better in the tournament, and now are a good fourth on the list. In the United League Millwall have also met with success. In the first year of its existence they finished first with 11 wins out of 14 games.
CUP HUNTING
In Cup competitions the Dockers have met with no very marked degree of success. They made one or two capital shows in connection with local Cup tourneys, and proved successful in more than one, but, as a rule, they have never progressed far in the struggle for the national trophy, although readers will remember the excellent fight made a couple of seasons ago when they ran as far as the third round and defeated Aston Villa after a couple of replayed ties. Their form that season was one of the surprises of the competition.
FAMOUS GLASGOW PLAYERS
Many famous players have donned the Millwall jersey, but perhaps none have earned greater distinction than Donald Gow, that magnificent old full back. It was not until his declining years that he gave the Dockers the benefit of his services. At an early age he carved a name for himself whilst a member of the Glasgow Rangers’ team, which he skippered and eld to frequent victory for many a season. He was capped several times, and on three occasions had the honour of captaining the Scottish team against England. His displays with Sunderland in the Wearsiders’ palmiest days were of the first-rate order, and although Scotland has produced many a first-class back, Gow can hardly paly second fiddle to Arnott, Smellie, Johnny Forbes, Tom Brandon, Nick Ross, and other crack defenders. P. Turnbull is another Glasgow Rangers who is extremely well known to Lancastrians. With Burnley and Blackburn Rovers he was conspicuous for dashing forward play, and the manner in which he saved Bolton Wanderers from partaking in the Test matches a few years ago will be fresh within the memory of all.
OTHER PLAYERS.
It was whilst at Millwall that Calvey, the Notts Forest forward, shot into prominence. He played with several local clubs, and then joined Millwall as an amateur, at once showing form excellent enough to stamp him as a player of the first water. J.H. Gettins, the well-known Corinthians, is now wearing the Millwall colours, and a valuable centre forward he is. Fast as well as clever, and a deadly shots at goal, he is blessed with a good physique, and is extremely hard to hold in check. Other players who have rendered valuable service to Millwall are Gavin Crawford, the old Sheffield United man, C. Burgess, a Montrose player, C. Hogan, the Aston Villa recruit, who has far from fulfilled expectations, and A. Turner, of Everton fame.

EVERTON v  STOKE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 16, 1901
EVERTON LEAD BY THREE GOALS TO NIL AT HALF TIME
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
After their fine performance over Aston Villa in the Birmingham Cup, Stoke appeared at Goodison Park this afternoon to oppose Everton in the return League match, and as the position of the Potters is more too secure they fully recognised that a great effort was necessary on their part to avert defeat. However, Everton meant to give nothing away, and relied upon their regular eleven, with the exception of Balmer, who was engaged at Glasgow the Scottish League, Watson taking his place. On the Stoke side Maxwell, who was injured last week, was an absentee, which resulted in the reshuffling of the forward line. The official referee was Mr. Adams, of Birmingham, but he failed to put in an appearance, and a difficulty therefore arose, but the officials of both clubs decided that Mr. Fosters, of Accrington should officiate, and the game to count as a League match. The teams faced as follows; Everton.- Muir, goal; Eccles and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-back; Sharpe, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Stoke- Cartledge, goal; Capewell, and Durber, backs; Leech, Wood, and Bradley, half-backs; Johnson, Whitehouse, Watkins, Benbow, and Lockitt, forwards.The Everton captain won the toss, Watkins kicking off towards the Park goal in the presence of about 10,000 spectators. After the usual preliminary scramble, the Evertonians rushed away on the right and gained a corner, which was smartly cleared away but subsequently Proudfoot and Taylor each tired their hand in the shooting line. Pretty touches by Wood and Watkins gave Johnson possession the latter a centre being used in capital fashion by his compatriots but at the finish Muir brought off a splendid save. Then the Everton right wing again rushed away, and loud claims were made for a corner, which the referee declined to grant, the responsible official’s a decision meeting with anything by favour on all hands. However, keeping up the attack, Everton made nags round their opponents, and Settle sent in a grand shot, which forced a corner from Cartlidge. Other attempts were made by Turner, Taylor, and Proudfoot, one of the latter’s shots skimming the crossbar, and causing quite a flutter in the Stoke camp. After a spell of midfield work Everton went along at a fine pace on the right, Taylor centreing finely, and Proudfoot blocked Dunbar’s clearance the ball going over the line. Johnson got down and sent in a stinging shot, which Watson repelled in great style, passing judiciously to Booth, who ran and transferred to Turner. The latter beautifully eluded the half-back opposed to him, sending in a stinging shot, which missed by inches. Play was of a very fast character and both sides put in a lot of hard work, though the attempts for goal were not very accurate. At length however, a score came to the home contingent. The ball was sent to Taylor who travelled rapidly in the direction of Cartlidge, and at the right moment passed to Sharp, who with a beautiful oblique shot, completely beat the Potters’ custodian after nineteen minutes’ play. Later on a dash by Sharp and his partner gained a fruitless corner, and just afterwards Cartlidge borough off a fine save from Taylor. Some minutes were wasted in the futile attempts of the Stoke left wingers to break their way through, Wolstenholme and Eccles being for and away too smart to allow of any passage on their side of the field. The Potters at last managed to get through from the centre but Eccles came across and checked Whitehouse when he appeared to be getting dangerous. The next moment Benbow came through, but Muir quickly had his measure, coming out a few yards and saving the situation. Stoke put on further pressure, a likely overhead kick from Wood passing very close to goal, after which, for a few moments, the game tamed down somewhat Everton now asserted themselves, Taylor and Sharp playing finely together, the latter placing a shot right into goal, Cartlidge clearing splendidly. The attack by Everton by kept up for some little time, but ultimately a goal kick gave relief. Johnson made an attempt to make progress, but Abbott proved too much for him, and Everton were quickly again on the aggressive Settle, Proudfoot, Turner, and Booth each vainly trying to lower the Stoke colours. Everton continued to keep up the pressure, Wolstenholme putting in a really magnificent shot. Cartlidge, however, saving in equally clever fashion. A sprightly move between the Everton right wing and centre was followed by a shot from Turner, but he was immediately pronounced offside. Then the ball was sent bounding forward from the Everton right wing and Capewell made a mistake which his side a second goal. His attempt at a clearance was only of a weak nature, and as touched the ball to Proudfoot who promptly ran through and scored. Stoke then went to the front, and Wood had another pop at goal, which was a very near thing indeed. Johnson then forced a corner off Watson, and on the Potters pressing forward Muir ran out and cleared. A free kick to the visitors was of no advantage as the ball was sent into the net without touching a second player. From the goal kick Everton made a sudden dash, and found themselves in a good position, and after the sphere had been twice returned, Settle, with a lightning like shot placed the third goal to Everton’s credit, to the great delight of the crowd. Before the interval Stoke ineffectually tried to reduce Everton’s lead.
Half-time score; Everton 3 Stoke nil.
Proudfoot commenced the second half, and the opening moves were distinctly in favour of Everton, Booth sending in a rattling shot before the game had been in progress a couple of minutes. By and by the Stoke right wing broke over the centre line, but Booth and Eccles sent them back, Booth opening the way for Proudfoot, whose shot was very wide. Taylor followed with a rasping shot, and then Stoke broke away again, only to be worried off the ball by Wolstenholme. Taylor and Sharp made headway, but their progress was at length cut short by Capewell, and after another futile attack by Everton. Lockett made a fine dash down his wing, but the Stoke man’s centre was sent away. The Potters kept up the pressure for some few minutes the right wing being especially prominent, but they could not penetrate the home defence and a goal kick was the only result. Everton asserted themselves afterwards and from one attack Turner centred grandly, but a splendid opening went abegging, so one being up to receive the sphere, and the pressure was brought to a close by Wolstenholme shooting high over the bar. Benbow was off for a time, but returned here abouts, and signalised his reappearance by a splendid shot, which Muir, however, successfully negotiated. Everton played up after this, and from a corner Taylor headed in, Durber replying effectively, and Taylor ultimately closed the pressure by shooting over. As the game progressed Everton attacked with great spirit, and the Stoke defence had a very warm time. Sharp made an opening for Settle, who took deadly aim with terrific force, Cartledge bringing forth tremendous cheers by a magnificent save. The attack of the “Blues” was maintained for some time, Proudfoot bringing down the “home” by sending in a shot which curled over the bar. Final; Everton 3 Stoke Nil.

BLACKBURN PARK END v  EVERTON COMBINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 16, 1901
At Blackburn. From a penalty kick against Halliday for pushing, Law scored for the home team, and immediately afterwards O’Brien equalised. Play then became fast, and both goalkeepers did good work. Worthington, of Everton had a goal disallowed for offside, and pressed strongly to half-time;- Interval Everton 1 goal, Blackburn Park Road 1 goal. 

BLACKBURN PARK ROAD v. EVERTON RESERVE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 16 March 1901
At Audey Hall, before a few hundred spectators. Park Road set the ball rolling, and after five minutes’ play Law, for the home team, scored from a penalty, O'Brien equalising shortly afterwards. The game in the first half was of an even character, but the Parkites played a smart passing game. Crookshaw, In the Park Road goal, showed up well, and was repeatedly called upon to save, while Tracey, in the front rank, also displayed good form. Both teams struggled hard to gain the lead, but despite the many attacks made by the visitors, the home defence never wavered. Half-time— Park Road 1, Everton Reserve 1. On the resumption the visitors were the aggressors. After about 15 minutes’ play Roach scored No. 2 for Everton, Chadwick scoring, later from a corner. The home men strained every nerve, but fate was against them. Time after time did they invade the visitors’ defence, but their slowness in front of goal, and inaccurate shooting proved disastrous. Once more play was transferred to the home quarters. The Roadsters redoubled their efforts to score, but were unsuccessful, Chadwick netting the ball just before time for Everton, Result—Everton Reserve 4, Park Road 0.

THE THREE-CARD TRICK.
Liverpool Weekly Courier - Saturday 16 March 1901
William Molyneux, James Sutcliffe, and George Evans, of Bolton, and John Tyler, of Manchester, were sent to prison for three months by the Bolton county magistrate, on Monday, for stealing £7 by a trick from William Henry Dawson, an Everton football player. Dawson was a passenger in a Liverpool train in which the four men by the three-card trick relieved him of the money. Tyldesley, a Liverpool porter, who was in the compartment, got it back again. Tyldesley complimented by the magistrates.

THE EVERTON SKIPPER
Southern Echo - Saturday 16 March 1901
Settle is admitted to be one of the best captures ever made by Everton, especially since the repeated migration of prominent Northerners to the South, and in recent games he has well maintained his reputation as one of the best defensive players in the country. His team might be doing better, however, and there will have to be important changes in its ranks before long, or Liverpool admirers of the game will become dissatisfied. The growth of interest in Association football in Liverpool and district during the last ten of fifteen years has been marvellous, but on account of the erractic play of both League team “gates” are diminishing, and, in consequence, managers are becoming anxious.

EVERTON 3 STOKE CITY 0
March 18 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
About 10,000 spectators witnessed the contest between the above clubs at Goodison Park. The sides were as Follows: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Eccles and Watson backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner forwards. Stoke: - Cartilidge goal, Capewell, and Dnber backs, Leech, Wood, and Bradley, halfbacks, Johnson, Whitehouse, Watkins, Benbow, and Lockett, forwards. The game opened with a smart attack by the Everton right, and following a corner kick, Cartlidge distinguished himself with a very clever save. The Everton forwards continued to be aggressive but eventually the Stoke van got into a good stride, and Johnson put in a splendid centre, which looked like being utilised, when Watson cleared. Some smart play by the Everton right ended in Sharp getting possession from Taylor, and in a splendid shot the outside man opened the scoring account after play had been in progress 20 minutes. Benbow next had a clear course, but Muir met his shot, and for some time afterwards play was mainly confirmed to the Stoke half. Proudfoot took advantage of a mistake by Capewell and put on a second goal. Following this the visitors got well down, but could obtain no quarter from the home backs, and on a further return Settle supplemented a dropping shot, with a smart drive into the net. At half time Everton were leading by three goals to none, and on resuming continued to be aggressive, it was only on odd occasions that Stoke were at all dangerous, and Muir easily accounted for their efforts to score. Several fine saves were effected by Cartlidge, who for some time was kept well employed, and had much to do in the matter of keeping down the scoring. Proudfoot struck the crossbar with a terrific shot, and later Sharp headed through, but the point was not allowed. Stoke finished the game with ten men, Wood having retired and the close they were a well-beaten team, by 3 goals to nil.

EVERTONIAN WRITES
Athletic News - Monday 18 March 1901
“Evertonian” writes us as follows;-
“It has occurred to me that there ought to be some rule passed as to when a game should be stopped when a man is hurt.  I have this season witnessed several instances which have forced this upon my attention.  When a forward is getting clean away from his field and an opponent suddenly finds himself hurt and wriggles about on the ground, the referee instantly stops the game, and what looked like a possible goal ends in a throw-in with all the defenders on the qui vive.  It certainly seems an injustice to the attacking side and some rule should be passed that the game has not to be stopped until the ball is out of play for some infringement of the rules.  Of course provision might be made for a serious accident, such as occurred in the match between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.  My idea is, to put it bluntly, that it should not be possible for a man to feign injury to save his goal.” 
There is some reason in “Evertonians” remarks, but it is a matter which could hardly come within the scope of the legislative powers of the Association, except so far as to use discretion in such instances quoted. 

LIVEEPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES.
Athletic News - Monday 18 March 1901
The Loiterer
 Full number of points came as result of the matches on Saturday, so for once in a way our two teams gave satisfaction. Everton had a easy thing with Stoke, and taking the game throughout had always a hit in hand. Whether Stoke were a bit off or Everton put on a little extra I don't know, but somehow Everton appeared to always get what was handy.  Perhaps there was little of both, which accounted for the Everton team having a bit of an outing. They have not been seen to as great advantage for a long time, for they were all over their opponents, and the modest of score three goals to nothing might have been increased had the players so willed. There is yet a good outside chance the league Championship coming to this city, but, with all due respect to the Everton men I think if such a thing happens it will not fall to their lot, as they are badly placed in future matches. Three at home and four away is not at all bad, only there are some teasers amongst them. Newcastle and Sunderland require beating, although the games will be played at Goodison Park, to say nothing of the Bolton Wanderers. Then in away bouts they are called upon at West Bromwich, Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County, and Derby County.
The proposal of the Lancashire League to form several divisions is what may be called under consideration. The scheme is all right for clubs in Lancashire generally, but we are in one corner of the County, and the interest of the Everton and Liverpool clubs in the scheme is somewhat limited.  It must not be forgotten that Everton, at any rate, applied for admission to the Lancashire League some years ago and were refused, and I should say nothing but in the best of company will suit them.

BLACKBURN PARK ROAD 1 EVERTON RESERVES 4
March 18 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
At Blackburn. Law scored for the Park road and a minute later O'Brien equalised. Half time Park road 1 Everton 1. In the second half McDonald seen in a capital shot, which the home goalkeeper cleared very cleverly. A little later however, he was beaten by Roche from a corner. Chadwick added a couple of goals later on and Everton won by 4 goals to 1. (Game 27) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Halliday and Crelly, backs, Blythe, Green and Taylor (captain), halfbacks, Roche, McDonald, Worthington, Chadwick, and O'Brien forwards.

EVERTON v. STOKE.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 18 March 1901
Played at Goodison Park, Liverpool, in the presence of about ten thousand people. Everton had much the best of the game, and in twenty minutes Sharp scored for them, while towards the interval Proudfoot added a second point, and Just before the whistle sounded Settle also got through. Thus when the sides changed ends Everton held the substantial lead of 3 goals none. The home side had matters pretty much their own way in the second half, and Stoke being unable to score, Everton had done sufficient in the first half, and won by 3 goals to none.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 18 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton placed another obstacle in Stoke's path of progress from Second division clutches and it is evident that the clubs at the nether most end of the League table will provide as much excitement for their partsians as those more favoured organisation that are holding out hopes of attaining the biggest rung of the ladder. If the form displayed by the Potters at Goodison Park be taken as an example of what they are really capable of accomplishing under favourable conditions, it must be reluctantly admitted that they are the most likely candidates for relegation to the lower circle. They never really extended the Everton players who throughout the game held the issue practually safe and that they were beaten by three clear goals scarely represented the actual difference between the abilities of the respective combatants. As usual it took the Everton van guard considerable time to locate the goal net, fully 20 minutes before the first point was put on by Sharp. Under ordinary circumstances and between teams of equal calibre, this would furnish no cause for adverse comment; but when it is understood that three-fourth of this period was spent in an immediate vicinity of Cartledge and his backs, it will be seen that the forwards division, though remarkably effective in midfield, was equally inefficient when it came to a matter of stern shooting. However, there was a decided improvement shown when once the exact bearings had been taken, and the Stoke custodian had quite as much to accomplish as any ambitious keeper could desire. It may as well be at once stated that he could not have improved upon what he actually did achieve and some of his clearances were exceptionally clever, denoting a keen eye and a ready appreciation of the requirements of a difficult situation. Had the other branches of the visitors team been equally capable, Everton would have had a tremendous task on hand to gain a favourable verdict. The home forwards quickly tumbled to the fact that they were always a little in advance of their opponents, and they monopolised the play to a considerable extent. Their passing was crisp and accurate though when they saw that their combination could be up the defence this feature was somewhat over done. The speedy wing men were afforded every opportunity of demonstrating their qualities, and each of the goals obtained resulted directly from a sudden flash by the extremists; whilst a treacherous centre caused the Stoke defence to perpetrate pardonable mistakes. Taylor kept Sharp continually on the move, by passing well forward, and the outside man had to sprint along in smart style to even get at the ball. Both he and Turner centred splendidly, getting in their crosses under the most difficult conditions after rounding with comparative ease the Stoke backs. But the whole front line worked capitally, and the combination was altogether too much for the opposing halves; in fact in the majority of cases, it was not until the last line of defence had been reached that the invaders were checked. The visitors sadly missed Maxwell, their front ranks lacking the services of some one to utilise the chance which were often the result of clever work by Johnson on the extreme right. This part of the attack was by far the most prominent, whilst occasionally loose play by the Everton backs gave the inside forwards an opportunity of minimising the reverse, but Muir invariably managed to time his clearance exactly as the circumstances required. At half backs the Everton trio were in an irresistible humour, and were the aggressors during the greater part of the game. They rarely allowed their opponents to baffle them. And by their persistency kept the ball in the Stoke half almost continually. Wiolstenholmes had full measure of the Stoke left wing, Booth was in ubiquitous form in the centre, and Abbott worked unceasingly and effectively against the most dangerous part of the visitors attack. The full backs were rarely in difficulties, and when they were, it was chiefly the result of their own laxity, rather than the super-excellence of the opposition. Further behind, Muir had occasionally an awkward situation to face, but as he was never beaten his efforts were thoroughly justified by their successfully result. The Stoke halves were enable to cope with the home attack, and only showed to advantage on rare occasions. All their attempts were nipped in the bud when properly set agoing, and when their centre-Wood-had to retire they were compelled to act entirely on the defensive. The two full backs kicked well, but Durber was overpowered by the repeated attentions of the Everton right wing, and towards the close tired perceptibly Cartridge deserves unstincted praise for his gallant efforts in goal, and two clearances from Proudfoot and Settle respectively were exceptionally clever feats. Thanks to him, the score was kept down to a respectable margin, and this it was that the final figures did not actually represent the undoubted superiority of Everton.

INTER-LEAGUE MATCH AT GLASGOW
The Athletic News- Monday, March 18, 1901
DECISIVE VICTORY OF SCOTLAND
By the Free Critic
THE JOURNEY TO GLASGOW
The Inter-League match between England and Scotland is always an enjoyable affair, and I should think the finest match ever played was the first Inter-League engagement at Bolton ten years ago. But last week-end we had something which may be described as a "hit extra,” for Mr. John Lewis, of Blackburn, arranged with the Midland Railway Company to provide a dining saloon, and we had a chef and three stewards sent all the way from London to attend to our requirements. And we were duly attended to. For the time being we owned the car and its attendants. Several members of the F.A. Selection Committee accompanied us, and altogether I don’t remember having such an enjoyable journey to Scotland. Our headquarters were at the North British Hotel, and here we found a most charming host and every comfort. The weather was not very promising on Saturday morning, but the rain cleared off at a very opportune time, and the new tube railway did good business. When we were driving past St. Enoch's Station there was an orderly crowd nearly 50 yards Jong, in line, booking for Ibrox. and the “tube” is a capital way to get to the Rangers’ Ground, for it leaves you within minutes’ walk of it.
NEW IBROX.
What a splendid enclosure it is!The whole ground is encircled by stands about 40 feet in height, and for sixpence you can have a magnificent view of the game without running the risk of rheumatism. There is no cinder embankment—it is a complete circle of stands all-round the ground, and the only defect to my mind is that the accommodation is too extensive, and unless you have 20,000 there it will look empty. It is certainly the most complete ground I have seen, and I am not surprised to hear it has cost over £20.000. When we arrived, three-quarters of an hour before the kick off, the ground seemed empty but there are so many facilities for reaching Ibrox, so many entrances and such vast accommodation, that there is no necessity to go early. Anyway, 35,000 eventually turned up, and although this falls short of the gate at Celtic Park two years ago, it was a very substantial gathering. I don’t think any of them regretted making the journey to Govan, for presumably they were all football enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the game could hardly fail to enjoy it.
THE GAME
There was any amount of scoring, for Scotland won six goals to two, and opened within a few minutes of the start. They certainly had the best of it, for it took England a bit to Settle down, but once they did so Scotland had a bad time it, and during the first portion of the game England were undoubtedly unfortunate. They pressed very hard, and ought to have scored, but Scotland broke away and added a second point, which seemed very much off-side. This was disheartening, but the Englishmen plodded along, and Athersmith eventually scored after running through and steadying himself. In a little while the Scots were again two goals ahead, and at the internal led by three goals to one. With two goals against them England were by means disconsolate, and when they scored early on I quite thought they had a chance, but from this point the Scotsmen asserted themselves, and brilliant combination worked the ball in front of their opponents’ goal, and after McColl had scored a fourth point the result was settled. Hamilton obtained the fifth from a free kick by a splendid, if somewhat lucky, shot, and when the sixth arrived England’s hopes were completely dashed to the ground. Still they did not give up, and right to the finish we had an interesting game, but there was no question as to the superiority of the Scots, and they left the field well-deserved victors.
A FEW POINTS OF THE GAME
After losing by six goals two it would appear almost ridiculous to suggest that England had, at any time, a prospect of winning. And yet they had on three occasions. The first was immediately before Scotland scored their second goal, when both Needham and Sagar missed what seemed to be easy chances. Then after Athersmith scored Sagar ought to have equalised, and a lengthy pressure was followed by Scotland rushing away and scoring a third goal. But the best chance was when England obtained the second point, for they seemedto be all over their opponents, but it was just here the Scots showed true grit. They realised the serious nature of affairs, and set about it in a business-like fashion, with the result that they completely overwhelmed the Englishmen and won anyhow.
A GENERAL CRITICISM.
There was little question as to which was the better side, although, as I have said, the Englishmen had three distinct opportunities of pulling the game out of the fire, but, chiefly by indifferent shooting, failed utilise them. For an hour they were quite equal to their opponents, but afterwards they were left very behind, and I don’t think I have ever seen more dashing play on the part of a Scotch eleven than was witnessed on Saturday. AS a rule they play a slow game in comparison to what we are accustomed to on this side of the border, but at Ibrox they were sparkling, and as quick on the ball you could wish to see. They beat England at their own game, and I only blamed Kingsley for one of the six shots which passed him—the one from McColl—and even that appeared to turn its course slightly before reaching him.
THE VICTORS.
There is little doubt about it—the Scotsmen were a fine team. They occasionally gave way, and almost composed, but rallied and proved themselves to be one of the best combinations which has represented Scotland. The weakest part was at back, where Smith showed great deterioration in judgment, tackling, and kicking, and the strongest in the front rank. Rennie I don't place as equal to Doig or McAuley. This is, perhaps, a high standard, but what I mean is that he does not appear to be in the same class our best custodians. Drummond was decidedly the better of the backs, whilst no fault could be found with either of the halves, who were strong in defence and resourceful in attack, although hardly successful in breaking up the opposing forwards. The front line was splendid, and in Walker, of the Hearts, Scotland has a great forward. He plays inside right with his club, but on Saturday his performance on the extreme wing was a revelation. He was certainly judiciously fed by Campbell who kept very wide of him, but he took every advantage of the opportunities offered, and seldom has Ernest Needham been so sorely troubled. Campbell is a hard worker, and unselfish feeder, and seems likely to go on for ever. McColl is a brilliant centre-forward, and although suffering from a damaged ankle, put in any amount of clever work, but lies dangerously near off-side. The Scottish left wing, as represented by Hamilton and Smith, could not be improved upon, for Smith is always ready to receive a pass and make good use of it, whilst Hamilton not only plays with his feet, but uses his brains, and, moreover, displays an amount of dash which you are not accustomed to see in a Scotch forward. Yes,it was a clever quintette, and once inthe second half gave an exhibition of passing which you seldom see, the whole five participating without an Englishman getting at the ball, although the movement was executed within the eighteen yards’ line.
THE VANQUISHED.
For a considerable period of the game I quite thought England would win. Even at half-time, when they were two goals to the bad, I had hopes, and when they stood 2—3 I was quite confident. But they fell and Scotland improved; with the result that Scotland won, and won easily. To put it briefly, England lost by shooting, and Scotland won by dash in front of goal, and accurate marksmanship. I don’t think that Kingsley had much more to do than had Rennie, and during the forty minutes only stopped about two shots, although three goals were scored against him, with not one of which he had a chance. Crabtree and Balmer did not work well together, and the Everton man did not player his usual game by a long way. There was something lacking in this particular department. At half, too, where we are usually strong, there was a palpable weakness, even Needham showing a falling off. Bannister, the new man from Burnley, played a useful, untiring game, and did not by any means disgrace himself. In the first half he was very prominent, but in the second did not show to advantage. I understand that something went wrong with his boots. Bull failed to get the measure of Smith and Hamilton, but on Saturday’s form they will require lot of holding. The best men in the front rank were Athersmith and Blackburn. For a long time the latter centred most accurately, and is evidently a coming man, whilst Athersmith’s speed and clever dribbling was always prominent. Whittaker proved too light to face such men as Robertson and Drummond, whilst Sagar’s poor shooting was quite sufficient to condemn him, and how he missed scoring on one occasion—and at a very important period of the game—will ever remain a mystery. Raybould was not individually prominent, but he was always useful, and is a forward of the energetic type. Taken all round, however, the team hardly realised expectations, and they were beaten by a better side.
THROUGH SCOTCH SPECTACLES
[By a True Scot.]
From a Scottish standpoint the result was of course, a pleasant surprise, but I should not fear to venture the opinion that even the most narrow-minded patriot would give the beaten side the credit of being a much better force than the score would lead one to believe. At the most there were not more than two goals between the teams, and at times during the game the English players struck one as being quite the equals their victors. Where they failed, and failed badly, too, was in their inability to turn their good work in the open to account. The claims made for them as regards speed were fully justified, and their combination at times was of the highest class. Athersmith, I thought the pick of the five. He was always businesslike in his endeavours, and worked harder than I have ever seen him in international game. His passing was sharp and pretty, and he gave Whittaker and Raybould many chances to make headway. The centre, however. I considered rather disappointing. hardlyever saw him in the game, and I fancy it will be unfortunate thing for England if she cannot find a more suitable successor to the brilliant G. O. Smith. Whittaker had some excellent runs, and showed a cultivated conception of the game. It says a good deal for him that Robertson was outwitted more times than one could count. Blackburn, on the extreme left, also justified his selection, and made a poor man of the stalwart Smith on several occasions. If he had fault at all, it was in the keeping of the ball too long, and in doing so allowing the Scotch half-backs to recover themselves and fall back on goal. The half-backs did well at times, but on the whole were hardly a match for the Scottish forwards. Needham had the heaviest task of any man. He was opposed to the finest working wing on the field, and though he never left off trying, he had to admit himself unable to cope with the brilliant play of Campbell and Walker. Bannister in the first half looked after M’Coll well, but in the second, neither he nor Bull was of much use in stemming the resolute rushes of the opposing forward line. With Crabtree I was hugely disappointed.  The last time I saw him was in the match at Birmingham two years ago, under Association auspices. On that occasion he was simply unbeatable, and gave Campbell, of the Rangers, no earthly chance. On Saturday, however, he was neither sure in his kicking nor tackling, and in singlehanded combat with Walker, was more often than not left in the lurch. Balmer played a sturdy and determined game, and as for Kingsley, he is due ample commiserationin the big score run up against him. He certainly was not to blame. The weak spot in the Scottish team—for there was a weak spot, despite the substantial success of the combination—was at back, where neither Drummond nor Smith was absolutely safe, and the latter, in particular, several times almost gave his side away. His weak display has undoubtedly jeopardised his chances of an English Association cap, and if Dunlop, of Liverpool, shows well in the Anglo-Scots match on Wednesday he will stand well for Crystal Palace honours. Drummond was not so bad, and must be given credit for coming to the rescue at some critical times. Rennie, in goal, gave his usual masterly display, I shall he surprised if he is supplanted by any other for the match on the 30thinst. I am an ardent admirer of McWattie, the Queen’s Park custodian, but it goes a long way in favour of Rennie that he has the experience of last April at Celtic Park. This undoubtedly would stand him in good stead in such an exciting engagement as the contest at Crystal Palace is sure to be. Our half-backs did very well. Their recover work was a great factor in our success, and it was perhaps their worrying tactics that were responsible more than anything else for England’s defeat.  The forwards acquitted themselves so creditably that I expect they will go to the Crystal Palace en bloc. Walker's display at outside right was a pleasing revelation, and no matter how Robertson or Templeton may disport themselves in Wednesday’s trial, it will be difficult to displace Walker. Campbell fed and coached him in brilliant fashion, and was perhaps the most “heady” player on the field. McColl also made his Association cap secure. His individual efforts in the second hall were worthy of the player, and his goal was the finest of the match. Hamilton and Smith made a capital wing, and in the second half especially were quite irresistible. The latter’s touch-line runs were brilliant executed and his goal, taken on the run from the line was really a fine effort. To sum up, our team gave a satisfactory display with some disappointment at back, but with all our superiority we did not merit such an over-whelming victory as six goals to two.

SCOTTISH LEAGUE v  ENGLISH LEAGUE
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 18 March 1901
Played at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, before 34,000 spectators. England kicked off against the wind, and immediately Sagar and Blackburn made for the Scotch goal. Neill, however, robbed them, and getting down into the English territory. Hamilton shot past. Immediately afterwards the Scotchmen got a corner, which Smith took, and Walker put the finishing touch, upon the goal. England then returned, and carrying the ball down the field had a corner, but nothing resulted. The Englishmen at this stage, although playing against the wind, were pressing hard, but could not score. Then the home side got going again, and Walker passing to Smite, the latter tipped the ball to Hamilton, who registered the second goal for Scotland. The Englishmen from a beautiful run notched their first point. Scotland shortly afterwards took the ball up the field, and Hamilton from a pass by walker scored the third goal for Scotland. Half-time; Scotland 3 goals, England 1 goal. The play being resumed, Scotland, though the wind was against them, kept the English goal in danger for some time, Hamilton just missing twice. Ten minutes from the restart Raybould added the second goal for England, after Rennie had saved from Whittaker. Give-and-take play followed. From a long kick of Drummond’s, which relived the pressure. Hamilton got the ball, and passed to McColl, who registered the fourth point for Scotland. A minute later Hamilton from a foul on the penalty line, added a fifth and Smith made Scotland’s total six. Result Scottish League 6 goals, English league 2 goals.

EVERTON v  STOKE
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 18 March 1901
This match was played at Goodison Park. The Everton captain won the toss, Watkins kicking off towards the Park goal in the presence of about 10,000 spectators. After the usual preliminary scramble, the Evertonians rushed away on the right and gained a corner, which was smartly cleared away but subsequently Proudfoot and Taylor each tried their hand in the shooting line. Pretty touches by Wood and Watkins gave Johnson possession, the latter’s centre being used in capital fashion by the compatriots but at the finish Muir brought off a splendid save. Then the Everton right wing again rushed away, and loud claims were made for a corner, which the referee declined to grant, the responsible official’s decision meeting with anything by favour on all hands. However, keeping up the attack, Everton made rings round their opponents, and Settle sent in a grand shot, which forced a corner from Cartlidge. Play was of a very fast charcater and both sides put in a lot of hard work, though the attempts for goal were not very accurate. At length, however, a score came to the home contingent. The ball was sent to Taylor, who travelled rapidly in the direction of Cartlidge, and at the right moment passed to Sharp, who, with a beautiful oblique shot, completely beat the Potters’ custodian after nineteen minutes’ play. Later on a dash by Sharp and his partner gained a fruitless corner, and just afterwards Cartlidge brought off a fine save from Taylor. Everton now asserted themselves, Taylor and Sharp playing finely together, the latter placing shot right into goal, Cartlidge clearing splendidly. The attack by Everton was kept up for some little time, but ultimately a goal kick gave relief. Johnson made an attempt to make progress, but Abbott proved too much for him, and Everton were quickly again on the aggressive. Settle, Proudfoot, Turner, and Booth each vainly trying to lower the Stoke colours. Everton continued to keep up the pressure. Wolstenholme putting in a really magnificent shot, Cartlidge however, saving in equally clever fashion. A sprightly move between the Everton right wing and centre was followed by a shot from Turner, but he was immediately pronounced offside. Then the ball was sent bouncing forward from the Everton right wing, and Cape well made a mistake which lost, his side a second goal. His attempt at a clearance was only of a weak nature, and he touched the ball to Proudfoot, who promptly ran through and scored. Stoke then went to the front, and Wood had another pop at goal, which was a very near thing indeed, Johnson then forced a corner off Watson, and on the Potters pressing forward Muir ran out and cleared. A free kick to the visitors was of no advantage, as the ball was sent into the net without touching a second player. From the goal kick Everton made a sudden dash, and found themselves in a good position, and after the sphere had been twice returned, Settle, with a lightning like shot placed the third goal to Everton’s credit, to the great delight of the crowd. Before the interval Stoke ineffectually tried to reduce Everton’s lead. Half-time score;- Everton 3 goals, Stoke nil. Proudfoot commenced the second half, and the opening moves were distinctly in favour of Everton, Booth sending in a rattling shot before the game had been in progress a couple of minutes. By and by the Stoke right wing broke over the centre line, but Booth and Eccles sent them back, Booth opening the way for Proudfoot, whose shot was very wide. Taylor followed with a rasping shot, and then Stoke broke away again, only to be worried off the ball by Wolstenholme. Taylor and Sharp made headway, but their progress was at length cut short by Capewell, and after another futile attack by Everton, Lockett made a fine dash down his wing, but the Stoke man’s centre was sent away. The Potters kept up the pressure for some few minutes, the right wing being especially prominent, but they could not penetrate the home defence, and a goal luck was the only result. Everton asserted themselves afterwards, and from one attack Turner centred grandly, but a splendid opening went abegging, no one being up to receive the sphere, and the pressure was brought to a close by Wolstenholme shooting high over the bar. Benbow was off for a time, but returned here abouts, and signalized his reappearance by a splendid shot, which Muir, however, successfully negotiated. Everton played up after this, and from a corner Taylor headed in, Durber replying effectually, and Taylor ultimately closed the pressure by shooting over. As the game progressed Everton attacked with great spirit, and the Stoke defence had a very warm time. Sharp made an opening for Settle, who took deadly aim with terrific force. Cartledge bringing forth tremendous cheers by a magnificent save. The attack of the “Blues” was maintained for some time, Proudfoot bringing down the “house” by sending in a shot which curled over the bar. Final result;- Everton 3 goals, Stoke nil. Teams;- Everton;- Muir, goal; Eccles and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle (Captain), Settle, and Turner, forwards. Stoke;- Partridge, goal; Durber, and Capewell, backs; Bradley, Woods, and Leach, half-backs; Johnson, Whitehouse, Watkins, Benbow, and Lockett, forwards.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES AND CHAT
Football Chat and Athletic News- Wednesday, March 20, 1901
By the “Mersey man.”
Both the supporters of Everton and Liverpool have good reason to be on the best of terms with themselves this week, their respective loves having gained highly creditable victories, Liverpool conquering Aston Villa and Everton, at Goodison, securing a ready victory at the expense of Aston Villa’s local cup ousters, Stoke, to wit. Thus again do our champions flatter, by mounting another notch on that well-greased League ladder. But we have been so frequently deceived that it would perhaps be unwise to even hint to a possibility of League honours visiting this district for the second time. Yet there can be no blinking of one’s eyes to the fact that Tom Watson’s lads possess more than the average outside chance, deceivers  though they be.
I was somewhat disappointed with the Everton-Stoke match. The recent form of the Potters suggested better things than they served up for our delectation four days ago, whilst a desperate position in the League was also set forth as an additional incentive to a desperate struggle on the part of these badly-supported Pottery people. But they were really no match for the good sons of Goodison, who won very, very easily by 3 goals to nil. And yet two of these goals were practical gifts on the part of the opposition, Capewell letting Proudfoot in badly for Everton’s second goal, whilst just on the interval Leech marred a nice exhibition by planting the ball to Settle’s feet, when the last-named was slick in front of Cartledge. Both Everton’s artistes mentioned made no mistake.
Directly the Evertonians found they had got the measure of their opponents they seemed to ease up. This is a trait common to most football players. Stoke also appeared to realise, after the first half-hour had elapsed, that they were engaged in a hopeless struggle. Naturally, therefore, things simmered down muchly towards the finish. Everton’s in reality, were not extended. Muir might have gone on holiday. Watson was a better back than Eccles, the last-named appearing very unhappy.  Balmer, you know, was at Glasgow, sharing in England’s 2 to 6 epidemic.
At half-back, Everton were particularly powerful. Please find me a line to compare with Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott. England’s intermediate wants could, with just as good results, be placed in the keeping of this trio, as that of Scotland in the hands of the Rangers’ experts. Coming to the forwards, I must award pride of place of Proudfoot. His form during the past month has been well-nigh faultless, and the manner in which he has developed brain power is nothing short of wonderful. Proudfoot is to-day as classy as they make ‘em. Turner and Jack Sharp, on the extreme wings, failed only in a shooting sense. Settle’s only fault was that of sometimes trying the impossible. He doesn’t like making for goal without, as em introduction, out-manoeuvring an opponent. Taylor, I thought came next to Proudfoot for sustained excellence. Jockie like Proudfoot, has thoroughly silenced his traducers. Of the Stoke players the half-backs were the best part. Wood is a very clever centre-half, whilst Leech is a sticker (no pun) of the first water. He reminds one of Rab Howell. I sighed for a minute or two of the old-time Clare, Underwood and Rowley understanding among the back divisioners. Cartledge, though, is a promising goaler. But I would advise him to practice taking goal-kicks and practise staying in goal more. In front of him Durber and Capewell were now good, now bad. Individually, the forwards accomplished a few clever things, but there was no combination, no understanding. The great Maxwell was missing and the present tense five were like a line of fighters minus a leader, Lockett and Benbow made a fair wing, but Watkins was useless in the centre. Johnson periodically was clever on the other side, but might exert himself more, whilst his partner, little Whitehouse, was not at all prominent. Curiously enough, his last League appearance for the Potters was against Liverpool on New Year’s Day.
Mr. Adams, the selected referee failed to put in an appearance for the Everton-Stoke fixture, but both clubs electing to stand or fall by Mr. Foster, of Accrington, matters were nicely smoothed over. Mr. Foster did very well until the last minute, when a certain incomprehensible decision roused the lower ire of the crowd. He was cheered (?) on retiring.

SATURDAY’S FIXTURES
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 21 March 1901
EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
Friendly match will be played at Newcastle on Saturday next, and the following team has been selected to represent Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Boyle, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDonald, Proudfoot, Settle and O’Brien, forwards. The train leaves Exchange Station at 1.5 p.m. tomorrow, kick-off 3.30
EVERTON RESERVE v. OLD XAVERIANS
The Everton reserves team, having an open date on Saturday next have arranged to play at Old Xaverians, at Goodison Park, a friendly game. They are champions of the Lancashire Amateur League this season and last, and are thus considered the best amateur team in Lancashire and should give the home team and their supporters a good and interesting game. Kick-off 3.30. The following team has been selected to represent Everton; Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Robinson, backs; Blythe, T. Wolstenholme, and Taylor, half-backs; Phillips, Hardacre, Beveridge, Gray, and Corrin, forwards.

SCHOOL SHIED
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 22 March 1901
INSTITUTE v.  LIVERPOOL COLLEAGE (SHAW-STREET)
The final for the shield presented by the Everton Club was played on the Everton ground. Half-time the College led to 2 to nil, and eventually won by 3 goals to nil.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 23 March 1901
MIDDLESBROUGH
By Perseus
Bursting suddenly to the front with their Cup-tie victory over Newcastle United, Middlesbrough have recently been filling the eye of public fancy as a team to be thoroughly respected, particularly on Tees-side. Perhaps we outsiders have not seriously entered into the enthusiastic speculation of those immediate followers who have been discussing. Middlesbrough’s chances of emulating the feat of Notts County-the only team to win the Cup while in the Second Division-yet a good many probably favoured their prospects in to-day’s third round against the Albion, the latter’s brilliant past in the competition notwithstanding. And to get even into the semi-finals would be a record for the club. Has this record by this time been established, or have the Throstles piped a winning melody at Middlesbrough this afternoon? I speak in the dark on this point, but I know the bracing breezes of Saltburn, together with the strictest, attention to the desires of trainer Charles Harper, whom we all know as the brilliant sprinter, were expected to have a happy bearing towards favourable result. One thing is certain, the players have been bent on the business, and here I may fittingly introduce the tribute of the courteous secretary, Mr. Robson, who assures me that it would be impossible to have a team easier to manage. A number of the men are teetotallers, the rest temperate; all are reliable. So says the official who knows them best, and whatever the team have done towards re-establishing Middlesbrough in the football world is due largely to these qualities of self-control.
HISTORY IN FOUR ERAS.
To broaden our view and look, not merely at the present position, but to trace the club back to its foundation, we find that Middlesbrough’s history goes a long way into the past, and that with Sunderland the town was one of the pioneers of football in the north-eastern district of England. I know that the organisation’s present trial of professionalism is but a thing of yesterday-or rather of last season-but this is so far only the briefest as well as the latest phase of a chequered career. Sunderland’s foundation by members of the scholastic profession dates 1874, and somewhere in the middle seventies you find the game brought into being at Middlesbrough. The sporting instincts of these early enthusiasts found their legitimate outlet in the vigorous winter pastime, and the club grew and flourished. I need not say that it was an amateur team, for it was long after this establishment that professionalism was legalised. On the verge of the nineties, however, the club introduced the paid player, and about the same time came the spilt and the formation of the Ironopolis-an apt name for a club in this town of blazing foundries. But the life of Ironopolis, though eventful for a short time, was not a long one, but Middlesbrough has lived on. For three years did the latter run a professional team, but buy the completion of this brief trail the club was debt to the tune of £800 or £900. So back to amateurism for six years- the third era- and this state again proved successful on the whole, so much so, that when last season a second trial was given to professionalism, not only had the former debt been cleared, but there was a balance of £120 in hand.
A DEBT TO AMATEURISM
Thus had amateurism liquidated the debts of professionalism, and provided a little present for the second venture in the latter direction. Experience might have been reckoned an argument against the latest change, but a little distance away, at Newcastle and Sunderland, the people had readily backed the big clubs with their support, and why should the sturdy sons of toil on Tees-side be behind their brethren in standing by a good professional team? Anyhow, the die was cast for good or ill, and the present trial has been as successful as the former one was disappointing. Last season the team, ‘tis true, did not perform very well, but this turn with the eleven reorganised the play has been vastly improved, and the spectators have come up more consistently perhaps than at any other ground in the Second Division. Why, an average of 8,000 or 9,000 would beat more one or two First Divisionists! And the victory over Newcastle, followed by the second round slaring of Kettering fairly enthused all the followers.
IMPORT NEW SCHEME
The appetite of ambition has been whetted by these favourable occurrences, and when I was up in Middlesbrough a fortnight ago, Mr. Robson gave me the outline of a scheme for a new ground- a scheme so ambitious that the club would never have ventured thereon but for the flowing tide of popularity which has marked its career this season. The Linthorpe-road ground has been the club’s home for nigh a score years, and rich in recollections of old days is a spot with sentimental magnetism. But at the end of next season the club necessarily lose it, and already the directors have a new site, also on the Linthorpe-road, but about five minutes further out. Even then, however, you are within 10 or 12 minutes of the station. The new ground has been obtained on a 21 years’ lease, and possession has been taken with a view to commencing at once the important work of draining and levelling; thus the turf should have a fine chance of settling, seeing that the ground will only be wanted a year next September. Questioning Mr. Robson as to the ideas of his directors, I found that so far as open stands are concerned, they favour an arrangement on the lines of the Roker Park accommodation at Sunderland; and mentioning the splendid pavilion stands on the grounds of Sheffield Wednesday and Notts Forest, I discovered that some of the officials had seen the one at Owlerton and thought it a particularly fine model. The piece of land is large, and there will be a running path round, with room allowed for a cycle track if such be thought desirable at some subsequent time. “Then how many people do you expect to be able to accommodate?” “Thirty thousand comfortably.”
PILLARS OF THE CLUB.
“Linthorpe-road,” said Mr. Robson, “ah, I have myself played there many a time for our second team, years ago” And it may be because Mr. Robson, has gone through all grades -player, assistant secretary, and secretary-that he fills his present post so tactfully. He was assistant, I believe when A. Borrie, the finest forward and centre forward perhaps that Middlesbrough ever had, was the secretary; the second team was his special care, and woe betide Mr. Borrie if he had a first teamer off, and wished to draw on the second. His junior’s enthusiasm would not brook this depletion of the reserve forces. And he is as keen as ever, and is well supported by the directors, of whom J.R. Smiles is chairman. Mention of the latter takes me back to the chairman of the first professional days, Mr. R. Dodds, and his colleague, Mr. R. Forrester, while to peer further into the past there appear the names of Messrs F. Hardisty and W.H. Thomas, who bore a worthy share in the club’s early history.
A HOME OF FOOTBALLERS.
Passing from the business side, that is the management, to the playing part, which is much more attractive, space would fail me to sketch even hastily all the men who have shown lustrously in the Middlesbrough firmament during the past quarter of a century. And even were I to dive deeply into the store of personal memories drawn from men on the spot, many of the names would have no charm for the general reader, because unknown. And yet it is a fact that this north-eastern district has been the training ground of many fine players in the game. Do you wish for proof, then see it in the deeds of such splendid footballers as J.H. Gettins, Calvey, Hedley, Priest, Mooren, all of whom, with others of rare calibre, hail from Tees-side districts, though their reputations have been made elsewhere. We know less of the best of Middlesbrough’s old-time amateurs, because the club was not playing in competitions touching any part of the country but their own, and because, being amateurs, the men were not eager to leave their own club. Borrie, who is now a solicitor in the town, was equal to any of the above, perhaps superior, and he did not stand alone. One has only to recall the club’s many triumphs in the Cleveland Cup to bear out their reputation as a fine amateur club, for this trophy, which was put up in 1881-2, they won for five seasons in succession; altogether they have secured it more times than all other competitors put together-not a light performance when you reflect that they have had to oppose such clubs as Stockton, who have won the national Amateur Cup, Darlington, South Bank, and Ironopolis. Further, Middlesbrough have twice won the Amateur Cup, which is only in its eighth season, beating Old Carthusians in the final on one occasion.
FRIGHTENING THE WOLVES
Having recalled the local ascendancy of the Middlesbrough amateurs, and also their more noteworthy achievement in the Amateur Cup, let me strike a professional vein. And if I introduce the very best thing. Middlesbrough ever did in their first trial of professionalism, perhaps my readers may remember. Up on Tees-side they talk about it to this day- how in the year ’92-3 they came near winning the English Cup. How is that you say, seeing that they were beaten in the second round? Well, where and how were they beaten? It was at Wolverhampton and at the call of time the score was one all, and only after extra time- and then, some say, with a slice of luck- did the Wolves come in first by three goals to two. In the team then playing you get an idea of the Middlesbrough men in the early nineties. One of the best known was Bob Blyth, who at one time captained Preston North End; Crone, the burly Irish full back; Lewis, a good Welsh forward; T. Bach, a brother of the more famous Phil, who two years ago obtained his international cap. Thus were the four nationalities all represented. Others well known were McManus, the St. Mirren full back; Stott, who subsequently served Newcastle so well; while there was also G. Waller, the very successful trainer in recent years of Sheffield United. But these gallants were defeated in their design on the national trophy, and the club’s greatest successes to date are those won in the Amateur and Cleveland Cups and also in the Northern League Championship, which, by the by, has been won time and again.
CHAT WITH A FAMOUS PLAYER.
After this discursive talk on Middlesbrough football, I may, perhaps, fitly wind up with a few points from a talk with one of the best players in the present eleven- A. Wilkie, the old Blackburn Rover, who now partners clever Willie Wardrope, whose photo is given above. It was a fortnight ago, and to-day’s Cup tie was thus in the future; yet he thought that with their useful team they might well pull through. Wilkie knows a player when he sees one, for in his experience with the Rovers he came across nearly all our best in England, and subsequently with the cracks of Scotland -Glasgow Rangers-he sampled the cream of his own native land. And he says the Middlesbrough forwards, though little, play a very pretty game, and the team as a whole is more scientific and less of the rushing character than some would have us suppose. They were nearly equal to anything in the Second Division, but if my good friends at Burnley find any consolation for recent disappointments in an impartial tribute, they may have it in Wilkie’s opinion that they are the best team in the Second Division. So we drifted off to general matters, to a discussion of the relative merits of players and players; but a footballer, however, candid to you personally, will seldom permit you to give any publicity to remarks about men of his own craft. An opponent may have well-nigh kicked his leg off, but there is almost always this same spirit of loyalty to each other after the event. In talking about international goalkeepers, however, he remarked that in his opinion no man was more worthy selection than McBride. “Don’t you think Anglo-Scots have to fight against a great prejudice?” “No,” he replied, “but other things being equal, I certainly think the Home Scot has first claim.”

EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday Match 23, 1901
FRIENDLY GAME AT NEWCASTLE
These teams met in a friendly fixture at Newcastle in bright weather, but before only a sparse attendance, Everton, losing the toss, were set to play down the field. The United scored in the first minute. The ball was taken up by the home right, and Gardner sent in finely from the touch line. Muir only partially cleared, and a shot from Peddie was charged down. The ball, however, only swerved over to Heywood, who cleverly beat Muir. The game was subsequently contested keenly, both ends being visited in turn. Eccles played a clever game at back and frequently beat Peddie, especially he cleverly stopped Gardner when the matter had got away from the whole field. Neither goalkeeper, however, was really tested Kingsley saving the only dangerous shot he received twenty minutes after the start. The chief feature was the defence on both sides. Everton pressed consistently. Towards the interval O’Brien sent in a fine shot from the left wing, which Kingsley cleverly fisted out. He was again tested by Settle, but again proved equal to the emergency. Wolstenholme shot horribly wide, and the home team then took up the running. Muir was called on twice, but had no difficulty in dealing with either shots. Just before the interval Proudfoot sustained a slight injury and retired. Half-time score; Newcastle United 1 goal, Everton Nil.
Final;- Newcastle United 2 Goals, Everton 1 Goal.

EVERTON COMBIANTION v.  OLD XAVERIANS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 23, 1901
The Goodison Park Reserve engaged the Old Xavierians this afternoon in a “friendly” there being a fair attendance of spectators present when the following teams turned out;
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Robertson, backs; Blythe, Wolstenholme, and R. Taylor, half-backs; Phillips, Hardacre, Beveridge, Gray, and Corrin, forwards. Old Xaverians; Bennett, goal; Barwis and Mawdsley, backs; McDonald, Duggan, and Hawley, half-backs; Morey, Barlow, Hedson, Hall and Crowdson, forwards. The visitors won the toss, Beveridge starting on behalf of Everton. The Old Xaverians at the outset pressed, and aided by a free kick; got close in, but Robinson turned them to the right about, the ball being taken to the other end, where Bennett was called upon to save from Phillips. Hereabouts some very fine passing tactics by the home team were observed, and the visitors were kept busy defending their charge. A fruitless corner fell to Everton after which Murray and Barlow made play on the left, but were pulled up before getting dangerous, the ball being again taken to the front of Bennett, who had an anxious few minutes, the leather on one occasion striking the upright, and on another just going a couple of inches the wrong side of the post. Beveridge sent in a long shot, which went over the bar, and then Corrins nearly scored. The visitors now made a brief incursion into Everton territory, Barlow testing Kitchen with a hot ‘un, which the home custodian succeeded in clearing. The Everton quintet got possession, and took the ball up into the visitors’ territory, where play was located for some time, Bennett bringing off several clever saves. As the interval drew high play became very fast the ball travelling from end to end rapidly. Half-time; No score.

NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 EVERTON 1
March 25 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
These teams met in a friendly engagement at Newcastle, before some 4,000 spectators. Everton started play and in the first couple of minutes Muir was called on by Gardner, but only partially clearing the ball went to Heywood, who opened the scoring. Play after this proceeded on fairly even lines, the respective defenders being always capable of dealing with the attack. Towards the end of the first half the home players put on pressure, and Muir had several difficult shots dispose of, and these were notiated with good judgement. No further scoring took place, and on charging ends Everton were one goal behind. On resuming the visitors had the better of the opening play, and looked like drawing level. Two corners however, came to nothing and on the home forwards getting away Peddie defeated Muir. Later on McDonald opened Everton's account, this being the last point scored and Newcastle winning by 2 goals to 1 . Everton: - Muir goal, Balmer, and Eccles backs, Wolstenholmes O'Brien and Abbot, halfbacks Sharp ,McDonald, Proudfoot, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. Newcastle: - Kingsley goal, Burgess and Gardiner (g), backs, Ghee, Aitken, and Carr halfbacks, Peddie, Gardiner (a), McFarlane, Heywood, and Niblo, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 OLD XAVERIANS 0
March 25 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park before 5,000 spectators. Everton soon got into their stride, and tested Bennett, who was in grand form. Soon however, the visitors were at the other end and from a beautiful shot from Hall, Kitchen only just saved his shot. Result Everton 1 Old Xaverians nil. Everton: - Kitchen goal, Halliday and Robinson backs, Blythe, Wolstenholmes and Taylor (r), halfbacks Phillips, Hardacre, Beveridge, Gray, and Corrin forwards .

EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 25 March 1901
FRIENDLY GAME AT NEWCASTLE
These teams met in a friendly fixture at Newcastle in bright weather, but before only a sparse attendance. Everton losing the toss, were set to play down the field. The United scored in the first minute. The ball was taken up by the home right, and Gardiner sent in finely from the touch line. Muir only partially cleared, and a shot from Peddie was charged down. The ball, however, only swerved over to Heywood, who cleverly beat Muir. The game was subsequently contested keenly, both ends being visited in turn. Eccles played a clever game at back, and frequently beat Peddie, especially he cleverly stopped Gardiner when the latter had got away from the whole field. Neither goalkeeper, however, was really tested, Kingsley saving the only dangerous shot he received twenty minutes after the start, the chief feature was the defence on both sides. Everton pressed consistently. Towards the interval O’Brien sent in a fine shot from the left wing, which Kingsley fisted out. He was afterwards tested by Settle, but again proved equal to the emergency. Wolstenholme next shot wide, and the home team then took up the running. Muir was called on twice, but had no difficulty in dealing with either shots. Just before the interval Proudfoot sustained a slight injury retired. Half-time score;- Newcastle United 1 goal, Everton nil. In the first ten minutes of the second half Everton pressed, securing a couple of corners, and Kingsley had to clear from Sharp. At the end of ten minutes’ spirited play Peddie scored from a free kick. McDonald cleverly scored for the visitors. Result;- Newcastle United 2 goals, Everton 1.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES AND CHAT
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, March 27, 1901
By the “Mersey Man.”
Brieflets.- Everton were “friendlying” at Newcastle; they lost, also failed to draw a crowd. -Evidently there is a limit even to Tyneside enthusiasm.- The Toffees tried a local named O’Brien as Settle partner.
Everton’s second string met and defeated (2 to nil) the crack amateur team of the district (Old Xaverians, on Saturday). The Toffees tried four new players in this fixture, viz., Robinson (back), T. Wolstenholme (centre-half), Phillips and Hardacre (forwards). Wolstenholme is “own brother” to the great Everton League Samuel of that ilk. By the bye, the mysterious Beveridge, the £200 Notts Forester, also came out of hiding for this game, so that it contained quite a number of features.

OPENING OF ANOTHER ELECTRIC TRAM ROUTE
Liverpool Mercury - Thursday 28 March 1901
The long-needed electric tram service for Netherfield-road is about to be opened, and will certainly prove a boon to the immense population of Everton. The following circular has just been issued by the Liverpool Corporation Tramways Company;- The present horse omnibus services between Everton Valley and Prince’s Park, and between Everton Church and Necropolis will, within the next few days, be discontinued, and an electric service substituted with the following route and fares- From Spellow-lane (Walton) via Walton-road, Netherfield-road, Shaw-street, Moss-street, Boundary-place, Crown-street, Grove-street, Upper Parliament-street, and Prince’s-road; the reverse route being taken via Prince’s-road, Upper Parliament-street, Grove-street, Crown-street, Boundary-place, Moss-street, Shaw-street, Eastbourne-street, Village, street, Everton-road, Heyworth-street, St. Domingo-road, Kirkdale-vale, and Walton-road. Fares; Spellow-lane and Moss-street, 1d; Netherfield-road Hospital to Myrtle-street 1d; Myrtle-street to Everton Church, 1d; Moss-street and Prince’s Park Gates, 1d; through fare 2d. 

Everton at Owlerton.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Saturday 30 March 1901
Few clubs have given Wednesday such consistently games as Everton, who make their first acquaintance with Owlerton to-day. There has rarely been more than a goal between them, nor should there be this afternoon, for both defences are amongst the stoutest in the League, and neither gives much away to a superlatively clever attack. The sailing up of Crawshaw to act reserve where was generally expected to be first choice, compels Wednesday to introduce one cf their rare changes into the half-back line, Thackeray once more being included. In every other respect-, however, the side will be its best, both Langley and Wilson again resuming their positions, whilst the injury that Puddlesdin received his shoulder at Liverpool has happily not been sufficiently severe to necessitate a rast. Everton have not had too pleasant, an experience of Sheffeld football this season. Wednesday shared the points with them at Goodison Park, where, too, United only lost in the last three minutes of the game, and both in the return League match and the Cup tie Bramall Lane they were beaten. To-day should complete a somewhat barren record, and Wednesday succeed they will seldom have bagged a more useful brace of points, having regard to the position things in the table.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY v. EVERTON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 30 March 1901
At Owlerton, in wretched weather, before 3,000 spectators. Wednesday were without Crawshaw, Ruddlesden, Langley, and Thackeray, whilst on the Everton side Gee took place Settle, who was injured last week. Everton attacked at first, but afterwards Wednesday gradually obtained the upper hand, and they rushed the ball through from a corner, just before half-time. Half-time —Wednesday 1, Everton 0.
On resuming, Wednesday soon began to show their superiority, and after twenty minutes' play Davis put in a briiliant shot, which Muir saved, but could not got away, and Chapman a minute later placed another shot from Davies to Spikealoy, who headed through. Everton then took up the running, and Booth scored with long shot. The remaining- play was in Wednesday's favour. Result—WEDNESDAY 3, EVERTON 1.

FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 30 March 1901
DARWEN
By Red Rose
Football, to use a hackneyed phrase, has been played in the Peaceful Valley from time immemorial. It is impossible to say exactly how or when it originated, but very early in the eighteenth century the young men of the district indulged in matches during Shrovetide, there being no limit to the field of play, which extended from one end of the valley to the other. In later years the matches took place in a square meadow, the teams of seventy years ago consisting of a score of players on either side. Clogs were worn, and perhaps more attention was sometimes paid to the man than to the ball; hence considerable roughness at times developed. Games were played for stakes, and as disputes not infrequently arose, some exciting races occurred to obtain the first possession of the stakes. If a match was not decided at the end of the period stipulated, it was continued until one club gained the advantage, and it was not uncommon for matches to be continued for two and three days, while visiting teams sometimes suffered from the unfriendly attentions of dissatisfied spectators.
THE FOUNDATION OF THE CLUB
But the football played in these early days was hardly what we style football nowadays. It would appear, however, that thirty years ago, when the cricket club was formed, a football organisation flourished in the valley, the game being played under the Harrow rules, a sort of combination between Rugby and Association. The bleak little village of Turton is credited with being the birthplace of Socker football in Lancashire and the North of England; but Dawson people claim that they were in the field as early as the Turtonians. Many rare battles took place in the early seventies between the Darwen and Turton elevens; and when the Peaceful Valley lot went down, their supporters were wont to declare that it was “a bit of a corker” if a town of 30,000 inhabitants could not overcome a small village with 400. Mr. A.N. Hornby occasionally assisted the Darwiners and it will not surprise readers to hear that his play was of a most vigorous order, as many of his opponents can testify. He was, in fact, known as one of the “Brookhouse Lambs,” and his sturdy frame stood him in good stead in the hot contests of that day.
A FOOTBALL SANDOW
In 1874-5, Barley Bank, that famous old football arena, now, alas! Like the Leamington enclosure at Balckburn, in the hands of the enterprising builder, was taken, one portion of the members playing under Rugby rules and the other adhering to Socker. Joe Booth, the first keeper of the Darwen sticks of any note, was an exceedingly dangerous customer to tackle, and his great strength enabled him to hold his own against opposing forwards when rough tactics were adopted. It is stated that on one occasion he seized two Patrick Thistle forwards, who had “gone” for him, under arm, and carried them down the field some little distance, amid great laughter. The Rugby members found the game rather too rough for their liking and gradually drifted into the quarter though still very vigorous Association arena, and on the first day of 1876 a Scottish eleven appeared in Lancashire for the first time, accepting an invitation to Barley Bank. Patrick Thistle were then one of the great teams of Scotland, and though they often decisively thrashed the men of the Peaceful Valley, they educated the footballers of East Lancashire in no small degree. About this period Darwen met Lower Darwen, Church, Eagley, Edgworth, Witton, Cob Wall, and other teams long since defunct, but which were then powers in the district. Darwen affiliated with the English Association in 1876, and it is interesting to note that at this early stage of the Association’s history the majority of the clubs played seven forwards, two half-backs, one back, and a goalkeeper. In the later seventies, however, one forward went to full back, and this arrangement remained in vogue for a number of years. These were the days or real amateurism. No money was paid for loss of work, and upon going any great distance away from home the players paid their own hotel expenses.
THE COMING OF THE SCOT
It has been given, and generally accepted, as a fact, that Darwen were the first English team to include a Scotchman within its ranks. In Darwen this statement is strongly combated, and officials of the old club with whom I have held converse allege that Andrews, a Patrick Thistle player, turned out regularly with a Sheffield club in 1876, while the Sheffield Healey team included J.J. Lang, a Scotch International, the following season, and two young Scotchmen came and settled in the Edgworth district. However that may be, Jimmy Love and then Fergy Suter cast in their lot with the Darreners, and caused a great revolution in the play of the team. Fergy Suter, who is now keeping a comfortable hostelry in Darwen, was undoubtedly one of the greatest full backs produced by the three kingdoms. I have never seen his headwork excelled, and the Blackburn Rovers never had a more valuable and sturdy defender, although Johnny Forbes in later years, was at the head of his profession. Suter’s appearance in Darwen came about in this wise. A large number of people were thrown out of employment by the failure of the West of Scotland Bank, and Suter intimated his willingness to join the Darwen club of work could be found for him in the Peaceful Valley. This was provided without difficulty, and Patrick Thistle lost and Darwen gained a brilliant player.
THE SUTER-MARSHALL FRACAS
Departure to the Blackburn Rovers a year or two later was responsible for the stirring up of the most bitter enmity between the officials and supporters of the two clubs. Fergie had some disagreement with the Darwen Committee, and the feeling culminated in the regrettable and historic incident which occurred on the Alexandra Meadows during the 1880-1 season. The meeting between the rival clubs attracted great attention, and the game was witnessed by quite 12,000 spectators over £250 being taken at the gate. Early on, the crowd burst through the barriers, and as Tom Marshall came flying down the wing, Fergy- this is the Darwen version of the story I am giving- fouled him very roughly. Marshall, who was a strapping fellow, immediately retaliated and blows were struck the crowd swarmed on the field of play, and the game ended ended in utter confusion. The Lancashire Association called upon both players to apologise, but the officials of the club remained at daggers drawn, and could not come to an understanding when they were drawn to meet each other in the semi-final for the Lancashire Cup, scratching and giving Accrington practically a walk over the final. The feud continued for a couple of years, when it was settled through the instrumentality of the English Association after voluminous correspondence had passed between the committees and the Association, but it is doubtful whether Darwen people do not yet bear a little grudge against the Blue and Whites. Marshall was undoubtedly a great forward. He won several sprint handicaps in the district, and was always a “marked” man whenever he appeared a player always being set to prevent him from shinning.
AN EARLY FOOTBALL MISSIONARY
In such brief space as is allowed to these articles, it is impossible to give any detailed account of the club’s doings, of which a good sized volume could be written. Let me, therefore, content myself with a few of the most conspicuous incidents in the club’s career, and the mention of two or three of its most prominent players. Dr. Gledhill, of Manchester who led the forwards rank for several years, was a man highly respected in this part of the country. He had lofty and advanced notions of the game; he abhorred rough play, and delivered many addresses and lectures as to how the game should be played- in fact, he was in his day and generation what Mr. Lewis and Mr. C. E. Sutcliffe are to present day football. To him belongs the honours of delivering the first football lecture in Preston, this taking place some score of years ago in the presence of Major Sudell, Bon Smalley, and other football lights. Indeed Darwen people aver that it was in consequence of his exposition of the possibilities of the passing game at the bands of a team of selected experts that served the Major as a model which culminated in his unexcelled combination of footballers.
“COME AGAIN, BELGER!”
Darwen made several plucky fights in the English Cup tourney, but never succeeded in penetrating beyond the semi-final, twice succumbing in this stage to the Old Etonians and Queen’s Park. Two or three members of the team secured international honours, and the great majority at one time another represented their country in the many engagements then played. The Lancashire Cup also found a resting place in the Peaceful Valley upon more than one occasion, and with the exception of the English Cup all the honours of footballdom came their way. On one occasion they defeated the Preston North end team by 14-0 but the Ribblesiders were then but in their infancy. Speaking of the meetings between Darwen and North End, reminds me of an incident which occurred at Deepdale in the early eighties. Darwen’s goal was then guarded by Holden, a custodian who had gained some little notoriety and considerable popularity amongst the Darwen crowd for his remarkable propensity for dealing with opposing forwards who attempted to rush him. He had a knack of “ducking” as players came at him, and by a peculiar twist of the body throwing them head over heels into where the net now lies. Belger we all know as the “goalkeeper smasher,” and his fame must have become known to Holden, for the latter, upon visiting Deepdale with the team asked a Preston friend to point Belger out to him before the game commenced. Unfortunately, however, his friend pointed out the wrong man, and as the latter came full bang ay Holden, and was promptly despatched over the latter’s shoulders against the boards at the back of the goal, the Darwen goalkeeper could not conceal his glee, but shouted “Come ageon, Belgar!” Belger, however, was not far away, and dashing at Holden, responded. “Here I am!” and sent him flying also against the boards with a fearful thud, amid the cheers of the crowd. Holden, however, took the incident in good part, and turned a somersault to show the crowd that he was not injured.
PROFESSIONALISM.
It is worthy of note that Darwen stuck out against professionalism as long as it was well able. The committee decided to remain under the old amateur rules as long as possible, being of opinion that the movement towards professionalism would not last any great time. They therefore refused to join the British Association, which was formed in 1884, to include the clubs which seceded from the English Association, and decided to embrace professionalism, nearly forty of the most prominent Lancashire and Midland clubs leaving the parent body. Happily, however, negotiations between the two associations resulted in a compromise, the parent body recognising professionalism with certain restrictions, which were afterwards withdrawn.
LOST CASTE
With the formation of the League came Darwen’s decline, hastened when the Blackburn Rovers took their present ground at Ewood. They were unable to gain admission to the First Division of the League, and had to join the Alliance. About this time Darwen had to meet the Rovers in a friendly at Ewood, and great indignation was caused by the Blue and Whites placing their reserve team in the field. The gate being a six penny one, the crowd became enraged at being treated to second-class fare; they swarmed on to the field of play, and did considerable damage to the grand stand, fixtures, and dressing tents. In ’91 entrance was secured into the First Division, but twelve months later again found Darwen consigned to the lower circles. This caused them to strengthen their eleven, with the result that they once again sailed into the First division, taking the place Notts County vacated in the League; but they did not remain there long, for at the end of the season they were again relegated to Division 11. Here they quickly went from bad to worse, and experienced vicissitudes such as few clubs would have recovered from. A team is now being run on economical lines, all the players following their employment, but the fare provided cannot be very palatable to the old school who were accustomed to the best in the land.

TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 30 March 1901
Sheffield Wednesday v Everton, Owlerton, Sheffield.- Referee, R. Glass.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer, and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Train leaves central Station at 10.30; kick-off 3.30.
Lancashire Combiantion
Everton Combination v Accrington Stanley, Goodison Park. Everton.
Everton Combination -Kitchen, goal; Halliwell, and Watson, backs; T. Wolstenholme, Green, and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington, Corrin, and O’Brien, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVE v  ACCRINGTON STANLEY
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 30 March 1901
There was only a handful of spectators at Goodison, stormy weather prevailing, but it moderated a good deal later. Everton were not long in getting to work, and after Edmondson had handed a couple of shots out from Roche and Dawson, O’Brien got through and netted a beauty from the twenty-five yards laine. Gradwell got dangerous for Stanley until well stopped by Watson, but a shot by Brinton brought Kitchen to his knees, and there was a fearful struggle in the mud, Holliday clearing his lines by giving a corner. The visitors could not improve it, and Everton being put on their metal, took play to the other end, where Dawson quickly put on number two. Play for the remainder of the first half was quiet, the home team being content to keep their end up, and Accrington being unable to set in the mud, slipping about on all sides. Half-time -Everton Reserve 2, Accrington 0.
Things looked better overhead when play was resumed, but they were worse than ever underfoot, and play was slow and without any exciting incidents. Everton claimed a penalty, which was not allowed. There was some rough charging on their side in consequence, and the referee had to exercise firmness to keep order. Banks put through when offside; otherwise, the visitors seldom had a look-in, the home team pressing. Result- Everton Reserve 3, Stanley 0.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 30, 1901
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
The Everton team, in charge of Mr. Molyneux, left Central Station this morning for the cutlery capital in order to meet Sheffield Wednesday in the return League game. On arrival, about one o’clock, the weather was of a miserable character, rain falling in torrents, which would have damped the ardour of the most enthusiastic devotee to the pastime. Both elevens were without prominent representatives, Crawshaw accompanying the English team at London as reserve, whilst Everton were minus Settle, who received an injury on the ankle last week, Gray being introduced. The initial game at Goodison Park ended in a division of points, the circumstance giving additional interest to to-day’s encounter, which Everton were particularly anxious to pull off, to retain their good position in the table. Fortunately, the weather improved before the start and on arrival at the ground Old Sol tried heard to smile upon the proceedings, though a powerful wind was blowing. In addition to Crawshaw, Langley and Ruddlesden were absent from the Sheffield ranks, through injuries. The teams faced as follows;-
Everton; Muir, goal; Balmer (Captain) and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Proudfoot, Gray, and Turner, forwards.
Sheffield Wednesday;- Stubbs, goal; Gosling and Layton, backs; Fish, Thackeray, and Ferrier, half-backs; Spikesley, Wright, Wilson, Chapman, and Davies, forwards.
The ground on account of the recent vagaries of the weather, was of a somewhat soft nature. There was not a very great crowd present, only about 5,000 being present at the start, Balmer, who acted as captain, won the toss, and he naturally took advantage of the wind. Rain again commenced to fall when Wilson started the game. Everton took up the play at once, some good play on the right ending in Booth shooting over the bar from the goal kick. Sheffield got away on the left, but Spikesley shot wide. Grand work by Eccles beautifully cleared Everton’s lines, in which booth was again prominent, but Sharp was pulled up by Gosling, some tricky work on the part of the Everton men left Turner in possession, but though he kept the ball in play, his centre was well responded to by Layton. Everton were having by far the most of the game, and the Sheffield defenders were given plenty of work. From an attack, Taylor was given an opening, but he dallied too long, and allowed Layton to dash up and clear. A free kick to Sheffield placed the visitors’ goal in danger, Thackeray twice testing Muir, the Everton custodian clearing on the second occasion in great style. By degree Everton worked themselves into a favourable position, but when becoming dangerous Gray made a bad pass, thus allowing Layton an easy clearance. Turner was the next to show up, but once more the defence prevailed. Nothing daunted by their ill-success, Everton again returned to the attack, Sharpe and Taylor found an opening for Proudfoot who sent a yard wide. The Sheffielders’ right go away, and Abbott was in difficulties, the result of which was that he fouled Davis; but the ensuing free kick was not utilised to advantage. Some tricky work on the part of the Sheffield front line spelt danger, Wilson putting a fine shot. Muir saved his charge in galliant fashion after Balmer had ones repelled the home at tackers. From a corner an exciting few minutes followed in front of Muir. Chapman shot into the Everton keeper from short range, the visiting custodian saving cleverly and a second later he was called upon by Wilson, he again clearing well, and ultimately Wilson drove the ball over the line. After this Everton attacked with great spirit, but off-side play on the part of Gray spoilt an otherwise excellent move. Half-time score; Sheffield Wednesday 1 goal, Everton nil.
Final; Sheffield Wednesday 3 goals, Everton 1 goal.

EVERTON COMBINATION v  ACCRINGTON STANLEY
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 30, 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Accrington played their return fixture with Everton this afternoon at Goodison Park, the following being the teams;-
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Halliday, and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Green and R. Taylor, halt-backs; Roche, Dawson, McDonald, Corrin, and O’Brien, forwards.
Accrington Stanley;- Edmondson, goal; Heys and Walmsley, backs; Golding, Fletcher, and Ashworth, halves; Gradwell, Brunton, Dawson, Banks, and Wilmington, forwards. Dawson started for Accrington in a torrential downpour of rain, the home eleven at once assailing the visitors; goal, a corner being forced. Nothing came of this, but still the Evertonians attacked, O’Brien shooting outside. The ball was then taken to midfield, but Everton brought it back again, and after several attempts to open a score O’Brien shot in, the ball bounding off Golding into the net, this being the result of five minutes’ play. Kitchen was next called upon to save from Brunton, after which the Evertonians again swarmed round the Accrington custodian, O’Brien nearly doing the trick again. After another fruitless corner had fallen to their lot, Everton scored through McDonald, who sent in a long low show, which clean beat Edmondson. Accrington now made a brief incursion into home territory, but the defence set up by the Evertonians was very sound. The invaders were compelled to retire. A hot attack was kept up by the Evertonians. The Accrington goalkeeper had to contend with some difficult shots, all of which he negotiated capitally. By smart play, Accrington dribbled the ball down the field, but failed in their endeavours to notch a point. Everton got back to the front of Edmondson who brought off some really clever saves. Half-time; Everton 2, Accrington nil. Final
Result Everton Combination 3 goals, Accrington Stanley Nil.

WREXHAM JOTTINGS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 30, 1901
Wrexham had no difficulty in disposing of Hudson’s in the second round of the Liverpool Cup, on the racecourse, last Saturday. Wrexham have been drawn to play Everton in the semi-final, and they have had the extraordinary luck to come first out of the hat for the third time. No arrangement has yet been made, however, with regard to the venue, but as the Welsh club need entertain little hope of vanquishing the “Toffee boys,” it would certainly be to their pecuniary advantage, at any rate, if they consented to play at Goodison Park. A tussle between Everton and Wrexham on the former’s ground never fails to attract a crowd of considerable proportions, and there is no reason, under all circumstances, why the racecourse team should; not play the Liverpool Cup semi-final away from home. The other semi-final will be between Liverpool and Birkenhead or Southport Central, at Anfield.