Bob Struthers
Luton Times and Advertiser - Friday 02 November 1900
Bob Struthers, who was last season with Gravesend, and formerly played with Everton, is still at Portsmouth.
TODAY FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 03 November 1900
Everton v Blackburn Rovers, Goodison Park- Referee T. Helme; Linesmen, W. Seddon, and F. Pickard.
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer, and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Kick-off three o’clock.
Blackburn Rovers.- Whittaker; Crompton, and Hartley; Moir, Haworth, and Houlker; Whittaker, Somers, Dewhurst, Bryant, and Blackburn.
LANCASHIRE COMINATION
Glossop reserve v Everton reserve, Glossop.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelly, backs; Blythe, Green, and R. Taylor, half-backs; J. Taylor, Barlow, Proudfoot, Gray. And Corrin, forwards. Train leaves Central Station at 11.30. Kick-off three.
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AND THE TRANSFER QUESTION
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 03 November 1900
The report of the committee-consisting of Messrs. Crump, Clegg, and Alcock,-who were appointed to investigate the transfer question, which is to be presented at a meeting of the Football Association, is as follows;-
We think it desirable that clubs and professional players should be able to make more permanent engagements than are now possible under the rules of the Football Association, and for that purpose it is necessary to provide that clubs and players may enter into engagements for such time as they may think desirable thus safeguarding clubs against players not loyally carrying out their engagements and players being both paid and played. We also think it desirable that, as the term of a professional player’s engagement draws to a conclusion, his club should have special facilities for re-engaging him. Should, however, the club not wish to re-engage a player, he should be entirely free to make an engagement with another club. We therefore substitute the following recommendations for those of our former report, viz.;-
These recommendations, it will be observed, affect seriously the present League transfer system and they will, no doubt, meet with strong opposition before they become law. In addition a two-thirds majority of the Football Association is required before they can be adopted.
EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 03 November 1900
These clubs played their first league match this season at Goodison Park this afternoon, when there was a big crowd, the spectators at the commencement of the game numbering about 12,000. Teams;- Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Blackburn Rovers;- Whittaker, goal; Crompton and Hardy, backs; Moir, Howarth, and Foulkes, half-backs; Whittaker, Somers, Dewhurst, Bryant, and Blackburn, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Helme.
Everton started the game, and quickly made an incursion a misunderstanding between Houlker and Hardy allowing McDonald and his partner to break away. Sharp made a grand centre. This time in real earnest, Whittaker having a difficult shot. He punted away finely. Relief was brought to the Rovers by Blackburn, who passed forward to Bryant, he in turn crossed to the right wing, Whittaker dashing in a shot which brought Muir to the ground. After a sharp struggle the ball went over the line, and the Rovers took a corner. Everton, who adopted the long passing game, forced the Rovers back, and so great was the pressure that a couple of corners fell to them. From the second one there was an exciting scrimmage, Abbott ending it by putting over. Sharp now slipped past hardy, his effort striking the side of the net. Houlker pout his men in a strong position, but they failed in front of goal. Dewhurst was penalised for a foul, and this almost brought a score for Everton. The Rovers worked down, Dewhurst making a miserable attempt.
AT AN OPEN GOAL
Everton were almost through, when dashing play by Howarth relieved the danger. From this the ball travelled to the other end, Howarth firing into goal, Dewhurst headed over from a corner, and then Somers put past the post and when the Rovers were going for goal Watson with a timely kick put into touch. A free kick for Everton gained them nothing, Whittaker breaking away but shooting too high. Muir had to run out to an attempt by Dewhurst, and a little later Muir saved under the bar from Whittaker. The Rovers at this period were having the best of it. Bad back play gave the visitors a corner, and Everton with a similar advantage enabling Sharp to shoot. Everton made a regular dash on their opponents’ goal, but failed to score. Blackburn with a little coolness ought to have beaten Muir.
Half-time; Rovers 0 Everton 0
As soon as the men resumed Everton won a corner, Settle shooting too high. Blackburn was working close to goal, when Balmer robbed him, and coming within range Booth dropped in a shot, Whittaker fisting the leather into touch on the left. The Rovers were kept in their quarters, Moir getting rid of the ball at a critical moment, the ball coming in from the right. Turner, when placed in front of Whittaker shot wildly over the bar. Gradually Everton were driven down the field, Houlker being off the target with his shot. Whittaker made grad saves from McDonald and Beveridge. Everton were threatened by the opposing left, Blackburn sending in a beauty, which Muir knocked out. Whittaker retuned the ball in front again, but the defence prevailed. McDonald was charged over close to goal. Whittaker, who was in splendid form, turned a shot round the post. Somers brought Muir into action, the custodian deftly putting the leather into touch. Sharp struck the bar, and Abbott missed a lovely chance. McDonald, with the custodian to beat, sent wide, to the disgust of the crowd. Right up to the finish the game was fought with great determination. Result Rovers 0 Everton 0.
FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 03 November 1900
LIVERPOOL
By Red Rose
Upon one occasion the championship of the English League has gone Everton-wards, but with this single exception the highest honours of English football have gone anywhere except to the banks of the Mersey, notwithstanding all the wealth, and consequent galaxy of talented players at the disposal of the two Liverpool clubs. English, Scotch, Welsh, and even Irish Internationals have been tempted to Lancashire’s great port, and although on paper the teams have appeared as strong any in the land, and high expectations have been formed of their prowess, the players have had an unhappy knack of failing to rise to the occasion at critical stages, and the truth of the old adage,
“There’s many a slip
’Twixt cup and lip”
has too often been exemplified in the case of sanguine Liverpudlians, and in this term I include Evertonians. A couple of instances will be fresh in the minds of all. In 1892-3 the Evertonians were runners-up for the English Cup, having to meet Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final. Everton had been going great guns, and started warm favourites for the event, but to the surprise of all they failed to display even ordinary form, and the Wolves won. Then two years ago Liverpool looked likely to accomplish the rare feat of winning the English League and English Cup in one season. After three stubbornly contested encounters with Sheffield United, however, they had to bow the knee in the fourth, while Aston Villa just managed to capture League honours by a narrow margin, and again Liverpool footballers sustained a great disappointment. Of course both teams have at least generally maintained a fair degree of excellence, but it is well-nigh impossible for organisations possessing such resources to experience the vicissitudes which Preston North End, Burnley, and others have undergone.
THE EVERTON SPLIT.
With the exception of Newcastle United, Liverpool can lay claim to being the youngest of the English League clubs, having not yet entered upon their teens. Still their history is of a highly interesting character; it has never yet been marked by the commonplace. Alderman John Houlding was mainly responsible for the formation of Liverpool's second club. He it was who purchased the land nowoccupied by the Liverpool club at Anfield for the Everton club, at a cost of £6,000. In consequence of a disagreement, the precise nature of which is now of little moment—one has no desire to reopen the bitter strife which characterised the split some years ago—a meeting was held at Alderman Houlding’s private residence in March, 1892, which the Liverpool club was formed. Mr. W. E. Barclay was elected hon. secretary, but Liverpool were not granted affiliation to the English Association until a dispute respecting the fixtures at Anfield-road had been definitely settled. This was at last overcome, but the Liverpudlians were not allowed to go on their way rejoicing very long, for the Liverpool Rugby club stopped in, and protested against the title “Liverpool” being assumed by the new exponents of the dribbling code, asserting that it would be likely to lead to misunderstanding and confusion in the football world.
EXCELSIOR!
Messrs. Houlding and Co., however, successfully surmounted this obstacle, and plenty of funds being forthcoming from the outset, the officials decided to go the whole hog by applying for admission to the First Division of the English League bang off the reel. There was no prospect of the ambitions of the rising Associationists being immediately realised. For a start they had to be contented with less exalted company. The League, of course, had no option but to refuse the by no means modest request of Liverpool to be placed in the front rank of clubs, and the new organisation had to fight for its spurs. A limited liability company was formed and admittance gained to the Lancashire League. Next came the quest for players. From the very outset preference was given to young gentlemen from the other side of the Border, and ever since its formation there has always been a strongly marked Scotch clement in the eleven. Mr. Kenna and others made repeated raids to the other side of the Cheviots ; many disappointments were experienced, but still many excellent successes were gained. J. Bell and R. Boyle were eagerly sought after; they refused to be tempted by Mr. McKenna’s lavish offers, but afterwards succumbed to Everton gold. However, T. Wylie (Glasgow Rangers), A. Hannah, D. McLean, and McBride (Renton), J. Miller (Dumbarton), S. H- Ross (Cambuslang), Kelvin (Kilmarnock), and McVean (Third Lanark) were amongst the sons of Scotia to change their quarters, while Billy McOwen, a well-known Blackburn custodian was chosen to guard the sticks. Following these the Brothers McQueen (Leith Athletic) and J. McCartney (Newmilns) came down, and the championship of the Lancashire League was secured -Blackpool, who obtained the same number of points, being ousted by a superior goal average.
IN THE MELTING-POT.
The Liverpool Cup was won without a single goal being registered against them. Readers will remember the sensation caused by the disappearance of the old English Cup when Aston Villa had it in their custody a few years ago, but it is not so widely known that some enterprising burglars surreptitiously obtained possession of the Lancashire League and Liverpool Cups whilst they were in Liverpool’s custody, and it cost the club no less than £13O to replace them.
UPS AND DOWNS.
Although again refused admission to the First League, they were allowed, in 1893-4, to enter the Second Division, which they headed without sustaining a single reverse—a truly magnificent achievement, manifesting the strength of their eleven. Newton Heath were beaten in the test match, but Liverpool’s first season in the charmed circle was a most disastrous me, and although Jimmy Ross—surely one of the finest inside rights who ever stepped into shoe leather -was secured at the commencement, everything appeared to go against the newcomers, and when April arrived they were at the foot of the League ladder with but seven victories to their credit. This time their luck in the test matches was of unsatisfactory character, Bury climbing over their heads into the First Division in the memorable game referred to in my last article. Considerable expense had been incurred in improving the ground at Anfield-road, and with a costly team to maintain, Liverpool's outlook was far from bright. Not a single transfer, however, was effected to other clubs, and with such a class of players it was inevitable that the team should once again find itself at the head of the Second Division at the end of the following season. This is where a wealthy club has a pull over clubs like Burnley, Darwen, and the defunct Accrington organisations. For the third year in succession Liverpool had to appear in the test matches,which were then conducted under a slightly different arrangement, a small league being formed by the two lowest clubs in the First Division (West Bromwich Albion and Small Heath), and the two highest Division II. (Liverpool and Manchester City). The Stoney Lane players managed to keep their place, and Liverpool superseded the Heathens.
MR. TOM WATSON.
Since then the club has always managed to keep itshead above Second Division waters, but it must be confessed that considering the class of the playersgot together by Mr. Tom Watson, the pioneer of Sunderland football, the performances have on the whole been of a rather disappointing character. A better man at the head of affairs than genial Tom Watson could hardly be obtained, but circumstances are changed, and the wonders he wrought at Sunderland in building up the finest team of the day in the country are hardly possible under the altered conditions which now prevail. Last season the team commenced the season with an unparalleledsequence of losses, but pulled themselves together towards the close, and finished with several clubs below them in the League table. This year in company with Everton they opened in fine style, but have since shown a great falling off, and although anything may yet happen it hardly seems probable that the League championship will be secured either by Everton or Liverpool. The Anfield-roaders can certainly claim to have one of the most powerful reserve teams in the country. To see such men as Storer, Glover, Rab Howell, J. Hunter, “Sailor” Hunter, Otty and Satterthwaite turning out with a second eleven is calculated to make one form a high opinion of the calibre of the first team.
PAST AND PRESENT.
It is unnecessary to give a list of the many clever artistes who have worn the Liverpool jersey. Poor George Allen, whose untimely death came as great shock to English footballers, was a centre-forward hailing from Leith Athletic, possessing rare physical qualifications. His loss wasa great blow to Liverpool, and although Raybould is now filling the position very satisfactorily, he has hardly the ability of an Allen. Cox, the outside left, is a typical Lancashire lad, being a native of Blackpool, and learning his football at the seaside. Rumour has it that Preston North End had a rare chance of availing themselves of the Blackpool player’s services, but the representative of the club who went over to spy out the land saw Cox perform in one of his worst humours, and returned with but a poor opinion of his prowess. Liverpool, however, recognised his talent, and obtained from the Blackpool club the transfer of one of their most useful and valuable players for a mere-song.
EVERTON V BLACKBURN ROVERS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday November 3, 1900
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
Blackburn Rovers were the visitors at Goodison park this afternoon, and as usual they were heartily welcomed and Everton were fully determined to do their utmost to wipe out the stain on their escutcheon inflicted by the Rovers in the Lancashire Cup tie. Both sides were strongly represented, being the teams that opposed Notts Forest and Aston Villa respectively. Punctually to time the teams faced as follows in the presence of 12,000 spectators.Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Blackburn Rovers;- Whittaker, goal; Crompton and Hardy, backs; Moir, Haworth, and Houlker, half-backs; A. Whittaker, Somers, Dewhurst, Bryant, and Blackburn, forwards. The captain of the Rovers won the toss, and selected the Park end of the ground. Beveridge kicked off, the homesters at once moving forward only to be checked by Moir. After the ball had been sent out of play by the Rovers, the Evertonians went away again, Beveridge swinging out to the right.
A VERY SMART CENTRE
From Sharp nearly led to the downfall of the Rovers’ goal, and then Beveridge caused Whittaker to save. After this, Settle and Turner each tried their hand at goal shooting, but were unsuccessful, and further on loud claims were made by the Evertonians for a corner, but this advantage was not granted. The game up to now had been very fast, and after a slight lull the Rovers took up the running sharply, Somers finishing a fine move by sending the ball tamely over the goal-line. From the goal kick Everton dashed along in slashing style, the cohesion among the half and front lines being simply perfect, and as a consequence the Blackburn defence was often in difficulties. At length the invaders were cleared out, and Blackburn was given an opening on the left, and he dashed along at a terrific pace, crossing to the other extreme wing. A. Whittaker putting in a lovely shot to Muir, who saved his charge from disaster in brilliant style, at the expense of a profitless corner. It was not many minutes before Everton were again hotly assailing Whittaker’s charge one fine header by Settle being grandly repulsed, whilst a couple of corners were not turned to any advantage. Abbott shooting over directly afterwards. Although the Rovers tried desperately hard to make ground, Wolstenholme and Booth proved very hard to pass, and the immediate result was that the homesters attacked on both wings, a good one from Turner being close to the mark. Somers then threaded his way through and lunged forward, but Muir disposed of the move by running out and clearing. A further attempt on the part of the Rovers having been disposed of Dewhurst endeavoured to better the position of his side by collaring hold of Booth’s leg, and the free kick which was given against the visitors for this infringement led to a warm attack on the Blackburn goal. Turner appeared to have a chance of scoring, but the move was closed by Abbott who skied ball over the bar. A fine run and shot by Dewhurst, responded to with equal brilliancy on the part of Muir, were the next interesting items, following which the Rovers again attacked with some spirit but the only result was a barren corner. Exchange between the home front rank ensued a free kick further improving Everton’s position, without, however, anything of a tangible nature accruing. The game was being contested. With great vigour and dash by both sides, and both goals were frequently the scene of exciting episodes. Once it appeared certain that Everton would score, but a mistaken between McDonald and Sharp enabled Houlker to nip in and remove the venue to the other end, where the Everton defence had a warm few minutes but relief came and the sphere was headed over the bar. A free kick brought the Rovers back again, Moir trying a long shot, and A. Whittaker shooting by the side of the post. Sharp then made off at top speed but was fouled by Hardy, and again the free kick proved of no avail. After a short burst by the Rovers, during which Dewhurst appeared to be longing for an opening. Sharp suddenly dodged one of his opponents and dashed away along the touchline. Hardy was immediately upon his opponent, but a nimble touch by Sharp gave McDonald possession and pretty passing was the order until one of the Rovers spoiled the game by foul play. As usual, nothing came from the free kick, and a return move was made by the visitors, as the finish of which Dewhurst and A. Whittaker between them sent the ball rolling over the line. For some time afterwards there was nothing of importance in the movements of either side, play generally being confined to midfield. At last Everton made a determined raid, Sharp, Beveridge and Settle being exceedingly busy without result. A sudden burst by the Rovers almost ended disastrously to the Evertonians, A Whittaker making a magnificent attempt to defeat Muir, who, lucky, again was on his best behaviour, keeping his goal intact in gallant fashion. The pressure by the Rovers was maintained for several minutes, but the defence proved equal to all the demands made upon it. Balmer ultimately giving the order to retreat. This led up to an attack on Blackburn’s citadel, without any tangible result. Subsequently Blackburn ran down on the left and swung across, Abbott heading clear. The Rovers came again, getting very close in, and Balmer missing his kick, Wolstenholme filled the breach, his high kicking resulting in a corner which was fruitless. The homesters plucked up again, and soon claimed a corner, Sharp and Turner each following with good shots, which only just missed the mark. At the other end Blackburn made a praiseworthy effort to score after being sadly hampered, and Hardy, a little later on, only just saved the Rovers’ position, following which Moir had a futile shot at goal. Just before half-time Blackburn was beautifully checked by Wolstenholme when he appeared to have matters pretty much his own way.
Half-time score;- Everton nil, Blackburn Rovers nil.
The game was resumed in the presence of quite 18,000 people. Dewhurst restarted, the Rovers at once making progress in the direction of Muir, but they were cleared out before becoming dangerous. Good work on the home right followed, a corner being forced which yielded nothing, and a little later Turner had a fine opening, of which he failed to take advantage. The game was not near so fast as in the earlier stages, and the spectators indulged in cries of “Play Up, Everton!” and “Play up Blackburn!” In response to these appeals more life was infused into the play, and once Beveridge was going very strongly and screwed likely to score when the referee stopped hostilities on account of an apparent injury to a Blackburnian succumbing play followed, but the game brightened up again with a champion shot from Booth, which Whittaker smacked away, a little later on the ball was in front of the Rovers goal, and three or four of the homesters appeared to hesitate, which gave Hardy time to clear. The Evertonians kept up the attack, Turner sending in a tremendous shot which just topped the crossbar- very hard lines. Just afterwards Booth shot hard and strong, but missed, although he supplemented this effort by some sterling defensive play. Encouraged by the plaudits of the crowd, both elevens played up with much spirit, the ball travelling rapidly between the respective uprights with great rapidity, but the defence proved superior on all occasions. The best chance up to this period was given to Turner, who, to the disappointment of the crowd, shot high over the bar, whilst a few seconds later McDonald sent into Whittaker’s hands. Keeping up the attack with grim persistence, Sharp centred perfectly, only to see the Blackburn custodian finely clear Beveridge’s header. McDonald thrice had hard lines after this each time being within inches of the desired mark. The Rovers were not idle, Houlker giving his forwards plenty of scope for displaying their ability in the shooting line, but still no score came. A tit-bit by Sharp gave McDonald another chance, Whittaker once more coming to the rescue in brilliant style. The subsequent corner was sent behind. Final; Everton nil, Blackburn Rovers nil.
GLOSSOP v EVERTON COMBINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday November 3, 1900
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Played at Glossop. Jones scored from a penalty kick. The visitors ended good midfield work with poor shooting, otherwise they were the better team. The visitors left wing was constantly to the fore, and Corrin was very useful. Proudfoot equalised with the goalkeeper down. Everton scored from a free kick.
Everton
Dundee Evening Post - Tuesday 04 December 1900
A meeting of the English Football League was held Bolton last night—Mr J. J. Bentley presiding. Everton applied for a ruling respecting their visit to Sheffield United on Christmas Day, as the United had fixed the kick-off at time that necessitated them leaving the night before. Sheffield were ordered pay Everton the sum £5 to cover this expense.
R. Macfarlane, a late goalkeeper of F.C., and formerly 3d Lanark F.C. and East Stirlingshire F.C., applied at a meeting of the English Football League last night for the reduction the transfer fee placed upon him by Everton. As Everton bad not offered his re-engagerment, the amount was reduced to £20.
McFarlane
Grimsby Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 05 December 1900
The signing on of M'Farlane as the Town goalkeeper has not by any means caused a great deal of enthusiasm, and it has been freely stated that if Everton's old keeper had been worth much he would not have been doing nothing for so long. I for one do not share these pessimistic views —though, of course, I would have been better pleased had M'Farlane come as a thoroughly sound man. If he had not broken down, however, it is more than probable that he would have been playing for Everton to-day. He “kept” goal for Scotland in 1897 against Wales, and if recollection is correct appeared in the English Cup final when Whitehouse was in goal for the Villa. Had he been playing on Saturday, we might have had the singular coincidence of the same goalkeepers facing each other. It is, of course, largely experiment as to how M'Farlane turns out, but with Harris and Leaning as understudies we ought to be all right.
EVERTON 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
November 5 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
There would be about 15,000 spectators present when the above teams took the field to follows : - Everton: - Muir goal, Balmer and Watson backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, halfbacks, Sharp, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Whittaker, goal, Crompton, and Hardy, backs, Moir Haworth, and Houlker halfbacks, Whittaker, Somers, Dewhurst, Bryant and Blackburn, forwards. Everton commenced operations and at once he left wing put in capital work. Settle tested Whittaker without success, and for some time the Rovers were subjected to heavy pressure. Several chances of scoring were lost by the Everton forwards, and eventually Whittaker relieved with a smart sprint and shot, which Muir saved at full length. This was a capital effort which was repeated by the Rovers outside right, but Muir was again on the alert, and from the clearance, sharp made headway on the home right, Settle headed into goal, and after Abbott had failed the Rovers forwards made off at top speed, and kept the Everton defenders extended to their best efforts, several excellent shots, notably from Hewhurst and Whittaker, giving Muir much difficulty in clearing. With the exception of a few movements by the home forwards, the bulk of the play was carried on in the Everton half, and in contrast to the earlier efforts of the Rovers, the finishing touches were somewhat faulty. When the interval arrived there was no score, and on resuming the Everton line well backed up by the halves, were frequently in good position, and could do anything but find the net. Turner was twice faulty, when well placed, but returning again the Rovers charge had a narrow escape from a header from McDonald, the same player later on testing the custodian with a grounder, which was well gathered and cleared. Still, Everton continued to have the greater Share of the play, but did not improve upon their finishing movements, and invariably allowed the opposing back and custodian plenty of latitude a clearing the goal. Occasionally the Rovers got away and were the more dangerous side when in possession. Balmer repeatedly kept them out, and when time arrived, nothing had been scored, result Everton nil, Blackburn Rovers nil.
GLOSSOP 1 EVERTON RESERVES 5
November 5 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
There was only a meagre attendance at this match at Glossop. The home side soon scored from a penalty, the kick beingt aken by Jones. Proudfoot subsequently equalised, and just before the interval, Barlow gave the Evertonians the lead. Fifteen minutes after resumption, Proudfoot shot a third goal, and a fourth point was obtained by Barlow, and a fifth by Taylor, and Everton won by 5 goals to 1. (Game 10). Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Eccles, and Crelley, backs, Blythe, Green, and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Taylor (j), Barlow, Proudfoot, Gray, and Corrin, forwards .
EVERTON REVIEW
November 5 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
Disappointing but mildly expresses the feelings of the majority of the spectators at the result of the match at Goodison Park for two points had been anxiously anticipated from the Rovers visit, and their non-appearance rather damped the spirits of the home team's supporters. To those who have keenly followed the fortunes of the Everton players in their recent League games, the result simply substantiates the opinions that have been gradually formed by their play at Manchester and Nottingham. A team that can only score one goal in three successive matches, and even that only from a penalty kick, demonstrates clearly that there is either something wrong with the forwards, or that the defence of other teams has improved beyond recognition. After the display against the Rovers, one must reluctantly come to the conclusion that it is the former of this supposition that has been the cause of the recent failure of the Everton players. It is pretty certain that there is at times a ‘'slump'' in the progress of most teams through the League season, and without entering into the reasons for such an unwelcome relapse it will doubtless be sufficient for present purposes, and at the same time furnish a charitable execuse for the deterioration of the Everton team to simply state that such a wave of lost confidence is at present permeating the attacking force, and rendering at their well-meant efforts barren and void of success. There are other suggestions such as gross incapability, utter carelessness, and such-like weaknesses that might be put forward as alternative reasons, but these are most probably the arguments only of a select few, who can see nothing in a team that is not always on the winning side. By the exeuise of strong imagination it is possible to believe that the Everton forwards were really trying to score goals against the Rovers, and that their eagerness and anxiety to pile on the agony over their visitors was so rampant in their minds that this laudable ambition defeated its own object. They could not be accused of selfishness; in fact, there was too much transferring the ball from one to another, and everyone passing rarely gains goals. But even when the play was opened out, and the speedy wing men given an opportunity of remedying matters, even when perfect chances of scoring presented themselves the men appeared absolutely incapable of finding the net. There were a few decent attempts made during the game, but the golden opportunities that were lost followed in such rapid succession that the crowd, ever ready to tolerate temporary failings, waxed sarcastic and laudably demonstrated their disappointment as shot after shot went sailing into the stands, or tired about in the vicinity of the corner flag. To point out any particular weak spot in the front rank would be impossible for there was a general tendency all along the line towards lackadaisical efforts, and an absence of those qualities which have brought fame to their name as class forwards. All through the game they were as men filling square pegs into round holes. The remedy is in the players themselves, for it is impossible to conceive that they do not posses the requisite ability necessary to achieve striking successes. What is imperative is that they should infuse more determination into their work, and not be so easily and completely satisfied with an occasional clever effort. Dash and vigorous methods are entirely lacking at present, and keenness to put on goals is not a strong point. A hold leader might rouse them from their slumbers but whether Beveridge is capable of bring about this revolution is a very moot point. It might also be beneficial if the forwards, particularly played as if they were building up a reputation for themselves, and not reclining drowsily on the supports of past fame, which are very liable to collapse. Muir executed much creditable clearance in goal, and two shots, one from Whittaker and another from Blackburn, would have beaten any hesitating custodian. Balmer tackled and kicked with vigour, and Wolstenholmes was the pick of the halfback division. The Rovers displayed commerdabe energy and actively more noticeable in the first half than after the interval, and whilst leading the way for the greater part of the initial moiety, they were less dangerous in the second half, though whenever they broke away they gave Everton defence an anxious time of it. The chief feature of their play was the intiring endeavors of every member of the team to obtain success, and in this respect A.Whittaker Houlker, Haworth, Crompton, and Whittaker the custodian were the most prominent. The Rovers fully deserved to share the points, but they were fortunate in finding Everton in one of their feeblest moods-one which would have caused scarely any League eleven in the Country much anxiety.
A BLANK AT GOODISON PARK
Athletic News - Monday 05 November 1900
After an absence of four weeks from their native heath, the Everton team once more resumed acquaintance with their supporters, 12,000 of whom were anxious to witness them make an upward move in the League table. They were antagonised by the Rovers, whose performance in drawing at Birmingham the previous Monday had aroused exceptional interest in their visit to Liverpool, and had excited some degree of scepticism amongst the enthusiastic followers of the Everton Club as to the ability of the latter to account for the once famous Cup-fighters. As events turned out, these misgivings were well-founded, and the Rovers, after a creditable display, were fully entitled to share the honours with their entertainers at the close. Both teams were practically at what may be considered as full strength, for Everton had almost the same side that has tempted fortune throughout the season, and included their latest recruit, Beveridge, whilst the Rovers had the identical eleven that gave the Villa supporters a rare fright. The day was beautifully fine, and in favour of a fast game, though perhaps, on this latter point the majority of the crowd were not exactly satisfied with what actually occurred.
NINETY MINUTE WITHOUT SCORING
Such was the result of the struggle between the rival “Blues” Everton led off with considerable dash, and had chances enough in the first ten minutes to have made the game safe from their point of view. But even at this early stage it quickly became apparent that the home forwards were not exactly in touch with the correct position of the Rovers goal, and though the ball was worked into close proximity to Whittaker in capital style, the shooting was weak. From weak, it gradually deteriorated into weaker, then weakest followed, and later- well, the ordinary limits of the English tongue do not permit of further comparison. Gradually the Rovers began to take the imitative in forcing the play, and though their efforts were not quite in accordance with what you’d probably be set down in a standard primer of the game as the correct thing, they were decidedly more dangerous than the home side. After the first quarter of an hour, the Rovers were the superior party for the remainder of the initial moiety, and had not Muir been on his best behaviour, a couple of splendid shots from Dewhurst and Whittaker (outside right) would have most probably paved the way to Everton’s downfall. However, the interval arrived pointless, and without going further into detail over a by no means interesting game, the final verdict was the same. In the later stages, Everton did exert some pressure, it is true, but to no purpose, for the forwards simply couldn’t score, and the Rovers though they did not attack so continuously in this half, were always more likely to put on a goal than their opponents whenever they broke away. Whittaker proved himself a sterling custodian in this portion of the game, and Muir dealt with a masterly effort from Blackburn in equally skilful style, but when the whistle blew the ball had actually never been in the net, either legally or otherwise.
ERRATIC FORWARD PLAY
This indeed must be set down as the cause of Everton’s failure to annex full points, and whilst giving every credit to the Rovers for their plucky efforts, and their grim determination throughout the game, there can be little doubt that had the Everton front rank indulged in even an elementary exhibition of shooting there would have been no points for the visitors. Close passing was the method adopted by them; attempts to dribble and toy with the ball until the whole defence opposed to them had been absolutely overcome seemed to be the prevailing idea, and as soon as the Rovers’ backs tumbled to this the preconceived notices of the Everton front rank was rather rudely disturbed. The forwards were simply wandering through a miry wilderness of fog and swamp throughout the game, and they could never extricate themselves from the mud of ineptitude. The infection even spread amongst the halves, but Muir was fortunately in a different humour, whilst Balmer and Watson made desperate efforts to turn the tide of non-success but every attempt was futile everything went awry at the finish, and had Referee Holme extended the struggle for an indefinite period, it is questionable whether Everton under any circumstances would ever have gained a goal.
A WORD FOR THE HARD-WORKING ROVERS
There was no lack of determination on the part of the visitors, who by this means more than made up for any disadvantage they may have appeared to have suffered under in tackling such doughty opponents, and they fully deserved the point they obtained. The right wing was particularly effective, and Whittaker, in addition to showing sprinting abilities of no mean order, shot with telling force, he and Somers constituting the most dangerous part of the Rovers attack. But (Top few lines missing) behind in efficiency, and in this branch of the team, as indeed in all others, the Rovers could lay this claim to their credit that their energetic efforts could scarcely have been improved upon. What they may have lacked in science they more than compensated for by extra vigour. Crompton gave a rare, good display further behind, and in Whittaker the Rovers seem to have a custodian sufficient for their needs. The teams were;- Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Blackburn Rovers;- Whittaker, goal; Crompton and Hardy, backs; Moir, Haworth, and Houlker, half-backs; A. Whittaker, Somers, Dewhurst, Bryant, and Blackburn, forwards.
TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 10 November 1900
Everton are due at Stoke this afternoon for the first of their League encounters with the Potters. They rarely show to advantage in this particular match, and on their recent form are hardly likely to check their run of failures. There will be no change of fortune until the Everton forwards adopt different tactics, and show more judgement in front of goal. Stoke are gradually improving and their visitors to-day will need to be on their best behaviour to avert defeat. The changes in the Everton team will be watched with interest, for a victory is badly needed at present.
Stoke v. Everton, Stoke.- Referee W. Gilgryst; Linesmen A. Ford and E. Hassall.
Stoke;- Wilkes; Capewell, and Durber; Leech, Wood, and Bradley; Johnson, Watkins, Higginson, Maxwell, and Jones;
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; J. Taylor, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle, and Turner, forwards. Excursion train leaves Central Station at 11.40. kick off 2.45.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Everton Reserve v. Padiham, Goodison Park.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Crelley, backs; Blythe, Green and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Barlow, Worthington, Gray, and Corrin, forwards. Kick off three p.m.
FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 10 November 1900
SHEFFIELD UNITED
By Perseus
Compared with the long, eventful history of their headquarters. United's career as a football club is brief indeed, albeit not uninteresting. For well-nigh half a century Bramall-lane has been the homeof sport. Cricketers know it as oneof the recognised grounds of the Yorkshire County Club. The enclosure is practically in the centre of the cutlery capital, and its central position and the fact that they hold the freehold of the ground will easily reconcile the Sheffield Cricket and Football Club to any lack of those rural surroundings which are so pleasant in a cricket ground. And what a splendid property this freehold is; in extent it measures 11a. 3r. 5p., and in value it runs well into five figures. With such a solid background the club is launching out in remodelling the cricket pavilion which will make Bramall-lane one of the most up-to-date enclosures in the country, something like £7,000 being spent in the improvements.
FROM CRICKET TO FOOTBALL.
Passing from cricket to football, let us look at the ground as adapted to the latter pastime. Inclined in wet weather to be rather heavy, the turf frequently favours players of the powerful build of Harry Thickett, but yet no man has rendered more brilliant service there than Ernest Needham, while that grand line midget halves, which we all remember, are also imperishably associated with Bramall lane. The accommodation for spectators is extensive and good in every respect, the one fact which prevents the ground looking complete being the necessarily enforced absence of stands the cricket side. But even with this length of the touch-line of so little service, there is any amount of room, so much so that Bramall-lane has long been a favourite enclosure for semi-finals and other important games. Was it not there that North End played the historic Test match with Notts County and thrashed the Lace-men, who a few days before had won the Cup- a circumstance which possibly contributed to the whipping, though the brilliant form of the Prestonians was indisputable!
A METEORIC CAREER
After the ground the club, and one may start off by describing United as an infant in age if not deeds. Carry your minds back to the Jubilee in 1887, and there was no United F.C. It came upon the scene in 1889 as a section of the established Sheffield United Cricket Club, and the connection has been maintained down to the present date, fostered no doubt the long official connection of Mr. J. B. Wostenholm, Mr. Charles Stokes, and Mr. H. H. Stones, all just as closely concerned in the Yorkshire C.C. Mr. Stokes is to-day the chairman of the football committee, though Mr. Stones some little time ago gave up his post as acting secretary - an office in which he did capital work. To sketch United's rise in the fewest possible words may give the most pointed idea of their flight upwards. Starting unattached to any combination in 1889-90, they were in the Midland League in following season, then in 1891-2 in the Northern Alliance. Second Division was their circle a year later, and getting into the lest matches, they administered the death blow to the Accrington Reds, thus rising on this stepping-stone of a grand old club to the height of their own ambition—the First Division. Thus they had gone up each season, never remaining above a year in any of the secondary combinations, and in 1893-4 they were right in thetop class. Did they justify their meteoric rise? Facts answer eloquently, for in 1897-8 they annexed the League Championship, following year later by surprisingly winning the English Cup after a wonderful series of battles, and last year, during the earlier half of the season, they had a remarkable run of invincibility; so that if down on their luck at present they need not despair.
SOME STARS: ALL TRIERS
Largely, United have shone by reason of a constellation, not of stars in the ordinary sense, not of coruscating players like Bassett and Bloomer, but of steady-going, softly-shining, lights that have burned with wonderful consistency. Level work of determined, persistent character is the secret of the club's success, though there have been some exceptionally fine examples in their team, notably and above all others the peerless Ernest Needham, the most polished and effective half-back of recent years, and so versatile in his accomplishments that he can play in any place from back to forward with the skill of an artiste and the perfect success which usually only comes after long acquaintance with a particular position. International honours have been heaped upon him, and he is as modest as ever. Mick Whitham is one of the school who is remembered with pleasure, and United supporters will never forgot the brilliant form a few years ago of the already mentioned line of midgets—Howell, Morren, and Needham—who formed a superb trio, and were just about worthy the honour which ten years since fell to the Heart Midlothian intermediate line. Hill, McPherson, and Begbie, who were chosen international en bloc. Harry Thickett and Bob Cain are the names of other fine men; Johnson is a half-back worthy of the club’s traditions; and Bennett and Hedley are forwards of capital calibre. These are a few of the men who come to mind.
FOULKE: GIANT AND HUMORIST.
Another figure, and, next to Needham, the most interesting in the club's annals, is that of bluff, buoyant-spirited Bill Foulke, whose mammoth frame, measuring 6ft. 2in. in height and scaling over 20st. avoirdupois, is known on every first-class ground throughout the country. With limbs like Rob Roy, he has a tremendous reach, and his agility for so heavy a man is remarkable. How he manages to throw his 20-stone body about the goal without injury is one of the marvels of football, just as it is one of the funniest sights to see a plucky, little forward go full charge at him, and bounce off like a piece of indiarubber. Occasionally this good-tempered giant may get a trifle waxy, as on well-remembered occasion at Liverpool, when, exasperated for the moment, he took hold of the late Geordie Allan, himself almost six-footer, and stood him on his head in the mud. The story is also told how Larry Bell, seized with a sudden desire to emulate Don Quixote, ran full tilt at the Sheffield windmill, Foulke merely standing still as the enthusiastic martyr charged, and fell, and then handing the misguided midget (comparatively) over to the trainer for repairs. Now and again, too, Foulke has some funny sayings. Mr. Charles Stokes, the chairman of the committee, tells me one incident worth repeating. Travelling from home. United were waiting at Derby Station for a connection, and about the same time the Derby team were departing for Wolverhampton. Strolling up and down the platform near the Sheffield saloon, someone, probably anxious to introduce himself to the big custodian, accosted him with the remark: There are some of your colleagues further down (pointing towards the Derby saloon). For the moment Foulke was struck dumb by the word “colleagues;” then turning to his informant, he replied, Eh, mon, th’art a bit of a leear; I were nivver at a college i' my life. -Or,again, in London after winning the Cup, when Sir Howard Vincent, after treating the team royally, conducted them round the House of Commons. Every point relative to the House was described by the gallant member, and as proceeded to take leave of them after the excursion, Foulke, with the air of a man who feels that the honour and reputation of his profession is at stake, turned round to one or two committee-men and players with the remark, “Well, we are a mean lot of fools if we don’t stand this follow I think.”
A FINAL LOOK ROUND.
A note or two in summing up. Financially, United have nothing to fear, their constituency being both large and loyal. And their tremendous haul in the English Cup two years ago, when, it is estimated, they made well on between three and four thousand pounds, provided a big fund to place to the club's account. The League Championship two years since and their long spell of fine work in the same combination last season were also favourable to gates; while the recent run of poor results is not expected to be repeated unless the injury to Hedley has far-reaching effects, for the winningdisplay last week at Nottingham broke the thread of ill-fortune in no half-hearted style. United have been noted as a club partial to English talent. Recently. However, to try and turn the tide of adverse results and to have capable men to fill up vacancies, the committee have signed on several Scotchmen, but still the team, as a whole, is overwhelmingly English, and that is one ground of its popularity, though personally some of best friends among professional footballers are men from ayont the Tweed. One word in conclusion. Mr. Nicholson now carries on the secretarial work most successfully, and members of the committee taking closest interest in the work are Mr. Stokes (practically the club’s founder) and Mr. T. Bott, whose influence over the players has been a powerful factor in producing and maintaining those cordial relations which means so much any team.
BEVERIDGE
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 10 November 1900
Beveridge has not yet fired Everton friends with any very buoyant hopes of him proving the ideal centre which so many want and so few discover. Candidly, I do not think he is the equal of Wilfred Toman, who so disappointed the Goodison Park authorities last season, but still he may easily give more satisfaction than the latter, who never settled to his true game after leaving Burnley. At the same time, Beveridge can play the centre forward game, judiciously and effectively, if not with brilliance, and when I have seen him he has exhibited a large degree of unselfishness, sometimes, indeed, overdoing the passing when he might go ahead on his own. Speed is not one of his strong points; in shooting, however, he is pretty powerful and accurate.
STOKE 0 EVERTON 2
November 12 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton team journeyed to Stoke on Saturday, and with the exception of Sharp, who was performing in the Inter-League contest, were represented as on the previous Saturday while Stoke were at full strength. The sides faced as follow: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer, and Watson backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth and Abbott halfbacks, Taylor, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle (captain), and Turner forwards. Stoke: - Wilkes, goal, Capewell, and Durber, backs, Leach, Wood, and Bradley, halfbacks, Johnson, Watson, Higginson, Maxwell, and Jones, forwards. Everton started well, but retaliating Maxwell shot strongly in only to find Balmer in the way. Following a further move to the Stoke goal, the home side again returned to the attack, and for some time caused the Everton defenders much anxiety. The left wing were the more prominent, and on Maxwell sending across, Johnson shot against the side of the post. At length Beveridge led his men on, and passing out to the left, Turner, was given a good opening, which was not excepted. Meanwhile the Everton right had not been over well attended to, but eventually Taylor and McDonald broke away, though they invariably not with stout opposition from Bradley, and Durber. Play proceeded on fairly even lines up to the interval, when there was no scoring. Immediately on resuming the Everton forwards took up the running, and Wilkes was lucky in saving from a melee in goal. A little later, Muir saved grandly from Higginson and following some spirited play in the Stoke half, Taylor scored a splendid goal. The home van played in spirited fashion, and but for the sterling defence of Balmer and fine saves by Muir must have drawn level. Johnson twice tested the keeper with clever shots to no avail, and as the end arrived Everton swept down, and following some smart play by Abbott, Turner and Settle, the ball was put across and netted by McDonald. Nothing further was scored, and Everton won by 2 goals to nil.
EVERTON RESERVES 4 PADIHAM 0
November 12 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park in fine weather. Both clubs were representative and Wilkinson started for the visitors, who were early put on the defensive, and from a corner, Everton almost did the trick. After Crelley had cleared a dangerous rush by the visitors left, Everton came away, and Sullivan, was beaten by an easy shot by Corrin. Padiham attacked strongly, but Kitchen saved well. soon after Corrin scored a second goal for Everton. In the second half Everton had most of the play, but Corrin was injured but although Everton were thus handicapped they scored two goals though Barlow and won by 4 goals to nil. (Game 11) Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Halliday and Crelley, backs, Blythe, Green, and Green, halfbacks, Roche, Barlow, Worthington, Gray, and Corrin, forwards.
INTER-LEAGUE MATCH
Irish League v English League
November 12 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
Jack Sharp, played for the English League and help the English to a four goal to two win at Cliftonvill Belfast, in front of 7,000 spectators.
STOKE CITY V EVERTON
November 12, 1900. The Glasgow Herald.
Both sides were well represented in this match at Stoke, and attracted by the promise of a good game, 8,000 spectators assembled. At the start the weather was fine, but ten minutes after the kick-off there was a heavy hailstorm. Fortunately, however, this was of short duration. The first half was pretty even, each side attacking in turn, neither team could gain any definite advantage, and the play was unmarked by incident until just before the interval, when Everton secured two corners. Both of these, however, proved fruitless. The home forwards worked well together, but they could not get through, and when the interval was reached, there was still no score. The second half opened in favour of Everton, who after Wilkes had saved several times, Scored through Taylor –this at the end of 17 minutes. Stoke tried hard to draw level, but were unsuccessful in their endeavours. Just on time, Everton went further ahead by the aid of Taylor and won by two goals to nil.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 12 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
After the exhibition of ‘'how not to do it'' which had been given by the Everton forwards during the past month it can hardly be said that the supporters of the club viewed the visit to Stoke with any degree of confidence. There was no uneasy fear prevailing that the same ineptitude, which had recently distinguished the front line, would again be in evidence. On the other hand, some sanguine individuals leaned to the opinion that recent display had been so shockingly bad that the long lane of non-success must assuredly have a turning. Those who belong to the latter class have now the opportunity of enjoying the fruits of their prescience. Not only did Everton go to the Pottery town, but they conquered by 2 goals to nil. For the benefit of enthusiasts who like to spend a day at a football match a long way from home, special trains were ran to Stoke, and though they were not too well filled, the large hearted sympathizers with Everton's late misfortunes, who made the journey had no reason to regret the trouble which they had complacently sought. They had this satisfaction at least-they saw the Everton forwards score a couple of goals, and this was double that any regular follower of the club had gone at the four previous matches in which the team had engaged. While Everton acquired a couple of much needed points, it cannot be said that the form displayed was altogether satisfactory. Taken as a whole there was little to choose between the teams, but-and herein comes the all important point- the Evertonians were awarded a couple of goals, and with the necessary couple of points. In the first half of the game, Stoke, if anything had the better of the argument. On the greasy turf their men seemed more at home, although during this period, no two forwards could have tried harder for their side than did Settle and Turner. Stoke were by no means so scientifically clever as Everton, but with the visiting right wing comparatively at a standstill, they appeared to better advantage when it came to a question of an attack all along the line. Many a time and often, despite the greasy ball, the rival centre halves, Booth and Wood were responsible for breaking up combination, and neither goalkeeper had any claim to the honour of the clean sheet at half time, for the simple reason, that neither was ever fully tested. At the same time, let it be stated both Muir, and Wilkes proved equal to all emergencies, which in both cases were by no means ardious. The second half was more vigorous and exciting than the initial period. Everton at the outset looked certain scores, and then within ten minutes the Potters threw away a couple of glorious chances. Suddenly the Evertonians dashed away, and Taylor blocking the ball between the opposing half, and left backs, shot the leather past Wilkes at terrific speed. The point was somewhat loudly disputed on the ground of offside, but the referee rightly gave no beed to the protests. This success imparted new life to the Evertonians, and Stoke were a beaten team, more especially we a few minutes from time after fine work by Abbott, Turner and Settle, a centre was turned to account by McDonald, who met the ball with his knee. The victory was the most decisive that Everton has won at Stoke for many a long day. They were lucky it is true, but still, it is the first piece of luck they have had for some time. Muir Balmer, and Watson formed a magnificent rearguard, and while little exception could be taken to the halfbacks, there is still room for improvement in the front line. Beveridge put in many pretty touches, but he has still a lot to learn before he can hope to be a skillful pivot of the Everton attack. To Taylor has fallen the lot of breaking the sequence of non-scoring matches and all Evertonians will rejoice at his success. That he has plenty of football in him is very evident, and the difficulty with the Everton directorate is how best to utilise it. Although defeated and occupying a lowly position in the League table Stoke is by no means a bad team. It Wood have one of the smartest centre-halfs in the Country, indeed, the halfbacks line with the assistance of a man like Capewell in the rear, ought to render their defence one of the strongest in the League. Where they lose, is in the unevenness of the front line. At times the men are clever enough, but their spurts are but flashes in the pan and no one is more of a meteoric star than Maxwell. There will have to be a levelling up process before Stoke make a move upward in the League table. Meanwhile Everton can rejoice over the acquisition of a couple of points, which they acknowledged from the first, would be dearly won.
THE INTER-LEAGUE MATCH AT BELFAST
Athletic News - Monday 12 November 1900
A HARD GAME, BUT ANOTHER ENGLIOSH VICTORY
By the Free Critic
A JOURNEY TO BELFAST
A visit to Belfast is always enjoyable—at least to a good sailor—but to one accustomed to being see-sick I'm afraid it possesses its drawbacks. Somehow, the gentleman who guides the destinies of the Irish sea or, at least that portion of it between Fleetwood and Belfast, appears to have a grudge against football teams, and I have never yet crossed without the waves being described as mountains high. and players made very poorly. The worst victim I have seen is Crabtree, and on one occasion he absolutely refused to go below, being wrapped up in blankets, and spreading six feet of human frame at the entrance to the saloon. About three years ago the Football Association decided to patronise the Stranraer route, but this, if shorter, was found a little bit worse whilst it lasted, and I don't think via Fleetwood can be unproved upon. Personally, it does not matter one jot, for I have yet to enjoy the pleasures of mal de mer. The English team foregathered at Preston on Thursday night, and turned up as selected. It was a peculiarly constructed eleven, for it represented, counting in Bull, the reserve, exactly a down clubs, and yet it seemed to be a good serviceable side. The weather was not too promising, and the majority of the party were heartily glad when Belfast quay was reached. It was bitterly cold, but the Irish League officials were in attendance, together with a waggonette, and the Cliftonville ground was visited, as was also the hospitable distillery belonging to Messrs, Denville. The headquarters were the Grand Central Hotel, and a billiard handicap was preferred to an afternoon's drive, but was not fought to a definite conclusion, and Bloomer, Needham, and Hogg must needs wait until the next League match in Ireland, for it would be obviously unfair to play on other tables. The Empire was visited during the evening, but after their tossing the party showed a great desire for bed.
A FIRE BRIGADE TURN-OUT.
On Saturday morning we had a treat by the kindness of Mr. Stafford, the assistant Fire Brigade superintendent, and after explaining to us the various means of communication by means of telephones, got his men together to show as how quickly the engine can be turned out. The bell rang, there was a startling rush of men from the upper stories, the stable doors opened, six trained horses ran out, placed themselves under the harness, which appeared to attach itself, the men mounted, the big doors opened, and off they went in 9 ½ seconds. They did a great deal in a little time, and didn’t make any fuse about it. There was, of course, the usual visit to Robinson and Cleaver’s and for once in a way we had fine weather, but we were compelled to have a reminder, for just before starting for the Cliftonville ground, rain came down, and we seemed to be in for another wet afternoon, but although raw and cold, the rain kept off.
THE MATCH
There was a very large attendance, all things considered, something like 10,000 but the ground was rather greasy. The Englishmen were ten minutes late, owing to stoppages caused by the tramcars and the narrow state of the roads, coupled with a laudable desire on the part of the driver of the four-in-hand to take great care of his precious burden, which eventually landed safe and sound amid a hearty welcome. So far as physique was concerned the Englishmen possessed an undeniable advantage, but when the Irishmen started off with a rather stiff breeze in their favour they immediately showed that business only was meant. Kingsley thought so, at any rate, in the first five minutes of the game, for a long shot was sent in, bounced at an inconvenient angle, and Kingsley just caught it under the bar with his knuckles. It hung in the air, and two of the impetuous Irish forwards rushed at Kingsley and despatched him inside the net, the ball following, but Mr. Robertson promptly disallowed the point. The Irishmen were not done with, and the English backs were very shaky for the first quarter of an hour, but whilst playing with the greatest dash and moving at a rapid rate, the home forwards failed at the last pinch, and Kingsley had comparatively little to do, although once he saved splendidly from a hot shot at close range. The English forwards were the more speedy, but seldom got going, although McAlpine had one or two stiff customers to deal with, and both Pyper and Ponsonby were hard put to it. The Irish forwards were, however, the more aggressive and it came as a slight surprise when Hogg received a pass from Cox and beat McAlpine. This, however, did not seem to interfere very much with the Irishmen, who went at it with most refreshing vigour, and when a cross shot from the left wing completely beat Kingsley the rejoicing was loud. The cheer was worth going a long way to hear. This terminated the scoring in the first half, and the teams turned round on an equal footing, but the Englishmen now had the wind. It was a case of literally turning round, for the referee very properly considered that darkness would set in rather earlier than was desirable, and the usual visit to the tent was consequently knocked on the head. The Irish contingent, although fighting against the odds in the shape of wind, soon showed us that they had not given up all hope, and if their efforts were somewhat disjointed they were sufficiently effective to get the ball dangerously near the English goal. The second point for the visitors was the result of a rather unexpected breakaway on the part of Sharp, who ran up to within a dozen yards of the goal-line, centred along the ground to Bloomer, who steadied himself, and McAlpine had not the slightest chance. For a little while this appeared to upset the Irishmen, but not for long, and although England had the advantage there was always danger from the Irish forwards; but the result was settled when Hogg, after working through beautifully, placed a third goal. England were now 3-1 to the good, and all was lost to Ireland, but this did not have much effect for the home men went on in their own sweet way, the defence withstanding the attack in a most praiseworthy manner; and when Kingsley, in clearing stepped more strides than the law justly entitled him to, was penalised and a goal resulted, there was another outburst of cheering, and it did me good to hear it. Three goals to two had an interesting appearance, but directly afterwards the Irishmen had a penalty given against them, and Needham himself took the kick, with the result that England stood 4-1, and with this they finished a few minutes before time owing to darkness.
IMPROVING IRISHMEN
It was a most interesting game, and I have never seen an Irish team play a better. They have not yet got off the fine points, and is this respect the Englishmen were much superior, but for dash and quickness on the ball they were simply excellent, and not only got on to the ball but made more use of it than in previous contests. Little Worrall, late of Wolverhampton. proved to be an excellent pivot, far although not particularly clever with the ball, he generally managed to part with it to advantage. Campbell, on the outside right, was the one to take his quick passes most accurately, but the other forwards were always on this alert, although Kearns seemed weak, but he had bus suffering from gainsay all week. The half-backs did not place particularly well, and the outside men were, I should say, the weakest part of the team, and possess a very inadequate idea of half-hack play. The centre, Connor, did an immense amount of work and without timing him, I should say he was running about the whole hour and a half, always ready for something to turn up. No fault could be found with either the backs or goalkeeper. Pyper is a fine young fellow, and was more useful than his partner, the captain, but both men played a good game, and coped with the speedy and tricky English forwards in capital style, the only fault being a tendency on the part of Ponsonby to occasionally indulge in too much dribbling. McAlpine is not an artist, but he is young and keeps perfectly cool. He ought to have a promising future, for he evidently possesses any amount of nerve. I have seen better English teams, but they played very well considering that all were strange to each other. Kingsley is well worthy of a place in any eleven, and the weakest part was at back, for neither Evans nor Layton was seen to advantage. The half-backs did fairly well, but Fitchett should not develop tripping, or he may get into trouble. The forwards made many fine runs, but the whole side was upset by the persistency with which their opponents stuck to their guns. When the game was irretrievably lost the Irishmen went about their work as if they meant to have a flutter, and what they lacked in cleverness they made up in dash and determination. Nowadays, it is not the custom for the teams and officials in these representative matches to dine together, but in these Inter-League games the old-time social gathering are maintained, and we had a very pleasant couple of hours at the Grand Metropole, for the speeches were brief and the singing good. Mr. Sutcliffe, of Burnley, in proposing the Irish league. evidently wanted to qualify as an Irishman, for in a humorous speech he said that it was always sucha pleasure to cross that if hedied of seasickness en route he knew he would be heartily welcomed on arriving in Belfast: whilst the only McKnight, in responding, said that in sitting down he had finished his career, so that we had two dead men to deal with, yet both were much alive as the good boat Cornwall left the Quay amidst the hearty rendering of the National Anthem. They are keen footballers and ardent loyalists in Belfast. The teams were;-
Ireland;- McAlpine (Cliftonville), goal; Pyper (Cliftonville) and Ponsonby (Distillery) (captain), backs; Nicholl (Celtic), Connor (Glentoran), and Burnison (Distillery), half-backs; Campbell (Cliftonville), Rea (Glentoran), Worrall (Distillery), Kearns (Distillery) and Clarke (Celtic), forwards.
England.- Kingsley (Newcastle United), goal; Evans (Aston Villa) and Layton (Sheffield United), backs; Needham (Sheffield United) (captain), Forman (Notts Forest), and Fletchett (Bolton Wanderers), half-backs; Cox (Liverpool), Sagar (Bury), Hogg (Sunderland), Bloomer (Derby County), and Sharp (Everton), forwards. Referee; Mr. Tom Robertson, Glasgow. Linesmen; Mr. C.E. Sutcliffe, Burnley (England), and Mr. J. McInerney (Ireland).
EVERTON WIN A GOOD GAME
Athletic News - Monday 12 November 1900
By Onward
Stoke were without doubt, an unfortunate team to be left on the losing side by two goals to none in their match with Everton on Saturday, for in no department of the game, except in the actual goals scored, were they inferior to the winners. Previous to their game with Everton the Pottery team had played seven League and Cup-tie games without defeat, and a crowd over 8,000 strong assembled at the Victoria Grounds in the hope that Stoke would place another victory to their credit. They went away disappointed, but there was an opinion well-nigh unanimous that the home team had been distinctly unlucky.
AN INTERESTING FIRST HALF
When the teams had settled down we were favoured with an exhibition of football which was much appreciated by the onlookers. There were any number of pretty touches and dashing efforts by both sides, but defenders prevailed against attackers up to the call of half-time. The balance of play was in Stoke’s favour, and their forward work looked far more likely to be productive of goals than the style of attack adopted by the visitors. The latter were clever up to a certain point, but near goal they did not shape with confidence, and the only real chance which fell to them was one which Turner made a sad mull of. Muir was on several occasions called upon to deal with awkward shots, and did so with credit, but he would have had no chance with a trimmer from Maxwell, which. Unfortunately for Stoke, was about a foot on the wrong side of the upright. The pace had bene very fast in the opening moiety, and there was a perceptible slackening during the opening stages of the second “45,” during which Wilkes brought off a fine save from Settle and Muir was equally smart in getting away a lightning shot from Watkins. Play had been of a very equal character, and there had not been a pin to choose between the sides, when after twenty minutes’ play in the second half Everton were credited with their first goal.
A GLARING CASE OF OFF-SIDE
Taylor received the ball in what was undoubtedly an offside portion-I was at an excellent point to judge-and going right on for goal found the net with a grand shot. The effort was one to admire, but I have not the least hesitation in saying that the goal was not a legitimate one. Stoke made some gallant efforts to get on equal terms, but the Everton defenders showed a most resolute front, and attack after attack was beaten back. No fewer than three deliberate attempts were made to trip Maxwell, and later Watkins, in determined rushes to get through, but Mr. Gilgryst was strangely blind to what was going on, and ignored the confident appeals made to him. There were only a few minutes to go when Everton were successful a second time in a manner totally unexpected. Settle got hold of the ball on the goal touchline about a dozen yards from the posts, and took a slow shot at goal. The ball travelled slowly across to the foot of McDonald, who was standing unattained almost in the goal mouth, and he had no difficulty in finding the net. Appeals were made for off-side, but McDonald was certainly in a legitimate position, as Settle was almost on the line when he screwed the ball in. this ended the scoring, and Stoke, for the fourth time this season, were beaten on their own ground.
EVERTON FORTUNATE
As one who strives always to give an honest criticism, and to write without fear or favour, I must say that Everton were decidedly in luck’s way in being returned winners. The critics were agreed in their opinion that a drawn game would have been a more correct reflex of the relative merits of the two sides. The Everton defensive play was strong, and decidedly one of the features of the game. Muir kept goal with skill and coolness, and Balmer gave a fine, fearless exposition of full-back play. I have for some time regarded him as one of the best backs playing League football. Booth was not so prominent as usual in the half-back line, but both Abbott and Wolstenholme played a bustling effective game. Taylor was perhaps the most useful man in the vanguard, and I should say that Sharp was not at all missed. Beveridge showed himself a centre forward of no mean ability. He is not exactly a dasher, but knows what to do with the ball when he gets it, and keeps his wings well going.
STOKE WELL BALANCED
The Stoke team gave a level display, and there was little fault to be found with any member of the team. Wilkes had not a great deal of work, for the two men in front of him did very well, and it was seldom that Everton were allowed to get to close quarters. Durber was very clean in all his clearances, and Capewell showed considerable improvement. He played with confidence, and generally came out with flying colours in his tussles with Turner to the great delight of the crowd. Bradley was head and shoulders above his colleagues in the half back line, which it saying a great deal when it is considered that both Leech and Wood did any amount of sterling work. There was some (bottom lines missing) line when compared with previous exhibitions but I cannot say that the attacking play was one whit inferior to that of the winners. Watkins and Higginson both played well, but Maxwell was not at his best, and Johnson hardly reproduced the first-class form of several recent games. I am sorry I cannot congratulate the presiding official on his refereeing. He made a number of bad mistakes and was generally weak. The players who took part in the match were;-
Stoke.- Wilkes, goal; Capewell and Durber, backs; Leech, Wood and Bradley, half-backs; Johnson, Watkins, Higginson, Maxwell, and Jones, forwards. Everton.- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards. Referee, Mr. Gilgryst, Manchester.
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News- Monday, November 12 1900
By the Loiterer
A fair “gate” assembled at Goodison park to witness the game between Everton and Padiham. Although the visitors had the advantage of the keen and cutting wind in the first half, the home team were now slow in assuming the aggressive and scored rather a soft goal within the first five minutes of the game. The visiting team played up pluckily after this reverse, but failed in their endeavours to equalise. Everton, through good play, beat the Padiham custodian a second time before the interval. On changing ends Everton again made the running, and, despite the fact that they lost Corrins’ services, who through an injury to the leg had to leave the field, they put on two more goals, and ran out winners by four goals to nil. The home team throughout played a fine combined game, and their defence was perfect. Padiham at times played with dash, but their weak points were discernible their attacking powers being deficient.
TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 17 November 1900
After their clever victory at Stoke, Everton should view their encounter with West Bromwich, this afternoon, with equanimity. It must not be forgotten, however, that the Throstles took away both points on the occasion of their last visit to Goodison Park. The Midlanders have already been in this district and experienced a crushing defeat, as, in fact, all the visitors from the vicinity of Birmingham this season have suffered. There is therefore abundant incentive for the Everton team to not only acquire maximum points and this reverse the verdict of last year, but also to make their success a most decisive one, and maintain the excellent record which has been the result of the game at Anfield and Goodison Park against the Wolves, the Villa and the Albion.
Everton v West Bromwich Albion, at Goodison Park. Referee. J.H. Strawson, Linesmen. E. Dodd and J.T. Howcroft.
Everton.- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle and Turner, forwards. Kick-off 2.45.
West Bromwich Albion;- Reader; Adams, and Dunn; Perry, G. Williams, and Hadley; Roberts, Simmonds, Stevenson, Wheldon, and Garfield.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Oswaldtwistle Rovers v. Everton reserve, Oswaldtwistle.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Halliday and Crelly, backs; Blythe, Green and J.R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Barlow, Worthington, Gray, and Chadwick, forwards. Train leaves Exchange Station at 11.37. Kick-off 2.45.
FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 17 November 1900
EVERTON
By Red Rose
With the ample monetary resources at their command, and one of the biggest wage-lists in the country, it is little wonder that the senior Association club of the Mersey City has managed to keep in the very first rank of English clubs during the past ten or a dozen years. It is an utter impossibility for organisations which during the term mentioned have comprised an average of seven or eight Internationals to sink to a very low level, and although the Everton players have upon more than one occasion failed ignominiously when the highest honours English footballdom were well within their grasp, still it cannot be gainsaid that they have maintained a very high degree of excellence in the League, surpassed only by their Brummagen rivals. No transfer fee has been too large for Mr. Molyneaux and his directors to pay, provided the object their attentions was considered likely to strengthen the composition of the eleven but the manner in which players, after making a name for themselves with less wealthy teams, have deteriorated upon donning the blue jersey of Everton—that simple, though striking dress of the old Blackburn Olympians- is certainly most peculiar. Many instances of this could cited, but while their finances remain in their present healthy condition, and a first-class team of reserves can be maintained, the Everton club must necessarily remain one of the most prominent in the country, and little anxiety need be felt in Lancashire’s great seaport that the team will have experiences similar to those of Burnley, Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End, and Bolton Wanderers during the past few years.
FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS.
It is really surprising to note how many of our best English clubs owe their origin to an association of the youths and young men connected with a school or place of worship. Blackburn Olympic and Bolton Wanderers, amongst other Lancashire clubs, were primarily Sunday school organisations, and Everton can lay claim a plane in this category. In the seventies the young men attending the Congregational Chapel in St. Domingo Vale had a very successful cricket club, but in 1878 they developed a penchant for football, and a club was formed, bearing the title of St. Domingo F.C. Local elevens were encountered, but in 1879 the members resolved upon the title of Everton, and from this time forward the organisation gradually gained prestige. In 1880 McGill, who subsequently represented Lancashire and Ayrshire in county engagements, joined the club, but although a Scotsman and a Glasgow Ranger, it must be borne in mind he was not an importation. After a time the players went further afield, and were defeated by Bolton Wanderers in 1881-2 by no less than 13 goals to nil, the team then playing in an open field. In 1883 an enclosed ground Anfield—now the headquarters the Liverpool club—was obtained, and the first gate on this turf realised 14s.—a huge contrast to the sums drawn during the past few years, when on more than one occasion the gate has realised upwards of £1,400. In 1883 the club lost an opportunity of engaging probably the finest custodian who ever stood beneath a crossbar. I refer to Jimmy Trainer, who, I am told, has played with the Toffeeites’ second string. However, he failed to catch the official eye, and thus was lost to the club.
AN IDEAL GROUND.
As time went on and the gates gradually grew, the officials adopted a more spirited policy, and Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Accrington, Bolton Wanderers, Darwen, and Burnley were given invitations to visit Anfield-road. The frequenters of that enclosure then felt it a supremo honour if any of the teams mentioned condescended to give them fixture, but they have long ago forgotten all this, and, rightly or wrongly, have gained the reputation of being adverse to the interest of other Lancashire clubs in matters which have cropped up in connection with the League and Association. A limited liability company was formed in 1892-3. and afterwards came the split with Alderman Houlding and a section the members, which resulted in the formation of the Liverpool club. This incident was fully dealt with in the Liverpool article a fortnight ago, but in consequence the Evertonians had to remove to fields and pastures new in 1892. The land at Goodison-road, comprising close upon 30.000 square yards, cost them little over £8,000 when it was purchased three years later, and as money has been lavishly spent upon it in the matter of stands. &c., the result that with the exception of Aston Villa, the Goodison Park ground ranks as the finest possessed by any League club in England. The space between the playing pitch and the spectators is none too large, but the turf is a rich, velvety green, and when the mammoth covered stands and the “switchback” foot stands, rising tier above tier, are filled with masses spectators the sight presented is animated and impressive, and one not easily forgotten.
BELWV EXPECTATIONS.
The honours won by Everton in the football world are not very numerous. The Toffeeites—as they are popularly termed—have not yet been successful in capturing the English Cup, although in 1892-93 they reached the final, and appeared to have the “blessed Pot” well within their grasp, being made warm favourites for the event. Before an immense gathering at Fallowfield, however, Everton, who had only the week previous travelled to Wolverhampton, and defeated the Wolves by four goals two, failed to rise to the occasion, and lost. Even in Lancashire, however, the victory was to a certain extent a popular one, for the Wolves team consisted entirely of Englishmen, six of whom were born in Wolverhampton. In the League Everton have generally held a prominent position. They captured the Championship in 1893-4, and have twice finished second on the list; while they have also won the Lancashire Cup. This is by no means a long list. It proves, however, that money, even in these commercial football days, cannot buy everything. The cleverest and most skilful players in the three kingdoms have been gathered together; they have been the recipients of handsome bonuses for almost every game played, and sent down to St. Annes and other seaside places to train for special events, and a magnificent ground, replete with every accommodation, has been provided; but still enterprise and lavish expenditure have not been successful in bringing about a team much above the ordinary standard or the capture of more than an average amount of the laurels of the game.
AN ARRAY OF INTERNATIONALS.
Mr. R. Molyneaux must be inseparably connected with the fortunes and history of the club; he is to it what Dr. Morley is to the Blackburn Rovers, Mr. J. J. Bentley to Bolton, and Mr. C.E. Sutcliffe to Burnley. If enterprise and energy on his part could have brought about greater success, the latter would have been forthcoming. The array of talent he has annually whipped together has been by no means limited, and during the past ten years the Evertonians have been able to boast of more Internationals than any other-eleven this side of the Border. At first the officials were very partial to Scotchmen, but of late years they seem to have come round to the conclusion that their money can be more profitably spent in the engagement of English players. To give a full list of the famous players who have donned the blue jersey would be unnecessary, but this article would hardly be complete without a reference to one or two who are particularly well known in this district. Two members of the old Preston Invincibles-the late Jack Ross and Bob Howarth- had a brief sojourn in Toffee land, while in later years W. Stewart, another old Preston players, was secured, and held the captaincy of the team for two or three seasons. Stewart was a sterling half-back, and very popular in Preston. He came in prominence with the Black Watch regimental team, and North End spotted his merits and promptly purchased his discharge from the Army. Edgar Chadwick, however, must be awarded the palm for being the most useful player Evertonians ever possessed. For a long period of years this brilliant player maintained most consistent form. A teetotaller, a non-smoker, and a hard worker, he was always in the pink of condition, and he enjoyed a remarkable immunity from accidents. and did not miss a match for four years. In company with Alf. Milward he did yeoman service for Everton, and when at their best this pair formed the finest and most dangerous left wing in the country. They are now once again associated down South, and although not so fast or clever as in days of yore, they yet form one the best wings in the Southern League, and are great favourites with the Southampton public. Johnny Holt, the masterly centre half; Fred Geary, the flying centre forward (whom I noticed on the line at Deepdale the other week when Liverpool Reserve were the visitors), A. Hannah (the Renton back), Dan Doyle (the Scottish international). Alick Latta, Bob Kelso, and Jack Bell (all internationals), to say nothing of that splendid centre forward Jack Southworth, amongst others, have also played under the banner the Everton club.
OSWALDTWISTLE ROVERS v EVERTON RESERVE
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 17 November 1900
At Oswaldtwistle. Play opened evenly, the Everton forwards combining well. Whittaker and Bolton sent in good shots, but Kitchen cleared. After a quarter of an hour’s play Everton scored, George having no chance. Everton scored a second from a well-placed corner by Roche. Oswaldtwistle scored from a penalty, Hargreaves putting the ball through. Everton scored a third from a corner. Half-time;- Everton 4, Rovers 1. On resuming Oswaldtwistle played with more dash, and Bentham came near scoring. Continuing the pressure, Whittaker opened the scoring. Taylor, the Everton left half, was the best man on the ground. Gray put on a fifth for Everton. Whittaker ran down the left, and from his centre Bentham scored for the Rovers. The home team played capitally.
Result Everton 5 Rovers 4.
EVERTON v WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Sports Argus - Saturday 17 November 1900
By “Mavis
The first of the League matches between these teams took place this afternoon at Goodison Park. The Albion took three points out of Everton last season, but the “Toffee Merchants” have been going pretty strongly so far, and with a very strong eleven to-day the Albion did not appear to have a great chance of victory, seeing that they were minus Perry and Simmons. The teams faced each other in the following order;- Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards.
West Bromwich Albion.- reader, goal; Adams, and Dunn, backs; Banks, G. Williams, and Hadley, half-backs; Chadburn, Simmonds, Stevenson, Wheldon, and Roberts, forwards. The afternoon was beautifully fine, and there were 15,000 spectators. Garfield could not play, and Chadburn figured in the Albion team. The visitors started, and play was very fast at the commencement, Everton forcing the play. Albion got away, causing Muir to kick out. Again the Everton custodian saved from Stevenson, after which McDonald shot out. At the opposite end Reader had to save, and backwards and forwards the leather travelled, both teams doing excellent work. Reader saved from a long shot, after which some nice passing by the Albion forwards enabled Roberts to shoot, but the ball went among the crowd. Everton then shot out at the opposite end, and some pretty play was frustrated by Dunn. A fine centre by Turner was at last headed through by Taylor- a very fine goal. The Albion played hard after this without threatening danger, although the backs were troubled. Settle missed a good chance. Chadburn should have scored for the Albion, and Wheldon sent in a grand shot, which resulted in a corner, when Williams shot over. The game was fairly even for some time, Wheldon nearly scoring, and Banks sending over from a corner. Stevenson tested Muir with a beauty, but he just managed to clear. The Albion had more than their fair share of the play, but could not score, and Everton breaking away, nearly scored twice.
Interval;- Everton 1, Albion 0
Crossing over, Everton at once attacked, but they were driven back, and the Albion made a good effort which was frustrated. Dunn then conceded a corner, which was cleared, and Reader cleared from McDonald. The Albion pressed only to be ruled offside, and Reader ran out to save at the opposite end. Play continued fast and even. Muir having difficulty in saving from Wheldon. Everton raced away, nicely aided by a free kick, and the Albion retaliated cleverly. In fact, both teams were going at it hammer and tongs, neither being able to claim any advantage. Reader was penalized for running with the ball, but the free kick was cleared, and, racing away, Chadburn hit the upright. Both goals were quickly visited, Everton working very hard, while Stevenson was robbed when he seemed certain to score. Reader saved a beauty, but Everton pressed, the Albion nearly equalising.
Result Everton 1 Albion 0
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
Albion played a rattling good game in the first half, having more chances than Everton; but the latter were more finished in their play. Their passing was a treat. Settle and Turner making a splendid wing, but Taylor was not an adequate substitute for Sharpe. The Albion bustled into it with remarkable dash, breaking up many a well meant plot, while their play generally was more scientific than usual. Chadburn played much better than previously, and went into it better, and Roberts did well on the left. In fact all the forwards did well, while the half-backs worked splendidly, Williams playing a capital game. Both the backs were vigorous and energetic, while Reader was very cool and collected, somewhat redeeming his character. Everton were individually and collectively good. While the game was fast, and exceedingly pleasant, there was a complete absence of the rough element.
EVERTON V WEST BROMWICH ALBION
November 19, 1900. The Glasgow Herald.
The visit of the Albion to Everton proved a strong attraction. Beautiful weather prevailed and some 12,000 spectators assembled at Goodison Park. The Everton forwards had all the better of the opening play, and eight minutes from the start Taylor got through with a fine shot. For a time after the exchange went somewhat in favour of the Albion, but they make poor use of their opportunities. The game than became very tame, but forwards the interval Everton again pressed heavily. However, nothing further was done, and at change of ends Everton led by a goal to nil. The opening play of the second half favoured Everton, but their efforts to score were of a very feeble character. On both sides defence prevailed over the attack, and it was only on odd occasions that the goalkeeper's were called upon. After the Albion had pressed, Everton monopolised the remaining play, but could do nothing further, Everton thus won by a goal to nil.
EVERTON 1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0
November 19 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The success of the Everton team at Stoke on the previous Saturday included a good number of spectators to make their way to Goodison Park, as at the commencement of the game there would be quite 12000 persons. The sides were represented as follow: - Everton: - Muir, goal, Balmer, and Watson, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth and Abbott, halfbacks, Taylor, McDonald Beveridge, Settle (captain), and Turner, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Reader, goal, Adams, and Dunn, backs, Banls, Williams, and Hadley, halfbacks, Chadburn Simmons, Stevenson and Roberts, forwards. The opening play favoured the home side, and Wolstenholmes and Taylor in turn sent in shots which, however, caused no anxiety to Reader. After Muir had been called upon, the home right wing, made headway and on Booth putting out to Turner the last named centred splendidly, and Taylor headed into the net. This success came after about seven minutes play. Returning again Reader saved cleverly from a corner and within the next few minutes, two easy chances of increasing the lead were missed by Settle and Taylor. The Albion left were then in evidence, but owing to the vigilance of Balmer, and Watson they were rarely allowed to get within easily distance of Muir. Play toned down considerably, and almost with exception the movements of the players up to the interval were void of interest. No further scoring took place up to half-time, when Everton led by 1 goal to nil. As in the first half, Everton were the first to be aggressive, but their final efforts showed no improvement, and Reader cleared with ease. After a length spell of uninteresting play the Albion right wing broke away, and almost captured the Everton goal, a capital shot from Chadburn glarcing from the post out of play. The visitors now had quite as much of the game as their opponents and but for the superb defence of Balmer and Watson must have equallised. An opening was found for Wheldon, who made a ridiculous attempt to score, and though the Evertonians rallied the Albion towards the finish put on pressure, without, however, tangible result and Everton won by a goal to nil.
OSTWALDTWISTLE ROVERS 4 EVERTON RESERVES 5
November 19 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
At Ostwaldtwiste. Play opened evenly, the Everton forwards combining well. Whittaker and Bolton sent in good shots, but Kitchen cleared. After a quarter of an hour's play, Gray scored for Everton. George having no chance. Everton scored a second from a well-placed corner by Roche. Oswaldtwiste scored from a penalty, Heargreaves putting the ball through. Everton scored a third from a corner. Half time Everton 4 goals Ostwaldtwiste 1. Resuming Ostwaldtwiste played with more dash, and Bentham can near to scoring. Continuing Whittaker opened the scoring. Gray put on a fifth for Everton. Then Whittaker ran down the left and from his centre Bentham scored for the Rovers, and Everton won a fast game by 5 goals to 4. (Game 12) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Halliday, and Crelley, backs, Blythe, Green and Taylor (r), halfbacks Roche, Barlow Worthington, Gray, and Chadwick (t) forwards.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 19 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
After the victory at Stoke, the supporters of the Everton club anticipated the visit of West Bromwich with feelings of a confident nature, and the only question worth considering was the extent of their team's triumph. After Saturday's display, however, the wonders is how Everton managed to defeat the Potters; either the latter are a rank incompetent side, or else Everton play a vastly superior away from home than they do on their own enclosure. Their two most recent performances at Goodison Park have been sufficient to damp the most ardent enthusiasm, though it is only fair to add that the most prominent weakness has been witnessed amongst the forwards. Against the Rovers they couldn't score a single goal, and, in fact, never gave the impression that they were likely to net the ball. They did obtain one point on Saturday but this was scored by a player who had been relegated to the ranks of the reserves team, as past his prime, and had only come back into First League football the previous week through the absence of Sharp, who was assisting the English team at Belfast. The methods adopted by the Everton forwards possessed not a single redeeming feature; their passing was altogether useless, their shooting was practically an unknown quantity, and their energy and determination were conspicuous chiefly on account of their absence. The present combination has had an extended trial, and has proved itself absolutely incapable, particularly in the home matches, and more football of this character was simply drive the majority of people elsewhere. The front rank badly requires a leader, but Beveridge in this respect might just as well be out of the team. Proudfoot was not an ideal centre, but he could keep the wings going, and he was generally in at the finish. There is no freedom whatever in the movements of the front rank at present; they have the brake on continuously, and their combination has entirely disappeared. Some radical change in imperative if the club is desirous of maintaining its reputation amongst the chosen of the League. The football that has been put before the crowds at Everton during the last month has not been worthy of a third rate side. The forwards are solely to blame, for they make no headway with the chances given by the halves, their passes are invariably backward instead of onward, and on Saturday the majority of their transfer went straight to a West Bromwich player, the greatest offender in this respect being Turner, who seemed to posses no command over the ball. One of the most disappointing players in the front rank is Settle, and if the captain of the team does not improve and exhibit some of his talent ability, one will begin to wonder whether he ever had a reputation as a clever football artist. It is passing strange that Everton with its ample resource cannot furnish a side capable of giving a tolerant crowd some equivalent for its ardent support. The only player in the front rank who shaped even moderately was Taylor, the remainder gave an excruciating exhibition that was defend of all pretensions to skill or ability. The defence of the team is and has been its mainstay for some time. But the backs cannot for ever do the work of eleven men without feeling the train. With the forwards doing their fair share of the play, the back division, particular the halves, would doubtless be seen to greater advantage. Even under present conditions the defence is remarkably sound, and what an off day with the backs would mean to the club is too dreadful to imagine. West Bromwich are likewise not a great team, and with the chance they had should at least have drawn level. Roberts and Stevenson best represented the forwards, but there was not the same keenness in their rushing tactics as in former years. The halves and backs were fairly good, sound, but by no means brilliant, though this was the chief feature of the whole game. Very few incidents occurred which tended to raise the character of the contest-from the slough of incompetence to the height of a fairly moderate standard. There was little credit gained by either side, but whatever there was must be awarded the Albion, for they were the visiting side, and a poorly represented one in addition.
A TAME GAME AT GODOISON PARK
Athletic News - Monday 19 November 1900
By The Loiterer
Last season West Bromwich created a mild surprise in the Everton camp by carrying away a couple of points, the result of a creditable victory by 3 goals to 1. Their most recent visit was therefore looked upon as the opportunity for removing the stain of the disaster, and considering that Everton had been victorious away from home the previous week, anticipations were of a fairly confident nature. The visitors had to make three alterations in the construction of their side from that originally selected but this was not considered any advantage to the home team, for last years’ experience was not forgotten, when the “Throstles” with an almost unrecognisable eleven fairly trounced the Everton, men. The same side that won at Stoke was selected to oppose the Albion, the most notable feature being the absence of Sharp, whose place on the outside right was taken by Taylor, but as the latter had shaped very prominently the previous week, what time the Lancashire County cricketer was engaged in the Inter-League struggle at Belfast, the selection committee had decided to leave well alone, and consequently Sharp had to stand down. Glorious weather prevailed and in the presence of about 14,000 spectators the game was fought out.
A FEATURELESS CONTEST
Played opened very quietly, and continued so for the greater part of the allotted ninety minutes. Seven minutes from the start Booth sent the ball across to Turner, and the latter sprinting past the backs centred to Taylor, who headed past reader. The custodian did manage to touch the ball, but could not prevent it going over the line. After this success, which Everton evidently considered sufficient for all practical purposes, the quality of the play deteriorated considerably, and rarely has a game been played on the Goodison ground amid such depressing quietude, for the spectators had nothing to wax enthusiastic about, and therefore had to content themselves by keenly following the play, if possible to discover anything worth applauding. The second half was goalless though Wheldon missed a glorious chances of equalising by sticking to the ball too long, whilst at the other end Wolstenholme and Abbott tested Reader with the finest shots of the afternoon, the second being repelled in splendid style. The Albion were therefore beaten by the odd goal, and this, perhaps reflects the general nature of the play, although on the form displayed by both teams careful delineation is required to discover anything particularly clever on either side.
EVERTON’S INTERVATING EXHIBTION
The sole cause of the home team’s narrow success was the feeble display given by the front rank. A fortnight ago the same weakness was noticeable, and it is quite clear that with the methods adopted by the present forward division Everton need not anticipate any striking success. There is a total lack of cohesion along the line; the passing is altogether useless, and their slow, indecisive movements simply play into the hands of an active set of defenders. The re-introduction of Taylor caused much comment, but, in comparison, the right-winger has nothing to beat him in this respect that he is an earnest trier, and one can pardon the faults of the average player who tries his utmost, even though not entirely successful; but for the flimsy efforts of that class who possess the ability, but who are too languid or careless to assert themselves, little sympathy can be expressed. The Everton forwards badly went a tonic- an essentially strong one-and if what has been witnessed of late is the best they can do, well, the sooner there is a wholesale clearance the better. The defence is, and has been for some considerable time, the mainstay of the team, and with the amount of work placed on it has come through the ordeal creditably. One almost shudders to think what would happen were the backs and goalkeeper to become possessed with this fit of eternal “slows”; and whatever position Everton holds in the League table is due almost solely and entirely to the excellent work that has been achieved by Muir, Balmer, Wolstenholme, and their co-defenders. This is a sad reflection when one considers the individual capabilities of the Everton forward rank.
TAME “THROSTLES.”
Whilst, giving some credit to the visitors for keeping the defeat down to such small proportions, it must be admitted that they did not, as in the past, make the most of the opportunities that came in their way. They displayed plenty of energy, and their rushes were executed with a fair amount of dash, but they could do nothing at the end of them. They have only themselves to blame that they failed to equalise, and their shooting was on a par with that of the home quintette. There was an occasional decent balls sent in, amidst a host of rubbish. Roberts, on the outside left, was the pick of the forwards, though Stevenson was always in the thick of the fray, whilst the halves were fairly useful without approaching to anything like brilliancy. The backs were safe, and Reader kept a good goal. But the game as a whole was one of those mediocre exhibitions that create a desire to hear the referee’s final whistle, a wholesale batch of tantalising disappointments, little cleverness on either side, and a style of play that would attract no one to witness a repetition of it. The players that floundered through this contest were as follows;-
Everton;- Muir, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, McDonald, Beveridge, Settle (Captain), and Turner, forwards.
West Bromwich Albion.- reader, goal; Adams, and Dunn, backs; Banks, G. Williams, and Hadley, half-backs; Chadburn, Simmonds, Stevenson, Wheldon, and Roberts, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.H. Strawson.
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 19 November 1900
By the Loiterer
The Everton team gave another feeble display in the game with West Bromwich. They won, it is true, and the point was gained early on in the game, but afterwards the forwards appeared to work on the lines that they had done enough. I rather fancy, however, the spectators who had paid their money, did not think so, and they never allowed their feelings to enthuse over the event. It was about the quietest affair, as far as shooting goes, of any on the Goodison Park enclosure. As a matter of fact, there was nothing to ruddle one’s feelings in the least. To begin with the visitors had a scrappy team, and at their best the Evertonians looked for victory. The inter-League match the previous week took Sharp away. Taylor taking his place, and scoring at Stoke. There is some merit in this, and the same player opened the scoring on Saturday. Besides Taylor played the best game of the bunch, which I may say, lets down the others very lightly, for a more happy-go-lucky lot than the Everton forwards you could not find in the county. All through the place it was a question of hard work for the half backs, without any redeeming feature in relieving them on the part of the forwards, who simply played into their opponents’ hands. The defence has stood the strain well, and they deserved a lot of credit for placing the club in the position they stand.
TODAYS FIXTURES
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 24 November 1900
Everton renew their acquaintance with Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon, when the conquerors of Liverpool visit Goodison Park. Last week the Everton forwards gave a very disappointing display, and by the narrowest margin gained a victory over their opponents- West Bromwich. It is to be hoped there will be a considerable improvement witnessed to-day, and that the home front rank will show something like its true form. The Blades are no mean rivals, and their victories over Aston Villa and Liverpool prove them to be likely to give the Everton defence plenty of employment. A victory- and by a decisive margin-would do much to rehabilitate the team in the favour of the multitude.
Everton v Sheffield Wednesday, Goodison Park- Referee A. Green; linesmen. W. Standring and W.R. Thornton.
Everton;- Muir; Balmer, and Watson; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Taylor, Settle, Proudfoot, McDonald, and Turner.
Sheffield Wednesday;- Massey; Layton, and Langley; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin; Macwhinnie, Wilson, Davies, and Wright.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Leyland v. Everton reserve, Leyland.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Eccles and Crelley, backs; Blythe, Green and R. Taylor, half-backs; Roche, Dawson, Worthington; Gray, and Corrin, forwards. Train leaves Lime-street Station at 12.5 Kick-off 2.30.
HARLEY
Sports Argus - Saturday 24 November 1900
Berwick Rangers have learnt to appreciate the weakness of their forward rank, and they have engaged C. Harley, formerly of Worcester Rovers, who played for Everton at the beginning of last season, and met with an accident which cut short his First League career.
FAMOUS CLUBS AND GROUNDS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 24 November 1900
DERBY COUNTY
By Perseus
Harsh experience has steeled the stalwarts of Derbyshire against the keenest cuts of misfortune. Time and again the County have come within measurable distance of one of those two achievements which would indelibly inscribe their name in the annals of the game —I mean the winning of the League Championship or the English Cup. Once they were second in the race for the League banner and twice third; while four years in succession they went into the Cup semi-final or final, on two occasions the latter, only to baulked of ultimate triumph. Tantalising ill-luck that; yet I could tell a tale of how they luckily pulled a well-remembered test match out of the fire when reduction seemed assured; and if the horse of hope has often carried them along buoyantly only to throw them at the final hurdle they have had some compensations. Their biggest blow was three seasons since at the Crystal Palace, when, as the popular fancy, they were thoroughly beaten by the red-shirted brigade from the lace city. It was their cherished desire to beat the neighbouring Reds; alas for those hopes the latter were in tip-top form, and the County were not. And to-day the winning club’s supporters spin their yarns about the cock-sureness of the Peakites, and tell how a Gladstone bag belonging to a Derby magnate fell into the hands of a Forest official in London after the match, and was found to contain a newly-pressed dress suit, taken specially in anticipation of a victory celebration banquet at one of the swell metropolitan hotels.
INCIDENTS OF ITS INCEPTION.
Scarcely claiming to be counted among the veteran clubs, for they were only established in 1884, Derby may still point to a career covering a period in which the conditions of football have changed and changed again. Indeed, one has only to cist a casual glance over the names of some early players to appreciate this fact. Haydn Morley, a clever back, may be recalled by some old devotees of the game, and B. W. Spilsbury, the talented Corinthian, was even better known. Well, both those were in the first eleven which represented the club, and an idea of the length of its career may also be obtained from the fact that one of their opponents in the first match they played was imperishably-renowned John Goodall, who on that particular day 16 years ago was playing his first game for an English organisation. And now even his spell of football, although extending far beyond the usual span a player’s active service, is ended. Thus yon get a comparative idea of the time the Derby club has been in existence. Associated in its early days with the County Cricket Club, it had at once a recognised standing, and this it has never lost, although there is now no connection whatever between the two organisations. Formerly they, as well as the cricketers, played on the racecourse, removing, however, just over five years ago to the more conveniently situated and betterequipped Baseball Ground—an enclosure fitted up originally Mr. Francis Ley, a wealthy admirer of the American game.
A CHEQUERED CAREER.
Having hinted in the first paragraph that Derby have been pretty well tossed about on the undulating waves of good and ill-fortune, and have, in fact, found their course of progress fashioned somewhat on the principle of a switchback, let us glance at a few brief facts, hard yet not dry if they be read in the light of their true instruction. In one point, 'tis true, there has been consistency, for they have never lost the place assigned them in the League on its formation, but there you stop, for examining the circumstances surrounding their retention of a position in the select circle it is found that twice, if I am not mistaken, they have had to be re-elected, while once they dropped into the tests and had to face the music of one of those momentous games. To illustrate their quick transitions of form, I may point out that white in 1894-5 they fell to this low pitch, they were third in the League the year previously, and second in the season following. Their Cup experience has been briefly suggested above, and generally they have been an uncertain quantity, liable even in some of their bad spells to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes of their humiliation and slay very giants of the game.
THE PRIDE OF THE PEAK.
A close acquaintance with the County leaves the strong conviction that the soundest, most serviceable eleven the club ever boasted, at all events since the League cargo into being, was that of 1895-6—the season when the forward division was reinforced by a trio of capable—l do not say brilliant - forwards in Miller, Stevenson, and McQueen, who, with John Goodall and Bloomer on the right, formed an attacking force of real merit. Those were the days when the last-named, nursed by his veteran partner, who still retained much of his value, was building up his reputation; his dazzling runs were the feature of the time; to feed him was tantamount to touching an electric button, for the current worked just as surely, and with deadly effect, Stephen accordingly being reckoned a goal-getter par excellence. In the half-back line there were Archie Goodall and Kinsey, the third man, I believe, being Cox, while further behind were Methven and Leiper, and in goal the safest keeper of recent years, J. W. Robinson, now the star of the South at Southampton. That was the finest team the Peakites ever possessed, far better balanced than the one to-day, which in the forward division is uneven and uncertain, although effective on occasions.
MEN OF MARK.
Two names alone will keep Derby Comity in our memories for many years—Goodall and Bloomer. Especially to the Derbyshire man, they represent the highest conception of excellence; they are at once idols and ideals. Such regard is not undeserved. Who will deny that John Goodall, the old-time North Ender, was one of the most perfect forwards ever seen, a master in tactics, with an instantaneous idea of the correct movement, gifted with remarkable command over the ball, and a superb shot however the ball came him, shooting or passing on the run-rare accomplishments in these later days? A catalogue of his honours would fill far more space than is here available : sufficient that he has 14 international caps, half of them against Scotland—the country in which he learnt his football, though born a Cockney. The other brilliant, that is Bloomer, has only two caps lees, and is still the most striking forward in the country, a flyer of thecoruscating order, speedy, with capital control over the ball, an excellent knowledge of either working for or getting in position, and a terrific shot. It is of him that burly Bill Foulke says his shots are heard but seldom seen: and Goodall must be proud of his pupil, who still dazzles, though he himself has retired to the referential profession. The Goodall family, however, is still represented in the Derbyshire team by brother Archie, a talented centre half, who went there, along with John, in 1889. Mentioning a few other men of rank connected with the club, one is reminded not only of Haydn Morley, B. W. Spilsbury, George Evans, and Frank Sugg (the Lancashire cricketer), but of Sandy Higgins, a demon dribbler; Roulstone, Ferguson, Staley, Methven, Leiper, W. Storer (the All-England wicket keeper, who could rough it as a forward), Robinson, the Goodalls, Bloomer, Fryer, Blackett, &c.—-not an exhaustive though an extensive list.
A CHAT WITH JOHN GOODALL.
With the most illustrious of all Peakites- John Goodall—l had a chat recently. Birds, as many may know, are his hobby, and he contrives to combine business and pleasure by running a naturalist’s establishment in Derby. There I found him surrounded by his feathered friends, a conceited cockatoo evidently resenting my intrusion, judging by its obvious symptoms of irritation. We talked of his coming to Derby 1889, of the club’s progress since that time, and I was glad to find he agreed when I suggested that the 1895-6 team already referred to was the club’s best. But football to-day, he said, is miles behind what it was just over a decade ago. In match I have seen or taken part in during recent years has the standard approached that of the past. Individually, we have more good players now, perhaps, than ever, but the combination, comparatively speaking, is elementary. In the forward line, especially, play has declined. Old North End were an example of how the game should be played; the Corinthians, powerful as they were with their individual brilliance- and Cobbold was the prince of individualists- never equalled the Proud Town team. Besides their style was more exhausting. When at Preston I have seen Corinthians, Spilsbury for instance run near full length of the field, and then fail to shoot with his steam simply for lack of wind and finishing. No; combination is “the” game, and there is no better man to foster it than G.O. Smith a veteran of a centre as everyone knows who has played alongside him. Before leaving, I referred to the question, and Goodall expressed the opinion that £3 a week was enough for any mam, also advancing the somewhat astonishment argument that all players good enough for the League team should be paid alike. I told him of a recent case in which a player drew £500 for one season. Something suggesting incredulity was stamped on his countenance as he sadly remarked, “I was born too soon.”
EVERTON v SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 24 November 1900
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
PRPUNDFOOT OPENS THE SCORE FOR EVERTON DAVIS EQUALISES
After the victory over Liverpool, at Sheffield last week, the Wednesdayites put in an appearance at Goodison Park this afternoon to oppose Everton. The weather was fine, though dull and cold, and a strong wind prevailed. The Cutlers played the same team that did duty last Saturday; whilst Everton made a couple of alterations. Proudfoot superseded Beveridge at centre forward, and Balmer, who was suffering from an injury, stood down in favour of Eccles. The sides faced as follows, in the presence of 12,000 spectators.-
Everton.- Muir, goal; Eccles and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, Settle (Captain), Proudfoot, McDonald, and Turner, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday;- Massey, goal; Layton and Langley, backs; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin, half-backs; McWhinnie, Davis, Wilson, Wright, and Malloch, forwards. Settle won the toss, and set his opponents to face a very strong wind. Wilson started, and after an exchange of kicks between Crawshaw and Watson, Everton went away on the left, but hands on the part of one of the Sheffielders gave a free kick to the homesters, who failed to benefit thereby. The visitors took up the running for a while, but suddenly Taylor made one of his fine dashes, and shot for all he was worth, the ball travelling across the goalmouth. Shortly afterwards Taylor put the ball in the centre, one of the Wednesday backs missed, and Turner, who was handy, had only to give it a touch to score, but the clever left-winger was found wanting for once, and greatly disappointed the crowd by missing an open goal. This piece of ill-luck, however, did not in the slightest degree disconcert the home contingent, and in a couple of minutes they were again busily attacking. A judicious move by Proudfoot placed Turner in possession and after racing with the ball at his toes for fully half the length of the field he centred finely. Proudfoot just failing to negotiate to advantage. Good work by the Sheffielders followed, in which Balmer and Booth were conspicuous in defence. A fine burst of passing among the Everton front rank was the next feature of interest, Turner and McDonald combining well and Settle was given an opening, which he, however, failed to turn to account. Wright made a clever run down to Everton’s quarters, but was eventually checked and a moment later Malloch netted the leather, but as he had been ruled offside this did not count. Everton again took up the attack and it was only resolute play on the part of Layton and Crawshaw that prevented Settle, Proudfoot and McDonald from scoring. After a few touches in the centre, Macwinne beat Watson in a sprint and then gave a grand centre, but the wind carried the ball out of range of Wilson, who appeared anxious to give the finishing touch. On two occasions Booth stopped rushes on the part of the visitors, but they preserved, and at last Macwinnie found his chance, and sent in a beautiful shot, but Muir was on the alert, and saved cleverly. A brilliant run by McDonald was spoilt by a faulty pass, which enabled Layton to effect a timely clearance, following which Taylor shot across the goal without result. A couple of free kicks to Everton yielded them no advantage, the second being sent into goal without touching a second player. The game at this stage was neither exciting nor brilliant, both teams lacking in dash and cohesion. A little life was infused by another individual run by McDonald, who eluded the defence grandly, but his pass was not received, and a clearance was effected, though a moment later Settle tried a long shot. Everton attacked on the other wing, but only succeeded in forcing the ball over the goal line. The home contingent kept all the play in their own hands, and Turner was penalised for off-side when he was in a fine position. Booth served up again, and time after time the Evertonians got close in goal, only to be checked by Layton. At last, however, success rewarded the efforts of the homesters, Proudfoot scoring with what appeared to be a simple shot. The Evertonians came straight back from the centre, and Taylor made a strong effort to score, this being supplemented by a lovely shot from Wolstenholme, Massey judging the ball well and punching clear a feat which was clever but exceedingly risky. Sheffield gradually worked their way to the front, and for several minutes the home defence was put to a severe test. Muir twice saving in great style from Wilson and Ruddesdin respectively. A brief but fruitless breakaway by Everton followed, after which the Wednesday forwards indulged in a beautiful burst of passing, in which the whole line participated. The only result, however, was a fruitless corner. A similar advantage was conceded to Everton, which also failed to be turned to account. A foul against Eccles was of no avail to Wednesday. Everton returning the free kick with interest, which led up to an assault on Massey’s charge. Relief was given, and the visitors came down the centre, and Muir left his charge to check Wilson, and Davis, who was close up planked the ball into the net, making the side equal. There were now but few minutes to the interval and each side strove hard to gain the lead. Half-time score;- Everton 1 goal, Sheffield Wednesday 1 goal.
Wilson restarted, and the homesters quickly gained a corner, which was smartly cleared away. Then the Sheffielders worked their way into Everton territory, but, although they now had the benefit of the wind, they failed to be effective. A fine move was commenced at the centre by Wolstenholme, who served Settle very prettily. The last named along with Taylor, passed to within shooting distance, where Taylor let fly, but missed the mark. Booth then robbed Wright and put the homesters on the attack once more, McDonald finished the move with a good shot, which just grazed the upright, the Sheffield goal thus having a narrow escape. Sheffield now put on a lot of pressure, but faulty shooting was mainly responsible for no addition being made to the score. McDonald and Turner worked beautifully down, the latter finding himself with a splendid opening. He, however, preferred to pass back to McDonald who also committed an error in trying to make the position still more easy for Proudfoot, with the result that Langley ultimately succeeded in clearing them out. However, Everton kept pegging away, and with a couple of corners to negotiate, Massey had a rough time of it. He came out of the ordeal with flying colours, though Everton continued to attack with great persistency. For a long time after this Everton had much the best of the game, but try as they would they could not score. Darkness was fast approaching fifteen minutes from the finish and it became a matter of great difficulty to follow the players accurately. Sheffield took a corner, but this was got away, and Everton took up the attack again. Nothing further was scored the match resulting in a draw. Final Result; Everton 1 goal, Sheffield Wednesday 1 goal.
LEYLAND v EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo, Saturday November 24, 1900
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
At Leyland. The visitors pressed at the start. Gray nearly getting through in the first minute. Hunt was kept busy saving shots from Roche and Dawson in quick succession. A smart run by the home right was nearly stopped by Crelly. Salts, in saving from Roche, gave a fruitless corner. Dawson was pulled up for offside when dangerous. Worthington scored for Everton. Half-time; Everton 1 goal, Leyland nil.
EVERTON 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1
November 26 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
The visit of the Wednesday Club to the district following upon their defeat of Liverpool the previous week resulted in a good gathering at Goodison Park, for at the start there would be quite 12,000 spectators present. The sides lined up as follows: - Everton: - Muir goal, Eccles, and Balmer backs Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, halfbacks Taylor, Settle (captain), Proudfoot, McDonald, and Turner forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Massey goal, Layton, and Langley backs, Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin, halfbacks, McWhinnie, Davis, Wilson, Wright, and Malloch forwards. Wednesday started but the Everton forwards soon got into a good stride, and weak play by the Sheffield backs gave Taylor a chance, which however, was not put to good advantage. Turner also failed with an open goal, and during the first ten minutes of play the home side should really have established a lead. The Wednesday left wing pair then got going, and from a free kick Mallock put the ball past Muir, but was offside. Play now became very keen and the visitors kept the Everton full back fully extended. Following a smart move by the Everton right the ball was centred, and Proudfoot scored an excellent goal, which Massey had no chance of saving. The home side looked like increasing their lead during the next few minutes, but were now opposed to an improved defence, and once again the play toned down to a level equally. Towards the interval a sudden break away by the Blades brought about the downfall of the Everton goal, Muir had partially saved from McWhinnie who had centred the ball almost from the line and Davis meeting the return, scored an easy goal. At half time the score was even. On restarting the game was again evenly contested, and both goalkeepers were in turn called upon. The succeeding play however was not of an interesting character, and finishing touches by both sets of forwards were faulty in the extreme. McDonald broke the monotony with a well-directed shot, and McWhinnie also tested Muir with a clever effort, but these were the exceptions. The visiting backs indulged freely in kicking the ball out of play, and in a very dull light the game ended without further scoring, and Everton won by a one goal to nil.
LEYLAND 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
November 26 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
At Leyland. The visitors had the best of the opening play. Corrin got away on the left, but was pulled up by when dangerous. Bannister made a nice run, but was neatly robbed by Crelly. Hunt made a good shot from Corrin close in. Salte gave a corner, which Roche put by Everton now experienced hard lines. Hunt saving three times in quick succession. Play was now of an even character, both sides attacking in turn. Roche compelled Hunt to throw away, a feat he repeated a minute later from Gray. Worthington received the ball from Gray, and eluding Yates and Brown and scored for the visitors. The score at half time was Everton 1; Leyland nil. On resuming Hunt was called upon to save from Gray, and Corrin. Brown when hard pressed conceded a fruitless corner. Dixon made a run half the length of the field, his first attempt just going by the post. Roche was prominent for a neat run, but was robbed by Brown when dangerous. Hunt saved marvelously from Dawson close on time, and Everton won by 2 goals to nil. (Game 13) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Eccles and Crelly backs, Blythe, Green, and Taylor (r), halfbacks, Roche, Dawson, Worthington Gray, and Corrin forwards.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 26 1900. The Liverpool Mercury
Judging from the manner in which Everton started their game with Sheffield Wednesday, it appeared as if a much needed improvement in the tactics of the home forwards were going to be witnessed, and indeed during the greater portion of the first half, such a welcome change was noticeable. After the interval, however, play degenerated considerably, and much of the earlier smartness disappeared as gradually as the waning light darkened into a disky gloom, in which the closing stages of the contest were carried on. Under these conditions a draw was the most satisfactory result, and in this case the final score was a fitting termination to a moderate game. The reintroduction of Proudfoot was a commendable move on the part of those who have the duty of selecting the team, and though by no means a great success, the ex-Rover's display was a magnificent triumph in comparison with what has been witnessed in the centre since Beveridge occupied this post. Though rather clammy in receiving the ball, Proudfoot possesses plenty of dash and is the best man Everton can place in this enormous post. The goal he scored was the result of a superb shot, and it is something worth chronicling about the Everton front rank that one of its members can occasionally send in a decent ball. With perhaps, one exception, the disposition of the players as decided upon to face the Blades was the best that could be done. McDonald was a more suitable partner for Turner than the skipper of the team, and when one recalls the fine display given by this pair against Manchester City in the concluding match of last season, it is difficult to understand why the left wing should ever have been trifled with. It was not perfection by any means on Saturday, but it was a district advance on what had previously been seen this season, and this part of the forward line might with advantage be severely left alone. There was certainly more dash exhibited by the whole line of forwards, a fact in itself worthy of notice in these days of small mercies. But the shooting, or, rather, that which by a certain stretch of imagination can he designated by this term, it still wretched, and the shot with which Proudfoot beat Massey came like a gleam of light or meteoric flash after the murky gloom of weeks of blundering. The fact that there was manifest improvement in the initial moiety of the game is some consolation for the difference in result as compared with the previous week, but a draw at home, and with opponents of the calibre of the Blades, is a poor substitute for what was naturally anticipated. The absence of Balmer made a great difference to the Everton defence, and the goal scored by the visitors was due to hesitancy on the part of the home full backs in tackling the Sheffield inside right. A determination defender would have baulked Davis before he had even got into a favourable position for centring and, for once in a way Muir was not completely free from blame in repelling what was at first a fairly easy ball. In the second half of the game neither forwards nor backs were seen to much advantage, and the Blades came near putting on another goal from a splendid shot by McWhinnie. The visitors would doubtless be entirely satisfied at being able to claim a share of the honours at the finish and they certainly deserved, on the play, one point. Their forwards were very speedy, but erratic near goal, though the outside wingmen and Davis often sent across accurate shots, Which however rarely caused Muir much difficulty. The halves were persistent, but the full backs were very feeble, and one of their strongest points appears to be their ability to kick over the side stands. Massey kept a good goal, and like vis-à-vis Muir, had some occasional teasers to deal with. The Everton backs were fairly sound, but the halves were not so smart as usual, and a better understanding with the front rank in necessary. Although the draw was not as satisfactory from an Everton point of view as the result of the previous week, the play was slightly better than that than witnessed, but it is still along way removed from that which is naturally expected from an Everton team.
DRAWN GAME AT EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 26 November 1900
By Nondescript
It seems ages since I saw Everton play a really good game of football. They appear to be “everything by turns, and nothing great”; at any rate, they have always struck outsiders as being a team which promised a good deal more than they were able to fulfil. It is well for the club then that it has a clientele as considerate of faults as it is extensive in numbers, and one hopes that the job-like patience of the thousands who make Goodison their trysting place will some day reap its long expected reward. Results such as Saturday’s, however, will considerably drew delay its arrival, and if this form is the usual output of such a collection of skilled workmen gathered from all corners, and regardless of expense, it is to be feared that the club is once again putting the good humour of its best friends on trial. The latest performance of the “blues” was nothing better than making a draw, one each, with Sheffield Wednesday, and taking into account even the fact that the “cutters” were entitled to considerable respect, having lowered Liverpool’s colours the previous week, the local folks must have looked for something better than this. Apart from the result, too, the game, save during the first half, was anything but a spectacular treat, and the concluding quarter of an hour was played amid surroundings which tended to emphasise the general dullness, for a misty shroud enveloped the proceedings, and with both the contending parties displaying a level mediocrity, it was perhaps, as well that neither fluked up with a third goal.
THE PLAY
All the tit-bits of the game were on view before the interval, and it must be said that both teams were responsible for some really fine movements. Everton led off well indeed, Turner and McDonald giving Ferrier a pretty fine lot of dancing about, and they ought to have shown a better return than the point which Proudfoot worked for and obtained so skilfully, for their half-backs enjoyed a fair amount of their own way, and the forwards made plenty of ground, but, of course, the usual openings were missed in the usual manner, and if one were disposed to prescribe a remedy for certain reputed crack marksmen it would take the form of a recommendation to aim anywhere but at the goal space. Neither were the Wednesday, when they at last got going, a very formidable host in front. Led generally by Wright and Davis, the one feinting beautifully and the other taking a more direct route, they certainly bustled up the defenders at intervals, but the goal they scored was a very streaky affair, and they were practically made a present of it, for Muir left his post unprotected, and after the glorious opportunity had once looked like being lost Davis imparted the finishing touch. Afterwards the tale ran that some of the Everton players were under the impression that the ball had been over the flag line, and one or two the occupants of the directors’ pew had a similar notion, but as far as I could judge it was a perfectly legitimate if a muddled-up goal, and that portion of the crowd posted in the vicinity had no other complaint to lay than that the defenders ought to have made a far better job of it. The second half spurted out at times into something which provoked a round of cheering, but was for the most part like a damp squib, and is hardly worth troubling about, and the result altogether was in fair accord with the run of the game.
THE PLAYERS
The Sheffield half-backs were so spread-eagled to begin with, and Langley behind indulged in such a lot of “canny kicking,” that it seemed to me that Everton should, with the wind, have had a comfortable lead at the interval. But the forwards, while they played well enough in midfield, were short of the necessary spark in front, and when one comes to regard the goal average of some teams of light and leading there be reason in the opinions advanced that the laws of the game require re-modelling to the extent of widening and heightening the posts. In the first half the Everton left were very “taking” to the eye in some of their paces, but the credit for the solitary goal scored belongs to Proudfoot entirely, for he had to thread himself between the halves and backs for positions. Not merely because he succeeded where others failed should he be sure of his place in a team where goal scoring ranks high as a qualification. On the occasion Taylor, who from constantly being chopped and changed about in scarcely the Taylor of old, was unsuccessful in his efforts to reach the target, and Settle’s hardest drive of the afternoon found an unfortunate billet, for the ball hit the referee fair on the point, and Mr. Green, who was in evident pain for the greater part of the second half, deemed it advisable to consult a dentist after the match. The classiest forward on the field was undoubtedly right, and in command of the ball he may have to superior. He is always an object for interesting study in footwork, but as a sharp-shooter he had few opportunities, and the most dangerous man in the visiting attack was Davis, who, at least once, was badly tripped when steering right for goal. Among the half-backs, Booth and Crawshaw loomed up big at times, but Wolstenholme was consistently good. Abbott did a lot of sturdy work, but needless pushing on his part not far from goal might have let his side down badly. Although Everton were without Balmer, his substitute, Eccles, played more than a useful game, and he and Layton was about the pick of the defenders. Langley takes almost as much time to twist round nowadays as an ironclad, and oft in the second half had he to acknowledge the worrying attentions of Taylor and Settle by kicking amongst the crowd. His head came in usefully at close quarters ne’er the less. Altogether the Sheffielders took mort credit for the day’s doings, and Everton will find nothing whatever for self-congratulation in the circumstance that they half succeeded whereas Liverpool failed altogether the previous week. Against the defence of the Goodison eleven little complaint can be entered on the books, but the front rank requires to brighten a deal, and there must at times arise a disposition on the part of their followers to liken them with the “worst bird in the wood who can sing and won’t.” The sides were as under;-
Sheffield Wednesday;- Massey, goal; Layton and Langley, backs; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin, half-backs; McWhinnie, Davis, Wilson, Wright, and Malloch, forwards.
Everton.- Muir, goal; Eccles and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, Settle (Captain), Proudfoot, McDonald, and Turner, forwards. Referee;- Mr. A. Green, West Bromwich.