Everton Independent Research Data
DERBY COUNTY 3 EVERTON 1 (Game 388)
December 2 1901. The Liverpool Courier
Fine though rather cloudy weather prevailed in Derby on Saturday for the First League match of the season between Everton and Derby County. Five minutes before the appointed time, Mr. Referee Adams brought the players together, and Everton kicked off against a stiff breeze in the presence of 10,000 people. Sharp was at once prominent, and following a smart pass out from Young, Taylor was unfortunately off-side when well placed. For a few minutes play hovered round the half-way line, when the left wing broke away only to eventually find Balmer saving with some useful headers. Mat, however, got in a swift shot that passed wide, and then Bloomer had the goal at his mercy when three of four yards from the line, but a terrific shot went wide. The County were at this juncture very aggressive, and it must be admitted that the Everton goal had several lucky escapes, notably one from Goodall, who banged the ball hard in from the twelve-yard line only to find Kitchen in the line of direction. When Everton did break away, there was little sting in their attack, and although some pretty touches were shown, between Bell Settle, and Abbott, nothing tangible resulted. At last the Everton forwards got through, and Settle, in his own inimitable fashion wheedled his way between the backs, and with a swift ground shot, defeated Fryer who had thrown himself full length to save. This success to Everton came five minutes from half-time, and on the general run of the play they were lucky indeed to take the lead. The County were maintaining a terrific attack. During it, Balmer was a remarkably conspicuous defender, when the whistle blew for the interval. Half time Everton 1 goal, Derby County nil.
In the second half, Derby attacked persistently and fifteen minutes from the finish Bloomer equalised. Tow minutes later, the same player placed his side ahead amidst great cheering. Arnold Warren scored a third for Derby. Final; Derby County 3 goals, Everton 1. Teams: - Everton: - Kitchen goal, Balmer and Eccles backs, Wolstenholmes Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young Settle, and Bell, forwards. Derby County: - Fryer, goal, Methven, and Morris backs, May Goodall, and Leckie half-backs, Warren (a), Bloomer, Boag, Warren (b), and Middleton, forwards.
EVERTON RESERVES 2 ACCRINGTON STANLEY RESERVES 1
Lancashire Combination (Game 13)
At Goodison Park. Hargreaves opened the score, two minutes from the start. Singleton eqwualised for Everton. Interval 1 goal each. On resuming, a penalty was missed by Everton. Singleton put Everton ahead, who won by 2 goals to 1.
Everton: - Muir, goal, Sharp and Watson backs, Boyle (captain), Clark, and Blythe, half-backs Roche Paterson, Rankin, Bone, and Singleton forwards .
December 2 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
The game between Everton and Derby County, on the Baseball Ground was a complete replica of that with the Rovers at Ewood Park a few weeks ago. In each case, for 70 minutes of the play, Everton were leading by a goal, and the acquisition of two points seemed fully well assured. Curiously enough however, during the last 20 minutes there was a complete upheaval, both the Rovers and Derby, urged on by the frantic cheers of their supporters, putting on no fewer than three goals. A further coincidence is that on each occasion, although Everton held the lead for so long, they scarcely deserved it on the run of the play. During the first portion of the game at Derby the home side, with the elements in their favour, put on tremendous pressure, and had they taken advantage of openings of a most simple character, the ultimate result must have furnished most grusesone reading to those who have been looking forward to honours coming Goodison Park way. It is however, no new experience, but it is distinctly unfortunate that the Everton Club should fail just when one expects them to rise to the occasion and do some thing out of the ordinary. The most charitable view that can be taken of their performance was that it was of the fitful order. For the greater portion of the game the defensive powers of the side were called into full requisition, and right gallantly did they responded, but it is not to be expected that the defenders can go on for ever, and with an overworked division it was only natural that the patience, vigilance, and the determination of their opponents, would eventually predominate. The display of the Everton forwards at times was brilliant, a other tinged with mediocrity, but in the spells of their excellence it could not be denied that there was much that was admired. They pressed and timed their movements well, only to fail at close range, a defect that was due to the want of the extra effort which was generally. Forthcoming when the County forwards was in possession and similarly placed. It is not often that three goals are put on within ten minutes in a stern League contest, and it is unfortunate that the Evertonians should furnish two occasions within so short a space of time. The intense excitement that prevailed during the last fifteen minutes is likely to remain green in the memory of Derby folk, for such an effort as was put forward by the team after so many failures early on deserved the success that was attained. Everything, during this stage, yielded to the vigour and ability of the front line and halves, and there were two other occasions within this short period that the goal might have been captured in most simple fashion. For the adverse result, no stigma can be attacked to the performance of the defenders. In goal, Kitchen extricated the side from may difficulties, particularly in the first half of the game when shots from far and near were rained in upon him, and saved with a dexterity characteristic of a clever custodian. Balmer and Eccles also did all that could be expected from them, the repeated heading out of goal by the former, and the speed of the latter in recovery, being items that stood out prominently above a sound defensive game. The halves and forwards did more compare so favorably since they lacked the dash that was essential under the existing conditions. The wing man (Sharp and Bell) made the best of the chances that came their way and did much towards making the play attractive, but the line as a whole rarely looked like scoring, and in this matter they were left considerably behind by the opposing quintet. The home forwards played a dashing game; their long swinging passes and close pursuit of the ball being the two most powerful factors of their success. The Birkdale Cricketer, Warren, was a capital outside right, and he, with Bloomer (2) had the felicity of scoring. The line was backed up by a zealous trio of half backs, who were always in the neighborhood of the ball, but the work of the backs was not as finished as one would expect to witness from so victorious a side, while Fryer, in goal, had, by comparison with Kitchen a fairly easy time. That the better team won could not be questioned, and the irrepressible County forwards should with ordinary luck gave presentives clubs a stern race for points.
EVERTON 5 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0 (Game 389 )
From the position, which Everton occupy in the League table as leaders, special attention was attracted to their game at Goodison-park, on Saturday, with Sheffield Wednesday. The weather though threatening kept fine, but owing to the early kick-off-2-30 –the crowd were rather late in putting in an appearance. The players faced as follows: -
Everton; - Kitchen, goal, Balmer and Eccles, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth (captain) and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Lyall, goal, Layton, and Lanngley, backs Ferris, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin half-backs, Dryburgh, Chapman, Wilson, Maaloch and Spikesley, forwards. Referee.Mr.Adams. Birmingham.
The visiting captain won the toss, and this gave the Blades the advantage of the wind. Wilson at once made headway, but the ball was quickly returned and a neat pass from Booth enabled Sharp to have a run down on his own. Langley, however, prevented him doing anything dangerous, but a moment later the Everton forwards were again inevidence, Bell for some unaccountable reason being ruled offside. The game though interesting enough, was not productive of any sensational play until as the result of fine work by the left wing, Young tried his luck from long range and scored with a rising shot from fully 30 yards range. It was a very clever piece of work on the part of Young, who was heartily congratulated by his colleagues. The Blades tried hard to get on level terms, but there was a noticeable lack of finish about their efforts in the vicinity of goal. Then there came a splendid combined movement on the part of the Everton forwards. Sharp banged in a beautiful centre, but no one was able to reach it in time to convert it into a goal. At the other end, Spikesley centred cleverly from the line, Wilson unfortunately for Everton headed wide. A brief stoppage was occasional owing to an injury to Bell, and the next item of interest was some smart movement of the ball on the part of Sharp, Wolstenholmes and Booth. Crawshaw was rightly penalised for tripping Settle, and from the free kick the Wednesday goal had a narrow escape. Sharp roused the enthusiasm of the crowd by a fine run, which did not obtain the reward it deserved. A moment later, however, the Evertonians were seen to advantage, Bell and Settle took the ball down nicely, and passing to Young, the Everton centre forward, shot in at Lyall. The goalkeeper saved, but Sharp dashing up had no difficulty in placing the ball in to the net, amid terrific cheering. The game was now faster than ever, but nothing more had been scored when the whistle blew for the interval, with the ball in midfield. Half time Everton 2 goals Wednesday nil.
There were fully 15,000 people present when the game resumed in a good light. After midfield play, the home right wing were prominent, and from Sharp the Wednesday custodian had to display all his powers of defence. The Evertonians were in great form, and only through fine defence was the Wednesday citadel saved. Lyall effected a splendid save from Bell, for which, he was loudly applauded, and after a brief visit to the other end, Everton led by Young were again aggressive, the Everton centre's work being a high class description. Rain, which had been threatening for some time, now came down heavily but the crowd minded it not, the game being brimful of exciting incidents. The Everton front line were putting forward their best efforts in reaching goal, though some of their efforts to defeat Lyall were feeble in the extreme. So persistent were their efforts of the Blades, that the spectators raised their usual cry of “play up Everton” A fine movement in which the principal figures were Sharp, Settle, and Bell, ended in Settle defeating Lyall from a difficult position, with a really capital shot. The light improved, and this was a source of satisfaction to the spectators, who were all the more delighted when after Young had beaten Langley, Settle put on the fourth point, without giving Lyall the slightest chance of saving. A remarkable shot from Booth, certainly deserved to score. From a corner Sharp added a fifth amid great cheering. To the finish Everton played a confident winning game. Final result Everton 5 goals Sheffield Wednesday nil.
December 9 1901. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination (Game 14)
At Burnley. The home side with a strong breeze and the slope in their favour, had the better of the opening exchanges, and then both goals were assailed. The home goal had a very narrow escape, and for a time Burnley had to defend, several spirited attacks being waged. There was no score at the interval. On restarting Everton quickly put on the pressure, and opened the scoring in ten minutes. Everton work down again, and placed another goal, followed by a third, and eventually winning by 3 goals to nil. Everton: - Muir goal, Sharp, and Watson, backs, Boyle (captain), Clarke and Blythe, half-backs, Makepeace, Paterson, Proudfoot, Bone, and Singleton forwards.
EVERTON REVIEW
The decisive victory of Everton over Sheffield Wednesday was the chief feature of Saturday's League games, and it may safely be said that both friend and foes were alike surprised by the heavy nature of the verdict. It would be rash to resume that Everton are five clear goals better than the Wednesday eleven as to admit the victors were, on the day's play, so far ahead of their antagonists as the score represents. Everton were decidedly fortunate in being able to claim success by such a wide margin, although, on the other hands, the forwards deserved the greatest credit for so efficiently utilsing and turning to the best account the opportunities of scoring that presented themselves during the contest. Apart from a matter of superior defence on the home side, this deadness in front of goal, was the only feature of the fray in which, Everton could pride themselves on being greatly in advance of their opponents. There was, however, no mistaking the keenest with which, the home forwards levelled shots at the Sheffield citadel, and they made the most of whatever came their way, when in the vicinity of Lyall. The visitors demonstrated exactly opposite qualifications, for up to a certain period of the game they had quite as many chances of scoring as Everton had, but the results thereof could not have been more dissimilar. They had the best part of an open goal on three or four occasions, and Wilson made sufficient blunders in this respect, for all the rest of his side. In midfield maneuvers there was little to choose between the teams, and the bright work of Settle, Sharp, and Bell was equalled by the splendid runs and centres of Spikesley, and, in a less prominent degree, Dryburgh and Chapman. The Everton forwards were more tenacious than brilliant, and the persistency so harassed the Sheffield defence that in the closing stages, it gave way very badly. Settle played a capital game, being always on the ball, and in conjunction with Bell led the way in several dashing attacks on the visitors citadel. Four of the five goals obtained were directly attributable to openings made by the left wing, for Young received the ball after tricky work by this branch of the front rank, which enabled him to dash in and score the first point with a splendid drive. A similar performance brought about the second goal, though Lyall this time cleverly saved Young's shot, only. However, to find Sharp at hand to do the needful. In the second half Settle scored the third goal from a very difficult position, but although hampered by an opponent he hooked the ball very cleverly into the net. A few minutes later he beat the Sheffield right back, after Young had almost succeeded in getting through, and running close in, smartly netted again. But it must not be imagined that the right wing was idle for Sharp indulged in some capital sprints, and centres, and in the last quarter of an hour was the most dangerous forward in the line, banging the ball at Lyall with commendable exactitude. The Sheffield forwards were a very disappointing line, simply on account of their weakness near goal. Spikesley ran and centred splendidly, and was, in fact, equal to the best on the field in ability, but his excellent crosses went all awry at the finish, and Wilson made some sorry attempts to convert them when only the Everton custodian was facing him. The remainder worked stolidly, and gained many a favourable position, but their shooting was erractic, and rendered their previous cleverness abortive. In the first half they had slightly more of the game than the home front rank, and they have only themselves to blame that they were in arrears at the interval. In the second half, and when Everton had secured their third point, they collapsed, and for the rest of the encounter the home players simply had matters all their own way. The halves on both sides accomplished much effective work, and Everton held a slight advantage in this department. The latter rendered every assistance to their forwards, and the combination between these two lines led to the undoing of the visitors, Ferrier was the pick of the Sheffield trio; but Crawshaw came too often under the ban of the referee to be considered satisfactory. At full back Everton were a long way ahead, of their rivals, Balmer tackling and kicking most effectively, and Kitchen in goal accomplished some smart clearance, Chief of which was when he ran out, and dispossessed Wilson, who had run clean through the rest of the defence. The Sheffield full backs kicked sturdily for a time, but towards the close they were not so effective; and Lyall kept a good goal, despite the heavy score against him. Drawing a line through the two performances of the Wednesday team at Anfield and Goodison park respectively, it would appear that Everton are entitled to precedence over their rivals across the park.
NOTTS COUNTY 0 EVERTON 2 (Game 390)
Everton's engagement on Saturday was at Trent Bridge, and they returned two points better off as a result of their encounter with Notts County. Any other result would indeed have been surprising considering how strongly Everton are going at present, and how feebly the County are pursing their course in the League tournament. Therefore, the visitors had good ground for believing that they would be successful, and this turned out all right. They accomplished the task with exactly the same team that so decisively thrashed Sheffield Wednesday. In the home eleven, Montgomery appeared for the first time this season, taking the place of Prescott, who had broken down during the week. Everton journeyed to the lace capital on Friday. The weather was cold and boisterous, and this had a marked effect on the attendance, which did not reach more than 5,000. The teams were: -
Everton: - Kitchen goal, Balmer and Eccles backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell forwards. Notts County: - Penningham (h) goal, Lewis (g), and Montgomery (j) backs, Innes (r), Bull (w) and McDonald (e) half-backs, Hedley (a) Warner (a), Ross (w), Humphreys (p) and Gee (e), forwards. Referee. Mr. A.Kingscott Derby. Notts won the toss, and elected to kick towards the pavilion goal, with the wind in their favour. The Everton right wing started with rare dash and in the first minute Pennington concerted a fruitless corner. Young was dispossessed of the ball by Bull, when he was off at full speed and the visitors got through owing to a misunderstanding by Montgomery and McDonald, Lewis having to head away twice. Play continued in the Notts half until good work by Humphreys, coupled with a free kick, against Booth, afforded a means of relief for the home side. Lewis eventually putting the ball over the goal line. Taylor and Sharp came away, and, caused Pennington to leave his charge to deal with a long forward pass by the last named. In kicking away the ball rebounded from Settle, and seemed likely to roll into the net, but fortunately for Notts, it just went outside the upright. Balmer next conceded a corner, and after this Ross had a centre from Hedley, which he headed just a little wide. Whilst Hedley took unsuccessful aim. Pennington had next to kick away from Sharp, and Booth robbing Ross when he was on the point of shooting checked a spirited movement by Humphreys, Gee, and Ross. Gee put in a good centre, which was spoiled by the course of the wind, and after this brief spell of defending, Everton again threatened danger though the right wing. Sharp centred and Bell headed into the goalmouth whilst Abbott sent in a shot which, the home custodian negotiated in splendid style. Aided greatly by the wind, Notts took up the running but Gee made poor use of two good openings, and Warner headed wide a centre from Hadley. Kitchen for the first time in the game was called upon to deal with a shot, this being from Humphreys at about twenty yards range and he cleverly caught the ball and kicked away. A chance at either end was spoilt by offside, after which Ross, neglected a fine chance of feeding his wing, and a movement by Humphreys and Wolstenholmes checked Gee. Here about, Notts had a succession of good openings, none of which were taken. The wind, and the outside left only shot interfered with a neat centre by Hadley feebly, when his partner gave him possession close in goal. At this point Everton came away with characteristic dash, Bell centred, and Sharp headed in, Pennington however, bringing off a remarkably fine save. The visitors claimed that the Notts goalkeeper had carried the ball over the line, but the referee allowed the game to proceed, and a few minutes later, the same custodian saved grandly from a free kick. Close upon half-time, Kitchen had to handle from Gee, and at the interval nothing had been scored by either side.
On resuming the home front rank were first conspicuous, but a centre by Gee rebounded by Wolstenholmes, and Sharp and Taylor got away, the first named swinging across a brilliant centre, which Pennington fisted away. McDonald time after time stopped some dangerous rushes by both opposing wings, and Bull had to head away from Settle. The next item of interest was in the mouth of the home goal, when favourable openings presented themselves to Taylor and Settle, but which were not turned to good account. Notts relieved the pressure for a brief spell, where upon Sharp had an unsuccessful shot at goal. The home team were showing slightly improved play at this point, but frequently they found Eccles, in fine trim for clearing. Then for some minutes the Notts defences was hard pressed, and a free kick against McDonald did not look rosy for them, but fortunately Abbott shot wide, whilst Booth tried a beauty which, grazed the bar. After 25 minutes, Young, putting in a magnificent shot, which completely baffled Pennington, rewarded Everton with a goal, Settle through an opening. Notts then had a shot in the opposite end. Where Ross headed into the goalmouth, but Abbott cleared with a tremendous kick. McDonald was now limping badly and had to leave the field, and thus with ten men, the home side were handicapped. Lewis failing to clear, Taylor put on a second point for Everton ten minutes from time. Sharp was also injured in a charge by Humphrey's close on time, and went off. Nothing more was scored, and Everton were victors by two goals to nothing. They played a fine game all through, the footwork of the front rank being especially good. The Notts forwards were weak and ineffective, but the full backs played a good game, and their efforts had the effect of keeping down the score.
EVERTON RESERVES 6 ROSSDENDALE UNITED 1
December 16 1901. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination (Game 15)
At Everton. Ideal football weather favoured this fixture at Goodison Park, on Saturday, where the visiting team kicked off against a strong wind. Everton at once assumed the aggressive, smart work by the home forwards resulting in Proudfoot defeating Dinsdale with a fine shot after ten minutes play. Singleton added a second goal for the “Blues” Roche shortly afterwards with a third. Paterson scored another goal for Everton about a minute from the interval. Resuming Everton continued to have the best of matters and repeatedly attacked. During a scrimmage in the Rossendale goalmouth, the ball was handled, the penalty kick taken by Boyle, resulting in a fifth goal for the home team. The home team again scored through Singleton. Waddington opening the score for Rossendale with a long shot, and Everton winning by 6 goals to 1. Everton: - Muir, goal, Sharp and Watson backs Brown Clark, and Blythe half-backs. Makepeace Paterson, Proudfoot, Bone and Chadwick (j), forwards .
EVERTON REVIEW
December 16 1901. The Liverpool mercury
At Nottingham on Saturday, Everton added another to their brilliant list of victories, and at the present time it would be rash to point to a more improved and promising team in the League. So far the Goodison Park brigade enjoy the distinction with half s a dozen others of having avoided defeat at home, and with the acception of Sunderland, some next in company with Bury, Newcastle, and Liverpool in having secured most points on foreign territory. This augurs well for the championship, and should not fortune frown it will not be too much to anticipate League honours coming Goodison Park way this season. Up to date Everton have in all measured strength with Notts on 24 occasions, 13 of which have resulted in their favour, while four have been drawn, with a record of 50 to 33. That their prospects of victory on Saturday were of the most promising character could not be denied, and in securing the verdict by two goals to nil was but a poor result of the average run of the game. To begin with, half a gale was blowing from end to end against the visitors, in space of which they were then the more dangerous side and the County were fortunate indeed in not being behind during the first three minutes of play, when a trio of shots were put in by Young, Sharp and Taylor, that might easily have found the net. As was only nature, when the home forwards did get possession, the Everton backs were kept fully extended, though there did not appear to be any likelihood of their being found wanting. The wind gusts completely spoiled the play, but on occasions the plan of campaign adopted by the visitors-that of keeping the ball low-panned out to a nicely. After half an hour's play, Sharp headed in, and Pennington scooped the ball out, but from the press box, he was apparently over the line, and there was good cause for the confident appeal of the Evertonians for a goal, which, however, was denied them. At half-time there was no score, and Notts had failed to derive any advantage from the strong breeze. The second portion, with very few exceptions, consisted of a parade to and from the County goal, but so admirable was their defence that 25 minutes had passed when Settle after fine work by Young, and Taylor, put in a shot that was excellent in ever sense of the word. Pennington had no chance whatever of preventing disaster and it is worthy to record that the Everton inside left now tops the list of goalgetters with 15 to his credit. Another terrific bombardment resulted in Taylor defeating the custodian ten minutes later, and the best efforts of the County came at the finish, but was of no avail. Taking a line through the play, a wider margin of victory would have better befitted the occasion, and it was a near thing that the sequence of three clear goals in which Notts have figured so conspicuously since Novemeber set in was not repeated. There was not a weak spot on the side of the visitors. The forwards worked well together, and a most pleasing feature of their display was the complete absence of selfishness. The ball was passed to and fro, in a fashion that made the game interesting, despite the vagaries of the wind, and the only surprise was that they did not meet with more frequent success. Sharp's sprints along the wing, Taylor's plodding work, the improved play by Young the deft touches of Bell, and Settle, were items that stood out prominently all through, and to this satisfactory state of affairs, much credit is due to the half-backs, who placed the ball forward, and broke up the attempts of the County forwards with consummate ease, Eccles and Balmer played a clever game all through and Kitchen was not severely tested; in fact half an hour had passed by when he had to deal with a shot that was at all likely to cause trouble. All round the side gave good account of themselves, and the two defeats sustained by them last season are now likely to be reversed. Notts County supporters have many qualms at present, for the appears to be nothing but trouble in shore for them, as they are little removed from Grimsby Town and Manchester City with regard to bottom position. They are undoubtedly a poor side in so far as their attacking forces are concerned, rarely indeed did the quintet get through a movement that soared even to the average, and but for fine defence, there was nothing before the club than a crushing defeat, or rather rout. Amongst the forwards exception might be made of Warner, who stood out prominent amongst his confreres, and Gee at times got in a few centres of merit; but as a line, the van is not likely to maintain a level standard, and more than once changes will be necessary to strengthen the side. At half-backs Innes, and Bull worked well, and did much towards keeping down the score, and the work of the full backs and keeper could not be over-estimated though at the same time the backs on several occasion's were lucky in charging down, or rather being in the way, of shots, that would ordinarily have found their billet.
EVERTON 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 0 (Game 391)
December 23 1901. The Liverpool Courier
In frosty weather Everton on Saturday met Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park for the first time this season in a League match. Owing to the early kick off-2-15-the spectators were rather late in putting in an appearance, but soon after the game started the attendance numbered at least 12,000 people. Commisionaires carried round amongst the large crowd collecting boxes, and many contributions were forthcoming in aid of the “Courier” and “Express” reservist fund. The teams faced as follows: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Balmer, and Eccles Wolstenholmes, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs Sharp Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Sutcliffe, goal, Brown and Ostick, backs, Freebairn, Bannister, and Taylor (r), half-backs Bell (l), Picken, McKee, Barlow and Nicoll forward. Referee Mr.J.Lewis.
Everton won the toss, but there was no advantage in this. Although the ground had a liberal sprinkling of sand it was soon evident that it was very slippery. After soon uninteresting exchanges the visiting front line went down with rare dash, and looked to have a good chance of scoring, but Picken who had run across, shot outside. Everton now retaliated, without effect, and following another attack by the Wanderers L.Bell was penalised for fouling Kitchen. The Evertonians attacked Sutcliffe's stronghold in force. Young with an open goal banged the ball against the crossbar, and then from the rebound both Settle and Bell missed opportunities, the latter slipping in his effort to get at the ball. Play was in Everton; s favour, but the shooting of the forwards was not such as the give Sutcliffe much trouble. A moment later, however, the Bolton goal was captured. The ball was passed swiftly across from the right, and in a race for possession between Settle and Brown the Evertonians came in first, and very cleverly directed the ball into the corner of the net quite out of Sutcliffe's reach. This success after about 12 minutes play, was loudly applauded, the gratification being all the pleasanter inasinuch as the goal was unexpected. Following this there was some nice passing by the Everton left wing as a result of which, the ball went to Young, who working round Ostick, sent in a shot which just went over the crossbar. A free kick in a favourable position was of no benefit to the visitors, and for some time play was contested in midfield, the slippery state of the ground being all against scientific exposition of the game. Half-time Everton 1 goal, Bolton Wanderers nil.
On resuming the Wanderers forced matters, and despite the alertness of the home halves, kept the ball in the home half. Balmer and Eccles however prevented them troubling Kitchen, Suddenly the Evertonians dashed off, and from Taylor's pass Sharp raced along, and although hampered, got in a shot at Sutcliffe, which had not sufficient sting in it to cause that capable custodian any anxiety. After Barlow had shot wide, the Everton left wing showed up prominently. The pace was faster than in the opening half. A long shot from Wolstenholmes went the wrong side of the upright, and in subsequent movements, Balmer's resource was noticeable, Settle forced a corner, and from this there were some exciting episodes. Abbott was applauded for clever tackling, and the same player made a capital effort to increase Everton's lead. Then came a spirited attack on the part of the Wanderers left wing, but Balmer and Wolstenholmes watched them too closely, and they were unable to direct a shot at Kitchen. A header from Taylor was fisted out by Sutcliffe and at the other end Picken called upon Kitchen, who had no difficulty in clearing. Sutcliffe ably dealt with a centre from Jack Taylor, and then as the result of clever play by Nicholl and Barlow, McKee just missed. A corner to Everton was placed behind and Kitchen save a good shot from Barlow. There were loud cries of “play up Everton” and “lets have another one Jimmy” but for a time the team did not respond to the invocation, the Wanderers being difficult to shake off. Once Everton got narrowly escaped capture. Barlow banged in the ball at Kitchen, who cleared and Barlow again fastened on to the ball, Balmer luckily intercepting his shot at the expense of a fruitless corner. At this period the Wanderers were undoubtedly having the better of the game, and fully deserved to equalkised. Indeed it was remarkable that the Everton goal was not captured. Picken had a couple of very good triers, and it was some time before the Evertonians asserted themselves. Sutcliffe had plenty of work to do, but the Wanderers played a splendid game, and in the last few minutes Kitchen effected a wonderful save from Barlow, and a well-contested game ended in a narrow victory for Everton. Final result Everton 1 goal, Bolton Wanderers nil.
Collection for the Reservist Fund.
We are informed that the collection made at the Everton Football Ground on Saturday in aid of the “Courier” and “Express” Reservist Fund realised £4 19s 6d. There will also be a collection at Goodison Park on Christmas day, when Everton meet Aston Villa, and on Boxing day at Anfield-road, when Liverpool encounter Sunderland.
EVERTON REVIEW
December 23 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Fortune favours the brave, thus saith the well worm truism, and it may confidently be stated that, as far as the Everton club is concerned, the fickle jade has been most layish in her favours on the present leaders of the League. They succeeded in defeating Bolton Wanderers though they had by no means the best of the play throughout; but they scored and this was just what their opponents could not accomplish. Still the visitors made some very creditable efforts, but they were not in lock's way, and one or two deserving shots either banged against the woodwork or were fortunately averted by one of the defenders. In ten minutes Everton had obtained the only goal of the match, this coming from the foot of Settle, who is rapidly establishing himself as the champion scorer of the League. It was not a particularly startling shot, but it came at an unexpected time, and the great Sutcliffe had to acknowledge defeat for the first and only time in the match. The adamantine nature of the surface was all against accurate play, and though sand had been plentifully besprinkled on the playing and standing patches, it was very difficult to gain a satisfactory foothold. Thus, under the circumstances, it is practically impossible to adversely criticise the players, for the best intentioned efforts were liable to go astray, not through any weakness on the part of the combatants, but owing entirely to the treacherous nature of the ground. Just to give a notable example. Young in the first few minutes shot hard against the crossbar, and rebound came to Settle, who, under ordinary circumstances, would have easily scored. However, instead of driving the ball goalwards, he collapsed in a ludicrous fashion on to the frost-bound turf, and the leather aped towards Bell's foot. The outside left winger was not one whit more effective, for when he should have shot his feet slid from under him, and the Bolton goal was not even tested. It must be admitted however, that under the prevailing conditions the players adapted themselves very well to the vagaries of the pitch, and not a single stoppage for injuries of any sort was necessary. Naturally the standard of play suffered, for the players on both sides were loth to let themselves go, and from what was witnessed, the Wanderers were quite equal to Everton in every respect, and were distinctly unfortunate in being beaten. One must not overlook the fact that the Everton forwards are a distinctly dangerous quintet when near goal. Where some other teams would perchance not espy an opening, or where they would most probably fiddle and finesse with the ball instead of shooting something after the style of the champions out Anfield way the Everton attacking brigade believe in pegging away at goal at every possible opportunity, and, after all, as goals decide a match, it is just as well that they indulge in such efficient methods. Mention has already been made of the dizzy heights, which the jaunty Settle has already attained, and if the team mean the League championship, they cannot do better than pursue these tactics. The inside left played a capital game against the Wanderers, full of dash, and trickery, and whenever he got the ball, the opposing defenders had an anxious time of it. Bell was also in an enticing mood, his runs and centres being always provocative of danger. In the centre Young shaped fairly well, and the right wing also rendered useful service. Taylor feeding Sharp assiduously and judiciously, and the outsider player was not slow to avail himself of the chances thus, afforded whilst his centres were timely executed and accurately discharged. At half some sterling work was witnessed. Booth playing a cool and effective game and affording his forwards every assistance. Abbott, also was always in the fray, and had bad luck with some of his shots; whilst Wolstenholmes was rarely beaten, and proved a sound tackler. Balmer gave another fine exhibition at full back, and one clearance in the goalmouth from Barlow, when Kitchen was away at the other extremely of the goal, astonished the custodian perhaps more than any one else on the field by its unexpectedness. Kitchen was likewise in rare trim, and it was just as well that he was, for in the last five minutes he saved a grounder from close range, with a host of opponents on him, in a matter befitting a custodian of the highest class. This was not the only creditable clearance that he effected, and Everton are fortunate in possessing such a reliable expert, and active goalkeeper. The Wanderers never lost heart, and until the whistle blew strove most energetically to equalise matters. Barlow was the most conspicuous feature in the forward line, though he was somewhat addicted to roaming, but a couple of shots in the closing stages, fully deserved to rach the net. Nicoll also ran and centred judiciously, but Larry Bell was very weak and missed several grand chances by dallying instead of forging ahead. The halves were a most serviceable trio, the veteran Freebairn being always in the evidence; but Taylor was a rare trier and gave the men in front the benefit of the labours. Bannister is a useful centre, and the full backs kick sturdy, whilst Sutcliffe can still lay claim to an equality with the best of custodians. He had not a great deal to do in this game, but there is a sturdiness and vigour about his clearances which has a reassuring effect upon the rest of the side, and conveys the impression to an audience of invincibility. The result of this game is a clear gain of two points to Everton compared with last season's match when the Wanderers snatched four points from the present leaders, and the manner in which the latter are crediting themselves with valuable additions to their record is highly pleasing to all local supporters of the game, who are already speculating upon final honours.
EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 3 (Game 392)
December 26 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Marriott retired hurt after 10 minutes, Villa down to ten men.
After a splendidly contested game full of exciting incidents, which fluctuated in wonderful fashion, first favouring one team and then veering completely round to the other side. Aston Villa succeeded in inflicting upon Everton the first home defeat of the latter this season, close upon 20,000 spectators witnessed the encounter, and they were awarded by a most interesting struggle, which ended in a plucky victory for the midlanders. Pincky in this respect-last the winners had to battle through 80 minutes of the allotted period with only ten men, their outside left, Marriott, having to leave the field shortly after the start. As far as can be ascertained, this player sprained himself in racing down the touchline during the first incurison into the home territory, and for the rest of the game the Villa played four forwards. In the first half Everton were simply all over their opponents, and the fact that they only led at the interval by a goal was due to the splendid goalkeeping of George whose brilliant work earned the encomiums of friend and foe alike. In the first minute he fisted out a high shot from Taylor, and saved a stinging ground drive from Sharp. But this was only a prelude of what was to come. A breakaway by the visitors enabled Bache to shoot strongly, but Kitchen coolly kicked away, and a moment later McLuckie made a miserable attempt to convert a nice centre from Clark, who was operating on the extreme right. Everton went down in fine style, and beautifully served by their halves, a fusillade was opened on the Villa goal. Abbott sent in a terrific shot, which George saved at full length; but the ball came out only a few yards, and Taylor dashed in to find the custodian on the alert for his effort, which he wonderfully cleared. Another burst on the home left gave Settle possession, and the latter racing close in, banged the leather straight into goal, but George again astonished the crowd by a superb save. This pressure, however, could not last long unrewarded and after Bache had broken away alone without avail the Everton left wing bore down once more, and Settle drove with great force against the crossbar. Taylor was ready, as usual, for the rebound, and this time he got the ball into the net, thus giving his side the lead after 25 minutes play. The Villa right wing made a couple of creditable efforts, but Balmer smartly cleared Clark's centre, and Kitchen was equal to the second attempt. Close on the interval Wolstenholmes came near to giving his side another point, for a beautiful shot from his foot his the crossbar. Thus after repeatedly pressing throughout this half, Everton held the advantage by a goal, and they were playing in such a style that the game seemed already won. What really did happen after the interval was therefore all the more surprising. The Villa commenced with rare spirit, and early demonstrated what was about to occur. In the first minute Clarke missed a perfect opening from a corner, and a few minutes afterwards Abbott slipped in clearing near the posts and the Villa outside right was nearly through. Bache worked beautifully past the halves, and with a fine shot hit the upright. Kitchen fell in trying to reach the ball, which came out to Garrirty and the latter easily equalised. Two corners were then forced by Bell, which proved futile, but the Villa were quickly back again, and Clark beating Eccles sent across a grand centre, which was badly mulled by Bache. Everton were forced to act on the defensive for some time, but eventually they returned to the attack, and a splendid shot from Abbott was cleared by George. The custodian and Crabtree defended stubbornly, and the Villa forwards receiving from one of their returns raced down on the left, but Kitchen caught Bache's final shot and threw away. Then Bell sprinted beautifully along touch, and centred to Taylor, who once more netted the ball, though the referee only allowed the point after consulting both linemen. Scarcely had a restart been made when Bache again test Kitchen, who only clear partially and the leather coming out to Wood, the centre half with a tremendous drive equalised a second time. Worse for Everton was to follow, for Garrity rushed through and whilst Balmer was attempting to clear the ball aquirmed backwards and almost caught Kitchen napping. In fact the custodian could only just throw away, and Clark who was waiting, had the ball at his toes, and the Villa were ahead. Everton were practically beaten now, for only a few minutes remained for play, and though the home team made a great effort in the last minute they could not overcome the defence and fell by 3 goals to 2.
Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Balmer, and Eccles backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor. Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Aston Villa: - George, goal, Shutt, and Crabtree, backs, Perry, Wood, and Wilkes, half-backs, Clark, Garrirty, McLuckie, Bache, and Marriott forwards. Referee Mr.A.J.Barker .
A FEW CRITICISMS
The result was a complete surprise after seeing Everton so superior in the first half, but the Villa deserve the utmost credit for pulling off the match, especially so as they accomplished a feat which no other team, this season, had been able to perform at Goodison park, and that with ten players only. Their form in the second half was a revelation, and Everton although beaten, have the satisfaction of knowing that they were overcome on their merits. The home forwards played a capital game, Settle being the best of the bunch, and the inside left has rarely given such an effective exhibition as he did in this match. His work was full of dash, and his passing excellent whilst his deft touches in opening out the game were beautifully executed. Young gave a capital display; but Sharp was not attended to with as much assiduity as might have been done, and the right winger, ought certainly to have been oftener utilised. The halves played a grand game, particularly Booth and Abbott, and after their splendid efforts it was somewhat hard luck to suffer defeat. The backs were good though they suffered from occasional lapses, and the same may be said of Kitchen, who evidently found a difficulty in retaining the slippery sphere. To the Villa great praise is due for their plucky and sportsmanlike efforts in accomplishing what at one time appeared a lost cause. Of their forwards, Bache and Garrirty were far ahead, the former being the leader in many dangerous moves; but Clark is a recruit of the right stamp, and his speed alone would make him a troublesome opponents to deal with. As on the home side, the halves were in fine trim, and Crabtree at full back was irreproachable. But George fairly carried off the honours of the game, and his clearances in the first half particularly were astounding. He saved when defeat appeared a certainly, and better custodianship has rarely been seen on the Everton ground.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 1 (Game 393)
December 27 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton following upon their unexpected reverse at Goodison Park on Christmas Day, left late in the evening for Stafford, entraining yesterday morning to Wolverhampton, which place was reached at 10-30. Owing to Eccles having sustaining an injury in the Villa match, Watson was drafted into the team, and on the home side Rowbothan displaced Annis at half-back, and in the front line Miller turned out in place of Dean, both men being on the injured list. The weather was bright, but the ground was sodden and at eleven o'clock, when the sides made their appearance, there would be about 12,000 spectators. Everton were some what fortunate winning the toss, as the Wolves opened, facing a glaring sun. On the heavy turf, despite it having been well sanded, the players found it most awkward to obtain a foothold, the home side experiencing the greater difficulty in this respect. The play was at the outset favourable to the visitors, and within a couple of minutes a capital movement; by the whole of the van culminated in Settle, after a tricky run, just missed the mark. An attack by the Wolves lacked sting, and was easily repulsed, and on a further return Sharp forced a corner without avail. Play was naturally on the slow side, and seven minutes from the start Kitchen slipped in goal, and it was lucky for the visitors that a ground shot from Beats missed the net, by the merest shave. Immediately afterwards the Wolves got down again, and Kitchen only just tipped a fine dropping ball from Rowbotham over the bar. A capital passing movement was displayed by the Everton forwards, and the ball eventually going to Bell, it promptly found its billet as the result of a clever oblique shot, this success coming after twelve minutes play. For some few minutes the home forwards were aggressive, and on two occasions completely beat the backs, only to shoot badly, at the finish-escapes that were rendered the more lucky inasmuch as Kitchen again found difficulty in getting off the mark. Everton appealed for a goal from a free kick and there appeared good grounds for claiming, but referee ruled that the ball had not touched a second player. This followed some capital half-backs play by Pheasant and Rowbotham, which resulted in Miller and Wooldridge finding plenty of employment for Wolstenholmes and Balmer. The defence prevailed, and the Everton forwards were all over the home defenders, many of their touches being both pretty and effective. The attack finished up with a splendid shot from Abbott at long range, and it was a suprising good save on the part of Baddeley that prevailed disaster. Another movement in the same direction found Sharp offside, and then came a couple of unproductive corner kicks. There was now no mistaking the superiority of the visitors whose forwards were specially prominent, and but for a wild shot at ridiculously long range by Booth, one capital movement would likely have been productive of a tangible point. Later Settle was only a trifle wide with a grand drive, and another fruitless corner kick followed. At this juncture the home backs were playing a steadier game, but the forwards could not get into anything's like an effective stride, most of their movements being confined to individual efforts by the right-wing pair. A couple of free kicks did not benefit them much, but shortly afterwards Fellows had easily the better of Watson, and he raced on instead of preferring to shoot from long range, the score would probably have been level. The Everton half-backs continued to play a capital game, but there was noticeable weakness as left full back, and after this had been exemplified on several occasions, the Wolves mainly directed their attack towards this quarter. Following one breakaway the ball was sent over to the left wing, where Wooldridge drove in at Kitchen, whose flying kick was met by Hayward, and the sides were level. Half time was announced a couple of minutes later with the score Wolves 1 goal, Everton 1.
There could be no question as to which was the better side up to the interval, and the only surprise to the spectators was that the Everton forwards had not piled on goals. They set about their work with better method, and to the greasy ball in addition to a slice of ill luck, must their failure be attributed. There were about 15,000 present when the game was resumed, and the first dangerous movement came from the Wolves, who forced a fruitless corner. Immediately afterwards, the ball was in the Wolves net, but offside was ruled. Then Beats and Haywood missed chances when immediately in front of Kitchen. The Everton forwards now found the Wolves defenders stable, and the great improvement showns by the van left matters very open. A fine movement by the right wing ended in Beats getting possession, and by a tricky run got through the backs and scored. Watson in the meantime having slipped, when about to tackle, twelve minutes had now elapsed since resuming and the Everton forwards swooped down upon Baddeley only to find the ball put behind when the keeper was lying helplessly in the slush. The effect of the sun on the ground was now painly evident. The sand gave no protection to the thawed ground, which was now certainly unfit for play. Baddeley brought off a grand save from settle, and at the other end, Kitchen saved two beautiful efforts from Miller and Beats, and for some little time the Wolves were the more dangerous side. Towards the close Everton made a big effort to draw even, but there was now no defeating the home defenders, and the game end Wolves 2 goals Everton 1.
Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Balmer and Watson, backs, Wolstenholmes, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp Taylor, Young, Settle and Bell, forwards. Wolverhampton Wanderers: - Baddeley, goal, Jones, and Walker, backs, Whitehouse, Pheasant, and Rowbotham, half-backs, Fellows, Haywood, Beats, Wooldridge, and Millar, forwards. Referee Mr.Bye.
EVERTON RESERVES 2 CHESTERFIELD 1
December 27 1901. The Liverpool Courier
This friendly match was played at Goodison Park yesterday, in miserable, weather. Rain fell heavily, and the ground appears very heavy. There was, however, a very fair gate under the circumstances. Chief interest was centred in the game owing to the fact that Bowman, Everton's new centre, was making his first appearance for the club. The sides were represented. Bowman started the game, and Everton at once took up the attack. The Chesterfield custodian was early called upon to defend his charge, he proved equal to anything that reached him, however, though on one occasion Bowman sent the ball into the net, offside being successfully claimed. Bowman, who is a finely built fellow, displayed very smart tactics, and for a long period Everton kept up a warm pressure on the visitors goal. Three corners were forced in quick succession, and quite an exciting scrimmage took place in the goalmouth, but the second Leaguer's defenders were in a capital form. Chesterfield at last broke through, Sharp leading away a capital centre from the right wing. Then the Blues retaliated strongly and Bowman neatly scored the first goal of the game. The Chesterfield right wing were very smart, and Clarke, who was playing at left back, had more than he could manage, however, Sharp cleared all the centres, put into goal, and Muir was not troubled. Bowman getting offside forwards, neutralized fine combination by the line of the Everton, and after good work by Proudfoot and Chadwick, Boyle dropped the ball right under the bar, the goalkeeper saving well. An abortive corner followed and Chesterfield paid a visit in Muir's direction. They were soon sent back and the home forwards pressed, Bowman getting in a couple of very fine shots, which were splendidly saved. The custodian also cleared from Sharp and Bowman, and the centre also scored an offside point. The new man's form was very favorable impression, and his shooting was excellent. Everton gained an other corner, from which they nearly scored. At the interval Everton led by a goal to nil.
Five minutes after restarting, Chesterfield equalised, and had hard lines in not gaining the lead in the next minute, Muir making a capital save from close quarters, while a warm shot hit the post. Then Chesterfield got the ball into the Everton net, but the score was palpably offside and the point did not count. After this Everton pressed, and quite a half-dozen shots were sent in, but all were charged down. The visitors were luckily in keeping their goal intact. On one occasion Bowman, sent very close after the custodian had kicked away, from Chadwick. Chesterfield than had a turn, but Fairweather and Clarke kept them in check, though once Muir had to leave his goal to clear. A fine bit of work by Bowman, nearly put Everton ahead, but shot just missing the post, and then Bone sent in a capital shot, which was well saved, a fruitless corner resulted. Shortly afterwards Everton got the leading goal, Proudfoot putting through from the 12 yard line.' Chesterfield had a turn, but could not get the better of the home backs, and Bowman made a grand run, three of the visitors tackling him at the finish and dispossessing him, final score: - Everton 2 Chesterfield 1. Everton: - Muir, goal, Sharp, and Watson, backs, Boyle (captain), Clark, and Fairweather, half-backs, Rankin, Proudfoot, Bowman, Bone, and Chadwick forwards.
EVERTON RESERVES 0 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2
December 30 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination. (Game 16)
At Goodison Park, in miserable weather. Worthington started for Everton who passed from the outset, but the visitors assailed themselves with good forward work, which resulted in Gillespie scoring for Manchester City, at the interval Manchester City were leading by a goal to nil. Resuming, Everton pressed, Rankin and Paterson shooting in, Holmes clearing. A penalty was awarded city, Gillespie putting the ball into the net. Everton tried hard with avail and City winning by 2 goals to nil.
Everton: - Crosbie, goal, Sharp and Watson, backs, Brown, Clark, and Fairweather half-backs, Roberts, Paterson, Worthington, Micheals (w) and Bone, forwards.
EVERTON REVIEW
December 30 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton club have had a disastrous experience during the past week. The defeat on Christmas Day at home at the hands of the Villa came somewhat as a surprise, and an additional reverse at Wolverhampton on the day following was, of course only what one might expect. However, on the play the Wolves were certainly lucky in securing full points, for what appeared to be a legitimate goal was denied the visitors, and everyone who follows sport knows what a damper is placed upon a club's prospects when a questionable ruling it given against a side. During the first half of the game there was only one side in it, but chances were allowed to go abegging, hence the adverse result. The ground was in a wretched condition, not fit for a game of momentous importance, and it was passing strange that Referee Bye should have allowed the contest to take place. At Hyde Road on Saturday similar conditions prevailed, but in this case the referee, Mr.Lewis, declared the ground unfit, and spectators were not admitted. In some respects the decision suited the visitors who were not at full strength, but on the other hand the occasion would have served to test the abilities of Bowman the new centre-forward recruit and Bert Sharp at full back. As Aston Villa successfully accounted for Notts Forest the Everton team had to give place to the Midlanders on goal average, but there can be no question that a big effort will be forthcoming to recover the position
December 1901