DERBY COUNTY 3 EVERTON 1
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
December 2 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination
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 .

EVERTON REVIEW
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 v  DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 02 December 1901
Played at Derby, about 12,000 spectators being present. Taylor resumed his position in the Everton team. Everton, having lost the toss, kicked off against a stiff breeze. After the opening exchanges Sharp was prominent on the right wing, but Morris checked and the home eleven at once made ground, may sending in a long, dropping shot, which fell into Kitchen’s arms. Balmer lent additional aid in clearing, and a nice piece of work end in Booth sending in a long shot, which Fryer succeeded in throwing away. A brief spell of midfield work ended in the Derby forwards again swooping down upon Kitchen with terrific force, and Bloomer from short range sent the ball only a few inches wide of the mark. After this the Everton left wing was extremely busy. Bell on two occasions being prominent, but Settle was unable to profit by the centres. A break-away on the right ended in A. Warren passing beautifully to Boag, who shot in at top speed, but to the astonishment of the crowd. Kitchen got his foot to the ball and cleared. The spectators were not slow to appreciate this wonderfully smart bit of play. Young tried a shot, but the attempt was very feeble, and it was not long before the home forwards were again swarming round Kitchen. A. Warren ran the ball along the wing and shot towards goal, and Boag rushed the ball into the net, but the referee, for some reason not quite apparent, ruled the man off side. In any case it was a let off for Everton, for the defence was certainly outplayed. Settle on two occasions tried his luck, but Methven held him in check, and the first really dangerous shot came from Sharp, who sent in a clinker, which Fryer very cleverly put outside. It was not long before the home continent were again busy, the front line advancing in fine combined array, which terminated in Boag sending in a swift, low shot, which Kitchen saved with marvellous skill. So far the game had been greatly in favour of the County team, and the visitors had only their goalkeeper to thank for continual immunity from disaster. The Evertonians at last wakened up, and, moving along on the left, Settle got between Methven and Morris, and netted the ball five minutes before the interval. This reverse stirred the County men to greater energy, and they literally bombarded the Everton goal, but the backs, more by good luck than good management, contrived to keep the ball out, and the interval arrived with the score;- Everton 1 goal, Derby County nil. In the beginning of the second half Everton went off with a great dash, Young twice sending in at long range, whole on another occasion Bell came within an ace of scoring. After this, however, Derby wakened up, and from a splendid, combined attack Boag equalised. This gave the County renewed vigour, and it was not long before Bloomer added a second goal. The following stages of the play were all in favour of the home team, who literally made rings round their opponents, and before the final arrived a third goal was added. All things considered, the County were the much better team, and fully deserved their victory. Final; Derby County 3 goals, Everton 1 goal.
Teams;-
Everton;-Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, halves; Sharp, Taylor, Young. Settle, and bell, forwards.
Derby County;.- Fryer, goal; Methven and Morris, abcks; May, Goodall (Captain), and Leckie, half-backs; A. Warren, Bloomer, Boar, B. Warren, and Middleton, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Adams.

EVERTON v DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 02 December 1901
At Derby before 12,000 spectators. Derby had the same team as last week, and Everton had Taylor back. Play was very fast and interesting, but Derby had rather the best of matters. After 30 minutes Boag shot the ball past Kitchen, but the referee disallowed the point. Fryer put Young off his shot with only the custodian to beat, and just at the interval Settle broke away and scored.
Half-time;- Everton 1; Derby nil.
In the second half play was in favour of Derby, who attacked repeatedly, and had hard lines on several occasions by inches. After half an hour’s play Bloomer scored, and immediately afterwards, amidst indescribable enthusiasm, gave Derby the lead. Everton were now overplayed, and Arnold Warren scored a third goal, B. Warren and Bloomer missing chances. Result-Derby County 3 goals, Everton 1. Everton;-Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, halves; Sharp, Taylor, Young. Settle, and bell, forwards.
Derby County;.- Fryer, goal; Methven and Morris, abcks; May, Goodall (Captain), and Leckie, half-backs; A. Warren, Bloomer, Boar, B. Warren, and Middleton, forwards.

NOTES ON FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 02 December 1901
What was the matter with the Everton team at Derby on Saturday to cause them to be run off their legs to the tune of 3 goals to 1? It was towards the finish of the game that they were beaten, the Derby men putting on their cluster of points inside the last fifteen minutes of play, and when it looked as though the visitors had made things safe for themselves. It is humility, indeed, for one of the finest defences in the League Division to curl up to mysteriously and terrible, especially at a period of the game when, as a rule, they generally show up heads and shoulders above the opposition forces. The Everton players are looked upon as stayers, and. Notwithstanding that the game on Saturday had been fast, and of the “gruelling” order, it was a bit of a surprise to find them practically striking their colours in the way they did. With a bit of luck the home team might have won more comfortably than they did, for the Everton back division were frequently beaten earlier on in the game, and one or two goals ought then to have been registered. Forward, the Evertonians gave a neat and clever display of football, and with Taylor again in his old position the front line should further improve. The goal scored by Settle was a work of art, as before beating Fryer he had to get right between the backs to get in his shot. In the matter of back play, Derby was much the best, and showed up with great force. Although they lost points, the Everton club still heads the list, the goal average being a shade better than Sunderland, though “points” (18) being identical.

EVERTON AND MR. BYE
Athletic News - Monday 02 December 1901
I have received a very courteous letter from a Liverpool gentleman dealing in the first place with Everton’s recent protest against Mr Bye action in the Aston Villa match, and in the second with the action of the Management Committee in appointing that referee to other games in which Everton are concerned. My correspondent’s of reasons for protesting is interesting, but no good purposewould be  served by rediscussing a matter which has been investigated and dealt with. But he proceeds; “I hope I shall not offend you by drawing attention to the action of the Management Committee in appointing Mr. Bye to officiate in so many fixtures in which Everton are engaged. His name actually appears on two successive days (25th and 26th prox,). No doubt it is intended as a snub for the club daring to make a complaint. It does not strike one as the action of strong men, but seems to me tinged with vindictive spirit, which lends colour to such a statement as was publicly made on the Birmingham platform—that if Everton dated to complain the club would suffer.” The suggestion that the Management Committee intended snub Everton in this way is very easily disposed of. In the League fixture list is referred to it will found that the matches of the 25th and 26th prox. in which Everton are engaged are both return matches, and that at the first meeting the respective teams. Mr. Bye was the referee. Mr. Bye was appointed to take the return games in accordance with an instruction the Management Committee passed at the last general meeting of the League, that where practicable the same referee should officiate in both matches between the same teams.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 02 December 1901
By The Loiterer
NEW MEN
It was rumoured early in the week that Gillespie had ben secured to the Everton club. I have it officially there is nothing in it. Gillespie is not a youngster by any means, but I am inclined to think Everton would play him on pure amateur lines if he threw in his lot. If arrangements can be adjusted between Gillespie and the Everton club, I should not be surprised to see the Q.P. man down here.
FIRST DEFEAT OF ACCRINGTON STANLEY
It is not often a club comes in this district with a clean sheet. Accrington Stabley enjoyed the distinction but lost it ere they returned home. Nevertheless they are a good team, and it took the Everton Reserve all their time to beat him. There was quite a bunch of Everton directors on view, and taking a lively interest in the proceedings, but nothing above average merit was seen.

EVERTON LOSE AN EXCITING GAME
Athletic News- Monday December 2 1901
By Peakite
The game of the season! Such were the words that fell from the lips of thousands of people as they filed out of the Baseball Ground on Saturday afternoon. And the description was an absolutely faithful one, so far as we in Derby are concerned. The County had beaten Everton after as exciting a game of football as ever was witnessed, but even if they had lost the match—as at one time appeared most likely—not a man on the ground could have said that the best team had won. But to make the victory all the sweeter, it was achieved by brilliant football in the last fifteen minutes, at a time when the fortunes of the County were at their lowest ebb. Under the circumstances the exultation of the crowd was natural and pardonable. Everton appeared on the scene with their full available strength. Derby made no change from the eleven that drew at Stoke. The choice of ends fell to Archie Goodall, who elected to kick with the wind towards the station goal, with a somewhat useful breeze behind them. The 12.000 spectators who were in attendance were soon given to understand that they were in for
A FAST AND EXCITING GAME
Before play had proceeded many minutes each goalkeeper had been compelled to handle, and then Fryer was called on to stop acapital shot from Taylor, which he caught and cleared very cleverly. Derby, however, were every bit as good as the leaders. They kept the ball moving at a tremendous pace, and twice Arnold Warren centred without his efforts producing any definite result. The Everton goalkeeper was a formidable stumbling block. He stopped a splendid shot from B. Warren, and then caught a fine effort from Archie Goodall. A centre of Arnold Warren’s was pounced on by Hoag, but again the goalkeeper was equal to the occasion, kicking the ball away on the line when the loss of half a second would have been fatal. The worst luck of all, however, befel a good bit of work by Arnold Warren and Boag. The former had a prolonged tusslewith Eccles almost on the goal line, but he got in his centre in front of an open goal. Boag, who had been following him up, promptly put the ball into the net, but Mr. Adams gave him off-side, to the amazement of all who were in position to see what occurred. As far as my  opinion goes, I would not wish to see a better or a finer goal. It must not be assumed that during all this time Derby County were having matters all their own way. Everton had pretty nearly as much attacking as their opponent, and Settle had once given Fryer a big handful, whilst on another occasion Young shot across an open goal with the goalkeeper up the field. Just before the interval, however, Settle ran past the Derby backs and scored.
A FINE GOAL FOR EVERTON
Thus Derby at the interval were in a minority of one goal, though it is only fair to say that they had played well or better than the Everton men. The second portion of the game opened strongly in favour of the County, in spite of the fact the wind was now against them. For a long time, however, nothing but rank bad luck attended their efforts. Whilst Fryer had little or nothing to do, raid after raid was made on Kitchen’s charge, but for long time it appeared as though the Everton goal led a charmed life. A. Warren sent in a fine centre that Kitchen caught and threw away, and then very bad luck attended a shot that B. Warren sent in. It appeared to be going straight home in the top corner of the goal, but the wind apparently diverted it, and in the end it just missed. In another hot attack Boag struck the cross-bar, and before the ball was finally got away the same player sent in a shot that was again a few inches wide. It would be too wearying to drag my readers through the details of all the shots that were sent in, but it is sufficient to observe that for half an hour Derby exercised a vast amount of pressure, and had to endure much hard luck. Such a state of things could not last for ever, and fifteen minutes from the close their luck turned.
A BRILLIANT TRANSFORMATION
Fifteen minutes from the close, in the course of one their numerous attacks, Bloomer scored for Derby, and in less than two minutes the same player or Boag gave the home team the lead. The second one was headed through, and both goals were the result of almost similar tactics. Needless to say they were cheered to the echo by the crowd, who were delighted at the brilliant tactics that had converted apparent defeat into substantial prospect of victory. Playing with extraordinary vigour, they ran the Everton men off their feet, and had Bloomer and Ben Warren kept their heads they could hardly have failed to score further goals.  Arnold Warren, however, managed to clinch matters, and Derby left the field winners by one of the most exciting games the Baseball Ground has ever witnessed. That the best team won is a point not open to dispute. They had much the best of the game in the second half, and deserved to score long before they actually did. Everton apparently failed to stay. They certainly did not exhibit anything like the brilliancy of the first half after the change of ends, and once Derby had got on terms theylooked beaten team all over. The splendid defence of the home team was on this occasion accompanied by a correspondingly sound exhibition of football amongst the forwards, whose dash and vigour were delightful and quite irresistible. Arnold Warren pleased everyone as Bloomer’s partner, and Boag proved himself once more to be the best centre the County have at their command. Ben Warren was here, there, and everywhere, whilst Middleton, though not so conspicuous as some of his comrades, put in some useful work. After showing themselves capable of two such exhibitions as against Stoke and Everton, the directors will, no doubt,  be chary making further changes for a week or two at all events. Everton’s forwards quite played up their reputation in the first half, but they did not appear to have many openings made for them in the second half by the half-backs, who fed them much less judiciously than was the case earlier in the game. Up to a certain point Kitchen kept goal splendidly, and neither he nor the backs could be blamed for the astounding change that came over the game in the last fifteen minutes.
Teams;- Derby County;- Fryer; Methven, and Morris; May, Goodall (Captain), and Leckie; Arnold Warren, Bloomer, Boag, Ben Warren, and Middleton.
Everton;- Kitchen; Balmer and Eccles; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell. Referee; Mr. Adams (Birmingham).

DERBY COUNTY v EVERTON
Derby Daily Telegraph - Monday 02 December 1901
The visit of the League leaders to Derby this (Saturday) afternoon attracted a large crowd to the Baseball Ground, and there would be between ten and twelve thousand spectators present. Derby relied upon the same team that drew with Stoke, and Everton had Taylor back after a long absence, Proudfoot standing down, the being- Derby County: Fryer, goal; Methven and Morris, backs; May, Goodall (Captain), and Leckie, half-backs; A. Warren and Bloomer, right wing; Boag, centre ; B. Warren and Middleton, left wing. Everton : Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs ; Sharp and Taylor, right wing; Young, centre; Settle and Bell, left wing. Referee ; Mr. J. Adams, Birmingham.
Everton kicked off against the breeze and slope, and though they at once attacked Taylor got offside. The County returned, and May planted the ball well in, and after Kitchen had fisted away a smart attack on the Everton goal ended in heading a trifle wide. Leckie then stopped the visitors' right, but Fryer had to throw away from Booth. The game continued fast, and May again sent close, and an exciting scrimmage in the vicinity the visitors' goal saw Warren centre, and Bloomer crashed the leather a trifle wide. At the other end Settle was pulled up before he got dangerous, and Derby quickly transferring the play Balmer had to hastily kick out. Taylor shot into Fryer's hands, and the ensuing attack on the Everton goal was frustrated by the vigorous play of the backs. A fine centre by Middleton was neutralised by Boag being offside, and then Everton forced an abortive corner, whilst Ben Warren finished a dribble by shooting low Kitchen, who cleared without difficulty. After further fine play Arnold Warren beat his man, and got in a beautiful centre, and Boag met it and shot in finely under difficulties, but Kitchen just managed to kick away luckily. Still Derby had the best of it, and from a foul on A. Warren, May lifted the ball in so well that Goodall banged it in, but Kitchen effected a splendid save. Everton had a turn at the other end, only to find the backs safe, and then Arnold Warren had a tussle with Eccles. He came off best, and after robbing his opponent of the ball he centred finely to Boag, who smartly deposited the ball into the net. To the disappointment of the crowd, however, the referee disallowed the goal, presumably for offside, but such a thing was impossible, as Eccles had played the ball, and Boag was well behind Warren -when he centred. Nothing daunted, the County kept work, and Everton were mostly acting on the defensive, and Morris from full-back had a long but ineffective shot at goal. Settle was twice knocked spinning when making tracks for the Derbygoal, and then Sharpe, who had done little, shot in and forced a corner. A similar concession to Derby followed, and from this the Everton goal had another narrow escape, the ball being headed right across the goal and then cleared. Then Middleton sprinted down his wing and centred finely, and though Boag met it and shotwell Kitchen saved. Everton broke away, and Young was left with only Fryer to beat. The goalkeeper came out, and apparently put Young off his shot,for he placed the ball behind -a lucky escape for Derby. The County returned to the attack, and had a foul close against Eccles, and though some diversion was caused about the taking of this, no tangible result accrued. Derby continued to press, and a long shot by May cannoned off Kitchen, but there was one up far enough to take advantage of the chance, and the Everton goal escaped again. A. Warren next sent wide, and play was transferred, Settle slipping between the backs, and scoring with a clever oblique shot that gave Fryer no chance. Derby tried hard to recover lost ground, and from a centre by Middleton a hot attack was made on the Everton goal, but quite half a dozen shots cannoned out, and the score at the interval was—Everton one, Derby none.
The first thing of interest in the second half was a long shot by Young, which Fryer safely dealt with, and then clever work by May saw Bloomer shoot a trifle wide.  Arnold Warren next received from his namesake, and centred finely, but Kitchen cleared, and just after Bloomer skimmed the bar. Leckie, who had been playing splendidly, was cheered for checking the Everton right wing and setting Middleton going. Eccles, however, came across and cleared, and Methven, Morris, and Goodall checked the following rush. Derby persevered, and from a capital centre by A. Warren, the Swadlincote man of that name missed the target by inches. The visitors then took up the running, but the home defence was sound, though Young had a possible chance and lifted the ball over, and Bell skimmed the bar with a shot from long range. Derby again attacked, and Goodall forced a corner, whilst Bloomer went wide. Methven robbed Settle, and May set his forwards going, but their career was soon checked, though Boag just after struck the cross-bar with a beauty, and grazed the upright from the rebound. Everton retaliated, and forced a corner, from which Fryer punched out, and again Leckie again accounted for Sharpe, whilst Balmer had to put back to Kitchen to stop Derby's succeeding rush. This availed however, as directly after Bloomer sent against the side of the net, and try how they would it seemed as if Derby were destined not to score. They soon proved that this was not so, however, as Morris and Goodall gave Bloomer possession, and, drawing his opponentson him, he raced away and centred. Warren and Middleton closed in, and had only Kitchen in front of them. Warren shot, but Kitchen saved at full length, but Bloomer chipped in and equalised amid a scene of the wildest enthusiasm after half an hour's play. Encouraged by the cheers of their supporters, Derby now played up like demons, and started a fierce attack on their opponents' goal, with the result that Everton could not get the ball away, and within two minutes Bloomer had scored again, for after Middleton had hit the upright Bloomer jumped up and headed through. The cheers were deafening, and Derby played up harder than ever, but they were too excited, and Bloomer shot tamely into Kitchen's hands when he might have walked the ball through, whilst B. Warren missed a comparatively easy chance. At length Everton relieved the pressure, and Sharpe got clear away, but Methven took the centre, and Goodall sent up the field. Derby attacked again with great determination, and another scrimmage ensued in the Everton goal. They could not clear their lines, and Arnold Warren pounced upon the ball and banged ii into the net for the third time, Everton completely staggered. The visitors made great efforts to reduce the lead, but they were held in check, and extraordinary game ended Derby County 3 Everton 1

JACK CAMERON’S DAUGHTER
Football Chat and Athletic Worlds -Tuesday 2 December 1901
My Hearty congratulations to Jack Cameron the popular Spurs’ helper on and off the field. He is now a father, and may his little daughter, who present herself last Thursday, be admired as much as her father is when she reaches papa’s present age.

DERBY COUNTY’S ATATCK FINDS ITS FEET AT EVERTON’S EXPENSE
Football Chat and Athletic Worlds -Tuesday 2 December 1901
League matches between Everton and Derby County at the Baseball Grounds have ever been noted for the fierceness of their character, their evenness, and the good football served up therein. And Saturday was no exception to that general and pleasing rule, Derby County, after as determined and exciting a ninety minutes as it is well possible to conceive, gaining a well-earned, if surprising, 3 to 1 victory over the top sawyer of Division 1. after being in a goal minority at half-time. Truly, the Peakites finished up remarkably hot and strong. With more than ordinary interest had the battle been looked forward to, as Everton travelled Derbrwards in proud, if temporary, possession of the League leadership, and with their most powerful team ready to do duty for the first time during a period covering many weeks,Taylor, their hardworking inside-right having recovered from his Notts Forest mishap sustained seven weeks before, and thus displacing Proudfoot at inside-right. Everton's recent big run of success was in direct contradistinction to that of the County, who, since their narrow I to nil victory over Aston Villa on October 9, had in turn met Sheffield United, Notts Forest, Bury, Blackburn Rovers, and Stoke without once sipping the sweets of victory, although they did everything but negotiate the necessary goal to secure this desideratum at the Potteries. Naturally, therefore, the same eleven as at Stoke was selected for the game under notice. And here let me state that Crawford, Derby County's old outside-right, has played his last game as Bloomer's partner, for on Wednesday this dashing Scotsman was transferred to Middlesbrough, that ambitious Second Division club, at a pretty stiff figure. Time alone will prove whether this latest transaction with a north country club is a wise one from a Derby standpoint, but I may mention that Crawford's departure is regretted in some local quarters. Crawford's sin has been selfishness, and above all a partner to Steve Bloomer must be unselfish. Bloomer's position, from a shooting standpoint, is undoubtedly inside-right, but in every other respect he frames like an extreme winger, as, instead of playing up to his partner on the line, 'tis the latter who is required to do the fostering and donkey work. Hence Crawford has scarcely fulfilled the duties of an ideal partner to England's crack shootist. And so, to return, Arnold Warren, the county cricketer, made his debut at Derby in first division football. The game which followed was a rather remarkable one, as the County men pressed Everton for quite three-fourths, of the first half, just as they did when Liverpool visited the Baseball Grounds, only to find the visitors—like Liverpool—leading by a goal to nil at the interval. This was obtained by that great shootist, Settle, a few minutes before the cross over took place. In the first thirty minutes the Peakites almost monopolised the attack and exciting incidents abounded in Kitchen's quarters. That worthy, a Buxton laddie, I was in brilliant form, and how he managed to keep his lines intact was a mystery. Once, indeed, he was beaten by Boag, but Mr. Adams did not consider the point a legitimate one. On two other occasions Kitchen effected superb saves from Boag, this fair-headed Scot being in splendid shooting vein. By comparison the movements of the Merseysiders were decidedly second rate to those of the County, who were very unlucky to turn round in the minority of a goal. But with I the change of ends came change of fortune, as, warding off a dashing attack by the visitors, Derby went along with rare combination, and Boag crowned his disappointments with an equaliser. This was the beginning of still better things, and soon Bloomer put his side in front. There was now no holding the County. The latter were played to a standstill, almost, and the Peakites added yet another goal, time arriving with Everton nethermost for the first time since October, and Derby victorious for the first time during an even greater period, and getting three goals for the only time this season. For the winners I have nothing but praise. The forward line, now altered everywhere save at inside-right since the season opened, behaved splendidly. A. Warren promises to make a splendid partner for Bloomer, and it is many a day since Boag played such a fine centre-forward game. 'Tis wonderful how he is fallen back upon as pivot season after season. B. Warren now seems quite at home at inside-left, and along with Middleton this pair gave Balmer and Wolstenholme a warm time. The half-backs were a treat, and to them is no small share of the credit due for the brilliant victory. Leckie and May were immense. Those further behind were equal to all demands. Everton played most unevenly, and but for Kitchen's splendid custodianship would have been still more heavily routed. Their backs were overworked, owing to the inability of the halves to cope with Derby's attack. Settle and Bell were the best of a poor forward line. Young missed numerous chances. Result :—Derby County, 3; Everton, 1. Attendance, 10,000.
Derby County :—Fryer; Methven and Morris; May, Goodall (Captain), and Leckie; A. Warren, Bloomer, Boag, B. Warren, and Middleton. Everton:—Kitchen; Balmer and Eccles;  Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott ; J. Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle and Bell. Referee : —Mr. J. Adams; Birmingham.

Neillie Kerr
Dundee Evening Telegraph -Friday 6 December 1901
During the week two well-known Glasgow players have passed to the great majority. Messrs Neillie Kerr (Rangers) and Edgar (late of were Cowlairs) . Both were comparatively young. Mr. Kerr just turned thirtieth year. As a player he was very popular, both in Cowlairs, Rangers, Everton and Falkirk, for all of whom he played.

BURNLEY RESERVE v. EVERTON RESERVE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 07 December 1901
There was only a small attendance AT Turf Moor. Bumley had the advantage of the wind and slope, and had rather the better of the opening phases, but were not very dangerous. and then each side attacked in turn, though Burnley had the better of midfield play- Everton were the most dangerous, and Faulkner saved well. , Burnley made several incursions, but were not particularly dangerous. Everton got up and gained A corner. The home right transferred operations, and Everton custodian threw himself on the ground and tipped the ball out. and then leather was sent against the visitors' crossbar. Everton then threatened seriously, and the Burnley goal had a very narrow escape. The visitors at this stage had the best of matters for a time. Play was not of a high order. Burnley had two or three attempts. For a short time operations were confined to Everton territory. Burnley, however, were not particularly dangerous. Towards the interval Evertou placed the home goal in jeopardy more than once, but offside spoiled the effort. Half-time—Burnley Reserve 0. Everton Reserve 0. On resuming Everton quickly put pressure, and a fast shot was sent just wide of the mark. After Bureley had gained relief the visitors exerted considerable pressure, but shot wildly two or three times, though one grand attempt was made at the end of ten minutes. Burnley waged a strong attack, and then then Everton broke away, and scored. Another attack on the Burnley goal followed directly afterwards, play for the most pert being in Burnley territory. After several fruitless attempts to get to the Everton end Burnley threatened. The backs, however, transferred operations. Burnley replied, and Hargreaves shot just behind. The Everton outside right got away, but shot wildly. Again Everton worked down and registered their secand point at the end of half hours Everlon had the better of the play, and secured a comer. Soon afterwards they placed athird goal to their account. Burnlev got up a time or two and then threatened danger for a short time. Everton gained cornor and put on further pressure. Burnley attacked from a free kick, and then both sides proved in turn. Result- EVERTON RESERVE 3, BURNLEY RES. 0.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 07 December 1901
EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
At Goodison Park; kick-off 2.30
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
EVERTON COMBINATION v  BURNLEY RESERVE
Everton; Muir, goal; Sharp and Watson, backs; Boyle, Clarke, and Blythe, half-backs; Makepeace, Paterson, Proudfoot, Bones, and Singleton, forwards.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday December 7 1901
YOUNG OPENS EVERTON’S SCORE
SHARP ADDS A SECOND BEFORE HALF-TIME
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
Sheffield Wednesday were the visitors at Goodison Park the afternoon. Throughout the morning the weather was very threatening, but, fortunately, rain kept of, thoughunquestionably the  doubtful nature of the elements kept a large number from patronising the fixture. Much concern was expressed regarding the result as if Everton were to keep their place at the head of the League Table they would have to go one better than in the same game last season, when Sheffield drew with them. Both sides were the same as last week. Dryburgh still retaining his position as outside right, vice Davies, who was injured some weeks ago, so that there is little to choose between them so far as merit goes. The ground was in good condition, and about 10,000 were present at the start, though that number was momentarily being augmented. The sides faced as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Sheffield.- Lyall, goal; Layton and Langley (Captain), backs; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin, half-backs; Dryburgh, Chapman, Wilson, Malloch, and Spikesley, forwards. Mr. Adams acted as referee.
The Evertonians kicking off against the wind, were quickly pressed back, owing to the Wednesday team advancing in line, but Balmer having checked this move, Sharp dashed away, but was so hampered by Langley and Ruddlesdin that he lost the ball.  A half-hearted attempts by the Sheffielders followed, and then Young showed pretty form in the centre, and left Ball to finish but the last-named was clean baffled by Layton. After this Booth had a “pop” at goal, this being followed by another pretty move by Young, which let Bell and Settle have a go on their wing, the last named trying hard, but in vain, to get clean through. The homesters came again on the right, but this attack was quickly reckoned with, and the Sheffielders went slick away into Everton territory. Here, on the visitors’ left, Spikesley sent in a neat centre, which was very well attended to by Balmer, but the Wednesdayites soon had the ball back, and there was quite an exciting little time in the vicinity of the Everton goal before the ball was cleared.  A spell of midfield play followed, after which Wolstenholme was loudly cheered for pulling up Spikesley. A free kick to Young was responded to by Langton, a further free kick ensuing to Everton without result. Play was not of the brightest, and the exchanges generally were of a very ordinary character. At length, however, the game livened up somewhat and the home forwards particularly displayed some crisp movements, without, however, tangible result. Sheffield Wednesday got away on the left, and Wilson tested Kitchener, who, however, was equal to the occasion, and cleared effectually. After a skirmish in midfield, Abbott passed beautifully to Young, who turned sharply round, and with a brilliant shot completely beat Lyall twelve minutes from the start. I was a magnificent goal, and fully deserved the loud plaudits with which it was greeted. A free kick against Everton nearly led to their downfall, the ball being well placed, and after some moves in front and on the right, the sphere was placed right in front, where, owing to an understanding between Malloch and Spikesley, an almost open goal went a begging. A sudden breakaway was then made by the home side, at the end of which Settle shot for all he was worth, and just missed the mark. During another attack on the Wednesday goal Settle was winded, but just as he fell Young made a bold bid for goal. At the other end Spikesley sent in a splendid centre, which Wilson nearly turned to good account, Kitchen tipping the ball over, and from the consequent corner the Everton goal was in jeopardy. The goal kick found Everton attacking, one grand kick by Booth placing Sharp in possession, the latter dashing along at a terrific pace, and in addition he got in a beautiful centre, but unfortunately Young was unable to reach the sphere, which passed over the line. Wednesday were by no means idle, and a couple of dangerous centres by Spikesley almost proved disastrous Balmer once clearing almost miraculously, whilst a second later Dryburgh “middled” perfectly, Wilson just missing to turn the centre to good account. A series of exchanges between the half backs ended in Everton getting a free kick, which was accurately placed amongst the thick of the front rank, corner ensuing, from which Lyall beat the ball amongst the players in front. The visitors were soon at the other end, Spikesley and Malloch overcoming several difficulties finally lost their chance when the ball went over the goal line. A short stoppage was then made owing to Wilson being hurt, and on resuming the Evertonians made desperate efforts to get away these were principally owing to sharp dashes along the right wing, but neither Sharp nor Taylor was allowed to get to close quarters. The work of the half backs on either side was hereabouts very close, and consequently the play was mostly confined to the centre. On one occasion a beautiful centre from the right went bobbing to the foot of Spikesley, who was very handy in front of goal, but he got his foot too far underneath the ball, and lifted it over the crossbar. After a brief but futile visit has been paid to Lyall, Wednesday got going on the right wing, Wilson ultimately coming into possession. He went away at a terrific pace, and got clean through. When he had only Kitchen to beat however, the latter completely outwitted him by running out and literally scooping the ball from under the Sheffielder’s feet a magnificent save. A free kick close to the Everton goal led to Bell and Settle running the ball down the home left. When clean through, the leather was sent to Young, who shot very hard, Lyall replying with a fine save. Young fell, and the ball rebounded to Sharp, who scored the second goal for Everton. Just before half-time the Wednesday gained a corner, which was sent behind and the interval came, Half-time score; Everton 2 goals, Sheffield Wednesday Nil.
SETTLE SCORES A THIRD AND A FOURTH FOR EVERTON
A FIFTH GOAL BY SHARP
RUNAWAY VICTORY
DASHING FORWARD DISPLAY
Wilson restarted in the presence of about 15,000 spectators. Everton were the first to make an effective breakaway, and Wolstenholme was very prominent in the course of the move, at the end of which Settle headed in, and nearly captured the Sheffield goal. Just afterwards Lyall brought off a very fine save from bell, and then Young and Sharp were prominent in a further move forward. Suddenly the visitors became busy in front of the home goal, but their efforts were quickly accounted for. Hereabouts rain came on and darkness appeared to be setting in. the homesters recovered themselves, and went for their opponents’ goal strongly, but the defence was too strong for them. Sheffield made a sudden twist on the left, Spikesley getting in a centre, which, however, was not utilised to advantage, and Everton came sailing away in the direction of Lyall, Bell being pulled up by Layton before he could get in his shot. The torrential downpour made the ball very slippery, but notwithstanding this Sheffield were enabled to get in some clever moves, one of which ended in Wolstenholme giving a corner. This proved abortive, but through temporary relief was effected the “Blades” came again, the Everton defence being subjected to a very hot onslaught. Whether the rain was responsible or not, the play was very mediocre at this stage, but later it livened up somewhat, though the exchanges were erratic, and the sustained attacks few and far between. Sheffield were the first to arouse themselves, and Kitchener’s goal was subjected to an attack from the visiting left, the attempts at goal, however, being of a feeble description. The spectators loudly exhorted the home side to “Play up!” and in response Bell dashed along at top speed, but in trying to jimp over Layton, the latter was injured, the referee deeming it necessary to have a few words with the Evertonian. Darkness was now fast approaching. Later on Langley made an attack on Bell, and the Sheffielders occasioned Mr. Adams a displeasure. These unpleasant incidents marred the game, and unnecessary roughness ensued. A quarter of an hour from the finish the light improved wonderfully, and Everton were seen swooping on their opponents’ stronghold. Bell shot in, Lyall clearing; but Settle pounced on the ball in a trice and planted it safely into the net before Lyall could recover himself. In the closing stages of the game Everton completely outplayed the cutlers. From one aggressive mood Young beat Crawshaw beautifully, passing the ball to bell, and, the latter being harassed, gave to Settle. The inside man, dodging round Langley with the utmost complacency, scored a fourth goal in exceedingly clever fashion. Two minutes later Sharp from a corner, scored a fifth goal. Final Result; Everton 5 goals, Sheffield Wednesday Nil.
JUSTICE BUCKNILL AT THE EVERTON MATCH
Mr. Justice Bucknall, who is at present presiding over the Crown Court at the Liverpool Assizes was this afternoon invited by the directors of the Everton club to witness the match at Goodison Park between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday. The learned judge, accompanied by his marshals, arrived before the start of the game, and was taken into the directors’ box where also were assembled the president of the League, Mr. J.J. Bentley. Dr. Whitford, and several other directors and friends. Justice Bucknall evinced keen interest in the game, and was overhead to remark at the interval that he did not wish to miss a particle of the interesting struggle.

EVERTON 5 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0
December 9 1901. The Liverpool Courier
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.

EVERTON v. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 09 December 1901
This match was played at Goodiaon Park in dull weather, and in presence of about 12,000 people. Both teams were fully representative. Play was pretty even, but Everton, though facing the wind, scored after 10 minutes play through Young from a 30 yards' range. The visitors then lost chances through poor shooting. Sharp scored the second goal for Everton, who were leading at the interval by 2 to nil. In the second half Wednesday had a considerable part of the play, but missed chances by wretched shooting. A splendid movement, in which Sharp and Bell were prominent, enabled Settle to score a third goal for Everton ; the same player added a fourth, and Sharp scored another from a corner. Final Everton 5, Sheffield Wednesday nil.

BURNLEY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RERSERVES 3
December 9 1901. The Liverpool Courier Lancashire Combination
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
December 9 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
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.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 09 December 1901
This League match was played at Goodison Park in dull weather, and in the presence of 12,00 people. Both teams were fully represented. Play was pretty even, but Everton though facing the wind, scored after ten minutes’ play through Young from 30 yards range. The visitors lost chances through poor shooting. Sharp scored a second for Everton. Half-time; Everton 2 goals, Wednesday nil. In the second half, Wednesday had a considerable part of he play, but missed chances by wretched shooting. A splendid movement in which Sharp and Bell were prominent, enabled Settle to score a third goal. The same player added a fourth and Sharp scored another from a corner.
Result; Everton 5 Sheffield Wednesday 0
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Sheffield.- Lyall, goal; Layton and Langley (Captain), backs; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin, half-backs; Dryburgh, Chapman, Wilson, Malloch, and Spikesley, forwards. Referee Mr. J Adams.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Sheffield Independent - Monday 09 December 1901
EVERTON FORWARDS IN FINE FORM
The weather at Liverpool on Saturday was dull and threatening, but before half-time there would probably be about 15,000 people present at Goodison Park to see the match between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday. Rain fell for about half an hour during the progress of the game, and at one time it was very difficult to follow the play, a thick cloud of smoke overhanding the ground. Both sides were represented by the same elevens as had done duty the previous week. The ground appeared in good order, but a strong wind upset the calculations of the players at times. Young started for Everton, Wednesday having the wind in their favour. After a brief visit to the Everton end the home forwards made a determined attack on the visitors’ goal, and Layton, Crawshaw and Langley each had to interfere the attack being ended by Settle shooting just wide. Then good work between Malloch and Spikesley saw the left-winger centre right in front of goal, but Balmer got his head to the ball and cleared, whilst a minute later Spikesley shot very wide. After two free kicks against Wednesday had been disposed of, a long pass saw Wilson get the ball on the left wing and centre, but Chapman was too late to take advantage of the pass. The game had only been in progress ten minutes, however when a good movement by Everton resulted in Abbott passing to Young, the last last-named, with a beautiful twenty yards shot, clean beat Lyall and scored the first goal for Everton. After this Wednesday attacked, Malloch twice shooting wide, whilst on a third occasion Spikesley and Malloch between them missed a fine chance. Everton were quickly at the other end, and after smart passing Settle missed by inches only, the ball striking the far pos. then Spikesley got in a lovely centre, though badly hampered, the ball being headed out for a corner. The flag kick was well taken, but Kitchen cleared. At the other end Taylor got in a fine centre, but the ball travelled too fast for the other forwards. The Everton goal then had a couple of very narrow escapes from downfall, a centre off the line by Spikesley finding Wilson right in front of goal, but the centre man headed out, whilst directly after Balmer just got his head to the ball when a goal seemed certain. The game was very fast, and Everton were quickly at the other end, when an unproductive corner was conceded them. Back came the Wednesday men, and a free kick to them eighteen yards from goal was put to no good use. Good work between Chapman, Dryburgh and Wilson ended in the latter dropping the ball in front, but Spikesley missed with a good attempt. With thirty-five minutes gone the Everton goal had a marvellous escape, as Wilson got right through by himself, and seemed a certain scorer, but was evidently upset by Spikesley dashing up, and Kitchen, taking advantage of the momentary hesitation, came out and cleared. Still Wednesday attacked with determination, and it was wonderful how the defence kept up. Three minutes from half-time, from a sudden break away, Bell dashed up the centre. Lyall came out and stopped a good shot from Young, but before he could recover Sharp had put the ball into the net, and scored Everton’s second goal. Before half-time the Sheffielders made a couple of attempts to reduce their opponents’ load, but Kitchen easily saved one shot, whilst a corner was badly placed by Dryburgh, and at the interval Everton were leading by two goals to nothing. On resuming Everton had the wind in their favour, and at once set up an attack on the visitors goal, Lyall twice saving, whilst directly after Lyall saved grandly from a rasping shot by Bell. Rain now began to fall heavily. From a long pass out by Wilson, Spikesley got away and centred, but the other forwards were weak and easily overpowered. Again Everton attacked hotly, but Wednesday defended stubbornly and kept them out. A mistake by Wolstenholme let Spikesley in, but Kitchen rushed out and saved from his centre, giving a corner, which was not, however, improved upon. Still the visitors were doing the most pressing, and two more corners were concerned them, but no good use was made3 of them. Twice after this had Kitchen to come out and kick away from low shots. At length the visitors were driven back, but only momentarily, and clever work by Crawshaw forced another opening, but Chapman failed to hold the ball. From the goal kick the Everton left wing was not going, and when Layton went to stop Bell, the Everton man jumped right into the Sheffielder, bringing him down heavily. The referee cautioned Bell for his conduct. A minute later Langley was cautioned for an attempted foul on Ball. The light had been very bad indeed, but the mist had now cleared and the rain had ceased. With a quarter of an hour to play a bit of scrambling work in Wednesday’s quarters resulted in Settle slipping in and beating Lyall, the ball striking the inside of the far post and giving the custodian no chance whatever. With ten minutes to play the visitors’ defence was again beaten, Bell passing to Settle, who had a clear opening, with no one in front of him but the goalkeeper, and though Lyall came out he was easily beaten a fourth time, and all interest had now gone out of the game. Following a corner kick the Wednesday defence was beaten once more, Sharp adding the fifth goal. Still another corner fell to Everton, and from the Lyall twice saved smartly, though he had to give another one to clear, but from this the ball was shot outside. Nothing further of interest took place, and the game ended;- Everton 5 goals, Sheffield Wednesday 0 goals. Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Sheffield.- Lyall, goal; Layton and Langley (Captain), backs; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin, half-backs; Dryburgh, Chapman, Wilson, Malloch, and Spikesley, forwards. Mr. Adams, acted as referee.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 09 December 1901
At Goodison Park, before about 12,000 spectators. The sides faced as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Sheffield.- Lyall, goal; Layton and Langley (Captain), backs; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin, half-backs; Dryburgh, Chapman, Wilson, Malloch, and Spikesley, forwards.
Mr. Adams, acted as referee.
The Evertonians kicking off against the wind, were quickly pressed back, owing to the Wednesday team advancing in line, but Balmer having checked this move; Sharp dashed away, but was so hampered by Langley and Ruddlesdin that he lost the ball. A half-hearted attempt by the Sheffielders followed, and then Young showed pretty form in the centre, and left Bell to finish, but the last-named was clean baffled by Layton. On the visitors’ left, Spikesley sent in a neat centre, which was very well attended to by Balmer, but the Wednesday soon had the ball back, and there was quite an exciting little time in the vicinity of the Everton goal before the ball was cleared. A spell of midfield play followed, after which Wolstenholme was loudly cheered for pulling up Spikesley. A free kick to Young was responded to by Layton. After a skirmish in midfield, Abbott passed beautifully to Young, who turned sharply round, and with a brilliant shot completely beat Lyall twelve minutes from the start. It was a magnificent goal, and fully deserved the loud plaudits with which it was greeted. A free kick against Everton nearly led to the their downfall, the ball being well placed, and after some moves in front and on the right, the sphere was placed right in front, where, owing to an understanding between Malloch and Spikesley, an almost open goal went a begging. A sudden breakaway was then made by the home side, at the end of which Settle shot for all he was worth, and just missed the mark. Wednesday were by no means idle, and a couple of dangerous centres by Spikesley almost proved disastrous, Balmer once clearing almost miraculously, whilst a second later Dryburgh “middled” perfectly, Wilson just missing to turn the centre to good account. On one occasion a beautiful centre from the right went bobbing to the foot of Spikesley, who was very handy in front of goal, but he got his foot too far underneath the ball, and lifted it over the crossbar. After a brief but futile visit had been paid to Lyall, Wednesday got going on the right wing, Wilson ultimately coming into possession. He went away at a terrific pace, and got clean through. When he had only Kitchen to beat, however, the latter completely outwitted him by running out and literally scooping the ball from under the Sheffielder’s feet, a magnificent save. A free kick close to the Everton goal led to Bell and Settle running the ball down the home left. When clean through, the leather was sent to Young, who shot very hard, Lyall replying with a fine save. Young fell, and the ball rebounded to Sharp, who scored the second goal for Everton. Just before half-time the Wednesday gained a corner, which was sent behind, and the interval came with Everton leading by 2 goals to nil. Wilson restarted. Everton were the first to make an effective breakaway, and Wolstenholme was very prominent in the course of the move, at the end of which Settle headed in, and nearly captured the Sheffield goal. Whether the rain was responsible or not, the play was very mediocre at this stage, but later in livened up somewhat, though the exchanges were erratic, and the sustained attacks few and far between. Sheffield were the first to arouse themselves and Kitchener’s goal was subjected to an attack from the visiting left, the attempts at goal, however, being of a feeble description. A quarter of an hour from the finish the light improved, and Everton swooped on their opponents’ stronghold. Bell shot in, Lyall clearing; but Settle pounced on the ball in a trice and planted it safely into the net before Lyall could recover himself. In the closing stages of the game Everton completely outplayed the cutlers. From one aggressive mood Young beat Crawshaw beautifully, passing the ball to Bell, and, the latter being harassed, gave to Settle. The inside man, dodging round Langley with the utmost complacency, scored as a fourth goal in exceedingly clever fashion. Two minutes later Sharp, from a corner, scored a fifth goal. Final result; Everton 5 goals, Sheffield Wednesday nil.
JUSTICE BUCKNILL AT THE EVERTON MATCH
Mr. Justice Buchnill, who is presiding over the Crown Court at the Liverpool Assises, was invited by the directors of the Everton Club to witness the match. The learned judge, accompanied by his marshals, arrived before the start of the game, and was taken into the directors’ box, where he viewed the game, apparently with much interest.

NOTES ON SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 09 December 1901
The records of the Everton Club for the past two consecutive Saturday’s are-Derby County 3 goals, Everton 1 goal; Everton 5 goals, Sheffield Wednesday nil. The old saying is that comparisons are odious. Sometimes they are, but the above are something more-they are inexplicable and mystifying. At Derby the Everton team fell like an exploded rocket; at Goodison park on Saturday it resembled a buoyant balloon in a good breeze. The latter simile is perhaps a little far-fetched to compare football by, but it will serve to illustrate as well as any other- Everton down, Everton up. Those who witnessed the two games could scarcely believe that it was the same combination of men they were watching. They must have had some “bucking mixture” administered during the week. Whatever the cause, it is satisfactory to note that the “best team in the League” gave some grounds on Saturday afternoon for this reputation, as there was not a flaw anywhere in their play- individual or otherwise. The forward line never showed to better advantage, and nearly every opportunity was made use of. Each of the goals was well deserved, and the one-sided result has given Everton’s goal average- which was getting somewhat too well-balanced -a welcome turn in their favour. The visitors were altogether outplayed, notwithstanding Spikesley’s creditable and persistent efforts to open an account. Lyall also played well in goal. If it were possible to get it, an account of the game-or rather a criticism-from the pencil of Mr. Justice Bucknill, who witnessed it from a good coign of ‘vintage, would be interesting reading for footballers.

EVERTON TOO GOOD FOR BURNLEY
Athletic News - Monday 09 December 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
There was only a small attendance at Turf Moor, where Everton reserve were the visitors. The game was not a good one by any means, and was not nearly so exciting as encounters between the clubs usually are, though as Burnley ran out the winners by 3 to 0 they at least can claim some satisfaction from the game. They were lucky to get the first point allowed, but Everton were the better side, and deserved to win. The shooting generally was of an erratic description.

CAPTAINS OF THE LEAGUE
Athletic News - Monday 09 December 1901
TOM BOOTH
By Tityrus
A Lancashire lad in command of a Lancashire team at the head of the League table of merit epitomises the relationship between Tom Booth and the Everton eleven. Moreover. the captain of Everton thinks that his team is quite likely to secure the championship as any other organisation he has met. It would be idle to deny that the Goodison Park combination have an excellent chance of achieving the ambition of their leader, but at the same time it is patent to the close observer that there are positions which need strengthening, and that a capable understudy to John Bell is a desirable acquisition. It is a far cry from December to the end of April, but, even so, Booth is sanguine enough to think that Everton will,for the second time in their history, secure the highest honours of the tournament. These will be gained if the matter rests upon the loyalty and the energy of the captain, for Tom Booth, at centre half-back is a force both for defence and offence, and a player who sets a fine example both on the field and off enclosure. The expression of such an opinion is made despite the fact that during this season Booth has been censured by the governing authorities for not supplying a referee with the name of an offending player. Moreover Booth feels grieved that he should have been condemned without hearing and without even being asked for an explanation. When the unfortunate incident occurred between Everton and Aston Villa, Booth, as I understand, was mixed up in a collision of his own, and was so situated that he never saw what took place behind him, and that when he was asked by the referee for the name of one of the Everton players he did not know who was meant, and could not tell the offending player. Booth has gained a chivalrous reputation which he does not think should be besmirched without being allowed to say a word on his own behalf. But be this as it may, I believe that Booth is one of those who are more inclined to assist referees than to make their duties more arduous and unpleasant. As a player Booth possesses speed, accurate kicking powers and placing abilities, strong tackling faculties, and rare resources when in difficulties. Extremely critical of himself, he is not likely to suffer from conceit or any other form of vanity. A plain Lancashire lad with little to say, he feels that his play can be left to speak for itself. Born on the25th of April, 1874, at Pin Mill Brow. Ardwick, Tom Booth is proud of thefact that he is Manchester born and bred, for he was brought up in the village of Holley Hill, where he learned the trade of a felt hatter. The building of head-gear did not allow him to neglect footwork, for he was the right half-back to the Hooley Hill football club. As an amateur with a passion for the game he lost no opportunity of playing with his club, which met most of the neighbouring hamlets. After a season with the Hillmen he became attached as a  professional to Ashton North End, although he still followed his business. At that time- 1893-94—Ashton belonged to a purely local the League- the Manchester Federation. But with such an accession of strength Ashton joined the Combination and coming out at the head of the table with 31 points out of a possible 40 in 1894-5. they next became affiliated to the Lancashire league. In this company Booth had every chance to improve and make a name. Although playing occasion at full back, he generally appeared at right half-back, and it was conceded on all sides that he was the best half-back in the League. In 1895-6 he was captain of the Ashton club, and it was in this reason that he was selected to play for the Reat of the Lancashire League against the winners of the competition, Nelson, who managed secure a victory. With so many first class clubs in the county it was not possible that Booth's merits could remain unknown. Emissaries of the Blackburn saw him play, and returned with wondrous tales of his prowess. The Rovers appealed to the secretary of the Ashton North End for his services, but so far from allowing him to leave, this comparatively minor club advanced Booth's salary so as to keep him the end of the season. Beyond that Ashton were powerless, and in May, 1896. Booth appended his signature to a League form, and became attached to the Blackburn Rovers, who retained him for four seasons.
At the beginning of his career with the famous Rovers in 1896-97 Booth played right half-back, and very rapidly enhanced his reputation, but in 1897-98. when George Anderson was an absentee, he moved to centre half-back, and was so successful that, he has retained that position ever since.  it was during his time that Booth participated in the most exciting match of his career. It the League fixture at Blackburn between the Rovers and Aston Villa. With the Villa then at the zenith of their power, for they were the holders the Association Cup and the champions of the league, their advent at Ewood Park was a great event, and apparently there was little hope for the Light Blues, who were then one of the weakest teams in the tourney. But the uncertainty of football ever been one of its chief charms, and this game on September 25, 1897. did furnish a surprise. Although there had been no scoring in the first half, no fewer than six goals were registered in 18 minutes of the second period. With the record three each, a most interesting struggle wav seen, and five minutes from the close the game was still even. But then Briercliffe put on a point which gave the Rovers the lead. The Villa struggle like heroes to retrieve themselves. They were all round the Rovers’ citadel, and Knowles repelled a fine shot in the last second, so that victory was gained 4—3. Booth still cherishes the memory of this game as the most exciting he ever played. It was during the latter half of the season of 1898-99 that the sterling qualities of Booth were rewarded by his the electionto the office of captain of the Rovers when George Anderson retired. During this time Booth certainly played one of the greatest games of his life in the Association Cup-tie between Liverpool and the Rovers on January 28. 1899. ‘Tis true Liverpool won 2 -0 at Anfield, but the representative of the “Athletic News” expressed the opinion that they did not deserve to do so. I well remember that “Loiterer,” the correspondent who discussed the match, declared that Booth played a great game, and clever as Cox and Walker were on the left wing of Liverpool, they met their master. “The light-haired youth.,' wrote ” Loiterer of Booth, “stood out prominently all through the game.  And yet again, in another National Cup-tie, which the Rovers suffered a reverse, did the manoeuvring of Booth stand out in bold relief compared with that of his colleagues. This was the tie on February 17, 1900. against Preston North End, when the Deepdale prevailed by the bare score of 1-0. It will be recalled that Henderson secured the only goal five minutesfrom the finish. In that bustling tie Booth was seen at hisbest. But  1899-1900 was his last, season with the Rovers, who were very loth to lose his services.
Indeed, some little time elapsed before the Rovers consented to his transfer to Everton, whither he desired to move, almost entirely because possessed of the idea that he needed a change of scene. Thus the prevent is his second season with Everton and his first as captain, so that he is naturally very anxious to crown the campaign by annexing the championship. Booth is certainly playing well as ever, as even if he laments that he is not getting goals. During one season with the Rovers he notched no fewer than nine goals from centre half-back, and he is anxious to emulate that feat —but somehow the goals do not arrive. They may do; one never knows. At any rate, the Everton team are showing fine football, and are in no ways handicapped because Booth has not, been shaking the netting. In 1898 Booth had the honour of playing for England against Wales at Wrexham, but some critics were not too lavish in their praise of him. As usually does, Booth played unselfish game. Frequently he subordinatedhimself in the interests of his side, but I am afraid that self-assertion counts tor more on such occasions. At any rate, he was not asked to play again that spring, but in 1899 he received a hurried invitation to appear at the Crystal Palace on the chance of playing as reserve man in the North v. South trial match. After a hard match on the Saturday, and an injury to boot, he was not fit to play on the Tuesday, but did so at a moment’s notice against, such a left wing asCalvey and Vassell.  They played in splendid style, and Booth s still waiting for hiscap against Scotland, which all men covet with such keenness. In addition to these honours Booth has taken part in two inter-league games against Ireland, at Belfast and Manchester. For the curious on such matters I  may add that Booth, who stands 5ft 10in and weighs 12st. has played club cricket and distinguished himself as a batsman. All the same, he is not too enamoured of cricket, as it seems so unexciting after the winter sport, although it is good to watch on summer’s day during the close season. Next to football he finds delight, in the science of billiards, and ashe occasionally complies three-figure breaks it is small wonder that he won the last handicap in the old Liberal Club at Audenshaw, and the first event of its kind in the new club. Moreover, Booth believes that Everton could beat any team in the League at billiards. Are they to be champions in a dual sense?

A BIG VICTORY FOR EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 09 December 1901
By The Loiterer
A few weeks ago Sheffield Wednesday came to Liverpool and created consternation in the camp of the champions, mingled with surprise in the breasts of the public generally, by scoring a victory over the Anfielders. They paid another visit on Saturday last, to tackle the Everton eleven, and it is questionable whether their most recent performance did not produce more astonishment than their previous success had done. A five clear defeat requires some explaining away, and in justice to the visitors it be must admitted that they did not deserve to be vanquished by such a pronounced margin. They were an inferior team in one most important respect, namelyin levelling shots at goal, and this weakness was the cause of their ruin. A distinguished coterie witnessed their discomfiture from the directors’ box, including Justice Bucknall, who,freed from his labours at the Assizes, which have been held at St. George’s Hall, graced the proceedings with Ins presence. His lordship is a genuine sportsman, and thoroughly enjoyed the game, which, in spite of the one-sidedness of the scoring, was extremely interesting. Both teams were atfull strength, and, as a matter of fact, were identical with those which had done duty the previous week.
WELL-CONTESTED HALF
There was nothing to choose between the teams up to the interval, notwithstanding that in this period Everton obtained a lead of two clear goals. The visitors have only to thank their blundering in front of goal that theirs scores were not level at breathing time. Everton opened their account after ten minutes’ play, through Young, who, receiving a pass from Settle, cleverly worked an opening for himself, and when twenty yards from goal directed a fast rising shot into the top corner of the rigging, which completely baffled Lyall. But the “Blades” were not daunted by this revere, and Spikesley was a most prominent feature in the subsequent attacks on the home goal. A beautiful centre from him was fisted away by Kitchen at the expense of a corner, and few minutes later, another cross planted the ball straight to Wilson, who had only the custodian to face, but he headed a long way outside. As if to equalise matters somewhat, Wilson planked the leather in another raid clean to Spikesley, who again had the goal at his mercy, but his shot soared gaily into the circumambient air. Thus the Wednesday forwards frittered away their chances; but not so the home attackers, who were always dangerous when in possession. Two other failures were credited to the “Blades” before the interval. Clever work by their right wing placed the ball well in front of goal, and either Malloch or Spikesley could have scored without effort, but each left the chance to the other, and meantime the sphere rolled calmly over the line. Then Wilson got clean through, but when he reached the penally line. Kitchen came out and succeeded in dispossessing the sturdy Sheffielder. Sandwiched between these exciting incidents, the home forwards had indulged in some clever movements, and the left wing was a particular source of trouble to the Sheffield defence. Settle and Bell got away, and the latter crossed to Young, who dodged the backs and shot, but, Lyall cleared, only, however, to find his creditable work dispelled by Sharp, who dashed up and put on the second goal. It will be seen, therefore, that Everton were certainly fortunate in leading at half-time. K
EVERTON ESTABLISH THEIR SUPREMACY.
Afterwards Everton took matters more thoroughly under their control, and the “ Blades” were fairly romped round in the closing stages. They, however, had to face the wind, and what was worse, a driving rain pelted pitilessly into their faces. Still, they did not refrain from missing chances, for Wilson again, near goal, failed to utilise an accurate centre from Spikesley. They had few openings after this, and for a time Sharp and the Sheffield backs monopolised the play, the right-winger driving in some splendid centres, which were repelled with equal persistency by the opposition defence. Bell and Layton got at loggerheads, and both were spoken to by the referee, and shortly afterwards the linesman had to call Mr. Adams’ attention to Langley, who had wandered across to Bell’s wing. At length one of Sharp’s centres came to Settle, who scored a splendid goal from a most difficult position, and keeping up the pressure, the same player pounced on a pass from Young, who had beaten Layton, and getting close in, easily put the fourth point. Lyall saved splendidly from Booth, but Sharp fifth from a well-placed corner gained by him, and thus the “Blades” had the edge taken off them.
EVERTON SHARPSHOOTERS ON THE MARK
In general play there was not a difference of five goals between the teams, but in shooting there absolutely no comparison. Everton had the pleasing experience of making the most of every opening; whereas Sheffield could do nothing right in front of goal. The home forwards played a capital game, and whilst never reaching a brilliant standard, they kept pounding away until they had their opponents pretty well ground up at the finish. Settle was in rare trim, and his first goal, the third of the match, was a very fine feat.  Sharp was conspicuous by his accurate centres, his speed enabling him to repeatedly get the better of the defence which faced him. At the other extremity Bell was equally effective, and altogether the front line was eminently satisfactory. There was any amount of nippiness about their work, and they banged the ball at Lyall as if they to brook no opposition. The half-backs gave them every assistance, despite the fact that they had all their work cut out by the smartness of the visiting forwards midfield. All worked unceasingly and with excellent effect, whilst further behind. Balmer and Eccles defended with grim obstinacy. Kitchen had one or two teasing shots, but the Sheffield forwards were very lenient with him, and he was unable to deal with the majority of their attempts to find the net owing to the limitations of the length of his trusty arm. His smartest performance was when he raced out to meet Wilson and took the ball from his toes, thereby saving what appeared a certain goal.
SHEFFIELD MARKSMEN OFF COLOUR
The “Blades” lacked one essential to their chance of success, and whilst their midfield work was up to the scoring of the third goal well executed, they blundered and doubly blundered when nothing should have prevented them from scoring. They mulled chances that might with ease have been utilised by the verist novice on a field, Spikesley performed valiant deeds on the left wing, his runs and centres being admirable. But, “cui bono?” The inside men, and even the fleet winger himself could not level a deadly shot, no matter where the chance occurred. Dryburgh seems a smart forward, and, indeed, the whole line shaped well until the goal post loomed in the near distance, and then away vanished their skill. In the last quarter of an hour they became very ragged, and the success of their opponents, coupled with their own futile endeavours, no doubt begun to prey upon their conscience. The pick of the half-backs was Ferrier, and indeed it might in rhyme and reason be said that he was a terrier. Crawshaw was not so prominent as usual, and the half-back division was nothing like the trio that performed so well at Anfield. The full backs also fell away in the second half, consequent upon the worrying attentions of the Everton forwards, and their weakness begun to be noticeable in their feeble clearances, but Lyall could not be blamed for the heavy defeat, as he had no possible chance with any of the shots that found the net. Teams;-
Everton,- Kitchen; Balmer and Eccles; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell.
Sheffield Wednesday,- Lyall; Layton and Langley (Captain); Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin; Dryburgh, Chaapman, Wilson, Malloch, and Spikesley.  Referee.- J. Adams, Birmingham.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
The Athletic News- Monday, December 9, 1901
By the Loiterer
There was quite a reversed of form in the results of the matches between the clubs of the two cities, Everton turning a draw of last season into a substantial win, whilst Liverpool went down.

NEW CENTRE FORWARD FOR EVERTON.
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 10 December 1901
We are informed that the Everton Football Club have just made an important acquisition to their playing ranks in the person of Bowman, of East Stirlingshire. Bowman is 20 years of age, is 5ft. 10in. high, and weighs 12st. He is reported to be fast, resourceful, and a deadly shot. The Glasgow Rangers and the Celtic and other first-class organisations have made repeated efforts to secure his services, and the Everton officials must be complimented upon having carried off the prize.

EVERTON’S BIG VICTORY
Football Chat and Athletic World- Tuesday, December 10, 1901
By “Merseyman”
It was a regular instance of Liverpool v. Sheffield on Saturday, for whereas the Wednesday eleven of this latter ilk came to Goodison Park after League points, the League champions were at Bramell lane endeavouring to keep up their fine “away” record with Sheffield United. ‘Tis the former match which I am called upon to deal with in this column. The fixture attracted considerable attention, for had we not coupled Everton, the team which, including goal average, had raked in more points than any other First Divisioner, and Sheffield Wednesday, the team that had to date dropped fewer points than ant other rival? Then the keen followers of the invigorating pastime at this nippy period of the season had not forgotten how the Blades cut down Liverpool most deservedly at Anfield Road in October, winning by 2 goals to 1. Also that the Wednesday boys had drawn (1 goal all) both at Goodison and Anfield last in season. Everton relied upon the team which seven days before had led by a goal at Derby after seventy-five minutes'play, and then lost their heads to the Peakites ; whilst Sheffield Wednesday, the fourth week in succession, were unchanged ; in fact, Dryburgh, for Davis at outside -right, was the only alteration from the team that claimed the famous victory on Anfield's playing field. Although the morning opened very dull, rain threatening every moment, the watery element held aloof sufficiently to enable a crowd 17,000 strong to assemble and witness one "forty-five" in comparative comfort; but no sooner had the teams crossed over than the watering-the can was tipped to an alarming extent, and for twenty minutes both players anduncovered spectators had a sorry time of it. Truly 'J. P. was none other than a disturber of the piece and peace. Mention of this gentleman reminds one that an interested spectator of the game was Mr. Justice Bucknill, who is presiding over the Crown Court at our Liverpool Assizes. As he also graced the proceedings at Anfield Road seven days earlier, it is quite apparent the grand game of Association football lends itself to personages of eminence. This is a good sign, and worthy the notice of would-be traducers. But to the match. The early proceedings presaged little of what was to follow, as both sets of contestants for a while were content to treat the fray as but of minor importance, and more than the odd time did I fear the perfect nonchalance with which first one and then another Everton defender would display in meeting various Wednesday attacks might end in disaster. It's very pretty to coolly keep an opponent off to allow the ball to go over the goal-line: but such tactics do not always come off ; in fact, it was this sort of thing enabled the Blades to secure their only goal here last season. However, the game eventually settled down in real earnest, and for a time proceeded in even lines. Both sets of forwards gave evidence of being in good trim, and those of Evertonwere destined to prove such to demonstration ere the allotted ninety minutes had run their course. Then, at the end of twelve minutes' play, Young finishedup some capital offensive movements on the part of Abbott by scoring a fine goal. He shot without hesitation from fully 25yds  range, and the ball entered the near corner of the net like a flash, Lyall not having the slightest chance to arrest its flight. Young's success was the signal for a tremendous outburst, as the point was his initial League goal. A little later hesitancy on the part of Spikesley robbed the Blades of a rattling opportunity to equalise. Fred evidently was wrapped up in watching his comrade Wilson, who was in close proximity to the ball; butalas! an Evertonian prevented the dangerous centre-forward getting into real touch with it. At the other end just, afterwards, Settle made a very good attempt to add to Everton's lead; but this pleasing duty devolved upon Sharp prior to the interval, the popular outside-right getting a home with Lyall out of goal, whither the latter had wandered in the hope of ultimately clearing a hot shot from Young. To half-time the game was as even as it was exciting, and few were prepared for the manner in which Everton were destined to achieve a most pronounced victory. On turning round, as aforementioned, it rained heavily, and Everton apparently must need reign, clever tactics in working the ball mi. I too! The visiting defence held out for some considerable time, but about twenty minutes from the finish Settle splendidly scored a third goal, and a little later, supplemented it with another in about as cool a fashion as it has ever been my lot to witness. The Blades toiled along hopelessly in the rear, and their discomfiture was complete when Sharp clapped on a fifth. Everton's accuracy in front of the posts was wonderful. The halves were at their best, and also the defence. As for Wednesday, they began promisingly, but appeared to lose heart. I have never seen their half-back line shine less, and both backs were off colour, and also got into the crowd's bad books, particularly Layton, who was guilty of a few reprehensible tricks against Jack Bell. Individualising briefly, I may add that Kitchen, both with feet, hands. aye! and head, made some good clearances. Balmer and Eccles were up to concert pitch' whilst Booth was the best of a fine half-back line. Forward, Young gave further evidence of development. He distributes most judiciously, and shot more confidently than hitherto. Jack Sharp played brilliantly, and made a complete hack of Ruddlesdin. He was the best man on the field. Taylor is scarcely his old bright self yet. I said something last week' anent Bache being England's inside-left of the future. Kindly note James Settle is England's inside -left of the present! Artistic wasn't in it with the ex-Shaker, who has now brought his goal record up to 13. Bell also played well, and under considerable provocation. Only Spikesley, Wilson, Malloch, Ferrier, and Lyall did themselves justice in the visiting team. Everton's points and goals for form pleasant reading just now. Attendance: 17,000. Everton: Kitchen; Balmer and Eccles; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott; J. Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell. Sheffield Wednesday: Lyall; Layton and Langley; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin; Dryburgh, Chapman, Wilson, Malloch, and Spikesley. Referee: Mr. J. Adams, Birmingham.

MR ADAMS OF BIRMINGHAM CAN SMILE AT HIS CRITIC
Football Chat and Athletic World- Tuesday, December 10, 1901
If any referee in England can ignore the criticism of newspaper men respecting his management of football matches, it assuredly is Mr. Adams of Birmingham, and I fancy he will smile at the following criticism of his Saturday work, which is taken from yesterday’s “Sheffield Independent”;- “And now a word as to the referee. Not in the way of an excuse for Wednesday’s big defeat, for there was nothing very wrong with any of the goals scored by Everton, with the exception of the second one, which was open to question. It was in the way he allowed some of the players to kick and hack where Mr. Adams was so greatly at fault. Bell was the biggest sinner, and ti may be that his attentions to Layton will put the player out of action for a week, for there is no doubt he was badly damaged, though he stayed the match out. Ruddlesdin got a nasty kick on the ankle, and taking the match all though, there was a lot of very dirty work that was allowed to pass- possibly it escaped Mr. Adams’ notice but one or other of the officials should have seen it. Just before the finish of the game, and after Bell deliberately fouled Layton, Langley was seen by the linesman to attempt to foul Bell, and called the referee’s attention to the incident and Langley was spoken to about it. There cab be no question but that Everton thoroughly deserved to win, and they are a clever enough team without any of them resorting to shady tactics.”

TOFFEES TRIUMPH AT TURF MOOR.
Burnley Express - Wednesday 11 December 1901
There was only a small attendance at Turf Moor on Saturday, when Burnley and Everton Reserves met. The home side was made up of the following players:—Faulkner, Dixon, Howarth, Jackson, Ridsdale, Driver, Sutcliffe, Hargreaves, Sawley, Watkins, and Dickinson. 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, but Everton were the more dangerous, and Faulkner, the home custodian, saved, after which Burnley threatened two or three times. Everton responded by a dangerous attack on the left, and Burnley retaliated with two or three assaults, but found the visitors' backs too good. The visitors had another look in, and wrested a corner. Burnley transferred operations, and the Everton custodian saved smartly, and then the ball struck the crossbar. The home goal then had a very narrow escape, and for time Burnley had to defend, several spirited attacks being waged. After even play Burnley put on pressure, but Everton returning, threatened seriously two or three times. There was no score at the interval. After the change ends play favoured the visitors, though Burnley at times put on pressure. In ten minutes the visitors opened their account from a run down on the left, but there was a strong suspicion of off-side about the business. Some twenty minutes later the second was notched, and a third followed in another five minutes. Everton had ail the best matters, and won by three to nil. The game was not a good one, and the referee had anything but pleasant experience, few of his decisions meeting with the approval of the onlookers, many whom seemed to enjoy the fun.

Bowman
Portsmouth Evening News - Thursday 12 December 1901
The Everton club have just secured the services of another promising player, having signed a centre forward, named Bowman, from East Stirlingshire. Bowman, who has made a great reputation with his club, is twenty years age, stands 5ft. 10in. high, and weighs 12st. He is reported to be fast, clever, and a good shot at goal.

SAD DEATH OF A LOCAL JOURNALIST.
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 12 December 1901
Sketch of His Career.
A wide circle of friends in Liverpool will hear with profound regret of the death of Mr. Harry Pewtriell, a member of the reporting staff of the ‘“ Manchester Evening News.” About a month ago he underwent an operation for the cure of deafness, and although” for a time he seemed to be on a fair way to recovery he never completely wore off its effects, and died yesterday from abscess in the brain. While yet a youth he joined the literary staff of the * Liverpool Courier”” and “ Express.” Quick - witted, observant, and gifted with a wealthof language, chastened by an excellent literary style, he speedily attracted attention,and from time to time there was assigned to him work of an important nature—work which he accomplished to the satisfaction of the administrators of the journals named, and of the general public. In the earlier stages of his journalistic career he identified himself prominently with Association football. From the time that the Everton Football Club became a first-class organisation he, as a pressman, followed its fortunes, and by his accurate and vivid descriptions of matches, as well as by his positive genius in the discernment of the comic side of things, he did much to foster and popularise the Association code in this district. His ““ Free Lance” articles were read and treasured by the enthusiasts of the game, who, when the articles first appeared, were comparatively few in number. Of a most genial disposition, he was beloved by all his colleagues in the profession to which he belonged, and of which he was so proud. In the year 1896 he was the hon. secretary of the Liverpool Press Club, and when, four and a half years ago, he decided to leave this city for Manchester, no more striking tribute to a journalist’s worth and popularity could have been desired than was furnished by the presentation to Mr. Pewtriell of a handsome gift subscribed to by representatives of all the Liverpool, newspapers and by numerous friends who had been associated with him in football and general journalistic work. As a member of the staff of the “Manchester Evening News,”” he even enhanced the reputation which he had acquired in his native city. 'To quote the words of the journal which latterly he had served so faithfully, “ No one ever heard from him a harsh word; his kindly nature won for him troops of friends. His contributions to this journal were numerous and varied, and, if we may say so, displayed talent of a very high order.” His Manchester colleagues showed their estimate of Mr. Pewtriell’s qualifications, both from a journalistic and social point of view by electing him hon. secretary of the Manchester Press Club. To a host of friends Mr. Pewtriell’s death at the early age of 33 is a subject of the keenest regret, but his memory will long be cherished by all who had the privilege of being associated with him, either | personally or professionally.

FORFAR PLAYER FOR EVERTON.
Dundee Evening Post - Friday 13 December 1901
BOWMAN. OF ST JOHNSTONE, STANLEY, &c.
Tom Bowman, the well-known player, has just signed a professional form for Everton. Tom served apprenticeship as a grocer, and began his football career in the Forlar Celtic, one of leading junior clubs of the county town. He afterwards took servive as an attendant of Murthly Asylum, and while there played for Stanley, and oocasionally jor Johnstone. He played brilliantly in matches of these clubs, attracting much attention, and out of a number of clubs competing for his services East Stirlingshire managed to secure his signatuie. As stated Everton has secured his transfer, the terms being, it is said, £100 to East Stirlingshire and £3 a week to the player.

TODAY TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 14 December 1901
EVERTON v  NOTTS COUNTY
League match at Nottingham; Kick-off at 2.30
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
EVERTON COMBINATION v ROSSENDALE UNITED
Combination match at Goodison Park; Kick-off at 2.30;
Everton.- Muir, goal; Sharp and Watson, backs; Boyle, Clarke, and Brown, half-backs; Makepeace, Paterson, Proudfoot, Bone and Chadwick, forwards.

EVERTON COMBINATION v ROSSENDALE UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 14, 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Beautiful weather favoured this fixture at Goodison Park this afternoon, the sun shinning brilliantly when the teams lined up as follows;
Everton;- Muir, goal; Sharp and Watson, backs; Boyle, Clarke, and Brown, half-backs; Roche, Paterson, Proudfoot, Bone and Singleton, forwards.
Rosendale.- Dimsdale, goal; Heyes, and Higham, backs; Haslam, Howard, and Lucas, half-backs; Morris, Taylor, Hoare, Melly, and Waddington, forwards.
Rossendale kicked off against a strong wind, Everton assuming the aggressive from the outset. Smart work by the home front rank resulted in Proudfoot defeating Dimsdale after the game had been in progress for about ten minutes. The pressure was maintained by the “Blues” who through the agency of Singleton augmented the score. The United by a good movement got well up and looked dangerous. Muir, however, rushed out and forced the invaders to beat a hasty retreat. Everton settled round the Rossendale goal, and a couple of abortive corners fell to the home team. The Everton quintet were playing a grand game. Roche added a third goal for the “Blues” and shortly afterwards Proudfoot almost lowered the colours of the United, Dimsdale saving a shot when under the bar. The Rossendale defence was subjected to hot pressure, but at length the pressure was temporarily relieved play setting in midfield for a little time. Everton, however, were soon swarming round the Rossendale defence, Proudfoot having an inefficient shot at goal. Rossendale then got away on the left, and got close in, Kelly ending up a good move by shooting in. Muir having no difficulty in saving. The leather was taken to the other end, where some smart play was shown by both teams. After a brief incursion into Everton territory by the United the Blues got down again, and kept the Rossendale defenders busy. Singleton shot over the bar. Good work was shown by Kelly, the visitors inside left. Everton to the interval kept up the attack, and Paterson put on a fourth goal for the home team before half-time. Everton 4 goals, Rossendale nil.
Resuming, Everton continued to have the best of matters, and repeatedly attacked the United’s goal. During a scrimmage in Rossendale’s goalmouth the ball was handled. The penalty kick was taken by Boye, resulting in a firth goal for the home team. One of the Rossendale players being injured, had to be assisted off the ground. Singleton added a sixth goal.
Final; Everton Reserve 6 goals, Rossendale United 1

NOTTS COUNTY  v  EVERTON
Football News (Nottingham) - Saturday 14 December 1901
Notts; H. Pennington, goal; G. Lewis and J. Montgomery, backs; R. Innes, W. Bull (Captain), and E. McDonald, half-backs; A. Hadley, and A. Warner, right wing; W. Ross, centre; P. Humphreys, and E. Gee, left wing.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp and Taylor, right wing; Young, centre; Settle and J. Bell, forwards. Referee; Mr. A Kingscott, Derby.
Everton, who were the visitors to Trent Bridge to-day, had good cause to remember their last visit to the city, when they were worsted by the Foresters by no fewer than four clear goals; so that the “magpies” had the greater reason to expect a lively ninety minutes, and all the more so because the " seesiders” were naturally anxious to make secure their hold upon the leading position in the table. Remembering the many failures of the Notts. team this season it too much to expect them to come victorious out of to-day's trial; and the record of previous happenings did not strengthen the idea. Everton and Notts first came together in 1887, and in all the teams have met on 23 occasions. Everton have beensuccessful 12 times, against Notts. seven, and have scored 48 goals against 33. Everton  had never this season been lower than sixth rung of the ladder, and for eight out of the fourteen weeks they had actually been at the top. whereas Notts, had never been higher than sixth, and for eleven out of the fourteen had figured in the last eight. Everton had also shown some ability away from home, as victories over Sunderland and Grimsby, and is draw with Aston Villa testified, and they were so keenly intent upon securing the League championship once more that they came with the full determination to revenge at the expense of Notts. the defeat sustained at the hands of their neighbour.. It was some little consolation to know that the "magpies" at home had secured eleven points out of a possible sixteen, defeats by Newcastle United and Aston Villa, and a draw with Liverpool alone soiling the record; but alas! September form had waned, and no one now dared to do anything than hope for the best. There were further changes In the side to-day. Jack Morris was dropped, Humphreys crossing over to partner Gee, which arrangement let Warner in again on the right wing in association with Hadley. Then Prescott was unable to turn out owing to an injury received at Stoke, and the services of Montgomery were requisitioned in the back division. Needless to say, Everton after their splendid win over Sheffield Wednesday, did not interfere with the side, Eccles retaining his position as left despite the reported capture of a Stirlingshire player.
THE GAME
Considering the frightful weather experienced lately the ground was in very fair condition, but the attendance shockingly meagre, owing to the continued wild and wintry nature of the elements; and when Young started the game there would not be more than a thousand people on the ground. Bull, upon winning the toss, decided to attack the Gamson-lane goal during the first 45 minutes, having the advantage of a cold and hysterical wind. The exchange at the outset went somewhat in favour of the visitors, whose forwards kept a firm foothold on the slippery turf, and several times got within striking distance. But Pennington was only once called upon, owing to the stubbornness of Lewis and Montgomery, and then it was only a chance shot which might have rolled over the line had the custodian thought fit to let it. Eccles three time in immediate succession pulled Hadley and Warner up when the pair were endeavouring to initiate passing runs, and Bull also was applauded for a neat piece of robbing against Young. A neat feed by Innes gave Hadley an opportunity to show his speed, which he did by racing past Abbott in fine style and centreing; but Balmer cleared his lines only to see the homesters return to the attack from a free kick given in mid-field against Booth for pushing. The leather bobbed about in dangerous fashion under Kitchen's nose until Eccles punted it clear, and Young then led an incursion into Notts. territory.
PENNINGTON HAD TO LEAVE HIS CHARGE
to get rid of a long one when the backs had been passed, and owing to some juggling between him and the Everton forwards the leather came out from among them and appeared likely to roll over the goal line; but, happily for Notts. Lewis reached it before Settle could, and managed to retrieve the position. The next few minutes were taken up with some not particularly interesting football in the Everton part of the field, but things became a trifle more exciting when Sharp and Taylor pluckily attempted to circumvent McDonald and Montgomery. The two Notts, men, assisted by Bull, succeeded in holding this pair safe until the sturdy little football-cricketer cleverly wormed through and banged one in dead on Pennington, who punted away before the ball dropped—a pretty piece of custodianship. The Evertonians, however, returned to their business with alacrity, and Lewis and Innes very nearly brought about the downfall of their goal. Bell and Settle, after same neat passing, got right down into the twelve yards limit, and owing to the defence failing to tackle them each was given an opportunity to fix himself in shooting position. They failed to score, however, owing to over-anxiousness, and the homesters obtained temporary relief when Ross and his right wing made considerable ground in the direction of Kitchen. But the Everton halves and backs were too good, and Notts, had to return empty-handed. Some anxiety was caused to their defence by a centre from Bell almost on the goal line, which Lewis dealt with, and then followed a series of brisk attacks against the “seasiders.” Lewis went up among the forwards, and he, Warner, and Humphreys all had shies at Kitchen, who saved a beauty from the last-named in fine style. A mis kick by Lewis let in Bell, who put in a fine centre, which rolled right across goal, but none of his partners were sufficiently well up to accept the chance. A sharp and incisive burst by Settle and Bell enabled the visitors to again make headway, and a rather prolonged attack only culminated with a foul again Taylor for “hands.” From the Bull obtained possession, and passing out to Hadley, the latter with the assistance of Warner was enabled to cross the ball to Gee, who slipped at the critical moment. Twice Pennington made marvellous saves from Sharp and Taylor, but still the visitors generally held the upper hand, though the wind was greatly in favour of the homesters. Nothing of interest occurred up till half-time, which arrived with no score. Notts 0 Everton 0
when the game was resumed the attendance had increased to about 4,000, which was by no means so bad, under the circumstances. Straight from the kick off Ross and Humphreys got away, and the latter passing out to Gee, the outside left had distinctly bad luck with a cross-shot, which cannoned off Wolstenholme. The wind, which was now strongly in favour of the visitors, spoilt good play time after time, and well-directed shots sailed over the cross-bar with irritating frequency. Young, the visitors’ centre, once got clean through, and managed to put in a fine shot, which Pennington adroitly saved, despite the fact that he was tripped when just in the act of shooting-an offence which escaped the keen eyes of Mr. Kingscott. A quick rush by Sharp, followed by a cross-shot by Bell, gave the former a glorious chance, but the Lancastrian cricketer unaccountably missed, his shot going quite ten yards wide of the goal. On several occasions when the home team were on the offensive, what appeared to be promising positions were nullified by the poor passes of Humphreys, who was by no means comfortable in his new position at inside left. Sterling work by the visitors; halves brought severe pressure on the home goal, and Pennington was on more than one occasion.
CALLED UPON TO HANDLE
shots directed from twenty yards' range, fired in by the visitors forwards and halves, who were greatly assisted by the strong gale which blew. From a throw-in on the visitors' left the Everton men got in the Notts, half, and Settle, obtaining possession some fifteen yards from goal, put in an irresistible, shot, which opened the scoring after a quarter of an hours play. Following this Notts, immediately made reprisals, and a series of volleys into the visitors' goal were accompanied by the vociferous encouragement of the spectators. By means of a clever dribble and run by Bell the visitors, however, obtained release, and, Lewis, failing to clear from a bully in the goalmouth, Taylor added a second point with a shot which gave Pennington no chance. Just prior to this McDonald, who had been limping for some considerable time, found it necessary to leave the field, and the home team were now left with ten men to fight out the game. Innes and Bull , strove hard to assist the home forwards, but with little effect, the right wing being painfully weak. Gee broke away on the home left, and from his centre Kitchen was called upon to save a fine effort by Ross, who dodged Eccles and put in a trimmer, but the visitors' custodian effected a fine save at the expense of a fruitless corner. Humphreys had now dropped back into McDonald's place, and the Notts. attack, which had been painfully weak throughout, now developed into scrambling, "kick and rush" effort, which was easily stemmed by Eccles and Balmer. Innes worked very hard in his endeavour to set Hadley and Warner going, but when nicely placed the latter shot miserably. As "time" approached the Everton attack grew more assertive, and though Lewis and Montgomery defended strenuously the visitors' forwards were generally round the Notts, goal, which had a narrow escapewhen Young cleverly beat Bull and fired in a low, sneaking shot, which hit the upright and glanced across the mouth of the goal and over the goal-line. Abbott, on one almost "rang the bell" with a splendid shot, which grazed the crossbar as it flew over with the force of a stone from a catapult. This was almost the last item of note, however, and with the ball in midfield Mr. Kingscott sounded "cease fire," the score being—Everton 2 Notts 0.
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
It was a well-contested game, fought out in the best of spirts, and the result a fair reflex of the fortress of the game. One might have looked forward to a display of really clever tactics on the part of the Everton forwards, but the slippery state the turf rendered it a difficult matter to obtain the good foothold which is requisite for close dribbling and combination.
It is very regrettable to announce it, but the face still remains that this defeat was merited from a playing point of view, as well as from an ill-advised formation of the team. Whatever may have been the result of previous matches one could always rely upon having at least one clever and effective wing, but the action of the Notts, directors in leaving out Morris rendered both wings weak.
Never did either of them nicely together, and their play was ragged throughout, opponents being given needless possession of the ball on countless occasions.
In the initial half the play of the home team ought to have been greatly assisted by the gale, but our men could not use the wind and the Everton team held their own well, though they gave the impression that they were reserving themselves for the second half. Whether this was actually the case or not, one cannot gainsay the fact that they practically monopolised the play in the second portion of the game, and by means of fine sprints and slings into the centre by Sharp and Bell were generally able to at once transfer play to the other end of the field on the few occasions on which the Notts team did seriously threaten danger.
Pennington could not be blamed for either of the goals scored against him. Indeed some of his saves- especially two headers by Sharp and Taylor -were magnificent.
Montogomery kicked finely, and was an able deputy for Prescott; but Lewis was hardly so good, albeit he was directly responsible for the second goal through miskicking when a dozen yards or so from goal. McDonald was hurt early in the game, and though he strove manfully to stay the course had to retire after half an hour’s play in the second half. Innes worked very hard, and was probably the best half-back on the side. With the single exception of Gee the forwards were absolutely poor- one cannot truthfully say more. They certainly processed strength, willingness, and dash, but they seemed quite unable to suit their style of play to the exigencies of the day, and Humphrey’s passes were apparently directed with entire lack of “object,” save that of losing possession, inasmuch as they quite as often as not went straight to an opponent.
Balmer kicked very powerfully, and played a sound defensive game, whilst the two outside men, Sharp and Bell, frequently stimulated the spectators to hearty applause by their clever movements and centres. To sum up concisely, Everton were the better team, and deserved their victory. The Notts team were disappointing, the forwards failing to justify what little provocation there may have been for the rather surprising rearrangements. Warner failed to show any reason for his reintroduction into the game, and the exclusion of Morris (which most people regarded as an error of judgement) prove to have no justification.

NOTTS COUNTY v. EVERTON
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 16 December 1901
played at Trent Bridge in wild and wintry weather, before 4,000 people. the opening exhcnages were in favour of the League leaders, pennington saving from Sharp and Bell. sharp afterwards headed into Pennington's hands, and he saved finely. Notts had the better of the argument up to the interval, but there was no score. the wind greatly assisted Everton in the second half, and though the home defence was very sound, Settle managed to open the score with a shot which gave Pennington no chance. McDonald, who had been limping for some time, had at last to leave the field, and Everton immediately after added a second goal through Taylor. Pennington performed splendidly in the home goal, and the result came with Everton 2 goals to Notts none.

NOTTS COUNTY 0 EVERTON 2
December 16, 1901. The Liverpool Courier
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
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.

NOTTS COUNTY v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 16 December 1901
Played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, in wild wintry weather, and before a moderate gate of 4000 people. The opening exchanges were in favour of the League leaders, Pennington saving from Sharp and Bell; but ultimately Notts got going, Warner, Humphreys, and Hadley reaching Kitchen with likely shots. Sharp afterwards headed into Pennington’s hands, and he saved finely. Notts had the better of the argument to the interval, when there was no score. The wind greatly assisted Everton in the second half, and, though the home defence was very sound, Settle managed to open the score with an irresistible shot, which gave Pennington no chance. McDonald, who had been limping for some time, had at last to leave the field, and Everton immediately after added a second goal through Taylor. Pennington performed splendidly in the home goal. Five minutes before time Sharp retired injured. Result;- Everton 2 Notts County 0
Notts County; Pennington, goal; Lewis and Montgomery, backs; Bull (Captain), and McDonald, half-backs; Hadley, Warner, Ross, Humphreys, and Gee, forwards.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Kingscott, of Derby. 

EVERTON v  NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 16 December 1901
Fortunately for themselves the Everton players journeyed to Nottingham on Friday, so that they were enabled to put in a fresh and unfatigued appearance at Trent Bridge on Saturday. The weather was bitterly cold and windy, and there were not more than 3,000 people present when play commenced. The visitors played the same eleven that performed so well against Sheffield Wednesday the Saturday before, and the County had their strongest team in the field. Prompt to time the men faced each other as follows;-
Notts County; Pennington, goal; Lewis and Montgomery, backs; Bull (Captain), and McDonald, half-backs; Hadley, Warner, Ross, Humphreys, and Gee, forwards.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Kingscott, Derby. 
The County won the toss, and the visitors started in the teeth of the wind. The Everton right at once ran down in fine style, and in the first minute a corner was forced off the home custodian, but this was safely negotiated. The visitors, however, kept up the attack, and a fine shot by Sharp nearly scored, while a moment later Bell had a pop, but without success. Young was next in evidence with a dangerous run down, but Bull spoiled the movement. Sharp and Taylor resumed attacking, and on two occasions Lewis headed clear. Up to this point play had been almost entirely confined to the Notts half, but a sturdy piece of work by Humphreys and a free kick against Booth enabled the home side to relieve. Lewis finally, with a big return, putting the ball over the line. Taylor and Sharp relieved and Pennington had to leave his goal to dispose of a long forward pass by the latter. In kicking away the ball rebounded from Settle and appeared certain to roll into the net, but fortunately went past the upright. Following a smart run by Gee, Balmer conceded a corner, and a low shot by Lewis cannoned off Booth while Ross headed only just too wide a pretty centre by Hadley. The last named next misdirected, and with Sharp running clear Pennington was compelled to kick away. Humphreys, Gee, and Ross retaliated and Booth somewhat luckily robbed the latter just as he was preparing to shoot, while Gee saw a promising centre carried behind the goal by the wind. Everton were not long on the defensive and it was again the right wing which threatened danger. From Sharp’s centre Bell headed into the goal mouth, and Abbott tried a shot which Pennington saved very cleverly. A concerted movement by the home forwards followed, but Hadley was obliged to kick out when threatened by Eccles, and at the other end Bull disposed of a centre which followed a fine run by Bell. Thanks to the wind, Notts again took up the running, but Gee twice failed to make effective use of an opening, and Warner headed a trifle wide a centre by Hadley, Humphreys gave Kitchen his first shot-a long straight ball from twenty yards’ range, which the custodian caught neatly and kicked away. Off-side spoilt a chance at each end, and both teams had their movements sadly hampered by the wind, Notts in particular framing poorly as a consequence of its interference. Ross lost one exceptionally fine chance of feeding his right wing, and Wolstenholme checked a likely run by Humphreys and Gee. Hands against Montgomery placed Everton on the attack, but they were speedily driven back, only for the Notts right to make a sad mess of two fine openings. The win played havoc with a neat centre by Hadley, and the outside left shot very feebly when his partner gave him possession close in goal. Here from the visitors got clear away, and Pennington made a remarkably fine save from a header by Sharp, which succeeded a brilliant centre from Bell. The visitors claimed that Notts custodian had carried the ball over the line, but the referee allowed the game to proceed, and Pennington next distinguished himself with a fine save from a free kick. Play was now transferred to the Everton end, and Notts remained in their opponents’ quarters for some minutes, but Warner finished badly after a clever run, and nothing came of a free kick against Booth. After this Notts got a corner, but nothing came of it, and at half-time there was no score. In the second half the Notts men played up strongly, Gee twice shooting well. Then Everton attacked in very determined fashion, but all to no purpose. There was an exciting scrimmage in the mouth of the home goal, and Taylor and Settle missed fine openings, while Lewis worked away when Sharp returned, Notts at length contrived to relieve, but it was only for a brief spell, and Bell returning a fine centre by Sharp, the last named with an open goal shot ridiculously wide. Notts were now improving, but Eccles was clearing magnificently against the right wing, and upon one occasion when Ross and Warner looked like getting through, the former slipped down and allowed Balmer to clear. The visitors soon returned the compliment, and with a strong gale to face the Notts defence was extremely hard pressed. They had a very anxious time from a free kick against McDonald, but fortunately Abbott shot wide, and a minute later Booth grassed the bar with a beautiful attempt. After thirty-five minutes, however, Everton’s superior foot work had its reward, for Young worked an opening for Settle, and the inside left from the eighteen yards mark put in a magnificent shot which gave Pennington, no possible chance. Having undergone considerable pressure for some minutes Notts at length relieved in effective fashion, and as the result of good work by Innes Ross headed into the goal mouth. Abbott cleared, however, with a ponderous kick. The visitors continued to play fine football, and ten minutes from the finish Taylor added a second goal. Shortly after this Sharp was injured, and had to leave the field. Nothing further of consequence happened, and a capital game ended -Everton 2 goals, Notts County nil.

NOTES ON SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 16 December 1901
Owing to Liverpool’s isolation on account of the breakdown in telegraphic communications there was no means of publishing the result of Everton’s victory over Notts County in the “Football Echo” on Saturday, and to learn the news people had to wait the return home of the team. This is an unprecedented incident, and the first time the “Echo” has been unable to publish the result of either the Everton or Liverpool Club’s matches. Of course the victory was pretty well anticipated. Still the unexpected often happens and there was a risk in this case, as over-confidence had more than once cost Everton as well as other teams, a fall. It is therefore satisfactory to find they came through the ordeal all right, and are maintaining a commanding position in the League tournament. The play of the men in recent matches has been of a character to impress confidence and followers of the Everton Club are beginning to formulate opinions about championship honours. However, a long period has yet to be covered ere anything of the kind can with any certainly be predicted. The Everton Club, and also its friends, have no more than one occasion been disappointed. Sunderland- though this team is not going as strong as it seemed to promise- and Aston Villa ere much too close on Everton’s heels to be pleasant for the latter’s friends. The Birmingham club has been boring its way through all opposition and is now occupying third place on the list. With regard to Everton’s play on Saturday at Nottingham, the team not only attacked well, but the defence was also sound. In the latter department the team has made a vast improvement lately, as the goal average shows, and while the Evertonians have been pilling on goals for themselves, they have in the most selfish manner refused the same privilege to their opponents. Everton has not only secured the highest number of wins (9) so far, but the gals “for” (32) distinctly outnumbers that secured by any of the other League clubs. The Everton front line display consummate skill and judgement; and what is equally important is their thorough understanding of each other. Cohesion of this sort is bound to tell, and as long as it is kept up, success is almost sure to follow. The half-backs are judicious in the work they provide for those in front. The whole team played well on Saturday, and the only serious time the defence had was towards the finish of play, when Notts County put in a vigorous show of aggressiveness, which eventually was beaten off.

NOTTS SUCCUMB TO EVERTON AT THE “BRIDGE”
Athletic News - Monday 16 December 1901
By Trentsider
Everton were clearly a much better side than Notts on Saturday, and they were thoroughly entitled to their victory at Trent Bridge by two goads to none. Half a gale blowing obliquely across the ground, but though Notts were favoured by it during the first half they could make little headway. Upon the few occasions when they did get in front they displayed lamentable weakness, and Kitchen was not called upon to handle more than three times. The home forward rank was completely out of joint. Morris had been dropped, and Humphreys partnered Gee, Warner re-appearing in his old position, but the changes, instead of improving the team, rather led to a worse display than usual. There was some little attempt at combination, and a few fair runs were made, but individually the forwards all-round were wanting. Compared with the visitors they were of a second, or even third, rate order. The Everton quintette gave a masterly exhibition; their combined movements were carried out with the utmost skill, and they were constantly threatening. It was capital work by the Notts defence, and more particularly by Pennington, which prevented them from obtaining a point before the interval. The Notts goalkeeper was quite at his best, and only once was he in a quandary. This was when he ran out to stop Settle. He reached the ball first, and kicked it, but it rebounded hard off the Evertonian, and it was a marvel how it missed going through.
EVERTON PRESS HEAVILY.
In another case a very fine centre by Settle was smartly headed in by Sharp, who was quite close. Pennington, however, threw away. The visitors claimed that the Notts man carried the ball over the line, but the referee allowed the game to proceed. Shots by Taylor and Abbott were also finely got rid of, and with Pennington maintaining his form in the second half it began to appear as if Notts would escape defeat. Settle and Young made good attempts to beat him, but Sharp had by far the best opportunity of doing so. He got away from the half-way line in dashing style, and though he had a fair opening he preferred to cross to Settle rather than shoot. The latter returned the ball upon seeing Sharp left by himself, and he shot at the corner flag. It was glorious chance thrown away. Lewis and Montgomery rendered Pennington great assistance, and in least two cases they stopped fast shots, put in Settle and Young, which might have taken effect. Settle at last penetrated the defence with a ground shot, when there remained little more than a quarter of an hour for play, and five minutes later Taylor put on the second point. Notts were in a hopeless position, especially seeing that McDonald, who had been limping badly nearly all through the second half, had retired. He was followed by Sharp, who had his right knee hurt in a charge by Humphreys, and each side thus finished with ten men. Notts made a sort of despairing effort in the last few minutes, but they were easily kept at bay.
REMARK.
Everton played very fine football, and Notts never on the same level with them. The home forwards were disorganised and were not the standard. The half-backs played a very fine game, and the youth Innes deserves quite as much praise as either of the other two. He tackled Bell and Settle with every success and generally he placed with judgement. Bull worked hard and well, and McDonald also performed capitally. Lewis was in good form, and Montogomery, who took  the place of the injured Prescott, signalised his reappearance by playing excellently. His kicking for the most part was splendid, and he accomplished much sound work. Pennington kept his charge in brilliant fashion. For an hour and ten minutes he defied the strenuous efforts of the visitors and it is greatly to his credit that they only beat him twice. Kitchen, in the Everton goal, had very little to do, and had certainly no shots to deal with which looked like scoring. In front of him Balmer played a rare game, but Eccles was not so much at home, and was often beaten by Hadley. The half-backs gave a good account of themselves, and the forwards were clever. Sharp and Bell made some beautiful runs, and the work of the inside men was always worth watching. Teams;-
Notts County.- Pennington; Lewis and Montogomery, backs; Innes, Bull (Captain), and McDonald; Hadley, Warner, Ross, Humphreys, and Gee.
Everton; Kitchen; Balmer and Eccles; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell. Referee; A. Kingscott, Derby.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News- Monday, December 16 1901
By The Loiterer
NEW PLAYERS
The Everton directors are evidently determined to have a capable lot of players, just to provide against accidents. So they have agreed on Bowman, of East Stirlingshire a club that has done good service in this capacity and Singleton, of Bury has also been secured. A glance at the League table will convince anyone that these men, both forwards will, bar accidents have to go through the mill with the Combination team before displacing any of the men in the first class. Bowman is a centre forward, and Singleton outside left. With Young improving every match, Bowman will have to wait, and Bell is a fixture as outside left on his play up to now. No, the Everton team have proved themselves good goal getters up to now. Over the way now they could do with some marksmen.
Rossendale United were decisively beaten by Everton, six goals to one in favour of the home team being the score at the close of play. Rossendale made very promising efforts, but early on in the second half had the misfortunate to lose the services of one of their players, through injury, had to be assisted off the field.
MEMS
M.J. Earp, the ex-Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday back, is lying dangerously ill with enteric fever at Bloemfontein. Earp it will be remembered, went out to South Africa to join Baden Powell’s Police.

MARTIN J. EARP
Football Chat and Athletic World Tuesday, December 17 1901
Footballers and athletes generally with regret that M.J. Earp, the old Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday back is lying dangerous ill with enteric fever at Bloemfontein. Earp, it will be remembered, went out to South Africa to join Baden Powell’s police.

John Gillespie
Nottingham Evening Post - Thursday 19 December 1901
John Gillespie, left full back of the Queen's Park Club, has signified his willingness play for Everton, his services have been accepted. He will eligible for the Association Cup ties.
It is rumoured in Accrington that the Everton Club have been making overtures with a view to securing J. Finney, the Accrington Stanley full back. Before they can sign him they would have to come to terms with the Bury F.C., with which organisation Finney was connected last year, and which club, it understood, have placed his transfer fee £50.

NEW PLAYERS FOR THE EVERTON CLUB
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 19 December 1901
The Everton Football Club have secured the services of Sergeant John Gillespie, late of Queen’s Park. He is a left full back, and it is understood that Gillespie will be able to assist, if necessary, in the Cup ties.

COMMENTS ON SPORTS
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 19 December 1901
By Lynx
In spite of the weather there was a fairly good crowd at Trent Bridge, and those who did brave the blighting blasts that swept across the ground were rewarded by seeing an excellent game. Everton from the outset went off in fine style, and, though nothing had been done up to the interval, it was quite obvious that the visitors were the better lot. In the second half, the Evertonians kept up their form, and success eventually crowned their efforts through Settle scoring a fine goal. A few minutes later Taylor added a second, and when hostilities ceased Everton remained very easy winners. Under the prevailing climate conditions it was utterly impossible to at once transmit the tidings to this city, and the first news of the victory was conveyed to a large and anxious crowd at the Central Station shortly after ten o’clock by the writer and two fellow journalists who on alighting were positively mobbed.
The result of the draw for the first round of the English Cup was eagerly scanned in Tuesday morning’s papers, and mixed feelings were provoked. That Liverpool and Everton should be pitted together is curious and to a certain extent unfortunate, because it considerably minimises the chance of the trophy finding its way to the banks of the Mersey. On the either hand football followers are certain of witnessing a great game, for there can be no doubt that both sides will try their hardest. The tie takes place on January 25th, when the accommodation at Anfield-road will be taxed to its utmost.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 21 December 1901
EVERTON v  BOLTON WANDERERS
At Goodison Park; kick-off 2.15
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards
EVERTON COMBINATION  v BOLTON WANDERERS
At Bolton; train leaves Exchange Sation at 11.15; Kick-off 2.15
Everton; Muir, goal; Sharp and Watson backs; Brown, Clark, and Boyle, half-backs; Roche, Paterson, Bowman, Bone, and Singleton, forwards.

EVERTON v  BOLTON WANDERERS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 21 901
SETTLE OPENS EVERTON’S SCORE
By Pigeon Post and telephone
Bitterly cold but nevertheless seasonable weather prevailed this afternoon when Bolton Wanderers were entertained at Goodison Park. The early start was responsible for a rather meagre attendance at the beginning, but the spectators were flocking in very rapidly when the players put in an appearance. Everton relied upon the identical eleven that rendered such a good account of themselves against Notts County last week, whilst with the exception of Tracey who has not yet recovered from his injury against Burnley in the Lancashire Cup tie, the Wanderers were fully represented. The ground was very treacherous on account of the recent frost, but a good sprinkling of sand improved matters for the players who, however, soon founded a difficulty in keeping on their feet. The sides faced punctually as follows;-
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Bolton Wanderers.- Sutcliffe (Captain), goal; Brown and Ostick, backs; Freebairn, Bannister and Taylor, half-backs; Bell, Picken, McKee, Barlow, and Nichol, forwards.
Booth having won the toss, took advantage of what slight wind was blowing, and McKee kicked off towards the Park goal. A couple of moves forward by the Wanderers were checked by Booth and when Everton went down Bell was given offside. The Wanderers came on the centre and left, and Picken shot wide. Kitchen shortly afterwards saved from Picken. Suddenly the Evertonians attacked strongly, and Young shot and struck the crossbar. Settle missed the rebound and consequently an open goal, and Ball on coming up to put on the finishing touch came to grief. The ball came back from the right wing, and Brown checked for the moment, but Settle simply ran through and scored some nine minutes from the start. The homesters again came from the centre by means of the right wing, but on this occasion they were routed by Ostick and they then tried the left, but the ball was crossed again and Sharp shot wide. Everton attacked for a little while longer, but though they displayed some excellent moves, the only result was a goal kick. This led up so an attack on the Everton citadel, Nicholl having an abortive shie, the ball going a trifle wide. From an attack on the part of Everton, J. Bell, dashed away, Ostick replying, the ensuing few minutes being contested near the centre. Brown took a free kick, but it was indifferently placed, and an easy clearance was effected. A dangerous rush was made on the Bolton left, Nicholl centring perfectly, but Eccles was on the qui vive and by a very fine movement averted disaster. Bell slipped as he was receiving a beautiful pass from Abbott but Little filled the breach, and again the treacherous nature of the ground precluded further progress. Taylor gained ground, but this was nullified by a pretty move on the part of Picken, who at the end of a dodging move slipped the ball across to his left where Wolstenholme put an end to the little gallop. However, Larry Bell came back on the right, and was very much in evidence. Bannister finishing with a rattling shot, which went outside. At the other end Sutcliffe saved a very good shot from Abbott, and shortly afterwards Barlow replied with a splendid effort at the Everton goal, but failed. After the goal kick central field work, was the order for a time, a series of exchanges between the respective half backs following. A lovely move to Bell and Young ended in the former having a shie, but it went yards wide. At this stage Nicholl left the field, though for what reason was not apparent from the Press-box. Play continued to be of a very pretty nature, and generally favoured Everton, but though Sharp and Young each made gallant attempts their shots failed to take effect. Everton still kept up the pressure, and Settle essayed an attempt from the touch-line without result. Nicholl came back on the grounds and his arrival was signalised by a general attack on the Everton goal. Eccles was very lucky to stay the rush, which was becoming very dangerous wing to the persistency of McKee, but almost the next moment Barlow found an opening and shot wide. Taylor replied with a pretty shot at Sutcliffe, but the Trotters were quickly back again. Mr. Lewis penalising Bell for offside. The next item of particular interest was a rush by Everton right, and a shot from Sharp went wide of the mouth. Midfield play was the order for a few minutes after this, after which the Wanderers made rapid tracks for Kitchen’s end. Here some grand forward work was displayed, and at length McKee came into possession. The visiting centre dashed away at top speed, and eluded all opposition, Kitchen rushing out to meet his final attempt and the home custodian completely outwitted his antagonist, and brought off a great save. At the other end, Everton become very aggressive Young having particularly hard lines with one great shot.
Half-time score Everton 1 goal Bolton Wanderers Nil.
ANOTHER WIN FOR EVERTON
When the teams re-appeared the attendance had reached fully 15,000. The reopening stages were contested in neutral ground, but ere many seconds had elapsed Everton got away on the right, Sharp centreing perfectly, but before Young could reach the sphere Ostick nipped in and cleared. The game was being evenly contested and, at the other end, the Wanderers had a chance, Barlow, however, shooting very wide of the mark when a grand opening presented itself. End to end play followed, both sides experiencing hard lines on account of the slippery nature of the ground. A further attack by Everton was responded to by Freebairn and following additional pressure by Everton a corner was forced, but this was not utilised to advantage. Keeping up the pressure Everton forced a corner, Brown replying to a grand attempt on the part of Settle. For some time after this neither side could claim any distinct advantage. The game continued of a fluctuating character, though Everton were undeniably having the best of the exchanges. Taylor was particularly prominent in feeding both wings, and, as a result, Everton was constantly on the attack. Sutcliffe clearing one attempt by Young in gallant fashion. The Wanderers, however, were by no means idle, and an attack on the right wing, resulted in Picken having a shie, his attempt however, being a trifle wide. A brief but abortive attack by Everton ensued after which the Wanderers went to work with great determination, Barlow twice putting in useful shots, the first of which Kitchen saved in great style. The Wanderers now attacked in real earnest, Balmer giving a corner, which, however, proved abortive. Young failed to turn to advantage a fine centre by Bell, and a moment later Wolstenholme made a grand attempt Sutcliffe replying in great style. The game was now most exciting, the brilliant work on both sides being loudly applauded. Bell put in a magnificent shot, Sutcliffe scooping the ball up from the goalmouth marvellously, whilst a moment later Young tested the Trotters’ skipper with a shot that would have beaten most custodians, Nicholl got away on the left, centring perfectly, but before McKee could reach the sphere Balmer had it out of danger. Throughout the second half the game was keenly contested, and was anyone’s up to the close. In the last ten minutes the Wanderers played up with great determination, kitchen saving brilliantly from Barlow. A subsequently from Barlow. A subsequence corner proved abortive. Final Result; Everton 1 goal, Bolton Wanderers Nil.

BOLTON WANDERERS RES v  EVERTON COMINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday December 21, 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
This Lancashire Combination game should have been played at Bolton, but from an early hour mist settled over the town, which increased in density after midday. Great interest was centred in the fixture, as both teams are at the top of the table and many hundred persons had assembled only, however, to find the play was impossible.

EVERTON 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 0
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 v. BOLTON WANDERERS.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 23 December 1901
In frosty weather this match was played at Goodison Park before 13,000 spectators. Considering the slippy ground, the play was fast. Settle scored a brilliant goal for Everton after twelve minutes' play, and afterwards the game was evenly contested. There was no further score to half time. The second half was vigorously contested . Early on Everton pressed, but then the Wanderers for time attacked continuously, and ought to have equalised. Barlow made some good attempts, but the shooting as a rule was poor. Later Sutcliffe saved splendidly from Young, while Kitchen effected a brilliant clearance from Barlow. The guame ended m favour of Everton by 1 goal to none.

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 v  BOLTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 23 December 1901
Played at Goodison Park, about 12.000 spectators being present; the weather was seasonable. The ground was very treacherouson account of the recent frost, but good sprinkling of sand improved matters for the players, who, however, soon found a difficulty in keeping on their feet. The sides faced punctually as follow: Everton.—Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs: Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbot half-backs: Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Bolton Wanderers.-Sutcliffe (Captain) goal; Brown and Ostick, backs; Freebairn, Bannister, and Taylor, half-backs; Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Nicoll, forwards. Booth, having won the toss, took advantage of what slight wind was blowing, and McKee kicked off towards the Park goal. A couple of moves forward by the Wanderers were checked by Booth, and when Everton went down Bell was given offside. The Wanderers came on the centre and left, and Picken shot wide. Kitchen shortly afterwards saved from Picken. Suddenly the Evertonians attacked strongly, and Young shot and struck the crossbar. Settle, missed' the rebound and consequently an open’ goal, and Beil on coming up to put the finishing touch came to grief. The ball came back from the right wing, and Brown checked for the moment, but Settle simply ran through and scored some nine minutes from the start. The homesters again came from the centre by means of the right wing, but on this occasion they were routed by Ostick, and they then tried the left, but the ball was crowed again, and Sharp shot wide. Everton attacked for a little while longer, but though they displayed some excellent moves, the only result was a goal kick. This led up to an attack on the citadel. Nicoll having abortive shie, the ball going a trifle wide. From an attack on the part of Everton. J Bell dashed away, Ostick replying, the ensuing few minutes being contested near the centra. Brown took a free kick, but it was indifferently placed, and an easy clearance was effected. A dangerous rush was made on the Bolton left. Nicoll centring perfectly, but Eccles was the qui vive, and by a very fine movement averted disaster. Bell slipped as he was receiving a beautiful pass from Abbott, but Settle filled the breach, and again the treacherous nature of the ground precluded further progress. Taylor gained ground, but this was nullified by a pretty move on the part of Picken, who at the end of a dodging move slipped the ball across to his left, whore Wolstenholme put an end to the little gallop. However, Larry Bell came back on the right, and was very much evidence, Bannister finishing with a rattling shot, which went outside. At the other end Sutcliffe saved a very good shot from Abbott, and shortly afterwards Barlow replied with a splendid effort at the Everton goal. but failed. After the goal kick central field work was the order for a time, a series of exchanges between the respective half backs following. A lovely move by Bell and Young ended in the former having a shie, but it went yards wide. At this stage Nicoll left the field, but for what reason was not apparent. Play continued to be of a very lively nature, and generally favoured Everton, but though Sharp and Young each made gallant attempts, their shots failed to take effect. Everton still kept the pressure, and Settle essayed an attempt from the touch-line without result. Nicoll came back on the ground, and his arrival was signalised by a general attack on the Everton goal. Eccles was very lucky to stay the rush, which was becoming very dangerous owing to the persistency of McKie, but almost the next moment Barlow found an opening and shot wide. Taylor replied with a pretty shot at Sutcliffe, but the Trotters were quickly back again. Mr. Lewis penalising Bell for offside. The next item of interest was a rush by the Everton right, and a shot from Sharp went wide of the mouth. Midfield play was the order for a few minutes after this, after which the Wanderers made rapid tracks for Kitchen’s end. Here some grand forward work was displayed, and at length McKie came into possession. The visiting centre dashed away at top speed, and eluded all opposition. Kitchen rushing out to meet his final attempt, and the home custodian completely outwitted his antagonist, and brought off a great save. At the other end, Everton became very aggressive. Young having particularly hard lines with one great shot.
Half time score: Everton 1 goal, Bolton Wanderers nil.
When the teams reappeared the attendance had reached fully 15.000, The reopening stages were contested in neutral ground, but ere many seconds had elapsed Everton got away on the right. Sharp centring perfectly, but before Young could reach the sphere Ostick nipped in and cleared. The game was being evenly contested, and, at the other end, the Wanderers had a chance, Barlow, however, shooting very wide of the mark when a grand opening presented itself. End to end play followed, both sides experiencing hard lines on account of the slippery nature of the ground. A further attack by Everton was responded to by Freebairn, and following additional pressure by Everton a corner was forced, but this was not utilised to advantage. Keeping up the pressure Everton forced a corner, Brown replying to a grand attempt on part of Settle. For some little time after this neither side could claim any distinct advantage. The game continued of a fluctuating character, though Everton were undeniably having the best of the exchanges. Taylor was particularly prominent in feeding both wings, and, as a result, Everton was constantly on the attack, Sutcliffe clearing one attempt by Young in gallant fashion. The Wanderers, however, were by no means Idle, and an attack on the right wing, resulted in Picken having a shie, his attempt, however, being a trifle wide, A brief but abortive attack by Everton ensued, after which the Wanderers went to work with great determination. Barlow twice putting in useful shots, the first of which Kitchen in great style. The game was now most now attacked in real earnest. Balmer giving a corner, which, however, proved abortive. Young failed to turn to advantage a fine centre by Bell, and a moment later Wolstenholme made a grand attempt. Sutcliffe replying in great style.  The game was now most exciting, the brilliant work on both sides being loudly applauded. Bell put in a magnificent shot, Sutcliffe scooping the bail up from the goalmouth marvellously, whilst a moment Iater Young tested the Trotters’ skipper with a shot that would have beaten most custodians. Nicholl got away on the left, centring perfectly,  but before McKee could reach the sphere Balmer had it out of danger. Throughout the second half the game was keenly contested, and was anyone’s up to the close. In the last ten minutes the Wanderers played up with great determination. Kitchen saving brilliantly from Barlow. A subsequent corner proved abortive.— Final; Everton 1 goal, Bolton Wanderers nil.

SATURDAY FOOTBALL NOTES ON THE GAME.
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, December 23, 1901
Rarely has football been interfered with by the weather as it was on Saturday afternoon. In this respect the reason will be a notable one, far not one or two previous occasions important fixtures were either abandoned or postponed. Saturday, however, took the biscuit, as the saying goes, for by the combined efforts of King Frost and Demon Fog, both Associations and Rugbyists had to “shut up shop." The few matches that were played toa  finish were scarcely worth witnessing, and the surprise is that so many spectators turned out. At Goodison Park the“heads " numbered 12.000 or so, while at a Rugby match between Salford and Swinton the gate money amounted over £350. close upon 17.000 persons passing through Che turnstiles. Throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire nearly every Rugby match was abandoned early on from frost. The latter, however, seldom interferes with the Association game, and what frost failed to achieve on Saturday fog accomplished.  A good coating of sand made Goodison Park just playable, but the football was not distinguished by any special feature other than “poor.’’ Of course, there is every excuse, and the men were plucky to tackle the leather at all. Everton’s victory, by a solitary goal, cannot be spoken of other than lucky. Settle scored when the game was only a dozen minutes old. But, apart from this, the home side showed but poor form, and Bolton were unfortunate in not being able to at least divide the point?. Barlow, just before the finish of the game, made a capital effort, but luck went dead against him, and this occasion the points went against the play, for If any team deserved victory on “form" it was the Wanderers.

EVERTON v  BOLTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 23 December 1901
These teams met at Goodison Park, before 12,000 spectators. The Wanderers started, and McKie racing through shot against the net. Kitchen was tested with a high drive, which Eccles finally kicked away, and the home forwards rushing down Young, when close in, shot hard against the crossbar. The rebound was missed by Settle and Bell, but a minute later the former received a pass from the right wing, and beating Brown managed to score the first goal after twelve minutes’ play. Everton pressed strongly, and both Young and Booth skimmed the bar with fast shots. The visitors retaliated but Nicholl failed to shoot accurately at the close of a capital passing movement, and Wolstenholme was in evidence by cleverly robbing Barlow when dangerously placed. Sutcliffe saved from Abbott and Barlow obtained a nice opening but sent wide. Even play followed for some time, Taylor and Bell missing grand chances, but close on the interval McKie beat the backs and dashed close in before shooting. Kitchen came out, and the ball cannoned off him, behind the line, on resuming after the customary rest. Sharp and Barlow were conspicuous with runs and centres, and McKie was again at fault by shooting over the bar when near the posts. The Wanderers pressed and Barlow twice essayed to beat Kitchen, who smartly cleared. Then Everton infused some more vigour into their work, and numerous shots were rained at Sutcliffe, who, however, prevented any further disaster. As time drew near Bolton put on extra pressure, and the home goal had a wonderful escape, for Barlow shot against the crossbar, and Kitchen saved superbly from the same player at full length. The result this was;- Everton 1 Bolton Wanderers 0. Everton.—Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs: Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbot half-backs: Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Bolton Wanderers.-Sutcliffe (Captain) goal; Brown and Ostick, backs; Freebairn, Bannister, and Taylor, half-backs; Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Nicoll, forwards.Referee Mr. J. Lewis.

THE FOOTBALL FIELD.
Bolton Evening News - Monday 23 December 1901
EVERTON v  BOLTON WANDERERS
The Wanderers to appear to be pulling themselves nicely together again, and from the programme of engagements with which they are beset there is every reason to believe their position in the League table will considerably improved during the New Year holidays. They gave leaders a splendid game at Goodison Park on Saturday, and whilst the result must have confounded the greatly, it has also to be added that true merits of the teams were not faithfully represented in the decision that was arrived at. However well the Evertonians might have performing, they did not, on the play, deserve to win on Saturday. The Wanderers had equally as much, if not more, of the game ; they were quite as smart on the ball when they got going, and if anything were more dangerous than theiropponents. But to counteract the excellent qualities of the side, the same old weakness was again evident, though on this occasion there was some excuse in the treacherous state of the ground. In the field their work left little to be desired, but in front of goal the forwards did not seem to know what to do, and what they did was not infrequently wrong. The shooting was open to considerable improvement, but in addition to this the men did not seem to appreciate the precise moment when to shot. Still, they made some capital efforts, and it was only by worst of bad luck that they failed to score. The only goal of match was lucky enough, and no one could have been more surprised than Settle himself when he saw the ball resting in the net, but at the same time theHalliwellian was deserving of the credit for the manner in which he utilised a very remote possibility to score a goal, winch, as events turned out, gave his side their victory. The Evertonians were at full strength and the Wanderers had only one change from the previous week, Nichol appearing for first time in a League match at outside left, the team being;- Sutcliffe, goal; W Brown, and Ostick, backs; Freebairn, Bannister, and Taylor, half-backs; Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Nicole forwards. The ground was very hard, and despite a coating of sand was in a very slippery condition, which affected the play on both sides. The players moved about in very gingerly fashion, displaying great caution, but the Evertonians stuck the better of the two, and really created the impression that they were better shod for the occasion. But, as a matter of fact, the boot was on the other leg, a circumstance which makes the Wanderers’ display in the first half all the more difficult to understand. Especially when taking into consideration the conditions under foot, it was a capital game, and well fought to the finish. Adapting themselves better to the conditions, the Evertonians had the pull in the first half, but the Wanderers were by no means idle, and more than once the Goodison goal was in imminent peril. The only goal of the match came from a long centre from the home right, to which Settle, being unable to steady himself when confronted by Brown, immediately applied his foot, with the result that the ball was sent through the far comer of the goal. It was a most unexpected shot, and the hall never rose more than a few inches from ground. This was twelve minutes after the start, and neither Sutcliffe nor Brown could be blamed. On several occasions the home men were provided with much better openings, but like the Wanderers their shooting was anything but brilliant. Barlow and Picken made one or two commendable efforts to equalise, and McKie was very unfortunate after sailing through the defence in grand style. Kitchen coming out to meet him, and very luckily intercepting his shot. In the second half Wanderers were a greatly improved side, the men not only sticking better, but being infinitely smarter on the ball and playing a better combined game than the Evertonians. At times the forwards moved very prettily, and admirably assisted by the halves, they had considerably more of the game than their opponents. The home goal was very fiercely assailed, the Wanderers attacking with great incisiveness, but try as they would they could not score. The ball was put everywhere but through the goal, and whilst he defended his charge magnificently Kitchen was rather fortunate in preserving a clean sheet. In a very exciting scrimmage in the goalmouth, following a grand sabe from Barlow, the ball must have bene very close on the goal line, but some way or other the custodian managed to turn it round the post. It really seemed as though the Wanderers had no to score, but if ever a side merited a goal they did. They were, however, not in luck’s way, and they had to retire defeated by a goal to nil, in a game which would have been more faithfully represented by a draw. There was very little indeed to choose between the teams, and taken all through, the play was very evenly divided. The feature of the afternoon was the splendid goalkeeping of Kitchen, who gave a magnificent exhibition, and was, without doubt, the saviour of his side. The defence was very good, Balmer being the better of the two backs, and Wolstenholme was the most prominent amongst the halves, whilst of the forwards, Young, Settle, and Jack Bell were the pick. In itself the result speaks volumes for the display of the Wanderers, especially when taking into consideration that in the two previous matches the Goodisonians had put on no fewer than seven goals, and a fortnight previously had treated their supporters to a five goals to nil victory over Sheffield Wednesday. It must be conceded that the Wanderers did exceedingly well, and their luck must turn some time. But to this must be added a little more skill on the part of the forwards in front of goal. Here lay the only fault which could be detected on Saturday, and with the assistance they are now receiving from a splendid trio of halves, the front line ought to be able to score goals. They play well enough in the open, only, however, to throw away their opportunity through rashness of action or bad shooting. McKie, Barlow and Picken were the pick of the line on Saturday and in the second half Nichol did not do at all badly, dropping in some very good centres, but on the opposite extreme Larry Bell is still far from himself. He has fallen off greatly, and his hesitancy has not only led to his own discomfiture, but has told against his side. The halves played another very good game, and though Taylor was the most conspicuous no fault could be found with either Bannisteror Freebairn. The Daulhill man gave another sterling exhibition, being a great thorn in the side of the home left wingers Jack Sharp finding him a very difficult obstacle. Neither Bannister nor Freebairn was so noticeable, but they played most effectiveness in a and ostentatious manner. The trio have lightened very considerably the work of Brown and Ostick, who, however, were always on the alert and both cleared finely. The defence throughout, in fact was excellent and the Wanderers could not improve upon the work which has recently been shown in these two departments. Sutcliffe had no chance with the shot which scored, but on the other hand kept a capital goal, and the only defect in the team was the one referred to, amongst the forwards in front of goal.

TEAMS ARRNAGEMENTS CHARISTMAS DAY
Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, December 23, 1901
Everton v Aston Villa
At Goodison Park; Kick-off 2.15
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and bell, forwards.
EVERTON COMBINATION v WHITE STAR WANDERERS
At Marsh-lane, Kick-off 11
Everton; Crosbie, goal; Sharp and Watson, backs; Brown, Clark, and Fairweather, half-backs; Roberts, Paterson, Worthington, Michael, and Bone, forwards.
BOXING DAY
EVERTON v  WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
At Wolverhampton; kick-off 11.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
EVERTON COMBINATION v  CHESTERFIELD
At Goodison Park; Kick-off 2.15
Everton.- Muir, goal; Sharp and Watson, backs; Boyle, Clark, and Fairweather, half backs; Rankin, Paterson, Bowman, Bone and Chadwick, forwards.
SATURDAY NEXT
EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY
At Manchester; kick-off 2.15
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
EVERTON COMBINATION v MANCHESTER CITY RESERVE
At Goodison Park; kick-off 2.15
Everton;- Muir, goal; Sharp and Watson, backs; Boyle, Clark, and Fairweather, half-backs; Rankin, Paterson, Bowman, Bone, and Singleton, forwards.

LUCKY WIN FOR EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 23 December 1901
By The Loiterer
Everton are enjoying the smiles of fair Fortune this season in no uncertain fashion, and the victory which they gained over the Wanderers of Bolton was a characteristic specimen of the manner in which the fickledame has shed her favours on the Goodison Park team during the present campaign. Their opponents in the match under notice had slightly more of the play than they themselves enjoyed, still the visitors were unable to credit their account with one of the points at issue, which their efforts certainly deserved. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” appear to have selected another abiding place, at the other extremity of Stanley Park, where the champions are languishing wearily in the meshes of the present League tourney. Everton, on the other hand, are basking in the sunshine of prosperity, consequent upon their successful run, and just new everything is going well with them. Their defeated the Bolton men, not by superior play, for in the second half the Wanderers were the more aggressive combination, but they succeeded in scoring the only goal of the match, through the cleverness of the champion goal-getter of the League -Settle. This is just where Everton are showing themselves extremely dangerous, caring, as a general rule, but little for midfield excellencies—though they are no novices at this game—but demonstrating in front of goal a remarkable aptitude for locating the net. The forward line of the leaders at present only just went the sniff of a chance to score, and the opposition custodian has then to be wary and alert, for Settle and his comrades have got the range to a nicety. Thus it is that points have been coming with a continuity into the Everton account, and will be gathered from the further perusal of this article, they again successfully employed these tactics on Saturday last.
THE GOAL WHICH WON
The ground though plentifully besprinkled with sand, was in a treacherous condition when McKie started the game. This was immediately shown in an exciting movement on the Bolton goal. Young skilfully worked for a chance of shooting, and driving with great force, he struck the crossbar, the rebound coming in the direction of Settle and Bell, each of whom had only the custodian to overcome. The inside player, however, gracefully subsided on the frozen surface, and allowed the ball to pass further outwards when Bell, in making his attempt, slipped and missed the leather altogether. All this occurred inside the penalty line, when under ordinary conditions neither player could have helped but score. After twelve minutes some neat work on the Everton right led to the ball being crossed to Settle, and the latter getting the better of a race with Brown, sent in a rather unexpected shot, which went where Sutcliffe wasn’t, and there you were- goal. None of the players cared to trust themselves to the conditions of the surface, and so skilfully did they contrive that to their credit be it said there was never a single stoppage for an injury of the slightest character. The attempts to score were consequently very meagre in number, and feeble in attempt though Everton were the more dangerous in this respect, and Young only just missed with a capital drive from Settle’s pass. It was close on the interval when McKie received a glorious chance of gaining honour for his side. He got the ball from the left wing, and dashing along, got between the backs and seemed a certain scorer. Kitchen waited coolly, and just at the right moment rushed out, receiving the shot intended for the net. But the situation was saved, and Everton were a goal ahead at breathing time.
GREAT EFFORT BY THE WANDERERS
In the second half, Bolton wore nippier in their movements, and had more of the play than the home side. They experienced some bad luck, and this coupled with the mulling of several fine opportunities of equalising, brought about their defeat. Immediately after the restart McKie shot against the net from close range, and though Bell, the Everton outside left, replied with a fine run which gained a futile corner, the Wanderers were soon on the war-path again. Barlow had quite a gay time of it, in the succeeding manoeuvres, though the results of his efforts were not exactly to his liking. To begin with, he gave Kitchen a hot ground shot which that worthy threw away, and followed this with a second which the custodian could only partially clear. Barlow pounced on the ball again,whizzled it straight for goal, but Balmer dropped down from somewhere, and somehow kicked it behind the line. The Wanderers pegged away in grim earnest, but they could make no impression, and then Everton began to realise that it would be just well to put on another goal, in case of emergency. Bell beautifully centred right in front, and Young, in his effort to score, over-ran his object, and landed himself in the net without touching the ball. Sutcliffe saved from Wolstenholme, and Booth giving his front rank every assistance, the Wanderers' defence had a rough time. But it prevailed, and in the remaining play the visitors had worse luck than ever, for their best efforts were unavailing. Barlow again rattled the ball against the cross-bar, and a regular scrimmage ensued near Kitchen. The Wanderers’ inside left got to the leather once more, when almost under the bar, and when all seemed over bar shouting. Kitchen performed one of the most wonderful saves, and broke the hearts of the visitors.
A FEW CRITICISMS.
Had the result been a draw, it would have conveyed a better idea of the general run of the game, which was distinctly in favour the Wanderers in the second half. In this period they appeared more at home on the treacherous turf, keeping their foothold more accurately, and consequently they infused more and determination into their play then was the case on the Everton side.  The defence of the leaders was excellent, and following the example set by their opponents, the forwards, for a time in the closing stages, were more active than at any previous period. Under such conditions as prevailed in this match, would be manifestly unfair to adversely criticise any individual player. Despite the inclement weather, slippery surface, some capital work was witnessed, but as a general rule the defence was seen greater advantage than the attack. Both custodians cleared finely, but Kitchen had the more difficult work to accomplish, and he gained his side one point by that superb full length save in the last five minutes. Sutcliffe is still an expert in goal, and his huge kicks remindedme of the days when he was a power in the Rugby world. The backs defended well, Balmer especially distinguished himself, and considering the nature of the ground very few mistakes were made on either side. At half Booth shone refulgently in the centre, and Wolstenholme ably supported him, whilst Freebairn gave an able display for the losers, the veteran being full of dash and attending assiduously to his forwards. Taylor was a rare worker, and with Bannister completed a very useful line. In fact, both sets of halves gave little away, and were diligent workers throughout. Forward, Settle was in a happy vein, and put in his customary goal, this being. I believe, his fifteen for the season. Bell’s centres were capitally achieved, and Sharp obliged with a few dazzling dashes and correct crosses. For the losers, Barlow was the outstanding player; though Nicoll, whose first appearance it was with the League team, shaped nicely and centred with great judgment at times. The Wanderers deserve credit for their performance, but all the same Everton will want a lot beating. Teams.- Everton;- Kitchen; Balmer, and Eccles; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell.
Bolton Wanderers;- Sutcliffe (Captain); Brown and Ostick; Freebairn, Bannister, and Taylor; Bell, Picken, McKie, Barlow, and Nichol. Referee; J. Lewis, Blackburn.

THE TROTTERS STRENGTH THE LEADERS AT GOODISON
Football Chat and Athletic World Tuesday, December 24 1901
By Merseyman
It was rather unfortunate that King Winter should hold the ground with such a firm grip in these parts—as others, I suppose—on Saturday, for the annual visit of Bolton Wanderers to l Goodison Park is an event always looked forward to with pleasurable anticipation in these parts; even though, as last season when the Trotters defeated Everton here, the retrospective glance brings a tinge of regret concerning what “might have been” without brings a tinge of regret concerning what "might have been" without underrating the powers of the Bolton brigade for the match under notice — and we saw them draw at Anfield Road some weeks back—both Everton and their smiling followers were confident that two further points would drop into the leaders' bag. The Toffies relied upon the team which won so well at Nottingham the previous Saturday, the injury to Jack Sharp fortunately turning out less serious than was at first anticipated. The Trotters only made one change from the side victorious over Stoke, Worthington, the local, giving way to Nichol!, an old servant of the club, who, years ago, represented them at centre-forward, and then went south to blossom as a left-winger of merit. It is rather surprising, therefore, that this should constitute first League team appearance since his return to Bolton, remembering how lone Tracey has been laid aside. Despite the untoward climatic conditions prevailing there was a capital 15,000 crowd present to witness the start and finish of a most interesting game under the circumstances. At the outset the visitors floundered about most hopelessly, cutting several ludicrous figures, for Goodison, although well sanded, savoured more of the adjoining Stanley Park pond than aught else. Of course the Everton lads also came some croppers, and lucky it was for Bolton's goal record that they did so, as the general footwork of Settle and Co. was beautifully gauged as a rule, and by comparison the Wanderers, with the exception, perhaps, of Barlow, who was very conspicuous, were very second rate. The nearest escape theBolton goal had re capitulation, however, at this stage was when Ostick saw a kick charged down by Young for the latter to run in and hurl a magnificent shot at the goal. It beat Sutcliffe readily enough, but, unfortunately for Everton, struck the cross-bar full tilt. It rebounds towards Jack Bell, who, in his anxiety to send in a " daisy-cutter," kicked just over the ball. A minute later, however, that goal-getter par excellence scored what proved to be the only goal of the match, in characteristic fashion, although had not the turf been so tricky, I fancy could have made a better shape at reaching what, under the circumstances, was a perfectly unsavable shot. Although Everton did not forge further ahead, the preponderance of play to the interval rested greatly with them. That they did not score must be set down to the vigilance of the Wanderers' defence and the uncertain foothold. And here let me state how pleased I was to note the utter good feeling .with which the fight was waged, whilst Mr. Lewis very 'properly brought up anything approaching a heavy charge. Bolton had a few dangerous breakaway before half-time, and Kitchen's charge had a narrow escape when that worthy rushed out a long way to find McKie getting the ball first and banging it hard against the Everton keeper. In the second portion the Wanderers played like new men, or men differently shod to say the least. They gradually went stronger as time went on, Taylor (Bolton) at this period played grand, and their forwards, save " Larry " Bell, more than got level with Barlow's good form of the first half. They gave the Everton citadel several warm moments, and in the end, with no success attending the visitors' efforts, the home club and supporters were jolly well pleased to scrape through with a victory. Criticism to the usual extent is hardly fair, but I must give the Burnden club, hovering as they are near the bottom the ladder, great credit for waging the leaders such a stern fight. Everton only just deserved to win. The winners played a good level game in defence, Eccles- sustained successes at left-back deserve an extra word. In the front rank Young wasextremely clever, likewise Bell and Sharp, whilst Settle and Taylor were 'all there " when most urgently needed. On the other side Sutcliffe was his usual fine self, with Ostick perhaps the better back. Bannister was not very noticeable, but R. Taylor played magnificently (an Everton cast-off!). Barlow and McKie were the most consistently good forwards, whilst Nicoll played superbly after the interval. Larry Bell was very moderate. Attendance. Attendance 15,000 Everton; Kitchen; Balmer and Eccles; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott; J. Sharp, J. Taylor, Young, Settle, and J. Bell.
Bolton Wanderers;- Sutcliffe (Captain); W. Brown and Ostick; Freebairn, Bannister, and R. Taylor; L. Bell, Pecken, McKie, Barlow, and Nicholl. Referee, Mr. J. Lewis, Blackburn.

EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 3
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.

EVERTON v ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 26 December 1901
Unfortunately this match -one of the most popular on the Everton card- was spoiled by the wretched weather. Nevertheless, there was a fairly large attendance. Some 10,000 spectators witnessed the start, while the crowd was being momentarily augmented. Teams;-
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, 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; Clarke, Garratty, McLuckie, Bache, and Marriott, forwards.
Everton won the toss, McLuckie starting for the visitors, Everton pressing, Bell essaying a shot which was cleared nicely. Wolstenholme then tested George, who saved finely. After a warm attack on the Villans’ goal, the visitors got down on the right, but the home defence was capital, and the “blues” took the leather up the field again, Sharp sending in a long shot which went wide. Wolstenholme had another “pot” at goal, but the Villan custodian was equal to the occasion. Aston pressed, but a free kick against them spoiled their efforts, and the Evertonians again went into the visitors’ territory, but nothing of moment happened. Nice forward play by Aston brought the leather to within close range of the home goal, and Bache shot in, Kitchen stopping a hard drive with his foot. Everton got away on the left, play being kept in the visitors half for some time. From here good play by the Villa quintet brought the ball to the front of Kitchen, McLuckie spoiling a palpable chance by shooting over. Pretty combination was shown by the home contingent was shown by the home contingent, and Abbott sent in a beauty, which George nicely negotiated. A minute later Settle shot in strongly, the Villa goalkeeper bringing off a magnificent save by fisting over the bar. The visitors’ left wing then travelled down the field, and Kitchen was called upon to save a capital shot from McLuckie. Play was taken to the other end, bell shooting wide. The Villa defenders were kept busy for a time, Booth on one occasion sending in a long shot, which George rather riskily kicked out. Settle next shot in, but his effort went wide. The same player immediately afterwards struck the bar, and from the return Taylor pounced on the ball, and placed it beyond the reach of the Aston goalkeeper, this being the outcome of twenty-five minutes’ play. After this success there was no holding Everton, and they hotly assaulted the visitors’ goal. The pressure was relieved by Crabtree, and the scene of hostilities was removed to the front of the home goal, Eccles saving a warm shot when hard pressed. Another dash by the home right wing followed, and a fruitless corner was forced. A pretty sequence of passing by the home front rank was next witnessed which was brought to a termination by Bell, who shot in, George getting the ball away without difficulty. The Villa forwards got possession, and raced off, but the home backs held them safe, and they were forced to retire. A foul against Everton enabled the visitors to again get within range of Kitchen, but their efforts were futile and the “blues” took the ball into the Villans’ half again, Sharp shooting across the goal mouth. A minute later the home goal was in jeopardy, but the threatened danger was averted by the Everton backs. Clarke next ran the ball down to within a couple of yards off the goal when Kitchen and Balmer ran out to meet him, but the Everton men, losing their equilibrium, it was fortunate for the “blues” that Clarke shot wildly outside. At the other end Settle shot in, the Villa custodian in saving conceding a corner, but nothing tangible resulted. Play to the interval was in Everton’s favour, both Wolstenholme and Sharp testing George fruitlessly. Half-time; Everton 1, Villa nil.
Everton restarted in the presence of about 15,000. It is only fair to state that the Villa had contested nearly the whole of the first half with ten men, and they were still short-handed when hostilities were resumed. The Villa were the first to show up. Everton conceding a corner, nothing resulting, though Garratty made a good attempt to equalise. The visitors remained in the Everton quarter for some minutes, Clarke once rushing an and almost scoring, Kitchen getting the ball behind. Everton then got down, but were pulled up when getting dangerous, and Aston got away on the left and raced at top speed, the ball eventually going over the line. The pressure was maintained by the Villans, and the home goal underwent a perfect siege, the ball, after being “bobbed” about in front of goal for some little time, by the aid of Garratty finding its way into the net, thus equalising the score. From the centre Everton rushed straight for George’s charge, the Villa defenders having an anxious time of it. The danger was cleared, however, and the visitors again attacked, the home goal being subjected to hot pressure, Eccles eventually clearing out the invaders. The Villa were playing a far superior game than in the initial half. They persistently attacked. Bache had a good opening, but shot wide. A corner was forced by the Villans, but this availed them nothing, and Everton getting possession, took play to the other end, Taylor shooting ineffectually. The same player tested George with a “stinger,” the visiting goalkeeper coming off victorious. For some time play settled round the Aston defence, and the excitement was at fever heat. Good play by the visitors brought the ball to the front of Kitchen, the Everton goalkeeper being called upon to save from Bache. A brilliant run down the field by the home quintet resulted in Taylor putting his side ahead from a capital pass by Bell. Strenuous efforts were made by the visitors to equalise. Kitchen, after saving a grand shot from Bache, being defeated by Wood. After Sharp had shot wide at the other end, the Villans rushed up to the front of Kitchen, Garratty putting the visitors ahead with a well-judged shot. Everton tried hard to get on terms again, but without avail, the Villa winning by an odd goal after a surprising game. Final; Aston 3, Everton 2.

EVERTON COMBINATION v  WHITE STAR WANDERERS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Thursday December 26 1901
The above match, which should have been played at Marsh-lane, Bootle, yesterday morning, was abandoned owing to the ground, after the heavy downfall of rain, being flooded with water, the referee deciding to postpone the match.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 1
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.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS V. EVERTON
Leeds Mercury - Friday 27 December 1901
In bright weather, before 15,000 spectators, Wolverhampton. Both teams were fully represented. Wanderers lost toss, and for ten minutes Everton were very dangerous. Weak back play by the Wanderers let in Bell, who scored. Everton scored an off-side goal, and the Wanderers pressed severely, but missed several chances through wild shooting. Hayward equalised for the Wanderers from Wooldridge's pass. Half-time—'Wanderers one goal, to Everton one. The ground was in a dangerous condition this half, and men were sliding about as if they were on a frozen pool. During an attack on the Everton goal Watson slipped, and Heats put his side ahead. Settle put in a good shot, and Kitchen, who has tested several times, cleared grandly. Final —Wolverhampon two goals, Everton one.

EVERTON v  WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 27 December 1901
The ground, what with the late frosts, thaws, and Wednesday’s heavy rain, wasin a wretched condition, and the going as heavy as could possibly be. The ground was also vary slippery, and awkward for the players. There was a good attendance, the match being fixed for eleven o’clock to allow spectators to attend the races at Dunstall Park afterwards. Everton won the toss, Beats starting the game for the Wolves towards the hotel, before 14,000 spectators, and facing a brilliant sun. The Wolves were the first to attack, but their final efforts were weak. The Evertonians retaliated, but Taylor shot wide. The exchanges for a time were even, the players having difficulty in finding their feet on the slippery surface. Some smart wing work between Sharp and Taylor enabled the former to race off and swing the ball across. Young rushed up, and gave a rare handful, fairly staggering that player with the force that the ball came in. He got the leather clear, although somewhat luckily, and a weak return by Abbott went wide of the posts. From the goal kick Fellowes worked the ball along his line, only to be out-manoeuvredby Abbott, and once more the Evertonians tried to rush their opponents’ goal. Settle slipped in the act of shooting, and the ball flew high over the bar. Sharp screwed down and passed across, and Bell, rushing in, banged the ball past Baddeley. Inspirited by this success, the visitors came again to the attack, and Booth, from a scrimmage, netted the ball, but was ruled offside. The visitors were next called upon to defend their charge. Beats sent a low, swift shot that struck the post, and Wooldridge sent in at close quarters, but Kitchen gathered the ball up, and eluding Beats, who went for him neck or nothing, threw the ball towards Wolstenholme. That player passed it promptly on Sharp, who got in a good run. but Robottom forced him to run the ball over the line. The players slipped about a lot, and the ball was as heavy lead. Booth got the better Beats, and Taylor shot hard for goal., Baddeley having to concede a corner. The Evertonians maintained the pressure, but could not again get past Baddeley. A melee now occurred in the visitors’ goal, and Beats rushed the ball into the net, the whistle blowing directly after.
Half-time: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 goal, Everton 1 goal
Crossing over after a short rest the teams soon got work, and Walker in repelling an attack handed over his own lines. The corner was well placed, but Robottom got the leather away, then got past Baddeley, but as he was offside the point did not count. Young received a short pass from Settle, and shot in, saving from under the bar, an appeal for goal being unsuccessful. Sharp got away on the right, but his centre was not utilised. Fellowes was tripped, but the free kick went over the line. Jones passed to Wooldridge, who passed to Beats, that player dribbling cleverly, beating Kitchen with a beauty. Some smart tactics by Abbott robbed Haywood and Fellowes of the ball, much to their surprise, and at the other end Taylor missed the post by inches only after a clever run three parts the length of the field. Whitehouse was bowled over, and Bell sent in a good shot. Baddeley punched out, Abbott returned it, Jones headed it away only for Young to get possession. He shot hard, but Baddeley was just able to divert its course over the bar, a further corner ending in an anxious time for the Wolves. Urged on by their partisans, the Wolves now bore their opponents back, and Kitchen had to save a stinging shot from Beats. A foul and a scrimmage in the visitors’ goal were the next features of interest, and now the goal escaped is a mystery. A corner fell to the visitors, and Baddeley fell in saving, the ball being put over the bar in a tame fashion—a bad mistake for Everton.  Play to the finish was in the Wolves’ quarters, but Everton could not equalise. Final: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 goals. Everton 1 goal. Wolverhampton Wanderers.-Baddeley, goal; Jones and Walker, backs: Whitehouse, Pheasant. and Robottom. half backs; Fellowes, Haywood, Beats, Wooldridge, and Miller, forwards. Everton.—Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Watson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp. Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.

MANCHESTER CITY v EVERTON
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 28 December 1901
This game was drawn for settlement on the Hyde road Ground, Manchester. Rain had fallen heavily in the district all the morning, and soon as Mr. Lewis, the referee. inspected the ground, he declared it unfit for play, and the game was postponed. This makes the third game this season the City have had stopped. Two matches on their own ground have been postponed on account of weather. This, of course, means serious financial loss. The City's selected team was almost identical with that which met Sheffield Wednesday, the only alteration being that Slater was substituted for Read. Tho visitors made two changes. Bowman taking the place of Young and B Sharp replacing Eccles.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 28 December 1901
EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY
At Manchester; Kick-off 2.15
Everton- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Eccles, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
EVERTON COMBINATION  v  MANCHESTER CITY RESERVE
At Goodison park; kick-off 2.15
Everton.- Muir, goal; Sharp, and Watson, backs; Boyle, Clarke, and Fairweather, half-backs; Rankin, Paterson, Bowman, Bone, and Singleton, forwards.

EVERTON V MANCHESTER CITY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday December 28 1901
MATCH POSTPONED
This match had to be abandoned on account of rain.

EVERTON COMBINATION v MANCHESTER CITY RESERVE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday December 28 1901
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
The weather was dull and rainy at Goodison Park this afternoon, the miserable atmosphere conditions evidently accounting for the poor attendance. The following were the teams;-
Everton; Muir, goal; Clark and Watson, backs; Brown, Boyle, and Blythe, half-backs; Rankin, Paterson, Worthington, Proudfoot, and Singleton, forwards. Manchester;- Williams, goal; Hunter and Holmes, abcks; Moffatt, Dresden and Gray, half-backs; Morgan, Beaven, Gillespie, Scotson, and Threlfall, forwards. Worthington started for Everton, who were the first to attack. Proudfoot sent in a good shot, Williams saving cleverly. The Mancumans then got down. Clark clearing danger. Everton were kept busy defending for some time. A corner fell to the City, but the ball was placed behind. The leather was then taken down by the home right wing, and a trio of free kicks fell to the “blues” Singleton being unlucky in front of goal. Rankin shot in splendidly, but Gray cleared. The City then pressed and then ran out to save his charge. Play was of a desultory character, the visitors showing the better form. After the home goal had undergone severe pressure, Gillespie sent in a shot, which Muir failed to negotiate, the City thus saving their first goal after about twenty five minutes play. Everton from the centre got down, and the City defence was hard pressed, but the visiting back managed to hold their own, and eventually Everton were compelled to retire. A good run up on the right by the visitors then followed, but a free kick spoiled them, and play was transferred to midfield. The visitors, however, as the interval approached made efforts to augment their score, but they failed to penetrate the defence of the Evertonians a second time, the home backs showing a stern defence. At half-time the City were leading by a goal to nil.
On resuming Everton were the first to show up, Paterson and Rankin each having ineffectual shies. The City then got down and forced a corner. During the ensuing scrimmage in the goalmouth the ball was apparently handled within the twelve yards’ line. The referee, much to the disgust of the spectators awarded a penalty, which was taken by Gillespie. Final.- Manchester City Res 2 goals, Everton Res nil.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2
December 30 1901. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination.
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

Athletic News - Monday 30 December 1901
By The Loiterer
THE VILLA AT EVERTON
As regards postponements, the Everton team have been more fortunate, but Christmas has been very partial to them. On Christmas Day a most attractive fixture was arranged with Aston Villa, but just previous to the time of starting a heavy hailstorm came over the district, and the attendance was only an avenge one of 20,000. Everton started all right, and throughout the first half had considerably the better the play, and to me looked as if they had a bit up their sleeve. Of course. Templeton, as is well known this time, went off the field some seven minutes after starting the game, and no doubt this placed the Villa at a disadvantage. But after the re-start what a surprise! The team that had done all pressing, and showed the better football at all points, were simply mil not in it. At one period they certainly “bucked up,” and made abold show, and it took Crabtree, Shutt. and George all their time keep them out. But then they fell away again, and in the end was beaten by ten men. This failure to last the second half of the game has been noted in several matches.  Only to go back to the Bolton Wanderers match, they were there outplayed, but the Wanderers did not score. The Villa, however, did, and the “Wolves” further tarnished their record on Boxing Day.

CAPTAINS OF THE LEAGUE
Athletic News - Monday 30 December 1901
A.L. GOODALL (Archibald Lee Goodall)
By Tityrus
A Master of the craft of football, and a thorough sportsman to boot, Archie Goodall, captain of Derby County, possesses a mostinterestingpersonality. Had he lived at the beginning of the century it is highly probable that chronicles of his exploits would have been handed down to us, as they have been of Squire Osbaldeston. Captain Barclay, and the like. The uses of professionalism have never destroyed the sporting instinct born within him. Football has been a long delight to him, but the great winter game has not been an all-consuming passion, for Archie Goodall yields to none in his love of a fine horse, whether for riding or driving, in the casting of a fly upon such a purling stream as The Dove (they say that his brother, John Goodall, is the finest fly fisherman in Derbyshire), in shooting the tortuous rabbit, or in bringing down a wild duck, in the manly toil of cricket, in pedalling cycle of 104 gear up hill and down dale, even in the land of the Peak, in the daintiest science of billiards, in the massive amusement of weight-lifting, and, above all, perhaps, in long country walks. Truly is this Irishman, who was reared in Scotland, and has passed most his life in England, a many-sided man. But he is an admirable captain for Derby County, and despite the years he has been a conspicuous figure on the field he is still clever, as ubiquitous, and as powerful as ever. With a great heart for those who have befriended him, he is nevertheless capable of keen and yet chivalrous enmity. Of course, he has a temper, and really I would not give a travelling tinker's imprecation for the man without some fire in his soul. But when an intimate friend describes Archie Goodall “good, kind, gentle, simple fellow,” I can only add that the best and finest sportsmen were ever such.
None of those football guides which profess to supply the biographies of players ventures to announce the year of Goodall’s birth. It is proverbially difficult to ascertain the age of a prima donna and a footballer. When asked the question he was bluntly honest enough to refuse the information, which is infinitely preferable to any small deceit. All the same, Archibald Lee Goodall was born at Belfast in the middle of the sixties, and to-day he is a well preserved, active 5ft 7in, which bumps down the scale and also an occasional opponent with 12st 41b. Whatever his years, no one, on looking at Derby's captain, would believe, without his assurance, that he has played in the First Division of the League ever since there was a League, and that has been the victim of more accidents than any man playing the game. He hashad as many broken bones as he has fingers. And yet he is youthful in his enthusiasm and his love of battle, for it has long enough been an open secret that Archie Goodall need not play for mere money. With a very proper pride he relates the fact that he never missed a League fixture for six seasons, and played his part in over 200 consecutive competition matches for Derby County—a wonderful record, which is not unconnected with the fact that Goodall is a life-long teetotaler, and that he is not worshipper at the shrine of “My Lady Nicotine.” Harking back to that dim and distant era, the childhood of Archie Goodall, we find that his parents crossed the dark and stormy water of the Irish as they settled at Kilmarnock. In this Ayrshire town the now famous brothers, John and Archie, first toyed with the football of fortune. “Archie,” with whom our present concern lies, began with Kilmarnock Britannia, for whom he was the centre-forward. But “John migrated to Great Lever, near Bolton, and “ Archie “ followed his example. During a stay of six months or so A. Goodall played with several Lancashire teams, for as an amateur he was a free-lance. Seventeen or 18 years ago there were no professionals, no registrations, no multitudinous bye-laws and rules, and no over legislation for sport. The period of panic, professionalism, privileges, and penalties came afterwards. Hence Goodall was a free agent, and recalls playing for Darwen against Blackburn Olympic, when the match was draw . “ Whenever I see Bob Roberts,” said Archie Goodall, he reminds me of the game. Bob Roberts, Ellis Wood, and I went Bolton to help Darwen, and that was, I think, the first match that Bob Roberts played in England.” But the spirit of home was strong upon him, and Archie Goodall, returning, played with Kilmarnock in the centre. However, in 1886 he was back again in Lancashire, Liverpool Stanley being his principal club. “At that time Mitchell’s St. George’s, of Birmingham, was coming to the front, I was one of a committee of over half dozen who guaranteed a sum for St, George’s to come and play us. I remember that,” added Goodall“ as it was one of Jack Devey’s earlier matches. During the time I with Liverpool Stanley I used to play mid-week matches with most clubs who asked me, including Everton, Stoke, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, and Derby County. However, in the first season that the League formed, in 1888-89. I went to Aston Villa, where for the first time I signed professional form. With the Villa I appeared at full back, half-back, and forward. I enjoyed assisting the Villans, as the management were very appreciative.”
Despite this, Archie made another move—as he joined the forces of Derby County.  As a matter of fact he reached Derby on May 2, 1889, while our John" arrived the scene the following day, May3. “Archie” has ever since remained with Derby County, though brother John went to New Brighton in 1899-1900, when the former was elected captain. It goes without saying that A. Goodall has been a host in himself, and only so recently as last season he missed but two matches. The regularity of his play has only been equalled by his consistency. There have been few better defensive centre half-backs, for he covers a lot of ground, is a terrible stumbling block the opposing forwards, and splendid help-mate to his backs. He is one of those men who is generally “ there ” when wanted, and his placing is perfect. Somehow or other, he is always on the ball, and certainly it may be said of him that age has not withered nor custom staled his infinite variety. Every position has he filled with credit, for he has kept goal when an accident has compelled someone to take up the role of that thankless office. His control of the ball is splendid, and in one match against Sheffield Wednesday he virtually took the leather out of Bunyan’s hands in the goalmouth and dribbled it past all opponent. His final shot hit Smith, the Wednesday goal-keeper, and the ball coming back to “ our Jack” he popped it through the allotted space. Once he accomplished a similar feat against Notts. Of course " Archie” is the owner of many medals. Including the emblem for the runners-up in the national Cup, as he played against Nottingham Forest, although he did not appear against Sheffield United. But of all his honours he sets the greatest store by a gold medal presented to him by a League club for “services rendered” on the field. This an uncommon distinction awarded him by one of the most celebrated organisations in the country. His decorations include many medals for all kinds of four-a-sidecontests when these were permitted, for “Archie.” “Our Jack," Sandy Higgins, and Ferguson or  McLachlan formed a very clever quartette party. On one occasion during an indoor competition in the Mechanics’ Hall, Nottingham they beat Long Eaton Rangers (7—-0), Nottingham Forest (7 —0), and Notts County (6-0), poor Harry Jackson keeping goal for Notts. During these games Goodall  kicked the ball a huge height, and it rebounded from the ceiling into the great organ, thus causing no inconsiderable delay. Five times has Ireland in International games, and frequently has he been compelled to decline the invitation of the Irish Association. The first representative Association match ever played in Dublin witnessed the downfall of Erin's Isle 2—0, but Goodall contends that the score did not represent the play at all, and that his country ought to have won easily; another injustice to Ireland.
The opinion of such a seasoned and discriminating player was invited upon the question whether the best League football of to-day was as full of merit as, say. that often or twelve years ago. There was no mistaking Goodall’s reply when he said: I don’t think the football seen to-day is anything like so good as it was ten years ago. For instance, there’s no team like Preston North End. Now, there was a collection of eleven stars, every one whom individually was able to hold his own in the best company. Not only was the North End the best team I ever saw, but in my opinion it never will be surpassed. I know this a strong statement, I cannot imagine more perfect football than they played. There has from time to time been much talk about the merits of centre forwards, but I considerthat our Jack is the finest centre-forward I have ever seen. Perhaps some of the others were faster, but he could do with the ball what the others could not. Moreover,I should like to say that Trainer was the most consistently reliable goalkeeper who ever stood between posts. But all the old North Enders were men of great individual and collective ability. But if we look around to-day I cannot see any team with more than four or five really first-class players—and very few elevens with that. The next best club eleven I ever played against that of Sunderland in 1891-92, and 1892-93—and to-day I have most liking for Aston Villa, Derby County, and Sunderland.” These are the well-considered opinions of a man who has played football of the highest class for twenty years.
Already has reference been made to the manifold sporting accomplishments of Archie Goodall, but it should be added that a weight-lifter he has in his day surprised many of the professional strong men, for he has acquainted with all of them except Sandow. There was a time whenGoodall could raise 1401bs. or 150lbs. with one hand and a bar bell of 186lbs, with two hands. I never knew a footballer who could equal this and then take up cue and make a break of 70 or 80. He once scored 51 off the red ball alone, and that means both an accuracy of shot and an exactness of strength which are rarely seen in amateurs. Goodall once owned a sterling bay cob of 14 hands which he drove from Derby to Kilmarnock, and what is more came back with the same trusty horse in five days, the distance for the single journey being 304 miles. During this jaunt the cob wore out four pairs of shoes, but one pair which were put on at Annan lasted for 300 miles and are still in the possession of Archie Goodall, whose adventures would make a readable volume.

A SORE DISAPPOINTMENT AT MANCHESTER
Athletic News - Monday 30 December 1901
John Lewis’s fiat that the ground at Hyde-road was unfit for play was a sad disappointment to the thousands who besieged the Manchester City enclosure, where Everton should have played their return game. The patch of ground, where once the sound of the scythe was heard—and that not long since—was certainly a picture. Black was the prevailing colour. An impression among the members, who alone were allowed past the doors, that it probably looked worse than it really was. On the far side from the stand a fair amount of water still stood, and it was tolerably hard in places underneath. League games have certainly been played on worse plots. The City had found two during the week at Stoke and Sheffield, while Everton acknowledged that the Molineux Grounds would easily take a better prize.  Neither side feared the consequences of a bout here and were quite prepared for orders to strip. Fitness or unfitness of the ground was a matter about which there ground was a matter about which there could be two opinions. I doesn’t matter now what ours was. The referee is the sole judge, in an official sense, of such matters and Mr. Lewis is not namby pamby in these things. He was sorry to have to declare a truce on Saturday-a lot of people were much sorrier.

SATURDAY FOOTBALL-STRAY NOTES ON LEAGUE GAMES
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 30 December 1901
During the last few days Everton have come a cropper from the top of the pedestal on which it has recently been posing. For the Goodison Park club this has been a disappointing and black Christmas. Six points were not only anticipated but booked as a certainty by the club directors out of Aston Villa (at home) and Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City (away). The fruit of the latter may yet be plucked, as this match as we all know, has, owing to the shocking weather, at Cottonopolis on Saturday, yet to be played, but the anticipated harvest from the Midlands has been brutally swallowed by these clubs themselves. It is no use trying to seek for an excuse for the Everton players. They were well beaten by their opponents on each occasion, and the best combination won without a doubt. The public who follow football, are now beginning to scratch their heads, and at the same time ejaculate “I always had my doubts about the championship; Everton’s play is too erratic and uncertain for any such possibility.” The talk is that to sit in committee and work out football problems on a chess-board is too much like the task the present War office officials have set themselves to perform in South Africa and that fads and fancies and problematical lectures are of no use to professional football. League matches are not won in committee rooms, but on the field of play, and the sooner this fact is recognised the better for Everton.

EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY MATCH POSTPONED
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 30 December 1901
After their visit to Wolverhampton on Boxing Day, the Everton team went straight back to Southport, at which salubrious resort they spent their time quietly preparing for Saturday’s encounter with Manchester City at Ardwick. The men were all in the pink of condition, and they left Southport in good time for play, reaching Manchester before noon. Cottonopolis was found, as usual, to be under dire climatic conditions, and the weather did not improve as Hyde-road was reached. Indeed, it was found on reaching the ground that the playing pitch was almost entirely under water, and beneath this there was a strong coating of ice. Under the circumstances Mr. Lewis, the referee, very wisely decided that play was impossible, and without the gates being opened the match was abandoned. A large crowd waited outside the gates, and though there was considerable disappointment, the wiser section of the community betook themselves cheerfully indoors.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES AND GOSSIP.
Football Chat and Athletic News- Tuesday December 31 1901
By Merseyman
Somebody said, "A Merry Christmas." Faith, and I should like to have him in hand this very minute, and practise upon him that favourite Yuletide pastime yclept " neck-ringing"; ring out the old and ring in the new, so to speak. A week ago our hearts beat high with the very brightest hopes anent Everton taking a really strong lead on the championship "table" as a result of the Christmas and Boxing Days' League fights, wherein Everton and Liverpool were interested parties. It was all nicely planned. thus: Everton will defeat Aston Villa at Goodison on the 25th, and then, flushed with a great victory, will travel as far as Wolverhampton the same evening in order to be " on the spot" in full good time for an administration of the coup de grace are noon of Boxing Day. Finally, Liverpool were to complete our happiness by extracting two points from Sunderland the same afternoon at Anfield-road, a consummation which would leave the Toffees high and dry as leaders by no fewer than seven points over Sunderland (No. 2 on the list), with the Wearsiders holding the questionable consoling knowledge of a couple of games in hand. -- Alas! the " execution " was in direct contradistinction to the planning—hanged Ifit wasn't! To both Wolves and Villan were Everton forced to bend the knee, whilst to complete the Blues' discomfiture, not to mention adding to their own, Liverpool, as last season, succumbed at Anfield-road to the energetic Wearsiders, who were doubtless spurred on by the knowledge that their great rivals, Everton, had twice bitten the dust within twenty-one hours. These three results place an entirely different, as it is unsavoury, complexion on the League map, for Everton on Saturday morning led on sufferance only, by the odd point, Sunderland having two games in hand. That such an untoward condition of things was brought about by bad play on the part of our two local champions I for one deny in toto and hereunder please find the grounds whereon I base such a statement. First let us look at the Everton-Villa match, played at Goodison on Christmas Day. Despite the heavy going, which has been a universal asset throughout the past week, no contest could have been fought on more spirited, sportsmanlike, and clever lines. It was a battle of giants in very truth, in which the Villa, who won by 3 goals to 2, after being twice led, and short of that boy-man, Templeton, for seven-eighths, also displayed indomitable pluck. This reverse constituted Everton's first home defeat of the season. The Toffees were at strength, and to half-time had all the play. Their forward work was fine, and intensely interesting to watch, thanks to the sportsmanlike action of Crabtree once more, in declining to adopt those freezing "one-back tactics." But George had to be reckoned with, and finer goal-keeping than that served up by the Trowbridge stalwart 'twould be impossible to conceive. In the second hall the Clarets visibly unproved, and twice equalised. Then are the finish Kitchen somewhat mulled for Clarke to clap on the "Brume" winning goal. The crowd went home half stunned with the shock., which I'll warrant partially spoiled their appetites for the good things awaiting them. And yet admiration for the Clarets grand uphill victory would not be silenced. Then one cannot forget the Villa's recent exhibition at Anfield-road. Their most prominent men in a grand ten were George, Crabtree, Wilkes, Bache, and Garraty, although all did well. Everton played grandly too until that final pinch, the one which snuffed them out, came. At this stage the defence was not too reliable, but a condoning item crops up here, for Eccles was suffering from previous injury. In front Settle played grandly, whilst Taylor was in evidence re goals, putting on a nice couple.Eccles was unable to turn cut at Wolverhampton next morning, this letting in Watson again. As in the Villa match, Everton were all over the opposition during the first half, but found Baddeley as tough as George. In the later stages the Wolves did better, finding a spot.” This was Watson, who was very was very weak indeed. Molineux was at its worst, and the men were completely undecipherable in the later stages. Luck once more frowned on the Toffees, who eventually retired defeated by 2 goals to I. What a contrast from a 6-to-1 Victory at Goodison!
From Wolverhampton the travelled back as far as Southport, there to fit themselves for Saturdays return engagement with Manchester City at Hyde-road. However. a meeting between top and bottom of the League was declared impossible by the referee. Mr. Lewis, Hyde-road being in a fearful condition. Everton intended playing Bert Sharp and Bowman, Young and Eccles being on the injured list.