Everton Independent Research Data
BLACKBURN’S RESOLUTION SPOILED THE NEW YEAR FOR EVERTON
January 3, 1953. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 0, Blackburn 3
By Ranger
Everton; O’Neill, goal; Clinton and Lindsay, backs; Grant, Jones and Lello, half-backs; Wainwright, Potts, Parker, Cummins, and Eglington, forwards. Blackburn Rovers; Elvy, goal; Suart and Eckersley, backs; Clayton (R.), Kelly and Bell, half-backs; Campbell, Crossan, Briggs, Quighley and McLuckie, forwards. Referee; J.W. Bowers (Huddersfield). Everton made a last minute changed, Grant coming in at right half for Farrell who has a touch of flu but was fit enough to watch the match from Press-box. This was the centenary meeting between the two clubs, both original members of the League in Cup and League warfare. Two bad clearance attempts by Kelly, both sliced tremendously, brought corners to Everton in the first five minutes. Neither of them produced any danger to Elvy’s charge, and neither did a bow-at-a venture shot by Wainwright from just outside the penalty area which finished yards over the bar. Potts was even more off the mark with a shot from almost the same spot, but at least the thing to today was to shoot often, though direction obviously was necessary. The right direction was forthcoming a moment later when Quigley gave Blackburn the lead at the sixth minute. Briggs was the prime mover in the goal when he picked up a loose ball and offered up an oblique pass to Quigley as the latter ran into position. Everton’s defence was rather slow to attempt a tackle probably due to the slippery surface, and Quigley himself seemed none too certain of his foothold. He half topped his shot, which O’Neill was unable to reach as it ran from one end of the goal to the other and entered the net just inside the far post. Everton’s defence looked none too happy a few minutes later when good work by Campbell Briggs and Quigley saw the ball bob about for some moments in the Everton goal area before Jones finally cleared the danger with a hefty punt. It was Jones a little later who headed out a McLuckie effort almost from under the bar, through I think O’Neill had the ball covered. Just prior to this McLuckie had headed the ball into the middle across the Everton goal without either Briggs or Quigley being able to make contrast with only O’Neill to beat. Another yard and one or other of them must have had a gift goal. This was not the Everton we had seen on New Year’s Day against Barnsley. The wing halves had their hands full with Blackburn’s lively forwards and all through the side there was a hesitancy and a fondness for short passing, which meant that progress was slow and laboured. For comparison Briggs showed how it should be done when he put up-the-middle pass for Quigley to run on to only for the inside left to five yards wide when a well directed shot might have beaten O’Neill. Then came a real let-off for Blackburn. When Suart and Kelly left the tackling of Eglington to one another and Suart also stumbled. Eglington darted through like a flash, bound for goal at an angle of 45 degress. He took the ball until he was on the six yards line, then found Elvy run forward to block his shot away. Actually a backward pass to Parker would have been a more sensible thing, for the latter was unmarked but we can all be wise after the event.
Spilt Second Save
Then almost immediately afterwards the Everton goal also had a narrow escape. A high dropping corner by Campbell went over the heads of Lindsay and O’Neill and was curling into goal when Clinton standing by the far post. “Kneed” it away at the last spilt second.
All-In Wresting
Something which resembled a mild edition of an all-in wresting match resulted in Campbell receiving an admonishing word from the referee after a spot of pushing in which Lindsay and Eglington were involved and which finished with a free kick to Everton. Everton so far had been anything but impressive. There was lack of combination and very little link-up between the half-backs and forwards, while Blackburn were far more accurate with their passing, quicker to the ball and also made ground by long passes, which frequently caught the Everton defence on the wrong foot. The best scoring attempt for Everton was a strong first-timer from just outside the penalty area by Cummins, which sped as true as an arrow and kept low all the way, but which found Elvy rightly positioned to make a comfortable save. Half-time; Everton nil, Blackpool Rovers 1
The first incident of note in the second half was a shot by Parker, which Elvy dropped on rather gingerly at the last moment after it had passed half way across the face of the goal. It was straight from the clearance that Blackburn got a second goal. Quigley headed the ball forward to Briggs who got it under control and bare down on the Everton goal with Grant, Jones and Lindsay barring the way. All three of them held off making a challenge so that Briggs from about eight yards was able to steer the ball past O’Neill who seemed so taken by surprise that he made less than his usual effort.
Nearly A Third
Two down was a bad blow for Everton and a minute later it might have been three when Briggs who all thorough had been making grand use of the ball teed up a chance for Campbell whose fierce first timer from an oblique angle, sped across the month of the goal and away to safely on the far side. Just as we saw with Barnsley the fact that the side is low down in the table is no guarantee of easy victory. By now, barring a sudden improvement in Everton’s play of which so far there had been no indication it looked a safe assumption that Blackburn were going to capture both points. Kelly again got a round of ironic cheering when he once more booted the ball lustry into touch. Them Parker made a hash of a Wainwright pass, Potts and Cummins fired shots against some bodies of Blackburn defenders and at the other end a tussle between Briggs and Jones was keen, and Campbell harassed Lindsay who conceding a corner but nothing came of it. Just before that Parker and Elvy had a tussle for the ball and Elvy cleared the ball, the Blackburn goalkeeper getting their first completed the clearance. Both Everton’s wingers had faded.
Making a Fight Of It
In spite this however Everton were making some resemblance of a fight to reduce the arrears, however never looking dangerous to the Blackburn defense. Quigley now back in defence for a moment again opened up the game with a beautifully judged pass of fully 60 yards up the field which Jones with Briggs at his heels put behind for a corner when attempting to pass back to O’Neill. This was just another example of the manner in which Quigley and Eckersley and one or two others had been chaging the face of the game by one astute move. Parker had a chance to shoot. He hit the ball hard enough yet the same lamentable lack of direction was apparent when it rose well over the bar. Everton’s hopes were now fast receding. There was nobody to hold the forward line together to give it some semblance of balance and combination, and passes were still going adrift far too often. Quigley scored a third for Blackburn at the 84th minute after starting the movement himself and then finishing it off with an unstoppable shot following a pass by Briggs. Final; Everton nil, Blackburn Rovers 3. Official Attendance 37,137.
BLACKBURN RES V EVERTON RES
January 3, 1952. The Liverpool Football Echo
Blackburn Res;- Patterson, goal; Gray and Roberts, backs; Bentley, Herron, Clayton and Leaver, half-backs; Graham, W. Holmes, Smith, Wharton, forwards. Everton Res; Leyland, goal; Tansey and Anderton, backs; Rea, Woods and Melville, half-backs; Harris, Thomas, Lewis, Fielding and Buckle, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Clarke (Altrincham). Before 6,000 people at Ewood Park. A low centre by Buckle saw Fiedling try a volley, which Patterson did well to beat off. Graham had a great chance but drove over. When Graham tried again Tansey kicked off the line, Patterson saved a Lewis header after a cross by Buckle and Holmes in replied forced Leyland to tip a ball over the bar. Half-time; Blackburn Rovers Reserves nil, Everton reserves nil. The Rovers attack took the initiative on the resumption but Leyland saved repeatedly from Holmes and Smith in a sudden breakaway Lewis almost opened the score.
NOT THE WORST EVER, BUT NEARLY
January 5, 1953, The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Blackburn Rovers 3
The most lasting recollection of this game for me, was one of thousands of unhappy spectators, shoulders hunched, hands deep in pockets, noses almost as blue as they felt, shuffling from Goodison Park on Saturday muttering to themselves and vowing this to be the worst Everton ever “Ever?” someone asked with an inquiring lift of the eyebrow. “Well the worst for a considerable time” was the just revaluation. How bad can a team be? Just as bad as the other side make them. Thus, though Blackburn Rovers (now forsaking traditional blue and white chequered markings for all red) stand among the mediocrity of their Division they were still good enough to make Everton look like a side which will be more concerned in due time, with going down than going up. And gave a hint meanwhile that an Ipswich might be an off-switch to Cup hopes. From when I last saw them, weeks and weeks ago, they have gone back unmistakably. Against Blackburn they were slow uncertain and lacked in the absence of both Farrell and Fielding, someone to guide them through a defence which was vulnerable in at least one respect. Whether Everton can afford to have a player like Fielding out of the first team is a question the club must decide before their position becomes critical. I think the thousands who watched the unhappy, loosely-connected and sometimes lethargic attack for Saturday would answer, almost unanimously but the ruling passion of the man who stands on the terrace counts for little. Everton made two scoring chances of the kind that are missed only once in twelve times. Eglington, clean through, had the mortification (did you notice? Of finding himself in the net and the ball outside it. Then, when a goal would have been only of salving effect Potts too, shot too straight and again Elvy’s outward move from his line had closed the door. Whether Everton had taken these chances or not it is doubtful whether Blackburn would have been beaten. They began as they were to go on, on a pitch treacherously frosted in places and every move, even those of the defence, was calculated to build into an attack of consequence.
Eckersley’s Timing
From being tentative and slow at the start the match developed into one of interest, not because the sides were well-matched but because Blackburn had at least three players to be studied and enjoyed. Briggs at centre forward is not in the purple among centres, but here he played the game of his life. Never since Dean have I seen anyone head the ball about him so accurately –and discerningly. With his back to the Everton goal no one least of all Jones knew the way he would go or by what means. In the circumstances Jones stopped him well enough to confine his success to one goal, but there are sometimes matters of greater moment than goals. O’Neill too felt the impact of Briggs . From six corners he snatched the ball, gracefully from the ready forehead of this big and most able Blackburn forward. Next Eckersley. Here he faced a townie from Southport in Wainwright. In the circumstances the battle could only end in that player’s submission. The memory of a badly-broken and ice-hard ground are not conducive to helping anyone to beat England’s best full back. What impressed me most about Eckersley was his timing. True he completely took his eye from the ball when attempting a spectator headed clearance but that was his only blemish. For the rest this compact yet tough little man “read” Everton’s forward intent with unerring instinct, even to anticipating their throws from the touch line and –converting their advantage into his. Quigley with two nice goals and a stream of cross-field passes, laid on the inch, seemed to enjoy his game –something no Everton team has appeared to do for a considerable time. only in the second half was Lindsay able to quell the fire and fury of little Jack Campbell, a son of out city who is enjoying new life, this time as a wing forward Campbell senior, a rabid Everton follower, was present to see his son help to nail the side he loved, so he would view the match with mixed feelings. Blackburn had the edge too, at half back where both bell and Clayton were solidity linked with the line ahead. Kelly was more lusty than trusty, but on a day of Everton indecision and inability the defence came through without a goal against them. Potts was the only Everton forward who played remotely near to form; Jones purely as a destroying force, was often successful when Blackburn put prolonged pressure on him and Lindsay once he had sized Campell, did well enough. But Everton need to be more direct; to be quicker. They also need someone to hold them together as a combined force and not, as they were on this occasion an eleven of loose-ends.
• Formby 1, Everton “A” 11
• Everton “B” 1 Ainstone SC 0
A VERY POOR SHOW
January 5, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
After Everton’s encouraging display against Barnlsey, I went to Goodison on Saturday full of hope that another two points would come their way. Instead, they gave an exhibition as inept and disappointing as any we have seen in the past three seasons. Rarely did they rise above the standard which a moderate Third Division side might have shown. The forward line did not produce a single worthy of the name with the possible exception of Cummin’s long range effort , while two simple chances were missed when, as A1 Read says, the ball “could almost have been wafted in with a cap.” Recently I headed those notes “Everton will rise again” I’m glad I did not say when, because if they don’t do better than this some of the games in the near future against lowly opponents are not going to bring the double sided advantage anticipated. They may cut the other way instead. O’Neill was one of the few to approach anywhere near normal form. Yet even he, I thought was slightly at fault with Quigley’s “topped” shot which brought the first goal and when he dropped the ball later it gave Briggs the chance to tee up Quigley’s other goal.
Defence Was Mesmerized
Yet O’Neill could not be blamed for the defeat. Against his partial errors he could point to several good saves and much confident work. Jones did as well as anybody could have done against the Rovers lively inside forwards. Yet even he along with Grant and Lindsay stood as though mesmerized and let Briggs have almost a free kick for the Rovers second goal. Lindsay like O’Neill retrieved his occasional slips by some good work at other times. But that is about all that can be said on the credit side. For the rest it was a very poor show. The forwards meandered about like a ship without a rudder, completely minus plan of method, and as bereft of shot as ever I have seen any line. With a couple of exceptions the few attempts there were at shooting were as far off the mark as it was possible to be. Some were just as wild as Kelly’s early panicky kicks that produced Everton corners. Manager Cliff Britton was not watching the game. He was at Reading weighting up the form of Ipswich Town, Saturday’s Cup-tie visitors. He missed nothing worth seeing from his own side but plenty that was good by Blackburn, who have in Quigley and Briggs two players who would do either of our own senior sides a power of good. How Blackburn ever came to consider parting with Quigley, if this is his normal form, beats me.
FIELDING FINDS A PLACE AGAIN
January 9, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton’s forward line for the F.A Cup-tie against Ipswich Town at Goodison Park tomorrow, shows the changes which followers of the club anticipated after the drab performance of the attack against Blackburn Rovers. But in bringing back Fielding on the extreme right wing Manager Cliff Britton has made an unexpected move. Many consider that Fielding’s best place is in one of the inner positions, where he can perform the engineering role, which is his forte, yet one cannot forget that it was on the extreme wing that he had some of his best matches two seasons ago, when Everton were promising to stay in Division one. At that time Joe Mercer, on a busman’s holiday –he won’t even be fit to be a busman tomorrow owing to flu – gave it as his opinion that Fielding’s work on the wings was second only to that of Stanley Matthews. Fielding has certainly proved that he knows how to put a ball into the goalmouth and now he is not a young man I expect he will welcome the physically easier task to which he has been called. The Everton line will derive power of the appearance of Dave Hickson at centre forward. His cough has improved sufficiently to allow him to take his place, and the Ipswich defence, on what they have heard, must be in no doubt that their afternoon’s work will not be easy. The Everton team will be;- O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Fielding, Potts, Hickson, Cummins, Eglington.
IT WON’T BE LONG NOW
January 9, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Cup-Tie Fever Mounts As The Vital Day Draws Nearer
Ranger’s Notes
You and I dear reader, know from past experiences the folly of counting our Cup-tie chickens before they have emerged from the shell. We have had many disappointments. By all the laws of football from tradition, and probability Everton should against their Southern Section opponents. So we thought last season when Leyton Orient came up here after the Blues had drawn in London. It did not turn out as we expected however;-
But that is ancient history. Our concern today is not with what Everton should have done twelve months ago. The vital question is what they may or may not do tomorrow. Sins of omission and commission have a big bearing on cup games in which nobody gets a second chance if they let the first one go. On the assumption that Everton cannot possibly play so badly for the second week in succession as they did against Blackburn Rovers I am tipping them to win. Heavier forbid that yet another of my prophecies should go west!
It May Be Close Thing
Ipswich have never previously got beyond the third round of the Cup. They want to shed themselves of that “record” and reckon they have a fighting chance of doing so this time. In their last twelve League and Cup outings they have suffered only one defeat on Christmas Day at Leyton Orient and have never failed to score in their last twenty matches. This may well be a very close and dour struggle. It could also be a comfortable victory for Everton if they are in the form they were against Doncaster or Bury. Though cup-ties rarely fail to provide a quota of surprises I feel Everton are not going out at this hurdle whatever happens later. The Goodison team will be playing in its alternative colours of old gold, with black shorts. They used this strip when I saw them at Coventry last season. The shirts have a glossy, almost fluorescent sheen. Let’s hope their play will sparkle as well. The two goals end stands at Goodison will be open to pat at the gate patrons tomorrow (3s 6d). Any unsold tickets for the Bullens Road and Goodison Road stands will also be available at the entrances to these stands. Everton’ O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Fielding, Potts, Hickson, Cummins, Eglington. Ipswich; Parry; Acres, Deacon; Myles, Rees, Parker; Jones, Brown, Garbneys, Elsworthy, Ball.
MANCHESTER CITY WANT BUCKLE
January 10, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s Utility Forward
Ted Buckle, Everton’s play anywhere forward, who came to them from Manchester United three seasons ago, may sign for Manchester City early next week. Manchester City representatives came to Liverpool to see Manager Cliff Britton and the player and negotiations continue. Buckle made only one formal request to leave Everton, but for some time it has been known that he wanted to go. He always said he had a preference for a club in the South. A Londoner Buckle was signed by Everton at reasonable cost to help in the effort to remain in the First Division. He gave the Everton attack an injection of directness and accurate shooting at that time, but though he is so versatile –he can play on the wing or in the inside forward positions –he has not always commanded a first team position. If Buckle’s physique had matched the brilliance of his football brain he would have been one of the greatest players, but he is pencil slim despite the fact that Manchester United once sent him to Eire to help build him up physically. No one in the game has a bigger shot than this the thin man of football, a fact which proves that timing and not size is the thing which counts. Buckle is worth his place in any team, nut when the grounds are heavy, he is not a greater stayer. If Manchester City sign him they will take the joker of the Everton pack. Buckle once likened himself walking with Jack Grant to Gordon Richards and the late Lord Mildmay out for a stroll.
HICKSON PROVIDED EVERTON’S REPLY TO GOAL CALL BY IPSWICH
January 10, 1953. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 3, Ipswich 2
By Stork
Ipswich shooked Everton to the rocks by taking a 2-1 lead at the interval, and deserved it. Everton opened as though they would sweep the Town out of the ground, but having gained confidence, Ipswich hit back, and playing good-class football took the lead. This second half, however, saw Everton rise to the occasion and with the Town tiring they got the necessary two goals to put them in the next round, but it was a tough tussle nevertheless. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Clinton and Lindsay, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Fielding, Potts, Hickson, Cummins, and Eglington, forwards. Ipswich Town; Parry, goal; Acres and Deacon, backs; Myles, Rees and Parker, half-backs; Jones, Brown, Gardner, Eisworthy, and Bell, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Pankhurst, (Warwick). Peter Farrell won the toss and he decided to kick towards the Stanley Park. This was the first visit of Ipswich and they were hopeful of a draw at least. Everton right from the opening cut a way through the Town defence and Fielding and Hickson engineered an opening which ultimately aw the ball crossed to the far side of the Ipswich goal but Eglington was unable to make contact. The Suffolk team, however, were not long in retaliating and O’Neill had to make a catch at the same moments as he was challenged by Garneys.
Still Pressing
Still, the Everton pressure was intense, but the Town managed more by luck than good management to extricate themselves from their difficulties. The Town made another incision but it was soon repelled and Everton were back challenging for hat early goal which is so often so important in Cup-tie. They nearly got it following excellent work by Fielding, who put his centre right on to the forehead of Hickson, and the Everton leader made the best possible use of it and only a good save by parry saved the situation he edged the ball on to his crossbar from which it hounded back into play and was eventually cleared. So far we had not seen the power of the Ipswich attack, but we had seen an Everton in a particularly lively mood, fighting for everything and most times coming off tops.
Ipswich Hit Back
At last the Suffolk lads showed their sting after Potts had made a poor intended for Eglington but was collected by Acres, who promptly delivered the ball into the goalmouth and Elsworthy made a shot that was deflected by Clinton and two corners quickly followed. Having disposed of them, Everton were back in the Ipswich penalty area almost as quickly as you could say knife and Fielding finding himself nicely placed drew Parry from his goal and shot hand for the target. Deacon had dropped back to cover the keeper and although he touched the ball he could not keep it out of the net, so that Everton were one up in nine minutes. Goal number two almost came when Eglington and Potts manoceurved an opening which saw Fielding nicely placed, but the winger decided that a centre was the correct thing. He therefore put the ball right across to the Everton left wing. The Ipswich defence was somewhat dumbfounded by the manceuvre, which ended in Eglington making a header and Acres heading away to save what looked a desperate situation. Fielding had a shot blocked but was able to recapture the ball and have a second go which found Parry equal to the situation with a nice match.
Ipswich Reply
Potts nodded the ball over to Cummins and a second goal seemed to be Everton’s portion, but Cummins headed over the bar from close in. Ipswich broke away, and after Ball had pulled his shot a foot wide of the far post, Elsworthy put the Everton followers hearts in their mouths when he headed a Garneys centre on the cross-bar. It was some minutes before the danger was cleared. One long shot by Myles passed over, and at this moment the Town were doing very much better. To the surprise of all Evertonians, Ipswich equalized at the 22md minute, Brown was the scorer and his oblique shot passed in front of O’Neill before it eventually hit the far post and turned into the net.
Everton Lose Lead
Everton had lost their grip of things and Ipswich were playing quite as well as they and a fast drive by Brown, which was travelling straight for goal, had the misfortune to hit Garneys on the legs and pass behind. Garneys, however, got consolation when he scored for his side at the 35th minute to put Ipswich in front. Elsworthy, if was, who put the ball in the goalmouth and, as Jones slipped Garneys stepped in to take a goal. Garneys might have made it three when he crashed a ball into the side netting. The last 15 minutes had unfortunately seen Ipswich charge and they got the ball into the net a third time by Brown but the goal was disallowed for an infringement.
No Rhythm In Everton
Everton could not recapture the rhythm which made them look so dangerous in the first 15 minutes. True, they had to pass very strict attention to defensive measures because their rivals were playing open and progressive football and were giving nothing away. Ipswich were undoubtedly a surprise to the Everton people. They did not sit on the splice but went out to obtain further goals if possible and Garneys was not far off with a header. This was practically the last incident of the half, and Ipswich were sitting in very happy position.
Half-time; Everton 1, Ipswich Town 2.
Everton opened with a solid attack and the Ipswich defence was none, too confident but it came through unscathed and the Town once again got on the attack and Parker from 30 yards out delivered a hot drive which went into the crowd. Where Ipswich were going for the ball, Everton were awaiting its arrival and one often saw a Town man nipping in with keen intervention and take a ball away.
Potts Shoots Outside
There was a slight mist around the ground, but it did not prevent us from seeing Potts and Fielding work an opening for a shot by Potts which passed outside. It was then Ipswich turn, and Garneys was responsible for a good shot and O’Neill a good save. Cummins and Eglington got together in a neat little movement which caused Ipswich some trouble and before this trouble was cleared Cummins had come along with a shot well off the mark. Brown was injured but soon recovered. The second half was 12 minute sold when Everton drew level and it was a Hickson header which did the track. It was not quite clear what happened for there was quite a gathering of players close to the Ipswich goal, but I am sure it was Hickson head which finally piloted the ball into the net. This goal was naturally was received with great joy and it had an effect for Everton, now attacking strongly Saw Fielding shoot across the Ipswich goalmouth.
Ipswich “Panic”
Ipswich were not playing now with quite the same confidence as they had displayed in the first half, and what is more, their defence was inclined to panic a little kicking anywhere under the slightest provocation. After Everton had been in charge for practically 15 minutes the Town came to life again and O’Neill made a wonderful catch from a crossed ball by W. Jones but he made an even better save in the next minute when he took a fierce drive by Parker using his chest as an extra cover to his hands. It needed that cover too for it was a particularly hard and fast drive. Quite a nice movement started by Garneys came unstuck when Brown pushed the ball a shade too far forward and it passed harmlessly for a goal kick.
Still Trying Hard
Ipswich were far from done with and their wingers were particularly effective but Ball once “over-jinked” instead of getting the ball over where eager colleagues were waiting for it, and he fell victim to Clinton. A long ball right out to Eglington had possibilities until Parry rushed out of goal and smothered Eglington effort at the source. There had been quite a lot of desultory play when the ball was confined to midfield but at the 73rd minute the Everton followers were greatly relieved when Eglington made a fine run and centred so accurately that Hickson was able to make up his mind where he would head the ball. He nodded it well away from the Ipswich goalkeeper. This goal was likely to be the winner for the Ipswich team showed signs of tiredness as a result of their great first half effort.
O’Neill Injured
W. Jones the Ipswich winger, put a musty handing centre close into the Everton goal and as O’Neill caught the ball he was charged by Elsworthy, but retained his hold on the ball although he went to ground. He was hurt and had to receive attention.
Hickson Again
Ipswich were still putting up a galliant fight in fact they were capable of causing some anxiety when they got on the move. A breakaway by Everton saw Hickson try an angular shot which went like lightning over the cross-bar. A free kick against Everton saw full back Deacon drop the ball close into the Everton goal, but O’Neill came out and punched away from several heads which had risen to the ball. Fielding and Hickson created trouble for Ipswich but Parry was equal to the situation when the Everton centre forward crossed the ball high up close to the crossbar. As time drew near Everton were attacking and Parry had to save from Cummins and later saw a Hickson header pass a foot wide of his upright. Parry made another fine save from a Hickson shot and with only a matter of minutes to go victory seemed assured for Everton. Final; Everton 3, Ipswich Town 2. Official Attendance 42,252.
WOLVES RES V EVERTON RES
January 10, 1952. The Liverpool Football Echo
Wolves Res; Sims, goal; Short and Guttridge, backs; Slater (W), Russell, and Clamp, half-backs; Dimmer, Stockin, Whitfield, Booth, and Cooper, forwards. Everton Res; Leyland, goal; Tansey, and Anderton, backs; Rea, Woods, and Meville, half-backs; McNamara, Thomas, Moore, Lewis and Easthope, forwards. Referee; Mr. G.D. Swinton (Stafford). A 20 minute goal by inside left Lewis enabled Everton Reserves to take the lead against the run of play at Wolverhampton, McNamara the visiting right winger really made the goal after being let through by centre half Russell. Instead of shooting himself the winger placed a perfect pass across to Lewis who side footed the ball into the net. The Everton goal had borne a charmed life, but in the 38th minute Lewis go a second goal after receiving from Thomas to give Everton a 2-0 interval lead. Half-time; Wolves Res nil, Everton Res 2.
A MINUTE THAT EVERTON WILL REMEMBER
January 12, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton 3, Ipswich Town 2
Broken hearts and brusied reputations –that is how it goes in the F.A. Cup. An element of British selfishness is not entirely missing, either. Some Everton fans, having seen their side survive y hairsbreadth margin. In effect if not in fact went away from Goodison Park on Saturday cheering news that Liverpool were a goal down with five minutes to play at Gateshead. To anyone free from the taint of partisanship this was an unthinkable reaction. If there is any excuse for it (which I doubt) it can only be from the numberless times that Liverpool followers have had reason to make an Evertonian’s life miserable.
A Testing Tilt
What Manager Cliff Britton had to say to the Everton team at the interval of that tough and testing tilt against Ipswich Town is not for publication if only because Mr. Britton feels that talk off this kind is a domestic matter. Ipswich will derive some consolation if no material reward from the opinion of the Everton manager that they compared favourably with any side seen at Everton this season. Everyone who saw the game will testify similarly having first offered a prayer of thankfulness that Everton won, by 3-2. The crux of this match –and for a minute the whole Everton Empire trembled –came immediately after Ipswich had scored what seemed to everyone to be a perfectly legitimate third goal after recovering from being 1-0 down. The referee consulted a linesman –there was that anxious moment any wait which seemed like hours – then he signal that the goal claim was disallowed. Given the other decisions, Ipswich I think would not only have gone on to win but to win substantially. It is the Britton view that Everton should have had the match won in the first fifteen minutes. The chances were there but only Fielding used one. Cummins blundered fatally with a headed chance almost literally under the bar and none of the other reasonably takable opening was used. At that point it seemed 10-1 against Ipswich but a beautifully worked Brown goal so set Ipswich alight and so damped Everton’s fire the match underwent a fundamental change. Everton dithered and Ipswich went striding on to attack after attack with the ball passed so well, and with such telling direction that goals were inevitable. Thus, with Garneys coming along with a second and Brown getting another not long afterwards Everton hopes fell to zero. Only the referee’s decision “their way” in Brown’s case could save them. Personally I judged the third “goal” to be more valid than the second, which also needed the linesman confirmation. Maybe the referee gave the defending side the benefit of the doubt in the second instance.
Relaxed Grip
Ipswich lost because they relaxed their grip when they may have sensed that they had the match safely won. Before Hickson went up with a defender to try to head Lello’s lobbed pass it was clear that Everton were slowly regaining the initiative. Whether Hickson’s was the head which “connected” with this Lello offering or not makes, no matter. The ball soon lay over the line and between the posts. There was no doubt about the Hickson header which finally killed Ipswich, gamely as they battled against this second deficit. Everton do not offer great hopes for further cup glory; they scrambled home here against a side which played the better stuff for the greater part if the game. It was not that Everton were jolted out of their stride by shock tactics, but that Ipswich by perfect combined football did almost as they pleased for long periods. Their only weakness, I thought, was at full back where each, in turn made tactical blunders, one of which led directly to the Fielding goal. At half-back they were very good and inside forwards can rarely have played with greater understanding. The ability of both wing men, each small to outpace the Everton backs, was a circumstance well exploited in the first half, but not later. Everton were unrecognizably bright for ten minutes in their new strip –old gold, with the introduction for the first time of yellow ringed stockings. Later they were unrecognizable for another and less happy reason. If they are to win Cup-ties they will need to be as direct and practical as they were in the last twenty-minutes. Myles driving a ball in like a bullet, nearing undid Everton’s partial recovery with the score at 2-2 and it was well O’Neill happened to stand well placed to deal with this wonderful shot at the second handling. That Everton were on nodding terms with defeat against a Division 3 side will be a salutary lesson to them on the necessity to take chances, and on the necessity for not being “flummoxed” merely because they lose the lead. Everton go into the draw today but Ipswich deserve no less.
EVERTON RES DREW
January 12, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Reserves had to sacrifice a point after leading 2-0 in their Central League match at Wolverhampton. Two good first half goals by Lewis gave them a well deserved lead until thirteen minutes from time when Wolves scored two goals in three minutes to snatch a lucky point.
• Everton “A” 8 Prescot BI 0
• Everton “C” 3, Liverpool “C” 0
• Litherland BC 0, Everton “D” 15
IPSWICH WERE GOOD
January 12, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
Those who thought it was going to be a “walk-over” for Everton and I know there were many were soon” disillusioned for Ipswich Town made a bonny fight of it and not until the final whistle did the Everton spectators leave their seats with an easy mind and the knowledge that Everton were in the next round. There is no disputing the fact that these Third Southern teams are building on the rich lines. Football skill is their first through, and Ipswich were determined that if they were to win through it would only be sheer ability and not just hit and run methods. They me artistry with artistry and went down with flag flying after giving Everton the biggest shock this season.” I wonder whether the Town players were overawed by their magnificent surroundings? It could be for it took them 20 minutes or more before they settled down; got the feel of things and then hit back at a team which looked like “white-washing” then. They took a drubbling during those minutes when Everton produced fast and progressive football and took a goal into the bargain. They must have wondered what had hit them for their defence was shaky and uncertain and most people were thinking “What did I tell you.” How wrong we were! Having taken the strain and it was a strain, for Everton looked really good early on the visitors gradually got their football working and eventually showed us that Southern football is of a high standard –a standard good enough to clear of that Everton goal and slap on two themselves –and it was Everton who looked over awed. They had lost their verve, their punch, and their grip of things, so much so that Ipswich became the better team.
Goal Disallowed
It is no small feat for a little team to come to Goodison Park magnificent arena face up to a goal deficit in nine minutes and then set about not only rubbing out that goal but producing football the equal of their opponents and slip in two goals before the interval. They actually had the ball in the net a third time, but the goal was disallowed. I could see little wrong with it but the referee had spotted a foul and that was that. Had that goal counted goodness knows what might have happened, for just at that time the Town were pulling out some really good class soccer and Everton had slipped into a lean spell during which they could do little else but defend stubbornly. One began to wonder if we were to experience another “Leyton Orient,” for Everton dropped in effectiveness and the Town showed such improvement and had got their teeth into a game which had seemed beyond their reach in those first minutes. A neightbour turned to me and said “it is going to take Everton all their time to win.” My reply was “It will take them all their time to draw the way things are going” No only had Ipswich scored twice, had a goal disallowed but they had hit the crossbar as well. Now that was not the work of a slipshod cam, but one with method of approach and ideas, but as things turned out in the second half it appeared as though they had given all they had and became tired. They were not the driving force they had been and Everton took up the reins once again and popped up with two goals to take the lead. Even in the last few minutes the Town made a dying effort in an attempt to force a draw, but O’Neill prevented it with two excellent saves. Ipswich gone down fighting galliantly in one of the cleanest cup-ties I have seen.
Fine Wingers
Ipswich never forsook their football; they kept on with it right to the end, never reverting to kick and rush tactics so prevalent in some Cup games. Their wingers were great the wing half backs real helpmates, with strong inside forwards in Elsworthy and Brown, Garneys the centre forward, kept Jones on the stretch in fact, I look upon Ipswich as a sound all-round team.
Everton had a lukewarm patch and were inclined to wait for the ball coming, which was not good policy against quick interventions. True, they came out the better in the end but not before the men from Suffolk had shaken us to the foots and made Everton go all the way to get into the “hat” again.
Fielding hit the first goal, but there was a query about the second which was generally given to Hickson. It appears that Lello’s free kick was not helped in by Hickson but Rees, so Lello takes the credit for the goal. Hickson claims the next –a perfect header from Eglington’s beautifully placed centre. Brown and Garney were the Town scorers and O’Neill would tell you yourself of those last saves which prevented a drawn. It was a grand struggle with quite a lot of credit going to the losers. I was sorry to hear cheer when it was announced that Liverpool had lost at Gateshead.
EVERTON’S CUP OPPONENTS
January 13, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Forest Look Good On Paper, But Have An Inside Forward Problem
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s game on Saturday against Notts Forest, at Nottingham assumes more than usual importance in view of their pairing in the fourth round of the cup at Goodison Park a fortnight later. Forest have made several changes in their team since they lost to the Blues here on September 6. At right back Thomas has given way to Whare while right half French obtained from Southern in October has been a regular in that position in place of Thompson, who figured in the earlier game at Goodison. Scott who played at inside right in the first five games of the season, has since appeared also at outside right and inside left and is Forest’s chief utility man. Another newcomer to the team since they were last here is Martin, the former Doncaster Rovers inside forward who was obtained by Manager Billy Walker about the same time as he signed French. My Nottingham correspondent tells me that Forest still have shortcomings in the inside forward positions, martin who has scored only one goal in ten outings has so far not been quite as useful as anticipated. Leverton also has temporarily lost his one-time form and though the attack on paper, looks good enough, it has not always lived up to expectations against strong and resolute defences. When on form, however the Forest forwards have run up some very useful scores. They got six goals against Swansea Town and four each against Luton, Bury and Hull, all these being home games. On their own ground they scored three against Barnsley, Brentford, and Plymouth and also got three in away games at Lincoln and Rotherham. Only once have they had four goals against. That was when Swansea visited them. Threes however have been fairly numerous, six clubs having registered this number against them, including last Saturday cup-tie the Forest defence has kept a clean sheet on seven occasions this season, while their attack has failed to score in five games.
Everton’s Invalids
Parker and Wainwright who were unfit to come into consideration for last Saturday’s cup-tie were both in training at Goodison Park yesterday. Parker has recovered from his attack of influenza and Wainwright has got over the strained muscle suffered in training last Thursday. McNamara is again unfortunate. After recovering from influenza he suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s central league game and is once more under treatment.
EVERTONJ CHANGES
January 15, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton make two changes, one of them positional, for their cup-tie “rehearsal” against Notts Forest at Notingham, Potts who pulled a thigh muscle last week not fit, so that Fielding moves one pace inwards to take his place, and Wainwright, absent from the Ipswich cup game through a training injury returns at outside right. Elsewhere the side is unchanged and reads;- O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Cummins, Eglington.
Forest Surprise
Nottingham Forest create something of a surprise by restoring Tommy capel to the inside left position, Capel was dropped early in November and has been with the Reserves ever since. He takes the place of Freddy Scott who is rested. Notts Forest; Walker; Whare, Huthcinson; French, Gager, Burkitt, Moore, Martin; Ardours, Capel, Collindringe.
Reserves Debutant
In the Everton Reserves side home to Manchester United Reserves (2.45) George Kirby makes his Central League debut. This 19-year-old Huyton-born centre forward joined Everton from Longview Rovers three years ago. Team; Leyland; Tansey, Rankin; Rea, Woods, Melville; Mayers, A. Farrell, Kirby, Lewis, Buckle.
EVERTON’S REHEARSAL
January 16, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton, away to Notts Forest have a rehearsal for their fourth round cup-tie. Nor that anything which may or may not happen tomorrow will be a particularly reliable guide to the prospects a fortnight hence. League form has taken many a queer turn when the same sides have met in the League just before after a Cup-tie. Though Everton’s point return of late has been 50 per cent better than Liverpool’s, which still doesn’t make it very impressive their League position is just as ominous looking as that of their neighbours. Everton have not had the benefit of a good start to the season to bolister up, I hope they, too will shortly give us something over which to enthuse. I didn’t see them last week against Ipswich. From all accounts they looked more like the Third Division side, up to the interval than the visitors.
Get There First –Always
I was interested to read somewhere that it was only after a half-time pep talk in which players and officials went into an interval conference and devised “little” scheme to effect a second half rally, that they got on top. According to this back stage story it was decided at half-time that Everton must get to the ball before the opposition, the inference being that was not the idea in the first half. As for schemes, Everton need a big one not “little” ones devoted to a general all round improvement and strengthening. Being also an incurable optimist in regard to Everton as well as Liverpool. I just cannot bring myself to feel that we shall be completed to see a side of their traditions and resources suffer yet another anti-relegation struggle. But I would rather see them ascending by the grace and reward of their own virtues than existing precariously on the shortcoming of those below them. For that reason I am anxiously hoping for two points tomorrow. At the same time it’s a consolation to know there are some very poor sides below them. That’s something of an insurance if there is no improvement. Everton; O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Cummins, Eglington. Notts Forest; Walker; Whare, Hutchinson; French, Gager, Burkitt; Moore, Martin, Ardron, Capel, Collindridge.
EVERTON’S JOB
January 17, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
Were Everton and Nottingham Forest not both in need of victory today, for different reasons, their meeting at Nottingham might be a cagey one aimed to keep each other in the dark in preparation for the Cup-tie here on the last day of January. Instead both must make the best way home. Success for either will have double benefits one of them the psychological one “we can do it again too,” but Everton at least keep Harry Potts up their sleeve and he is not a bad card to have there in reserve for the second meeting. A seat has provisionally today includes Fielding at inside forward again, partnered by Eddie Wainwright, who comes back after injury at outside right. It is impossible to underestimate the importance of Everton’s job today, or of its effects if they do not play better than they did against Ipswich. One thing they lack is the ability to overcome the effect of an adverse goal, though I admit they finally nailed Ipswich. This sudden falling away when things go wrong even temporararily is a weakness we have noted too often. And catching them in this period of dazed bewildered other sides have been known to settle so completely that no subsequent Everton pressure has been effective. The Everton team is; O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Cummins, Eglington.
ALL HANDS TO PUMP SAVES EVERTON FROM FORST FIRE
January 17, 153. The Liverpool Football Ech0
Nottm. Forest 3, Everton 3
By Stork
Everton made a grand recovery, pulling back a two goals lead to share the spoils. This was an interesting cup rehearsal and, on what we saw today, there should be a very keen fight at Goodison in the fourth round. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Clinton and Lindsay, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones, and Lello, half-backs; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Cummins, and Eglington, forwards. Nottms Forest; Walker, goal; Whare and Hutchinson, backs; French, Gager, and Burkitt, half-backs; Moore, Martin, Ardron, Capel, and Collindridge, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.W. Glendening (Sunderland). This game was something in the nature of the Cup-tie rehearsal, for the two clubs meet in the fourth round a Goodison Park a fortnight hence. The ground looked excellent, quite the best I have seen since the early days of the season. As neither side made a change, a keen game was anticipated. The Forest noted for their good starts, got off the mark in the first few minutes. The Everton goal was soon under fire. Ardron once got clear of the Everton defence and his centre seemed to have possibilities, but the Everton full backs were able to cope. Having fell the fire of the Forest they set about making one of their own –and a long ball by Cummins out to Wainwright had a goal look about it, but Eglington had moved in a shade too far and Wainwright’s centre passed over his head to safety. The Forest made another move on their right wing, but this was held in check without any great difficulty. Then the Fielding –Wainwright got moving, but was also held at bay. A though Everton were having as much of the game as Forest, they had so far failed to call upon Walker, whose chief work had been to retrieve back passes. The Forest on the other hand, were capable of framing an attack but failed to finish it off, so they could not complain when, from Everton’s first real shot they found themselves in arrears, and what a glorious goal it was. It started with a clearance by Jones, was taken up by Eglington whose pass into the middle might have been intercepted by Gager but he failed to gather the ball and Hickson got hold of it. The Everton centre forward could not gather it so he rolled the ball sideways and Fielding coming up like a steam engine, gave his drive all the power in his possession. The ball flew 25 yards at lightning speed into the Forest net at 10 minutes. Eglington’s speed was causing Whare a spot of trouble but here –abouts, the Forest had got back to their attacking ideas. In the next few minutes we saw them testing the Everton defence with their springhly advances. Moore was exasperating. He would insist on dribbling when a ball in the middle would have been of much greater value. Time and time again he did this with colleagues eagerly awaiting a centre. Collindridge was much more direct, and a ball through the middle to Ardron looked dangerous until the Forest centre forward overran it. It was just after this that Forest equalized. They had taken a corner and Collindridge put his centre close in to the Everton goal, Martin jumped to try a header and appeared to interfere with O’Neill, who missed the centre. It went on to Capel who promptly nodded the ball into the net. Everton protested, and the referee decided that a word with the linesman was necessary. The goal was allow to stand. A little bit of quick thinking on the part of Hickson might easily have given Everton the lead again for when Whare attempted to pass back to his goalkeeper, Hickson simply flew round him, but Walker had advanced from his goal and he smothered Hickson’s effort. Straight from this, Forest took the lead. French an excellent wing half, started the goal mission when he pushed the ball out to Moore who, for once in a way, made a quick and direct pass to Andron, who scored from close in. Everton retaliated strongly, but Hickson was beaten by a fraction of a second. Half-time; Nottingham Forest 2, Everton 1.
When Moore raced down the wing he was challenged by Lindsay and as he broke away was pulled up for an infringement. Everton were rallying with great strength and Hickson and Fielding got together in an attempt to force an opening which proved unsuccessful.
Everton Onslaught
A Fielding shot passed outside and then we saw the Forest goal undergo an onslaught from which it was lucky to escape. In one particularly powerful attack by Everton, a Farrell shot seemed to be speeding for the back of the net until Hutchinson got his head to it and turned the ball over the bar.
Biggest Escape
I think Walker had the ball covered, in any case but the Forest’s greatest let-off was in the next minute. However the referee well up in position did not pull the game up. Everton had by far the better of this half so far, but as so often happens, the team on defence for a long spell suddenly broke loose and scored. Collindridge, streaking away on the far side of the field put across a long ball to the right wing and Moore, trvalleing very fast, shot across the face of the Everton goal. O’Neill got his hand to the ball but he only edged it out to Capel, who had the simple task of patting the ball over the line at 65 minutes. Everton were not done with, but Forest now holding a two goal lead, were a confident side. Ardron a terrier like centre forward, almost brushed aside the Everton defence only to shoot wide. Fielding returned after a spell on attention which has lasted about five minutes. He took his place at outside left. Forest’s third goal was scored during Fielding’s absence. Everton were put back in the game by one of the simplest goals I have seen for an age. No one was to blame except goalkeeper Harry Walker. Wainwright took a pass from Clinton, and, from a tremendous distance put up a high lob which Walker completely misjudged allowing the ball to go over his head and into the net, at 74 minutes. These high, dropping balls are the dread of a goalkeeper, but there is no excuse for Walker’s mistake. Tom Jones almost made a slip too, when he lobbed the ball back towards his own goal with O’Neill out of his lair. Fortunately the ball passed a yard outside. Everton were shooting quite often now, but it was O’Neill who had to make the next two saves. Everton had been on the defence for a moment or so, when, from a clearance, Eglington received possession. He beat off two challengers and ran the ball close in, drawing Walker to the right hand side of his goal and then neatly flicked the ball to the other end to give Everton an equalizing goal at 83 minutes. This was undoubtedly a good recovery, particularly as Everton were playing with Fielding practically a passenger. O’Neill prevented a Forest winner when he caught a Martin flick that seemed destined for the net. Judged on this display Goodison Park habitués should see a very good cup-tie on Saturday week. Final; Nottingham Forest 3, Everton 3.
EVERTON RES V MANCHESTER UNITED RES
January 17, 1953. The Liverpool Football Echo
Referee; Mr. A. Smith (Stoke-on-Trent).
Everton played their 18-years-old player, Kirby, who led their attack. Kirby signified his debut by giving the Blues the lead following pretty work in the 12th minute. The United were a fast side and Clempson, five minutes later, obtained the equalizer. Within another three minutes, McShane gave the visitors the lead. Everton made repeated onslaught before Mayers in the 35th minute, leveled the scores. Half-time; Everton reserves 2, Manchester United Reserves 2. The second half saw United the more dangerous side. Their front line caused Everton many anxious moments. Everton had good wingers in Mayers and Buckle. Farrell in the 65th minute scored a nice goal to regain the lead for the Blues.
EVERTON FIGHT BACK AND EARN A POINT
January 19, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Nottingham Forest 3, Everton 3
On arrival in Nottingham on Friday night, I was told that the Forest were very optimistic about their forthcoming Cup-tie with Everton at Goodison Park on January 31. What are their feeling now? They cannot be quite so sure after their experience on Saturday; for they saw a fighting Everton capable of rubbing out a two goals lead after the Forest had looked as though they were heading for a convincing win. When Forest were leading 3-1 there was not a long time to go and on top of that Everton had Fielding hobbling on the wing and Wainwright’s effectiveness considerably reduced because of an injured ankle. Everton however, staged a grand recovery to win a point which may prove of the greatest value later in the season. A draw was a fair result, for Everton played well without being punishing near goal, for Walker had not a lot to do in the Forest goal. It was Walker who put the metal into the Everton side, when he made a grievous error, allowing a long lob by Wainwright to pass over his head and into the net. The explanation of that mistake may have been that he took his eyes off the ball when he saw Hickson thundering down on him. That goal put Everton back in the game with a chance, and they went all out for the equalizer which duly came through an Eglington goal seven minutes from the end. The Forest were a lively lot. They may not have had the cleverness of the Everton team so far as the subtleties of the game were concerned but they were fast and progressive and Everton were often hemmed in their own goal area by their relentless pressure.
One of Season’s Best
Strange to say, however, several of the goals were not clean cut Wainwright’s goal was flucky and Cape’s first goal followed a push on O’Neill; by Martin which brought a protest. The two best goals were scored by Fielding and Eglington – the first and last. Fielding’s shot was one of the best seem this season. For it was a goal from the moment the ball left twenty five yards out of goal. Ali Walker could do was watch the ball hurlte into his net. The starting point of the goal was in defence, Jones heading the ball well up to Eglington, who slipped it to Hickson, who was challenged by Gager but managed to roll the ball over to the oncoming Fielding, who hit it on the run. Eglington picked up a clearance, held off two challenges and as Walker left his goal the Irishman glided the ball away from him and into the far side of the net. One or two of the referee’s decisions puzzled me, but how he missed seeing an Eglington shot handed out of the net I do not know, for everyone in the Press box saw it. A Forest player admitted to it afterwards. A linesman had also “flagged” but no heed was taken of his signal. It was a hard tussle, and one of the Forest’s goals was scored while Fielding was off the field and the inside right had been one of Everton’s most thrustful forwards. Everton had quite a good share of the game, without giving Walker much to do in the first half. Apart from Fielding’s goal and a near thing by Hickson as he was pushed off the ball, and Walker’s dive at Hickson’s feel after Whare had made an unnecessary back pass, Everton’s forwards had not been thrustful. The Forests gave the Everton defence much work by their first-time methods; they would have been even much more dangerous had not Moore, the outside right, not been so imbued with the desire to beat his man a second time. he became more direct later on and made two of the goals –Capel’s second and Ardon’s goal. Judged on what I saw, everything points to a thrilling Cup-tie at Goodison Park a week on Saturday, for the teams are pretty well balanced and if Wainwright and Fielding can be made fit in time – the latter had a pulled muscle –it should be a ding-dong tussle.
PROMISING DEBUT
January 19, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Res 4, Manchester United Res 2
George Kirby, the eighteen-year old Hutyon player, made a promising Central league debut for Everton as leader of their attack at Goodison Park on Saturday. Kirby, who fed his wings well and can shoot with great power, scored two of Everton’s goals. United who had the advantage in height and weight, were a clever side. Leyland making many excellent saves. Mayers and Farrell (A.) formed a good wing, each being responsible for the other home goals. Clempson and McShane scored for United.
• Everton “B” 9 South Liverpool 0
• Everton “C” 12, Universal 1
• Springwell 1, Everton “D” 0
A GREAT RALLY
January 19, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
Everton are gaining a name for themselves as grand fighters. In their last two games they have been in arrears but have fought back gallantly to win and draw. Their half share at Nottingham was one of the best things they have done this season for Forest appeared to have the game well won with a two goals lead and only 15 minutes to go. A flucky goal by Wainwright due to a grievous error by Walker was the tonic needed. They saw a chance of a “half” went out for it, and eight minutes from the end Eglington pulled out a goal which may be worth its weight in gold before the season ends. A draw was perhaps a true reflexion of the game, if only for that wonderful Everton rally when all seemed lost.
What did the game tell us as to Everton’s prospects in the forth coming Cup-tie? I Know that the Forest were very confident before the game but they may have to have second thoughts after seeing Everton snatch a point from under their very nose. It did not seem possible which only emphasizes Everton’s fighting quality. At all events, the Cup-tie has all the ingredients of a thrilling game, for the teams are fairly evenly matched.
Penalty Missed
Everton were slightly the better craftsmen, but there was no denying the progressiveness of the Forest who went straight for goal –with one exception, Moore, who was not content to beat his man once but must try it a second time. This was crass folly with colleagues so eagerly awaiting the centre. He mended his ways later and was instrumental in laying on the pass which produced two goals. Everton have a complaint, in which I join them, for an Eglington shot was deliberately handed out of goal by a Forest defender –not the goalkeeper –who later admitted to it. Then there was the case of Hickson, who was pushed just as he made his header, while O’Neill was baulked by Martin and missed the corner kick which went on to Capel to score. It was that handling case which annoyed more than anything else, for everyone seemed to see it with the exception of the one man who counted –the referee.
Eye Off Ball
Fielding’s goal was one of the best seen on the ground, a peach of a shot from 25 yards range which travelled faster than sound beyond the bewildered Walker, but that was Walker’s single real shot in the first half, although Hickson was only prevented from scoring by a daring drive by the Nottingham goalkeeper. Even that save will not dub out the memory of his lapse with a long lob by Wainwright which he allowed to pass over his head. That came about through Walker taking his eyes of the ball for a second when he saw Hickson rushing down on him. You cannot do that with a handing ball which requires every second’s attention. That goal but Everton back in the game when even a “half” seemed well out of their reach with the Forest having lost a little of their confidence, a defensive clearance saw Eglington pick up the ball at the half-way line, brush aside two challenges, and then lure Walker out of his goal to calmly slip the ball beyond the reach of his left hand. A grand rally when defeat appeared to be Everton’s portion. Ardorn’s goal came when Fielding was off for attention. He had been Everton’s best forward. He later went on to the wing with a pulled muscle and was little more than a passenger for the remainder of the game. Another casualty was Wainwright, who had an ankle damaged in the first half. He had opened so well that I wondered what was responsible for his fell away. The defence had to stand up to a grueling at times and Lindsay often found Moore a problem unless he Moore held the ball. Clinton is playing calmly and confidently at the moment and Lello was always looking a move ahead slipping the ball through beautifully at times. The Forest will not be easily beaten, but if the injured members are fit I think Everton have a big chance of getting into round five.
EVERTON’S BIG CHANCE
January 20, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Next Four League Games Could See Them Out Of The Wood
Ranger’s Notes
Everton in Saturday, tackle the first of four successive League fixtures of vital importance, for in each case their opponents are at the moment below them in the Second Division table. As three of these games are at Goodison Park and the other away to Doncaster, whom Everton defeated so decisively here in September, it may not be unduly optimistic to anticipate an upward surge in Everton’s League position. Each victory will have the added advantage of still further widening the gap between the Blues and the clubs below them. Four wins would come as balm to furrowed Goodison brows and probably completely disperse any lingering anxiety for the rest of the season. Against that alluring prospect one must set the fact that lowly clubs sometimes fight so desperately that they are harder to beat than those in a safe position, who have neither relegation to worry about nor honours to chase. Still it is nice to contemplate the possibility that Everton may soon be out of the wood. One of our senior clubs in a precarious plight is enough at a time! Southampton, visitors to Goodison on Saturday, are like Everton still in the Cup. They meet Shrewsbury at Shrewsbury a fortnight hence. Like so many clubs’ experience when struggling to get out of relegation danger the Saints are finding the run of the ball going against them. Latterly this has caused anxiety to creep into their play, when a calm approach would have brought better results. The recent introduction of 20-years-old Roy Williams, transferred from Hereford Town has brought a little improvement in the attack. This lad one of the smallest inside forwards in the game –he stands only 5ft 4 ½ ins –looks promising, providing his lack of inches is not too big handicap.
Several Recent Changes
Southampton have brought another youngsters into the side in John Hoskins, an outside left product of Hampshire amateur football. He also looks like giving good service. Neither of these players was in the Southampton side when Everton visited the Dell last September in fact the Saints line-up has been changed quite a bit since then, for Clements has been displaced at centre half by Henry Horton, who was formerly with Blackburn Rovers –and Alex Simpson has arrived from Notts County to take over at left half from Mallett. He has also been appointed captain. Yet another change is that Frank Dudley has taken over from Judd at centre forward. This long striding leader who has scored 12 goals in 17 games in the middle was recently sought by Portsmouth and West Ham. They offered big cheques but Southampton could not afford to let him go.
Where The Weakness Lies
An alteration in the last line of defence since Everton’s visit to Southampton has been the supplanting of Eire international goalkeeper. Fred Kieran by John Christie, a Scot whom Southampton secured from Ayr. International right back Bill Ellerington, is on the injured list at the moment with a strained groin. He was absent last week and if he is not fit it is likely that Tommy Traynor as Irish full back, signed from Dundalk this season, will be seen at Goodison Park, Traynor has so far made six senior appearance and shaped nicely. Southampton play this season has lacked consistency. They are not alone in that. The wing half backs have not always been able to give adequate support to both the attack and defence. Generally speaking they have shown a tendency to concentrate on the former and the Saints total of 45 goals compares favorably with all but a few of the leading sides. Their debit of 69 goals against, however, shows where the weakness lies. Not in one single game this season, have they been able to prevent the opposition scoring.
SOUTHAMPPTON’S PROBABLES
January 22, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Southern Club Is Waiting Reports On Two Injured Players
Ranger’s Notes
Providing that outside right, Day and full back Ellerington are fit Southampton’s team to oppose Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday will show only one change compared with that which drew last week with Notts County. Following a thigh injury in the third round cup replay against Lincoln. Ellerington had to miss last week’s game. Sooner than take any risks, manager George Roughton would prefer to give him another week’s rest, but there is just a possible chance that Ellerington may be all right in time. If Day who has a shoulder injury is not fit, his place will probably be taken by Bogan. Apart from this miss by Ellerington whose place was taken by Gregory, Southampton had been unchanged in defence for the previous six games, and similarly static in three of the five forward positions. Their main problems have concerned the two inside forward berths. No fewer than seven players have been tried at inside right and the same number at inside left. Some of these, of course, have appeared on either flank. Last week for the first time, they tried 20-years-old Williams formerly on Heresford Town, as partner on the left to Hoskins a local boy. The pair fitted in together promisingly. Before that John Walker, the former Wolverhampton player who cost the Saints £10,000 earlier this season, had been figuring at inside left. Williams is “cup-tied” however. Having played for his former club this season, he will be unable to assist Southampton in their fourth round tie against Shrewsbury next week. The team will be chosen from; Christie; Ellerington, Gregory; Sillett, Elliot, Horton, Simpson, Day, or Bogan, Purves, Dudley, Williams, Hoskins.
Everton’s One Change
Everton make only one change, Potts now recovered from injury, taking the place of Fielding at inside right. Fielding suffered a pulled muscle during the game at Nottingham last week, but it is expected that he will be fit enough to come into consideration for the Cup game against the Forest a week on Saturday. Everton; O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Potts, Hickson, Cummins, Eglington.
Everton Res (v. Liverpool Res at Anfield); Leyland; Tansey, Rankin; Rea, Woods, Melville; Mayers, A. Farrell, Kirby, Parker, Buckle.
IN REDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES
January 23, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Tomorrow provides a Lancashire –Hampshire clash with Southampton in opposition to Everton at Goodison, and Liverpool squaring up to Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Southampton next to the bottom of the table are in considerable danger of losing their Second Division status, for they have played two games more than several of the clubs just above them. Like Everton, the Saints have been a struggling side for the past few years, yet four seasons ago they looked a certainty for promotion. At Easter they had a lead of eight points over Fulham, their nearest rivals and were already repairing the flags and bunting at the Dell to celebrate their elevation to a higher sphere. Alas for those who count their football chickens too soon. The Saints got only four points from their last seven games and eventually finished third to Fulham and West Bromwich. Since then they have gradually faded away year by year. The prospect of promotion has given way to the fear of relegation, and they come to Goodison in urgent need of points. Everton need them, too, if they are to keep away from danger. After their display at Notts Forest last week they should tackle the Hampshire team with greater confidence. Any side which can fight back like the Blues did with ten men against a two goal deficit and a team of Forest’s calbre with only fifteen minutes to go should stand a good chance of victory against so lowly and struggling a lot as Southampton. Not that victory will be handed to them on a plate. Southampton have the same points return from their last nine outing as Everton with an almost identical goal average. Recently they have established a fairly settled side and are showing the benefits of this by their improved attack. The defence however, still appears rather vulnerable. Ellerington did not pass his fitness test this morning and will be unable to play so that Southampton are unchanged. Everton; O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Potts, Hickson, Cummins, Eglington. Southampton; Christie, Gregory, Sillett; Elliott, Horton, Simpson; Day, Purves, Dudley, Williams, Hoskins.
BATTLING BLUES FIGHT BACK AFTER DOUBLE BLOW BY SO’TON
January 24, 1953. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Stork
Once again Everton had to fight against an early goal, in fact they were in arrears up to the 71st minute. It was one-way traffic in the second half, but the Southampton defence did well and had that little bit of luck which means so much. Had Everton shot more quickly I feel they would have won. Everton; O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Wainwright, Potts, Hickson, Cummins, and Eglington, forwards. Southampton; Christie, goal; Gregory and Sillett, backs; Elliott, Horton and Simpson (captain), half-backs; Day, Purves, Dudley, Williams, and Hoskins, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.W. Bucknall (Birmingham). The only team changes was Potts for the injured Fielding. The ground was bound to be heavy, particularly the centre portion, which looked very soft. The game was started with the white ball, as I think every game should be during the dark and wet days of the year. Everton were soon on the attack and Cummins sent across a nice pass, but Potts was slow to make his move so that the Southampton defence had little difficulty in driving the challengers away.
Southampton Raid
Hoskins was soon in the news with a nice run which brought him close to the centre of the field before he transferred the ball to Day who stood with the ball at his feet waiting for Lindsay to make his intervention but the Everton full back held off so that Day had to think out a new move. He cut inside, got close to the corner of the penalty line and then shot but his marksmanship was not of the Bisley type for the ball passed outside. Then came a blow to Everton which put them in arrears. This is the third game in succession that they have had to come from behind, and it was a goal which had a slice of luck about it in one way, for it was a misunderstanding between O’Neill and Lindsay which enabled Day to steer his shot into an empty net at the seventh minute.
Speed on the Ball
This put Southampton on good terms with themselves although Christie had to field a deflected shot by Lello. Southampton speed on the ball was one of their chief assets, and Dudley had worked his way through almost to the penalty spot when he was successfully challenged by Jones, but it was a very near thing for the Everton man had to make his tackle from the rear. It was Southampton, however, who were in difficulties during the next two minutes and Everton were definitely unfortunate not to have equalized for when Potts shot, Christie was actually in the process of running back across his goal when the ball cannoned up against him and came back into play. He had no more intention of saving the ball than I had. Wainwright also closed in and shot from close range even though it was taken from a bad angle, but Christie was again in the way. It was immediately after this that Southampton took a two goal lead, and it was a Hoskins goal almost throughout. He picked up a long ball from the rear, out inside, during which he tricked several Everton men before he finally scored with a cross shot. This was at 15 minutes. Dudley nearly made it three when he forced O’Neill to push the ball against his crossbar from whence it flew up in the air and fell behind. Everton were undoubtedly right up against it now and it would need a gallant fight if they were to save the day.
Two Go off
Wainwright went off and Horton the Southampton centre half followed him off O’Neill saw a long drive by Purves swing over his bar and then an Everton attack saw Eglington whip down his line and deliver the ball into the Southampton goalmouth. Wainwright returned and just in time to see Eglington make a fiery drive which was cannoned down by Gregory.
Hitting Back
Horton was also back again wearing a bandage round his head. A right footer by Eglington crashed up against Horton and Christie came out to retrieve a shot from Lello, but he failed to make his catch and the result was a corner to Everton. This led to a rather lengthy attack on the Southampton goal without, however, giving Christie much to worry about. Yet another corner came Everton’s way when Potts with a long lob put Wainwright upfield and it took a united effort on the part of Christie and his full backs to get rid of the danger. They only managed to do if for a minute for another corner was won by Everton and Wainwright got the ball well in and it eventually landed at the feet of Eglington who, without much hesitation, shot at goal with his trusty left foot and it was in the Southampton net. I feel sure the ball hit someone en route, but I think it would have been in, an any case. Everton were now bang on top and Christie was often under fire, and at times did not greatly impress me.
Brilliant Save
Eglington also headed one about the same distance round the other post. Hereabout it was all Everton in fact it had been for some moments and when Wainwright unleashed a left-footed shot we all looked for the equalizer, but Christie made a brilliant one-handed punch to send the ball flying over his bar. The corner proved off little or no value to Everton. Jones with a stiffish task, stood up to it well and just on the interval an Everton corner kick was smashed goalwards by full back Clinton .
Half-time; Everton 1, Southampton 2.
Everton were soon off the mark and Hickson, Potts and Wainwright got together in an effort to engineer an opening, but Wainwright’s final pass inside had no pace about it, nor was there a colleague near enough to turn it to account thus it almost became a free kick for Southampton. Horton had to leave the field again, which made Southampton defensive task so much greater.
Piling It On
Everton were certainly piling it on, and Christie was not at all confident when he made a punch away clearance for he only half hit the ball. A really quick movement by Everton nearly brought about the downfall of the Southampton goal. It was a four-man piece starting from Lindsay, carried on by Potts and Hickson, until Eglington finally cracked in a shot which Christie turned round the post. When Potts forced a corner Eglington came right across field to take it. He took his kick with his left foot and the ball was swinging into the net until Christie punched it out a two-fisted effort. The game had become one long attack by Everton, but the Southerners were hanging on to that goal like grim death. Potts tried to produce the equalizer and was well off the target.
Push For Wainwright
In one quick advance by Southampton Clinton was beaten and things looked extremely bad for Everton until an offside decision pulled up Dudley, who was just on the point of bursting his way through. After Potts had a header saved by Christie, Horton –now more heavily bandaged –returned to the field just in time to see Cummins cross the ball to Wainwright, who seemed to be pushed off the ball by Sillett, but he received no O.K from the referee to his appeal. Everton were awarded a foul for a charge in the back by Horton on Hickson, and another one came immediately afterwards when Sillett bowler Wainwright over. Clinton took this, and his pass inside was taken by Wainwright, who appeared to flick the ball between his own legs and it was travelling just inside the far post when Gregory kicked the ball off the line, and it was really bad luck for the Everton winger for it robbed him of a really great goal.
Two Shots Go Astray
Horton despite his injury never flinched an issue and it was he who stood in the line of flight when Farrell tried a 25-yard shot. Cummins tried one from a similar distance but he got a little too much trajectory and the ball went well over the bar. O’Neill had little or nothing to do but he was suddenly called upon to make a short range save from Dudley. It was a rather daring effort on the part of the Irishman too. Southampton stayed in the Everton goal area only a matter of minutes for Everton were back hammering away in an effort to get the equalizer. When Potts stepped over a challenger’s legs he put the ball up for Hickson who flung himself in the air in swallow-dive fashion to head the ball over the bar, I think it would have been better had Potts taken a chance with the shot himself. The equalizer, however, was not long delayed, for at the 71st minute Wainwright had put Everton on terms. His first shot taken with great deliberation, was parried by Christie, but it came back to Wainwright, who this time cracked it again into the far side of the net despite to an effort by Gregory to keep the ball out.
After The Winner
Everton were now at full stretch for a winner and they had one or two shots charged down before Dudley sneaked off to win a corner for Southampton but this was speedily got rid of, and a free kick to Everton saw the home team quickly back testing the issue with the Southerners’ defence. Christie took a header from Potts very confidently and at the other end a free kick to Southampton produced another free kick to Everton. Everton took quite a number of corners and during one melee inside the penalty area Everton claimed for a penalty without success. They were certainly trying hard for a third goal, but one of the reasons why it did not come was that their forwards, and Farrell, wanted to dribble their way through instead of taking a shot instantly. Horton left the field with blood pouring from his head and his jersey saturated. Final; Everton 2, Southampton 2. Official attendance 25,278.
L’POOL RESV EVERTON RES
January 24, 1952. The Liverpool Football Echo
Liverpool Reserves; Ashcroft, goal; Smith and Parr, backs; Saunders, Gerhardi, and Brierlay, half-backs; Jackson, Stubbins, A. Arnell, Rowley, and Acourt, forwards. Everton Reserves;- Leyland, goal; Tansey and Rankin, backs; Rea, Woods and Melville, half-backs; Mayers, A. Farrell, Kirby, Parker, and Buckle, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Dearden, (Stoke-on-Trent). Liverpool played Albert Stubbins at inside right with Arnell leading their attack whilst young Kirby again led the Blues’ front line. Everton were the first to create danger Buckle sending over an accurate centre which was well intercepted by Smith. Rowley and Acourt set the Liverpool line in motion, Rankin racing across to clear the danger. The game was causing great excitement with both defences being kept continually busy clearing several dangerous moves. Liverpool who were now displaying better tactics missed a gilt-edged chance of taking the lead, Rowley completely missing the ball from a yard out. Everton should next have stepped into the lead, but Kirby nicely positioned shot well wide of the mark. A minute later Farrell from five yards and with the keeper out of his goal hopelessly missed. Half-time; Liverpool Res nil, Everton Res nil.
After the interval on account of the light, the white ball was brought into use. Liverpool at once invaded the Everton quarters, Rowley and Jackson putting in timely shots. In the 50th minute Liverpool were successful in opening their account, Arnell putting in a powerful shot which Leyland partially saved and Acourt running in netted from the rebound. The Blues replied in vigorous style, Buckle and Parker driving in their telling shots which Ashcroft judged to a nicety.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MEDAL
January 26, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton 2, Southampton 2.
Everton today wear the good conduct medal for distinguished recovery. In their last three matches against Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest and Southampton they have fought back from 2-0 down to one victory and two draws. No one can now accuse them of caving in merely because the other side take the lead. But the reverse side of the medal is not one of commendation. It records the fact that a Third Division side and a team placed last but one in the Second Division table were both able to lead Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park. That Everton should have to endure such indignity shows that their play on the game as a whole is something less than it should be judged by the standard the club have set for themselves. No one want to detract from a good bit of retrieving –and Everton’s drew against Southampton on Saturday was nothing if not that –but the judge its merit properly one must remember that Southampton had two players injured for three parts of the game. The strong young back, Sillett, was not fully effective physically after the first ten minutes and Horton at centre half, twice had to leave the field for attention to a badly cut head.
Equitable Return
The first-aid to Horton, a plaster, was ineffective and in order to staunch the free flow of blood he needed to leave the field again, returning with a plaster skull cap which converted him into a fair imitation of a Rugby player, who had received brutal treatment. These were circumstances favouring Everton after the Southampton wingers, Day and Hoskins had each scored in the space of sixteen minutes. It took some hard persistent hammering by an Everton attack that was good only in part to get the necessary equalizing goals. These also came from the wingers, Eglington and Wainwright in that order, so with all four wingers putting themselves “on the record” it was a game in a thousand. A draw was an equitable return for Everton’s recovery and for Southampton’s gallantry and good work in taking a lead and seeing that it was not entirely wiped out. What a difference the white ball makes to mid-winter matches. Here though the pitch carried a layer of slipperiness, the proofed ball sped quickly in moves which at least ended thrillingly. All the goals were worthy noting –three of them were due in some part to deflection –and each side touched wood (the cross bar), and full back Gregory kicked away from the goal line when a scissors flick by Wainwright seemed certain to surprise everyone. However adequately they did afterwards the Everton defence were not blameless when Day and Hoskins scored. Day was faced by Lindsay and O’Neill as he moved to a lovely pass by Williams and that he was able to sport past Lindsay and then turn the ball against the advancing goalkeeper and so into the net was brilliant chance-making if a little-flucky. Hoskins did even better. He got the defence all-at-sea and feinted O’Neill out of position before scoring as he pleased. Hoskins is as uncommon as his goal. He is the only player I know who favours the handkerchief draped from the top of his shorts. The Everton goals were almost identical if scored at different ends. Eglington with a deflection from a through-the-ruck shot, reduced the lead and Wainwright with an equally powerful shot was also aided by deflection when scoring from similar range. It was good to see Wainwright showing more than one glimpse of being the player he used to be. His left-foot angled shot in the first half deceived everyone except the sure Christie by its speed of delivery. A great shot and a greater save.
Defence Worn Down
Until their double misfortune there were signs that Southampton would maintain their 2-0 lead Horton did galliantly to remain on the field and put his glory head to the ball, and the long kicking Sillett, overcame very well the handicap of his damaged leg. But these twin disadvantages told in the end. Roused by the belated enthusiasm of most of the 25,000 present Everton mounted attack after attack and gradually wore down the defence. Individualism and the delays associated with it spoiled some Everton moves and the desire for one half-back to worry his way through single-handed twice cost possession of the ball and almost the other point. Horton for the refusal to bow to his injury; Dudley for penetration and speed at centre forward and Jones, of the Everton half-back line were men whose play stamped itself on the mind, Lello an ever-ready shooter did splendidly too and this was Wainwright’s best work since a broken leg interfered so fragically with his career. These Everton fans, though not entirely dissatisfied did not seem wholly content. Their uneasy silence after two free kicks given against their side was eloquent. And now to Nottingham Forest and the cup-tie Fielding’s chances of being fit are 50-50.
A’COURT GOAL WON JUNIOR DERBY
January 26, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool Res 1, Everton Res 0
The 8,000 spectators had plenty to enthuse over in the Central League derby at Anfield, on Saturday. Despite the heavy ground there were plenty of thrills with Ashcroft (Liverpool) and Leyland (Everton) being conspicuous, particularly the latter with many noteworthy saves especially in the second half. A’Court was responsible for the only goal secured in the fiftieth minute after Leyland had saved from Arnell. Gilt-edged chances were missed by both sides, Farrell and Rowley chiefly at fault Everton were unlucky in losing the services of young Kirby with injury twenty minutes after the interval and he took no further part in the game.
RALLYING POINT
January 26, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
Everton are making it hard work for themselves these days, through their slow starting for in their last three games they have had to face up to early goals and then had to fight for anything obtained. At Nottingham a week ago they had to battle against a two goals lead and they had to do it again against Southampton on Saturday. Although they had “Soton” battered down practically throughout the second half they met up with a defence which refused to give away an inch. Even when their centre half Horton with a heavily bandaged head and blood dripping down his jersey, refused to quit the position. Everton must get to work a little quicker if they are to avert having to tussle through 90 minutes football for feel that if they got off the mark with the first whistle they would not only rock the confidence of their opponents but most probably slip in a goal or two. It is nice to think that Everton have discovered a fighting spirit when they refuse to be beaten, but it has meant heavy responsibilities whereas they could be riding pretty easily. Oh; yes Everton played the better football but Southampton showed them how a far-flung pass could be just as effective as the more polished and intricate exhibition. Both Southampton’s goals came from the long pant out to the wings and the ball was in the net before you could say knife.
Enterprising Wingers
It was due to the enterprising of the wingers that four goals were scored for the inside men were too well watched to do any material damage to the respective goalkeepers. Day and Hoskins clapped on two before Everton had realized their danger and although the latter attacked incessantly afterwards their supporters were getting anxious until a powerful Eglington goal put them in the game again. On balance of play Everton were well worth their point but one could not help but admire Southampton’s resistance. They were literally swamped at times, yet kept their heads above water until the 71st minute when Wainwright found a hole and drove the ball through it. It was an entertaining game because it see-sawed so much for although Souhampton were so often on the defensive some of their quick darting raids were full of danger. Fast on the ball they made straight for goal but by this time Everton had realized their speed must be met with speed. I thought Jones had a great game while Clinton has now become a calm, methodical full back who carely wastes a ball. Hickson worried the opposition no end and Eglington pace unsettled Southampton.
NOTTS FOREST’S CUP PLAN
January 27, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s Opponents Concentrating On Speed And Fighting Spirit
Ranger’s Notes
While Everton are following normal training routine this week in readiness for Saturday’s fourth round Cup-tie against Nottingham Forest, their visitors are going in for a rather more strenuous programme than usual in the early part of the week. Manager Billy Walker had all his playing in for training yesterday, which is normally an off day, and devoted most of the time to ball play and shooting practice. His schedule also included plenty of the game “medicine” again today. This is contrary to the usual weekly procedure which is limited to one day’s practice of this nature. If managerial influence can effect then Forest are likely to be an improved side compared with that which lost a point to Everton in the recent game at Nottingham. First and foremost. Billy Walker is stressing the need for all-out determination and speed to possession from the first minute of the game to the last. Forest’s aim is to get off at a hectic pace and keep it up. The change in the visitors is likely to be one of spirit rather them personnel, for the only “new comer” is Scott at outside right who was rested in the game at Nottingham. The only fitness doubt relates to left back Hutchinson who sprained an ankle at Brentford on Saturday. He played remarkable well when operating on the wing at Griffin Park but it is full expected he will be ft to resume in his normal position at Goodison. The Forest’s strength lies mainly in the defence. This department has caused little anxiety lately. Their biggest problem is at inside forward. The return of Capel, who got two goals against Everton ten days ago, may do the trick but last Saturday he had to become a substitute wing half, so could not be properly judged. When the Forest players reported yesterday their captain and centre half Horace Gager received many congratulations on the borth of his first child a daughter over the week-end. The Nottingham players are having a day’s golf tomorrow, and journey to Southport on Thursday when they will have 48 hours relaxation and very light training before coming to Goodison.
Tickets Going Well
Stand tickets for the game are selling steadily. The 7,000 for the Goodison Road and Bullen’s Road stands have already been sold, and half the 4,000 in the Gwlady’s Street stand which was not originally “ticketed” have now been disposed of. After their week at Harrogate the Everton players are following usual routine. The only first-teamer on the injured list is Fielding who is having special treatment for a pulled thigh muscle sustained at Nottingham. Though it is hoped he will be fit to come into consideration, it is early yet to be certain.
ANOTHER BLOW TO EVERTON
January 29, 1952. The Liverpool Echo
Potts Unfit For Cup-Tie As Well As Fielding And Wainwright.
Ranger’s Notes
Further ill-luck has overtaken Everton, less than 48 hours before the start of their fourth-round Cup-Tie with Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park. Not only did Fielding fall to pass a fitness test this morning, but so also did Potts while Wainwright injured ankle is so swollen that he is right out of the question. Although there was hope yesterday that Fielding might be fit this was soon dashed when he broke down during his test today. This in itself was bad enough, but there was worse to follow when Potts who had complained yesterday of a recurrence of the knee injury which has bothered him on and off for so long also broke down. With Wainwright not even able to risk a test, this left Manager Cliff Britton in anything but an enviable position. This defence is all right and unchanged but the forward line will be chosen from six players. A definite decision may be left over until the day of the match. The team will he selected from;- O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; (forwards from); McNamara, Buckle, Cummins, Hickson, Parker, Eglington.
Forest’s Fourteen
Manager Billy Walker of Forest informs me that the composition of his team will depend on the state of the pitch on the morning of the match. Some of the visitors are better than others on a heavy ground, and the old England and Aston Villa players wants to see for himself what the pitch is like before making his final decision. There are also problems concerning the fitness of three players which may have to be taken into consideration. Hutchinson, Burkitt, and Scott all received leg injuries in last week’s game. The first two sustained kicks on the shin and the last named a blow on the knee. All three have been in lighting training this week, and are making sufficiently good progress to encouraged hope that they will be thoroughly fit by Saturday. Forest are bringing 14 players with them from which the final selection will be made in addition to last week’s team these included full back Thomas who has not been in the first team since October reserve half-back Morley, and outside right, Moore. Moore had to miss last week’s game owing to injury, but is now fit again Forest will make their choice from the following;- Walker; Whare, Hutchinson, Thomas; French, Gager, Burkitt, Morley, Scott, Moore, Martin, Ardron, Capel,. Collindridge.
EVERTON’S STRONGEST TEST
January 30, 1953. The Liverpool Echo
Nottms Forest Are Well-Balanced Side Who Will Take Some Beating
Ranger’s Notes
Let us forget Everton’s 3-0 win over their rivals in the League game in September and their recovery from a two-goal deficit at the City ground a fortnight ago. These are nice things to recall to strengthen one’s hopes of an Everton victory. But that is about all. As a guide to tomorrow’s game they could easily prove most instable. Cup-ties are matches apart. They are games between 22 players who have much to gain and everything to lose. No wonder that nerves sometimes affect players who normally never suffer such a handicap. A momentary relaxation of effort on a similar slip may have disastrous consequences. A lead to the opposition is always a blow to those who suffer it. It is doubly so if it comes when time is running out, for it is then that the strugglers may lose their confidence. As the minutes tick away there is a tendency for the side in arrears to become hurried and flurried. When that happens it may be curtains. All out effort is certainly needed in such circumstances but it should not be at the expense of rhythm and balanced combination.
A Good Start Needed
Everton have displayed fighting spirit in no small measures in recent games, having won once and drawn twice after having to make up early arrears. This time I hope there will be no need for them to come from behind to win, but that it will be Forest who will be faced with the need of overtaking the leeway if the Blues can get their nose in front early on they should be able to hold their advantage. Forest are a sound and workmanlike side, who will be difficult to beat. They have no outstanding stars in the normal sense, except possibly Ardron and maybe Collindridge. They rely on balanced team work more than individual ability. It is a great pity that Everton should be hit by injuries to Fielding, Wainwrigfht and Potts at so vital a time. The absence of one would have been bad enough, but that all three should be hors de combat together is a sore blow. Whether Buckle or McNamara figures at outside right, however is chosen will do his best and with the encouragement of what promises to be easily the best gate of the season I am hopeful we shall see Everton in round five. Notts Forest will not finally chose their side until just before the start, when Manager Billy Walker has personally seen the state of the pitch. Everton; O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; forwards from McNamara, Buckle, Cummins, Hickson, Parker, Eglington. Notts Forest; (from); Walker; Whare, Hutchinson; Thomas, French, Gager, Burkitt, Morley; Scott, Moore, Martin, Ardron, Capel, Collindridge.
EVERTON RECALL BUCKLE FOR CUP DUTY
January 31, 1953. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
In days gone by they knew how to win F.A Cups (perhaps the recipe is still somewhere about the house) and League championships, though everyone agrees, however reluctantly, that the current Everton brew is not vintage. Still they are there with a chance, and fate has not only dealt them a home tie, but has provided opposition, Nottingham Forest, who are quite beatable. It is not as though Everton are asked to go to Highbury or White Hart Lane, or some other ground where any victory, much less one in a cup-tie is hard to come by. No, Everton can only complain that coincident with this important match comes damage to Fielding, Potts and Wainwright, the three most experienced forwards on the books. With all three available, Forest’s chances would be more prickly than rosy. You cannot replace such players by reserves. For what it is worth, and some contend that football form is only made to be unmade. Forest were beaten here 3-0 early, in the season. The psychological effect of that defeat may be heightened by the fact that Everton recently went to Nottingham and arrived safely at 3-3 after standing 1-3.
Manager’s Promise
The Forest manager, Billy Walker, who says that the Everton style of today is not what it was, admits that his side played badly against Everton this season, but he promises Everton a battle and maintains that if his side strikes their real form they will win. I think we may be certain that goalkeeper Walker will not fall again into the errors of the game at Nottingham. Gager of the light hair, we know well, and that man Colleindridge recalled with not a little apprehension from his Sheffield days always seems to enjoy a Liverpool revel. Everton last moment choice of Buckle brings back a player who has been off and on Everton’s transfer list, I never off and non form. The thin man who carries such weighty shot has always been liable to take a goal or two and even on the extreme right wing the Forest defence cannot be sure that his individual brand of football will not bring reward. Hickson can be relied on to keep Gager occupied and if others can find him with their centres, the educated Hickson forehead is capable of administering the coup. If Everton have learned, the lessons of their last three matches, they will have gone far towards ensuring that they do not become too far behind too early to allow Forest an early lead might be a costly business.
Forest Wait
The Nottingham team will depend on the going. It will be chosen this morning. W e hope for hard clean, entertaining football and if it happens that Everton go out winners the season will not look so forlorn at all.
Goodison Line Up
Everton; O’Neill; Clinton, Lindsay; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Buckle, Cummins, Hickson, Parker, Eglington.
Nottingham Forest; (from) Walker; Whare, Hutchinson, Thomas; French, Gager, Burkitt, Morley; Scott, Moore, Martin, Ardron, Capel, Collindridge.
EVERTON’S WHIRLWIND BLOWS OUT FOREST
January 31, 1953. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 4, Notts Forest 1
By Ranger
Everton won this fourth round tie convincingly after Clinton had set the way to victory with a penalty goal in 15 minutes. It was a hard and dour game, in gale conditions married at times by frayed tempers and petty fouling. O’Neill had to be carried off for a couple of minutes due to cramp through the cold, but quickly recovered. Everton won because they were quicker to the ball and took their chances well. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Clinton and Lindsay, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Cummins, Hickson, Parker and Eglington, forwards. Nottingham Forest;- Walker, goal; Whare and Thomas, backs; French, Gager (captain), and Burkitt, half-backs; Scott, Martin, Ardron, Capel, and Collindge, forwards. Referee Mr. A.W Smith (Aldershot). There was a crowd of about 45,000 ten minutes before the start which was a good figure considering the conditions. A bitterly-cold gale must have chilled the waiting thousands long before the start. It also meant that almost anything could happen in the game.
Two Lovely Shots
The first shot of the match came from Thomas. A chancey effort from 25 yards which O’Neill caught and cleared. The next one was an effort by Farrell, which was curling outside when it struck a Nottingham defender and went for a corner. This produced no danger to the visiting goal. Clinton caught in two minds and hesitant over his clearance was robbed by Collindridge, who set Capel going. The Forest inside left took the ball forward to the edge of the penalty area, and although harassed by Jones and Farrell got in a strong shot. It was swerving away towards the far corner of the goal all the time, but O’Neill flung himself across and affected a smart save.
Two Narrow Escapes
Within the next few minutes Forest goal had two very narrow escapes. First Gager, endeavouring to intercept a shot by Buckle flicked it on to his own crossbar. For a moment it looked as though the ball was going to creep under the woodwork. Then a centre by Lello, was headed goalwards by Parker, and again Gager intercepted this time the ball going behind for an unproductive corner.
Clinton’s Penalty
At the 15th minute Everton went one up when Clinton scored from a penalty. The leading-up work which led to the spot kick was started by a Cummins long cross field pass to Parker, who in turn set Eglington in motion for the winger to beat Whare and fire a strong shot at Walker, when Walker fisted it away the ball finally went on to Hickson whose strong effort was entering the net when Gagar dived and fisted it out. Walker saved Clinton’s penalty shot which was only a yard or so to one side of him, but he could do no more than fist the ball out to the Everton back, who made no mistake with the rebound. This was a grand tonic to Everton. They had certainly deserved to be in front for apart from a few brief sorties by Forest they had been well on top.
Lively Attacks
This was not the end of their success however, for a foul by Scott at the 20th minute eventually led to Everton getting a second goal. Lello’s free kick was headed in by Parker to put the Blues in a nice comforting position at the 20th minute. For some weeks Everton have been on the collar forced with the necessary to fight back and reduce a deficit. Today they were in a much happier position, and judging by the way in which their emergency forward line is cutting through the Forest defence Everton are likely to produce more goals yet before this game is over. I had barely dicated the last sentence than Parker again got through on his own, and shot strongly from 12 yards, only to see Walker make a smart save. Parker must relish playing against Nottm Forest, for in the League games here in September he headed two fine goals.
Enthusiastic Crowd
Walker had to save twice in quick succession from Eglington and Lello, and then, for a change, we saw O’Neill brought into action though only to pick up a loose ball after Lindsay had a tussle with Martin. Not for a long time and certainly not for the past few seasons have I heard such terrific and continuous cheering from Everton supporters. Almost without cessation they had kept up their applause right from the start.
Then It Was Three!
Cummins was inclined to get excited and in one incident a little earlier he had not dealt too kindly with a Nottingham player. Burkitt had to receive attention after being hit by a clearance from his colleague French and then Everton came-swarming down again on the Forest goal. A corner was the eventual result, and from this tackle by Buckle, Eglington scored a third goal for Everton at the 32nd minute. Walker who had played such a brilliant game here six months ago was badly at fault on this occasion for he completely missed Buckle’s corner kick. The ball was still on occasion playing some funny tricks when it was in the air, so Walker’s mistake may not have been entirely his fault. Perhaps the same partial extenuation could be advanced on behalf of O’Neill when at the 40th minute he dropped Martin’s corner kick, after seemingly having it in safe custody, and Capel and Scott between them scrambled it over the line despite efforts by Jones and Clinton to retrieve the position.
No Quarters Given
As far as I could say from the Press box view Capel was the last man to touch the ball. Parker was up-ended by Burkitt, a fact which was not allowed to go unnoticed by the crowd and the game continued its grim and tenacious with no quarter given or asked for. If there is any definition of typical cup-tie football,” this first half had provided it. Ardron the man of whom most Everton followers had been rather afraid was ploughing a lone furrow most of the time and had rarely escaped the clutches of Jones. Just on half-time Capel and Collindridge had combined well and Jones stuck out a foot in the nick of time to prevent Ardron connecting. This corner almost led to a Forest goal, but Lindsay, standing on the line kicked clear. A couple of Forest players apparently claimed that the ball was over the line before Lindsay did his rescue but the referee took no action. It had been a half full of exciting incidents mainly in the Forest half, and although Everton had earned their lead they may yet have to fight to hold when Forest have the wind behind them. Half-time; Everton 3, Nottingham Forest 1.
After Cummins had won a corner in the first half minute after resuming, Farrell got a cheer for a powerful shot from 25 yards which was not very far off the mark. This was followed by a miss by Buckle from close range after Hickson had forced this way through with great persistence. When the Everton centre forward was finally brought down I thought there was more than a slight possibility of a penalty award, but none came.
With Gale As 12th Man
After being on the defence for some minutes, Notts Forest at last began to have a bigger share in the argument and once sensed that with the wind acting as a helpful twelfth man on occasion, this game was not by any means over. Twice we had a sight of Eglington helping the defence inside his own penalty area, and then the strength of the gale could be judged when Collindridge had to reset the ball three times to take a corner the wind blowing it off the spot each time. Everton got away at last, only for Buckle’s angled shot to be smartly saved by Walker. Gager showed the right idea when from ten yards inside the Everton half he tried a long shot. It went out, but Forest’s only hope now was to shoot whenever they got the chance. Martin twice took too long on making up his mind where to put the ball and Forest’s attacks peltered out accordingly. Everton’s wing halves had the same shooting ideas ads Gager, and first Farrell and then Lello had a go from thirty yards. Lindsay’s coolness enabled him to get out a sticky position when Ardron was fighting for the ball, and a few moments later Lello similarly earned an appraising cheer from a section of the onlookers. Scott tested O’Neill with a straight-drive. It was from too big a range however, to have much hope of succeeding, and then we saw Collindrindge obviously upset at the referee’s decision to give a foul against him after a tussle with Lello
O’Neill In trouble
Before this could be taken the referee’s attention was called by the crowd behind the goal to O’Neill who sat on the ground in his goal. He has been hobbling about for a minute of so obviously in pain. The game was held up while he received attention from trainer Cooke and ambulance men, but finally he had to be carried behind the goal. He was obviously suffering from cramp. Not surprising under the circumstances of the day. Lello donned the goalkeeper’s green jersey but hardly had he taken his place between the sticks than O’Neill jumped up from the ground and with the referee’s permission again changed shirts with Lello. Forest were now fighting desperately for another goal, Everton were defending with equal earnestness and yet at the same time were not withdrawing all there forces from attack. Hickson was as keen to get control of every ball as though Everton and not Forest were in arrears. He won one tussle against Gager by sheer persistency and weight and provided a pass which enabled Buckle to out the ball into the net. Buckle, however, was very clearly in an offside position and Referee Smith quite rightly disallowed the goal. When Everton again made a strong raid, a foul by Birkett could have held them up for a free kick, instead the referee allowed play to continue and when the ball came over to the right Hickson unselfishly let it go on for Parker, who was in a better position to score a fourth goal for Everton. This was at the 70th minute and barring something remarkable, should put the issue beyond all doubt. The leeway now is more than any side, I think, can make up. Parker, dribbling diagonally across the field, eluded French and centred the ball, but there was nobody there to take advantage.
Petty Fouling
Lindsay, normally so cool, and self contained now forgot himself to the extent that I twice saw him flick a foot at Scott when play was a good distance away. It was true that a little earlier there had been a foul against Scott but two wrongs do not make a right. There had been far too much petty fouling in this game. It had been six of the and half-a-dozen of the other in most cases and while there was nothing particularly vicious about the incidents, one did not like to see them. Jones nipped in to intercept a pass intended by Collindridge for Ardron and then Clinton put everything he had into two lusty clearance. With ten minutes to go it was now all over so far as Forest were concerned, though they were still not giving up. Everton had set at rest the fears of their supporters by their persistency, tenacity and their quickness to the ball as well as their directness. Considering the gale and the greasy nature of the turf, the football had been satisfying in most respects. A Forest corner produced a header by Martin which went behind then Collindridge followed suit when a squared pass might have produced danger had he been able to manage it. Although Forest had no possible chance now, they still kept pegging away. Jones had done exceptionally well against Ardron at through, and once again beat the Forest centre forward by his clever anticipation. Final; Everton 4, Nottm Forest 1. Official attendance 48,904 receipts £6,700.
January 1953