Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON RES V STOKE RES
January 1, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Reserves;- A. Harris, goal; Sutherland and Molyneux, backs; A. Demen, Woods, and Grant, half-backs; McNamara, Meagan, Saunders, Lewis, and Rabone, forwards. Stoke City Reserves; Hall, goal; Wilson and ? Backs; Harris, Andrew, and Farrow, half-backs; ?, Coleman, Finney, Lawson, Hutchinson, forwards. The game opened at a fast pace, with Stoke being the more dangerous side, Harris saving efforts from Finney, and Lawton, Molyneux on his debut did extremely well, the outstanding feature being the splendid clearances. Everton took the lead in the 35th minute through a magnificent shot by Saunders. Half-time Everton Res 1, Stoke City Res nil. Everton commenced the second half in confident style the Stoke defence being well taxed to prevent further disaster. The visitors made some dangerous raids, Molyneux coming to the rescue in grand manner. McNamara had hard lines when he hit the foot of the post.
EVERTON KILLED THEIR PRESTON BOGEY
January 3, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Preston North End 0, Everton 0
By Stork
Everton’s away record is remarkable. But for one or two lapses at home they might now be leading their field. Even so they are well within striking distance of the leaders. While their game with Preston could not be acclaimed a classic it was interesting and entertaining with Preston showing much better form than for several weeks. But they are a long way behind the Preston of a couple of seasons ago. To take a point from a visiting ground is always acceptable and Everton were satisfied with their’s. There might have been several goals. Both sides had chances. There was plenty to keep the 33,000 spectators warm. The last ten minutes were the vital ones for Everton. Preston were battling hard for the winner, Finney in particular doing his best to get a goal – something his colleagues never looked like doing, although Higham hit the woodwork and Moore kicked of the Everton goal-line. In the first half Everton played the more impressive football, being brisk in their movements and accurate in their passing. The defences were mainly on top. I thought Rankin played Finney well until the England winger started to roam into the centre when he became a menace and might well have won the match for his side. There were two Finney corners which had our hearts in our mouths. Both were perfectly placed into the goalmouth.
Draw Always “On”
Potts and Fielding, working like four men kept the Everton attack, in a position to strike at any moment and Hickson, who also went a roaming twice, slipped back centres to a spot where a colleague should have been. Thompson the Preston goalkeeper had to make one or two saves but throughout I got the impression that this was going to be a goalless draw. And so it was. I wonder what Preston had in mind when Baxter the inside left started to play at left half and Forbes went up among the forwards? If it was intended to battle the Everton defence it failed completely. Everton played well to a man and it was not an uncommon sight to see Fielding and Potts lending a helping hand to the defence when required. Potts was always challenged and this had the effect of making Preston do things more quickly than they wished but Preston were too Finney minded. Preston may have played better than for some weeks but it was still not good enough to prevent a confident Everton from winning yet another point on an away ground and also laying one of their post-war bogies. It was Everton’s first point at Deepdale since the end of the war. Further Everton prevented Preston from scoring. Only two other teams have done that this season. The secret of Everton’s success is undoubtedly the wonderful spirit of the players.
EVERTON RES 1, STOKE CITY RES 0
January 3, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
A solitary goal by Saunders in the 35th minute enabled Everton, to consolidate their position in the League. In his Central League debut Molyneux gave an impressive display at left back. Hall’s saves from McNamara and Saunders were noteworthy. Everton’s best forward was McNamara.
BOTH IN WHITE
January 3, 1935. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Both Everton and Liverpool will wear white shirts in Saturday’s Cup-ties owing to colour clashes with Southend and Lincoln. In the case of the Everton and Southend changing Everton will play in white shirts and navy blue shorts which is they usual first change, Southend will wear red shirts and white shorts which is also their normal first alterative. Everton and Liverpool supporters can thus united for once in a way with Preston’s battle cry of “Come on” the lilywhites.”
NOT ONE WEAK LINK
January 3, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
I have been wondering for the last few weeks why Preston have fallen from there high estate for they were at one time one of the most attractive teams in the country when their superlative football put them among the elite I think I found out the reason why after their display against Everton on Saturday. There are one or two inefficient ball players in the side in fact among the forwards there was only Finney of the old school. The inside forwards are just moderate footballers without any great craft and Jones on the other wing was inclined to run himself into difficult position instead of out of them Wayman may have lost some of his zip, but I would rate him a mules better player than either Hatsell and Higham. What a difference were Fielding and Potts who could hold and draw a player. The Preston men were too obvious in their movements. While this was no great game it proved that the Everton team spirit is reasonable for more than half their success. There was not one weak link in their armour with their defence almost as secure as a cell door. I really thought that Everton’s football was a shade better than Preston, without being their best and they were worthy their draw.
Preston’s Decline
Preston may not be so good as they were but they are still a difficult team to beat on their own ground yet Everton went near to accomplishing it. Perhaps the Everton goal had the narrower escapes when Moore cleared the ball when O’Neill was beaten and then Higham headed against the bar. Everton may not have gone so close to goaling but they had several chances. You will see from this that a goalless draw was a very fair result; one certainty most satisfying from an Everton point of view, for a point away from home is really the best one can expect with all the advantage with the other side. A game in which there are no goals is seldom satisfactory to the onlookers, but I don’t think one single persons left the ground dissatisfied with what they saw for there was always a spice of uncertainty as so what would happen. Everton could have got a goal, Preston might have netted while there was always something to see and I am not being blasted when I say that Everton’s football was of much better quality. What has become of the North End’s style which was the short and quick pass which made their football so entrancing? It is not there today. In its place is the big kick upfield with the all mostly directed into the middle, where T.E. Jones was commanding, I can recall his being beaten only once, and that was by Finney who had strayed from his post on the wing in an effort to bring some blasting power into the attack.
Finney Complex
I am afraid the England winger is playing a lone hand these days. Furthermore there is a definite Finney complex at Deepdale a number of times the ball was given to him when it would have been of much greater value if it had been offered to someone else. I was told that this was Preston’s best display for several weeks. Well it was not up to their standard and not always due to themselves but the tight hold the Everton defence kept upon them. There were some goals thrills, some escapes but Everton made the better openings with less effort than Preston for their football was brisk and thrustful, but here again the North End defence gave nothing away. There was one purple patch, during which I should imagine there were a thousand quivering hearts and that was near the end when two corners were won by Preston and Finney’s flag kick were goal laden had the defence made one single slip. It didn’t so Preston dropped a home point which could not be very gratifying to them. Rankin played very well against Finney until the winger started to wander realizing that if he did not do something there was no one else to do it.
SOUTHEND’S CUP TEAM
January 4, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Full Strength Side Will Visit Goodison
Everton Doubt ranger’s Notes
Souhend United manager Harry Warren today announced his team to visit Everton on Saturday in the third round of the Cup. As anticipated, it will be that which defeated, Bradford 3-2 at Bradford in the second round, and the same as that which has done duty in the past five League matches. This team shows one change –Whyte for Bridge at inside right –compared with the eleven which shocked Bristol City at Bristol in the first round. Although Don Donovan, who is nursing a strained groin, is in light training, he must still be considered doubtful for Everton’s team. There is more heartening news about John Willie Parker, however. He is now in full training following and the injury which has kept him out of the last three games. The average age of Southend’s team is 26, with outside right Sibley the “veteran” at 32 and 23-years-old left back Anderson the youngest. Anderson who boasts the Christian names of Alexander Oglivie but is generally known as Sandy is a Scot from Newburgh, who has had the unusual distinction of having played for an English F.A eleven. This he did against Cambridge University a couple of years age.
A Lucky Break
There is also an unusual story about the manner in which Anderson came to join Southend, Manager Warren was tip in Scotland for the special purpose of watching another player. The man he had been tipped off about had a very ordinary game, but Anderson who had only been out of the Forest a week and was playing in his first game since demobilization, shaped so promisingly that Southend bid for him right away. That was a lucky break for them, for in another few weeks be would probably have attracted the attention of senior clubs and his price would have scared beyond Southend’s capabilities. Included in the Southern side will be two former Merseyside player in goalkeeper Harry Threagold, formerly of Chester and Sunderland and inside left Kevin Baron, who joined the Essex club from Anfield during the last close season.
Baron’s Best
Mr. Warren told me that both have been playing splendidly. Not only has Baron scored 13 goals which is more than he obtained in any season with Liverpool, but his clever scheming has helped to bring the best out of the men alongside him. The opposition of course has not been as stiff as he was formerly accustomed to. Southend leading marksman is Roy Hollis the one time Norwich and Tottenham player, whom they signed 12 months ago, Hollis has 18 goals to his credit, including all five which Southend have registered in their two previous cup-ties. The Southern are have a strong half-back line. Right half Burns with Billy Liddell as a penalty expert. He has scored seven goals this campaign, five of them the spot. Centre-half Howe is a former Darlington player who was signed during the recent close season but left half Lawler formerly of Portsmouth has had five years at Southend and qualifies for a benefit this month, Lawler should feel at home at Goodison in one respect for he is a native of Eire. Burns was formerly with Swansea Town, and played in every match the season Swansea won promotion in 1948-49.
The Only Survivor
Sibley is the only survivor of the Southend side which lost 2-4 to Everton at the correspondent stage of the 1946-47 competition. Soon after the match he was transferred to Newcastle but returned to Southend three years later. Next to Holly and Baron the biggest danger to Everton seems likely to come from outside-left Bainbridge. Last season Bainbridge was his club’s top marksman with 12 goals and so far has scored 10 all from the extreme wing position. Subject to nothing untoward happening in training Southend’s team will be;- Threadgold; Pavitt, Anderson; Burns, Howe, Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Baron, Bainbridge.
Normal Training
Like Everton, Southend are not departing from their normal training routine, except in one small particular. Each day they are doing a sort of Tommy Tucker act –not singing for supper but running for their luncheon. After morning training they will run from the ground to the far end or Scotland pier –which is nearly a mile and a half, long –for their midday meal. While Southend, realize that they have been given one of the sternest tasks of any club in the third round the feeling in their camp is that they will put up a good fighting show and will not be disgraced. The early forecasts regarding the number of supporters they are likely to bring with them have proved far too optimistic. There will, however, be one or two well-patronised excursion trains, while one section of the Supporters Club hopes to arrange the charter of a 36-seater plane to make the journey to Speke on the morning of the match.
Goodison Capacity
Mr. G.G. Thompson, secretary of Everton Supporters Federation writes.
“Regarding the crushing at Goodison on Boxing Day the trouble was largely due to spectators refusing to pack properly. There were parts of the terraces and paddock where more spectators could have stood in comfort and safety, I agree that stewarding the ground would help considerably. “The remark about club valuing the extra money more than the comfort and safety of their regular supporters does not apply to Everton, as nowhere in the world where first-class soccer is played do admission prices compare so favourably as these at Goodison Park. “Insurance such as that mentioned by your correspondent is applicable to all paid-up members of the Supporters Federation, for which the annual subscription is 2s 6d and this is only of the many benefit. As to the club having a moral obligation to give some value for money. Farrell and his colleagues see to that.”
EVERTON UNCHANGED
January 6, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will be unchallenged for their third round cup-tie against Southend United at Goodison. Donovan is unfit to play due to his muscle trouble not having cleared up in spite of intensive treatment so that Rankin continue as his deputy. In the case of Parker, who has missed the last three matches through a pulled muscle this player is now fit again, but Everton retain Potts at inside left, where he has put up splendid performances while acting as Parker’s deputy. Everton; O’Neill; Moore, Rankin; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Potts, Eglington.
EVERTON SHOULD WIN
January 7, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
It will be one of the day’s biggest turn-ups if Everton fall to beat Southend at Goodison Park. Though the Cup is notoriously a great leveller, and something the minnows gobble up the bigger fish Everton’s resent form must make them firm favourities to enter the fourth round draw. The Southern Section side at present occupy ninth place in their division a position almost entirely due to their excellent home record. They were unbeaten on their own ground until Aldershot ruined that record last Saturday by the only goal of the day. In away games it has been a different story. A win at Shrewsbury the week before Christmas goal their only success in twelve League engagement through five games have been drawn. In the Cup however, Southend have done well to win at Bristol City and Bradford. Defensively the southerners have been reasonably sound all season, with former Chester and Sunderland goalkeeper. Threadgold in excellent form. Right back Pavitt and wing halves Burns and Lawler are all players with experience in a higher sphere Ravitt had many years with Fulham. Burns was at Swansea for eight seasons and Lawler used to be with Portsmouth.
Former Anfielder
Inside left Baron is the former Liverpool player, who moved to the Southern Section club last summer, and centre forward Hollis has had experience with Norwich and Tottenham. Outside right Sibley, the only member of the side who played against Everton eight years ago has also had experience in a higher class, having been with Newcastle’s to three years. The main danger to Everton seems likely to come from Hollis and Bacon, both of whom have scored 13 League goals this term, with Hollis having five additional goals in Cup-ties. Another useful marksman is the former Reading outside left, Bainbridge who has ten to his credit. Southend have failed to keep a clean sheet in any away engagement so far and with Everton’s attack in scoring form and their rearguard playing with such confidence the visitors look booked for defeat. Football, however is a funny game as you all know without me telling you and cup-tie results some times make you rub your eyes and wonder whether you can believe what you read,. Pre-match optimistic hopes are now and again knocked to smithereens by the most unlikely sides and while I don’t think that I a probability at Goodison, it certainly cannot be ruled out as completely impossible. I shall be surprised and disappointed, however, if Everton too, gallantly and doggedly though Southend may fight do not win this tie handsomely. Everton; O’Neill; Moore, Rankin; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Potts, Eglington. Southend;- Threadgold; Pavitt, Anderson; Burns, Howe, Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Baron, Bainbridge.
EVERTON GO FORWARD IN CUP
January 8, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
Bold Baron Foiled But It Was No Panto
Everton 3, Southend 1
By Rangers
Everton were worthy winners of a not very satisfying game. Southend put up a splendid show considering that Bainbridge was a limping passenger with a pulled muscle for 50 minutes. There was little to choose between the sides in the first half when Everton took a rather fortunate lead right on the interval through Threadgold making no effort to save a 30 yards shot. Southend three tired towards the finish, Baron the former Liverpool forward was the visitors outstanding player with Hollis and Howe also doing splendid work. Potts gave another satisfying display for Everton. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones, and Lello, half-backs; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Potts and Eglington, forwards. Southend;- Threadgold, goal; Pavitt and Anderson, backs; Burn, Howe, and Lawler, half-backs; Sibley, Whyte, Holds, Baron (captain) and Bainbridge, forwards. Referee; Mr. S.N.M. Rodgers. Half an hour before the start a fairly heavy mist of fog descended on Goodison Park and almost blotted out sight of the far tough line, but fortunately a light breeze dispelled this before the start though conditions were dull and visibility was not too good. Southend had brought with them their own band comprising members of their supporters club all of whom pay their own travelling expenses. Baron the former Liverpool captained the visitors and winning the toss elected to defend the Gwladys Street end. Farrell was hurt in the first couple of minutes when he tackled Baron after the latter had dispossessed Lello and made a run half the length of the field. Baron’s persistence eventually resulted in a corner which in turn brought a goal to Southend after the game was three minutes old. Bainbridge put the ball over nicely, and when O’Neill only partially palmed it away, Baron returned it with a canny effort over the head of the goalkeeper and despite Moores attempt to head out from under the bar all the full back could do as help the ball into the roof of the net.
O’Neill Wrings His Hands
O’Neill wrong his hands in aguish and Moore bowed his head – though he was in no way to blame and they we were, people though were going to be mastered” a goal up and Everton on the collar. Within two minutes, however Everton might have gone on level terms if Eglington had cashed in on a good chance after Threadgold had dived full length to push out a shot cum-centre by Fielding. The ball went right to Eglington’s feet but from 8 yards range the ball went straight across goal and outside. Baron was a great general and schemer for the visitors who seldom looked anything but a middle-placed Third Division side. The visitors played nice football, keeping the ball down and pushing it through the open space and twice Jones had to be lively to get the tall and speedy Hollis. After 15 minutes the came down against though heavily as before Good work by Fielding get Everton but first Pavitt and then Howe stepped in before anybody could provide Threadgold with a shot, Bainbridge had to receive attention and when he resumed he limped badly.
Poor Passing
Twice Whyte brought O’Neill into action with a long curling shot and from the Everton goalkeeper’s clearance the Whites (Everton) forced a corner on the left. For this Southend packed their goal. Whether Everton’s confidence had been shaken by their early deficit I cannot say, but certainly their passing was nothing like as accurate as it normally is, and three times in quiet succession a home player put the ball straight to the foot of an opponent. Southend were still having as much of the play as Everton and the home goal had a narrow escape when Whyte put Hollis through and the Southend leader hooked the ball over his shoulder almost out of the reach of the advancing O’Neill.
Potts on Target
O’Neill had to throw himself sideways and did well to pull his ball to safety. Twice Hickson had hard lines with similar hooked shots at the other end and then came a great shot by Wainwright and one by Farrell which was only a foot or so off the mark. Visibility was now nearer than ever, though not so poor but the Everton followers could not see Potts get the equalizer at the 23rd minute to relieve the home supporters of some of their anxiety. Moore had switched the ball over to the left where Eglington in spectacularly header and Potts intercepted in the air to head the equalizer.
Misses in the Mist
Southend were again well served by Baron who beat two opponents with a canny dribble but found Jones nip in to collect his final pass intended for Hollis. Over on the far side, surrounded in mist Hickson tore away at top speed to the dead ball line and then miraculously pulled the ball into the goalmouth for Threadgold to forestall the advancing Potts. Potts had one shot blocked by Lawler, Lello had a good effort saved by Threadgold and then away dashed Southend for Jones to concede a corner rather than take any chances against Hollis. As Bainbridge was still limping Baron took the flag kick and made it an in swinger when O’Neill collected under the bar. At the other end Threadgold had a tricky dropping shot to deal with and was doubtless glad to be able to turn it behind. From Eglington’s corner Farrell squared the ball for Lello to take a first time pot-shot which Threadgold saved. Everton were now playing better than at any previous stage and though one could not always follow the flight of the ball on the far side, it was clear that the Southend defence was now inclined to get a little panicky under pressure.
All Everton Now
For a few minutes it had been all Everton with the Southend goal having one narrow escape when Lello put the ball to Eglington, the winger lofted it over to Wainwright whose effort struck Threadgold on the leg and was cleared off the line by Pavitt. Then followed a good left foot shot by Potts as he was falling to earth a clever back-header by Hickson and a sudden break-away by Southend which fizzled out because Whyte put the ball to Bainbridge who could not take even a gentle centre. A foul by Hollis on Jones brought Southend a assault to an end and then came a free kick to Southend for a foul by Rankin on Sibley. Sibley drove the ball hard into the middle where Hollis headed goalwards and O’Neill had trouble in collecting the ball through Moore being in his way.
A winning Tackle
The Everton defence got itself tied in a rare knot when Southend took the ball right up the field to Hollins to chase, Hollis beat Jones and looked a certain scorer until Rankin at the last moment a winning tackle, the ball a spinning out of O’Neill’s hands for a corner. Two more flag kicks followed this in immediate succession from the third of which full back Anderson tried a shot which sped through a crowd of players and out beyond the far post. The fog had once more lifted a little but the burden of anxiety had not lifted from the shoulders of Everton’s followers for Southend were tackling keenly and were giving Everton forwards no time to settle on the ball. Considering that Bainbridge had been a virtual passenger almost since the start the visitors had out up an excellent show. A minute before half-time the visitors were unfortunate to find themselves a goal down when a 3 yard oblique shot by Fielding entered the net with Threadgold standing flattered and making no effort to save. Whether or not he was unsighted or thought the ball was going out, I cannot say, but the former Chester goalkeeper hung his head in shame before retrieving the ball from the back of the net.
Half-time; Everton 2, Southend United 1.
The second half opened like the first with a grand bit of work by Baron who had been the hero of his side all through. When Baron put the ball to Hollis the latter amazingly quick on the turn switched and hit a strong shot only a yard wide. It was Baron’s persistence a little later which finally opened the way for Sibley to hit a rasping first timer –also just off the mark. Southend still continued to play good football and one move between Burns and Sibley was a little “gem.” Howe was keeping a close watch on Hickson, but when the centre forward slipped out quickly to the left wing, he got the better of his opponent and slipped through a lovely pass for Potts to run on to and hit a strong shot.
Still Dangerous
Baron’s inswinging corner kick struck the upright and went behind and then the former Liverpool man collected a rather weak goal kick by O’Neill well inside Everton’s half. Though Everton were in the lead there were in no position to be unduly complacent for Southend carried on playing good football and Baron and Hollis were always a source of potential danger. “Fidding” by Whyte on the edge of his penalty area let in Everton for Potts finally to shoot narrowly behind as he was tackled, Potts who started and finished an Everton movement saw his final header safely gathered by Threadgold and a moment later the Southend keeper saved a pile driver from Lello again with Potts the main motive force. When Pavitt handled the ball a foot outside the penalty area Potts pulled the free kick back for Farrell to jump over it and Lello to shoot over the bar. This was a day when strong “on the mark” shooting would pay dividends, for in the half-light it must have been extremely difficult for the goalkeepers to get a decent sight of the ball.
Incisive Tackling
The crowd were still waiting for Everton to show their normal rhythm and fluency in combination. Part of the reason why they were not able to do this was because of the quick and incisive tackling of the Southern halves. Hickson beat Anderson and shot between the legs of Howe, Threadgold diving to save a curling goal at the foot of the post. Potts was doing valiant work in the Everton attack, and from one movement which he assisted, Everton won a corner from work Wainwright headed for Threadgold to tip the ball over the bar. Everton’s pressure was at last beginning to till the tale on the handicapped Southend side and at the 66th minute the home side were further ahead. The goal has its arise when Fielding running the ball over to the left wing where Eglington sent across it to the middle and Lello by nodding on seem to attempt a shot, and the ball ran to Hickson to sap it into the net from nine yards range with Threadgold having no possible hope of saving. Hickson seemed a little shamed about this goal though why he should be I don’t know, for he had did not give the usual jump for joy, but turned round very subdue and trotted back to the middle.
Seal The Issue
This goal should seal the issue all right, for Southend seem to be tiring. It had not been a great game judged by the standard of some of its processors but Southend had put up a splendid fighting show and had no luck apart from their first goal, and had to fight practically throughout with a “passenger.” Baron continued to do his utmost to insure his colleagues and Hollis in particular responded well but with Everton closing their defensive ranks the visitors could not find a way through. Pavitt came up for a corner and stayed for a minute or so to add height and weight to Southend’s despairing effort to reduce the lead. Baron kept pegging away in dubitable fashion but still Southend could not get their wish through shots from Hollis and Whyte went very close to the mark. Ten minutes from the finish this mist entirely disappeared and visibility became better than at any previous time of the game. Everton might have had a fourth goal if Potts, Eglington and Wainwright had; but preferred somebody else to know the slacking. When Eglington at last had a go the ball rebounded to the safety of Pavitt. Final; Everton 3, Southend 1. Official attendance 53,043.
THE BRILLIANCE IN GOAL OF JIMMY O’NEILL
January 8, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Ranger
Turning to Everton affairs is like going out of a gloomy cavern into sunshine. It wasn’t always thus. Once it was the Reds who basked in glory while the Blues were in the doldrums. Everton might today be top of the First Division if they had not thrown away some points through carelessness and been “robbed” of others which they have deserved on the balance of play. The side is solid from stem to stern with balance and punch in front and consistency in the rear. The outside right position has not always been satisfaction filled but recently Wainwright has done splendidly there and has deserved more reward than he has had for some strong and accurate shooting. O’Neill is one of the finest goalkeepers in the British Isles, I have seen particularly interested to watch him mature to his present splendid standard for I wrote him up as a lad of outstanding promise when seeing Middlesbrough put four goals past him when he made his debut at Ayresome Park nearly five years ago. More has come on by leaps and bounds while Donovan is today one of the outstanding back in the top sphere. Though the Eire man does not look like the one-time popular conception of a full back for his is not of outstanding stature physically he is tough and wry and has that keen sense of anticipation of the likely turned events that enables him be up in the right spot so often.
Praise For Farrell
I don’t propose to go all through the Blues’ team handing out bouquets. That would become wearisome. Suffice it to say that every man is pulling his full weight that the side has rhythm, understanding, speed and stamina and that as far as one can judge until the acid test of inclusion is applied, there are good replacements for most example to all his men. One encouraging feature which I must also mention is the excellent showing of Harry Potts in the last three games. Potts cost around £20,000 when signed from Burnley and the club has not so far had a great deal of senior service from him, though his influence on the Central League side, along with that of Jackie Grant, had been invaluable. Potts has pleased everybody in recent matches by the way he has been challenging for the ball by his keen reading of the game –which enables this to pick up such a good proportion of loose balls- and the manner in which he has fitted into the line and taken some of the weight of Dave Hickson. No matter what has happened in the Cup-tie today, Everton look set for a possible place in the top half-dozen at the end of the season. If they have beaten Southend and the draw does not deal with them too harshly, I fancy they may also make a very good show in the Cup.
I’D PREFER IT A FORTNIGHT BEFORE THE MATCH
January 8, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Peter Farrell
Around this time every year when the big shots enter the Cup for the first time, there usually arises the customary argument among soccer clubs and as to the best methods of training and preparing g for Cup-ties. While some clubs favour no change from the general weekly routine as a preparatory method, others think it advisable to have a complete change of environment and routine by bringing their players away for a week or so before the match. It is entirely a matter of opinion which of these is the better or more advantageous to the general fitness of the side on the day in question. From my own experience of going special training I have found it has many advantages. Firstly, the players are house in the first-class hotel with every convenience and no personal expense. Secondly they benefit through having a complete change from the general routine of training. Thirdly the fact of the lads both training and living together helps to faster team spirit. On the other hand, hotel meals despite their good quality and excellence can hardly be compared to the good old home cooking t which the lads are accustomed in their own homes. Although I am a good sleeper I would far rather sleep in my own bed than a strange one in an hotel in order to get the maximum rest necessary to keep me in the peak of conditions. Following a week’s special training I have always found myself a little sluggish the next Saturday during the game.
The Routine Week
I hope you won’t think from these remarks that I am all against the idea of special training. Nothing of the sort, only I do think that it is more beneficial to a team, if they want to go away for a week, to do so a fortnight before a Cup-tie and return to their normal routine of training the week immediately before the game when they will really feel the benefit of the change. Everton I am happy to say that the players always have to say in whether they would like to go or not, which is as it should be. To the average fan, these little points which I have mentioned may seem unimportant, I can assure you, however, that everything which helps a team to be 100 per cent fit for a game’s important.
Preston Ruse
Most of the Everton side had a day’s golf at Hillside last Wednesday. Again the knowing one nod their heads and ask. “How could golf be good for football.” Well, to my way of thinking, it is an excellent means. Apart from the exercise and fresh air (and believe me, it was fresh last Wednesday) it also gives the lads a break from the more strenuous training, and all return to Goodison the following day “nearin to go.” It was very pleasing to get such a valuable point from our visit to Preston. I noticed that some critics mentioned in their report of the game that Preston’s ruse in playing Forbes with a number six on his jersey in the inside left position seemed to confuse the Everton defence for quite a while. I can’t imagine how they formed this opinion as numbers, to my way of thinking don’t mean anything to the opposition. The important thing to any defence is whom they are marking, irrespective of what number s on the opponents shirt, and although Forbes switched occasionally with Baxter it never seemed to trouble the Blues’ defences as we still had a man each to mark. Peter Corr the former Everton right winger, who now resides in Preston, called at the hotel before the game for a chat and to wish the lads a happy new Year. Peter has not played any football this season, as he is completing his recovery from an operation for stomach trouble which he had nearly a year ago.
Eglington Alone
Finally a little item of interest which some Evertonians may not know. Left winger Tommy Eglington is the only Everton player in the present side who hasn’t missed playing in a post-war Cup-ties.
EVERTON “A” V. EARLESTOWN
January 8, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton “A” soon clicked into rhythm and gained an early lead when Tomlinson raced down and right and Harris crashed the ball under the crossbar in six minutes. In the next minute Canavan was clean through but pulled the ball wide. The visitors were under constant pressure and conceded a further goal in the 19th minute when Kirby headed in from Tomlinson’s centre, Harris added a third goal ten minutes later. Half-time; Everton “A” 3, Earlestown nil.
LED EVERTON IN EIGHTIES
January 8, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
Mr. Fred Geary Dies At 86
Mr. Fred Geary, a famous Everton centre-forward of more than 60 years ago, died this morning at 69 Sunnyside Road, Great Crosby. He would have been 87 in a fortnight’s time. A native of Nottingham, Fred Geary was spotted by Everton when he was playing for Notts Ranger and signed for the Goodison Park club in 1888 when he was 20. He was capped for England against Ireland in 1890 and against Scotland the following year, and was the proud possessor of the first gold medal struck for an England representative eleven. It was awarded for the interleague game against Scotland which England won 4-3 in 1893. After several seasons with Everton, Mr. Geary was transferred to Liverpool when that club was formed and he ended his playing days at Anfield. What was probably his last appearance before the football public was at Anfield in 1946. Aston Villa were the visitors that day and before the match Mr. Geary presented to Villa the ball used in the 1897 F.A Cup Final when Villa beat Everton 3-2. In later years Mr. Geary made a name for himself in bowling circles and played for Lancashire in county matches along with his two son’s Lawrence and Fred. Associated with the licensing trade for more than half a century he was for 28 years licensee of the Stanley Arms, Westminster Road, before going to the Fountain’s Abbey, Walton Road, Liverpool. He retired in 1946. Mr. Geary celebrated his golden wedding in September 1951 and is survived by his widow who is 83. He also leaves two daughters.
DISUNITED BY FATE
January 10, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton 3, Southend United 1
(Attendance 53,043 Receipts £7,720)
If…if…if.. That’s the way of it in cup-ties, and none can say with certainty what might have happened if…Perhaps it is as well. Otherwise we might, this morning, bemoan the fate of Everton F.C at the clever hands and feet of Southend United. This Third Division (South) team went West not they did not play well but because Fate ruled they should lose. For all but the first ten minutes in which they took a leading goal, they were a team of only ten men. There was an eleventh, Bainbridge at outside left but he was so handicapped by a pulled muscle Everton (and his own side) could afford to ignore him. Normally a limping passenger has some value. He can occasionally jog, painfully, into a trot and produce a shot or a centre. Bainbridge was completely hors de combat. He could do neither. To be brutally frank his place was off-field and it was bad captaincy that kept him on. You cannot expect players in the heat of battle to be able to discriminate when aiming a pass, between a man fit and one completely unfit, and there were times the ball was sent to Bainbridge and he could only hobble a yard or two and tap it into touch. Of all the Cup-tie tragedies I have seen I do not remember one so profound as that which arose when the score stood 1-1 close on the interval and White the Southend inside forward, had Bainbridge on his left with the Everton goal at his Bainbridge’s mercy. This except for near-miracle was Southend leading 2-1. White took a chance and passed the ball squarely. Bainbridge far from walking on to it and cracking in a shot could only dribble it slowly away from goalo to the touch-line and tap it for an Everton throw-in. There were two other occasions when a fit Bainbridge might have scored. He did his best but his painful best was neglible.
Uninspiring
Thus Everton won uninspiring against a team which played splendidly and which seemed while Bainbridge was effective to have the answer to any question Everton posed. Indeed they fought gallantly and competently from end to end prompted by Kevin Baron’s clever inside forward play and developing moves not by usual Third Division means but by considered combined football of the lightest class. The story of Baron’s success is a remarkable one. At Anfield he played well enough but not always for the full ninety minutes. Now freed from the damaging effect of sinus trouble he lasts a game to it’s limits and his feinting dribbles and linking runs, in which he uses the Puskas back-heel, make him the player complete, I have never seen him play so brilliantly. It was Baron three minutes from the start who helped his side to the lead. Sibley’s corner air kick was half-cleared. Baron the ball back, towards the bar and Moore standing on the line jumped too soon or too late in his attempt to nod it clear. All he succeeded in was to edge the ball into the top netting. What dismay he showed when he regained his feet and stood, disconsolate, on the line as though unable to believe it. Eglington picked up a palmed save by Threadgold, and missed an open goal before Bainbridge over reached himself and sustained the damage which “killed” him for the rest of the game and virtually wrote off Southend from that quick moving Southend centre forward, Hollis was denied at the foot of the post by O’Neill, and did some delicious dribbling at the corner flag and in the centre of the field before Threadgold made a fine save from a cross-shot by Wainwright. At this stage Everton were fortunate not to be 2-0 down. Then, at twenty-two minutes Potts headed Everton into equality and a minute before the interval, when Southend were handing on well despite their handicap, Fielding hit a shot which was either deflected or caught. Threadgold unsighted. The scorer seemed as surprised as the goalkeeper.
Lethargic Hickson
Southend still had a chance and played as though they knew it, until the sixty-sixth minute when a rather tame, lethargic Hickson impudently slapped the ball into goal after Lello had by design or accident, allowed the ball to run squarely to him. Even then Southend would not go quietly. They produced more than one header, and shot of merit and several times went close to making it 3-2. Had they done so they would have only got their reward for contriving attacks with the ball on the earth and always moving to good effect. So a match the completion of which had been threatened until ten minutes from the end by almost solid murk went to Everton and 53,000 spectators were so uncertain that justice had been done they forgot to raise a cheer for the winners and for the unlucky losers. No use pretending Everton played as well as they must if they are to win the Cup. The message of this game was that there by the grace of providence and Bainbridge’s injury went Everton into the next round. The thought occurred that Bainbridges only useful, job might have been to stand sentinel with goalkeeper Threadgold in the hope that he might nod out a shot or header but reflection on this course prohibits it. All the Everton forwards would be continually on-side. A more profitable position for him might have been near Hollis, whose fine single handed work against the whole of the defence caused the crowd to give him an ovation. Hollis often beat Jones in the air. The trouble was that the Southend inside forwards were so busy in semi-defence they were rarely on hand when Hollis needed them Hollis has had several clubs. One wonders why, he has never found a niche in Division 1. Surely in some good attack he would get a great bag of goals. Lello was the one commanding Everton half-back, but the side, as a whole never started to pay like winners until Southend were 3-1 down and the game was obviously good as won. Then, Everton combined cheekily and well in the sort of moves we expected from them from the start. Southend’s visit was as memorable as it was unfortunate for them. They brought their own Supporters’ Club Band; they brought clean, able play and they produced enough chances to have won, given some striking power on the left wing. Theirs was a tremendous feat to come to Everton and play so well, despite their handicap. One can only guess how difficult things would have been for Everton if Bainbridge had remained sound. Southend’s standards approximated those of Division 1. I have seen less attractive football from Division 1 clubs. They played well individually and as a team and if they continue in league matches their rise to Division 2 is certain. Threadgold, formerly of Chester, had more work than O’Neill. In the gloom he picked the ball out of the air well and some of his flying saves were first-class. A pity he should be beaten by a ball he appeared to have covered. Whether Everton reach Wembley or not this match will be remembered as much for Southend’s contribution as for the fact that it served to send Everton a stage further. Well played Southend.
SOUTHEND DID WELL
January 10, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Though Everton in the end were worthy winners against Southend they were not as convincing as they might have been and their general play was not as impressive it had been in some games which they have loss or drawn. There did not seem any sense of urgency or emphatic is about their work for long stretches. They appeared to be content in the knowledge that the final result would go their way, and while this belief was justified by subsequently events anything remotely indicating complacency by a cup-tie can sometimes prove expensive. It may e that this apparent lack of urgency was not really as pronounced as it seemed to those watching. I don’t know what goes on in the minds of players on the field. One can only judge by the ebb and flow of play and the endeavour put into the game. On that basis Everton did not measure up to the standard of many of their League games. Against that there is no discounting the final result which the main thing or that Everton were the better side in the second half when the visitors began to flag somewhat after their hence ten-men struggle.
Debatable Point
I dislike seeing a side minus a player or compelled to carry an injured one who cannot raise a gallop or a shot. It was hard lines on Southend to suffer that handicap for 30 minutes. Just how they would have tired had Bainbridge not been hurt is entirely a matter of conjecture. Personally, I don’t think it would have affected the result it might even have spurred Everton on –to greater efforts Southend of course were inclined I think otherwise. Considering their handicap the visitors put up n extremely good display. There was hardly a pin-point difference between the teams in the first half and if Southend had found the ball running more kindly for them on two occasions Everton might have had something of struggle on their hands. It is a debatable point whether it is worth retaining player as unable to do anything as Bainbridge was. Twice excellent Southend moves broke down because the ball was put to him with the defence wide open and he could not hobble fast enough to reach it if he didn’t been on the field there would not have been the temptation to attempt to bring him into a movement.
Baron Sparkled.
Liverpool followers who watched Baron give one of the best displays I have ever seen from him must have wondered whether the Anfielders might with advantage have had second thoughts about parting with him. He fought like a tiger for the ball, he dribbled cleverly, showed intelligence in his distribution, gave sound help to his defence in times of stress and generally set a splendid example. Obviously Baron had made up his mind that his return visit to Merseyside was going to enhance his reputation if it possible. He certainly succeeded and his early goal was a really canny one. Hollis was also a splendid leader and the visitors were well served by Howe, Burns and Ravitt though Threadgold nodded with Everton’s second goal, which came at an awkward time for his side. That scored by Potts was first-class and Hickson’s was an unstoppable one – though why Hickson should be so modest about it, except that it was such a simple chance, was a trifle puzzling.
Not A Thriller
While this not very thrilling game was robbed even of some of it’s reduced charm by poor visibility, it was a very clean and sporting encounter, with hardly a foul except purely technical offences and with Southend comparing favourably with their more famous opportents. The Southerners had ever reason to be proud of their display. O’Neill was strangely shaky at the start but soon settled down. Rankin shaped well Jones never got a chance to relax and could not always master Hollis and the wing halves were again a strong factor in helping Everton to their eventual mastery. Fielding only came in his best in the second half thought he was not alone in that. Earlier on many Everton passes had gone sadly away. Potts again proved that he is up to senior standard. And a times showed a much better turn of speed than he used to. Hickson found Howe a big stumbling block down the middle but nevertheless the Everton man contrived to do some excellent foraging, got in some good shots when the odds were against him, and usually made splendid use of the ball when he could see no avenue to dash through on his own.
Apology To Southend
Finally an apology to Southend. Owing to a telephone mishearing I was made to say they seldom looked anything but a middle-placed Third Division side. The word “but “should have been “Like” which makes quite a difference.
MEMORIES OF GEARY
January 14, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Mr. Alfred Edwards of Heysule road, Higher Beington writes;-
The passing of Fred Geary will have been relayed with great regret by his legion of friends, especially those like myself, who spent so many happy times with him in his bowling days. I wonder now many of the Everton and Liverpool fans can recall, like me his coming to Everton from Notts Rangers and the Everton team regular Smalley, Dick, Dobson, Kirkwood, Holt, Parry, Latta, Brady, Geary, Chadwick, Milward. The team showed us how football should be played and in my opinion would have beaten nine out of ten present day Division 1 teams.
Mr. J. Alex Davies (Neston Grove, Wells Green, Crewe) writes;
“Fred Geary –in addition to the three forwards who played at Blackburn in 1891, J. Hall was centre half –four Everton players. The match was boycotted by the Rovers supporters because Geary was preferred in J. Southworth and many of them gathered outside the ground relying on those of us on the goal stand for details of the play, Fred late in the game after a typical Geary run, scored the winning goal and to their credit the outsiders cheered as loudly as we did.”
EVERTON SEEK ANOTHER DOUBLE
January 14, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton won 2-0 at Turf Moor in September and on their recent form particularly the Christmas displays against Wolves look a good prospect to take maximum points again. Burnley’s away record up to the beginning of December was one of the worst in the First Division, with only four points all from drawn games, in nine outings. Since then they have been doing much better, and have recorded here successive away victories. These were obtained at Huddersfield, Cardiff, and Preston, the first and last by a single goal margin and that against the Welsh club by three clear goals. The Turf Moor side has been considerably changed from that which Everton defeated in September. Full backs Aird and Mather have given way to Rudman and Winton both of whom have been playing well. In the attack inside right Mcllroy has been switched to inside left to allow Stepifenson to come in who has done so well that he is now the leading scorer with ten goals in 17 outings. Centre forward Holden, who was said to be desirous of a move a few weeks back, has not been coring so frequently this season. He has eight goals to his name at the moment. Another notable absentee from the early season team is outside left Pilkington. He has recently been replaced by Cheeseborough son of a former Burnley player, Pilkington, at present in the R.A.F received his first England cap against Ireland last October. The Burnley attack has netted 31 goals in 25 League outings and has only twice succeeded in getting more than two in any game. Last week they lost active interest in the F.A Cup when Sunderland defeated them 1-0 at Roker Park, the deciding goal being obtained by Elliott who was with Burnley before moving to the North-East last winger. The visitors will not decide their forward line until later. There is a doubt about Holden, who has a groin injury, if he is not at McKay, the former Dundee United player signed during the close season, will take his place. McKay has had three previous, senior outing Les Shannon the ex-Liverpool forward continues at left half where he has been a big success this season. Everton; O’Neill; Moore, Rankin; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Potts, Eglington. Burnley; McDonald; Rudman, Winton; Adamson, Cummining, Shannon, Gray, Stephenson, Holden, or McKay, Mcllroy, Cheesebrough.
ST DOMINGO ESTATE HISTORY
January 14, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
By Arnold J. Ashworth
While there is no district of Liverpool actually known as St. Domingo, there is a “Grove and Vale” of that name running downhill from Breckfield Road North to Oakfield Road, and a St. Domingo Road forming the continuation of Heyworth Street. How comes it, then, that the name of a West Indian island should be perpetuated in such a thickly-populated suburb as Everton? For the answer it is necessary to go back almost 200 years. In the year 1757, a Mr. George Campbell, West India merchant and sugar refiner, brought large piece of land near St. George’s Church, Everton, from the families of the original lesses H. Hassall, and J. Seacome, and on the triangular corner between Beacon Lane and St. Domingo Road he built a moderate sized house. The outbuildings were arranged in a semi-circular sweep and there was a grassy lawn in front, separated from the road by posts and chains. One of Mr. Campbell’s ships had some time previously captured a rich French prize ship off the island of St. Domingo, and to commemorate this he called his new estate after the name of the island. Mr. Campbell became Mayor of Liverpool in 1763 and died in 1770. After his death the estate consisting of 53 acres, together with the house and out-buildings was sold to Mr. John Crosbie for £3,300 this comprised all the land contained in the triangle between Beacon Lane, St. Domingo Lane, (Later Road) and Walton Breck Road, and the smaller triangle between Mere Lane, Breckfield Road, and Beacon Lane.
A Setback
Mr. Crosbie had also been Mayor in 1765 but because of a set-back in his business as a merchant he was unable to complete the purchase of the St. Domingo estate and the contract was transferred to messes Gregson, Bridge and Parke, these gentlemen in turn transferred their interest to Mr. John Sparling for £3,476 in 1773. It was Mr. Sparling who had the old house demolished in 1793 and who caused to he built a very palatial-looking structure still bearing the name of St. Domingo House. He also improved the estate by plasting and in other ways. Having spent so much money on improvements he formed a great attachment to the property and bound his heirs by clauses in his will, never to part with the estate. On his death in 1800 the property passed to his son, William, who lived in the mansion. William a Lieutenant in the 10th Regiment of Dragoons, engaged in a duel with Mr. Edward Grayson, a ship-builder in which he killed his antagonist in the quiet valley of the Dingle on Sunday, February 25, 1804. Although acquitted at the subsequent trial, Mr. William Sparling shook the dust of Liverpool from his feet and never again resided at St. Domingo.
Prince’s H.Q.
After Mr. Sparling’s with-drawal from Liverpool the house was let to the Government and used as headquarters for Prince William of Glouster at that time the C-in-C of the district. He took up his residence at St. Domingo and remained in the district for several years. Naturally enough he was for a long time, the cynosure f the neighborhood; a live lord and a prince of the blood-Royal at that. After Mr. Sparling’s death the restrictions on the disposal of his property not sulting the purpose of his heirs, they applied to Parliament and obtained an Act in 1810 enabling them to dispose of the estate which they did in the same year to a Mr. William Ewart for £20,295. In the following year the government required a site for a barracks and entered into negotiations with Mr. Ewart for the sale of the estate. Some Evertonians afraid of possible disturbances held an indignation meeting at the Cottage House on November 27, 1911. But many more Evertonians and strangely enough, the vast majority of the weaker sex,” were all in favour of the soldiers making a permanent habitation of St. Domingo. Perhaps the ladies point of view is best expressed in these few lines taken from a poem on the subject ascribed to the pen of Mr. Sylvester Richmond, a Customs searcher, and a great wit of these days.
Storehouse
The ladies plea prevailed moreover, and the estate was brought by the government and the barracks established but after a short trial the scheme was abandoned, and the property put up for sale in lots. About 1854 an extensive storehouse and barracks for the military were exacted near the middle of the estate. The mansion was occupied from 1817 to 1831 a ladies school by the Misses Corrie and for the next seven years by Mr. Charles Voelker, a Swiss who had a high reputation as a pupil at Pestalozzi and at this school were educated William Rathbone one of Liverpool’s most notable sons, Sir Heywood, the Right Hon J. Stansfield, M.P and others. About 1850 it was purchased by the Roman Catholic and flourished as St. Edward’s College. The estate triangle of the estate with which the mere is connected was sold by Mr. Sparling’s trustees to Mr. J.G. Geller merchant who erected a stately mansion on the site and laid out the grounds in tasteful manner. The seclusion of this site, embowered in thick woods with its spacious lawn sloping to the margin of the lake gave a rural aspect to the property. This continued after the surroundings were covered with buildings and “St. Domingo Pit” about an acre in extent remained for many years afterwards.
SNOWBALL BARRAGE FOR BURNLEY FULL BACK
January 15, 1954. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Miss Many Chances At Goodison
Everton 1, Burnley 1
By Ranger
Everton; O’Neill, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Potts, and Eglington, forwards. Burnley;- McDonald, goal; Rudman and Winton, backs; Adamson, Cummings, and Shannon, half-backs; Gray, Stepheson, McKay, Mcllroy, and Chesseborough, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Cowan. The ground at Goodison was covered with two inches of snow and although according to the referee it was hard underneath, he had no hesitation in pronouncing the pitch fit for play. Apart from the fact that this was one of the First Division matches to escape postponement it had many other features of interest. First and foremost the fact that Peter Farrell, Everton’s captain was making his 350th appearance for the club in League and Cup games, which was duly acknowledged by the crowd when he led his men on the field. In addition to a tremendous cheer, scores of “Good luck Peter” were shouted to him. Then there was the appearance of Potts against his old side who transferred him to Everton at a fee of £20,000, in addition of course, Burnley were formerly under the management of Mr. Cliff Britton now in a similar position at Everton. It was he who led them to the Cup Final and promotion. Yet another point of interest for the crowd which had braved the arctic conditions was the appearance of Leslie Shannon the former Liverpool player who had given Burnley excellent service since he left Anfield and who of recent months has been transformed into the wing half. Although the ground was not the skating ring that it had at Anfield on Wednesday it was evident that despite the top cushion of snow, the hold beneath was very treacherous and the players in the early minutes skidded about without much control of their movement. It was the tricky state of the turf which almost brought Everton a goal in the first couple of minutes when an attempted pass-back by Cummings struck in the snow and Hickson dribbled round McDonald only to find his attempt to put the ball into the untenanted net foiled by the influence of the know, so that Winton was able to clear in the nick of time. Prior to this there had been other spills and misplaced passes and it was clear that goals today might be of the “fluky” nature.
Fielding’s Second
Everton took the lead at the 7th minute when after Eglington had put the half into the middle and Shannon had missed his kick, Fielding accepted the chance of a first time shot from 20 yards with such alacrity that the ball was in the back if the net before McDonald could do anything about it. This was Fielding’s second league goal of the season and it put Everton in a nice position, on this lead and snow-covered surface for goals are not likely to be frequent. Wainwright sold a beautiful dummy to Winton and shot towards the centre before slipping the ball square to Potts whose strong shot on the ground was allowed an appreciably before it got to McDonald. A free kick against Hickson held up an Everton advance but when Hickson had the ball next he hit a great shot from 25 yards, which was only narrowly outside the upright.
First-Time Shots
A twice taken free kick for a rather doubtful offence against Jones brought no advantage to Burnley, although Shannon’s well-placed effort with the second kick saw both McKay and Stepheson make good attempt to connect. Potts shot into the side netting after Eglington had come into the middle and slipped the ball through for him to take a powerful first-timer. Everton were showing the right ideas by a shooting whenever opportunity presented itself. Although the goalmouth had been more extent neither seemed to have a very generous amount and it looked as though the tooting oft the goalkeepers would not be very much more secure than for the rest of the players. An Everton move started by Farrell, helpless on by Wainwright and Eglington, was finally flourished off with a 30 yards shot by Fielding which McDonald tipped over the bar –a splendid shot and an equally good save. From the corner Potts headed the ball over to Wainwright who nodded goalwards, where McDonald made a secure catch.
A Useful Leader
McKay the former Dundee United player who was signed by Burnley during the summer, playing his fourth senior game today owing to Holden being unfit who proving himself quite a useful leader and was not a slave to the middle of the field. He is, however rather on the small side. As in Wednesday’s game at Anfield, spills were more frequent than thrills and players found it extremely difficult to maintain their footing when turning. In spite of the conditions however, Everton had shown some nice combined play though some moves broke down through slips or misdirected passes for which nobody could really be blamed. Shannon twice put passes through to his inside left, but first Stephenson and then Mcllroy had attempted shots blocked away. Then Farrell headed out from the vicinity of the penalty spot a curling centre by Gray.
Hickson’s Appeal
Just prior to this Winton had fouled Hickson and then added to his offence by pushing Hickson but the referee made no award, despite Hickson’s appeal, presumably because it seemed that Winton had erred largely because of the insecurity of his foothold.
Misplaced Passes
When Eglington went away on the left after a throw in and tried a fast low shot Shannon stopped the ball and coolly tapped it back to his goalkeeper. There were frequent instances of players receiving the ball from passes meant for somebody else. Twice Hickson slipped the clutches of Cummings without being sole to do much about it, and for some time Burnley had kept Everton in their own half. This was not a day for an exhibition of football with the players doing the best possible under difficult circumstances with luck playing a large part in almost every movement. Just one example shower how difficult it was when Wainwright after running nearly half the length of the field found his pass intended for Fielding collected by Shannon, while Shannon, endeavouring to clear, fell over and succeeded in putting the ball back to Wainwright.
Comedy of Errors
In fact the first half hour’s play had been as much a comedy of errors as anything though there had in between these moves some really good everything considered. Another touch of comedy came when Hickson unexpectedly finding himself in possession in a badly angled position, also found his feet slipping from under him as he shot and the ball sticking in the snow after travelling barely three yards. When Wainwright went right over to the left wing and pulled the ball back from near the over-line Hickson partly jumped over it so that it could run on to allow Potts a better chance, Potts hit the ball hard but unfortunately for Everton, not in the right direction. He was fully eight yards outside. A storm of booing arose behind, the Goodison Avenue goal when Hickson was seen to fall to the ground right in the middle penalty area when the ball was away over on the left wing. I was following the flight of the ball which was 30 yards away, and did not see what happened, but from the way in which the crowd booed left back Winton not only at the moment but for some minutes afterwards, it was obvious that he had done something not according to “Cocker.”
Snowball Barrage
Hickson picked himself up after about half a minute without requiring attention from the trainer and next time Winton went near the corner flag half a dozen snowball’s were aimed at him. After enjoying a spell of superiority for some minutes without being able to give McDonald any really testing work Everton temporarily lost their grip of the proceedings. When Adamson lofted the ball over, however, Cheeseborough’s final shot was a very weak one and when Cheeseborough later dropped a high lobbing centre near the penalty spot, McKay was unable reach it in time to do anything. Winton was roundly booed as he left the field at half-time. Half-time; Everton 1, Burnley nil.
Everton resumed where they had left off with an assault on the Burnley goal and Jones as the ball was thrown in on the right made a 40 yards shot which flew narrowly outside at tremendous pace. This was the best shot of the match, not excluding Fielding’s goal. Eglington had a great chance to put Everton further ahead when a clever Hickson pass found Wainwright and the winger, after beating Winton dropped the ball for Eglington to head just over the bar. It was Hickson a moment later who stabbed the ball to provide Wainwright with a first class shooting chance and once again the power was there but not direction. Cheeseborough tried to work his way through but fell to superior numbers in the end, whereas on the opposite flank Gray lost his chance through the ball running behind. As in the first half, the 7th minute of this portion again produced a goal when Jones was found guilty of handling a centre which came over from the Burnley left and Mcllroy scored from the spot. Both Farrell and Jones himself appeared to ask the referee quite calmly to reconsider his decision but Referee Cowen waved them aside.
Narrow Escape
The Everton goal had a narrow escape when a clearance by Rankin struck Gray and let the winger through for him to shoot behind well placed O’Neill had advance from goal immediately on seeing the danger and would probably have cut out his shot had it been on the mark. Although the players were not slipping about so much now as they had done earlier it was still difficult to maintain anything like a sound and reliable foothold when on the turn or trying to work the ball. Hickson who had to stand a lot of buffeting and some heavy tackles by Winton now had a foul given against him for a charge on Winton some yards inside the Everton half. The home side, however, were soon back on the attack and Fielding and Farrell saw shots strike defenders, Eglington put one just outside and then a delightful side flick by Hickson opened the way for Potts whose effort also struck a defender.
Slewed Away
Fielding got a rally for a run half the length of the field which had been started by Lello’s pass but his final shot slewed away. There was a lot of luck about things with the ball sometimes skidding sharply and sometimes pulling up disconcertedly, and with all the time the tear that the players must have had that their feel might slip away from under them. The top cushion of snow was really a good thing for it deadened the affect of the hardness below. McKay took a Mcllroy pass and held the ball until tackled when the Scotsman pushed the ball in front only for Mcllroy to run himself into sun an angled position that he could do no more than shoot behind.
Anxious Moments
Everton’s first corner of this half produced some anxious moments for the visitors until the ball finally went behind. The second corner taken by Fielding was quickly cleared with Moore kicking into touch on the half-way line to forestall Cheeseborough. Final; Everton 1, Burnley 1.
• Everton “C” 6, Bromborough 1
SHEFFIELD UNITED RES V EVERTON RES
January 15, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
Sheff United Res;- Hodgkinson, goal; Johnson and Ridge, backs; Atkinson, Walker, and Rawson, half-backs; Fowler, Wragg, Luke, Spencer, and Over, half-backs; Everton; A. Harris, goal; Sutherland and Molyneux, backs; Birch, Woods and Grant, half-backs; Tomlinson, Meagan, Saunders, Parker, and Buckle, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Smith (Stoke-on-Trent). In spite of two inches of snow Everton and Sheffield United put up a sparkling show at Bramell Lane. Luke opened the home team’s account after seven minutes and a series of magnificent saves by goalkeeper Harris prevented Everton falling further behind. The Merseysiders recovered well, however and following efforts by Parker, Saunders and Buckle, Parker ran through to score with a low shot. Half-time; Sheffield United Res 1, Everton Res 1. Intensive pressure showed up Sutherland, Molynuex and Woods in good light for they were quick in the tackle and showed grand powers of recovery. Harris’s most difficult task followed a corner, when Wragg shot in from close range. Everton recovered but were most unfortunate in front of goal. Three lucky escapes encouraged the home team to a further attack, from which Over regained the lead for United. Further Everton pressure followed but another snap attack found Over well placed and he shot past Harris work the third goal.
EVERTON AND BURNLEY FILL THE BILL
January 17, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 1, Burnley 1
By Leslie Edwards
Nearly 30,000 attended this match; others, I am told, were prevented from attending only because the story got about, south of the city, that it had been postponed. Could there be better tribute to the endurance of the followers of football or to his enthusiasm for the Everton cause? I think not. Many arrived long before kick-off. Being still young in heart, they spent the waiting moments snowballing each other and any other legitimate target. An announcement over the public address system that they should persist (with the warming that the police would eject them if they did not) came too late. By that time the seats of the Press box and others had been bombarded to a formidable state of icy wetness. Some sat on newspapers, others on cardboard; the fortunate few on outspread telephone directories. Even then one could not escape the bodily equivate of the frozen mitt. But the game made all discomforts bearable. It was fast, entertaining and thrilling, with an equitable ending though Everton had three times as many shooting chances as Burnley. The only dullness was in the overcast sky, which threatened snow and made a half-filled Goodison Park seemed a desolate spot. Everton had not taken snow precautions other than clearing the pitch markings and the fact that snow still lay on the pitch on a depth of about an inch enabled players to control their feet, and the ball remarkably in such difficult conditions.
Double Memorable
This was Peter Farrell’s 350th match, in League and Cup for Everton. None can forget it because when we had expected no game at all we got a game complete and full of the sort of football we might expect only when conditions are helpful. The goals came in each half. First Eglington teed up a chance for Fielding. The moment called for finesse and Fielding, realizing that goalkeeper McDonald had a treacherous foothold, merely placed the ball in a clever lob, to the far angle which must have seemed miles from where McDonald stood. Everton might have added other goals before Burnley scored from their second-half penalty, but they did not, indifferent finishing and Burnley’s astonishing ability to crowd out shooters and shots were dual reasons. The question arises was it a penalty. Referee Cowen, from Manchester who performance I thought excellent, stood near enough to the incident to have no doubt. Jones, well inside the penalty box, moved to head, or breast the ball away and was moving fast when his ‘outstretched arm came into contact with the ball. At the time he seemed, to me, to be a good two yards inside the area. By the time the whistle blew he was two or three yards outside. Vainly did Farrell appeal against the award. Mcllroy disdaining careful approach to the penalty spot, hit a tremendous shot past O’Neill. Everton were always threatening to win, so it was ironic that Burnley three times within about sixty seconds went so close to getting a second goal. Moore first headed away off the goal-line a header by Gray with O’Neill beaten; then O’Neill produced the game’s best save –a splendid one from a header from the incoming Mcllroy. Within a few seconds O’Neill was edging the ball on the underside of the bar in yet another Burnley attack.
Glorious Feint
Fielding, sleeves handing lower than ever over his little hands, reveled in the snow and made the ball do his bidding with accuracy. One noted also a first class first-half contribution by Potts, who seemed to tire and be caught in possession too often as the game progressed. Wainwright’s game may have been patchy but he made one glorious feint worth a goal in the opening minutes. Burnley concentrate so much on defensive their attack loses its powers and depends, for goals on odd breakaways carried through Arsenal-style Shannon ex-Liverpool, one of the game’s best half-backs was continually volleying lovely passes to all parts of the field, but the Everton defence, for the most part, sent these Burnley attacks back with a minimum of fuss. Lello and Jones and Farrell so gripped the Burnley attack that Everton, using chances properly must have won handsomely instead they had their nearest miss when Hickson rounded McDonald and only full back Winton on the line saved a certain goal. Winton and Hickson, who attempted many tiresses and succeeded in few were at cross purposes when Hickson charged his opponents heavily near the goal-line. A minute or so later as they ran across field it was Winton’s turn and Hickson was left in the cold, cold snow. Neither linesman nor referee saw wrong and Hickson eventually regained his feet and the game went off. Burnley’s Iron Curtain is no myth. They followed Everton plenty of rope until the shooting range was reached then the goalmouth became a mass of hard tackling figures in claret and blue. Although Everton threatened often one gained the impression more and more that the Burnley defence knew what they were doing and that this packed goal area of their’s was well planned. Everton may feel disappointed at conceding a point and well they might but all things considered I think a draw was a good result and both teams deserve special praise for filling so satisfactorily what might easily have been a very empty Saturday afternoon. For their second Cup replay against Stoke City at Goodison Park this afternoon, Bury will select from fifteen.
SHEFFIELD UNITED RES 3, EVERTON RES 1
January 17, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Sheffield deserved their success. They moved the ball about efficiently on the snow-covered pitch and their defence was very reliable. They took the lead after seven minutes through Luke, but later missed some easy chances, Parker equalized. In the second half, Sheffield young left winger Over, who was outstanding, scored twice. Everton tried desperately to save the game and the Sheffield goal had some narrow escapes.
ICE-RINK SOCCER
January 17, 1955, The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Considering the adverse conditions both Everton and Burnley deserve congratulations the providing as much entertaining football as they did. It was a day when nobody could be sure that what he was going to try would come off. In addition to the snow and ice, there was what the Scotts call a “snell wind” –one of those that go through instead of round you –and when a player lifted one foot to shoot it was a tossup whether the other would slip and him on that part of his anatomy which is most generously cushioned against such mishaps. Although the player’s gradually became more accustomed to the conditions in the early stages they moved fearfully and gingerly in the manner reminiscent of a cat on hot bricks. The first twenty minutes saw a succession of misplaced passes, sliced or missed clearances and other examples of the treacherous nature of the icy turf, which made it clear it was going to be more a test of who could best maintain a footing than of football ability. It was a day when four wheel brakes were necessary to pull up safely while turning was a matter of luck all the time. The first minute showed the possibility that mistakes might be costly when a Cummings pass-back stuck in the snow and Hickson’s shot towards the empty net was so “braked” that Winton had time to dash across the clear.
Skill Will Out
Despite all the handicaps Everton proved that when there is craft and skill in a side I will shot itself and after Fielding had quickly seized the chance to put the home team into the lead at the seventh minute with a 20-yard shot, as McDonald lost his footing Everton swept down on the Burnley goal in a series of strong raids. Under conditions more suited to football and less to skating I think the Blues would have had the game won by half-time. As it was though they did nearly all the first half attacking except for one slight period they could not break down Burnley’s system of defensive covering. Cummings a Cliff Britton discovery in the days when he managed Burnley, was the key man around whom the visitors defence revolved with McDonald a sound goalkeeper and the wing halves giving splendid support to their backs. Everton must have had six shots in this half to everyone by Burnley but many of them so closely did the visitors pack their goal area, struck defenders and caused McDonald no problems.
Hickson Floored
Attempted scoring efforts cannoned away off legs, knees and bodies and through it all though they had many anxious moments the Burnley defence stood firm and comparatively unruffled. Winton gave Hickson some hefty knocks, and once the latter was floored with the ball thirty yards away. Not being cross-eyed I cannot say exactly what happened, for I was watching the play were the ball was but judging by the demonstration of the crowd in the vicinity and their prolonged boos, Winton had done more than give Hickson a friendly pat on the back. During their periods of strong pressure, Everton sometimes neglected the chance of a first time shot –which was obviously the thing to do when the goalkeeper had not much more secure footing than anybody else – a favour of the pass too-many. Frequently, however, this was more by accident than design. Several time players about to shoot lost their balance and could only poke the ball to a colleague. Sometimes they did well even to manage that. The home front line also got punched up too much but here again one should not be too critical. It was not easy to get out of the way quickly and under all the cumulative handicaps nobody could expect to see either side operating like a well oiled machine of ideal turf.
Hard Luck on Jones
Burnley got on level terms seven minutes after the restart with a penalty, converted by Mcllroy for hands against Jones. There was no doubt that the offence was well inside the area though some apparently thought otherwise and no doubt that Jones handled, but it seemed to me that in lugging forward to cut out the cross from Cheeseborough he partially stumbled; and that it was the instinctive movements of his arms to preserve his balance which led to the offence. Certainly there did not seem any outstanding deliberate attempt and equally certainly there was no danger to the home goal at the time. But however, mild the offence, the result was the same, and cost Everton a point which they did not deserve to lose. In the last two minutes Burnley almost stole another one, for Moore headed out off the line from Gray and O’Neill saved at point-blank range from Mcllroy while from the resulting corner he put the ball against the bar in trying to palm if over and doubtless heaved a big sigh of relief when it bounced out instead of in. Fielding was Everton’s best forward with Hickson next. The latter again pleased by the manner in which he tried to make shooting chances for his colleagues. The wing halves a did all that could be expected, as also did Rankin, who seems now to be settling down well and to have increased in confidence. Jones apart from his one expensive zip, hardly ever put a foot wrong.
Shannon’s Display
McKay deputing for Holden faded out after looking a likely prospect in the first quarter of an hour and it was left to Mcllroy to be Burnley’s most dangerous forward, with Shannon worthily rubbing out the memory of his failure so clear the Eglington pass which led to Fielding’s goal. The former, Liverpool player has been transformed into a very useful half-back with bright constructive ideas. All things considered it was a better game than might have been expected under the conditions and though it was disappointing that Everton should drop a point after enjoying such territorial and other “advantages to would be unfair to be too critical. Rather should praise be given that such an entertaining exhibition was served up.
Please Refrain
Both Everton and Liverpool appeals gain to those supporters who are neither shareholders nor season-ticket holders not to write for cup-tie tickets. Although it has been made clear here that postal applications will not be received from anybody except the two categories named above, both clubs are being swamped by applications from ordinary supporters. I know how disappointing this is for people from outside districts ranging from Llandudno and along the North Wales coasts to Southport, St. Helens and elsewhere, many of them regular supporters but both clubs took these snags into consideration when deciding upon distribution by persons application only. All postal applications other than from shareholders and season tickets holders will be in vain. What is more, Everton say that there may be some delay in returning the money as their office staff is fully occupied handling the tremendous flood of legitimate postal application and can only put the others on one side for attention when circumstances permit.
Thanks For Offers
Mr. W. Dickinson, Everton’s secretary has asked me to express his thanks to the many people who gave written the club offering assistance in the distribution of cup-tie tickets it is impossible for each to be acknowledged personality. While grateful for these offers Everton have sufficient part time helpers on whom they can call, and who have had previous experience of the job to cope with any emergency. Maybe not all those who have written have done so purely through disinterested motives! These however are thanked just the same.
EVERTON SUPPORTERS
January 19, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Rangers Notes
Mr. G.G. Thompson, honorary secretary of Everton Supporters Federation writes to say that he has been showed under with application from members for cup-tie tickets, some of whom have sent money. He is confined to bed with a severe dose of influenza and adds;-
“All postal orders received will be returned without comment as I cannot possibly reply individually. A request has been forwarded to the Everton board for an allocation of tickets to cover members of the Supporters Federation. If no agreement on this point is reached I have requested the assistance of the club in seeing that members are catered for who travel regularly to home matches but cannot due to instance queue for tickets – such as members from Crewe , Macclesfield, Blackpool, Dublin, and elsewhere. As soon as a reply is received an advertisement will be inserted in this paper.
EVERTON WILL STUDY COMFORT OF CROWD
January 20, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
In case the weather next Sunday is wet, windy, frosty, or otherwise unpleasant for the tens of thousands of football followers who will be queuing patiently for hour’s for their cup-tie tickets at Goodison Park I sounded Everton about letting the public into the ground so that they may have some protection. A further advantage of this, felt would be that when the number of applicants equaled the tickets available the gates could be shut and the police advised to turn latecomers away with public transport also exhibiting to that effect at the various termini. Mr. Cliff Britton as general manager, is taking into account every feasible method of helping Everton supporters, and is personality supervising all the arrangements with that ideal constantly in mind. This is what he said;-
“We have considered every possible way of making things as easy and comfortable as we can for the public in case of bad weather. We have been in close consultation with the police over the method of distribution, etc and arrangements have been made for all queuers to be kept fully informed by loud speakers vans of what is happening. These will constantly tour round the queues. “Providing the public cooperate with the club officials and the police every effort will be made to make conditions as comfortable as possible and effect the distribution with the utmost speed.” That is a consoling statement, and so long as the club does all that inhumanly possible nobody can ask more. It will also help quick distribution if everything tenders the correct amount of 2s for ground tickets, 3s for paddock tickets and 5s or 7s 6d for the few seats which will be available.
Wait Till Sunday
Mr. Britton Cliff particularly asks that nobody should queue up overnight. The reason for fixing noon as the beginning of the selling period was to give people time to make their way to the ground on Sunday morning and discourage them from waiting throughout the night. Everton are anxious that the ticket distribution should cause the absolute minimum of inconvenience to residents in the Goodison neighborhood and your co-operation in this respect is earnestly desired. Put your alarm clock on as early as you wish for Sunday morning and if you get to Goodsion reasonably early you should be all right.
BLUES AT LEICESTER
January 21, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton travel to Leicester who drew at Goodison in September, scoring the equalizing goal while Everton were temporarily reduced to ten men. Since then the Filbert Street has been having a rough time and has won only three home matches –against Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday, and Cardiff –all by a single goal margin in addition, they have drawn five times. The most notable absentee from the Leicester team which played at Goodison are centre forward Hines and outside left Small. The former is at present out of action with cartilage trouble and Small was transferred to Nottingham Forest shortly after playing here. To compensate for Hines absence Leicester signed Andy Graver from Lincoln City. He started well with a goal in each of his first two matches but has failed to find the net on four subsequent outings.
A Good Chance
Another newcomer is Hogg in the left wing. According to reports he as a brilliant ball player, but lacks a pushing shot, having netting only once in 19 games. Everton’s away record is such that they must have a good chance of gaining some reward against a side which has had at least one goal scored against it in every game so far. This defensive weakness has however, been partially balanced by the fact that the Midlanders attack has been scoring fairly regularly. Only three times have they had a cipher in the results column all in home matches. As in the past seasons, Rowley is their leading scorer, with 15 to his credit. Recently he has not been finding the net so frequently, his last goal coming on December 11. If Everton gain one point or better still two, they will maintain their position as challengers to the League leaders ready for a big effort later in the season. Leicester City field the same side as drew at Manchester City at Maine Road last week. Leicester; Anderson; Milburn, Jackson; Foggatt, Gillies, Russell; Griffiths, Morris, Graver, Rowley, Hogg. Everton; O’Neill; Moore, Rankin; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Potts, Eglington.
BLANK DAY FOR EVERTON
January 22, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
Thick Ice on Pitch
For the second week running football in Great Britain has been hit a severe blow by the weather. Last Saturday 41 of the 62 games scheduled in the English and Scottish leagues had to be postponed, and another three were abandoned and today 26 matches could not start.
Referee Harry Beacock left Scunthorpe at six o’clock this morning for a four and a half hours journey to Leicester. When he reached the Leicester City ground he deeded only a few minutes to decide that the City’s game with Everton was out of the question.
Sudden Thaw
Large stretches of the pitch were covered with ice, some of it more than half an inch thick. The snow which had protected the ground up to yesterday would have enabled the game to go on but it melted quickly in the sudden mild spell. Pools of water were forming on the ice as quickly as members of the ground staff swept the standing water away. The Everton team stayed last night at Derby hotel and were intercepted there by a telephone message from the Leicester club as soon as the referee had made his decision.
EVERTON RES V BARNSLEY RES
January 22, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res; Harris (A), goal; Tansey (J) and Molyneux, backs; Birch, and Woods, half-backs; Grant, McNamara, Farrell, Saunders, Parker, and Buckle, forwards. Barnsley Res; Watts, goal; Betts and Hudson, backs; Jarman, Sharp, and Walters, half-backs; Smillie, Anderson, Kelly, Holmes and Wardle, forwards. Referee; Mr. L. Brandwood (Kidderminster). In the 10th minute Smillie but Barnlsey ahead after Harris had first handled the shot. in the 20th minute Saunders put the sides on level terms and in the 30th minute Parker gave the Blues the lead. Half-time. Everton Res 2, Barnsley Res 1.
EVERTON’S GOOD TURN TO 3,500 ANGERED A MULTITUDE
January 24, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Sale of cup-tie tickets by Everton F.C to 3,500 spectators at their Reserve team match against Barnsley, at Goodison Park on Saturday-Manager Cliff Britton sold Tickets from one of the booths –pleased the fortunate few; made angry thousands who had to queue for tickets yesterday, angered still more who attended Everton’s last home First Division fixture against Burnley (when no tickets were avaliable0 and angered most followers of the club who travelled to Leicester to see their team play and came back after an empty afternoon to find that tickets had been sold in their absence. I blame neither spectators, nor club. Everton having snapped opportunity to reward spectators who braved the snow and ice of the Burnley match a week last Saturday, were trying to ensure that the core of blue supporters got tickets, once they locked the Goodison Park doors on Saturday at the interval and announced over the public address system that everyone who had paid for admission would be entitled to a ticket according to the vantage point they occupied –stand tickets for those in the stand, paddock tickets for people in the paddock and so etc. The news was greeted as one would expect by a cheer. The game was behind closed and locked doors so that news of the distribution would not filter outside.
And the Boys…
Secretary Bill Dickinson’s boys also wanted tickets and added that short of the nine-seats for them would be given to enable them to aid up their tickets later. So long was the queue for terrace tickets when the game ended, hundreds broke from the end of that queue and crossed the pitch to join the queue for Paddock tickets. Having got their tickets they all left by a Gwlady’s street end. As they emerged to tell, the world of their good luck, thousands of Everton and Liverpool fans were returning past the ground from the Second Division match at Anfield. Crowds formed in Gwlady’s Street outside the club offices and about fifty of the more daring people climbed the large gate near St. Luke’s Church. One fell from the gate and appeared to be badly hurt. Police asked him to accompany them. Among the crowd outside was Mr. Chadwyn T. Cotton of 16 Askew Street, Liverpool, who declared that it was unfair to Everton supporters who had that day attended Liverpool’s match at Anfield or who had travelled to Leicester to see Everton. He said that as spokeman for about fifty people waiting outside, he entered the ground but was told by an official that he would be given two minutes to leave.
“Encouraged Spivs
“I only wanted to clear up this question of the distribution of tickets he told the Daily Post “I wanted to point out that the public had reason to believe that the club had done wrong in distributing tickets like that it would have been better for an official of the club to come out and make an explanation.” He added that he thought the procedure encouraged spivs who would be able to queue for tickets on the other dates as well and re-sell their tickets at exorbitant prices.
Another in the crowd, Mr. F. Smith, of 22 Sheridan Place, Bootle produced a letter which he said he had received from Mr. Cliff Britton, manager of Everton, in reply to one he had sent. The letter, dated January 11, said; “Thank you for your letter of the 10th instant and the suggestion regarding the methods of distribution of Cup tie tickets. “I am afraid it would not be practicable to distribute tickets at one of our Reserves games as Liverpool would have a League match on that day and would not look upon our action with favour.” Mr. Britton said yesterday that the club had received a lot of letters suggesting that tickets be sold at the Reserves games, and the club thought that the people who regularly attended those games were among their most loyal supporters. No prior announcement was made because people may have flocked there in their thousands purely to obtain a Cup-tie ticket. That would have affected Liverpool’s match. “It was only when everyone was in and the doors were locked that the announcement was made that they would be offered “tickets” said Mr. Britton. “The only people that I feel may have a crib are those who may have been at Leicester. “
Neighbours Inconvenience
So shortly, it seems, Everton missed the boat when they allowed that icy Burnley match to pass and their supporters missed the bus by not being at Goodison Park for a Reserve game. Perhaps none has a greater grouse than house-holders near the Everton ground who had to endure the noise and inconvenience of massive number of people from about nine o’clock on Saturday evening until two o’clock yesterday afternoon. One lady told me yesterday that she and her family did not get a wink of sleep all night; that there was much shouting and singing and that if the same ticket arrangements were used again she would help to petition the neighborhood to have them stopped. At 5 a.m. yesterday she said, there was something of a stampede, and police had difficulty in restoring the queue to orderliness. Queues who joined the “crocodile” in daylight yesterday were full of praise for the way the police handled arrangements. One of the most ironic shafts of those who queued yesterday was “Were they all Evertonians? Why, some of ‘em were such good Evertonians they did not even know that Liverpool were in the Second Division”. The phrase might well have been used at Anfield where Liverpool, not Blackburn Rovers, looked like the potential promotion team. Everton players fresh from their wasted journey to Leicester, returned in time to attend Anfield as spectators.
EVERTON RES V BARNSLEY RES
January 17, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
The chief features in Everton’s victory over Barnsley at Goodison Park was the impressive display by Parker. Harris in the home goal played well and McNamara a good winger, was unlucky on three occasions with good shots. Everton’s scorers were Parker (2), Saunders (2), and Farrell while Smallie obtained Barnsley only goal.
JUST REWARD
January 24, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton cash customers, who attended the Central League game at Goodison had a pleasant surprise at half-time when they were told that as they went out they could buy a ticket on the cup-tie. About 3,500 availed themselves of this unexpected boon but later there was an equally unexpected sequel. The joyful Evertonians proudly brandishing their ticket met Liverpool followers returning from Anfield and when the news spread among the latter several hundred folk made their way to Goodison and sought a similar concession. There was some little disgruntlement when they were refused and some criticism of Everton. This left the latter clubs official’s completely cold for they quite naturally were concerned only with those who had proved their Everton allegiance by support of the Central League side. the only drawback attaching to this idea are that certain people follow both senior teams regularly and not the reserves which the very staunch Evertonians who can afford including many members of the Supporters Federation travel to away matches which is even greater evidence of loyalty. Those supporters who went to Leicester and had their trouble and expense for nothing naturally fell upset when they heard what had happened. This only goes to prove what I have said so often before, that no matter what is done it is absolutely impossible to satisfy everybody. Those who complain because Everton did not announce their intention of selling at the Central League match have no case at all. The reason that was not done is too obvious to require explanation.
Well Handled
Everton’s tickets distribution passed off extremely smoothly yesterday. Although some people queued up overnight that was quite unnecessary and caused needless disturbance to residents in the area. Club’s officials frequently asked queues how long they had been waiting and ascertained that those who got to Goodison around ten o’clock received a ticket by about 12.45. Others who arrived around noon were served shortly after one o’clock. When the sale finally ceased at 2.15 comparatively few latecomers were disappointed. Towards the end of the distribution the crowd had reached such small proportions that some of those who had been served rejoined the waiting queues and got a second ticket through attempts were made to stop this wherever possible.
Thanks Due All Round
Thanks are due to Everton and the police for their good organiastion of a most difficult job. It was a position which might well have been taught by some danger. Thanks are equally due to the vast majority of queuers who waited most patiently and orderly and did their part in ensuring that everything went off without mishap by carrying out the official instructions. The only people who have solid cause for complaint are residents in the area who were disturbed during the night. Events proved that there was no need for overnight queuing and should a similar sale be necessary in the future I know these enthusiastic fans will bear this in mind.
MORE GROUSES
January 25, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The more the ferment grows over tickets for Saturday’s Cup tie at Goodison the more obvious it is that the task of satisfying everybody is absolutely impossible. In good faith Everton decided without prior announcement to sell tickets to the cash customers as Saturday’s reserve match feeling that by doing so they would get into the hands of real Everton enthusiasts. Now come the letters from disgruntled Blues including some of those who paid good money for a fruitless journey to Leicester to cheer in the first team. This is what they say;-
Everton pulled a fast one on Saturday. My friend and I who travelled to Leicester went to Goodison Park on Sunday but came away without tickets –T.J. Boyton Street.
After all the assurances that no tickets would be issued before noon on Sunday, you can imagine our feelings on learning that people in the queue were already in possession of a ticket bought on Saturday. You should publicity denounce this breach of confidence which is nothing short of sharp practice. We want no excuses but criticism straight from the shoulder –J.H. Maiden, Lane Liverpool 13.
Under The Counter
Please compliment the police on their queue control and the queues themselves who played to the miles on the information you gave them. But who takes the responsibility for the under-the-counter distribution that took place on Saturday –Black Mark, Everton; Smith Street.
THE MEN WHO MAKE EVERTON
January 26, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton and Liverpool are the teams who will make news here on Saturday, but who are the people who make Everton and Liverpool? The players. So let us deal with them. First, because their status demands it Everton.
O’Neill, Tall young recently married and from Eire. He started shakily in a match at Highbury and for some time the question was O’Neill or Leyland. O’Neill by marked improvement answered the question himself when he’s “in the air” he gives a facsimile impression of Ted Sagar. From being a man given to occasional brown studies he has gained tremendous in confidence and competence.
Moore, a solid rather stocky Lancashire lad. He learned his football in his native St. Helens, where they are tough, wiry and as able to give a charge as accept one.
Rankin; not long finished his National Service, Rankin, grandson of a famous former Everton player, is strong fresh complexioned and playing better today than many anticipated he might.
Donovan. Another Irishman, with a soft brogue and a sense of hunmour. He became a back by chance at the West Ham ground. Pressed into service a emergency he found as so many others have that he was a better full back than half back. Fast wingers often try to beat him for speed. Few do. Donovan is one of the fastest defenders in contemporary soccer.
A Great Captain
Farrell; One of the gentlemen of football. He might well have been a business man and what a good one he would have made. Instead he preferred to follow football and captain Everton and Eire. Never a captain more inspired never a captain more wholeheartedly in love with the game and with the Everton cause.
Jones a son of Liverpool. Like O’Neill he remembers Highbury. His first game for Everton was at the ground. He played so well that when he left the field injured Arsenal fans raised a special cheer for him. He used to suffer from what the doctors called a swivel kneecap. That is all past. His fair play against all centre forwards is half the joy of watching him. If he has a fault it is that he is sometimes inclined to use the ball negatively.
Lello; From Shrewsbury. Though he is not tall every inch of him is of yeoman stock. Strong on the ball and strong in the tackle. Lello’s goals for a R.A.F side in Italy had the local’s shouting “Vive Lello,” Everton fans follow suit when he goes far upfield and produces a telling shot.
Wainwright; This Southport boy deserves medals for patience and persistence. The unluckiest forward this season ever to hit a shot. His broken leg took so long to mend, leaving him out of the game and on crutches Everton spectators almost forgot he existed. There is not much of physically but he has guts and ability and only fantastic misfortune with his shots and headers has denied him goals.
Engine-on-Chief
Fielding if the side wore uniform, his would be that of Engineer-in-chief. Dark, small, a Cockney with the cheek of a perky sparrow he lays on passes to the nearest inch and can often hit a shot with unexpected power Fielding, sleeves dropping over his hands and making defenders look foolish is a sight Evertonians enjoy.
Hickson; A mop of light hair, a jutting chin a jutting personality and unlimited dash and enthusiasm –that is Hickson. Maybe je is half the present Everton. A Lovely header of a ball and the most unselfish forward in the game but not a great man for beating centre halves by guile. Hickson’s offerings to those on either side are as acceptable as they are frequent. If he cared to take all the chances he makes his success might be greater. But he could not be more popular. Yet he still has critics and some are great Evertonians.
Parker; From Birkenhead. A deceptively effective forward, with the patent leather hair style of Stan Fazackerley of old. Parker’s forte is that he usually managers to be in the right place at the right time. It may be only to side-foot or nod the ball over the line, but the important thing is that he is almost invariably there. His other strength? That he makes the difficult task look so easy – art which is conveniently for gotten by some on the terraces.
Potts; The man for whom Everton paid Burnley £20,000. His return to Division 1 after a long spell with the Reserves surprises those who though his day was done. A great worker a great man for fetching and carrying and something of a lucky charm for the present Everton who have not lost in the five matches since he regained his place.
Eglington; A sanding Everton dish, at outside left in post-war years. Give him the ball and a fair field and he goes along with it like some scurrying clock-work mouse. His right foot, despite intense effort to make it otherwise is not “in the same parish” as his left. If “Eggo,” as they call him, runs on to a chance with his trusty left the shot is usually there or thereabouts.
RANGERS SUMS UP GOODISON CUP-TIE
January 28, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Get The Vote, But Reds Could Upset Applecart
Match of the Season May Be Decided By The Odd Goal
Salutations to all followers of Everton and Liverpool on the eve of the tussle between their favourites. Soccer enthusiasm reaches boiling point tomorrow with the meeting of these ancient rivals in the fourth round of the F.A Cup at Goodison Park. One team’s “head” must roll in the dust 24 hours hence, though it could be that the losers will extract as much honour in defeat as the winners in victory. We shall soon know. Last week I tipped Everton as likely winners, based upon the logical indications to be drawn from what I have seen of both sides this season. But logic and Cup-ties do not always go hand in hand and I realize the strong possibilities that Liverpool may spring a surprise. That was always on the cards, of course but it is a much more likely happening now after the splendid performance the Reds but up against Blackburn Rovers last week. Liverpool that day looked more like the team of five years or so ago than they have at any time in the past couple of years. They had speed, skill combination fighting spirit ball-on-the-ground mastery, and almost everything else and the Everton players who were watching must have realized then, if inclined to be a little cocksure before that they are in for a tremendously hard fight tomorrow. This game can go either way and I doubt whether there will be more than a goal in it at the finish even if that. A replay is quite a possibility –though I shoulder o think of the ticket problems that if will bring in its train, even though it will not be an all-ticket match. In many respects, no matter which club is victorious or what their further progress in the cup competitions this Goodison pairing could go down in history as the greatest game of the season. Ever since the draw was made and Liverpool ensued this attractive match for us by winning the Lincoln City replay the red-hot enthusiasts have been talking of nothing else.
Eager Anticipation
Even lukewarm Soccer followers have been gradually worked up to a pitch of eager anticipation. Old and young Blues and Reds and everybody who succeeded in getting a ticket has been swept into the mounting stream of excitement and growing tide of tension which will culminate in a terrific roar of welcome when the sides take the field at 2.45 tomorrow. If the bewhiskered and top-batted sportsmen who first inaugurated this competition 84 years ago could be present at Goodison Park tomorrow to see the vast crowd and its infectious enthusiasm the rosettes, the rattles and the mascots they would surely be thunderstruck. I should imagine that in their wildest dreams none of them even remotely envisaged that their modest ideas which began with only 16 entires would lay such a hold on the British public. From time to time we read of certain clubs playing “typical cup-tie football” This is generally interpreted as meaning a dour determined style of play in which brawn is preferred to brain and unceremonious tackling is the hall-mark of “do or die” efforts. While fighting spirit is a useful asset indeed, an almost vital qualification for any side which desires to make Cup progress the “typical Cup-tie” business is a snare and a delusion. To my mind, the side which endeavours to play in these games just as it does in ordinary League matches is the one most likely to succeed.
Comes Naturally
The style which comes naturally because it is the one they are thoroughly accustomed to should pay the best dividends. Take Everton, for instance. For some years now they have been coached and trained on stylish and constructive lines, the basis of which has been a well-knit and “quick-covering defence attack-conscious wing halves, and a forward line which, sinks individuality in favour of sound combination and all-round teamwork. To suggest that Everton should jettison these ideas which they have got to a high pitch of perfection, in favour of “typical Cup-tie football,” strikes me both as a retrograde step and a risky one. In the old days, it used to be said that a scientific side was not much good in the hurly-burly of Cup-ties. The contention was that such a team was usually too delicately balanced and could be too easily knocked off its perch. That may have been true of sides which had science and skill but lacked courage and fighting. But give me any time a side in which all those qualities are blended and balanced and I would prefer them to exponents of typical Cup-tie football.
Opinions Shaken
In the realization that I am sticking my neck out as far as it will go I adhere to my original view that Everton will win, though with the reservations mentioned from time to time since the draw was made. Originally the main one of these was that anything can happen in a cup-tie and against their traditional enemies Liverpool are sure to fight to the last ounce. Since then the Reds showing of last week has rather shaken my opinion, though I still feel that Everton’s superior play over the whole season as compared with Liverpool’s sudden and almost isolated return to their most sparkling form will enable the Blues to carry the day. It would be easy to sit on the fence and make no prophesy, but those, who read this column should know I don’t shirk any issue, I’, ready to suffer the slings and arrows of all outraged Liverpooilan for expressing a view which may not be patatable to them. At the same time I shall be just as happy should Liverpool win as if the boot was on the other leg and equally as keen as the staunches Anfielder to see them make further progress I am serious in saying that I haven’t the slightest leaning one way or the other.
Many Ifs and Buts
The argumentive queries about tomorrow’s game are legion. Can Hughes hold Hickson? Will Lambert be nonplussion by Eglington’s speed.” How will Jones fare against Liddell now in such brilliant form at centre forward? Will Everton’s wing halves be able to give their usual assistance to their forwards, or will a Liverpool attack playing like it did last week keep them so much on the defensive that the Blues forwards will need to do most of their own foraging? Will Acourt’s body swerve catch Moore in the wrong leg? Can Rankin limit the potentialities of Jackson? But why go on? You have been arguing these self –same questions yourselves all week and nobody can give the answer today. Only the game itself will provide them.
OH THE WISDOM THAT WILL EMERGE –AFTER THE EVENT
January 29, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Seventy two thousand and twenty four people –you will notice that I have included twenty-two players and both managers –slept uneasily last night. They had something in their minds, something from which the haze will not fade until round 4.25 p.m today when the vast stands and terrace banks of Goodison Park are drained of masses of enthusiasts and left to an army of gathers of litter. Then, maybe it will be “Well whole have though that …and “Who could have guessed that…with many an if and but for good measure and the prospect of an longest grave or gay according to one’s colours, lasting not one day, but a week of them. On the wisdom that will emerge after the event. Oh, if only Everton had done this and Liverpool had only done that.. I can hear the anguished voices now and the first kick of the match is more than twelve hour’s off. My job being an impartial viewer of sport, is to attempt to weigh chances and point to likely winners. It is not easy, but I can and shall attempt it. it may be worth more than meet other reviews of our great Cup-tie because Liverpool is a city of football fans, eternally divided y a fence which on one side those of Everton and on the other those of Liverpool. Every Evertonian knowns Liverpool will be beaten; every Liverpoolian knows Liverpool are going to win. They have all convinced themselves of this, and no reason advanced by any interested third party can sway them or cause their view to waver in winds of doubt.
Where is Dead Centre
Somewhere dead centre between the views of rival factions is true reasoning and we most endeavor to find it. Rising done so, it does not follow that the better side must win often they do not. Cup tie football is not dependent on logic though ballistic play their part. The side which gets the goals is the one that matters and those who do not get them can and do commiserate on the intangibility of what they are pleased to term territorial advantage. Now, the territorial claims of the late and unlamented Mr. Hitler were a different story. In this match form mans nothing. It matters not that Liverpool have not won an away game since last Good Friday equally it matters not that Everton made heavy weather of beating a ten-man Southend United in the last round. It is as ever, eleven men against eleven other men with the crowd likely to be slightly more Evertonians – remember those 3,500 Central League tickets –than otherwise. It is a match which will need the finest of refereeing because that is the finest insurance that it will be purely a test of football. Mr. Ellis of Halifax is aware of what is expected upon him. Given the good sense of twenty-two players it should be a fine historic match. And one hopes that however, keenly both sides are in winning the old established excellent customs of allowing players to make their bows side by side –started years ago by a suggestion in the Liverpool Echo –will be used again as further encouragement to players to make their performances as good and as sporting as they can.
Fiery Baptism
For many afield it will be a first big Cup occasion I am thinking of Rudham, Saunders, Moran, and A’Court of Liverpool and of Rankin of Everton. For others more experienced in the drama of a great Cup tie. It will be an immense test in which they will be hard put to it to play their usual game. Often important issues turn on the merest touch of good fortune or bad; few goals cannot be traced back to an initial moment of decision or indecision far upfield or to some trifling incident of no special consequence far from the danger zone. Assuredly we shall have these. But where, when, why.” The minds of managers Cliff Britton and Don Welsh –happy landing to both –must have weighted carefully all possibilities. None they can only wish their sides bon courage and like the rest of us, and sweat it out. Will Rudham who has never even seen Goodison Park much less played on it get away to a good start? Will O’Neill retain the flourishing competent confidence he displays in so much of his work in League football? Can Harry Potts now nearing veteran days stay the second half? And can he produce, as he often does one of those solid searing shots which made him a player in the £20,000 category. How will Ray Lambert face the menace of the speeding jinxing Eglington. Will he force Potts and others to pass outside not dangerously inside to the wing to allow Eglington’s flying feet fall rein?
Volatile Liddell
Tom Jones …how will he rackle the volatile bustling Liddell? And how will Laurie Hughes the undemoristative almost mouse-quite, Liverpool centre half and centre back, meet the tornado which masquerades under the pseudonym Dave Hickson” Have Liverpool found the answer to the scurrying little Fielding and his unexpected weavings and wanderings. The tasks surely is one for a strong silent Twentyman who may not have a man too many to take care of them who is a football generating plant. Lello and Farrell too. How will they fare in their stemming of the dainty clever Anderson and Long John Evans who will work a ball and who has a John Willie Parker bump of anticipation when a half-chance is there for the taking. From Saunders, Manager Welsh expects yet another match of perpetual motion. Saunders wanders and worries his way through 90 minutes but when the pace is hottest he is usually pace-maker. Rankin’s special commitment will be to meet Jackson in close combat. One imagines that honours here might finish even. A’Court faces unrelenting Eric Moore –stolid galliant and good for his contributions to defence. How will this one go” if A’Court touches inspiration he might well be one of the day’s stars. If not it could well be Moore‘s stranglehold day. Everton should win because their record and their status make them out to be of slightly better class, but will they. Liverpool disregarding as they must, League record and past away failure could win because they have at last found some confidence and because when all seems black they usually contrive to play their “out of this world” stuff.
Crucial Points
What all except the rabin fans lack is a good sporting game with victory truly deserved. Things which strike me as critical matters are these Rudham’s and Rankin’s comparative inexperience. Potts ability to stay a fast pace from first to last; Liverpool’s ability to bottle the flow of passes which so often emanate from Fielding, Jones ability to hold tight, the everlasting threat which a great player like Liddell always posses’ Hughes performance against Dave Hickson the most unselfish and livest centre forward any contemporary centre half can be asked to meet. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Potts, and Eglington, forwards. Liverpool;- K. Rudham, goal; Lambert and Moran, backs; Saunders, Hughes (captain), and Twentyman, half-backs; Jackson, Anderson, Liddell, Evans, and A’Court, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax).
LIDDELL BLASTS EVERTON OUT OF THE CUP
January 29, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
18-Minute Goal Starts Reds On Warpath
Hughes, Hurt, But Evans Makes It A 4-0 Rout
By Ranger
Liverpool were worthy winners, for after the first 25 minutes they were the better side, and always looked far the more dangerous in front of goal. They cut out all the fancy work and made their motto “quick” progress with no frills.” They were two up at half-time though Liddell and A’Court and though Everton staged a rally for ten minutes or so in the second half when the visiting goal had some narrow escapes, Liverpool stuck the pace better and were still going to the ball quicker than their opponents. This was Liverpool’s first “away” win since last Good Friday and nothing could have been sweeter than to register it against their old rivals. Two goals to Evans in the second half put the issue beyond all doubt and Liverpool’s victory was more meritorious in view of the fact that Hughes was injured six minutes after the resumption and had to go in the forward line with Liddell at left half and Twentyman a galliant deputy pivot. Liddell though not captain, inspired his men in both attack and defence. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Potts, and Eglington, forwards. Liverpool;- K. Rudham, goal; Lambert and Moran, backs; Saunders, Hughes (captain), and Twentyman, half-backs; Jackson, Anderson, Liddell, Evans, and A’Court, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax). Goodison Park looked more gay and colourful than it has done for a long time. Half an hour before the kick-off the terraces were well filled and was only the stands which showed empty gaps. These rapidly disappeared as the time of the start draw near until when the teams turned out the ground looked filled to capacity, although there were still some ticket-holders outside. Whether these would get in before the kick-off was another matter but as the teams out together in conformity with the traditional “derby” like there was still five minutes more to go. The spectators were in great good honour and everybody seemed to be indulging in lively and bantering remarks with those in the rival “camp”. The display of rosettes, coloured favours and gaity-hecleched headgear was greater than any we have seen since the semi-final of 1950.
Hughes Wins Toss
Hughes won the toss for Liverpool and elected to defend the Gwlady’s Street end. A corner in the first minute to Everton brought no danger in the visiting goal. This could not he said about Liverpool’s first move, when Saunders put the ball through to Evans who found his attempted pass strike Jones and run on to Liddell. The latter however unable to see a way through for a shot slipped the ball back to Jackson whose too-strong centre was eventually run behind by A’Court. A free kick by Everton taken by Fielding hit the lined up defenders, rebounding to Farrell and eventually finished outside and the Everton captain tried to beat Rudham. A long clearance by O’Neill dropped more than half-way into the Liverpool half, where Lambert just failing to head away and quickly rounded by Eglington. The Irishman’s shot however, landed in the side netting. The first five-minutes had been mainly in Everton’s favour but cup-ties are of 90 minutes duration and there was a long time to go yet. Liddell and Jones had two tussles for the ball with honours even and then Liddell, Jackson, and A’Court made off in a speedy move which might have produced a testing shot for O’Neill but for Moore blocking it away and then running on to turn all possible danger aside.
Over The Bar
The first shot of real note was one by Fielding from just outside the penalty area, which Rudham caught confidently. Then Potts hit a first timer well over the bar. When Peter Farrell misjudged an attempted pass back to Jones, O’Neill had to be nippy to foresail Evans. The Liverpool man fouled O’Neill in his eagerness. The Evertonians behind the Gwladys street goal howled their derision when Hughes near the right touchline saw Hickson tearing up a top speed and decided that discretion was far better than trying to beat his opponent so lofted the ball high among the crowd. This had been strong meaty play with both sides going to the ball with intense determination, though with scrupulous fairness. It seemed on this evidence that goals were not likely to be frequent and any that were obtained will have to be fought for with lots of skill and courage. Everton were certainly doing more shooting than Liverpool, though little of it had been on the mark. Wainwright had a great chance at the 15th minute when in the centre forward position, Hickson from the right wing out the ball to him beautifully. Wainwright hit it quickly but swerved away outside the par post.
Referee On Spot
The most fervent Evertonians seemed to consider they should have had a penalty when Lambert and Eglington tangled up in a challenge and Eglington finished up on the ground. Referee Ellis however, was right on the spot, and there could be so arguing with the referee or his ability. At the 18th minute Liverpool took the lead through that hardy foot, Billy Liddell who thus early pressed that Everton were right in feeling that he was the man most to be feared. When the ball was put to Jackson on the right only 20 yards inside the Everton half, these did not appear to be any great danger but when Jackson swung the ball over to Liddell the latter gained quick control beat Jones in a dribble and challenge for possession and then fired in with his left foot from a rightly angled position to send all Liverpool followers into the seventh heaven of delight.
Rudham Saves
Almost direct from the restart, Fielding had a chance of testing Rudham after Potts had put him in possession but be shot well outside. A couple of minutes later again from a pass by Potts, Fielding did infinitely better and from 20 yards his high shot was a good one which Rudham caught near the angle. After Jackson had brought Eglington down with a charge in the back and incidentally obliterated, Eglington’s shirt number when he and in the mud the Irish winger showed his paces in a 50 yards run which left Lambert tolling in the rear but brought no work for Rudham. Eglington’s centre was headed behind by Hughes for an unproductive corner. If only there had been somebody up in the Liverpool attack to pair off with Liddell, the Reds might have gone two up in the 22nd minute for Liddell rounding Lello like a flash, found there was nobody to pass to and tried an angled shot which would have had little hope even on the mark. As it was it passed across the face of goal to the far touchline. Everton got the ball into the net at the 27th minute Hickson putting it there with a very acute shot of a pass by Potts but the Everton leader was well offside and there was no protest from the home crowd or spectators when the referee gave a free kick.
Liverpool Verve
Liverpool for some time had been gradually getting the measure of the opposition and had been playing with a verve speed, and team spirit very much akin to that out of the bar display they had given last week against Blackburn Rovers. The forwards were running into position well, and the inside men were not falling so far back that when it came to an attack they were unable to given proper support. At the 29th minute the Anfielders went two up as the result of momentary slackness in the home defences and a little bit of luck for the scorers. When Liddell put the ball forward Evans and Anderson went for it, Evans completely missed his shot which was just as well, for Anderson tapped it to A’Court who, coming in at an angle on the left scored from about eight yards. This was a real turn up for the book. I can see myself having to sit in sackcloth and ashes next week if Liverpool go on like this for having the temerity to suggest that they would be defeated.
Wonderful Feeling
They were now playing every bit as well as the opposition but with the psychological knowledge that they were sitting on a comfortable lead. That is a wonderful feeling to have in a cup-tie. Liverpool should have had even a third goal a couple of minutes later when once more a miskick this time by Jackson, allowed Anderson to square the ball with a short pass, Liddell slipped at the critical moment.
Second Disallowed
For the second time Everton got the ball into the net without the point counting, Potts was the “scorer” this time from Eglington’s offering. Up went the linesman’s flag before the ball had reached him but there could have been very little in it. Potts tried a header and Wainwright’s a shot both of which Rudham dealt with capably. These incidents apart, Everton had for some time looked dispirited and forlorn and nothing like the team that they can be at their best. Liverpool were living up to their new found reputation and the manner in which Anderson and Evans, in particular were fighting the ball and disputing every inch of ground was a revelation. Another Everton attack looked dangerous but Moran got the better of Fielding before the Evertonians could deliver a shot. At half-time Liverpool went off to a storm of cheers from all parts of the ground. Well had they earned them. After the first 15 minutes or so Liverpool had proved themselves the better takers of chances and had surprised everyone by their spirit ball control and refusal to concede ground without a desperate struggle.
Half-time; Everton nil, Liverpool 2.
Some of the questions which supporters of both sides have been repeatedly asking during the past week have been answered in no uncertain fashion. Some of the answers were unpalatable to Evertonians but decidedly acceptable to Liverpudilians. One in the latter category was in relation to Hughes and Hickson. Hickson had tried desperately hard to put some punch into the Everton front line, but Hughes had a counter to practically every Hickson device whereas Jones had been unable to achieve the same success against Liddell.
Hughes Hurt
Hughes was hurt soon after the restart in his effort to hold up Hickson. He stopped Hickson at the cost of an injury, but was soon right again. He limped slightly. Moran came across with a winning tackle during Everton’s next attack. Rankin tried a 30 yarder but was miles off the mark and the referee held up play for half a minute while he took a bottle which had been thrown on the field to a police sergeant. This was the only incident of even a slightly impleasent nature –apart from the state of the score as far as Evertonians were concerned for the game had been fought out most sportingly and cleanly. Hughes injury must have been worse than it seemed at first for he now went into the forward line with Twentyman going centre half and Liddell left half.
Fielding Fouled
When the second half was 12 minutes old the Liverpodlians hearts were in their mouths when Twentyman brought Fielding down to earth as he was boring a way through near the edge of the penalty area. There was no question about it being a foul, the only point at issue was whether it was a free kick or a penalty. Fielding fell well inside the penalty area but the referee gave a free kick two feet outside. Personality I thought it was even closer to the line than that. Liverpool were still going to the ball with their earlier speed and incisiveness and making the maximum amount of progress with the minimum of embroidery of elaboration. They never made two moves where one would so. This had been Everton’s mistake. At the 57th minute, Liverpool scored a third goal and bar a remarkable recovery this may have sealed the issue. Evans was the scorer but much of the credit goes to Jackson who beat Rankin and then fired a tremendously powerful oblique shot from 20 yards or so which O’Neill caught but could not hold so that the inrushing Evans had the simplest of chances to put it into the net and thus maintain his record of having scored in all three Liverpool cup-ties this season.
Potts Off Mark
Lambert gave away a corner when harassed by Eglington. The ball bobbed about in the Liverpool area for some seconds before Potts tried an overhead kick which was only a yard or to off the mark. Hughes was still far from right, but Liddell, Twentyman, Saunders, and all the red-shirted players were pulling out a little bit extra to make up for their handicap. Everton’s only hope now was to throw everything they had into attack. This looked as though it was going to be their policy. They had hard lines when a ball from the left wing beat everybody and looked as almost certain goal for Hickson until Rudham dashed out and took it off his head. Liddell was playing a great game, inspiring his men by his example correcting their disposition whenever necessary and all the time being in the centre of the battle.
No Everton Shots
Everton’s shooting had been almost non-existent for some time. They tip-tapped three times in the penalty area when the crowd yearned for them to have a go. Wainwright worked his way through with a splendid dribble beating three men before finding himself so angled that he could only shoot straight at Rudham. The goalkeeper caught a powerful close-range drive to his body as though it was the sort of thing he had been doing since childhood. When Hickson beat Twentyman, and came hell-for-leather for the Liverpool goal with only Rudham to beat. Liddell appeared from nowhere to dart across his path and take the ball off his toe. The Reds had another narrow escape when Potts crossed the ball from the outside right position and Rudham failed to catch it. The ball also eluded Twentyman and Hickson. All it needed was a touch to be in the net. From a corner Hickson’s header looked an easy thing for Rudham but the ball squirmed out of the goalkeepers hand and into the air and even when he had a second go Rudham could not make his save at this attempt.
Hughes On Wing
Obviously Liverpool were handicapped through the injury to Hughes who was now at outside left with Evans in the middle, and it was not surprising that Everton were now doing most of the attacking. With half an hour gone in the second half they forced six corners and the Liverpool goal had some rather narrow squeaks. At the 74th minute Liverpool put the issue beyond doubt when, following a free kick for a foul by Hickson on Saunders –for which Hickson made a quick gesture of regret –the Reds got away on the right and a beautiful centre by Jackson was headed in by Evans at the 75th minute to put Liverpool four up. O’Neill was hurt in trying to save but soon resumed Everton now had no chance of winning bar the miracle of the age, but they were still pegging away in the hope of making the score a little more respectable and Rudham was exceptionally lucky when a Hickson header which he had misjudged bounced into his hands as he turned round. With five minutes to go it was now all over bar the final cheer for the winners, but Everton were still begging away without showing any virility in front of goal. Even when they had a chance Rudham’s charge seemed to beat a charmed life.
Off The Mark
A couple of minutes before the end, Lello sent Fielding away but the inside man who had no luck with his shooting all day was again off the target; skipper Hughes was now obviously just remaining on the field in order to lead his lads off. He had not touched the ball for some time. when the ball did come to him all be could do was tap it into touch. Liddell was still here, there and every where playing his heart out in the cause of the club he has served so well for so long.
Liverpool Mobbed
It was beyond the power of the police to do anything about the 100 or so eager Liverpool fans who swarmed on to the field as soon as the final whistle went to mob their favourites while the Everton players went off looking the picture of dejection. Final; Everton nil, Liverpool 4. Official attendance 72,000 Receipts £10,715.
SNAGS AROSE IN THE GOODISON CUP-TIE
January 29, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
All Ticket System
That Might Curtail It
By Ranger
I should not be surprised if today’s Goodison game is the last all-ticket match which Everton undertake, apart from any run by them for the F.A. –such as semi-finals, internationals, or Cup Final replays –where the national governing body has the last say. Although the distribution of tickets went off extremely well so far as the orderliness of the crowds were concerned thanks to the good organization of the club and the police, there have been numerous complains on other points and the club which undertook the all-tickets system in the desire to please as many people as possible, have found that it is impossible to satisfy everybody. Providing that the police are content that a match of this nature can be safely handled on the pay-at-the-gate basis – and that is obviously the paramount consideration –then I am inclined to think after all that has happened in the past week, that this might be best after all. I have never before been so inundated with letters. People from outside districts, those who were working, the half the lame and scores of others with what they considered cast-iron cases, have complained of the advance sales and pleaded for an All-pay-at-the-gate-system in future. Then there was the hullabaloo which followed the distribution of about 3,500 tickets at the Central League match. This stung a lot of people on the ray. They have been bombarding me with complaints all week, I haven’t escaped the lash myself, either for having had the temerity to range myself on the side of the club, so far as the reserve team distribution was concerned. As I said right at the start the whole ticket problem bristles with snags and though Everton were actuated all through with the most lendable of motives, they have received more bricks than bouquets. All things considered the idea has not been as successful as was hoped, and it may be that the board when considering future big match arrangement s, will prefer to let everybody take their chance on the day. That could even be done with shareholders and season ticketholders who could pay at the gate on production of their usual book. To cut out all advance tickets for every part of the ground would end the frantic scramble which has been going on the last week and give some peace to all connected with the club and particularly the players. The policy are the only people thoroughly competent and experienced enough in handling large crowds to decide this contentious issue. It would give them a terrific job on the day off the match, but I don’t think there is anything that they cannot cope with to the satisfaction of all and the safely of the public. Today I find myself almost pushed off my usual perch so heavy has been the spate of letters I have given as big a selection of these as possible including all which compliment the club. My apologies to those choose grouse been omitted, now read what the rest say;
I am an Everton season ticket holder, and have had my own seat for several seasons and a good one. But for the Cup-tie against Liverpool I am put right in the extreme corner of the Bullens road North End stand, while possibly somebody will be in my seat who has never been on the ground before. This is not right – Steve Burke, Mann Street
It involves too much trouble and expense I am surprised you condoned Everton’s action in selling tickets at the Reserve match. Make it first come first served and the true followers of either club will be there hail, rain or snow. What about the Wolves match” There was no trouble and no tickets. Thanks for your un-biased views, may your pen last for years –HY G Gordon, 32 Dingle, Grove.
Some persons in Liverpool say we in Dublin received tickets for the Cup game. We did not. For every home game at Goodison between 200 and 300 members of the Everton Supporters Branch (which has a membership of 700) travel over. We leave Dublin 8p.m. on Friday night arriving Liverpool 7 o’clock Saturday morning, and arriving home at 7.30 a.m. on Sunday. It has been no picnic this hard winter, but we did not mind as long as our favourities won. The Cup comes along and we see the “Blues.” beat Southend United. Next comes Everton v. Liverpool and when we hear it is going to be an all ticket game we are sure we will get a share, because when Arsenal were in the Final some of their Dublin supporters branch got tickets, but Everton said “No everyone had to queue” How could our members be there last Sunday? What is a Supporters Club for? If Everton beat Liverpool which we know they will, and are drawn at Goodison will we have to stay at home again to hear the result? If that is so I don’t think it is any use having a Supporters club, I hope Everton will look after their Supporters Club better in future. If they don’t they will lose many Irish friends. On behalf of the 700 members of our Branch I wish the “Best of Luck” to Peter, Tommy, Jimmy and the rest of the Everton team. We will join in singing our theme songs. “When Irish Eyes Are Smilling” and Everton Hearts are Happy”- C. Allen. Publicity Agent (Dublin Branch), Everton F.C Supporters Federation.
What happened to all the tickets for the Cup-ties? According to Press reports the following were sold. At the Reserves match 3,500 on Sunday (Everton) 38,000 on Monday; 13,500 members and shareholders (approx) 8,000 and boys (approax) 1,600. This makes a total of 64,500 out of 72,000 which would indicate that over 7,000 tickets are issued to people other than the public. Whist I appreciate that directors, players and office staff are entitled to some preferment surely 10 per cent of the total tickets available is rather high? Perhaps the figures I have quoted ate inaccurate and if so, I apologies but I am sure followers of the two clubs would be reassured if some official break-down of the distribution could be given. Incidentally I am not a frustrated “non-ticket” holder” –my wife and I are season ticket holders and have duly received one ticket each –“Ticket Holder, Wallasey.
“It has never been the custom of either club to disclosed the number of shareholders or season tickets holders, so I cannot say whether your figures of 8,000 is right, though it seems fairly near the mark. Everton say that the 38,000 tickets sold on Sunday were for ground and paddock only. Approximately 3,000 seats were also disposed of the day, which would bring the total to 8,600 I am unable to get information as to the remainder, except that both clubs state emphatically that the allotment to directors, players , offices staff etc were kept to the absolute minimum and that nobody in any of those categories got anything like the total which come club allow.
Here is a scheme to give everybody a fair chance of future tickets. The clubs should set up 15 selling centres in various parts of the city and outskirts. Let these centres be in say, Huyton, Birkenhead, Crosby, Aintree and so on. Men from the staff could supervise each selling posts to ensure a fair allocation. Allow so many tickets so each centre and sell at the same time on the same day. This would gave big crowds at Anfield and Goodison and ease the problem for the police –Edward Passons, 65 Colleague Road, Crosby. (I put the idea forward years ago. But it didn’t find favour).
The distribution of tickets at the Goodison Reserve game was the most nonsensical idea I have ever heard. Have you considered the repercussions? One of our teams will enter the fifth round and should it be an “all ticket” game anything up to 50,000 fans will turn up to sped at the reserve match to be handled by about four gateman and one policeman. Even if it is definitely stated that no tickets will be issued you know sufficient of human nature to visualize what will happen. Sometimes like the Bolton Disaster –E.J. Edwards 4, Thornfield Road, Orrell Park.
I criticize you strongly for not condemning the issue of tickets at the reserve game especially in your statement last week regarding the Sunday issue. How can we rely on what was read regarding any future arrangements. Were you “kidded” the name as the public. As regard your remarks about the true Everton supporters that’s all rot. Surely a true supporter prefers a senior game to a reserve match. If reserve attendances are a true guide to support then Everton must have a very poor lot. Tickets should never have been sold before 12 noon on the Sunday as you repeatedly stated in your column would be the case. There has been a bad mistake which will leave doubts about the sincerity of the club in the future –E. Chapman., 35 Everton valley.
I don’t know what people who criticize Everton’s sale at the Central league match are grousing about. Only a fortnight ago, you printed letters suggesting this should be done. Nobody can deny that the tickets went to Everton supporters, it was hard luck for those who travelled to Leicester but the club cannot surely discriminate between one set of supporters and another? Some people are never satisfied. Incidentally I didn’t go to the Reserve match. As for those who state that there will be thousands at the Reserve game prior to the next Cup-tie my answer is” You pays your money and you takes your choice.” –D.H. Walton.
Those who complain about the slightly increased prices for the Cup-tie at Goodison don’t realize how lucky they are to have in Everton and Liverpool, two of the best clubs in the country for looking after the 1s 9d customer. At least there is cover on all sides which is far more than 90 per cent of clubs have. Secondly there is a far bigger proportion of the 1s 9d places. It is about time people stopped taking all this for granted. A season or so watching matches down here in London area would soon make them appreciate the excellent conditions and very reasonable prices they have. At Chelsea who doubled their prices for the “Red Banner” match 80 per cent of spectators are uncovered. At Arsenal where the prices are neatly double those on Merseyside only about 50 per cent are covered, I hope Liverpool will not sell their Cup Final tickets on a Monday evening. A. Bones 31, Harland Drive South Rhisip, Middlesex.
After Everton’s action in selling tickets at Saturday’s Central league match I fully expected that you would pen a reproof but am dismayed that you go some way towards condoning it. I am not against the idea of selling tickets at some previous match unannounced before other arrangements have been decided. My point is that Everton made a Press statement on how the tickets were to be sold together with the announcement that no other method of application would be entertained. The subsequent arbitrary decision to sell at the Central League game was a breach of faith between the club and supporters. Everton have now placed themselves in the unenviable position that should another all-ticket game arise any announcement that they make concerning the disposal of tickets cannot be taken at its face value. Although an ardent Liverpool supporter I shorn the principle displayed in this matter, and treat that it will not spread to Anfield. –“Ginger H. Dingle, Vale.
Everton have badly mismanaged this ticket business. There are two conditions only which must be fulfilled if humanly possible. (1) That greatest number of regular supporters get tickets. (2) That the tickets should not get into the hands of spivs. A golden opportunity was missed to fulfill the first of those conditions at the Burnley game. Of all that has been written about this sorry business your idea of numbered squares in the programme is by far the best solution offered anywhere it is first class. And I am not having it that it would throw extra work on the office staff. What if it did? Everton can afford it and they went satisfied customers, don’t they? Don’t forget we regulars keep them where they are 3,500 at a reserve games does not pay the wages. I am sure people would rather fill up those squares than queue up all night and day. Anyway what has happened to the serial number idea that Everton had about four or five years ago? It grieves me to say that I shall not be there, because it is not my idea of pleasure to queue up on a Sunday. It is the first Cup-tie I have missed for years, but I’ll bet I have more programmes than most people. Your idea is he best yet and I am sure other clubs would be very glad to have it. Mind you give your usual wonderful report of the match, because you must remember an awful lot of regulars who won’t be there will be relying on you. Your responsibility will be heavier than ever –N.N. Gitins, Newbury, Victoria Road, Freshfield.
OLD-TIMERS TELL THEIR STORIES
January 29, 1955. The Liverpool Football Echo
Harold Hardman
Everton Amateur, Outside Left, February 4, 1905, and March 31, 1906.
Although it is nearly 50 years ago since Harold Hardman appeared in the successful Everton team which defeated Newcastle United in the Cup final he maintains an active interest in the game. Chairman of Manchester United director for 30 years and president of the Central League, he retains many memories of the thrilling battles between the local rivals Everton and Liverpool. It is very difficult to draw Mr. Hardman into an argument about the respective merits of the present and the past and also about the best moments of those exciting tussles in which he participated. This week he said; - “I always played the game for the game’s sake, therefore incidents did not linger in my memory. Every game no matter whether was a cup-tie or a League engagement was of the same significance to me. “I have retained though a little dimmed at the moment by the passing of time, laved memories of the meetings with Liverpool in Cup-ties. I enjoyed every one of them, and they were always clean and keen tussles with no quarter asked and no quarter given. Naturally enough when you are successful you remember more and the semi-final of 1906, when we defeated Liverpool by two goals to nothing at Villa Park, is one of the happiest moments of my career. “I well remember the game because it brought me one of the goals. A Free kick was taken on the right wing, I think it was Harry Makepeace who took it, but I remember the ball came over and dropped at my feet . Without hesitation I shot first time and found the net. “This game took Everton into the final which had a special significance for me. Not only was I excited when we won the Cup by defeating Newcastle United at Crystal Palace by the goal scored by our centre forward Sandy Young, who was a Scottish international, but at that time I had just sat through my finals as a solicitor and had pressed my examinations I was therefore more than thrilled when I received my Cup medal too that year.
Ted Sagar
Everton goalkeeper, January 9, 1932.
Ted Sagar is out very clear about the third round tie with Liverpool in 1932, but he can recall the winning goal scored by Gordon Hodgson. “It was just before time and I went out to deal with a centre when up popped the tall South African to get there a fraction of a second before me and Liverpool were in the next round. “if my memory serves me right” says Ted, it was not a great game but when Dixie gave us the lead I thought we were going to march forward, Liverpool however, fought back with determination as they always did in derby games and Gunson, their outside left with the deadly left foot put then on level terms with his right. The battle was then on for the winner or a replay at Anfield Road when along come the strong and powerful Hodgson to administer the coup de grace. “It was a bitter blow, as you can well realize but a no time did I consider it an exciting Cup-tie. “There seems to be much more enthusiasm about these “derby” meetings nowsdays I know it is such more difficult to get tickets.” Ted, by the way, does not look a day older than when he was guarding the Everton goal.
Tommy White
Everton inside right, January 9, 1932
Tommy White, one of the most versatile players Everton have ever had, played inside right in the 1932 game. He says; As is the case today, Liverpool were the underdogs and we were fully expected to win and when Bill Dean scored for us in the first minute we thought this is it! “I’ll always remember that goal. Bradshaw and Morrison should both have cleared, Teddy Sagar’s clearance but they blundered and let Dean through. I thought our centre forward was going to pass to me, but he went on to hit a left foot drive to Elisha Scott’s right hand, not the correct side of the goal for a left-foot shot according to the experts. Unfortunately for us Gunson equalized just before half-time and Gordon Hodgson headed the winner late in the second half. White recalls that he wasn’t expecting g to play, as he was just recovering from influenza at the time but he added “We played the Reds in a League match three weeks later, and I had the satisfaction of scoring one of our goals in a 2-1 win. Tommy is working on the docks now and in a grandfather four times both his sons being married.
Sam Hardy
Liverpool goalkeeper, March 31, 1906 and February 4, 1911
When Liverpool met Everton for the 1906 F.A Cup semi-final, Sam Hardy was keeping goal for them. Now 72 and living in retirement in his home town, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Sam recalled Everton’s 2-0 win on that occasion. Everton’s first goal came after 15 minutes from our left back Billy Dunlop,” he said. I shouted to him to leave the ball, which was coming steadily towards me. But instead he sliced it right past me and into the net.” The visitors second goal said Sam came ten minutes from the end. “We were trying hard for an equalizer and most of the team, including the defence were upfield, Everton launched a surprise attack, and with only me to beat outside left Harold Hardman, then, I believe playing as an amateur had no difficulty in netting the ball from five or six yards out. Liverpool again met Everton in a Cup-match in 1911, this time at Everton. Said Sam; “I don’t remember a lot about the game. It was only the second or third round. We were leading 1-0 at half-time our inside right Robbie Robinson having scored before the interval. Then Sandy Young scored the first one for the visitors. The second came from a corner, but I can’t remember who put it in.” Asked about Liverpool’s chances for the Cup this season Sam relied “I don’t think they play enough as a team, I would like to see them win, and I wish them every success. “In my opinion football generally has deteriorated in the last few years and is only just beginning to pick up again. Training methods are too lackadaisical. My tip for the Cup is Preston. Sam was born in Chesterfield and played for Chesterfield FC for three years. He was with Liverpool from 1905 to 1912 when he left for Aston Villa. Villa won the cup during Sam’s first season with them and again just before he left them in 1919, join Nottingham Forest. He retired after four years with the Forest in 1924.
BLUE-PRINTED LITMUS TURNED RED IN THIS ACID TEST
January 31, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Liverpool 4
Attendance 72,000. Receipts £10,715
The seeds of victory were sown, days ago, in the minds of twenty followers of the Liverpool club. You know the sort. So wrapped by Liverpool interests as to write almost weekly, to Manager Don Welsh advising him on every aspect of football from team selection to tactics. Mr. Welsh reads their letters and probably acts on a half of one per cent of them. When Alderman Will Harrop, the Liverpool chairman and F.A Councillor paired Everton and Liverpool for this tie, most of the letters opened at Anfield were in the same strain. “Mr. Welsh,” they said, “We have noticed that when a free kick I awarded against Everton the Everton defence moves up, as one man, immediately before it is taken, leaving the opposing forwards so completely offside they can only look at each other blankly and wonder at the ease with which they have been trapped. Watch for this and do something about it at Goodison Park.” The number of such letters and their singular theme so impressed Mr. Welsh he was moved to make confirming inquires. He found that what correspondents said was true. It was but a short, if cunning, step to the counter which provided the second of Liverpool’s goals and formed the crux of a cup-tie so well won it staggered Liverpool fans as it did those of Everton. Liverpool evolved and practiced day by day last week, the counter-ruse by which they retarded Everton on their own hoist.
Opportunity Knocks
Opportunity did not arise until the 29th minute. Then Jones and Liddell having met in collision with Liddell sent sprawling the ball was placed for a free kick on the left and Twentyman shaped to take it. Ranged cross-field, in the vicinity of the penalty spot were four Liverpool forwards and their Everton markers. Evans the man Liverpool had chosen to be. “The Lurker” stood back from the grouping and stood still. As Twentyman strode to the free-kick the Everton defence moved upfield en masse, like well-drilled soldiers. To everyone’s surprise they were accompanied also like well-drilled soldiers by four Liverpool forwards who moved back in unison as though fugitives from the atom bomb. The ball soared over them and dropped, it seemed harmlessly into an open space. Only as it landed did Evans move to it, bring it down and move in all alone, towards goal. Manager Welsh had warned Evans; When you move to it don’t for Heavens sake, head it. Bring it down, then take it in Evans was an apt pupil. O’Neill came out, Evans dribbled round him and tried to score with a left foot shot. He missed contact with his instep and only edged the ball with his toe towards Anderson who was by then on his left. Anderson back towards goal, could only tap the ball still further to the left to A’Court who had to dummy his way to a left foot shot from the spot at which Liddell has earlier completed a glorious goal to give Liverpool the lead, Everton seemed flabbergasted by this second goal and by the ruse which brought it, it was disaster from which they never recovered.
Public “Thank You”
Liverpool directors shook the hand of their manager publicly there and then Liverpool players sensed their grip on the game and only one circumstance was to weaken it and shake their belief –the injury, early in the second half of Laurie Hughes. He slid to a tackle on Hickson and suffered a groin injury. He went first to centre forward and then to outside left, leaving Liddell at left half back and Twentyman to manage Hickson. The real measure of Liverpool’s triumph was that they put on a couple of second half goals, despite their handicap. It was victory, without reservation. No ifs and buts no contentious penalty or offside decisions; no “dirt” on the contrary and no doubt that Liverpool on the day were by far the better side. Yet Everton had early chances. One recalls Liverpool’s tentative opening; Everton’s almost checky assurance in that period and some sound goalkeeping by Rudham against the day’s most persistent shooter, Fielding. This first quarter-hour was, for Liverpool the acid test. But the blue-printed litmus paper came out unmistably red, and once they went ahead they improved in performance and confidence. Liverpool won because (a) they took nearly all their chances (b) played with a team spirit which led all hands to defence when the need arose (c) had the genius of Liddell to get the important first goal and (d) seemed to find extra half-yard of speed to cut into Everton’s customary patterning.
Badly –And Why
By common consent Everton played badly. They played badly because Liverpool made them play badly, Everton were continually chivvied out of possession. If Saunders or Twentyman were not at their heels Jackson or A’Court or Anderson were. Their youth enabled them to be true stayers on a pitch which churned up a good deal and made some Everton years a prohibitively heavy burden on those who carried them. Rankin was never happy against Jackson, Anderson and Evans indulged themselves in some delightful individual effort; Liddell was wonderful at centre forward and at left half-back Rudham played with the poise and competence of a veteran (and the ball once or twice ran kindly for him). Twentyman did even better than Hughes had “in the air” against a Hickson seemed to realize that this was not to be one of his days. Perhaps the oddest thing in this amazing upset was that O’Neill task in the Everton goal was the simplest –to retrieve the ball from the back of the net four times. Undoubtedly that points to Liverpool’s disinclination to let opportunity pass. It points also to the fact that Everton by giving Rudham a deal of difficult work played better than their disappointed followers seem to appreciate.
Lasting Memories
For me lasting memories of the game –sight and sound – are legion. The piercing almost solid whistling of 35,000 Liverpodians as they willed on Mr. Ellis final blast, the scene of the end when the police could not prevent hundreds of wildly elated Liverpool fans –legs gangling, red and while scarves and overcoats flying –from mobbing some of their teams as they made for the subway. Anderson and Saunders arms clasped round each other like orphans of the storm emerged last from the thickest of the back-slapping hair – tousling mob, and looked relieved to do so. Then in the dark passageways of the Goodison Park dressing rooms steam and joy and laughter filtered from the door marked “Visitors” and overhead in the room next door two dozen Everton blue stockings hung limply, lifelessly as if in mourning for Everton hopes that were. .. Good to see perpetuation of the players entering the arena side by side. Better to see one of the results of this undoubted aid to good feeling –a hard sporting game, not a classic, but enthralling for its surprising trends and its intense excitement. We started with a claim not upheld, by Hickson for a penalty against Hughes and with a splendid tackle by Jones on A’Court when that winger was well nigh clean through. Fielding thus early a shooter hit one low and Rudham got off on the right foot by Fielding it well. Fielding, too, from a standstill start was just wide with another shot and Wainwright, killing the ball quickly snapped in a shot which was deflected for a corner. Everton’s only real worry until then was that O’Neill dared to allow Jackson’s bow-at-a-venture shot to pass out of play near the post….a gamble that raised a gale of gasps. Sixteen minutes had gone when Rankin misplaced a clearance and Jackson under-cut the ball in a looping forward pass to Liddell in the centre.
Crazy With Delight
Liddell brought it under control wheeled outside Moore and delivered a fine cross-shot for a glorious goal which sent Liverpudlians crazy with delight. Rudham’s magnificent catch of Fielding’s third shot was made with such polish and ease more than a few Everton eyebrows were raised in surprise if not salute. Liddell with the sharpest of headers rounded Jones but closing in at a fine angle tried for too much power and A’Court was retrieving the ball near the far touch-line rather than O’Neill retrieving it from the net. The A’Court goal and all its captions followed at 29 minutes. Twentyman, Evans, Anderson the scorer and those twenty Liverpool fans who wrote to Manager West all had a hand in it. About this time one sensed Everton going back, further and further and there was a time near the interval when it was all Liverpool and Everton were glad to head or kick the ball anywhere from the shooting range. Eglington turned a venture in from the line when travelling so fast he finished up by crashing the concrete terrace barriers –happily without ill effect. Rudham made a catch from the centre which seemed to have been out of play in part of its flight and then Hughes got the groin injury which forced him to a touch-line nuisafice job. Immediately following this Referee Ellis stopped the game for a moment while he “handed in” the empty bottle which he had retrieved from the pitch. Rudham still full of good deeds slipped a high ball from Fielding, from the face of the bar, for a corner and though Liverpool were redeployed with Twentyman at centre half and Liddell alongside him on the left there was no sign of Everton revival. Indeed the second half was beginning to look like a mere formality. A wonderfully good pass by Liddell enabled Jackson to show speed and a big shot. Then at fifty-seven minutes Hughes the passenger paid his fare with a pass which might just as well have found Rankin as Jackson.
Fatal Hesitation
Rankin hesitated, Jackson went in boldly. It became his ball. When O’Neill reached his centre he could only palm it out and there was Evans the ever ready, to slap it back into goal without hesitation 57 minutes. Anderson did some supreme piece dribbling, almost literally under our noses and Everton’s to add to Liverpool’s joy and the crowd chanted “We want four.” When Wainwright shot against Rudham’s legs and Liddell at full back made an eleventh hour tackle the prospect was that the score would be 3-1 not 4-0 Hickson kicking across Saunders offered apology and a pat of the face and then (75 minutes) it was Jackson and Evans again in combined effort to produce the fourth goal. This time Evans learned forward, determinedly and headed a good goal despite the attentions of Moore. O’Neill going to the post in his effort to save, crashed against it and was damaged temporarily. A’Court might well have answered the chant “we want five” but he shot wildly after being put through by a cute pass by Hughes. By this time it was all over and everyone knew it. The final whistle and the scene which followed were notable because the handshakes all round meant something and marked the end of a splendidly fought game, fit for any to see. Of the beaten I thought Moore was best Fielding too, worked hard and well. But Everton were not punishing when opening were made. Once Liverpool went to 2-0 Everton seemed more and more over-anxious. One result was that everyone became highly individualistic and this of course has no place in Everton’s planning. For a short spell near the end the beaten side reverted to type and moved smoothly with sharp accurate passes but one could not help sensing that they knew their position was hopeless. And so to a place in the last sixteen and the draw today. Whether this Liverpool side go further or not their victory on Saturday did them more good than it did harm to Everton. There’s consolation in that though life for many Evertonians may seen dreadfully hard this morning. Meanwhile if Liddell, Twentyman, Evans, A’Court, Anderson, Moran, and company can maintain such form with team spirit such as hey and the others showed Liverpool may yet go far towards their 1955 Cup goal. They might well be the surprise packet of the competition.
SHOCK FOR THE BLUES
January 31, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Emphasized Truth Of Hackneyed Soccer Dictum
Ranger’s Notes.
The hackneyed and hoary did dictum that football’s a funny game and you never can tell what will happen next has been borne out again, and I sit today on the stool of penitence, hanging my head in shame before the onslaught of every loyal Liverpidlian. The old (or should it be new?) Unpredictable’s proved that their former ability to achieve the apparently impossible has not completely deserted them. I think the most outstanding feature of the Goodison game was the way in which the Liverpool defence dovetailed one with the other until Everton must have almost despaired of getting a clean unimpeded view of Rudham’s charge. For the first 15 minutes or so though never as dominant and fluent in combination as they can be Everton looked slightly the better balanced side, and their followers were confident that as time went on they would succeed in wearing down the opposition. But it didn’t work out that way. Like a boxer weighting up a strange adversary, Liverpool in the early stages had been feeling their way and testing the opposition. Then, having found that extra speed to the ball and quicker tackling they could cut through Everton’s ideas, they proceeded to put some of their own into operation.
The Starting Point
Liddell’s goal at the 18th minute was the starting point of Everton’s downfall and another example of the Scot’s opportunism. Liddell is terribly difficult to dispossess once he has the ball at his feet, a bit of room in which to work and a reasonably clear sight of the goal ahead. Liverpool’s second goal eleven minutes later was not so good in some respects, for two players tried without success to make proper contact before it was rather fortuitous stabbed out to A’Court to add the appropriate finishing touch. Before half-time Everton began to look dispirited and rather jaded. Their early sparkle had completely left them, but they have shown such fighting spirit in so many games this last couple of years that their supporters though obviously downcast at the trend of events had by no means given up hope. That hope flared up even more strongly when Hughes was injured after only seven minutes in the second half and had to hand over his post to Twentyman, with Liddell at left half. Though Hughes had a certain amount of nuisance value Liverpool were clearly handicapped in attack by the enforced reshuffle, though certainly not weakened as far as defence was concerned.
Valiant Defenders
It was in attack that they felt the absence of Liddell, now doing valiant work along with Twentyman, in steaming Everton’s raids. For long spells in the second half the Blues really got down to business, even though never in the convincing manner that we have come to expect from them. They kept the Liverpool rearguard at full stretch yet never gave Rudham enough to do to provide him with an opportunity to distinguish himself. Time and again the Everton attack was like a gang of recruits in the hands of an inexperienced lance-corporal –full of bustle and effort but lacking somebody to lick them into proper shape and keep them in step. They passed and re-passed with short balls until they go into a tangled web of their own weaving and when they did shoot their finishing at times was puerile. This was one of the worst exhibitions that I have seen from them this season. There have been many occasions when they have carved out openings almost with the ease of shelling peas. There have been other games when their shooting has been powerful, accurate and frequent. On Saturday they failed on all these counts –and not so much because they were not trying desperately hard, but because they found themselves up against a defensive “iron curtain” that left hardly the semblance of a loophole.
Paid Rich Dividends
Despite the handicap of “carrying” the unfit Hughes Liverpool always looked more dangerous when they were on the attack. The Anfielders motto seemed to be never to make two moves when one would suffice, and to gain the maximum ground in the quickest time by the longest possible passes combined with accuracy. It paid them rich dividends. Jackson, who had a splendid day against the uncertain Rankin, had a share in the last two goals –scored by Evans at the 57th and 75th minute –as well as the first. One was when O’Neill parried but could not hold a tremendous Jackson shot and the last, which sealed the issue beyond all possible doubt, was a peach of a centre which left Evans with a comparatively easy task for a man who can head the ball with his sure touch. Any impartial observer who has watched both sides regularly this season and had attempted a pre-match weighting up to the occupants of corresponding positions in each team would undoubtedly on striding a balance have cast his vote in Everton’s favour. Weighting them up at the end of the game would have led to a vastly different conclusion. Rudham, though he had one or two shaky moments, and has not the agility of O’Neill compared well with his Everton counter-part. Moore was Everton’s best defender, yet he had not much in hand over Lambert by the end of the game.
Eglington Starved
In the early stages Lambert found Eglington could beat him for speed as most folk anticipated but for some unknown reason Everton did not bring the Irishman into the game anything like as much as they might have done, which was one of several errors in the Blues’ tactics. The starving of Eglington was particularly notable in the second half. But don’t read into this that Lambert had a disappointing day. Nothing of the kind. He was a vital cog in the Anfield defence, and by intelligent positioning and interception allied to understanding with his colleagues he efficiently countered the possible danger from Everton’s left flank. At wing half Liverpool were more dominant than Everton for both Farrell and Lello were below their usual form. Twentyman had a splendid game, so did Saunders in slightly lesser key. Twentyman never seems to hurry; indeed he appeals almost lethargic at times; but he was always where he was needed cool and collected, and displaying that intuition which makes such a tremendous difference. So far as the centre halves go Hughes fared better in the first half against Hickson than Jones did against Liddell, and when Evans went in the middle and Hughes on the left wing half way through the second portion Jones again found that he could not keep the Liverpool man completely subdued.
Liddell was Brilliant
As for the forward lines, Liverpool were far more go-ahead and direct than Everton. They never forgot that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and whenever possible they took it, whereas the Blues too often lost themselves in devious roundabout routes that gave the visiting defence time either to consolidate or regroup its forces. Liddell was the outstanding Liverpool success. He played a captain part when the Skipper was crocked. With indomitable pluck and magnificent ability this lion hearted player inspired his colleagues y precept and example to reach heights which have long been absent. As left-half he was just as good as he was at centre forward on the wing or as an auxiliary back, I really believe that if ever such an impossible thing happened as that his ten colleagues should go on strike and leave the field Liddell would carry on the fight the opposition single-handed. But in singing Liddell put for the bouquet do not let it be thought that I am under estimating the contribution of the others. Anderson as against Blackburn had a splendid game and I do not think I have seen Evans play better.
Everton’s Best
Having given Liverpool their full due, let me add that praise was also earned by several Evertonians. First by Moore, who was the only defender to look anything like his normal self apart from O’Neill, whom I thought had no chance worth speaking of with any of the goals. Potts worked tremendously hard and Eglington would have had a much better outing had he been given more of the ball. Hickson comported himself in the finest possible manner, and was obviously content to some extent to don a mantic of self-effacement in the home off being able to carve our openings for others. That he was not as successful in this as usual was due largely to the speed with which Liverpool tackled and intercepted. They were invariably first to the ball and the side which achieve that can make the best of opposing intentions go adrift. One could go on for a long time on all the various aspects of the game, but there are limits to space even for a “Liverton” encounter. This game will long be remembered by all Liverpool followers as one of the finest displays the Anfield club has ever put up.
Still A Mystery
But the most mystifying thing about it all was that there was a lowly Second Division side which had not won an away match of any description for close on a year, and only six out of the last 50 or more, making one of the leading First Division teams look so ordinary. As I said at the start football’s a funny game. You never know what to expect. But that is all to the good. It is what keeps us on tenterhooks for nearly nine months of the year. Nobody would have it otherwise. Before I end let me extend the warmest congratulations to both sets of players on a game fought out with the same splendid sportsmanship that has characterized all the post-war “derby” matches. Bar a view accidental trips there was hardly a foul –incidentally I forgot to mention that Everton got two offside “goals” –and Referee Arthur Ellis had one of his easiest jobs for a long time. This was as it should be and as I trust it will always remain. Everton will live to have another go at the Cup twelve months hence. Liverpool go on to round five with the warmest wishes of the lads, they conquered and everybody, no matter what his club allegiance can look back on this game in the happy knowledge that nothing was done to blot the copybook of his team’s sporting reputation. It was good also to see that the officials retained the idea of the teams coming out side by side.
January 1955