Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON RESERVES LOST THEIR POISE
December 1, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Aston Villa Res 3, Everton res 2
Two early goals by Wignall and Kirby were a true reflex of the marked superiority of the Everton side in the first half of this Central league game. Even a Villa goal from a surprise drive by Daniforth just prior to the interval seemed unlikely to affect the result. The second half was a different story. Gones was the poise and efficiency of the visitors’ defence and further goals for the Villa to augment those by Barrett and Burrows in the 46th and 48th minute always seemed probable Sanders was too much inclined to move questionable tactics with a lively opponent as left winger Barrett. Wing halves Rea and Meagan exchanged places but to no purpose and the forwards especially Williams, faded out after an excellent first half display. Everton team was; O’Neill; Sanders, Billington; Rea, Labone, Meagan; Penman, Temple, Kirby, Wignall, Williams.
WELL DONE, ALEX!
December 1, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton right back, Alex Parker, gets high praise from Chelsea manager, Ted Drake for the way he played Chelsea outside left, Frank Blunstone, back in top class football after an interruption of nearly two years, through a twice-broken leg. Mr. Drake said, “Blunstone has won the battle for his career and in all my years in football nothing has cheered me more. At the same time I should like to put on record my appreciation of the man who faced him in his come-back game –Alex Parker. “I realize how difficult it can be against an opponent who is just coming back after a serious injury, but Parker played Blunstone fairly throughout the game. At the same time, he held nothing back in the way of good strong tackling. Blunstone appreciates that, too.”
RE-SELECT THEMSELVES
December 1, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Everton have to such problem. The team which beat Chelsea 3-1 virtually re-select themselves for the game at Wolverhampton. It might have been otherwise, but two quick goals (and very good) goals by Hickson in the final stages converted 1-1 into 3-1 and a match which looked likely at one stage to go the other way was safely in Everton’s pocket. The crux of the thing was the miss, by Gibbs immediately before the first of Hickson’s goals. Bramwell in trouble had lobbed the ball on to his own bar and it had rebounded to make the simplest of chances when Gibbs apparently staggered at the simplicity of the task drifted the ball outside the post. Almost straight from this came the Thomas corner which allowed Harris (J) to glance the ball Hickson way for a second header which undid Chelsea and Matthews. Shortly afterwards Hickson glided, slowly but surely, the shot which clnched the match and gave the score line such a deceptive look. With the best will in the world I could not see how Referee Bradbury of Burton-on-Trent could miss the penalty award Chelsea deserved when the Crewe boy Blunstone, was brought down after he had weaved through the defence and was in the act of shooting. These lucky Everton breaks counter-balanced some of their Nottingham misfortunes. On a ground better suited to football this was a match of wonderful goalkeeping but of chances missed and if the score had reached the 10-4 proportions of the one at Sours none could have been surprised. It was good stuff to watch, despite the gloom which led to the lights being on all through and Chelsea who introduced some of their youngsters did well enough I thought to take a point.
Fine Goals
It was worth the admission charge too, for Collins goal along. There had been waves of Everton, then Chelsea command in the first half before he tried one shot found the ball coming back to him and then making his opening with a sharp deceptive move to the right, cracked in a storming shot such as the crowd must remember all season. The 30,000 rose to him as they did later to Hickson whose two goals were timely remembering his rather lean spell. Collins is a great player and a great character and the crowd love every minute of him. Chelsea’s goal by Tindall was a fone one also. With only Dunlop between him and success he edged the ball rather than forced it and the result was lethal though, the ball struck the inside of the post before it passed over the line. That was the only occasion on which the brave Dunlop was beaten , but if he had played less brilliantly or if Chelsea had taken event a proportion of their well-made chances he must have been defeated three on four times. The same was true of Matthews and his one handled save of a Hickson header. (Hickson climbed the ball had already passed over the line when the save was made) was probably best of all. Chelsea celebrated the return of Blunstone (after the second of two broken legs) by making him captain for the day. His winging was magnificent; but had he been less rusty he would not have missed the chances which came his way. He played like a man who had never had two long breaks through serious injury and his clever, direct dribbling was so good one sees in him a rival to Alan A’Court and others for an England place.
PARKER TO MISS GAME WITH POMPEY
December 1, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Army Claims Everton Back
French Match
By Leslie Edwards
Everton will be without the Scottish international back, Alex Parker for the home match against Portsmouth on December 13. He is among players from whom the British Army will choose their eleven to play the French Army in France on the following day and it is the wish of the Army that their player shall not appear in their League teams on the Saturday. It is expected that Parker will be in the Army X1 to meet Everton at Aldershot next Monday in what amounts to a full-scale trial of the Army team in readiness for the game in France. Immediately before and after the War, Everton used to go to Aldershot for an annual match against the Army. In latter years the fixtures has been played at Goodison Park. Everton will travel to Wolverhampton on Saturday morning for the League match there and will return to Liverpool on Saturday evening. They will them travel to London on Sunday evening and by coach next day to Aldershot.
Harburn Hurt
Peter Harburn chosen to play in the Everton Reserve team on Saturday could not do so because he damaged an eye in an accident at home. He has had treatment at the Eye Hospital and is expected to be fit soon.
EVERTON’S TURF
December 2, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Members of the Everton Board are likely to have today reports from directors of the contractors responsible for the reconstruction of the Everton pitch (including the soil warming electrical apparatus). Grounds men have been busy during the past fortnight deep forking the turf and placing sand under it.
Wait And See
The heating apparatus controlled thermostatically, is in action and the club won’t be beaten by frost, but until a really heavy rainfall occurs again the club will not know how the newly-drained pitch will react.
EVERTON SAY- NOW IS THE TIME FOR RAIN
December 3, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Horace Yates
With Goodison Park free of playing commitments until December 13, there is no time like the present for rain, and plenty of it, to test the ground following a fortnight of intense activity by the experts, who have been recalled to the scene. Theoretically, there are grounds for hoping that the treatment will have broken up the solid crust which has been preventing the water getting through to the drains, whose efficiency has not been questioned and that now the rain can get away instead of converting the field into something approaching a marsh. Whatever reality will present an optimistic a picture, no one can, tell until the rains come. It would be most reassuming now to find the water trickling away in view of the fact that after Saturday. Everton will be at home for three successive matches – v. Portsmouth (December 13), v. Leicester (December 20), and v. Bolton W. (December 26). While it is impossible to undertake any major operations during the playing season, discovery now that all is still not well, would give at least some opportunity for a further assault before the pitch is required again. A week free of rain would prove nothing until possibly too, late.
O’Neill’s Progress
After a couple of games with the Central League side following his cartilage operation, Jimmy O’Neill, the Everton goalkeeper, reports that the knee is still a little bit sore. This, however, is accepted as a natural reaction and he is considered to be making a normal recovery. Jimmy Harris is undergoing treatment at the ground for muscle trouble which developed during the home game with Chelsea, but it is emphasized that the injury is in the nature of a strain rather than a pull and Manager Johnny Carey is hopeful that Harris will be perfectly fit for the visit to Wolves on Saturday. Wally Fielding and Alec Ashworth are back in training and there is an encouraging freedom from injury worry these days at Goodison Park.
MOVE TO KEEP MERSEYSIDE LADS AT HOME
December 4, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton and Liverpool football clubs this season have taken steps to mend a hole in their net, an escape route by which Liverpool lads of the highest promise have previously been able to slip away to clubs outside the city. They have reached an understanding with officials of the Liverpool Boys’ Association, which arranges games for about 1,000 lads-every week. These youngsters who form ninety teams, help to make up one of the biggest boys’ football leagues in the country, and with so many players in regular action, the law of averages suggests there should be a sufficient flow of talented young men to keep both senior clubs happy. Not every lad of course who takes part in these games either wishes to take up professional football as a career or is sufficiently talented to do so, but if this new era of closer co-operation means that those who can make the grade are first brought to the notice of Everton and Liverpool, there will be less heartburning over familiar names hitting the headlines in unfamiliar colours. Mr. J.A. McGeachini, secretary of the Liverpool Boys Association told me that his organization have been concerned at the number of their members who have been attracted to clubs outside the city, which has entailed them giving up their work and leaving their homes. “We believe” he said “that the vast majority of the boys would rather play for a local professional club and we are convinced it is better for youngsters to live with their parents during their early years.
Donations Agreed
“That is why we have made an agreement with the directors of Everton and Liverpool which they hope will help in this connection. “As a professional club is usually ready to make a donation to an amateur club when a player makes good an agreement has been reached for the Boys clubs to receive through the Association a small donation when any of their members go to either Goodison Park or Anfield. “If the player makes good, two further donations can be earned the amount of them having been agreed in advance. “Club leaders are co-operating in this experiment as they believe it will be for the benefit of the boys. The approach to a player of course will be carried out in accordance with the F.A. rules, ensuing the consent of the club officials before an actual approach is made. “If this idea does keep the boys at home it is likely to be followed by other Boys Associations in other cities.” Andy why not? It seems only right and proper that local teams should have the first selecting or in various ways they encourage and help with the provision of football facilities. In the age when boys are spotted and selected while still in their teens, apprenticeships and working agreements can be confined while the lads are being coached and trained. Obviously there can be no compulsion about the “stay local” idea. If in spite of overtures and invitations from the senior clubs any of the lads still consider that their interests would be best served elsewhere, they will be perfectly free to make a choice.
Able To Watch
This new and closer co-operation, however, will at least ensure that Everton and Liverpool will be kept supplied with information about the most promising lads. They will be able to watch them in club and representative games so that a complete index can be kept of all the prospective stars. They will be able to invite selected players to avail themselves of the training and coaching facilities of the professional organizations and decide for themselves whether or not an individual is likely to prove worthy of further attention. The day will probably never dawn when all teams will field purely local sides for the desire to have gate-drawing stars from further afield will certainly continue all over the country, but to have teams largely composed of locals ought at least to be a boost to team spirit. Instead of playing for a name they would be playing for the town or city. If ever with this hole in the net repaired, some players to slip through it will only be because no amount of persuasion can keep them at home and not through any lack of knowledge of playing potential. Mr. McGeachin tells that they never experience any shortage of playing material. As fast as the boys outgrow the 14-18 age group, others are ready and eager to replace them and the burning desire to take up professional football has never been greater than it is today. For most of them of course it is no more than a pipe dream and developed by the hero worship of the men at present figuring in their favourite teams, but the most talented youngsters near favorable comparison with their predecessors down the years. The fact that the lads know that the gates to Anfield and Goodison have never been flung open more widely to receive them is bound to give additional encouragement and if it helps to feel, as it should that their efforts are not passing unnoticed the enthusiasts will gather even more enthusiasm.
A BIG TEST
December 5, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Everton have the most testing of matches at Wolverhampton after which they go on Monday to Aldershot for their annual game against the Army. With Hickson scoring twice (and most opportunity) last week it is likely that Billy Wright who never seems to relish the problem posed by dashing Dave, will have another “difficult” game. Jimmy Harris came through his fitness test this morning and the Everton team is thus unchanged. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.
Wolves manager, Stanley Cullis considers Bobby Collins the best buy to come out of Scotland for years. He’s a great player and “gutty” is his description of the wee fellow. Cullis thinks that Billy Wright is certain to mark up 100th English cap – he wants one for game –and reckons him to be the finest example of a professional footballer the game has ever known. Wolves play an unchanged side viz;- Finlayson; Stuart, Harris; Slater, Wright, Flowers; Deeley, Broadbent, Murray, Mason and Mullen.
The Everton reserves match against Manchester United at the Earle ground, Wavertree begins at 2.15. For the Bolton Wanderers match at Goodison Park on Boxing day (3-15) Everton are making available additional reserved seats at 6s with some paddock tickets at 3s. Application should be made to the club enclosing stamped addressed envelope and remittance.
AGAIN NO CHANCES
December 6, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
With Jimmy Harris coming through his fitness test successfully yesterday, Manager John Carey is able to say “same again” for Everton’s visit to Wolves – for the fifth time in succession. Indeed, since Mr. Carey took over the managerial reins the only variation he has made has been the substitution of Parker for Sanders at right back. This tells its own story of satisfaction with the efforts of the players. Nobody pretends that an improvement or two in the side could not be made, but that is a problem for another day. Although Wolves have twice been defeated before their own supporters this season, Everton will scarcely be condemned if they fail to add to that number today. Wolves home or away are a formidable side and I think it will be a remarkably fine performance if Everton avoid defeat. Actually Wolves for all their lofty League position, are only seven points better off than Everton, and five of those come from a superior home record. One of the most interesting struggles will be that between Billy Wright the model centre half, and Dave Hickson, whose two goals last week have helped to restore his scoring appetite. These goals incidentally put him level with Jimmy Harris as club top scorer –nine each. Wolves; Finlayson; Stuart, Harris; Slater, Wright, Flowers; Deeley, Broadbent, Murray, Mason and Mullen. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.
DUNLOP DEFIED RAMPANT WOLVES ATTACK FOR 80 MINS
December 6, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Wolves 0, Everton 0
By Micheal Charters
Wolverhampton Wanderers; Finlayson, goal; Stuart and Harris (G), backs; Slater, Wright (captain), and Flowers, half-backs; Deeley, Broadbent, Murray, Mason, and Mullen, forwards. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Parker and Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins and O’Hara, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Murdock. Both teams were at full strength and the attendance of some 25,000 was well below the Wolves average for this season. The lights were on from the start. A missed pass by Bramwell in the opening seconds enabled Murray to break away but Bramwell recovered to turn the ball over for a corner. And Wolves missed a goal by inches’ from the kick, when Deeley hooked Broadbent’s cross just over the bar. Thomas broke away in midfield with the Wolves defence retreating and his final hesitant pass to O’Hara found the winger offside.
Everton Hesitant
Everton were hesitant in going for the ball and allowed the quicker moving Wolves men to dominate the early play. Wright beat Hickson in an overhead kick before sending Deeley away with a long pass and when the winger flung over a long centre, Broadbent hit the upright with his header. The Everton forward line combined in their most attractive move so far only to find that O’Hara had drifted narrowly offside, to take Collin’s final pass.
Wolves On Top
The Wolves wingers were switching their types of centres in bewildering fashion first a long high ball and then a strong low kick, and Broadbent only just missed connecting with a ground cross from Mullen with the goal at his mercy. Certainly it had been all Wolves up to this point, and in the first 15 minutes Finlayson had only been troubled by a back pass from his own defenders. Everton were rarely in the game in an attacking sense and Finlayson remained little more than an interested spectator whereas Dunlop was the busiest man on the field. He made two super saves first from Deeley and then from Murray and Everton’s defence was having a very severe roasting. With Collins and Thomas having to drop back to help the defence. Everton attack was rarely seen.
Everton In Trouble
The Wolves method of a fast low cross from the wing often had Everton in trouble in the penalty area and had it not been for Dunlop’s excellent keeping Wolves could have been two up with only a quarter of the game gone. If this sounds like a Wolves sage that’s exactly as it was, for I have not seen Everton so outplayed since they lost the inglorious 6-1 home game to Arsenal earlier in the season.
Dunlop In Form
On it went with Wolves playing like real champions. They were combining everything –that first time passing mixed with delicate dribbling from Broadbent and the wing halves and it was Dunlop who was Everton’s savour. He positioned himself beautifully to cut off a Broadbent cross which must have brought a goal had the ball escaped him and he followed it with another tremendous effort to save from Murray who smashed the ball with all his force from a position practically on the penalty spot.
Almost A Surprise
Everton had one good chance as half-time drew near when Collins rarely seen up to this point except in a defensive role, beat Stuart with a superb pass and O’Hara was able to cut in at his leisure. The winger only crossed a fast low ball and Wright intervened to kick it for a corner –Everton’s first –as Hickson almost connected. Then it was the old story of Wolves constantly on the attack and Deeley cut in a fierce left foot shot watch swerved just wide of the upright. Half-time; Wolves nil, Everton nil.
It was the mixture as before in the second half with Wolves moving smoothly into the attack and staying
there. The miracle of it was that Everton’s goal had not fallen. It was left to Collins to make a spark of hope for Everton when he went through alone in the inside right position to deliver a fierce shot at Finlayson which the goalkeeper parried and Stuart ended the threat by conceding a corner. Dunlop who already had earned the admiration of every one through his superlative work pulled off another brilliant save when he tipped over a volley from Deeley. Within 30 seconds he was at it again from another Deeley cross shot made a similar type of save. Then he completed a hat-trick of brilliance by diving to save a header from Murray when all seemed lost. Certainly Dunlop was inspired.
Everton’s Best Chance
Finlayson had a double chance to prove that he, too was well versed in the goalkeeping arts when Everton carved out them best chance of the match. Thomas, with a well judged on-pass gave O’Hara a wonderful opportunity but the winger took the ball too far before shooting and Finlayson smothered the ball. O’Hara recovered to cross the ball to Jimmy Harris who hit a strong second shot which Stuart a most diverted into his own net, but Finlayson recovered well to snatch it at the foot of the post. At this point Everton were more in the game than they had been for the wing halves were settling down to control the will of the wisp work of Broadbent and Mason.
Hickson v. Wright
Hickson was having rather an unhappy time against Wright whom I thought to be using more forced than necessary to stop the Everton leader. But Wolves on the attack moved sweetly and with infinitely more threat than the sporadic Everton raids Murray was only inches wide with a delighted flick header from Deeley’s cross. Then the Wolves came again with Murray finishing a delightful five-man move with a shot which went just over the bar. It took Wolves 80 minutes to get the goal which had been threatening for so long and Dunlop was the unhappiest man on the field about it. He made a superb save from a long range shot by Mason which seemed destined for the back of the net, but the ball ran to Mullen who quickly pressed it to the far post in and Dunlop out of position for the first time in the match and Broadbent ran in to head it into the net. Certainly Wolves were well worth this goal, but it was a pity for Dunlop’s take that it came after he had made yet again another great save. Final; Wolves 1, Everton 0.
TOM JONES, EVERTON CAPTAIN GIVES A FORECAST
December 6, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Busy Week-End For Travel
By Tommy Jones
Travelling and soccer go hand in hand. Ask any Plymouth Argyle player to substantiate this statement; their shortest away trip takes three hours by bus or rail. Talking to one of their reserve players when we shared the same hotel at Nottingham recently, I learned that they have travelled by coach from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. to reach Nottingham. We are more fortunate in that we are fairly central. Today, weather permitting, we travelled to Wolverhampton by coach, a journey which should take about three hours. We could have travelled by rail but the majority of the players in the first team prefer the club coach. The term, club coach, is loosely used, as it’s hired. The reason the players prefer making journeys to the Midlands or Lancashire by coach is that we can have a little privacy. The lads have no fancy airs, but they feel that they can enjoy a quiet game of cards, read books or papers or even have a matter without a well-meaning supporter bursting into the compartment requesting autographs or the like. Relaxation to a player prior to a match is a tonic and a little privacy helps a great deal. Coach driver Bill Jones tells me his firm have produced a new coach for the use of the team on away trips. The big features are a new suspension system, especially fitted card tables and a radio for those who wish to sit back and listen. It’s no wonder the lads feel like playing after such comforts.
Off To Aldershot
After the Wolverhampton trip the boys won’t have finished travelling for the week-end. Tomorrow evening we repack our bags and go by train to London on route for Aldershot, where we play our annual Army fixture on Monday afternoon, returning home after the match. Captaining the Army team will be colleague Alec Parker. Alex won’t be playing for the Blues next Saturday against Portsmouth as he is to play against the French Army in Paris on the Sunday. As it is Alec’s first visit to gat Paree, his article the following Saturday should be very interesting. Superstition being what it is I don’t know whether I should comment on our fortunes to date. But throwing all caution to the winds, I feel that I must give a pat in the back the boys for pulling us up, virtually off the canvas, from the position we were in after playing the first six games of the season. Whether we return from Wolverhampton today empty handed or not, we have in front of us three home games on the trot, against Pompey next Saturday. Leicester in the 20th and Bolton on Boxing Day. If we should return four points from these fixtures, we shall have turned the corner before the New Year.
Team Spirit
It is never our wish that we should be content just to remain a First Division team. We realize as much as the next “True Blue” that what we want is a team challenging for the championship or even having a crack at the Cup. Our fans so patient over the past few years, deserve something to shout about. I’m making no forecasts but the team spirit that prevails at Goodison makes these dreams almost a reality. Team spirit Isn’t everything in soccer, but I can make or break a team. It’s making ours. Jimmy Tansey’s horse came home for him last Wednesday. Hunters Wally Fielding and Dave Hickson have Jimmy the course information that a horse named Tansy was running at Liverpool on that day. Jimmy never a gambling man where horses are concerned was talked into putting a few bob on the nose of this gee-gee. He has never regretted it because it romped home at 4-1. Tipsters Fielding and Hickson must be proud of themselves. But please, no begging letters.
HAPPIEST RETURNS FOR BLUNSTONE
December 6, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Alex Parker
It was interesting to cross swords with Chelsea’s winger Blunstone on Saturday, particularly as it marked his return to football after his double broken leg. It must have been quite a day for him, nevertheless he played so much better than even he must have expected. The only other time played against him was quite an occasion for me, for it was my first representative honour. It was in February 1955, in an under 23 international at Shawfield Park, Glasgow –it was no thanks to Frank that I kept my place in the Scottish side, for he played a big part in England’s 6-0 victory. All in all it was quite a game for me, for in the first minute. Charlton’s Bobby Ayre, who many people thought was a Scot as he was born neat Berwick, fell after tackling me and hurt his arm. He had to go off, Stan Anderson, Sunderland came on, and the late Duncan Edwards moved to centre-forward where he showed what a great player he was by scoring a hat-trick. I wrote to Bobby afterwards and he said that his injury was a pure accident and no fault of mine. A number of that Scottish side are now playing for England clubs. In additional to myself there’s Willie Duff; the Charlton goalkeeper, Jimmy Walsh, Leicester City’s centre forward, and Graham Leggat, who’s scoring goals galore from Fulham’s right wing. Dave Mackay, the present Scotland captain was also in the team. Yes it was quite a treat to see Frank so well recovered from his injuries, for I think all soccer players will agree that it is the one injury feared above all others. Pulled muscles, strained ligaments and sprains can all be very paints though one tends to expect them but a broken leg can cut a career short.
Tragic Case
Even if the player makes a comeback he is not always sure that he will be able to recapture his forms. Undoubtedly the most tragic case since the war is that f Derek Dooley, Sheffield Wednesday’s centre forward, who had his leg amputated as a result of a break. It is still not certain that Alick Jeffrey will come back, and it is over two years since he broke his leg. It must have been even more disappointing to him as it happened in what was his first senior representative game I can well imagine how he feels. Nearer home of course, I have heard how Liverpool’s Eddie Spikes had to give up the game because of suffering two breaks. Incidentally it is not generally knows that I also had a broken leg. Mind you it didn’t get a lot of publicity at the time. It happened when I was four years old and was the result of being knocked down by a car in my home town of Irvine. Getting back to last week’s match; I suppose those of you who saw it won’t forget Bobby Collin’s goal in a hurry. It temperament that count, I made in my article the previous week that he is playing better than ever. Thanks Bobby, for proving me right. Naturally the lads were all glad to see Dave Hickson back on the goal trail again. It’s not that he’s been playing badly for the three penalties we got against Blackburn and Aston Villa all denied Dave of goals. Maybe last week’s pair will change his luck. I though his second goal was really a great effort for I must On Monday o
Regards From Gauld
Last Monday I played for the Army at Plymouth against the Argyle and our boys served up and some of the best football I’ve seen from them. With four minutes to go we were leading 3-1 but we slackened off and we had to be content with a 3-3 draw. It was supposed to be a benefit match for the club secretary but on Saturday the assist trainer died so the gate money was given to his widow. I thought it was a nice gesture. After the game I was speaking to Jimmy Gauld the ex-Everton forward. He sends his regards to all his friends in Liverpool. He didn’t score but had a big hand in the goals which went to inside right Carter. There were congratulations all round for Bert Slater, the Arsenal goalkeeper on his selection for the Scotland Under 23 game. He plays for Falkirk my former club, and I must add that it is a long overdue honour. On Monday I will have the musical experience of playing against Everton for I shall be turning out for the Army against them at Aldershot. It would be quite an experience for me. It’s one game I hope Everton will lose. Incidentally, it will be the second time I have played against Eddie O’Hara. Last time the boot was on the other foot, for Eddie was playing for the Army against a Scottish X1 –and the match was at Shawfield.
EVERTON RES V. MANCHESTER UTD RES
December 6, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Everton Res; O’Neill, goal; Sanders and Tansey, backs; Rea, Labone, and Ashworth, half-backs; Wignall, Temple, Harburn, Kirby, and Williams, forwards. Manchester United Res; Gaskell, goal; Shield, Greaves and Crowther, half-backs; Harron, Brent, Montana, Taylor, Dawson , Pearson, and Hunter, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.W. Davis (Birmingham). Everton were one goal down in the first minute when Sanders attempted to steer a centre from Morgans into O’Neill’s hands but Dawson brilliantly intercepted to head a spectacular goal. United kept up the attack for Hunter to shoot tamely into the side netting from Pearson’s pass. From a free kick by Tansey Everton launched their first attack but Harburn’s overhead effort went wide. Just after Kirby had missed an open goal Temple equalized in the 19th minute following good work by Wignall. Everton had now shaken off their early indecision and the United were lucky to survive several goal-mouth scrambles. In the 41st and 43rd mins Kirby and Wignall netted for Everton but a minute later Morgan reduced the arrears. Half-time; Everton Res 3, Man United Res 2.
Everton Juniors v. Bolton Juniors
The Bolton keeper Vipham making some brilliant saves, kept the Everton score down to a minimum, but failed to save a good shot from Gearey after 10 minutes. Half-time; Everton Juniors 1, Bolton W Juniors nil.
DUNLOP WILL NEVER PLAY BETTER
December 8, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Everton 0
By Michael Charters
On paper, this result presents a picture of Everton doing well to hold the power of League champions Wolves, to a solitary goal; in reality, the pattern of the game was such that Everton can thank one man for not returning from Molineux on Saturday on the wrong end of a severe thrashing. That man was goalkeeper Dunlop. He had one of those days when, for him, everything was right. His positional play was superb, his anticipation uncanny and his handling such that it seemed nothing could beat him. With Wolves dominating the play to an overwhelming extent, this fast exhilarating game flowed along lines which might have become monotonous had it not been for the constant wonder of what Dunlop would do next to save his side. Few man can have given such an outstanding display as members of a well-beaten side. This will go down as Dunlop’s match despite the excellence of clash of this fast-moving strong Wolves side. It was not that Wolves shooting was poor. They simply gained shots and headers at this inspired goal keeper from all angles and ranges, but nothing beat him until the 80th minute, when Wolves snatched victory, with what proved to be one of their poorest attempts of the game – and one which contained an element of doubt. Dunlop made a breath-taking save from Mason, who smashed in a shot from twenty yards with all the force and fury he could command. Dunlop flung himself through the air to fingertip the ball away, and the ball tantalizingly ran along the goal-line instead of out for a corner.
Missed Signal
Deeley caught it, chipped it over Parker’s head to the far post, where Broadbent and Murray rushed in and appeared to foul Bramwell in so doing. Broadbent headed the ball over the line and as he did so, the linesman’s flag went up, apparently to signal the infringement on Bramwell. He held it there for a few seconds, but as the referee signalized a goal, he dropped the flag and that was that. What a pity Dunlop had to be beaten in such an unsatisfactory fashion after the brilliance of the rest of his play. Everton of course could have no complaint at all over the result –they were outplayed, outgunned and out smarted at every phase of the game. Wolves are a great side on this form. Their forwards will Broadbent in top England vein, switched positions and tactics to have the Everton defence in a constant tangle. Their penchant for a fast, low cross instead of the routine high centre was always dangerous and could well be copied by Everton and others. Flowers and Slater moved up with the attack to make a seven-man line which only heroic and often desperate defensive measures could stop. Their dominance was such that Everton could only rarely break away to start an attack of their own but out of this plethora of hard –working defence, Everton managed to carvel two good scoring chances, both of them to O’Hara. The first just before half time came when Collins beat a smooth-operating offside trap for the first time to give O’Hara plenty of time to cut in and shoot. He did so, and Wright just managed to deflect the ball away by no more than the thickness of a boot lace.
Shot Too Late
The second was an easier opportunity. Thomas lobbed the ball over Stuart’s head and there was O’Hara with only Finlayson to beat. He shot too late as the keeper advanced and Finlayson was able to smother the ball. Everton’s wing halves and inside forwards were far too busy helping their defenders to initiate attacks of their own. But I give full marks to Collins and Brian Harris, particularly for the amount of toil they got through. Everton had their best spell in the first 15 minutes of the second half as Collins threw of his defensive shackles to start pushing the ball through in his own brilliant style. But Wolves defence with Wright cool, commanding and clever, never allowed this bud of promise to flower sufficiently to trouble Finlayson. Wright kept a very tight hold on Hickson, I thought at times he was guilty of tricks which should have no part in this great players make-up. He is too good to resort to them. Captain Jones found Murray a handful, but still managed to come out second best to Dunlop for Everton honours, Parker and Bramwell deserve praise, too, for keeping their heads when they could have been excused anything in face of tremendous Wolves pressure. But the game belongs to Dunlop and it was good to hear the applause of the crowd for him as he left the field. He will never play better. Wolverhampton Wanderers; Finlayson, goal; Stuart and Harris (G), backs; Slater, Wright (captain), and Flowers, half-backs; Deeley, Broadbent, Murray, Mason, and Mullen, forwards. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Parker and Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins and O’Hara, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Murdock. Attendance 27,074
O’NEILL SUPERB GOALKEEPING
December 8 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Res 3, Manchester United Res 2
The ability to seize chances enabled Everton to win this entertaining Central League game. As the more accomplished footballers United invariably looked the more dangerous but failed to maintain their early smoothness once the Everton defence had settled down. O’Neill’s superb goalkeeping and splendid defensive work by centre half Labone and left half Ashworth averted further goals after Dawson had put United ahead in the first minute. Against the run of play Temple equalized with Kirby and Wignall also netting before Morgans replied for United, the last three goals coming within four minutes of the interval, Everton held their own in a goal-less second half. Everton team was; O’Neill; Sanders, Tansey; Rea, Labone, Ashworth, Wignall, Temple, Harburn, Kirby, Williams.
JUST CALL SATURDAY DUNLOP’S DAY
December 8, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Michael Charters
To every man there comes a day when everything goes right, when-physical reactions are at their keenest, when you feel on top of the world. Albert Dunlop, the Everton goalkeeper, had such a day against League champions Wolves on Saturday. Not even the most blassed Everton fan expected the team to come away from Molineux with anything tangible in the way of points. To hold the champions to one goal seems on the face of it to have been a fine performance. But the score given a false impression for Dunlop and Dunlop alone saved his side from a hammering. Dunlop wrote his name large and clear across the pattern of this exhilarating game. He has never given a greater performance in his life than he did to defy the rampant Wolves attack for 80 minutes. When his goal did fall, it was not his fault and will explain later. His positional some was perfect, his anticipation uncanny his handling of the ball as sure as the most professional juggler. He almost broke the hearts of the Wolves forwards by the way he stopped their fierce and almost constant shooting. It was not as if these goal-Hungary forwards shot badly. They didn’t; they bombarded Dunlop from every range and angle but if they couldn’t beat his inspired work. Wolves, on this form are a great side. In every department there is strength allied to skill. They are all eager for the ball, running into the open spaces for a pass switching positions with bewildering speed and precision. They were on the attack for 90 per cent of the game and had they won by four or more goals. It would not have flattered them. When that deciding goal did come it was only after Dunlop had produced yet another superlative save from a 20 yard drive by inside left Mason. He swallow dived to his right to finger tip the ball away and it ran along the goal line.
A Doubt
Before Dunlop had time to regain his feet that limp of mischief of Deeley had chipped the ball back over Parker’s head to the far post where Broadbent rushed in to head the ball into the net. As he did so, he appeared to have pushed Bramwell and linesman on that side raised his flag as though to signal an infringement. As referee Murdoch who controlled the game very well indicated a goal the linesman dropped his flag and that seemed to be the end of that. Everton made no protest and I feel sure that even if there appeared to be some doubt about the legality of this goal, the Everton players were well aware their fortune had been more than on their side up to that point. They had no complains at all about the result and they did not hesitate after the game to say so. Wolves were far superior throughout. Apart from Dunlop who was an outstanding that the Wolves fans gave him an ovation as he left the pitch I give full marks to Tommy Jones for a grand defensive show. There was too much frantic covering of beaters colleagues to critism Jones for not keeping a tighter hold on Murray, Parker and Bramwell, too deserved credit for keeping cool in face of pressure which at times became overwhelming while Brian Harris never stopped going even in the movements was rarely forward. Naturally the Everton wing halves and inside forwards were too busy in defence to start many attacks of their own. In the weither of Wolves threats they managed to scheme two clear out chances and both fail to O’Hara.
Best Spell
Just before half-time he was sent away by Collins and had time to cut in and shoot from an angle only to find Wright just managing to deflect it away. Then when Everton had their best spell early in the second half Thomas lobbed a pass to the winger and there he with only Finlayson to beat. He took the ball a little too far and Finlayson was able to dash out quickly and another the shot. That was it so far as Everton were concerted –two chances against a Wolves attack which worked their way into shooting position so frequently that I lost count.
COLLINS GETS THE WINNER
December 9, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
The Army 0, Everton 1
By Leslie Edwards
A goal two minutes from the end gave Everton victory in their annual match against the Army at the Garrison Ground. Aldershot, yesterday. It came fittingly, from Bobby Collins, one of the few players whose class showed on a pitch so pitted and uneven that none was completely in control of the ball at all times. Thomas had a moment earlier struck a goalkeeper Ritchie with a shot from the closest range, and Collins took possession of the ball with the air of a man determined to produce one warming moment in this bleak uninspiring match. He moved the ball a yard or two to his right and then scored with a shot travelling almost as hard as that with which he succeeded at Goodison Park a fortnight ago. And so, merefully ended a game which told manager John Carey precious little more than he knew about the experimental side brought about initially because Parker had to wear Army, not club colours. Add to the fact that Hickson had to leave the field mid way through the second half after pulling a thigh muscle – King came on as substitute –and you have further reason for Everton dissatisfaction. Happily, Hickson is not serious trouble and all being well he may be fit to take his place against Portsmouth.
A Dress Rehearsal
For the Army this was something of a full-scale rehearsal for their match against the French Army in Paris. They will have to play a good deal better than this if they are to win. Their young players some of them members of First division sides, were hopelessly inept at controlling the ball on a pitch on which there must have been in the past few weeks an inordinate number of set scrums in Army Rugby. The ball bobbed about so disconcertingly that a player like Hitchin (Aston Villa) looked anything but in the £20,000 class. The match was an ordeal for spectators who endured ninety agonishing minutes in which there was scarcely a sustained movement of any artistry or attraction. Both sides finishing, too, was deplorable and only Collins goal saved Everton’s face. True J. Harris had the ball in the net from a shot direct from a free kick ruse but the goal was disallowed. The two men able to control the ball well, in spite of its way wardness, were those most experienced in the highest grade of football –Collins and Parker. Even making allowance for the fact that Everton had obviously been told to take no risk, Parker had an outstandingly good match against his club-mates. More than once he went upfield to put some penetration into an Army attack which was held for the most part by the phlegmatic Jones and two steady backs. Tansey’s return –indeed Sanders’ too – was happy, but one had to weigh against their success the fact that neither Army winger tested them severely.
Bramwell Constructive
It would be foolish I think for anyone to make a firm assessment of Mr. Carey’s experiments in such a match and on such an unfriendly surface, but one could not miss Bramwell’s good use of the ball just as one could not miss the failure of Brian Harris to fit, quickly into his old position on the wing. All this will be taken into consideration before Everton manager comes All this will be taken into consideration before the Everton manager comes up with his choice of the team to face Portsmouth. Williams, a Plymouth Argyle half-back who has rated attention by both Everton and Wolves was perhaps the only other Army player after Parker to play to our expectations. Barnwell of Arsenal began well, but soon lost himself (and the ball in intricacies the undoing of which produced inevitable reaction from the common soldiery round the ground. Army; Ritchie (Glasgow Rangers), goal; Parker (Everton) and McTurk (St. Mirren), backs; Williams (Plymouth Argyle), Penderletch (Hibernian), and Petts (Arsenal), half-backs; Plenderleith (Man City), Smith (West Ham), Hitchen (Aston Villa), Barnwell (Arsenal), and Ewig (Partick Thistle), forwards. Everton;- Dunlop, goal; Sanders, and Tansey backs Meagan, Jones (captain), and Bramwell, half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Harris (J), forwards. Referee; Mr. A.C.M S W Pearce (R.E.M.E).
TEMPLE IS NEXT FOR SERVICE ABRAOD
December 9, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Dave Hickson is a doubtful starter for Everton’s home game against Portsmouth at Goodison Park on Saturday. He pulled a thigh muscle in the game against the Army at Aldershot yesterday and had to leave the field midway through the second half. Manager John Carey thinks the trouble is not very serious and that all being well Hickson will be fit to play. Another minor blow to Everton is the great possibility of their young reserve inside forward Temple having to serve overseas in the near future, Brian Harris is better placed. He is due to finish his Army service in 11 days and he can’t be in full training again too soon. Within a short time of dressing after the game at the Garrison ground yesterday before an assembly of brass hats and other less exalted soldiery Brian was back with his Aldershot unit doing his normal ghores. It’s a hard life even for a first class footballer. The Everton international back Alex Parker is also near the end of his Army service but first he must captain the Army team against the French Army in Paris next Sunday. After that he has a long spell of leave. Parker is the best player on the Army’s books but it will take him all his time to skipper a winning side in Paris. The team Everton beat by one goal to nil yesterday is not a good one and the pitch used also for Rugby Football did nothing to help them or Everton. On the contrary It was the most ordinary Everton v. the Army match I ever saw, and most of the players and the crowd must have been relieved when it was over. Collins goal two minutes from time produced victory for Everton who were almost a remiss as their opponents in chance taking. It was a typical Collins effort. A couple of short strides to the right then a cracking shot of the sort he used to spectacularly at Goodison Park a fortnight ago.
Hard Thinking Needed
Collins that rarity – a great player with the willingness of the good club player to graft. He and Parker stood out in such a moderate game for their ability to control a ball which bucked and bobbled almost as if it were loaded. The Everton backs Sanders and Tansey both making a return to the team had a splendid match and (so did Jones) but against such ordinary opposition on such an unsatisfactory pitch it was a most impossible to make any true assessment of any players’ performance. Bramwell reverting to his old position at wing half back also had a fine game using the ball particularly well. But Mr. Carey, who never misses a trick in his sober appraisement of his team will have to do some hard thinking before the names his side for Saturday. When Hickson left the field Johnny King came on at outside right allowing Jimmy Harris to go centre forward. The Army men who impressed me were Williams of Plymouth and Barnwell of Arsenal. Everton have more than a passing interest in Williams and so have Wolves. For the rest of the Army side there could be little commendation. Certainly there was no John Charles, no Bassall, as in days of old to lend brilliance to the occasion. To see Hitchins, a £20,000 buy by Villa from Cardiff falling so hard and failing so frequently was surprising. Some trepidations were tarnished in a game had little to commend it and one almost considered the journey half wasted if no completely unnecessary. Everton’s clear field for the repetition of last year’s Sunderland Cup tie (and we hope of that famous 6-4 special of pre-war days) should lead to a £70,000 Cup crowd at Goodison Park soon after the turn of the year. Meantime they have opportunity to move up the League table and if their manager solves, as I am sure he will the first real probable’s posed by the necessity of reorientation his team, the Club’s position should soon enable the team to further the Carey aim of making Everton football even more attractive leaving the points situation to take care of itself. Television has its Army Game. But fact at Aldershot yesterday outdid fiction with some ludicrous situations, not least the one in which at the game’s dullest moment a voice was heard to cry “Up the Navy.”
BUSES FOR FOOTBALL
December 10, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Fans –Or For Shoppers?
Liverpool Transport Dept. Has Big Problem
Appeal Refused
Buses for the football crowds or buses for the thousands of city shoppers and shop assistances on Saturday in Liverpool? This is the big problem for Liverpool Passenger Transport Department –how can both be handled comfortably? “We just have not the vehicles or the staff to deal with both crowds on Saturday, says Mr. W. M. Hall (general manager of the department). Saturday afternoon and evening in winter is always a major problem for the department. And now with Christmas on the way, the city shopping crowds are growing bigger and bigger. To help even things out the city Passenger Transport Committee a month ago appealed to the Everton and Liverpool Football clubs to start their matches at 2-45 p.m. instead of 3.15 p.m. This they felt sure would help them to deal more comfortably with the evening crowds returning from the city to the suburbs. But both clubs would not agree –it would spoil their gates their said.
Christmas Rush
Commenting on the attitude of the clubs, Alderman Stanley Part (chairman of the Passenger Transport Committee said; They are certainly not giving us much co-operation in return for the services we place at their disposal in conveying their supporters to the grounds, in spite of what we do for them they are not prepared to do anything to help us. In view of the clubs refusal to agree, what will happen on Saturday? An official of the Transport Department said “we shall just have to carry on as best we can. We shall try to get the buses as quickly into the city on handle the public. If possible we shall try to get some extras. We can do nothing more. “That half hour earlier at the matches is vital. It would have made a tremendous difference, more so now with the Christmas rush on in the city shops. After the late kick-offs by the time the buses get into the city after dealing with the football crowds there is bound to be a pile-up of waiting passengers wanting to get home from shopping or work in the shops. “We shall have every available bus out we can man. When the kick-off were earlier we were right on top of the job – it was easy for us. Now it is really difficult.” And this is what the Football clubs say Mr. T.V Williams of Liverpool Football Club. We went into this thing thoroughly and came to the conclusion that it would be a great disadvantage for us. The flood lights were only installed so that we could have later kick-offs and it cost a lot of money.”
Perturbed
The public did not want an earlier kick-off and as far as the club was concerned the kick-off would continue to be 3.15 p.m. “This is a big city and the Passengers Transport Department should be able to cater for both football crowds and shoppers he added. Mr. Bill Dickenson secretary of Everton Football Club said “With the advent of floodlights at tremendous cost the idea was to standardize kick-off times to permit the kick-off at a normal time throughout the whole year.
WILLIAMS PLAYS
December 11, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Manager John Carey’s team for the Portsmouth game has one surprise –Graham Williams for Eddie O’Hara on the left wing. This will be Williams first game for the first team this season. Brian Harris, who held the position in the match against the Army at Aldershot on Monday, reverts to his half-back position. Williams, a stocky little Welshman who joined Everton from Bradford City three seasons ago has a great potential and I gather that his excellent work with the Reserves recently has earned him his place. O’Hara who joined Everton from Falkirk in the close season, has not so far touched his best Scottish form. Mr. Carey’s other important move is to restore Bramwell to the full back position where he has been progressing so well. Bramwell played at half-back against the Army on Monday. Meagan, who took over from King in that match retains his place. In the absence of Parker, who captains the Army team in Paris on Sunday against the French Army X1, Sanders was an automatic choice for the right back place. Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Meagan, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.
Everton Reserves (at Newcastle); O’Neill; Billington, Tansey; Rea, Labone, Ashworth; Fielding, Wignall, Harburn, Kirby, O’Hara.
NO PORTSMOUTH BOGY TO CAUSE CONCERN
December 12, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Bogy, it’s in my opinion, do not exist. They are as dead as the fairness at the bottom of the garden. A team is good enough and able to win, or it is not. If it is more than a cloak for incompetency to lay the troubles at the feet of some such plausible explanation. Time was and very recently at that when the Everton supporters would have argued for all they were worth that a meeting with Portsmouth could produce only one result –defeat for Everton. They believed themselves beaten before they began. To support them in that theory they could point to a sequence of thirteen games between the clubs, all won by Portsmouth in the years after the war, with not even a draw to raise hopes. So, far as I know, no club has exceeded such a winning monopoly against any other side since the war. Everton started well enough in 1946 by winning the first post-war meeting between the clubs, but after that it was all one way traffic. Seven times at Fratton Park and six times at Goodison Park, Portsmouth proved triumphant scoring 47 goals to Everton’s eight. Not until 1956-57 season did Everton snap out of the Portsmouth nightmare, and even then it was only a half escape with a 2-2 draw, but it was the thin end of the wedge and last winter they went one better with a 4-2 win, although the two intervening games at Portsmouth were both lost 3-2. Portsmouth are at Goodison Park again tomorrow and manager John Carey has chosen the match to make his first planned changes since he arrived.
No Superstition
Obviously Mr. Carey if he knows about the Portsmouth superstition is not in the least impressed by it, otherwise he would not have selected this match to disturb the formation which has lost two games only in the last eight even though it could also be started just as truthfully and far more forcibly, two games in the last three. He has decided to restore Mick Meagan at half back in place of Johnny King and to substitute Graham Williams at outside left for Eddie O’Hara. I believe Mr. Carey must have considered moving up Bramwell from full back, but he has decided that Meagan has merited promotion. For O’Hara this will be only his second miss since he was signed by Everton from Falkirk in the close season. He was out of the side beaten 2-0 by Newcastle at Goodison at the end of August, but only through injury, a match in which Meagan also figured. This will be the first time O’Hara has been asked to play in the reserves. Many people believe that he has made great strides since he first came into the Everton side, but the one big flaw in his make-up has been his lack of deadliness when confronted with scoring positions. Williams has not played with the senior team since that Newcastle match, but his play has often been commented upon favourably while with the reserves. Like O’Hara, Williams is on the small side, but if he can show a big punch when it is needed that is what counts. For Parker, who leads the Army side in Paris on Sunday, Sanders steps in at right back. Hickson will be fit to lead the attack. Portsmouth have Micheal Barnard back on the right wing following his recovery from a groin injury. Peter Harris who is still feeling the effects of an early knee injury stands down and Newman deputises at inside right.
POMPEY CHIMES GRATE ON EVERTON EARS
December 12, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
The Pompey chimes always grate a little on Everton ears. Years ago centre forward Albert Jullussen arrived at Goodison Park from Portsmouth and was never a great success and subsequently it always seemed to be Portsmouth who were pumping four, five and six goals at a time into the Everton net, notably in Everton’s last relegation season. It goes that way when you meet one of your hoodoo sides. But the new-era Everton, with a side changed for one reason or another from that which lost at Wolverhampton will be anxious to make a fresh start and have the Carey tactical backing to help towards this end. The occasion is notable for the incoming of little Graham Williams whom an expert like Mr. Carey can help a great deal by his advice, for the return of Mick Meagan and for the reversion to his full-back position of John Bramwell. This boy has been playing too well to justify the risk involving in putting him back to his old half back position. In short Everton are leaving well alone. In the absence of Alex Parker, Alan Sanders, who for his place unluckily gets a deserved run again at right back. Portsmouth’s new found reputation for vigour has not been lost on the rest of the world of football and they will take some stopping on a pitch which must give the bigger, stronger side advantage. The incoming of Meagan and Williams, unhappily does nothing to give the side the extra power required in certain departments, but we must be patient. One way and other the club have spent a great deal of money recently and at the moment there cannot be much left for such moves as might be felt necessary. A pity but there it is. In the years preceding the War Everton had some of their greatest teams, and some of their greatest left wings, small as they were. Remember Stevenson and Troup? Stevenson and Boyes. Tomorrow’s Collins-Williams wing rivals them for lack of inches, and if they are not the smallest ever fielded by Everton, there are no bigger in present-day soccer. So the Everton side takes on a cosmopolitan appearance with eight Englishmen and one each from Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Meagan, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. Portsmouth; Uprichard; McGhee, Wilson; Dickinson, Hayward, Casey; Barnard, Newman, Saunders, Harris (H), Gutler.
GOODISON IS FIT
December 13, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton F.C., last night gave me an official assurance that their game with Portsmouth will be played. Apparently such progress has been made with their grand problems that a club official was able to say “Mr. Carey went all over the ground today and found the pitch playable. Other officials saw the pitch later and confirmed Mr. Carey’s opinion. “There is no surface water on the ground at all and although it is soft in parts, quite a lot of it is very firm and the contractors are still working on it.” This timely assurance will remove any lingering doubts there may have been in the minds of the supporters. Everton are one of three clubs who have yielded more goals at home than they have scored and this can scarcely be called a healthy state of affairs. The consolation is that Portsmouth’s attack, away from home is among the poorest in the Division. While Everton have scored only one win in their last three games, Portsmouth can show only two points from four matches. If manager Carey’s changes prove as successful as he hopes it is reasonable to expect Everton to collect two points, which with two additional home games to follow, could help to abate League anxieties before the Cup struggles begin. Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Meagan, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. Portsmouth; Uprichard; McGhee, Wilson; Dickinson, Hayward, Casey; Barnard, Newman, Saunders, Harris (H), Gutler.
A BOGEY TEAM NO LONGER
December 13, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Everton Can Adjust The Pompey Balance
What memories Portsmouth’s visit to Goodison Park revives –most of them unhappy. No other team since the war has piled up goals against Everton, both at Goodison and Fratton Park, as Portsmouth have. It has almost seemed as though they have borne us a special grudge. The memory of Duggle Reid, Peter Harris and other famous wingers, Froggatt hitting shots into the Everton net does not fade easily, nor does recollection of the work at half-back of Scoular. But the tide turned –or seemed to – a season ago and Everton with their changed side, should go further today towards adjusting the balance of payment. Unfortunately the ground seems destined to be very heavy and therefore not kind to the many Everton players who have not size and weight to back their football competence. It is this lack of power, I think, which worries Everton authority. The oncoming of such as Mick Meagan and Graham Williams does nothing to alter the situation. Most people agree that Williams has something as their say but his previous appearances in the first team have always shown that his is short of some football knowledge. I am thinking particularly of cases when he has had complete possession of the ball, only to lose it through allowing it to go too far forward out of his own control and into the lap of the opposing back.
Parker In Paris
Parker’s absence is a blow, but I suppose he is lucky to be playing in Paris tomorrow and not still soldiering as are so many others in Cyprus. The Army should make the most of the days to which they can command the appearance in their teams of the first class League players. The time is coming when conscription ends, when they will be fortunate to have any top-class League men on their payroll. And many clubs, not least those who find that whatever happens elsewhere their players are rarely released will be happy about this.
Left-Wing Pairing
The linking of Williams and Bobby Collins produce one of the smallest but that is not to say one of the least lively left wings Everton have had for years. Liverpool once had a similarly small wing composed of the other Welshman, Mervyn Jones (now at Scunthorpe) and Kevin Baron, who played conspicuously well against his old club for Southend last season. Collins may be short in status but he’s not short in any other respect. He has brains, personality, speed, hows those little legs move! Football know-how and a true club man’s enthusiasm for the cause. This is the best buy since Dixie Dean and most of the clubs against whom Collins plays in England look on him enviously. Mr. Carey has brought Bramwell back to the full-back position after one run at wing half-back against the Army last Monday. When you have a young man developing as fast as Bramwell in a new position it is wisest to leave him in that position. I have no doubt that Sanders will deputizing admirably for Parker. Sanders, like King, has been rather unlucky, in my view to lose his place.
INSPECTION BY REFEREE
December 13, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Goodison Pitch Playable
By Michael Charters
Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Meagan, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards. Portsmouth; Uprichard, goal; McGhee and Wilson, backs; Dickinson, Hayward, and Casey, half-backs; Bernard, Newman, Saunders (captain), Harris (H), and Gutler, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.Webb, of Leeds. After a morning of heavy rain and snow showers the referee made an early inspection of the pitch and decided it was playable. A squad of groundsmen were busy forking away the surface water up to a few minutes before the kick-off but there were still a fely small pools of water on the pitch when the game started. The surface was heavily sanded and there was no doubt it would cut up quickly into very heavy going indeed. The lights went on from the start and again there was the annoyance of small boys running on to the pitch for autographs. The game was notable for the appearance of Welsh winger Graham Williams having his second game of the season in the League side, and Portsmouth centre forward Ronnie Saunders the Birkenhead lad who was once on Everton’s books and who has done so well for Pompey since he joined them from Gillingham this season. Saunders was made captain for the day.
BOGEY SIDE BURIED STILL DEEPER IN GOODISON MUD
December 13, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Pompey Yield To First Half Goals By Thomas
Everton 2, Portsmouth 1
Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Meagan, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards. Portsmouth; Uprichard, goal; McGhee and Wilson, backs; Dickinson, Hayward, and Casey, half-backs; Bernard, Newman, Saunders, Harris (H), and Gutler, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.Webb, of Leeds.
After a morning of heavy rain and snow showers the referee made an early inspection of the pitch and decided it was playable. A squad of groundsmen were busy forking away the surface water up to a few minutes before the kick-off but there were still a few small pools of water on the pitch when the game started. The surface was heavily sanded and there was no doubt it would cut up quickly into very heavy going indeed. The lights went on from the start and again there was the annoyance of small boys running on to the pitch for autographs. The game was notable for the appearance of Welsh winger Graham Williams having his second game of the season in the League side and Portsmouth centre forward Ronnie Saunders the Birkenhead lad who was once on Everton’s books and who has done so well for Pompey since he joined them from Gillingham this season. Saunders was made captain for the day.
Everton Escape
Everton had an escape when a long through pass from Dickinson stopped short on the edge of the penalty area to leave Dunlop stranded as he came out. Newman dribbled round the keeper but slipped with a great chance of putting the ball into an empty net and Sanders was able to clear. It was noticeable that the taller Portsmouth side were having I their own way when the ball was in the air. The first shot of the game came from Cutler from Newman’s pass but he sliced it hopelessly wide and in these early stages neither side had mastered the difficult conditions. Everton were getting nowhere with high crosses into the groundmouth and I thought they might well have learned the menace of the low pass which Wolves taught them so effectively last Saturday. Portsmouth showed them the danger of just such a move when Cutler hit a low corner kick for Harry Harris to hook it first time just over the bar. Then Hickson was very close to connecting with across from Thomas with the goal at his mercy. The crowd, which must have been the smallest of the season had little to enthuse over in this match of many mistakes and little football.
Thomas Scores
Everton took the lead after 25 minutes with a goal from Thomas which was hotly disputed by the Portsmouth defenders. The move started with a free kick for Jimmy Harris which was returned to him and he pushed it back again for Hayward to head away to the feet of Williams. The winger quickly pushed it through the gap where Thomas was standing in what appeared to be an offside position, but the referee allowed play to go on and Thomas was able to pick his spot. Williams pass to the goal-scorer must have hit a Portsmouth man in passing but the goalmouth was so crowded it was difficult to see exactly what had happened. Two minutes later Williams hit a fierce shot from 25 yards which Uprichard parried and dropped at the feet of Thomas. The inside man hit it quickly for goal but Uprichard was just able to deflect it for a corner. Thomas goal had brought some life into the Everton attack and they almost went further ahead when Jimmy Harris quietly pushed one across a crowded goalmouth but no one was able to deflect it into the net. Saunders missed a great chance when Harry Harris slipped the ball through to him and he had only Dunlop to beat in an attempt to make too sure the Pompey leader pushed the ball wide of the far post. Straight from this Everton went further ahead, again through Thomas after 35 minutes and there was no shadow of a doubt about the value of this one. Collins and Brian Harris linked in a left wing movement and when Collins centres Hickson headed the half back for Thomas to catch it on the volley and hammer it into the net. Within a couple of minutes Thomas had an easier chance to notch a sensational hat trick but with only Uprichard to beat from no more than ten yards he hit it straight at the keeper. Portsmouth fought back to take a goal within a few seconds of half-time when Harry Harris beautifully headed a cross from Cutler past the diving Dunlop. On the stoke of the interval Pompey had desperately bad luck when Saunders hammered a cross from Newman into the bet only to find that the referee had signaled for half-time at the moment his foot struck the ball.
Half-time; Everton 2, Portsmouth 1.
The incident in the last seconds of the first half gave the crowd something to talk about during the interval for it was so reminiscent of that incident at Anfield in a cup-replay with Manchester City when Billy Liddell’s shot was not allowed and the referee blew for full time almost as the ball was crossing the line. Jimmy Harris hammered in a shot from the wing which was blocked by Wilson straight at Thomas feet but Uprichard got there first by a split second.
Brilliant Save
Everton were certainly keeping on top and after one delightful move engineered initially by Hickson’s pass to Jimmy Harris the ball came out to the edge of the area. Collins hit it first time for the corners of the net where Uprichard produced the best save of the match to cut it off. Jimmy Harris set off on a 30 yard dribble which took him right across but he finally ran out of steam and McGhee was able to take the ball off him. At this point Portsmouth were having more of the play than they had all the match mainly due to Everton errors in passing rather than their own play.
Hit The Post
After one sustained Pompey attack following a left wing corner full back Wilson provided the finishing touch with a strong ground shot from well out which hit the outside of the upright with Dunlop diving in vain. Jimmy Harris broke away on the outside of Wilson and set off at fantastic speed on this heavy going. He took the ball to the bye-line before turning it inside but Hayward was there to cut it off before it reached Hickson. On the other hand Harry Harris had the beating of Meagan and was certainly the danger man in the visiting forward line but he was at fault in not accepting a good chance from Cutler when the winger beat Sanders in a brilliant dribble and turned the ball back. Everton’s wing halves were running out of power as the game wore on, allowing Newman and Harry Harris to dictate the play.
A Near Thing
When Everton did attack it took another brilliant save from Uprichard to stop them going further ahead as Meagan came up to try a shot from 20 yards. From the corner, Hayward almost put through his own goal. Collins was brought down with a tremendous thump just outside the penalty area and when Casey held up the free kick by shooting and waving his arms in his colleagues the referee taking the wing half’s name. For several minutes just before time Portsmouth kept on their pressure and Bramwell was outstanding with his coolness and clever defensive play. Everton 2, Portsmouth 1.
Balance Sheet
Everton took two valuable points from league neighbours Portsmouth in a game which warmed up considerably after a slow start. The match was remarkable for an incident just before half-time when Portsmouth centre forward Saunders hit the ball into the net for what would have been the equalizer, only to find the referee had blown for the interval at the instant Sanders had shot. Two goals by Thomas gave Everton their win, but the inside man missed some easy chances of getting his hat trick in the first half.
EVERTON “A” V. SOUTHPORT “A”
December 13, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Playing with only nine men, for the first 35 minutes, Southport did well to keep the score down to five. Both Hood and Bonner scored twice for Everton, their fifth coming from Gregory. Seconds before the Southport keeper arrived to bring his team up to ten men. McEvoy scored for the visitors. Half-time; Everton “A” 5, Southport “A” 1.
DUNLOP WAS THE BEST I’VE SEEN
December 13, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Alex Parker
“So that’s the Wolves, Phew! I wouldn’t like to play against them every week.” That was my first reaction when I sat down in the dressing room after last Saturday’s game, and I’ve been told since that they can play even better. Wolves are undoubtedly the greatest club side I have ever played against. It’s just as well that Albert Dunlop saved one of his best displays for the game. He really was terrific. I have never seen a better display from any goalkeeper. However, although he made many spectacular saves the one that impressed me most must have looked ordinary to the spectators, Jimmy Mullen the Wolves left winger let fly from about 14 yards and he really hit it, but Albert just put his hands up and caught it like a cricket ball. So easy, I thought he would have done well to have even stopped it. I’m sorry to have missed today’s game with Portsmouth for the lads have told me just how things have run against them in matches with Pompey over the last few years, would like to have had a go at turning the tables. However, you all know what it’s like when you are in the Army and I have to play for them against the French Army at Parc des Princes in Paris tomorrow. This match is for the Kentish Cup, a competition which does not receive much publicity in this country but helps in the promoting of good relations between British, France and Belgium. It is run on the league system as we know it in this country, i.e. two for a win and one for a draw. We play Belgium at Stamford Bridge on March 18, one day before my demob. Last year a British Colonel want to see the France v. Belgium game and when he returned he give me a hugh bronze medal about 2 ½ inches in diameter which was sent to me, as captain of the British team, from the French side. It is one of my proudest possessions.
London Trip
Although I started leave a week ago yesterday I doubt if I have spent 48 hours at home, and I will not be home again until Tuesday, I have to report to the Royal Scots Fusiliers depot at Edinburgh on January 20. Last Sunday I travelled to London for the Army match against Everton I was going to go with the main Everton party at 5.30 p.m, but so as to have a few extra hours at home I went down by sleeper at 11.25. I told the boys I didn’t want to travel with them in case they tried to find out what the Army team’s plans were. Besides who wants to travel with one’s opponents? I met the rest of the Army team at Waterloo Station and from there we travelled to Aldershot where we had lunch at the same hotel as the Everton party. But I kept a safe distance and thereby avoided the risk of having my leg pulled. It was not a good game due mainly to the poor condition of the pitch, and I thought it was going to end in a draw until Bobby Collins popped up with the winner two minutes from the end. After the game both teams were supposed to dine at the Officers Club but Everton could not manage it as they had a train to catch, so we had to eat their food as well.
Missing Boots
Before the game trainer Gordon Watson told me that he had forgotten my boots but Dave Hickson said he would lend me a pair. Anyway I didn’t have to take Dave up on his offer as Gordon had only been kidding me. The Army team started training last Wednesday morning. In the afternoon we saw the final of the Army Youth Cup and on Thursday we played a trial match against the R.A.M.C. We were up early this morning for we had to leave at 7 and as you read this I will be in France. Incidentally, I have gained another medal recently to put alongside those I already have for playing for the Scottish League and winning the Scottish Cup &c. It is a General Service Medal for my stay in Cyprus I wouldn’t have received it so quickly but recently these was a big parade on which we were required to wear our medals so they were rushed through. If I had any ideas at receiving it on some kind of ceremony I would have been doomed to disappointment. I popped my head in the company office door and somebody shoulder “Here’s your medal,” and it came sailing through the air. Just like that. Naturally I still follow the fortunes of Falkirk my previous club and although the first team are not doing too well their reserve side has been having a good season. Prior to last week they had only lost once, but on Sunday I saw that they had been beaten 11-0 by Clyde Reserve. I smiled and thought to myself “Thanks goodness I wasn’t playing in that match. Then I remembered the match at Molyneux the previous day and thought that but for a certain friend of mine, that horrible thought might have been dangerously near readily. Thanks again Albert.
ALDERSHOT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES
December 13, 1958. Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
And Sunderland Draw Caused More, Says Captain Tom Jones
When we played our annual fixture against the Army at Aldershot on Monday, the opposition was captained by Alex Parker, who is ready to enforced anyone at the moment that he is only a few months away, from Civvy Street. Nearer to hand regarding demobilization is our wing half Brian Harris. A few of Brian’s barrack room pals gave Brian a rally when he returned to the field, after half-time but he wasn’t fast for words. He quietered them down with “only 10 more days and an early breakfast,” intimating the days until his release. As you may well gather, on route to the ground, which is set among the barracks and parade grounds at Aldershot some of the lads came out with a number of cracks familiar to their Army services. One of the best was; “if it stands still, paint it! If it moves salute it!” Yes, memories abounded watching recruits going through their paces on the parade ground. But I don’t believe it was true when one of the lads said. “I’d sign on tomorrow but I don’t like those brown suits they wear.” Colonel Mitchell who has been in charge of the Army X1 for a number of years was asked by the lads whether they could sign on for the duration of the Paris trip our game being preparation for their match versus the French Army, providing of course, they travelled with the party. But no such luck memories will have to stay memories.
Sunderland Again
We didn’t learn of the Cup draw for the Third Round until after we restored our breathing to its normal rate after a hectic dash to get the Liverpool train on Monday evening. Travelling by coach from Aldershot took us longer than we anticipated and we made the trials with only seconds to spare. Incidentally the kitchen staff and the waiters on that train should be complimented on their service to us that night. We had been busy travelling backwards and forwards that day and we were literally starving by the time dinner was served. They looked after our every whim and truly served us well. With the news that it was to be Sunderland in the Cup once again memories flooded back to last year’s tie when we won the replay on a morass of mud normally named Goodison Park. Since that game the fortunes of the Roker club have altered. They were relegated at the end of that season for the first time in their history. They signed South African centre forward Don Kitchenbrand nicknamed “The Rhine” for reasons particular to his style of play, from Glasgow Rangers. And more recently Don Revie-once the skipper has been transferred to Leeds United, making him the highest priced player for his transfer from club to club. The Scottish element at Goodison have given me an insight into the Rhino’s type of play. If he plays as they said he could then we can expect fireworks. Let’s hope they fizzle like a damp squib!
An Old Blue
Ronnie Saunders the Portsmouth centre forward, should have had a large following from Birkenhead watching high play this afternoon. Ronnie you may recollect played for the Blues only three seasons back, making a brilliant debut at Ninian Park, where he didn’t put a foot wrong. Unfortunately for us, he didn’t maintain this high standard was transferred with Harry Leyland now the Blackburn goalkeeper to Tumbridge Wells, the non-league club at the end of the season. Harry didn’t kick a ball for his new club and was transferred before the new season opened to his present club, Blackburn. Ronnie stayed long enough to attract the scouts from Gillingham and signed for them after a season of non-League soccer. Portsmouth got Ronnie’s signature earlier this season and judging by the goals he’s scored, he’s has been a good signing. Amazing now his fortunes have fluctuated over the years. Ronnie’s family live on the other side of the Mersey. In fact, It was his uncle George Saunders who prejudged Ronnie to sign for Everton. Give credit to Ronnie for grabbing the chances on his way back. Not many can make such a comeback. He deserves some of the breaks now so here’s luck Ron.
NEWCASTLE RES V EVERTON RES
December 13, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Newcastle Res;- Davidson, goal; Nesbit and Ferguson, backs; Franks, Scot, and Cooper, half-backs; Taylor, Hale, Curry, McWilliams, and McGuigan, forwards. Everton Res;- O’Neill, goal; Billington, and Tansey, backs; Rea, Labone, and Ashworth, half-backs; Fielding, Wignall, Harburn, Kirby and O’Hara, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.D. Hirst (Redford). On a frost bound ground opening moves were erratic and neither goal was threatened, until Kirby forced a corner which was cleared. O’Hara was trying to use the ball to some purpose, but the defences were on top. The first constructive move came from Newcastle after 15 minutes and O’Neill saved well from McGuigan. Everton forced a corner and when Davidson was beaten Nesbit headed off the line. After 23 minutes Curry opened the scoring for Newcastle after a scramble in the goalmouth. In thickening fog a 4o yards shot from Franks skimmed the bar, as did one from McGuigan 30 seconds later. Ashworth was always prominent under pressure which never relaxed. Curry dispossessed O’Neill and Billington headed frantically for a corner. Then O’Neill saved magnificently from MaWilliams. Half-time; Newcastle Res 1, Everton res nil. Kirby scored for Everton after 56 minutes and Wignall after 83, Taylor (52), Kerry (85) Hale (89) scored for Newcastle. Final; Newcastle Res 4, Everton Res 2.
SPLIT-SECOND VICTORY FOR EVERTON
December 15, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 2, Portsmouth 1
By Horace Yates
Jinx, hoodoo, bogey, and any remaining superstitions, disintegrated and disappeared from Everton supporters’ minds at Goodison Park on Saturday and from that day forward Portsmouth must be just another team, with the long sequence of disturbing victories over Everton no more than a series of entries in the record books. Now, if only fate had played Everton the same sort of scurvy trick it reserved for Portsmouth, no amount of argument would have destroyed the belief that Everton were fated to an overdose of misfortune when opposed to their Portsmouth foes – but it didn’t. Portsmouth were denied a goal, and an excellent goal at that, right on the stroke of half time when Liverpool-born Saunders hit his shot, which had Dunlop beaten from the moment of impact, at almost the precise moment that the referee was blowing his whistle to signify the end of the half. No question could there be in this case of the goal being made by defenders standing still at the sound of the whistle. The ball went into the Everton net because nobody could do anything to keep it out and the only man who could prevent it from counting was the referee. He may have been right. Who can argue? But I maintain that it is a courageous man who can spilt a second so precisely and so critically as this. How illuminating it was at the end of the game to find one of the linesmen drawing the referee’s attention to the expiry of time –fully one and a half minutes before the referee either heeded his advice or agreed with his time-keeping. Obviously clock watching is a study in which the rules do not guarantee an accurate result. Everton may be able to produce all sorts of evidence that if they were lucky on this occasion it was not good fortune out of turn, but all the same that isolated incident prevented what would have been in my view a much more equitable result. Portsmouth can be pardoned if they consider this was a day on which the tide was flowing against them. Look at the first goal as a case in point. If the great majority of the crowd did not harbor suspicious that Thomas was offside when he stepped into the clear to beat Uprichard at his leisure, it would be surprising. Certainly the Portsmouth defenders though so and it speaks well for the quieting effect of the new “Thou shall not argue” command that the score produced only a trickle of complaint, where hitherto there would almost certainly have been an unseemly flood. Thomas would have scored again had not Uprichard miracously connected with a shot to turn the ball round the post, and Saunders, with an even better opportunity for Portsmouth did not even make Dunlop’s intervention necessary by firing wide. Without question or argument Thomas accepted the role of marksman for the day, when he scored from a deliberate Hickson nod back to him, after Collins had put the ball to the head of the centre forward. Just about this stage a more pugnacious accurate Everton, could and should have run riot. They might have had four or five goals in the Portsmouth net, and had no one to blame but themselves that the issue was not beyond all doubt before Portsmouth had a chance to hit back. Both Thomas and Brian Harris were at fault in finding the goalkeeper instead of avoiding him and so it was that little more than a minute from the interval, Saunders created the position for H. Harris to register for Portsmouth. There the scoring finished with probably the most memorable efforts of the second half a terrific shot by Meagan equally spectacularly saved by Uprichard, and a glaring miss by H. Harris and Cutler had sent the ball across the face of the goal. What of the two calculated changes made by manager John Carey in the Everton team? Undoubtedly we shall see more of Graham Williams a very much more accomplished and dangerous winger than when last supporters saw him in the senior side early in the season. I rate him to have been one of the successes of the forward line, with a nice show of pace and ability to by-pass his man, that promise so much. At times he indicated a willingness to shoot, and shoot in the right direction that is full of promise. O’Hara will not find it easy to uproot this mobile Welshman. He would be a courageous man, I submit who would decide that Meagan had justified Mr. Carey’s confidence although it is easy to see why Everton insist that Swansea Town will have to speak up with the most compelling financial argument of they are to take Sanders away from Goodison.
Dynamo Collins
While this may not have been one of those days on which Collins mesmerized and tantalized the defence, I had a feeling that here was the dynamo that was keeping the Everton forwards moving. He probably covered more ground than any player in the game, never hesitating to lend his support in defence and being ever ready to put drive into the attack. Thomas is developing a happy snack of being in the right place to tie up with scoring offering and it is not every team which rejoices in a possibility of this sort. No one could accuse the Portsmouth half backs or full backs of being half-hearted in their tackles but for all that Wilson and Hayward left lasting impressions of solidity and reliability. Hickson will no doubt pay tribute to the all round efficiency of an opponent who reduced his attacking contributions to the minimum. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Meagan, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards. Portsmouth; Uprichard, goal; McGhee and Wilson, backs; Dickinson, Hayward, and Casey, half-backs; Bernard, Newman, Saunders (captain), Harris (H), and Gutler, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Webb, of Leeds.
Attendance 23,875
LATE GOALS BEAT EVERTON RES
December 15, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Newcastle United Res 4, Everton Res 2
Everton Reserves nearly left Newcastle with an undeserved point, for largely through the brilliance of O’Neill and the sterling work of Labone, it was 2-2 with only five minutes left. Then Newcastle got two quick goals to give them a merited victory. The man who generally had the Everton defence in a tangle was outside left McGuigan. Though he has never shown to great advantage in first team outings he looked a world-beater, in this one and Billington could do little to stop him. Strangely enough, McGuigan’s opposite number O’Hara was Everton’s best forward, but many of his good centres were wasted by the inside men. Scorers;-0 Newcastle- Curry (2), Taylor and Hale. Everton; Wignall, and Kirby.
WHEN A SCORING SHOT ISN’T
December 15, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Forty-Four minutes of the game between Everton and Portsmouth had gone and one had figuratively (and physically) written Everton into a 2-0 interval lead when remarkable things happened. First Saunders, the Portsmouth centre-forward (a relative of the old Everton back George Saunders) found the head of Harry H, for that player to nod a lovely goal. Then seconds later Portsmouth had the ball in the net again from a close-in shot by Saunders. Unhappily for Portsmouth, Referee H. Webb, of Leeds, sounded the intervals signal a fraction of a second before Cutler pulled the ball back for Saunders to do his stuff. But it was such a close thing one cannot but consider Everton fortunate to escape as they had been in their first goal. In this instance, Thomas palpably offside was played onside by the merest deflection by a defender of Graham William’s through pass. Lest anyone be in doubt about it, the law says that the game shall be of equal halves of 45 minutes (except if a penalty award is in the process of being taken). Thus, Mr. Webb had no option but to signal the end of the first 45 minutes no matter where the ball was, but it is rare that a referee has opportunity to look at his watch with an attack in such an exciting stage and one could not help wondering what the crowd’s reaction would have been if the incident had happed at the other end. The whistle went before the ball was in the net; indeed as Cutler, was in the act of pulling it back to Saunders from the by-line. But almost as soon as the blast ended the ball was in the net. Portsmouth had no grouse, here, but they seemed aggrieved as they had been when making that gentlemanly approach to the referee to ask why he had allowed Everton that first goal.
Saved By The Lights
An impartial view would thus be that although Everton won they were a little lucky; one cannot forget, either that Portsmouth missed two sitters but that was wholly their own responsibility. In the circumstances it was a splendid match, once it settled down after a slow start and the fact that interesting football was produced on a surface on which the floodlights could be seen reflected in minute pools is a tribute for all players. How many times in the last four or five weeks, I wonder, would Everton or Liverpool have been able to finish “daylight” matches but for the aid of artificial lighting. Thomas got both Everton goals and must be given credit for taking up so many good positions that he might well have had a hat-trick (and more) in quick time. His first goal was a gift in that but for the deflection of the pass to him he must have been given offside. The second came from a fine volley hit in decisively when the ball had come back from an astute header by Hickson. Thomas was often to be found helping the defence. True, he is not strong defensively, but his goals, his positional excellence and his enthusiasm made this one of his best games. Everton have forged a new left wing partnership which may have startling results. Williams and Collins started by clinching the ball between themselves and losing it but that only showed the desire of both to posses it and to do something while with it. Williams has speed a flair for the inward run (all right so long as long as he knows just when to let the ball go) a liveliness that is refreshing and a cheekiness to match his famous partner’s. They are both little fellows, but they each have genius and if Collins can coach and coax the boy along the prospect is that they will be playing alongside one another for seasons.
Wing-Half Power
But Everton as a team were hardly comparable with Portsmouth because Pompey had such power at wing half-back and Everton hard as they tried, never quite matched the ability of their opponents in sustained movement Portsmouth began well then Everton foot those two quick goals and got on top. But in all except the last ten minutes or so the second half was clearly Portsmouth’s. The best forward on the field was Harris H; the hardest working Newman the most polished the boy who used to play at Everton, Saunders whose distribution of ball (and of chances) marked him as one of the neatest most effective centres I have seen this season. Uprichard’s best save was from Meagan a half-back who tried (who wouldn’t?) in the gluey going towards the end. Behind Meagan, Sanders coming in for Parker, did exceptionally well and if he has times when he is inclined to slowness there can be a few backs in football who send up to the men in front such a stream of well-placed long-range punts. Jones had a big part in quelling the fire of three busy Portsmouth inside-forwards and Dunlop was without fault though he must have been beaten three times not once, if Portsmouth had finished punishingly. Reverting to Sanders. He told the Everton Manager that when the whistle sounded for the interval he deliberately held off a tackle on Saunders. Harris J, was always too good for the Portsmouth back, Wilson, and more might have been made of his centres, Hickson more than once left behind the massive Hayward but having got clear became bogged down in the glutinous going. It was not a memorable match in many ways but it will long be remembered for that fraction-of-a-second after the whistle “goal” and for the nearness Thomas went to getting what must have been the quickest Everton hat-trick in history.
INQUIRY FOR SANDERS FROM LEYTON
December 16, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Offer May Follow
Everton Back by Leslie Edwards
Leyton Orient are anxious to sign the Everton back Alan Sanders, it is expected that their inquiry about him will be followed within the next few days by a definite offer. Sanders, Manchester born played in the Everton team many times last season and held his place at right-back this season until Alex Parker returned from Cyprus a few weeks ago. Sanders it is sizeable defender who would do well in the Second Division. He makes very sound use of the ball. Leyton Orient whose Chairman is go getting London businessman Harry Zussman are well placed to pay the fee Everton would require if they decided to let Sanders go. The London club must have received the best part of £45,00 when they transfer centre forward Tom Johnson to Blackburn Rovers a club then managed by the present Everton chief, John Carey, and Phil Woosnam in West Ham.
Price Too High
Three weeks ago the Swansea Town Manager Trevor Morris watched Sanders play at Chester and at the Earle ground, I understand that the price Everton mentioned as the one they would require if they did business was much more than Swansea were prepared to pay. Everton expect Alex Parker back from France where he captained the British Army team last Sunday, tomorrow. He is expected to take his place in the side against Leicester City at Goodison Park on Saturday.
EVERTON’S SENIOR CUP VICTORY
December 17, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Burnley 0, Everton 2
By Horace Yates
Everton’s veteran goalkeeper, Jimmy O’Neill was swamped by the congratulations of his own team-mates in the 60th minute of last night’s second round Lancashire Senior Cup match at Turf Moor, and little wonder. Jimmy, captain for the occasion had just made two saves in a minute from the penalty spot. He pushed a Cheesebrough shot against the post, but then referee Mr. H. Haworth of Blackburn after consulting a linesman ordered the penalty to be retaken, and from Cheesebrough’s cracking shot he leapt high to finger-tip the ball over the bar. At this stage Everton were one up and it was only through O’Neill that the Merseyside team held on to their lead. He beat out all the lively efforts of Burnley’s bantam forward line. Kirby put Everton ahead from a 49th minute penalty after powerful centre-forward Harburn had been brought down as he was going through. Wignall made it two for Everton five minutes from the end.
Bash Ball
There was more bash-ball than football, but it was an entertaining second half with Harburn and wing half Ashworth outstanding for Everton. One remarkable incident found Burnley goalkeeper Joe Wilkinson advancing five yards outside the penalty area to charge Harburn off the ball. The Everton leader recovered and put in a hard shot which full back Bracewell was lucky to head out. Burnley; Wilkinson, goal; Bracewell and Marshall, backs; Scott, Talbut, Miller and Newlands, half-backs; White, Fenton, Cheesebrough, and Harris, forwards. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Billington, and Griffiths (B), backs; Rea, Labone, and Ashworth, half-backs; King, Wignall, Harburn, Kirby and O’Hara., forwards.
Sanders Sought
Everton may be asked today by Leyton Orient the Second Division club to state a figure at which they would be prepared to allow their reserve right full back Alan Sanders to make a move. They have put in a provisional inquiry and I understand they are now prepared to follow it up. Sanders is a man in demand, for Swansea Town have previously tried and failed to sign him, but if Orient are prepared to approach nearer Everton’s valuation of Sanders they may find their overtures will be more successful.
SANDERS AND LEYTON ORIENT
December 17, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Offer Falls Short
Hughes Rumours
By Leslie Edwards
Leyton Orient have made an offer for Alan Sanders the Everton back, but the matter hangs finely because what Leyton are prepared to pay and what Everton demand for Sanders. The two very different sums I understand that when Swansea Town inquired about the same player three weeks ago a fee of £8,000 was mentioned. Everton’s name has been linked with that of John Hughes, Bangor City’s very promising centre half-back who signed professional forms for that club recently put the statement that Hughes is to come to play a trial for Everton could not be wider of the mark. Mr. John Carey the Everton manager told me today. Hughes is a professional with another club and the idea of his playing a trial for us is absurd, we know of this boy of course but we have never been in touch with his club. Bangor City player-manager is the old Everton and Welsh international centre half back Tom Jones. Everton players had a day off today- partly to enable things to do their Christmas shopping and partly to give them a break before their busy Christmas programme.
NEW ORIENT APPROACH FOR SANDERS TODAY
December 18, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Will Alan Sanders, Everton’s reserve full back, join Leyton Orient? That is a question to which nobody can give a direct answer at the moment but before today is through the position may have altered. Orient are very keen to have Sanders, and Swansea Town, who were first in the field with an inquiry for the full back have made further approach. The Londoners with their money-bags bulging as a result of recent sales, might be expected to outbid the Welsh club, who are not exactly short of cash themselves after the sale of Allchurch. The position as I understand it is that Everton, have never actually stated an intention to let Sanders go, for as we saw as recently as last Saturday he was the man to whom Mr. Carey looked when Parker was not available and Sanders let down neither Mr. Carey nor Everton. While it is not true that every player has his price, it does apply to quite a lot of players, and it would be for Everton to decide in the light of any firm and substantial offer, whether or not Sanders came into that category, always supposing of course, that the man himself was not averse to a change of club. Leyton Orient were giving the problem fresh consideration yesterday and their verdict might well be that they are prepared to advance their initial suggestion far enough to place temptation in Everton’s way.
Players Wanted
It seems fair to assume that Leyton Orient viewing their unhealthy League position and their very cheerful looking bank balance may well decide that figures in a ledger are of cold comfort when it is players on the field that they need if their present Second Division status is not to be jeopardized. When Leyton were at Anfield in November they became the fourth side to fail to beat the Liverpool defence. Sanders is not the only man on whom Orient have set their sights for they have made an offer to Nottingham Forest for Eddie Baily, the former England inside forward, and they expect to score with this shot in time for Baily to appear with Orient on Saturday. Baily could by now have been a Millwall player, but he decided not to go and the fact that at present he trains on the Leyton stadium ground suggests that nothing could more convenient for him than to put on Orient’s colours. This he is expected to do in time for Saturday’s game although officially Mr. W.H. Walker, Forest’s manager states that his club will make no decision until after their annual meeting tomorrow.
Hughes Not Sought
Reports that Orient would find Everton among their opponents in an attempt to sign John Hughes, the Bangor City half back, find no confirmation at Goodison-Park. It has been known for some time that Hughes has been brought to Everton’s notice and he has been seen in action more than once. No approach has been made to Bangor City and unless there is a change of outlook, developments in that direction are unlikely. Centre half is not the position giving Everton most concern for in addition to Tommy Jones, they are well equipped in the reserve line. Reserve full back Tansey who has had stitches inserted in a cut in his face, received when he fell in the street on Tuesday, missed the Lancashire Senior Cup game at Burnley the same night and he will probably be rested again on Saturday to ensure his availability, if required for the holiday programme. He is not seriously hurt.
No Switch-On
Although the first frost of the season was experienced this week Everton did not put their ground-warming system into operation for a trial run, because I am told, it was considered unnecessary to have the ground soft on Monday or Tuesday when it would not be required for play until Saturday. A previous try-out has shown that it is possible to raise the ground temperature by something between eight to ten degrees. That being the case it is believed that a Thursday switch-on at the earliest, but more likely Friday evening would be sufficient to prevent any frost from causing a game’s postponement. That at least is a comforting thought.
EGLINGTON MAY GET 100TH GOAL IN 500TH MATCH
December 18, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
For all who cannot forget the splendid work for Everton of Peter Farrell and Tom Eglington , Saturday will be a gala occasion, Eglington’s appearance for Tranmere Rovers at Doncaster will be his five-hundredth in League and Cup, and if he scores it will be his hundredth goal in those competitions. Tom played 394 League and 34 Cup matches for Everton and has so far played in 65 League and five cup games for Tranmere. He scored 88 goals (76 of them in League matches) for Everton and never missed a Cup-tie during his long career with the club.
TANSEY TO SEE SPECIALIST ABOUT BLACKOUT
December 18, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Britton Denieds
By Leslie Edwards
Jim Tansey the Everton back who collapsed in Liverpool on Tuesday and so injured his face that he had to have stitches in hospital will not be in any Everton team on Saturday. He is feeling much better put has no understanding of caused the black-out. He has seen his doctor and is now to have a check by a specialist. The Everton team for the match against Leicester City at Goodison Park will not be announced until tomorrow.
Preston North End manager Cliff Britton quickly killed the story this morning that he would go to Everton for goalkeeper Jimmy O’Neill to solve his team selection problem for the match against Arsenal at Highbury. “There is no truth whatever in the rumours” he told me.
MR. CAREY MAKES A STARTLING CHANGE…
December 19, The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Manager John Carey, of Everton, today produced an Everton change to set fans talking. He has moved up Scottish International Alex Parker from back to half-back and left in the side, at right-back, Alan Sanders the man Leyton Orient and Swansea Town have enquired about recently. Many had though that one of the moves to strength the Everton half-back line would be the moving of Sanders. The Carey solution to the problem is unexpected but there can be no doubt that Parker, who has a penchant for going up-field, will fit into his new position well. Sanders too, has shown a portability to go on the offensive but the question in his case was whether he had the speed to get back to his defensive role. The change means that Meagan loses his place. He came in vice King, last week, but has never quite reproduced his best form.
A Better Side Now
When Everton played at Leicester in the opening match of the season Leicester were managed by the old Manchester City forward F=Dave Halliday. Now he has gone the job is being done for the time being by Matt Gillies the old Bolton Wanderers, and the chances are that he will get the full appointment in due course. The position of the clubs who play at Goodison Park tomorrow such that the points are almost worth double. It is significant that although Everton have done so well so long they are still ambiting in the danger zone; on the other hand a few victories would take them far up the table. There had been doubt about whether Graham Williams could get away from his Army until in the Midlands but all is well. Parker returns from his Army commitments and he and Riley the Leicester City winger will have played their last three games on the same pitches –at Aldershot, in Paris and no at the Everton ground. Leicester were a better side than Everton when last they met but Everton were without Hickson that day and the changes made in the side and its form since suggest the verdict, this time will be reversed. Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. Leicester City; McLaren; Cunningham, Baillie; Newman, King, Keyworth; Riley, Kelly, Hines, Walsh, Leek.
BIG EVERTON HOME VICTORY IS OVERDUE
December 20, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Leicester City come to Goodison with a record of only one away win all season (3-0 at West Ham) and a League placing that must fill them with anxiety, if not despair, for they are joint bottom of the table with Aston Villa. While nobody would be so foolish as to suggest that Everton are –free either of worry or problems, their outlook is far healthier than City’s for they can point to seven games at Goodison without a reverse. Everton have twice scored four goals on opponents grounds but three remain there best offering to the home crowd. They might find opportunity, here to step up “their figure, for it is obvious that Everton have not been taking anything like all their opportunities. No team can snap them all up, but there is plenty of room for improvement in the Everton camp. Williams retains place at outside left on merit, and the confidence produced by his successful return should help him to play his part in pepping up the attack. Rather than lose the services of the powerful Sanders at full back, Parker has been moved forward in right half in place of Meagan, a move which should certainly help towards strengthening the side’s defences where they are most suspect. At outside right for Leicester will be Howard Riley, who was a member of the Army side which Everton’s Parker skippered in France last week-end and at outside left the Welsh Under 23 International inside forward Leek, who played for Northampton against Liverpool in the Cup last year. The Hickson-Jimmy Harris scoring machine has not been functioning very successfully in recent weeks for in the last four games, only Hickson has found the net. Despite that the pair are joint top scorer with nine each. Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. Leicester City; McLaren; Cunningham, Baillie; Newman, King, Keyworth; Riley, Kelly, Hines, Walsh, Leek.
McLAREN’S LONE BATTLE WITH EVERTON ATTACK
December 20, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Brilliant Hines Goal Against Run of Play
Everton 0, Leicester 1
Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards. Leicester City; McLaren, goal; Cunningham and Baillie, backs; Newman, King and Keyworth, half-backs; Riley, Kelly, Hines, Walsh, and Leek, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. K. Taylor, (Wolverhampton). Everton’s pitch presented a remarkable zebra appearance. About 20 trenches had been dug diagonally about five yards apart on the Bullens Road side with another lengthy trench parallel to the goal line extending into the penalty area at the City goal end. There were more short trenches running away to the side of this one. This attempt to improve the drainage problem and apparently had its effect, for the pitch looked in better shape than last week. There was no surface water, but it remained to be seen how the filled in trenches would behave under a sliding tackle. The first time Parker touched the ball he slipped through a nice pass to Collins who eventually carved out a chance for Hickson but it was obvious the ball had to be dug out of this holding going and the chance went when Hickson could get no force in his shot.
Sanders Pass
Sanders with a beautiful judged pass sent Hickson away down the right wing and from the cross Thomas returned the ball to Harris who again found the ball stopping awkwardly and could deliver no pace in his shot. Everton kept up the early pressure and Jimmy Harris worked himself into a shooting position but blazed the ball high and wide when a cross might have produced dividends. Everton’s first moment of difficulty in defence came with the ball being ballooned by Sanders and as the ball came down Walsh headed wide. Parker was showing his passing skill and he pushed the ball through for Hickson to try a powerful angled shot which almost gave a simple chance to Williams as the winger ran in. Everton were doing very well but the little Riley caused a stir when he tried a long range ground shot to which Dunlop had to hurry and dive full length to stop. Hickson was having his best game for weeks and he was unlucky to collide with Collins on the edge of the area as he swept in to snap up the ball. Everton slackened their grip on the game after their early prominence and Thomas came nearest to scoring when he swept in for a Jimmy Harris corner kick but only succeeded in heading it down into the hands of McLaren. Collins followed with a 30 yards attempt which went wide and if nothing else Everton were doing plenty of shooting back lacked the necessary direction and pace.
Parker Fades
After his bright opening Parker did not seem too happy at wing half. Many of his passes were too strong, almost as though he was playing full back in the strength he got on the ball. Referee Taylor who beats a marked resemblance to the famous Liverpool official Bill Evans, had a word with King after the Leicester centre half had pulled down Hickson. Leicester were rarely in it in an attacking sense. Everton with their best move of the game, almost opened the scoring as Hickson headed downwards and back to Collins and the Scot’s volley was deflected inches from the upright for a corner. So far the game had been rather like the pitch –full of patches. Everton had their moments of prominence without looking likely to beat McLaren. The pitch, indeed was beating both sides for no players knew what the ball would do when it dropped. It looked like Southport sands and the ball behaved exactly as it would do on such a surface. McLaren saved well as Hickson challenged to take a cross from Jimmy Harris and from hand the keeper kicked the ball the full length of the field for a goal kick for Everton – showing how strong the wind was. Hickson ploughed brought the treacle-like surface but his stamina ran out on him. It was left to Leicester to provide the first likely looking goal chance for some 30 minutes when a long range shot from Kelly was adopted at the foot of the post by Dunlop and the crowd gasped as the goalkeeper fumbled the ball so close to the line. Everton’s best were easily Saunders and Bramwell who were keeping a pair of lively wingers under complete subjection. Try as they did, however, the Everton forwards could not beat a strong tackling Leicester defence whose height and weight gave them the advantage with crosses from other wing.
Near Misses
It fell to Parker to hit Everton’s strongest shot of the first half, when he linked with Hickson and Collins to take the centre forward’s final pass move into the penalty area and deliver a very firm right foot drive which was only just off target. Jimmy Harris was only just wide when he deflected William’s centre after a good move initiated by Collins’s astute pass to Thomas. Half-time; Everton nil, Leicester City nil.
Parker opened the second half with a neat close-to-the-line dribble which ended after a throw-in, with Hickson just failing to connect with Collins centre. Then Collins tried a first time shot from just outside the area and it is, like the many other Everton attempts went over the bar. It was Collins again trying to give Everton the lead which their pressure certainly deserved, but he was inches wide with a shot after Jimmy Harris had cut inside Cunningham to push the ball across. After a series of shots had been charged down, Collins despaired of breaking the barrier of Leicester defenders and pushed the ball out to Jimmy Harris who hit a tremendous right foot shot which McLaren saved with the best effort of the game.
And Another
Everton kept up the barrage and Hickson going up high for Williams centre headed wisely across goal away from the goalkeeper but this –like so many others –was wide. Then followed a fantastic 60 seconds attack on the Leicester goal, when shots by Thomas and Hickson were luckily blocked and McLaren made another super save from Jimmy Harris. How a goal did not come from this effort no one least of all the Leicester defenders will ever know. Brian Harris who was playing well gave Parker a chance which he took quickly and only a lucky deflection by King prevented the Scots shot from sneaking in just inside the upright. Everton were giving the ball plenty of air and moving it well, but somehow this lucky Leicester defence was holding out. Dunlop had something to do for a change when he dived well to grab a shot from Riley after the winger had cut into the middle in excellent style. Thomas flung the ball across to the unmarked Williams whose deliberate shot hit the upright and bounced away to safely. There were possible grounds for a penalty when King up-ended Jimmy Harris. Them incredibly Leicester took a leading goal after 70 minutes when a breakaway by Hines who had done little before. He side-stepped Jones and Brian Harris neatly in midfield and found himself in the clear with Everton concentrating so much on attack. He took the ball fully 40 yards, dribbled around Dunlop and pushed it into the empty net for a brilliant individual goal. Everton built up an attack with Hickson and Collins down the right wing with the ball finally coming through to Jimmy Harris who had to wheel round to take a shot which he placed right into the hands of McLaren. As the seconds tickled away towards the end Everton kept battering away at this brick wall of a Leicester defence without showing any real signs of getting through for a goal, and Leicester were content, naturally to rest on their lead and clear the ball anyway and anyhow. Just before the end McLaren made a brilliant save from Thomas after Hickson made a chance and followed it by tipping a long Parker shot over the bar. Final; Everton nil, Leicester City 1. Official Attendance 27,703.
REFERE RIGHT IN HIS DECISION
December 20, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Everton Captain Tom Jones Says Whistle Went Before Saunders Shot
The Unlucky Man of Goodison
By Tom Jones
On the stroke of half-time last Saturday, Ronnie Saunders the Pompey centre forward, shaped to hit a goal which would have brought joy to his heart. That the referee’s whistle intervened at precisely that moment meant that his joy was not to be. Was it a goal? Should the referee have waited a moment longer? Were the first 45 minutes fully over? These were the questions which abounded among the crowd during the interval. I know my opinion is biased and should we have been on the receiving end of a decision such as this I would have been annoyed. But a referee is on the field to decide these matters and in his opinion the game had been in play for 45 minutes when he blew his whistle. Incidentally he blew before Ronnie Saunders hit the ball; I was close enough to be very definite on this matter. In fact, I wasn’t worried over the rumpus the Pompey players kicked up. The referee’s whistle had definitely gone seconds before the ball crossed the goal line. Full back Alan Sanders in his summing up of the incident reckoned that he could have stopped the ball from entering the net, but he heard the whistle and let it go. I wish that he’d stopped the ball it would have saved a lot of controversy but it’s incidents such as this that makes the game more interesting and worth talking over.
Glamour Round
The third round Cup-ties will be on as before we know it. Our opponents Sunderland have a preview of the City a week earlier as they have a League match against Liverpool on January 3. This round provides the glamour in the Cup. Here those minnows who have fought upstream all the way have the opportunity of belittling the big teams. But everything apart from ground advantage is in favour of the big clubs. The non-League Third or Fourth Division clubs often rely on part time players who cannot put as many hours into his training as a full time professional can. Fitness means such a lot in top grade soccer. One has to be really ruined up to a fine pitch to last through a Cup-tie especially when there is the chance of extra time being needed. Stamina and the extra training involved tends to augment the ability of the top clubs giving them a further advantage. We know it’s a wonderful achievement if a Third Division club or even a lesser club reaches the semi-final but the times this happens is becoming a rarity. The Cup is a do-or-die competition and the tougher and more versatile the team the more chances it has. That narrows the list down to a First Division possibly Second Division club. My choice? Either Wolves or West Brom. Both have the essential assets to reach the final, but a little luck can sway many an issue. The road to Wembley is wide open.
Into Trouble
Peter Harburn our close season signing from Brighton hasn’t had a great deal of luck since arriving at Goodison. Anyone taking over the No.9 spot, with Dave Hickson still on the club’s books, has to play well to keep in with the Goodison crowd. One mistake or indifferent game and the now is for Dave’s reinstatement such is Dave’s following and such is Peter’s luck. Moving into a club house a few months back settled Peter, but unfortunately he ran into a spot of bother recently. Apparently one evening when chasing a dog down the garden, which had been pestering the Harburn household he ran smack into the clothes line. It caught Peter straight across the eye, throwing him with a somersault. Luckily a neighbor saw it and took Peter to St. Paul’s Eye Hospital, where the wound, which was just below the eyebrow was stitched. Peter suffered double vision for a time but has now recovered. At recently as last Tuesday Peter, who has just become a member of the car owners club, took his driving test. As you may well gather Peter’s lucky failed him again and he still has to keep those “L” plates. Times will change Pete boy, don’t let it get you down!
FRENCH WITHOUT WIN FOR ARMY
December 20, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
But We Had Fun, Says Alex Parker
I suppose most people at some time or other have wanted to go to Paris and I’m no exception, but my initial visit was tinted with disappointment for the Army team lost to the French boys 2-1. What makes it even worse was that I think we should have won, for our boys did everything but get the ball into the net. Of course, that’s football. When the game had been in progress a few minutes I realized that I had seen the opposing outside right somewhere before. Then it dawned on me, it was Withlead, France’s winger in the World Cup I saw him playing against Scotland in Sweden. Before the game I was talking to Tylinski, the French Army centre-half in last year’s game. He did not play last Saturday as he had an ankle injury. He will be remembered by English fans as the centre half in the unfortunate accident which led to Alick Jeffrey breaking his leg in an Under-21 International. Apart from the result the trip was most enjoyable, for on Monday afternoon we went sight-seeing, which included a trip to the Eiftal Tower. As the top of it was under repair we could only go half-way up, but even that was quite high enough thank you. When we got to the hotel the menus, naturally enough were in France. One of the boys said jokingly that as many English establishments print their menus in French, he though the least the French could do was to return the complimented and print there in English. I pointed to something on the menu and asked Cavey Wilson, our outside left from Rangers if he would like some “Sure” he said. “I’ll try anything once.” “You won’t be having any of that I said” for the manager’s name” So much for eating in France.
In The Lift
On Sunday night Bert Slater, Jackie Plenereith and myself got stuck in the hotel lift. Fortunately we could open the door and found we were only about six feet off the floor. We decide to jump for it, Jackie went first and landed with an awful bang which sounded 1o times worse for it was late at night and the hotel was fairly quiet. “Right Bert,” I said, “you next” Down he went and he made even more noise than Jackie. Just as I was about to jump the hotel porter cane dashing up the stairs and although we couldn’t understand what he was saying he certainly wasn’t asking us to come back next year. After he had nattered away for what seemed an awful long time he turned on his heel. Then I jumped and made more noise than the other two put together, Phew! Unfortunately for our inside right John Smith he had to return home on Monday morning to play left-half for West Ham against Fulham that night. The Hammers won, so the trip couldn’t have affected him too much. On the Monday night both teams went to a show which according to the reactions of the crowd, was quite good but I’m afraid our lack of French let us down. We left Paris 11 O’clock on Tuesday morning arriving in London at 5 p.m. Most teams have a comedian in their ranks and the Army team is no exception. The aforementioned Wilson is the one who does the leg-pulling but I’m afraid he had to put up with a bit himself on the boat coming over for although two or three of the lads did not feel too good by far the worst was Davey Wilson.
Dodgin Help
John Barnwell and Johnny Petts (another comedian) of Arsenal and I realized this was too good an opportunity to miss, and we followed poor Devey all over the boat. The long faced winger pulled out all the tricks he knew to lose us, but without much success. Coming home the lads talked about their teams results on the Saturday and were left wondering whether they would get their place back. Apart from Smith, West Ham and Barnwell and Potts none of our clubs lost. Before I finish I would like to mention that Bill Dodgin who has a job in Italian football –came to see the team in training and passed on a few useful tips. It was a nice gesture. On Wednesday night I performed a very pleasant surprised when I was invited to supervise a raffle organized by Maghull Albany, at the same time answering a few questions put by the lads. I took an international cap and jersey plus a couple of medals for them to see. The boys are only 16 and play in the Ormskirk and District League.
BURNLEY RES V EVERTON RES
December 20 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Burnley Res; Wilkinson, goal; Pickup and Manshall, backs; Shannon, Talbot and Miller, half-backs; Newsland, White, Fenton, Cheeseborough, and Harris, forwards. Everton Res; O’Neill, goal; Billington and Griffiths, backs; King, Labone, and Ashworth, half-backs; Fielding, Temple, Harburn, Kirby, and O’Hara, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Berry. The Everton team was largely that which beat Burnley in the second round of the Lancashire Senior Cup in mid-week. In the early stages they looked the better side, Temple was desperately unlucky with a right foot flick which skimmed the bar. Ashworth sent O’Hara racing down the wing and Kirby put Everton in the lead from the winger’s pinpoint centre in the 13th minute. From Harris, Griffiths cleared off the line. The exchanges became more even and Cheesebrough beat O’Neill only to see his shot rebound from the upright. In the 38th minute Burnley equalized through Harris who received a nodded pass from Fenton. Half-time; Burnley Reserves 1, Everton Reserves 1.
NOT ILL-LUCK- BAD FINISHING EVERTON!
December 22, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Jack Rowe
Everton 0, Leicester City 1
The cry from most quarters after this amazing match was “Lucky Leicester.” Those from Leicester also joined in, but while it may be true that the City goal was in the words of an Everton fan, “decorated with invisible horseshoes,” I suggest that Everton lost not so much because of this, but because of their own poor finishing. For fully three-parts of the game on the desert-like and boggy Goodison Park pitch, they piled on so much pressure it was incredible they did not score and even more criminal that so much good work in midfield was wasted because they could not get the ball into the net. Everton made Leicester look poor and in the doing created so many chances that when one has allowed for the times when defenders kicked off the line there were still enough left to have made certain of victory by such a margin that I doubt if even Leicester would have complained. There were at least half-a-dozen occasions when the ball was put inches outside or over when one has the right to expect the target to be hit. Collins (twice) Jimmy Harris and Hickson all did it while Williams shot against a post from the best offering of all. It was because Everton missed these chances that they lost. Right back Cunningham, right on the whistle of time kept out Hickson’s shot and so we had one more spectacle of a team dominating a match and then losing it simply because there was on-one who could get the right direction with a shot.
One Deflection
Of all the chances Everton made, I reckon that only one was deflected outside by a defender and that was from Parker, while Leicester goalkeeper McLaren had his most difficult moments when Jimmy Harris whipped in two shots from angles so narrow that if he had been beaten McLaren would probably have been blamed. In fifteen minutes after the interval, Everton stormed in with such power that the tally of shots and headers not all of them from chances which should have been taken mounted almost as quickly as one could note them, yet the Leicester goal survived. Perhaps I was inevitable that the side which had been on the collar almost all the time should get the one goal and so it was that in the 70th minute Leicester centre forward Hines, collected the ball inside his own half and came through with body swerve and control, beating Brian Harris, Jones and Sanders, before slipping the ball pass Dunlop. Hines did precious little else, but this moment was a brilliant one and gave his team two points and a double for Leicester beat Everton 2-0 in the first game of the season. I am inclined to agree with manager John Carey that Everton were good as a team, if they had won handsomely, as they should, there would have been no quibbles about the general standard. My impression was that Parker will still give his best service to Everton as a full-back. Bramwell and Brian Harris had an excellent match. I hesitate to make Collins the outstanding forward because I feel that Hickson made more chances but these two were ahead of anyone else, for Jimmy Harris and Williams were inclined to run into trouble and Thomas often made the extra yard when a shot was required. Everton are fighting a continuous battle to keep the Goodison pitch playable and last week the experts dug a large number of trenches on the Bullens-road side of the ground. Four inches of soil was removed to allow the water to drain away and it was not until Friday that they were refilled with a mixture of material and covered in time for Saturday’s game. The aim is to see the season through, but it seems it will need another full-scale operation before the troubles can be eliminated. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards. Leicester City; McLaren, goal; Cunningham and Baillie, backs; Newman, King and Keyworth, half-backs; Riley, Kelly, Hines, Walsh, and Leek, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. K. Taylor, (Wolverhampton). Attendance 27,703.
EVERTON RES LOSE AFTER LEADING
December 22, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Burnley Res 3, Everton Res 1
Everton reserves tore into the attack with some fiery football from the kick-off of the Central league game and refused to allow Burnley to settle on the ball and it was no surprise they went ahead with a fine goal in the thirteenth minute. Engineer of the goal was Everton’s strong wing half, Ashworth, who sent O’Hara up the wing and Kirby headed into goal from the wingers perfect centre. But once in front Everton failed to keep up the pressure and by half-time Burnley had equalized through Harris. Fielding, Kirby and O’Hara continued to work hard in attack, but the wing halves had too much to do in defence in the second half to hope to maintain the attack. Burnley made it their day with two first-class goals from Fenton and Miller. Everton team was; O’Neill; Billington, Griffiths; King, Labone, Ashworth; Fielding, Temple, Harburn, Kirby, O’Hara.
SANGERS ‘NO’ TO MOVE SOUTH
December 22, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Alan Sanders, Everton’s right-back, will not be joining Leyton Orient. Mr. Alec Stock, the Orient manager, who made a bid for Sanders early last week, has been told that the player did not wish to move South because of business commitments in Manchester.
ULTIMATE IN SOCCER FRUSTRATION FOR EVERTON
December 22, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
What is the ultimate in frustration? Ask Everton. They suffered it against Leicester City at Goodison Park. This was no match, but an almost constant barrage of shot and shell by Everton against a team which came away midway through the second half to get the only goal. Incidentally, it was a very fine goal, but you could hardly expect Everton fans to appreciate it at its football value. In matches of this sort with one side on top (but not able to mark their command tangibly) one always has the fear that the others will break away and get the decisive goal. And so it was. So instead of Everton winning comfortably –given any sort of luck they might have won by seven or eight goals –Leicester whooped off winners by a goal to nil and apparently as delighted with themselves as Everton fans were disgusted that fate should allow then to get away with it. My view was that Everton could scarcely have done more to deserved success. In every season all clubs suffer defeat when they have deserved otherwise. This was a classic case for Everton.
Allegorically
They tell a story, in racing of the man who leaves the course having backed six successfully seconds (all of them to win). In the course of his long trudge home he comes across a man bending down in his way on the pavement. The broke punter takes a running kick at the only target which presents itself. The stranger, picking himself up after being sent sprawling, is suitably hurt and enquires “What did you do that for? I’ve done nothing to you, I was only tying my bootlaces. To which the frustrated punter replies viciously “Ah you –you’re always tying your bootlaces.” Perhaps it was well that not too many people stopped to tie their laces as they left the Everton ground, because at least one rabid Everton follower known to me would certainly have been prepared to kick against fate and any posterior which presented itself. It was all so frustrating that an Everton which had done everything so well should miss goals by infinitely small margins, not once but half a dozen times. One pictures Cunningham standing on the line, keeping out a Hickson shot almost at the final whistle blew; one recalls McLaren saving brilliantly (though one of them almost took him with it to the back of the net); two cracking drives from Jimmy Harris, one remembers so many Collins shots saved or sailing just over the bar and the well-timed full-blooded delivery by Graham Williams which struck a post.
Wave After Wave
Territorial advantage means nothing, but allied to good shooting it should mean that a match is well won. Everton shot well but unluckily and when they were not unlucky McLaren who never put a foot wrong, was there to deny them. On the few occasions when he was not in a position, some back or half-back would interpose his body against the flight of the ball. Everton fans took good naturedly these remarkable escapes in wave after wave of sustained Everton attacking. It was only when Hines broke away and cleverly beat first Jones, than Sanders, then Dunlop that good humour gave way to bad. They sensed and so must Everton players that this most unexpected goal was ironically going to be the only one of the day. The cleverest of Hines’ score was not so much the way he took the ball through and beat Jones and Sanders but the way he masked his intention to shoot. He shot much earlier, I think than Dunlop anticipated.
Peeble Beach?
The ground played reasonably after all the rain of Thursday but it was possible to see evidence of where the pitch had been trended diagonally to help drain it. I understand that these trenches were filled with pebbles to help drainage of the surface. The pitch is now a fair imitation of Seaforth sands (of should it be pebble beach?) After the tide has gone out but so long as Everton are getting a playable surface any remedy is worth trying. For inside right the grounds, is particularly testing. Maybe that is why strong little Bobby Collins took over in that position for longish periods. His stream of passes to Williams was first class. The pity was that the Welsh boy inclined toward running into trouble instead of out of it.
Brian’s Best
I rate Brian Harris’ work as his best for seasons. He tackled well, used the ball splendidly, especially when judging his passes to the right wing, and marked his first match after my service notably. It was a difficult ground on which to finesse and for a time Alex Parker, travelling one way and slipping the ball the other, could not time the ball right. But once he settled down he used his remarkable power of acceleration very well indeed and was not slow to go up and make a sixth forward. Indeed he, like Hickson, Harris (J) and Williams was unlucky not to get his name on the register. I would not be critical of Everton as a team, Harris (J) did not have a good day and a glue pitch is not one on which Thomas can show to advantage, but they did enough to earn victory and were desperately unlucky not to get it. It was good football in bad conditions and were Everton to repeat this performance they would not go far wrong. But in the event it was not their day and Leicester City walked off with the second leg of their first double. Stories that Ian Buchan’s departure from Everton is imminent are wide of the mark. The situation is as it was and Buchan is happy to remain at Goodison Park. He is under contract till 1961, and is finding it pleasant not to have so much responsibility. If some club came to him with the offer of a managerial chair he would consider it, of course, but he is in no hurry and is content to solider on with the club he “commanded” until the arrival of Manager John Carey.
The case of Peter Harburn is different. There is evidence of club’s interest in him and if anyone came for him I don’t think Everton would stand in his way.
MERCER MAY BE VILLA BOSS TONIGHT
December 23, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
No Quarrell At Sheffield
More Scope
By Leslie Edwards
Joe Mercer, former Everton, Arsenal, and England half-back and currently Sheffield United chief, expects to be appointed manager of Aston Villa this evening. His letter of application for the job was adapted last night. The announcement of Villa’s decision to give him the job-one worth nearly £4,000 a year –is almost a formality. Mercer had no quarrel with Sheffield United. It is just that the Villa post offer greater scope. Joe was looking forward in many ways when I spoke to him today.
That March 28 fixture Everton v. Villa at Goodison Park could be vital to us” was his observation.
Everton are unchanged for the Boxing Day game against Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park. Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.
VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
December 24, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Horace Yates
Manager John Carey hung out his Christmas presents in good time on the Goodison Park free in the shape of eleven announcements to a set of apprehensive footballers, that in this season of good will there was to be no sequal to the disappointment of the Leicester fiasco. No doubt taking the view that such a flop is likely to happen collectively to any side from time to time and that the picture was not as black as the score painted if, he decided on the same side to receive Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day. This is the sort of action which will be a definite morale booster, for no player can be happy and contented if he has grounds for thinking that he has only to put one foot out of place to lose his position in the side. Already Mr. Carey has shown that he is not given to panic that he has not been bitten by the all-change bug when the team goes slightly off the rails and that as a former player he fully appreciates the danger of hasty conclusions. Parker is not to be judged on one sortie as a half-back. He goes in again no doubt more confident and better for the experience gained on Saturday. Undoubtedly it was galling to see so many chances squandered and goals missed by the hardest margins, but in a side of Everton’s potential there is no reason to believe that this sort of thing is likely to develop into a habit. Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.
Mercer Hold-Up
Mr. Chris Buckley, chairman of Aston Villa said late last night that the board would meet Mr. Joe Mercer, the Sheffield manager in Birmingham today. “I would like to point out that no appointment for the position of manager of Aston Villa has yet been made” said Mr. Buckley, contradicting an earlier report that the appointment had actually been confirmed. It is not expected there will be any late barrier to prevent the appointment from being confirmed.
HICKSON GOAL UPSETS LEAGUE LEADERS
December 27, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 1, Bolton Wanderers 0
By Horace Yates
There is no form like football form and nobody better than Everton to prove it. Straight from a home defeat by Leicester City (bracketed with Aston Villa at the foot of the table) they break free from their shell and –crash! Bolton Wanderers, Lancashire’s pride and joy of Division One leaders of the League and already whispered as Wembley possible, are sent home pointless from inhospitable Goodison Park. More than that the Wanderers collected the doubtful distinction of being the only side to fail to put a solitary goal into the Everton net this season! Not for lack of trying, did they fail, to beat Dunlop particularly in the first half flurry when it looked as though the only shots on target were to come from the visitors. From head to foot Bolton peppered the Everton goal. When they flew towards goal, Dunlop stopped them, and when they shaved the framework Everton just sighted with relief. Surely it could not go on for Everton did not trouble Hopkinson in earnest for 41 minutes and yet when they did it was a goal –the match winner. Hartle, who with Banks formed a bunny pair of full backs, miskicked inside the penalty area and Hickson, who could not have been better placed to receive the pass, hammered it home with a great shot to which Hopkinson had no possible answer.
Higgins Hurt
Bolton may argue that had Higgins, masterful and menacing in all his work, not been recovering on the wing from a previous injury, Hickson would never have found himself in such splendid isolation, but chances are made to be taken and nobody could have expressed his thanks more gratefully or powerfully than the Everton leader. A minute later and Everton might have been two up, for Jimmy Harris contributed one of the shots of the game and saw Hopkinson relieved and happy to push the ball round the post. This was not the end of Bolton by any means but it was the beginning of Everton. If their forwards never quite carried the threat of Bolton with Lofthouse, Parry and Holden leading the revelry. Everton came more and more into the game and in the second half could justly claim at least to have been the equal of their dynamic opponents. Twice Hickson was in the clear, only to fail to produce a finishing fury to compare with his scoring effort. Collins shot directly at the goalkeeper but no one-way traffic was this. Lofthouse the menace looked at any moment as though he might cut short the Everton celebrations. It is difficult to imagine any forward packing more danger and control into his heading. Whenever he and an opponent went up for a ball it was Lofthouse who hit it.
Perfect Timing
Not only was his timing perfect, but he created the illusion with his precision timing of being able to hover in the air while lesser opponents rose and fell without making contact with the ball. Dunlop was certainly on his toes as well he had to be, and as spectacular as anything in the match I rated his leap and clean catch as Lofthouse rose for once in vain. Bolton realize to the full what an advantage their remarkable leader has when the ball is in the air. They exploited it magnificently and it was not because of any lack of response by Lofthouse that the Everton defence prevailed. The Parker experiment must go on. For half an hour or more his play suggested he was right out of touch. Once he settled down he was a new man. Brian Harris goes from strength to strength and if he can become so dominating in such a relatively short time, who can say that Parker is not the one to take a similar route to new triumphs. Tom Jones was never allowed to relax for a moment and only in the air did he suggest that the task was in any way beyond him. While it would have been more inspiring to find Everton forwards as a whole creating more confusion in the Bolton defence, the obvious answer is that from fewer chances than came Bolton’s way they did take the only goal –and after all Wanderers were the League leaders. Manager John Carey last night announced an unchanged Everton team to play the return game with Bolton Wanderers today. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and B. Harris, half-backs; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards. Bolton; Hopkinson, goal; Harle, and Banks, backs; Hennin, Higgins, and Edwards, half-backs; Birch, Hill, Lofthouse, Parry, and Holden, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Jobling. Attendance 61,593.
WONDER SAVES BY DUNLOP DENY NAT LOFTHOUSE
December 27, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
A gate of 61,500 at Goodison Park yesterday, saw Everton survive by a goal and two wonderful Dunlop saves to nil in a match which came to life only in the second half. The oddest thing about it was that Hickson whose hit-or-miss left foot shot produced the only goal at the 40th minute, in fact should have had a hat-trick so might Nat Lofthouse his opponent number. Twice after he had scored Hickson was through with only the goalkeeper to beat and on each occasion the muddy ground and a quick recovering Bolton defence denied him. All told I counted six first class headers by Lofthouse. Two of them were so brilliantly saved even Lofthouse joined in the applause of the acrobatic Dunlop. Apart from those Hickson-Lofthouse strikes both forward lines were not very proactive. Both centre half backs suffered injury. First the massively built Higgins who left the field for five minutes the first half and had a spell at outside left before he resumed his normal position then Tom Jones, who recovered from damage to his leg in time come back after a short absence to help his side weather the final testing minutes in which Lofthouse head was often near to getting the goal that would have given Bolton a point. Even allowing for the superiority of Lofthouse in the air, Jones had a splendid match but the man who really made the difference between victory and defeat was Dunlop. Those two saves of his were superb.
Taken By Surprise
Bolton, the bigger stronger side gave Dunlop a fairly busy first half, and were on top when Hickson seized the ball from a half-clearance and scored with a swerving shot which took everyone by surprise. With the floodlights on from the first moment through the threat of thick mist which materialized. It was a first half lacking in excitement and performance but things hotted up from this point. Hickson had a fine cross-shot put away for a corner before Parry. Bolton’s bets forward took advantage of a blunder and hit the oncoming Dunlop with a shot from close range. There followed a run by Hickson after Bolton had failed to get the offside verdict they demanded and this finished with Hickson shooting straight at goalkeeper Hopkinson with a goal well within his sight. Dunlop then brought off his two wonder saves before Hickson missed yet another goal and chance after breaking clean through.
A Close Call
It was a close call for Everton, and if the Bolton forwards had been punishing the result should have been different. The best wing on the field was the one composed of Holden and Parry, but cleverly as the Bolton attack played they never quite penetrated a defence which covered up well and tackled hard. Lofthouse’s career may have passed it’s peak, but he proved himself the best header in the game by getting great speed on the ball almost like a Dean and sometimes a Dean-like downward direction which must have beaten any goalkeeper but a Dunlop at the top of his form. Collins did not have a particularly notable match, nor did Williams. And Hickson except for his goal and for his two unsuccessful breaks, was not often in the picture. Everton had to work hard for these points and their play was adequate rather than brilliant. Indeed they played better when losing to Leicester, but one must not forget the deference in strength between a struggling Leicester and a Bolton poised to make a challenge for the championship.
EVERTON’S DOUBLE MADE IT A HAPPY CHRISTMAS
December 27, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Bolton 0, Everton 3
By Michael Charters
Bolton Wanderers;- Hopkinson, goal; Hartle and Banks, backs; Hennin, Higgins and Edward, half-backs; Birch, Hill, Lofthouse, Parry and Holden, forwards. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomson, Hickson, Collins and Williams, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Holland (Barnsley). Jimmy Harris played with a heavily strapped left thigh but seemed to be moving normally in the early stages. The ground was very heavy and a strong wind diagonally across the pitch soon had its effect on the play. Parry sent Holden away with a neat pass inside Sanders and the winger slipped as he moved into the penalty area to make a shooting position. And Holden repented his slip a few moments later when he tried to “first time” a pass from Lofthouse but Dunlop had no trouble in collecting a mis-hit shot.
The Offside Trap
Everton quickly fell into the Bolton offside trap which was a feature of the game at Goodison and Hickson was stopped when a nice through pass from Thomas put him in the clear. On his stamina snapping quagmire of a pitch it was obvious that the game was going to go to the side with the superior strength. But in the first 15 minutes it was anybody’s match. Lofthouse was only inches away from a neat through pass by Hill as Dunlop moved out smartly to pick up and Parry missed Bolton’s best chance when he slipped as he went to shoot from a ball pushed back to him by Birch.
Two Good Saves
Higgins who was having a game of mis-kicks and mistakes mis-headed and sent the ball in the clear to Hickson to race onto. The Everton leader shot from well outside the area and Hopkinson coming out was able to clear for a corner. Sander, with an overhead back pass forced Dunlop into conceding a corner and from it Dunlop saved beautifully strong header from Hill. It fell to Parker to deliver Everton’s strongest shot of the game when he hit the ball from 35 yards with great power, but straight at Hopkinson. And Jimmy Harris repeated the performance when Hickson with an overhead kick gave him a good chance, Hopkinson was in action again when he dived to grab a cross from Hickson. Collins and Hickson were Everton’s stars in attack at this stage but the wingers could make little headway against the firm tackling of the Bolton backs.
Collins Brilliance
Collins was delighting friend and foe a-like with his brilliance and skill under these very heavy conditions. He stepped over a long clearance from Sanders to bambooze the Bolton defence and Jimmy Harris was able to go on and deliver a dangerous laden centre only to see Hopkinson make a brilliant diving save to intercept. Then Everton took the lead after 35 minutes. A right wing attack saw Banks concede a corner to avoid the ever present Collins danger. Collins took the kick himself and as the ball was headed out by Higgins, Williams collected it –and scored with a low shot through a crowd of players with Hopkinson apparently unsighted as he didn’t move to the ball. Lofthouse missed Bolton’s best chance of the game when a long dropping centre from the edge of the penalty area but he took so long to decide where he was going to shot that Sanders was able to come across and block his shot.
Half-time; Bolton W nil, Everton 1.
The lights came on for the second half and signaled a tremendous burst of football which brought four goals chances in the first couple of minutes. First Lofthouse wheeled round to try a shot from the edge of the area only to push it wide and Birch had a similar chance but finished even more weakly. Then Hickson with a clever back-header sent the ball away for Jimmy Harris to take it on up to Hopkinson, but in trying to lift the ball over the goalkeeper’s head, Harris but it well over the top of the crossbar at the same time. Bolton came back immediately and Holder after beating Sanders twice in the space of a few yards hit the face of the crossbar with a centre as Lofthouse went up for it. Unfortunately after this exhibition of good play by both sides some temper came into the game and Banks had his name taken after a brush with Collins. Then Higgins brought Hickson down with a crash and was also spoken to and it was a pity that the game had been spoiled by this exhibition after so much fine football had been contrived on an almost impossible pitch.
Foiled Again
Williams twice fell offside and it would have paid Everton better for someone to have taken the ball through, rather than fall so frequently into Bolton’s trap which had stopped them often in this game. Apart from that there could be little complaint with Everton’s general play for they were showing great coolness in defence against strong pressure and were menacing in their attacks when they did beat the Bolton offside game. Lofthouse headed into the net after a left wing corner and the referee signaled a goal only to find the linesman flagging for an infringement by Lofthouse who had quite intently pushed Jones sprawling as he went for the ball.
Made By Collins
It was a tribute to the way in which Everton tried to play good football on this heavy going when they went further ahead after 71 minutes. it was a Collins made goal. Initially he pushed the ball through to Hickson, who chased it and Higgins was forced to give away a corner. From it, taken by Williams the ball swung out from the goalmouth to Collins, who chipped it back to the far side at the goal where Hickson ran in and slipped it past Hopkinson. I can never remember seeing any inside man give a better display on such a pitch than Collins who was running as fast now as he did at the start of the game, distributing the ball beautifully and dribbling in amazing fashion. Bolton set up a tremendous barrage on the Everton goal, but their finishing was weak and the Everton defence strong Dunlop made a great catch from another of Holden’s in swinging corner kicks and with the inside men and wingers coming back to help, they held on to their two-goal lead.
Then It Was Three
Everton seized the game up after 81 minutes with a brilliantly conceived and complete goal, it started with Collins again playing down the right wing for Hickson to centre right to the feet of Jimmy Harris who controlled it well and slid it past the helpless Hopkinson. Final; Bolton nil, Everton 3. Official attendance 37, 263.
• Everton “B” 7, Accrington S B 1
• Everton Reserves v Bolton Reserves, postponed
RIGHT HALF? I ENJOYED MYSELF
December 27, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
But Oh! That Running Says Alex Parker
The year 1958 has proved an eventful one for me, what with being transferred to Everton from Falkirk, playing in the World Cup, then being posted to Cyprus with the Army. I didn’t think anything else out of the ordinary could happen, but with only days to go before 1959 came my selection as right half to play against Leicester. It is not generally known that I was signed from Kello Rovers by Falkirk as a right half when I was sixteen and of course as I have mentioned before, I have been playing there for my battalion in Army football. I joined Kello as a centre forward from a juvenile side, and once scored four in a match, but I’m afraid I would never have done anything in football in a No.9 jersey. I also had trials for Hearts at right half and was due for one with Motherwell when Falkirk signed me. However, I only played three times for Falkirk as wing-half and the last one provided me with what I consider the worst game I have ever played. So you can well imagine that I had my doubts about playing there last week. However, I was determined to do my best, I realize that by playing in other positions you get to realize the other chap’s difficulties. I suppose football is like most other jobs in that you always think there are more snags in what you have to do than the other fellow. Then you have a go at his task and are not so sure. No matter how long you have been playing there is always something to learn and being able to play in more than one position is certainly no drawback. There must be many instance of players having lost their first team place through loss of form or injury, and their chances of getting back are not strengthened by their ability to play in only one position. If another player has to drop out other than the one who has displaced them, they know there’s no chance of getting back. I have been asked many times over the past week how I enjoyed last Saturday’s game and I hope I’m not accused of being big-headed when I say I was quite satisfied with my display. I found there was a lot more running about to do but much of that was due to my lack of experience in the position. I remember looking at the clock and being amazed that only 20 minutes had gone, I thought it must have been just on half-time. I also felt much more in the game than at full back and found had more opportunities to try a shot at goal. Yes I think I can safely say I quite enjoyed my first game as Everton’s right half. Naturally it would have been even more enjoyable if we had won, but despite having 95 per cent of the play we could not get the ball into the net, it was just one of those days. It was like the Wolves game, in reverse the main difference being that their luck didn’t desert them for all the game. A least they got the victory they deserved if only by one goal. We didn’t against Leicester I think if we had scored early on we would have run riot. Since I have been playing for Everton we do not seem to have had a great deal of luck. Let’s hope it change when the Cup ties begins next month. It was in one of the big stories in town last week doing some Christmas shopping when a middle aged woman approached me and asked if it would mind giving my autograph to the small boy who was with him. She asked me what the team was for the following match and how Albert Dunlop was playing, I said “Very well. Is he one of your favourities. “He should be she said “he’s my son. So now I know that Albert has at least one fan.
Cake From Fan
After my first article appeared in the Football Echo Mr. Sharratt of Stalmise Road, Liverpool 9 wrote to the Sports Editor saying some very nice things about me. As I was going in the players entrance for last Saturday’s game a man approached me, wished me a merry Christmas and thrust a parcel in my hand. It was a Christmas cake with a letter from Mr. Sharratt. He is obviously a fervent Everton fan, although born near Anfield severely years ago. I have heard many stories of how bother Everton and Liverpool fans have gained bad names for their clubs in the past, but am assured they are only a small minority. From my experience this is true, and one fan like Mr. Sharratt is worth more to any side than at the hooligans. My wife Jean and I enjoyed the cake very much. Mr. Sharrett and would like to say how grateful we are. We hope you had a merry Christmas and with you a happy New Year and many more seasons of watching Everton.
P.S – At the beginning of this article I listed why 1958 had been an eventful year for me, Jean read it and told me I had forgotten something. After a few minutes of deep thought I had to admit that I couldn’t remember anything else.
“Remember” she said “we were married last February” Parker caught offside again.”
TOM JONES, EVERTON CAPTAIN LOOKS BACK ON THE LEICESTER GAME
December 27, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
I’LL Never Know How We Lost
It was uncanny. That’s the only explanation I can give to describe last Saturday’s defeat by Leicester City. Even now, as I look back on the game, I find it hard to realize that we lost. One incident which happened during the match typifies my feelings. Near the end of the game I retrieved a ball which had gone for a goal kick when one of our supporters shouted; “What’s wrong with them, Tommy?” Indicating that we were a goal down after having 90 per cent of the game. I couldn’t answer this question as I was as nonplussed as the rest. I couldn’t see anything wrong, nothing that a goal wouldn’t rectify, that is. Maybe at times we did miss some chances but on the law of averages a half dozen in the back of the Leicester net wouldn’t have been amiss. Our forwards wing halves and full backs piled passes and goal chance galore. I can’t fault the lads for their endeavours, I wouldn’t have asked for more from them so to what can I look for a semblance of an excuse? The Leicester goal was a good one. Give Derek Hines incidentally we played together many moons ago for England Youths, credit for making the most of the only real opportunity that came his way. We could say that he got the break of the ball when going pass myself but then he was on the half-way line. He went on to evade Alan Sanders tackle and then controlled it beautifully in beating Albert Dunlop. A good goal. Reflecting rather soberly, in the bath afterwards, the boys came to the conclusion that it was the luck of our 12th man, Mick Meagan, which brought about our downfall. Mick such a quiet and likeable fellow, has yet to get any bonus at all when acting in this capacity for the first team. This has come to the notice of the boys and when his names goes on the team sheet for this position, he’s in for some leg-pulling. It’s the luck of the game, which echoes Derek Hines’s words when the game finished. “Well that’s football” He couldn’t have chosen better words.
Turkey Week
It’s truly amazing when you look around the dressing room on Christmas week to see some players you haven’t seen from one Christmas to another, mostly those in the Army some part-timers. Names like Temple, Hood, Ian Hillsdon (recovering from his second broken leg), Brian Harris, now demobbed, Parker, Graham Williams, both on leave. But the drawing power is not so much training or Christmas I believe it’s because its turkey week. As is usual among firms and football clubs in particular the lads at Goodison get a nice present from the firm in the form of a Christmas turkey. If you were around Goodison way on Tuesday, you will probably have seen players staggering home with their frozen paper bugs. And meat staggering. It’s been known to have happened in the past that one or two of the younger members of the staff have some home cheerfully with the news of a 10lb turkey, only to find a Ale boot last, nails &c as stuffing. More embarrassing still was when the bag collapsed on one lad in the street spilling out the oddments I’Ve mentioned. Maybe there’s a limit to leg pulling, who knows? But Alex Parker leaving the ground one day in a car, heard what he thought to be his back axle falling to pieces. In fact it was three or four large tins tied under neath his car. How they got there no one knows. But it’s laughter which makes the world go round, and who are we to stop it? In conclusion, I should like to wish all our readers, Evertonians and Liverpudlians alike, many pleasant hours of soccer ahead of them, success to their respective teams in fact a Happy New Year to all.
EVERTON MAKE ALLY OF BOLTON MUD
December 29, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Michael Charters
Bolton Wanderers 0, Everton 3
Everton’s magnificent double over Cup-Holders, Bolton Wanderers has sent them half-way up the table and pushed Bolton, League leaders at the start of the holiday games, down to fifth place. I rate this win at Bolton on Saturday as Everton’s best display of the season, for having seen them take a rather fortunate two points at Goodison Park on Boxing Day, few could have expected them to have triumphed so handsomely away. But there were no ifs and buts about Saturday’s performance. They were the better side at every point. They played as though they had enjoyed a happy Christmas indeed and meant to bring the same spirit into their tasks against the powerful Bolton side. They played great football on a pitch made for mud-larking a heavy glutinous pitch which called for extreme skill and stamina. In fact; the oft-criticized Goodison Park surface provided better playing conditions than Burnden Park, which quickly cut up into a morass. On it, the smaller Everton players twinkled and went their way, leaving the stronger Bolton men floundering. It was a reversal of the expected for here the physically weaker side conquered conditions supposed to be made to measure for a side of Bolton’s strength. Once again, it proved the adage that good football methods can beat the odds slacked against them.
Superb Collins
Ball-playing men like Collins and Parker had the skill to hold the ball and work, it through the mud; Bolton’s more tear away methods disappeared when the ball either stopped dead or skidded on out of control. If I single Collins out –that is not to say that the rest of the side were so much inferior individually and collectively they raised their play to a standard they have not reached before, playing as a team with method and directness which were a delight to see. Collins, however, was superb. Certainly I have not seen a better inside forward display on such a pitch. He made two goals, had a part in the third and had Bolton’s defenders running around in panic-stricken circles in an attempt to stop his wizardly. Instead of being bogged down in the mud, his tiny feet skipped over it. His control was amazing. He broke away from the hold Hennin had on him at Goodison, spraying out passes to all corners dropping back to bring the ball out of defence, doing everything, in fact that a class inside man is supposed to do. The miracle was that he did it on a glue pot. Everton’s defenders earned full marks for the way in which they cool and always contrived to pass the ball out of tight corners rather than slash it anywhere to safely. Jones had a magnificent game in keeping Lofthouse under subjection. The great Nat’s heading powers were rarely seen for Jones had remembered the danger of the Boxing Day game and snuffed Lofthouse out of the game. Parker had his best game as a wing half, and used the ball well, while Dunlop, his display highlighted by two brilliant saves from a Parry drive and a Lofthouse header, was very safe and confident. Sanders, facing Bolton’s most dangerous attacker in Holden came through well. Bramwell courageously played through the second half feeling sick. He was quite ill after the game and a doctor was called to him in the dressing room, but he recovered quickly.
Hickson’s Part
Hickson held the line together excellently. Some of his flicks and headers to colleagues were first rate and he had the measure of that tough customer, Higgins, frequently worrying the Bolton centre-half into mistakes. What of Bolton amid this Everton praise? Hopkinson made many fine saves, particularly in cutting out dangerous centres from Jimmy Harris. Full backs Hartle and Banks came out even in their duels with Harris and Williams and Edwards was their best half back. But only Holden did much in attack, so well did Everton’s defence cover and worry them off the ball. The name of Collins runs through the story of Everton’s goals. First, after 35 minutes he forced Banks to concede a corner, took the kick himself swinging it away from the posts and Williams collected a headed clearance to drive it back coolly through a crowded goalmouth –his first League goal of the season. After 71 minutes Collins sent Hickson away and Higgins pushed the ball to what he thought was the safely of a corner. From the kick the ball came out to Collins and he chipped it over the heads of the pack to the far side of the goal to Hickson who slipped it past Hopkinson. The last was the best of the three, nine minutes from the end. Collins (the man was everywhere) beat the offside trap on the right of the field, and gave Hickson a dream pass up the wing. Hickson took it on, swung over his centre to Jimmy Harris, who controlled it well and slid it into the corner of the net. Yes, a fitting end to an Everton display which shocked the form predictions and delighted their followers. Bolton Wanderers;- Hopkinson, goal; Hartle and Banks, backs; Hennin, Higgins and Edward, half-backs; Birch, Hill, Lofthouse, Parry and Holden, forwards. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomson, Hickson, Collins and Williams, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Holland (Barnsley). Attendance 37,623.
COLLINS AND EVERTON PUT ON A FIVE-STAR PERFORMANCE
December 29, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Michael Charters
Those Everton supporters who made the trip to Bolton on Saturday – and they were legion –must have come away amazed and delighted after seeing their side complete a great Christmas double with a 3-0 victory. Amazed that their team could have improved so much over the Boxing Day game and delighted that the side could provide such a sparkling exhibition of good football on a mid-heap of a pitch. Perhaps, too, they felt privileged as I did to have witnessed the in creditable display of wee Bobby Collins, who gave the finest illustration of the inside forward’s arts on a very heavy ground that I have seen. I asked Collins after the game if he has ever played better on such a ground. He replied that he thought he had, but when I emphasized the state of the pitch he said; “Yes the park was certainly heavier than I’ve known before, but I enjoyed myself.” These Scots invariably call a ground “the park,” and if Collins chooses some other “park” to play better than he did on Saturday, I only hope I’m there to see it. If I single Collins out for top praise it must be said right away that the team, individually and collectively, gave their best display of the season. There were no weak links as they mastered the conditions and the more powerful Bolton side to provide a feast of good football on a pitch which made it difficult to stand, let alone run and pass and shoot. Collins, however, was a five-star top-of-the-bill performer in his own right. His little feet twinkled and danced their way over the mud, flinging out passes in all directions, darting through in dribbles of close control, back in defence up to attack until his dominating figure had Bolton dazzled. His was the standard of football which can conquer any conditions. He has settled down incredibly easily to English football after his years in Scotland, and he gets such obvious enjoyment out of his game that his influence is spreading through the rest of the side.
A little word.
He told me had had not been pleased with his Boxing Day game against Bolton. Certainly right half Hennin had kept as close a watch on him as an M.I 5 man on a Mata Hari. But, on Saturday, he slipped Hennin and made space for himself by his industry and tireless foraging. Everton’s display was so much better than on Boxing Day that it was difficult to believe we were watching identical teams. Two things account for the change –Collins genius and hold if the game, and Tommy Jones great performance in stamping out the menace of Lofthouse in the air. Only Dunlop prevented a Lofthouse headed hat-trick at Goodison. In this game, Jones never let Lofthouse get into the picture. Manager John Carey revealed that he had a word with Jones about the heading power of the great Bolton lender. Jones he said, seemed to have an inferiority complex on Boxing Day on Saturday he went up with Lofthouse and out-headed him. What a little word can do. Stop Lofthouse and you cut 75 per centre of Bolton’s scoring ability. That was the lesson of Saturday, for with Jones control in the middle, plus excellent covering and coolness in defence generally, Bolton never threatened Dunlop to the extent they had done the previous day. Mind you, Lofthouse did elude Jones once and should have scored after Everton’s first goal, but this chance came to his feet and he was slow to shoot. Holden was Bolton’s best forward on the left wing but Parker and Brian Harris kept a grip on Parry and Hill and found plenty of time to go up and help the attack, Parker in fact, had his best game of his three at wing half and looks like staying there with Sanders in his best form, and he himself setting down well in his new role.
Hickson Shines
Dunlop made a magnificent save from a Parry power drive in the first half and handled everything else that came his way with the confidence and composure he is showing these days. He did not have a tough match, so excellent was the covering in front of him. Up front we had a glimpse of the footballing Hickson. He distributed the ball well worried muscle man Higgins into frequent mistakes and had an excellent game all through. But there it was the whole side moved well, passing the ball accurately and mixing the short and long game to Bolton’s discomfiture. If they had a fault it came in the way they frequently fell into Bolton’s offside trap, Bolton have this off to a nicety and too many thought passes found an Everton forward yards off side. It was significant that two goals followed corners and the third came from a particularly shrewd Collins pass which finally beat the trap. Bolton, strangely, tried a tip-tap style which was foreign to their normal play, and suicidal under the conditions. The ball too often stuck on the mud allowing Everton men to nip in and intercept. The first goal was also Williams first league goal of the season. Inevitably, it was Collins-inspired. The Scot forced Banks to concede a corner, took it himself quickly and as Higgins headed out, Williams very coolly and neatly shot it back through a crowd of players with Hopkinson moving far too late to do anything about it. Then Collins again midway through the second half. He held the ball until he saw that Hickson was not offside and pushed it through for the leader to cahse. Higgins had to give away a corner to stop the threat and from the kick the ball moved out to Collins just outside the area. He clipped the ball golf-fashion over the heads of the crowd in front of him straight to Hickson’s feet on the opposite side of the goal, Hickson gathered it and slipped it past Hopkinson just inside the upright for a goal which really settled the issue. Ten minutes later came the beat goal of the three –Collins-Hickson-Jimmy Harris. A Collins pass went down the right wing to Hickson, who centred it to Harris moving into the middle as he did frequently in the second half and the winger gathered it and swept it into the net in one smooth movement. Many of the players I spoke to afterwards agreed that the pitch was much heavier and more difficult than Everton’s, which must give Everton officials some relief from the headaches they’ve suffered recently over their criticized ground troubles.
BRAMWELL WAS ILL
December 29, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Few people who saw the Bolton-Everton game on Saturday could realizes that Everton back John Bramwell played throughout the second half feeling sick with a queasy stomach. His trouble was never showed to mar his excellent display. After the game, he felt quite ill in the dressing room but after a doctor had seen him, and helped by a medicinal tot, he recovered and was able to go home to Warrington with his father by car.
FIELDING ON THE WING
December 31, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
The Everton ground is “not too bad” after last night’s deluge and it is thought that it will be in order for tomorrow’s game –one which fills a New Year’s day blank in the City. The Everton team will be; O’Neill; Billington, Griffiths; Rea, Labone, Ashworth; Fielding, Temple, Harburn, Kirby, and Godfrey.
December 1958