BOBBY PARKER ON TRANSFER LIST
Sunday Post - Sunday 01 April 1923
Another old Glasgow favourite is also for disposal—the ex-Ranger. Bobby Parker, now with Notts Forest F.C., who has been in English football for several years. Everton secured him from the Light Blues after a keen chase, in which many clubs took part, and at Goodison Park Bobby made good. . When resumed after the war, in which was severely injured, he did not touch quite his old standard of form, and few seasons ago, while leading London club was chasing him, the  Foresters chipped in and induced him —he was then on Everton’s transfer list —to sign for them. This season he has not played regularly in the League team, but he is still a very capable player, who should have little difficulty in finding another club.

EVERTON 1 BURNLEY 0
April 2, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON'S LUCKY GOAL.
BURNLEY TRY KELLY AS A CENTRE-FORWARD.
By “Bees.”
In view of Everton's success against the Cup finalists at Bolton on Good Friday, a big crowd turned out at Goodison Park in the expectation of seeing Everton easily account for the Burnley side that was beaten by five goals to one by Cardiff City. They, were disappointed. Everton only won 1-0, and the goal was one, which would not occur again in forty days and forty nights. Admittedly, the display of Everton for a long time was of a fascination order, and it seemed that whatever the result Everton must please the eye. Still, there was a lack of finality about all their movements, which led to Moorwood having an easy task until late on, when he had to save from one of his own men. Taylor, who nearly put through his own goal. Moorland was then on his toes, but prior to this he had the misfortune to scoop at a ball which curled out of his hands into the net. It was a header from Forbes soon after the interval. It was not a goal to be joyful about, although there was joy in the fact that it brought two points. Everton were not quite worthy of this goal, for Burnley gave Fern a lot of work, and the Everton goalkeeper pitched here and there, yet never lost possession. There was a time when Lindsay, who was right through the defence, should have given Fern no chance, but a similar remark can be levelled against Forbes, who stood in front of Moorwood, and drove right at the latter's feet; so that balances matters.
FERN'S BUSY TIME.
The best work was in the first half, when Everton played pretty football and engaged in a series of good combined work. Then Everton thought they had nothing to beat and nearly paid the penalty, because Burnley, with Kelly as centre-forward, were always dangerous in their flash-away runs. Kelly is not physically fit for a centre-forward, but he has brains and is a competent footballer. Moreover, he sank his individuality so that he might be enterprising and unselfish with his passes. The result was that every time Kelly started a movement Burnley looked very dangerous and Fern was a busy goalkeeper. After a spell of about twenty minutes Burnley began to fade away somewhat, and in the smoky atmosphere Everton came forward, yet there was still that lack of definiteness near goal, and if Everton would not shoot they could not hope to make their good footwork produce tangible results. Late in the game Weaver, in particular, and Cross in a minor degree, came out of their shells and gave the home defence a warm time, whereas Morgan and Taylor always held a tight rein on Chedgzoy and Irvine. Morgan is a local boy of the Burnley area, and in taking the place of Watson, he took on a big task, which he accomplished with every success.
McBAIN'S CLEVER DISPLAY.
The main incidents of the game were an injury to Hart, who, however, persevered and played well, a fine save by Fern from Kelly, who was only six yards out, and when Moorwood was surrounded by players and kept hold of the ball, eventually throwing it round the post for a corner. Moorwood's best save was the one he made from one of his own men. Taylor, who miskicked, and nearly put through his own goal. As a game it was not very brilliant, yet Everton were in many ways delightful, for Troup was fascinating and frolicking, and if Forbes was not strong enough for Basnett the home half-backs saved the situation. McBain in particular playing a strong and clever game. At full back Fleetwood was tried in place of Downs, who is suffering from pleurisy, and he did quite well in his new place. Fern however, was the star member of his side. On the losing side the votes were given to Taylor, Smelt, Basnett, Morgan, Kelly and Weaver. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Fleetwood, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Burnley: - Moorwood, goal, Smelt, and Taylor, backs, Emerson, Basnett, and Morgan, half-backs, Nesbitt, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross, and Weaver, forwards. Referee L. Barker.

PORT VALE RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 3
April 2, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRE LEAGUE (Game 36)
Everton were a better-balanced and more skillful side than Port Vale at Hanley, and deserved their victory. The forwards of the visiting team did not have so large a share of the attack as their opponents, but they were always more dangerous, and they took advantage of the opportunities which came their way. Virr scored after nine minutes Williams adding a second after half an hour, Spencer reducing the lead five minutes later. The third goal was shot by Williams seventeen minutes after the interval. It was not a great game, the treachous turf handicapped the players, Caddick was a robust and sure back, but the half-back play was only moderate, Jeffs being the most effective. Parry and Williams were the outstanding forwards. The inside left was the most enterprising of the attackers, and Parry swung across many useful centres. Everton: - Salt goal, Caddick, and Weller backs, Jeffs Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Virr, Williams, and Harrison, forwards.

GRAYSON'S GARSTON 0 EVERTON “A” 3
April 2, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
TWO PLAYERS SENT OFF
At Garston. Everton played much more polished football, and were easily the better side. Holford scored before the interval, while in the second half Green added two goals. The closing stages were marked by a tendency to roughness, and the referee sent a player from each off the field.

EVERTON 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 1
April 3, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CUP FINALISTS DRAW ATB GOODISON.
EVERTON'S HOLIDAY RECORD.
By F. M. N.
Despite the fact that they had four reserves forwards, Jack being the only regular front line player, the cup finalists, Bolton Wanderers played remarkably good football at Goodison Park yesterday, and thoroughly deserved the point they obtained. Owing to injuries and illness the Wanderers were forced to make three changes, but it is questionable whether the regular players would have done better. As a fact, there was more life in the line in this game than in the semi-final at Old Trafford. On the whole it was a most attractive encounter to watch though there was a tendency on the part of both sets of forwards to keep the ball too close, and the half-backs generally held away. Everton found the Wanderers in no mood to take matters easily, but they did not play at their best, and it was plain that Cock was a much-missed man. Fleetwood's kicking at full back, too, left a lot to be desired. The visitors scored first after 13 minutes, Jack swerving over the left and with a deft flick of the foot centred for Jones to score an easy goal.
THE EQUALISER.
Twenty-nine minutes had elapsed before Everton got on terms, Forbes scoring finely from Chedgzoy's centre. It was a ding-dong struggle from now up to the finish, and all things considered a draw was a fair reflex of the run of the play. The outstanding feature was the goalkeeping, both Pym and Fern making some clever saves, though the Everton man was lucky when he fell for Walsh's shot to hit him after Jack had cleverly engineered the opening. Pym was clean in everything he did, while Finney and Howarth were a fine pair of backs, Newnes, deputising for Seddon, was useful at centre-half, but Jennings and Nuttall were more effective. Jack was the leading light in the forward line, his subtle footcraft being a treat. Walsh was a hard worker, and the wingmen, Simpson and Jones also did well. I have already refereed to the cleverness of Fern in the Everton goal, but it cannot be said that the backs were at their best. The halves were good without being brilliant, and the forwards as a line, were not so effective as in the previous match against the Cup finalists. Troup was the outstanding figure. As Everton have gained 5 points out of a possible 6 during the holidays the club have every reason to be satisfied, and the players will no doubt welcome the respite until next Saturday. There were 35,000 spectators present. Teams: - Everton: - Fern goal, Fleetwood, and McDonald backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Pym, goal, Howarth, and Finney, backs, Nuttall, Newnes, and Jennings half-backs, Jones Jack, Walsh, Wright, and Simpson, forwards.

MARCHING FORWARD
Athletic News- Monday, April 3, 1923
EVERTON’S SECOND EASTER WIN AGAINST BURNLEY
EVERTON 1 BURNLEY 0
By Junius
Looking back upon the varying phases of the game at Goodison Park, I am of the opinion that Burnley deserved at least to share the honours in a contest in which the finer points were rarely displayed. This was probably due to the holding nature of the pitch, especially in the second half, when there was a heavy downpour of rain and when the light became so bad that it was only with difficulty that play could be followed.  There were changes on both sides. Cock, who injured his ribs at Bolton the previous day, was unable to lead home attack, and rather than disturb the wing players, Forbes was drafted into the centre position. His inclusion did not bring the success hoped for. Downs was found to be suffering from attack of pleurisy, and Fleetwood appeared at right full-back, where he acquitted himself very well. On the Burnley side Anderson was displaced by Kelly, and Lindsay partnered Nesbitt, whilst Morgan filled Watson’s position.
Lindsay's Lapse.
Generally speaking the visitors gave a more convincing display, especially the forwards, who were the better balanced line, more direct in their methods, and rounded off their work with more likelihood of success. In other departments the honours were evenly distributed, for the respective rear lines generally had the measure of attacks. There were several thrills during the game. Twice In the first portion, Troup completely outwitted Emerson and Smelt and drove in shots that Moorwood only arrested under difficult conditions. The easiest opening during this period was presented to Lindsay after Kelly had manoeuvred to within half dozen yards of Fern. Challenged by Fleetwood, he tapped the ball to the inside right, who was unmarked, but he shot high over the bar. Again the Burnley centre wriggled his way to within a few yards goal only see Fern make a wonderful save. The second half found the Burnley defenders in difficulties, and after eight minutes, Chadwick, lobbing in a loose ball, enabled Forbes to heal through. Everyone expected Moorwood to clear, but he allowed ball to pass over his arms into the net.
Fern's Fine Goalkeeping.
The man of the day on the Everton side was undoubtedly Fern, whose anticipation was excellent. Moorwood, too, gave a good display which was unfortunately marred by the slip referred to. The respective backs played their parts well. Taylor and Smelt were stalwarts under pressure, but there were times when they overkicked their forwards, which was not so with Fleetwood and McDonald; the former in particular revealing his half-back experience in pushing the ball through with more effective results. The half-back play was more destructive than constructive. McBain and Basnett were able pivots, and while the former excelled in position play, Basnett held Forbes a vice. Kelly worked untiringly, and was mainly responsible for the incisive advances on the Everton goal. Nesbitt was below his usual form, and the left wing caused the Everton defenders most anxiety. Troup did not get enough of the ball with the result that he was often out of position; in fact the forwards were disjointed, while opportunities were wasted by dalliance. Very seldom was a telling shot directed at Moorwood. Everton; Fern; Fleetwood, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Burnley; Moorwood; Smelt, Taylor; Emerson, Basnett, Morgan; Nesbitt, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross, and Weaver. Referee L. Baker, Crewe.

EVERTON FIND CUP FINALISTS IN RARE FETTLE
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday April 3, 1923
EVERTON DROP A POINT
Bee’s Notes
Bolton Wanderers, who meet West Ham in the English Cup Final, visited Goodison Park yesterday with five reserves, and played so well that the attendance, numbering 40,000, went away with an idea that the full team must be very competent, and must beat West Ham. This is a face-value prophecy, and it must be remembered that Bolton will have the Cup “feeling” when they play West Ham, and they will not have to meet so dainty a side as Everton were yesterday in the early stages, not will they run up against a pair of backs such as faced them at Goodison Park.  The display of both sides was clean, spirited, effective, and tricky, and as an exhibition of good sporting football it was most enjoyable to watch, even though it had patent faults. The most notable was the lack of certainly in the Everton backs, neither of whom settled down to straight kicking for some time. Bolton started lackadaisically, while Everton opened with such joyous movements that one expected a further addition to the points gathered at Bolton. In the end Everton were, perhaps, glad to get off with a point.
FERN’S GOOD WORK
There were other shots, and good ones, and the goalkeeping was of high degree. Fern has saved a number of shots this week, and has come out of his ordeal with credit, yet he has taken many risks. It was a game in which the Everton half backs revelled. Peacock played a game and a half in the first portion, and McBain was consistently good. Hart, while not so good, was very competent in “leading” work. Probably his injury of Saturday was still troubling him. It was well that as a line they were the best part of the team. Bolton were steady in defence. There were no “airs and graces” about them, although Finney appeared to be taking things almost nonchalantly. Howarth was for the time being the better back. Walsh struck one as a building Shepherd, and Jack was as elusive as ever and kept the ball well at his toe. He is the neatest approach to Charles Buchan the football public has ever seen.
TROUP FINDS A NEW PARTNER
Congratulations to Troup on the happy event that is due to happen tomorrow. He is getting married, and one hopes that he and his partner will have a joyful and long innings.
Everton, who secured a great right-back in Raitt, of Dundee, at the beginning of the season, are evidently on the look-out for a Scottish partner for him. Mr. McIntosh, has been spending week-ends in Scotland, and generally finds himself at the match where Kilmarnock are playing. As left-back Gibson, of the Killie team is on the transfer list at his own request. It is not difficult to put two and two together, and although Kilmarnock have not yet been approached officially, it is quite on the cards that Gibson will be found at Liverpool before long.
Jackson, Wrexham’s centre-forward, and ex-Evertonian, has been suspended for a fortnight for a breach of training regulations.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
Everton A v. Wigan Boro Res, at Goodison Park tomorrow, 2.25. team; Kelly; Spicer, Helsby; McGrae, Hughes, Rooney; Rimmer, Young, Green, Virr, Alford. Res Herbeth.

BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 4, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Burnden Park, before 8,000 spectators Everton had much the better of the first half, but Bolton were the superior team after the interval, although without Hughes for the last forty minutes. The home forwards seldom beat the Everton defence in the first half, but the visitors missed several good chances. Both Miller and Williams should have turned Harrison's and Parry's fine work to account, but they failed to beat Hinton, who made excellent saves. Bolton improved after the interval, and soon scored, Readman converting a centre from Roberts. The same player made other good attempt to score. Everton came with a rush near the end, and Williams scored from a seemingly impossible position. Harrison and his partner did a lot of good work, Grenyer was the best half, and Caddick and Weller good backs. Salt had little to do. Everton got a point, but will have to play better to depose West Bromwich from the head of the table. Hinton kept a good goal for Bolton, and Chambers, Thirkill, and Matthews defended well. Everton:- Salt, goal, Caddick, and Weller, backs, Jeffs Reid, and Grenyer half-backs, Parry, Miller, Virr, Williams, and Harrison, forwards.

MOORWOOD’S FATAL SLIP
The Burnley News- Wednesday, April 4, 1923
BURNLEY UNLUCKY TO LOSE AT GOODISON PARK
SKILFUL WORK BY MORGAN
CHANGES THAT BROUGHT ABOUT A WELCOME IMPROVEMENT
EVERTON 1 BURNLEY 0
By “Kestrel”
Surely Burnley have rarely been so badly served by Dame Fortune as they wereat Goodison Park on Saturday, for instead of coming away with two points, as they thoroughly deserved to do on play, they were beaten, and that only by a fluky goal which Moorwood ought to have saved. It was the only bad thing Moorwood did, and he did a host of good things, but it was fatal. The game itself was one of the best that Burnley have put up for a good while, and while on the whale it was fairly even, Burnley were deserving of the full honours by reason of their excellent football, and also by reason of chances made. Had the forwards taken several gilt-edged securities which came to them, even the mistake of Moorwood would not have mattered, for whilst Fern was freely tested and gave a good exhibition, there were several occasions when he ought to have been given no chance whatever in the first half.
BURNLEY S IMPROVED DISPLAY,
It was a bright and scintillating game throughout, made more so as far as the Burnley side went, by an excellent understanding and by a keener perception. Brainy ideas were in evidence throughout, and for these Kelly, Lindsay and Weaver of the front rank, and Morgan of the halves, were greatly responsible. Perhaps Kelly was not quite at home at centre-forward as far as distribution of play was concerned, but he had men on the wings who played up to him, and none more skilfully than Lindsay, and as a consequence, Kelly was able to indulge to the full in those sparkling dribbles and quick bursts through the defence which are his special metier. Perhaps one thing that suited the Burnley side was the fact that the ground had been softened by the heavy rain of the night, and on the holding turf they gave an exhibition of classy play which was reminiscent of their best days. They could, in fact, do anything but get goals, and it was a presage of things to come when five minutes from the start Lindsay got an open goal chance six yards out, after brilliant co-operation between Cross, Kelly, and Nesbitt, and to the dismay of the Burnley supporters he lifted the ball clean over the bar.. Itwas a huge disappointment.
CLEVER WORK BY MORGAN.
Almost inevitably, Everton after this let-off went for the game tooth and nail, from being somewhat deliberate and uncertain, for a time they held the reins, though they could never be said to have obtained a mastery. The thoughtful and well-studied movements of Burnley, marked by a speed ball control that was reassuring, were such as to eventually bring about a marked superiority. Keeping the ball low for the main part, with periods of scientific close passing varied by long open passes, which prevented the home halves from breaking up combination, the Burnley attack infused a confident tone into the game. There was also a more solid co-operation between the halves, and the forwards than there has been lately, and nowhere was that more marked than in the work of "Billy" Morgan, who, in my opinion, was the most outstanding half-back on the field. His speed certainly was a great asset, but he also brought to bear a skill and judgment in his placing that were a revelation in half-back play. And to him perhaps more than to any player was due the fact that Chedgzoy had a very lean day indeed. Had Cross been in his best form, which he was not, the left wing would have trounced the opposition, as Weaver had Fleetwood utterly by speed and his centres were often very menacing.
ANYTHING BUT GOALS.
But if there were stars on the Burnley side there was a little meteor on the Everton horizon, and that was Troup, the diminutive left winger, who seemed to be about the height of “six penn'orth copper," but a veritable little demon with his feet. He twitted and doubled under Smelt's nose until the Burnley back must have been completely bewildered for a time, and it was only when Emerson took charge of the outside position later in the game that the dance became a less merry one. But whilst it was on he was certainly a constant score of danger, and he had a foot in the scoring of the only goal of the game. But as a line the approach work of the Burnley side had about it more intimidation that ofEverton, and that threat should have been turned into a goal at the end of half an hour, when Nesbitt and Lindsay took the ball along smartly for Lindsay to give a grand position pass to Kelly. The centre-forward made the error of taking the ball too close in, end then shot straight atFern when all other opposition had been overcome. He made another effort soon afterwards, from Nesbitt's pass, but took the ball to too acute an angle before shooting, and Fern again prevailed at the expense of a corner. At this point Burnley were all over the Toffee team, but they could do anything but score goals, for after Fern had saved a hot header from Basnett. Kelly opened out to Weaver, and the winger ran through after beating Fleetwood, and his shot struck the bottom of the upright. Fern had been having a very busy period, whilst Moorwood's position had been almost a sinecure.
GIFT GOAL FOR EVERTON
Everton re-opened the game with a spirited burst of speed, but the response was keen, and Burnley seemed to be again better than thehome side until the one fatal slip of the game, which came after eight minutes. It was the result of chapter of flukes. Taylor possibly might have cleared earlier after he had run across the field, and when he kicked the ball it struck Troup on the legs and from him cannoned to Chadwick's legs by accident. The inside man quickly turned it to good account with a centre to FORBES, who, evidently without hope, nodded the ball forward. There was no speed about it, and everything seemed all right as Moorwood tookthe ball with both hands, but the ball was somewhat greasy, and maybe there was a curl on it. Whatever the cause, the ball was seen to swirl out of Moorwood's hands, and he gazed helplessly as it rolled into the net Moorwood undoubtedly committedthe fault of taking the ball sideway, and thus was not able to oppose his body to it when it spurned his hands. Luck continued to serve the home side, for almost immediately afterwards, a capital move by Morgan and Weaver gave Cross the opportunity to shoot, and he availed himself of it, but Fern, who appeared to be unsighted, stretched his leg out and prevented the ball from entering the net. Burnley never lost-heart, but fought even the more keenly to retrieve their fortunes, but without avail, whilst Everton inspired by their success and the cheers of their supporters put up a strong attack. It was indeed a battle royal, fought at a rare pace. Once it appeared as if Moorwood were doomed to be beaten when the ball came hurtling from Troup right in front of the home forwards and Forbes applied his head when only a yard or two out, but almost miraculously Moorwood gathered, and with a crowd of players on him he held desperately to the ball until an opportunity came to throw away for a corner. Forbes shortly afterwards seemed certain to score, having dashed through the defence, and as he shot from close quarters Moorwood managed to get his foot to the ball and to turn it away for Chedgzoy to fire over. In the concluding stages Burnley were obviously under a cloud, and from a centre by Troup, Taylor almost turned the ball into his own net. Moorwood having to be quick to make what was one of his best saves of the game.
A SINGULAR INCIDENT
A rather peculiar incident happened during the first half. Forbes appeared to me to be ill an off side position on one occasion, and as he was making a rush which threatened to be ominous if permitted to proceed it was a relief to hear a whistle go and to see the player stop. But it was not the referee’s whistle. It appeared that someone had fainted in the crowd, and a spectator had blown a whistle-peculiarly like the sound of a referee’s whistle-to attract the attention of the ambulance men. The referee had to drop the ball when the game was resumed. The play generally was a credit to the Burnley side. Moorwood, apart from his one mistake made some great saves, though he did not have quite as many calls upon him as did Fern. One of the features of the game was the clean volleying of Taylor, who again was the best back on the field, with Smelt (the day’s captain) doing a lot of wonderful work. The right back was the more called upon of the two defenders, as Taylor got such grand assistance from Morgan, who was as good in defence as he was in attack and it often fell to Basnett’s lot to go Smelt’s assistance, as Emerson was too often running between the two opposing wingers. Nesbitt has not yet recovered either his confidence or his keen penetration, nor did Cross, except for the half-hour give of his former best, and he appeared like a man sadly in need of a rest. The teams were; Burnley; Moorwood; Smelt (Captain), Taylor; Emerson, Basnett, Morgan; Nesbitt, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross, and Weaver. Everton; Fern; Fleetwood, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee Mr. L. Baker, of Crewe.

AN ART SIDE
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, April 4, 1923
Bee’s Notes
From an old Evertonian, residing in Bolton, I get this letter:—The crowd of 40,000 at Burnden Park was in part a tribute to Everton's popularity—and when the " Blues " (now deep mauve I notice) came on the field they received quite a warm welcome. From the outset Bolton were ridiculously outplayed. Either they were suffering from cup-tieitis, or else they were chloroformed by Everton's amazing cleverness. We've seen nothing like it this season. Joe Smith and Vizard were up against a locked, bolted, and barred gate. Downs being utterly callous in his coolness, and Peacock out-vizared Vizard in footwork. The half backs were very sound- the three of them reminding me of Makepeace at his best. Troup as a clever outside left was a success as a box of tricks, a disappointment. He didn't produce any rabbits from silk hats, or ask us to take a card. But a fine forward line! Cock’s unfortunate accident deprived us of an exhibition of real football. During the and first twenty minutes both halves and forwards, with deft and dainty touches (like Bolton's Jack), looked like scoring many goals. They won much generous applause. Then the game developed into defence work —and not all the King's horses and all the King's men would have penetrated that defence. Well, its good to see Everton once more a real Everton. Their place is at the top—not struggling to avoid relegation. One word of advice:—They have an air of this—" we are foot experts and are playing for the mere pleasure of producing something artistic—we are not out to win matches- we are satisfied to show you exceedingly clever football." Like the artist who doesn't mind starving in a garret provided he has the joy of producing glorious art works. But an artist requires bread, and a league team requires points.
MARRIAGE OF POPULAR EVERTON PLAYER
Alec Troup was married today, and he and his good lady (a Miss Kydd, of Forfar) kept their secret so well that not a soul knew where the ceremony took place. However, “Bee” was outside the portals, and congratulated the pair upon the auspicious partnership. Troup will be visiting Forfar next week for a holiday. Apart from Mr. Crammond and a lady friend no one else was present at the wedding.
Troup was surprised to know that anyone had found out his secret. “Bee” must have scented it!
Half-time- Wigan Res 2, Everton A 1.

MARRIAGE OF ALEC TROUP EVERTON WINGER WEDS FORFAR LADY
Dundee Courier -Thursday 5 April 1923
How Secret Was Found Out (From a Special Correspondent.) Alec Troup, the ex-Dundee left-winger, now with Everton, was married in Liverpool yesterday to Forfar young lady. Accompanied by his handsome bride, Alec tripped along to motor. They were very pleasant, and thought that last the great day had come, and with it no publicity. At that moment the Courier” representative hied on them, and said, “Boy, hearty congregations" Alec might have been tripped up in the penalty area so surprised was he. "Man, how did ye get to know?'' asked. Well," said I, " I knew you were getting married to-day. I knew it was to morning time, and it was by speoial license. So I have been waiting the doorstep for hours." " Well,'' said Alec, " I don't mind now. We wanted to keep the whole affair a secret. Not soul knew about this little partnership, and neither the Directors nor players knew more than that I was indulging in a new partner this week —one for life." "Who the lady, may I ask?'' said to Troup, and he replied, " A Miss Kydd, of Forfar. Now she's Mrs Troup." Troup and his wife laughed heartily at their quiet marriage being found out, and they said they were off to Forfar for week to spend a holiday. Immensely popular. Troup wil] not miss any matches, and the Everton people are glad of this, for man so quickly fell into the popularity of the crowd than Alec, whose dandy runs and dribbles have captivated the Mersey crowd. It no exaggeration to say that Troup has put the " ton in Everton, and that not since the days of Tommy M'Dermott's dribbling runs has anyone in the city been so dominant in game. He is making Chadwick, a big raw boy, slow and deliberate into quick-thinking unstereotvpod player. The crowd Goodison Park has gone up steadily by thousands each week since Troup came show them a new style of football. The pity was that hid the marriage, being shy of publicity, for their would have been a big " gate at the do."

TREAMS OF THE WEEK-END
The Liverpool Echo-Thursday, April 5, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton are coming to their best and their happiest moments just now, and their good news of the morning is that Raitt has returned to fitness and to the first team; and secondly the Harland has returned from Ireland and is to keep goal for the second team, after his life-and-death struggle in the London hospital. Thirdly, there is the joy over Troup’s marriage. It was a well-guarded secret but, bless your heart, it did not escape these wings. There were only Mr. Crammond and lady, the bride and bridegroom apart from myself, and if Alec Troup had been pulled down by a trip he could not have looked more surprised when I tracked him down with his wife, a handsome young Forfar lady, whose maiden name was Kydd. “come up this evening and join us,” said Troup, but I was too anxious to keep another appointment so that the real National pictures could be seen. Troup has captivated the Goodison crowd as no other player has done since the days of Tommy McDermott. He has become a live force and set the Mersey ablaze. For my part, I am content to watch a losing side so long as they show us anything approaching good-class football, and of a surety Troup and his comrades have been doing this lately. Everton next season should be one of the bonniest sides in the League to watch. Never mind about points. I am concerned for the moment with the standard of play which has been so woefully low at Goodison Park since the grand days of Sharp, Taylor, Makepeace, &c. Everton first team is unchanged for Burnley, save that Raitt returns.
Reserves teams.- Everton v Port Vale;
Harland; Caddick, Livingstone; Jeffs, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, and Harrison.
The Loyal Liverpool Unemployment Distress Committee thank the general public for their generosity to the collection held at Goodison park on Saturday last, and to the directors of Everton for granting permission to make the collection; also the assistance received through the publicity given in your columns.
BURNLEY MAKE CHANCGES v.  EVERTON AT TURF MOOR
For the return game with Everton, Burnley will have Morgan at left half, Watson, the captain being given a rest. Fisher reappears at outside right after several weeks absence, and Kelly, who will be appearing for the third time as leader of the attack, will make his first appearance before the home spectators in that position.

GRAYSONS SOUNDLY BEATEN BY EVERTON “A”
Runcorn Weekly News- Friday, April 6, 1923
There was only a poor crowd at Woolton road on Saturday for the visit of Everton " A." owing, to the late hour of the kick-off. Graysons were roundly beaten by a side superior in every way and were lucky to escape with so small a deficit. The home players put very little vim into their work except in the closing stages when they showed vigour and foul play became the order so that two players, one from each side, received marching orders. The game lacked interest, despite the cleverness of the visitors.  Alford opened the Everton account and the visitors led at the interval by the only goal scored. Soon after the resumption a fine wing run and a neat centre by Houghton, gave Green his opportunity to score a second, and the third and last goal came from Green, who capped a good solo effort by a good finish. The refereeing gave cause for much criticism. The teams were: Graysons: Furnell; Howard and White; Mayers, G. Hughesand Oakes; Bain, Rowlands, Staunton, Williams and Fraser. Everton: Kelly; Helsby and Spicer; McCrae, J. Hughes and Gabler; Houghton, Hesketh, Green, Houghton, and Alford.

EVERTON OFF TO TURF MOOR
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, April 6, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Burnley, and realise that they will have to do better than they did on Monday if they are to overcome the Turf Moor side. There is no doubt that the Burnley side is passing through a storm of “Betweenity.” Jerry Dawson has probably been “in two minds” when he has been keeping goal lately, as he has had much to ponder over. However, Burnley showed at Goodison park that they had not lost all idea of what was wanted of them, and their style suggested that they might upset preconceived notions. Kelly as centre-forward is better than he looks as first blush and candidly I can see Everton having a hard row when they get on the Turf Moor pitch, which is not calculated to help their “flash” style owing to the incline. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Burnley; Moorwood; Smelt, Taylor; Emerson, Barnett, Morgan; Nesbitt, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross, Weaver.
Seaforth Albion and Everton “A” meet in the cause of charity on the ground of the Seaforth Fellowship club. Litherland. The game will be well worth watching, as the Everton directors are sending a strong team, and the Albion hold pride of place in the first division of the Bootle League. The Litherland Prize Band will discourse music throughout the afternoon, so roll up in your thousands. The proceeds are in aid of the Litherland Cot in Bootle Hospital, and the Litherland Red Cross society.

Forbes Plays Again.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 07 April 1923
Freddie Forbes, the ex-Heart of Midlothian forward, who bad been absent from the Everton attack since last September, deputised for the injured Jack Cock in the game with Burnley, and the goal which put paid to Burnley. Forbes is considered by many to be unfortunate to have lost his place with the Goodison club, for he was getting goals and showing promise when dropped out of the side.

JOHN HILLMAN
Burnley Express - Saturday 07 April 1923
One of the outstanding figures as a player in Burnley football is Jack Hillman, who, though not a native of the town on the Brun, was rared from childhood near Old St. Peter's.  With the lads at the Top of the Town he was a familair object, and loved to engage with other boys in elementary football.  His forte was goal.  He was born near tavistock, a few miles from Plymouth, and came to Burnley with his parents when quite young.  By and bye he showed ability against his youthful companions, and eventually became associated with the bigger lads.  On Good Friday, 1890 on the failure of Manchester Welsh to keep an engagement the authorities at Turf Moor hied themselves to Fulledge Recreation Ground where a team styled "Young Pilgrims" were indulging in the Game.  They were induced to fill the gap at the Turf, and Hillman gave such a good account of himself that he was secured for the Reserves, for whom he kept goal against Peel Bank Rovers the following day, but, despite his deexterity in defence, he was on the losing side on both occasions.  However, Hillman appeared in goal for the remainder of th season and nearly all the following campaign.  In November, 1890 he had the misfortune to have his collar bone broken -in a game against Accrington Reserves, if my memory serves me correctly.  His first appearance between the sticks for the seniors was on January 10, 1891 against Linfield Athletic, whom Burnley beat 6-2.   On Kaye "blotching his copybook" in Scotland by playing in the close season, Hillman got his chance of promotion and seized it with both hands, so to speak, and for four seasons he was guardian of the keep for the preimier team in the League in which he accomplishlished many good performances.  He performed many deeds of "derring do" in defence of his chrage.  Some of his dives were darlingly done, and I think he invented the  “Saving by instalment" system.  At the end of the season 1895 he was transferred to Everton whence he migrated to Bonnie Dundee, and being "Borrowed" he returned to Burnley to assist the old club back to the First Division.  He re-eppeared at Luton on March 19, 1898, and at the end of the fight for promotion he returned to the marmalade capital, but not long, as he returned to his old love on October 22, 1898 and continued his allaganies to th Turf Moor club until January 25, 1902 when he was transfered to Manchester City, his last appearance in Burnley's colours being in the English Cup tie at Walsall.  Hillman was with the City when they carried off the English Cup defeating Bolton Wanderers in the Final in 1904, a souvenir of the occasion adnoring his shop window in Thurston-Street.  While with Burnley he earned International honours, playing against Ireland in 1899, and kept goal for the English League against the Scottish League at Glasgow in the same season.  After ceasing his connection with the City he played a few times for Millwall, but was badly damaged and was ill for a time.  On recovering he became associated with Burnley ones more, keeping goal for the Reserves in January 1909, occasionally assisting the seniors and eventually became trainer to the second string, a [psotion he now holds, and was honoured a year or two ago by being selected to act in that capacity for England against Ireland at Belfast.  He kept goal both for Dundee and Everton at Turf Moor and in 1915-16 appeared between the "sticks" in a practice game (on the death, suddenly of Langtree), and with the premier team against  Southport and Oldham, owing to an injury to Dawson.  In his early days he figured at inside-left to E.Hargreaves in a game against Burnley Tradesmen in February 1894, and scored two or three goals.  In his younger days Hillman was one of the most acrobatic of players, and some of his exploits would not have disgraced a prfessional circus performer.  He was also pretty fond of a practical joke and his colleagues in the recreation room at Turf Moor were kept alive.  He can tell a good story - he has an extensive storage -and besides being possessed of as fine a set of teeth as could be found in the proverbial day's match, he has a memory for dates etc., which is the envy of many people, and at times yours truely.  I would just like to add that Hillman in my opinion has been among the greatest defensive opponents of his time, and at periods stood out alone, and especially when the conditions were taken into account.   

EVERTON AT BURNLEY
The Liverpool Echo-Saturday, April 7, 1923
EVERTON’S IMPROVEMENT
By Stork
Everton have made an appreciable rise in the League- they are placed eighth from the top. Good reading this, and is what it should be for a team of Everton’s standing. The Goodison Parkers are playing delightful football, and if they are not running riot with big goal crops, they are pleasing their followers with their “pretty stuff.” True, it is goals that count, and if Everton will only finish off their finesse with a goal or two all will be well. To my mind the “Blues” have the best half back line in the land. The whole three are dainty and clever, and are not tied down to the defending. A half back line is the most vital one in a side. It can make or mar a side. Forwards have to nursed, and if the halves are purely defenders the forwards have to do all the foraging for themselves, with the result that when they have to add the finishing touch they have taken such toll of their strength that they are unable to finish as strongly as if they had been supplied with the opportunity without having to work hard for it. Everton will come. Next season I prophesy a successful season, for they have the material necessary to make a successful playing machine. John Cock has got over his knock at Burnden park and comes back to lead the side. This will be all for the good, for although Forbes is a nice little footballer, he lacks the inches and weight necessary for the making of a successful centre-forward. Raitt also returns to the side to make the defence sound.
BURNLEY’S FIND
Burnley were unfortunate when they appeared at Goodison a week ago. It was a bad blunder by Moorwood which gave the Evertonians the points. Burnley played well and thoroughly deserved at least a point, but such is the luck of the game. I am told by people who see the Turf Moore men week in and week out that their Goodison display was the best for many a long day. There was more understanding amongst the forwards, which has been their weakness, and the idea of playing Kelly in the centre made for good. Kelly is a great player. His ball control is excellent, and he has a deceiving swerve which is troublesome to centre-halves. In Morgan Burnley have found a fine left half back, and if he continues in the same manner as at Everton he will soon become a permanency in the Burnley eleven, and Watson will not be missed quite as much as has been the case. Only two teams have taken four points from Burnley. Will Everton join this small but select circle? Burnley did well to come away from Ninian Park with a point, and they will be desperately anxious to show their followers how they have improved, and Everton will have to go all the way to keep their goal intact. I fancy a draw will be the result. Teams; Burnley; Moorwood; Smelt, Taylor; Emerson, Basnett, Morgan; Fisher, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross, and Weaver. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 7, 1923
By Louis T. Kelly
•             Mr. John Lewis was at Everton on Saturday looking up international material
•             Fern’s fine keeping during the Easter holidays has greatly delighted his many old-time admirers.
•             Everton this morning were already two points ahead of last season’s full total
•             Curiously, Everton’s two leading scorists are their inside lefts, Chadwick and Williams, with 13 and 12 goals respectively-very creditable achievements for men in their first part season in senior football.
•             Fleetwood was tried at full back by Everton just prior to Dicky Downs’ advent, and again in a couple of matches about a year ago.

MR. WALTER SUGG IN LONDON
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, April 7, 1923
Mr. Walter Sugg, the ex-Derbyshire cricketer, who is so well-known to local sportsmen by reason of his work for junior cricketers and footballers in this city, is now in London, and although he has only been there a couple of months has already made his presence felt. At the annual meeting of the London Cricket Leagues’ Association, he was elected president of that body. This league has over 400 clubs affiliated to it, all of which play on pitches provided by the London County Council. Mr. Sugg remarks in a note I had from him; “I really cannot understand why the Liverpool parks and Gardens Committee cannot do more for our clubs in Liverpool.” Mr. Sugg has behind him the good wishes of all the people in Liverpool whop remember him gratefully for his good work, and I take this opportunity of expressing the hope that his year of presidency will be a fruitful one.
JOE DONNACHIE’S NEW SPHERE
Joe Donnachie, the ex-Everton and Oldham and Scottish international, is taking over the licensed premises known as the Mariner’s Arms, New Crane-Street, Chester, next Wednesday. He will be very pleased to have a visit from Liverpool friends. His house is two minutes from Tattersall’s. 

EVERTON v  BURNLEY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 7, 1923
IRVINE’S GOAL GAINS A WIN CLOSE ON TIME
RAITT AND COMPANY
“F.E.H” TELLS TURF MOORE STORY
Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, Troup. Burnley; Moorwood; Smelt (Captain), Taylor; Emerson, Basnett, Morgan; Fisher, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross, Weaver. Referee; Mr. R. Baker, of Crewe. Everton were at Burnley’s ground today, and, with Kelly getting more used to the centre position, and Fisher chosen in place of Nesbitt, who has gone off his game, the Everton defenders knew they would be pretty busy. Raitt reappeared in the Everton defending lines. The statement made in a Scottish paper that Raitt is likely to go back to Dundee next season is quite untrue. The Everton players, accompanied by Directors Banks, left Liverpool early this morning for the tedious journey to the North-east Lancashire town, which was reached at noon. Here the men had over three hours to kick their heels, but the time was passed pleasantly enough, and they all reported fit and well on turning out. Cock, of course was regarded as a doubtful starter after his injury against Bolton wanderers on Good Friday, and at the last moment it was decided to again play Forbes in the centre forward position. Deep interest in the home ranks was that the turf Moore supporters were having their first view of Kelly at centre on the Burnley ground, though of course he has already appeared in that position on foreign soil.
A SPARSE ATTENANCE
The weather was cold and gloomy, and a shower fell before the contest began. This had its effect on the attendance, for there were not more than 8,000 spectators present when operations began. Smelt won the toss, but there was very little advantage in this, the breeze being very mild. After the opening exchanges Burnley made ground on the left, where Raitt cleared, and a moment later McDonald was called upon. Chedgzoy attempted an individual break-away, but he was checked, and Burnley resuming the offensive on the leaf Weaver should have shot when he allowed himself to be dispossessed. On the other wing, Troup put in a couple of very pretty movements, but he was checked by Emerson. Kelly took up the running, and the home centre looked distinctly dangerous when Peacock barred his progress smartly, and the next item of interest was a concerted movement on the part of Peacock, Irvine, and Chedgzoy. The latter sent in a brisk ground shot, but it was intercepted, and then Troup, getting off the mark like a whippet, sent in a long rising shot, which Taylor headed clear.
WILD FINISHING TOUCHES
It was almost a few moments before the left-winger was again on the job, and rounding Emerson he drove in a tremendous effort which passed wide of the mark. Everton were showing a much faster turn of speed than their opponents, but their finishing touches were rather on the wild side. Burnley made up for this in their well-judged passing, and once Emerson just failed to open the score when he sent the ball flying over the bar. Weaver and Cross were in the limelight with a pretty movement, but the former overran the ball, and at the opposite wing Fisher practically did the same thing. We then had a spell of moderately-dull play, the home forwards being the first to liven up things on the left, where Weaver finished with a swift, low shot that was rather luckily diverted from the target. McBain and Hart were conspicuous in breaking up two advances on the part of Kelly, and the two inside forwards, but they were not persistent. Kelly got through, and when his drive had been deflected Weaver had nothing to do but ram the argument home, when he made a bad hash of things.
FLICKING FORBES
The home side continued to exercise pressure, and Cross, taking the ball on the run, put it just over the crossbar. Everton tried hard to make effective headway, but their vanguard was well held by Basnett and his two partners, and when Forbes on one occasion tried to bustle through, he was knocked off the ball with comparative ease. There was another spell of rather dull play, and Kelly tried to enliven it with a long drive that passed just outside the upright. Weaver next got down the wing again, and Raitt in meeting the ball was badly winded and had to be attended to. Forbes getting hold raced through in very pretty fashion, but he was vigorously charged by Smelt and so lost the leather. Once more Weaver was busy on the wing, and Raitt, in trying to stop him, was guilty of a foul. The free kicked led to a corner, which caused some excitement, but Lindsay finally shot outside. Forbes tried to break through again, but he was positively shadowed and not permitted to get a real parting shot. At the other end Burnley were busier than ever, and Weaver, Kelly, and Lindsay all tried to score but without success. Play continued mainly on the Burnley left wing but they had a gruelling time. The ball was put back to Basnett, and the latter drove with a terrific power. Everyone thought it was a goal, but the ball, as it happened, grazed the outside of the upright.
FERN TESTED
Further pressure came from the home forwards, and Kelly distinguished himself with a fast-rising shot, which Fern just managed to put over the bar. Five minutes from the interval Everton made play on the left, but Troup was lagging behind when Chadwick needed his assistance. The visitors, however, speedily returned to the attack, and Chedgzoy forced a corner. This was placed with skill and judgement, and Troup snapping up sent in a rasping shot, which was lost in the forest of legs that packed the home goal. Burnley relied with vigour, but they were not permitted to get within close range, and the visitors made one desperate effort to draw first blood. First Chadwick and then Chedgzoy tried unsuccessful shots, the latter forcing another corner, which ought to have been converted, but there was no one there to meet the crossing ball.
Half-time; Burnley 0, Everton 0
The first half had been a fairly good though rather disappointing one. Everton opened in the most promising way, showing both speed and cleverness, but they fell away curiously, and it was only by chance that the slower methods of the home side did not prevail.
A CURLER FROM TROUP
There were about 10,000 people present when play was resumed, and the first noticeable incident was a rush down the wing by Troup, who had no one to beat when from long range he sent the ball curling just outside the post. At the opposite end Burnley were busy, but the effort was nullified when Emerson drove the ball over the bar. The visitors forced a corner on the right which was safely negotiated after a scramble in front of Moorwood. To this challenge the home forwards quickly responded, and Kelly had a glorious chance when he put over the woodwork. The Evertonians were now exerting themselves in a very promising way, but Troup missed a fine opportunity when he was unmarked and Chadwick, with a fierce drive, just failed to find the target. Long kicking on either side led to nowhere, and after a desultory spell, Chedgzoy tried to mend matters with one of his typical screw shots from the corner, which gave the home ‘keeper some trouble. The next danger came from Peacock, who tried his fortune with a long-range shot, which went amiss, and a few seconds later an attempt by Irvine came to nothing, the ball passing on the wrong side of the post. The home forwards shaking themselves together again made ground, and Weaver put in a high shot which actually dropped on to the crossbar and bounced behind the goal. For some time after this the struggle was all in favour of the home attack. In the later stages Chadwick shot twice with accuracy, but the ‘keeper saved and at the other end after Kelly had missed, Lindsay shot point blank at Fern, who brought off a marvellous save. Irvine scored for Everton four minutes from time.
Final; Burnley 0, Everton 1

CENTRAL LEAGUE
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, April 7, 1923
EVERTON RESERVE v  PORT VALE RESERVE
At Goodison Park. The Everton team continue to gather points, and now occupy second position in the league. West Bromwich leading. The race for honours was very keen, and a victory to-day to Everton was fully expected. Virr came in at centre in place of Forbes. When play opened the first pressure came upon the Everton goal through a foul against Williams.  Everton, however, were not long in asserting their superiority, and Virr in three minutes opened the score following fine work by Harrison. Two minutes afterwards Parry looked dangerous for the visitors, but Lavery cleared. Play continued in the visitors’ half, and Parry was only just too late to meet a nice return from Virr. The Vale made a couple of advances on the right, and on each occasion Livingstone proved too good for Thompson and Spencer. Harland to this  point had not been called upon.
The visitors’ left wing was neglected, and whatever raids the Vale made were chiefly through the energy of the right wing. A neat bit of work by Thompson ought to have brought an equaliser, for both Davies and Hallam missed the ball in front of an open goal. During the early stages of the game play had been confined to the visitors half, but the Vale players had improved greatly, and at this period were fully enjoying a fair share of the game. Harland was called upon to save good attempts from Spencer and Donoghue. Harrison on the wing was giving a great display, and from one of his many perfect centres Miller added a second five minutes from the interval. Three minutes later, following good work on the visitors’ right. Donoghue succeeded in reducing the lead.  
Half-time- Everton Res 2, Port Vale Res 1. Parry scored a fourth for Everton Res.

EVERTON RES v PORT VALE RES
Staffordshire Sentinel – Saturday 07 April 1923
Everton Res 5, Port vale Res 1
At Goodison Park. Everton; Harland, goal; Caddick and Livingstone, backs; Jeffs, Reid and Grenyer, half-backs; Parry, Miller, Virr, Williams, and Harrison, forwards. Port Vale; Smith, goal; Lavery, and Twemlow, backs; Gordon, Coffield, and Richardson, half-backs; Thompson, Spencer, Davies, Hallam, and Donoghue, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.V. Pennington. Everton made one change from the advertised team, Virr playing centre instead of Forbes.
THE GAME
Play opened quickly, but the first pressure was on the Vale citadel as the result of a foul against Williams. Everton were not long in asserting their superiority, and VIRR within three minutes opened the score after fine wing play by Harrison. Two minutes later a free kick to the Toffeemen looked dangerous for the visitors, but Lavery cleared the situation. Play continued in the visitors’ half and Parry was only just too late to meet a nice return from Virr. The Vale then made a couple of advances on the right, but on each occasion Livingstone proved too good for Thompson and Spencer. Harland, the Everton custodian, up to this point had not been called upon, the only kicks he received being those when his full-backs put back. A beautiful centre by Harrison was headed in by Miller, but Smith brought off a clever save. The visitors’ left wing were sadly neglected, and whatever raids the visitors made were chiefly due to the energy of the right wing, who found Livingstone in great form. A neat piece of work by Thompson ought to have brought about an equaliser, for both Davies and Hallam missed the ball when in front of an open goal. Afterwards some nice passing by the home halves and forwards ended when Williams was ruled offside. During the early stages of the game play had been confined to the visitors half, but the Vale players had improved considerably, and at this period fully enjoyed their share of the game. Harland was called upon to save good attempts from Spencer and Donoghue. At the other and Virr was only inches wide with a header from a centre by Parry. Harrison on the home left was giving a great display, and from one of his many perfect centres MILLER succeeded in heading out of Smith’s reach five minutes from the interval. Just before the whistle sounded the Vale scored through DONOGHUE, following a neat passing movement between Spencer and Thompson.
Half-time; Everton Reserve 2, Port Vale Res 1.
Soon after the restart the Vale gained a free kick close in, but Coffield sent the ball flying over the bar. Everton were not long in putting on pressure and both Parry and Harrison fired shots which cannoned off the defenders. A vigorous reply by the visitors looked like bringing about the equaliser, but Harland saved twice in quick succession. Harrison, on the home left, continued to send in some splendid centres, which greatly perturbed the visitors defence. Play was much more even in this half, but Everton were the more dangerous near goal. From a free kick taken close in, Grenyer placed the ball in front for VIRR to head the third goal. Everton scored their fourth goal through some good individual work by PARRY. A fifth goal followed from a header by MILELR.

BURNLEY 0 EVERTON 1
April 9, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON'S BID FOR HIGH PLACE
BURNLEY MARKSMEN FAIL.
With three minutes to go Chedgzoy passed to Irvine, and the Irishman with a surprised shot from 30 yards' range scored a grand goal which gained for Everton two most acceptable points. Thus the Walton club has gained seven out of a possible eight points in just over a record which places the club in the front flight. Certainly the run of success has given their supporters hope of a much higher position being obtained than at one time seemed possible, and it is clear that the new blood introduced is gradually blending and transforming the team into a useful combination.
BURNLEY MISS CHANCES.
It was a strenuous rather than a brilliant exposition of the code at turf Moor and a draw perhaps would have been a fairer reflex of the play, but Burnley failed to take the chances the gods gave them. The forwards, particularly Lindsay, must shoulder the blame for they allowed openings to slip which the Everton front line men would have revelled in. On two occasions in the second half of the game, Lindsay was placed in possession, three of four yards from Fern, but each time he failed badly. Kelly was also a sinner in this respect, though his chance was not so easy as the two openings refereed to. In this connection I may mention that Forbes headed a centre from Chedgzoy over when he was almost underneath the bar; though it must be said in extenuation of the error that the Everton centre was running at full speed.
SMART DEFENDERS.
These was outstanding incidents in a game which enabled the backs on both sides to shine, the defensive tactics employed being very fine indeed. Rarely have I seen so many corner kicks, and there could be no great illustration of the barrenness of this once fruitful method of goal-scoring than that afforded in this game. Taylor and Smelt were a fine pair of backs, better than Raitt and McDonald, though the Everton pair played well against a lively set of forwards. Raitt and Weaver had many duels, and the Burnley man frequently came out on top. Everton halves were vigorous and clever, without being too confident in their constructive game. Morgan was the best of the Burnley middle line, this local youth creating an excellent impression. Burnley's forwards in the first half were the more skilful. Cross, Weaver, and Kelly being seen at their best at this period. Kelly is undoubtedly a splendid centre. The Everton attack was spasmodic, their best offers being reserved for the latter part of the game. Troup did not have a good day, Chedgzoy being the better wing forward. Irvine and Chadwick played hard, and Forbes was elusive and displayed no little skill, but lacked the weight to force home his advances. Fern distinguished himself, and the whole side played with dash and enthusiasm though I thought it was rather bad policy for the extreme wing forwards to act as full backs. Attack is always the best defence. Teams: - Burnley: - Moorwood, goal, Smelt, and Taylor, backs, Emerton, Basnett, and Morgan, half-backs, Fisher, Lindsay, Kelly, Croos, and Weaver, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Referee L. Baker.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 PORT VALE RESERVES 1
April 9, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRE LEAGUE
Everton, who cling tenaciously to the second position in the table, easily accounted for Port Vale at Goodison Park. The visitors gave quite a good display in the first half, but after the interval they were overwhelmed. Three minutes from the start Virr scored for the homesters, and five minutes from the interval Miller scored a second. A fine first time shot by Donoghie reduced the deficit, but Virr, with a header scored again for Everton. Later Miller and Parry further increased the lead. Harland, who re-appeared for the first time since his injury, had a few chances of showing his ability, for he was well covered by Caddick and Livingstone. The halves lent powerful support, while the forwards gave a great display, the wings play of Harrison and Parry being a feature of the match. For Port Vale, Twemlow was the outstanding man in defence, while Donoghue and Thompson were resourceful forwards. Everton: - Harland, goal, Caddick, and Livingstone, backs, Jeffs, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Virr, Williams, and Harrison, forwards.

IRVINE’S SHOT
The Athletic News- Monday, April 9, 1923
A GREAT GOAL THAT DEFEATED BURNLEY
EVERTON’S TRIUMPH
BURNLEY 0, EVERTON 1
By Centaurus
LARGE number of spectators had left Turf Moor, confident the game would end in draw, when a goal scored by IRVINE from thirty yards range enabled Everton to gain a repeat win over Burnley by the same narrow margin that gave them the victory the previous week. It was a splendid shot, and, notwithstanding the long range, Moorwood had no chance of reaching it. On the run of the play there was very little to choose between the teams, and if Burnley did most of the pressing, this fact only served to emphasise to a greater degree their weakness in front goal. Kelly again led the attack and justified his selection for the pivot position. He showed excellent discrimination in opening out the game, and it must have been disheartening to him to see the extreme wing men make such poor use of the opportunities he provided. Fisher could do nothing right, and has never been seen such disadvantage since he was included in the line.
The Work of Morgan.
Weaver often held on the ball too long, and was either dispossessed by Raitt or he delayed his centres until the defence had concentrated in goal, with the result that they were invariably cleared. Neither Lindsay nor Cross were at their best, and there was lacking that co-ordination and understanding that is essential to a successful attack. The half-backs had a gruelling time, but they acquitted themselves with credit. Morgan, who was seen to such advantage against Chedgzoy the previous week, again figured at left half-back, and gave another capital display. He was effective in a tackle, showed excellent judgment in feeding his forwards, and rarely wasted a pass. He seems likely to command a regular place in the team next season. Both Basnett and Emerson were skilful in construction and defence, the latter in particular showing a big improvement on recent performances. Both defences were superior to the attacks, and Smelt and Taylor kicked cleanly and well. The former was at times inclined to overhaul his forwards, but the whole both backs made their clearances with power and judgment. Moorwood had not a great deal do in goal, and could not be blamed for the point registered against him.
Chedgzoy In Form.
Everton’s most dangerous forward was Chedgzoy, and he was kept well plied with passes. Nearly all the pressure on the home goal emanated from the right winger, who, though closely shadowed by Morgan and Taylor, managed to get in a lot of beautifully placed centres. He was easily the best forward on the field, and Irvine made a very effective partner. The latter was always on the look-out for shooting chances, and proved himself a rare opportunist by snapping up the opening, two minutes from the close, which gave Everton the victory.  Forbes and Chadwick showed individual cleverness, but Troup had comparatively few opportunities to shine, so persistently was play confined to the other wing. On the whole the Everton attack was the better balanced in concerted movements, though the inside men had not as many scoring chances as came the way of the Burnley forwards. The visitors were well served by their intermediate line. McBain gave Kelly very little scope, and was successful as breaker-up, while Peacock and Hart were tireless workers. Raitt, who took Fleetwood’s place at right back, was faced with the more dangerous wing, but he gave a sound display and made no mistakes in his clearances, while his judgment in taking up position betokened a quickness of perception which was usefulin conserving his energy. McDonald was equally sound on the other wing, and Fern in goal acquitted himself well. Burnley.—Moorwood; Smelt, Taylor; Emerson, Basnett, Morgan; Fisher, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross, and Weaver. Everton. —Fern; Raitt, McDonald: Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee: I. Baker. Crewe.

EVERTON’S GOOD RALLY
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, April 9, 1923
By F.E.H.
EVERTON’S FURTHER LEAP UP
Everton have jumped up pretty well in the last few weeks, and a win at Burnley was “just like them,” if we remember their latest and brightest days. Their rise in the League has been meteoric. Let us hope that they don’t come down with a bang. There are several well-known phrases bearing upon the subject of its being “never too late to mend,” and of the danger of procrastination. Several of these might well be applied to Everton’s experience against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday. During the race they ought to have taken the lead quite early on. Yet, as a matter of fact, they only just won on the post. Four minutes is a very fine margin to clinch matters, but it had the advantage of keeping interest right up to the close. And certainly some stimulant was evidently needed, for the attendance was the poorest I have seen on this ground for many seasons past. After opening brightly and brisky the visitors allowed the slower but steadier methods of the home side to trouble their defence. Weaver was particularly in the limelight with his flashes down the wing, and he and Raitt were in constant personal opposition. Several of the Burnley man’s centres were met by Kelly, who did his best to convert them, but he shot wildly, and those efforts which were on the target were admirably fielded by Fern.
ONE GLORIOUS OPENING
So we crossed over with a clean sheet. In the second period Everton played better football than their opponents, but it was still a story of missed chances on both sides, and Irvine’s long-range and telling shot came as a great relief to those Evertonians who were present. Forbes at centre had one glorious opening when he put just over. Troup occasionally sent in well-directed efforts, but his play was seriously marred by his tendency to fall back among the defence when there was no occasion for him to do so. The only result was that he frequently left Chadwick guessing. The right wing was busy, and the halves did a lot of gruelling work, much of which went to waste. The backs were once or twice in jeopardy, but they were splendidly covered by Fern, who kept a great goal. 

CHEDGZOY INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
Liverpool Echo, Monday, April 9, 1923
At Sheffield, prior to the match today, the English Selection Committee gave their verdicts for the international game at Hampden Park v. Scotland on Saturday next. From this list one finds that three internationals caps came to Merseyside, and thus Everton will be without Chedgzoy and Irvine (Irvine is engaged in the Wrexham international).

TWO MORE POINTS GONE
Burnley News- Wednesday, April 11 1923
ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR BURNLEY AT TURF MOOR
AN UNINSPIRING EXHIBITION
EVERTON SCORE THE ONLY GOAL IN LAST MINUTE
BURNLEY 0 EVERTON 1
By “Kestrel”
There was some pleasure and a lot of disappointment for Burnley supporters in the game at Turf Moor on Saturday, when Burnley were beaten in the last two minutes by the only goal of the match. IRVINE did the right thing, when a goalless draw seemed to be practically assured, in taking advantage of an opening about 35 yards out, and in utilising the wind for a speculative shot which deceived Moorwood, who missed his leap and had the chagrin of seeing the ball enter the net when it was practically hopeless for Burnley to rub off. It had not been a very attractive exhibition at any time, and it never could be said to have reached a high level. One always felt the absence of some dominating and inspiring force on both sides. Each side played throughout with a fair amount of spirit, but they played, as a whole, just as well as they were allowed to do, and as neither set of attackers was strong enough to predominate, then was a constriction of movement and few advances which could be said to be thoroughly co-ordinated and clean-cut.  Consequently the game had often a scrappy appearance, and at times, especially in the second half, it had its tame and dull periods.
WHY BURNLEY FAILED
The game was fairly even, with Burnley having slightly the better of the mid-field exchanges, and a draw would more fittingly have represented the play. But it was the old story of missed chances, a certain amount of ill-fortune on Burnley's part, and a rather fortunate goal. Certainly a share of the spoils would have been more in keeping with the general run of the play, but the acceptance of last chance by Everton earned them the points, and from that point of view alone they were worthy of the full complement. One cannot help thinking, however, that though Moorwood was ultimatelydeceived by the flight of the ball, he did not show the anticipation that might have been expected in this instance, and Burnley paid the full penalty. It was game of fluctuating fortunes, for whilst Everton started out the better of the two sides, when Burnley settled down they played well in midfield and provided probably more thrills in front of the Everton goal than did Everton at the Burnley end. Burnley, however, did not finish well, and they did not take enough account of the strong following wind which blew from Aba Beehole end. A good deal of over-kicking by the defence was the result, and Smelt," whilst otherwise playing a good game, hardly ever appeared be able to temper his strength to the circumstances. As a consequence much of the work had to be done over again, as the ball was generally well volleyed back by the Everton backs. Further trouble arose early on through the Burnley attack holding the ball too close and becoming too cramped in their movements, but this defect was afterwards remedied, especially by the inside forwards, whose foot work often gave promise of good results. One thing that was needed more often was long shots, for with wind such as prevailed anything might have happened, and though both Emerson and Kelly did come near to scoring by this means, their example was not sufficiently followed by other members of the team, and as events proved it was just such a shot which won the match. The general desire of the Burnley forwards was to work to too close a position, and when they did get to close contact with the goal they often found the Everton defence well concentrated, and thus able to thwart the schemes OF the Burnley Side.
KELLY WELL WATCHED.
The Everton defence had evidently made up their mind to watch Kelly, and he not given many opportunities to break through, but he managed to link the wings up well with good passes, and had either Weaver or Fisher been in their best form, there were many occasions on which they should have aided in a strong attack. Weaver opened well enough, and for a time excellent work was done on the left wing, but later on he allowed himself to become too often embroiled in incidents, with Raitt which interfered with his effectiveness, whilst on the other side Fisher never came anywhere near to his best form, and could hardly do anything right, his passes generally going astray in most disconcerting fashion. He was never the service to his side that Chedgzoy was to Everton, who was freely plied with the ball, and who was often given more latitude than was good for Burnley. He was always a thorn in the side of the home defence, much morethan was Troup, who thoroughly subdued Smelt, of whom he appeared to be somewhat afraid. But whilst Smelt played a decisiveand determined game, he was clean throughout. Indeed both Taylor and he played throughout, and in the closing stages, when Everton appeared to have obtained a new lease of life, the two Burnley defenders stemmed many spirited attacks in fine fashion. But if one department of Burnley stood out more than another it was the half back line, and especially the two wing halves, Emerson and Morgan. The former played with a rare degree of intelligence, his footwork being neat, and both he and Morgan were constant in their endeavours to give low ground passes to the forwards, whilst both materially assisted the defence and showed a good understanding with them. Cross was a great improvement on his past exhibitions, but again Lindsay was outstanding for his brilliance in midfield, only to fail with two great opportunities.
NARROW ESCAPE FOR EVERTON
When Smelt went to the centre as captain to toss the coin, he was given a good cheer. On the light ground, and against the breeze, Everton opened the attack, and the Burnley defence was soon called into requisition. Once Taylor was almost beaten by a curling ball, but as Forbes rushed in the Burnley back very neatly pulled the ball away. A bullet-shot from Troup almost caught Moorwood unawares, but it passed out. Burnley commenced to reply on the left, but pretty spells of play invariably broke down passes going astray on the strong wind, and being to the advantage of the defending side. Excitement was created by a clever passing bout between Weaver, Kelly and Cross, in which the latter shot, but failed to find the target. A spell of danger was stemmed as the other end by Taylor, and again the Burnley inside trio showed delightful football, and this time Cross skimmed the bar with a rasping shot. A good clearance by Moorwood, who was showing good anticipation in coming out to gather the ball, enabled Kelly to make a burst through, but he was doubly tackled and though he managed to get his shot in, it was inches on the wrong side of the post. He had a similar fate when the left wing again plied him with the ball, and he essayed a long shot, but again was just outside. Burnley at this period were having the best of the argument, but could not drive the leather home. Fern was hereabouts being given a good deal to do, the danger mostly coming from the left, and the Burnley men were doing all they could to score. One of the best attempts was by Kelly, following clever manoeuvring by Cross. The shot was dead on the mark and high up, but Fern leapt up and turned the ball over the bar. Everton made some smart responses, and one or two shots did not reach Moorwood, more because Burnley men had the fortune to be in the way than anything else.
A BLUNDER BY LINDSAY
After the interval Burnley resumed pressure and a delightful wriggle by Cross enabled him to pass out to Weaver, who centred for Kelly to run through, but when in good position he shot high over, five minutes from the restart. Everton replied on the right, but Chedgzoy’s centre was turned across to Troup, who was fired in a shot which was going from the mask, but it cannoned off a defender. Only Taylor’s anticipation as Irvine made a fine drive, saved Moorwood from trouble, for as the ball was going straight for goal Taylor leapt up and headed away. It was now Everton’s turn to have more of the attack, though one of Weaver’s centres dropped on the bar. Some hesitation by Cross when he got a centre from the right prevented him from being able to test Fern. Moorwood was compelled to handle after this, but with 28 minutes gone he should never have had the opportunity of saving from Lindsay, whom Kelly put the ball to in superb position. Lindsay had time to steady and to choose where he should put the ball, and having done so he shot straight at Fern. He had a good opening from Weaver, who had well beaten Raitt and centred, but Lindsay’s head this time failed to direct the ball past Fern, though there was plenty of room. The game tamed down considerably, but at the end of 36 minutes Chedgzoy got in a grand centre which Moorwood jumped at but collided with Basnett and as the two were on the ground with the goal empty Forbes had the opportunity of the game to breast the ball through. Instead he applied his head and from about two yards out he headed over the bar. Everton pressed hard in the closing stages and Irvine scored as already indicated. The teams were;- Burnley; Moorwood; Smelt (Captain), Taylor; Emerson, Basnett, and Morgan; Fisher, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross and Weaver. Everton; Fern; Raitt McDonald; Peacock, McBain and Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee, Mr. I. Baker, of Nantwich.

COCK CRACKS A RIB
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, April 11, 1923
Bee’s notes
I saw John Cock yesterday, and he tells me he fears he has cracked a rib, which will mean that he will not be playing for some time. Everton have done some surprising things. They have taken Forbes as outside right for the reserves side and Fleetwood as inside right- Tom’s old original place. Teams’ Everton v Villa, at Goodison Park. Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Parry, Miller, Cock, or A.N. Other, Chadwick, and Troup.
Same team at Sheffield United’s ground Monday save Chedgzoy and Irvine return.
Res side v Sheffield United, away- Harland; Caddick, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Grenyer; Forbes, Fleetwood, Virr, Williams, and Harrison.

ASTON VILLA AT EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo, Friday, April 13, 1923
Bee’s Notes
How will the new Everton fare? They have Parry and Miller, two bright boys, in their ranks vice the international folk, and candidly I am glad that the selectors  have at last promoted the younger generation, instead of operating on the older men. This is pruning time, for roses and football ranks. Promote the young fellows and thus encourage them while you yourself can take stock of their powers. The meetings of the Villa and Everton are always productive of clean and sporting football, and a big crowd will be at the Park to-morrow to see the new Everton and the equally new Villa side, for the Villa, like their rivals, have lost Walker, their most reliable forward, to the international game. Teams; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Parry, Miller, Cock (?), Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Mort; Johnstone, Bell, Moss; York, J. Roxburgh, Walker, Capewell, Dorrell.  EVERTON FIND CUP FINALISTS IN RARE FETTLE

EVERTON’S HOME FORM
The Liverpool Echo- Saturday, April 14, 1923
By Stork
Everton have been forced to make changes in their match with Aston Villa through international calls and injuries. The Blues have been anything but fortunate in the matter of injuries and the latest addition to the list is John Cock, who, it is said, has slightly fractured a rib. Risks cannot be taken, so Forbes leads the attack once again. Irvine’s (playing for Ireland) place is taken by Miller and Parry, who showed such fine form earlier in the season, takes over the reins from Sam Chedgzoy. The Villa are not the Villa we knew in days gone by, but they are just running into their best game. Everton’s home form is distinctly good, and few teams will pick up points at Goodison Park. The Villa forwards will find the Everton defence a difficult one to overcome, and if only the home attack will help along the good work of the brilliant half-backs there should be goals in plenty. It is a pity Cock will not be present in a playing sense, for, with the absence of Irvine and Chedgzoy, the front line will be on the small side, if one excepts the big fellow Chadwick. Aston Villa are not far from the leaders, while Everton are only two behind the Midlanders. The Clarets and Blues usually put up a fine game at the Goodison enclosure, and the match is full of promise. I tick off Everton to win and improve their position. Teams; Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Mort; Johnstone, Ball, Moss; York, J. Roxburgh, Another, Capewell, and Dorrell.

EVERTON BEAT VILLA
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, April 14, 1923
HOW THE NEW RIGHT WING PAIRED OFF
WATSON INTERESTED
“DUVAL” TELLS OF THE VILLA MEETING AND MOVEMENTS
Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Parry, Miller, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Mort; Johnstone, Ball, Moss; Kirton, Dickson, Capewell, Roxburgh, Dorrell. Everton, at home, to-day, to their old friends of final-tie memory, Aston Villa, had to play a new right wing, Parry and Miller being hoisted from the second to the first team, through Irvine and Chedgzoy being engaged in the international. The Villa also had to give up Walker for the same purpose. The promise of attractive football and a fine day drew a big crowd to Goodison Park. Everton were aggressive in the early stages, and a fine movement was initiated by Troup, carried on by Parry, and only finished when Cock headed the ball into the Villa goal for Spicers to pick up. Parry showed excellent promise, and Cock was a fine schemer. He worked well over to the right and got the ball across the Villa goal, but it was left to Chadwick to put in the first real shot, which, however, was very wide. Thus far the Villa had been little in the picture, and their spasmodic raids had been well checked. Raitt made a mistake when challenged by Dorrell, and although the Everton man gave a corner nothing tangible ensued.
A LUCKY ESCAPE
It was good, clean football, fairly fast, with many dainty touches from both sides. Cock was a mere fraction too late when Peacock put the ball well forward and Smart got it away rather luckily. The first three came when Miller took advantage of a temporary absence of the Villa defence, and sent in a fine effort, which Spiers anticipated by covering the ball. Twice Capewell had chances, but his distribution was faulty. Hart was very accurate with his long volleys, and one of the best shots came from Troup, who was given the ball by Cock. Spiers, however, showed a safe pair of hands, and brought off a clever save. It was good to see Troup getting among the shooters, but he had very few opportunities, the Everton attack generally developing from the centre and right wing.
THE NEW RIGHT WING
The progress of the game was all too frequently checked through the forwards getting offside. Still, Everton’s new right wing had made a very favourable impression. Play was good to watch and remarkably even, although there was an absence of shooting. Indeed, Fern had not yet handled the ball. A header by Chadwick was safely held by Spiers and McBain was applauded for an effective check. Hart gave a corner, but it came to nothing, and in spite of their cleverness the Villa could not establish themselves in the Everton quarters. Mort was winded by a blow from the ball, which went for a corner. Near the interval the Everton goal had a narrow escape. McDonald and Dickson sent the ball into the centre, where Capewell pulled the shot a trifle too high.
FERN’S SUPERB SAVE
The Villa improved, and their forwards were far more dangerous than at any previous stage of the game. Fern brought off a wonderful save when Dickson shot hard and true, and Roxburgh was only a trifle wide with a capital header. The Everton forwards had been idle for some time, but a masterly piece of work by Troup earned the applause of the crowd, and Chadwick finished the movement by sending a terrific drive over the corner of the post. Moss was penalised for a foul on Miller. Peacock sent the free kick over the bar. Half-time; Everton nil, Aston Villa nil.
The first item of interest in the second half was a break through by Troup, and he was awarded a free kick against Smart, but Chadwick was very wide. Then Troup got the ball almost on the Villa crossbar, and further aggressiveness by the Everton forwards resulted in Chadwick sending in a terrific shot which went for a corner. The kick was admirably placed, and Spiers was only just in time to get the ball away when parry drove in.
A CHARGE BY MORT
Raitt was a fine worker, and repeatedly held up the Villa left wing in clever fashion, Miller was temporarily knocked out through a heavy charge by Mort. There was a fine understanding between Moss and Mort, and they covered each other very cleverly. McDonald got the better of Kirton, and Chadwick again got too much loft on the ball when he attempted to score. A surprise header by Roxburgh was neatly anticipated by Fern. Then Cock went away but he was beaten in the final attempt and the ball went for a corner.
COCK SCORES
Everton centre scored by heading the ball into the net as it came from Parry’s well-placed corner kick. Three minutes later, as the spectators sought shelter from a perfect deluge of rain, Troup scored a second for Everton. Parry was the originator of the goal, for when he shot Spiers twisted the ball sideways and across his goal, and Troup closing in, put the ball into the net. This double success was only in keeping with Everton’s improved play. Everton certainly put more vigour into their work, and it paid. Troup was a ponderous worker, and he made a fine opening for Parry. The outside man responded and again coming into possession sent in a brillaint effort which Spiers was lucky to hold. Capewell was a trifle late in meeting a centre by Dorrell. Parry got in several capital runs and his centres were of nice length. The rain completely changed the conditions, and the ball from being a lively one was now wet and slippy. The ground was treacherous, and the players had difficulty in getting a foothold. Still the pace never slackened, and with a two goals’ lead Everton seemed to have the game well in hand. Capewell scored for Villa after eight-six minutes.
Final; Everton 2, Aston Villa 1

SHEFFIELD UNITED RES v  EVERTON RES
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, April 14, 1923
At Sheffield. Oldacre scored both goals for Sheffield. Half-time; Sheffield United Res 2, Everton Res 0.

VILLA BEATEN
The Sports Argus, Saturday, April 14, 1923
EVERTON’S NARROW WIN AT GOODISON
TWO QUICK GOALS
By “Crusader.”
Both Everton and Aston Villa were without “star” performers in their game at Goodison Park to-day. The home team had Chedgzoy engaged in the international match at Hampden Park, Glasgow, while Villa had Walker standing by as reserve for the English eleven. Villa, however, had other troubles. Blackburn was still down with the “flu,” while the injury which caused York to retire from last week’s match at Villa Park has since been traced to a broken bone in the foot. Moss was still available, and played in Blackburn’s place, with Johnstone still at right half, but the forward line bore a strange appearance. Capewell figured at centre, with Kirton and Dickson on his right and J. Roxburgh and Dorrell on his left. It was fortunate for the Villa that they had timed their journey to allow a good margin at Liverpool, for as their train was leaving Stafford station it broke in two, owing to a faulty coupling between their saloon and one occupied by the Old Edwardian Rugby team, also proceeding to Liverpool. The train was already in motion, and the effect of the automatic brake action was to pull it up with a sharp jerk. There was some delay in getting the train away, and it was half an hour late in arriving at Lime-street. Everton had Parry in Chedgzoy’s place, the teams turning out as follows;- Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Parry, Miller, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Mort; Johnstone, Ball, Moss; Kirton, Dickson, Capewell, Roxburgh, Dorrell. Referee; Mr. R. W. Sharp (Blackburn). The conditions were ideal from the spectators’ point of view, but for the players a strong sun was likely to be troublesome. Winning the toss, Everton put the Villa to face the handicap, in addition to a fair wind. There were about 35,000 spectators present to see Everton make an immediate raid, the result of long discreet passes. When the ball finally came across from Parry, Cock got his head to it and gave Spiers a testing. Again Everton pressed by clever left wing work, culminating in Chadwick shooting wide under pressure. The Villa halves eventually succeeded in turning the tables, and they had the satisfaction of seeing the home defenders sorely tried. Capewell was playing right on top of the backs, whose clearances under the circumstances were none too convincing. The game developed into a stern tussle in which the respective half-back lines were prominent, not only for their sporting tactics, but for foraging for forward openings. Everton might have been more successful had Cock and Chadwick played greater attention to the offside rule, and Smart continually drew them by obvious moves. Troup and Parry, however, showed greater tact in this matter, and each man in turn carried play into the Villa goal area. Once from a centre by Parry, Cock was splendidly placed, but he hesitated too long and enabled Moss to get across for a successful tackle. Later Chadwick had the ball in the net, but not until the whistle had gone for offside. The Villa forwards improved in dash as the game progressed, and proceeded to put the home defence through their paces. It was the Everton half-backs who claimed the principal honours in holding off the danger. Without actually coming to grips the Villa were doing the greater amount of pressure. Their efforts were the more sustained, but they were also the more laboured. Less finesse and more dash would have improved their chances many times over. The Villa had a clear chance as a result of good work by Dickson and Kirton. The former put in an ideal centre, only for Capewell’s hooked shot from close range to sail over the bar. Then followed an exciting spell in front of Fern. The Villa pressed from both wings alternately, and it was cleverly conceived pressure, the forward line working with keen intelligence and with good balance. Roxburgh, Capewell and Dickson came within an ace of shooting.
Half-time; Everton 0, Aston Villa 0
The second half opened scrappily, the first move of note being a left wing breakaway which took Everton to close quarters. It looked ominous for the Villa when Smart was pulled up for a foul only a yard outside the penalty area. Fortunately, the free kick went yards wide, and two corners immediately following were disposed of safely. Once, from a free kick, Capewell got his head to the ball cleverly, but Fern handled a dangerous situation with good judgement. A blizzard went over the ground about this time, and within a moment or so players and spectators were drenched. It did not damp the spirit of Everton, however. They rallied in wonderful style after a period of inactivity and from a corner kick after 60 minutes’ play COCK scrambled the ball into the net. Direct from the kick-off they broke away again and while Villa were in half a mind to appeal for offside Cock made headway. He put out to Parry, whose centre was so well placed that Spiers could only touch it with one hand, directing its course to TROUP, who was unmarked with an open goal, in which he drove the ball. Stung by these reverses, Villa rallied strongly, but without managing to get to very close quarters. Villa’s raids were always good up to a point, but there was hardly a right understanding between the forwards to enable them to develop a finish likely to cause trouble. In the closing stages the Villa put on heavy pressure on both wings, and once Kirton mis-kicked entirely with an open goal staring him in the face. A minute from time Moss went through in great style, creating a sensation. The shot left CAPEWELL with a straight drive. Fern dropped on to the ball, but failed to hold it, and the Villa’s centre raced up and scored, completing the most dashing Villa move of the match.
Result; Everton 2, Aston Villa 0

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Star Green Un’ Saturday, April 14, 1923
This afternoon Sheffield United Reserves met Everton Reserves at Bramall Lane. Owing to the call which the first team have made onthe reserves, there were several changes in United’s side.  Plant, recovered from his injury, reappeared at left-half and Richardson was at right half in place of Brelsford. Brown and Hughes were on the left-wing of the forward United line. Sheffield United Res; Blackwell; Sampy, and Sturgess; Richardson, McCourt, and Plant; Lowe, Boyle, Oldacre, Brown and Hughes. Everton Res; Harland; Caddick, and Livingstone; Brown, Reid, and Grenyer; Jeffs, Fleetwood, Virr, Williams, and Harrison. There was moderate attendance when the teams turned out and United kicked off towards the Shoreham Street goal. Play opened fast, Everton making an early raid on United’s goal. The ball was soon transferred however and, after seven minutes play, Boyle headed towards the visiting goal, ball being punched away rather weakly by Harland to OLDACRE who headed into the net. Five minutes from the interval OLDACRE  got his second goal.
Half-time; Sheffield United Res 2, Everton Res 0
Play then brightened somewhat. From a clearance by Sampy, Lowe got the ball andbeat Livingstone, the duel taking the ball near to goal-line. Lowe put the ball back to BROWN, who, without hesitation, sent in a hard shotwith which Harland had no chance. Everton ought have reduced the lead a few minutes later, when William had Blackwell at his mercy, but his shot went wide. Then HUGHES got going. Receiving the ball on the half way line, he took it right up the wing, beating three men on the way. Then he went towards the goal and deceived Harland with a low crossshot—a good goal, and worthy of the applause. United were now completely masters of the situation, and McCourt cleverly worked the ball up the field, and after having drawn the defence, passed to Oldacre, who shot wide. Then the Everton forwards had several chances, but their finishing was bad.
Result; United Res 4, Everton Res 0

EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 1
April 16, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON CONTINUE TO ADVANCE.
VILLA BEATEN IN HARD GAME.
By F. M. N.
Everton continue to advance, their latest victory over the Villa sending the Goodison club up another peg, and with four matches still to play they should finish in a very strong position. On March 3 rd Everton lost to Oldham Athletic, but since then they have won five games and drawn two, the record proving the Walton team to be one of the most improved in the League this year.
A GOOD RECRUIT.
Everton were without their regular right wing pair of Chedgzoy and Irvine, but Miller and Parry did quite well; indeed, Parry at times was quite as good as Chedgzoy at his best. It was mainly on account of his accurate placing that Everton secured two goals within the space of two minutes in the second half. In the first instance Cock, after a clever run, forced a corner, and Parry placing the flag kick beautifully Cock headed into the net. This happened after 55 minutes' play, and almost immediately afterwards Parry centred. Spiers turned the ball out to Troup, who made no mistake with a low shot. It was in the closing minutes that the Villa obtained their only goal, Capewell being the marksman. Cock led the Everton line with great skill, and he showed plenty of pace, but he was not to well supported by his inside men, though he could not complain of the assistance rendered by Troup and Parry who were the best forwards of the day. Parry is undoubtedly a most useful winger, Chadwick worked hard, as also did Miller, but they were not successful. The halves were grafters and the backs sound, while Fern made a couple of good saves.
OFFSIDE TACTICS.
The Villa had several men out of their usual position, and they took a long time to settle down. The backs, Smart and Mort, were a sound pair, who drew the displeasure of the crowd in the first half by playing their opponents offside. Moss and Ball were sound halves, but the forwards lacked finish. Kirton did not receive too many passes, but he was clever in possession. The line generally, however, was a long way behind the usual Villa standard. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs Parry, Miller, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Aston Villa: - Spicer, goal, Smart, and Mort, backs, Johnstone, Ball, and Moss half-backs, Kirton, Dickson, Capewell, J. Roxburgh, and Dorrell, forwards.

CAPS FOR CHEDGZOY AND IRVINE.
April 16, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
Chedgzoy played for England against Scotland at Hampden Park, Glasgow, on Saturday, when Scotland carried off for the third time in succession the Internation championship, the game finish 2 goals each, in front of 75, 000 spectators. Also Robert Irvine played for Ireland against Wales at the Racecourse ground Wrexham. Irvine scoring two goals for Ireland in their three-nil victory. First goal, The Evertonians veering to the right, screwed in a low hard drive, which left Godding helpless. Goal two, which was the third for Ireland was a beautiful drive by Irvine. But it was fully thirty yards' range, and the Welsh keeper had a clear view of the effort for the full distance. Evidently his first impression was that the ball was going over the bar, for he was certainly slow in going for the shot.

SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 16, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Although facing a weakened side Sheffield were very much superior to Everton at Bramell-Lane on Saturday. Everton introduced Jeffs for Forbes outside right, while as Bromage United regular left winger was doing duty with the senior side Hughes was brought in with a powerful sun behind them in the first half and took the lead after eight minutes, Ordacre heading through after a faulty clearance by Caddick, and before the interval the same player scored a second. Twelve minutes after restarting Brown securing a third goal following a brilliant run and centre by Lowe, and a quarter of an hour afterwards Hughes put on the fourth. Harrison was the best Everton forward, while Livingstone excelled as a defender. The United front line was in wonderful form throughout never giving Harland much respite. Everton: - Harland, goal, Caddick, and Livingstone, backs, Brown Reid and Grenyer, half-backs, Jeffs, Fleetwood, Virr, Williams, and Harrison, forwards, forwards.

VILLA BEATEN AT EVERTON
Birmingham Daily Gazette-Monday, April 16, 1923
FORWARDS MISS WALKER’S INSPIRATION
LESSON FROM MOSS
EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 1
By Touchstone
However even the handicap may appear on paper, there is no doubt that the calls of Saturday’s International match in Scotland hit Aston Villa much harder than they hit Everton. Chedgzoy’s deputy, parry, did all that was asked of him- apart from everything else, he was largely responsible for the two goals scored by his side-whereas Villa could field no worthy deputy for Walker. It was just such a match as would have suited Walker. He has never yet failed to take advantage of a weakness in defence once it has revealed itself. Everton’s weakness in this direction was obvious from the outset.
UNFINISHED
It was not that Capewell failed completely. He might have been much better, it’s true, but what was missed most of all was walker’s genius in developing the means to overcome backs who were admittedly of limited resource, confused under pressure, and anything but certain in their kicking. In the matter of cut and dried progress, by neat passing and wing runs, Villa did not fall short; what they lacked was final initiative.  Occasionally a certain amount of sting was introduced, notably when Roxburgh and Dickson, individually, tried to force matters. It was on these occasions that the Everton defence came so near to complete collapse that Villa might have been expected to persevere with the medicine. But there was no co-ordination. Roxburgh frequently had both backs tackling him at the same moment, with no one near by top give him the aid that would have been so valuable, while Dickson, by clever control, made positions which he was obliged to finish himself, often under such conditions that the chances of success were very remote.
LESSON FROM HALVES
It eventually remained for two half-backs to show the way to success. With only a minute to go Moss threw himself into the attack. A quick movement put him well clear of the backs, and Bell, following up for the centre, drove hard at goal. Fern dived at the ball, failed to hold it, and Capewell had only to run up and put it into the net before the goalkeeper could recover. The whole movement was so simple, yet it might have been done several times in the course of the match. Villa’s half-backs were certainly their greatest strength. All three played capital football. Judgement was sound, and execution perfect. In tackling they were strong, and it was on their initiation that the forwards had so many chances. Although the Everton forwards were not nearly so busy, they were always more threatening than Villa’s line. This helped to emphasise the superiority of Villa’s defensive play- but it also helped Everton to two goals. They were not clever goals by any means. The first, after sixty minutes’ play, was scrambled through by Cock from a corner kick, and the second a minute later, might be attributed to an error on the part of Spiers. He was out of position for Parry’s centre, and in trying to intercept it, only pushed the ball to Troup, who, unguarded and five yards from goal, had no difficulty in scoring. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Parry, Miller, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Mort; Johnstone, Ball, Moss; Kirton, Dickson, Capewell, J. Roxburgh, Dorrell. Referee; Mr. R.W. Sharp (Blackpool).

DEATH OF CHARLES CRUMP
Athletic News- Monday, April 16, 1923
EN PASSANT
The whole world which is interested in Association football will be plunged into sorrow by the tragic close of the life of Charles Crump, senior vice-president The Football Association, for the “Grand Old Man”of thegame passed away with sensational suddenness at Edinburgh yesterday morning. Mr. Crump was present at the match between Scotland and England at Glasgow on Saturday, and appeared in his usual wonderful health, considering his advanced age. He was as genial, as chatty, and as kindly ever, and his death came as a profound shock to Football Association party. After the match the team and the selectors returned to Glasgow, and had a cup of tea prior to going back to their temporary headquarters, the North British Hotel, at Edinburgh. After dinner the match was discussed, and everybody appeared in good health when they retired. Mr, Charles Crump rose yesterday morning and dressed himself, but he had a seizure. Medical aid was summoned, but before the doctor could arrive the veteran expired in the presence such old and trusted friends and companions as Mr. John Lewis, Mr. H, J. Husband. Mr. Horace Porter, and Mr, F. J. Wall. Naturally such a tragedy was appalling in its swiftness, but it is at least some consolation to know that he was spared a painful illness. Such an event will naturally cast a gloom over the impending Final Tie for The Association Cup, because the parent body will wish to mark with reverence and honour a man who had the affection The Council as no other man has ever possessed it.
A WONDERFUL OCTOGENARIAN
Charles Crump was born at Kingsland, near Leominster, on December 15, 1840, he was in his eighty-fourth year, but he came of a long- lived family, for he used to speak of a brother away in New Zealand older, we believe, than himself. He was a member of a remarkable family. He had a son who holds an important position in India. Once when this son was home on leave, he said to him: “I will show you a village where ten of us were born. I will show you a house where ten of us were born. I will show you a room where ten of us were born. I will show you a church where ten of us were christened. But there were not 40 of us. There were only ten.” And he took his son Kingsland. Ten children came into this world in the same room. Mr. Crump was proud of his yeoman stock, and had reason to be. His family removed to Shrewsbury when he was thirteen, and then to Wolverhampton. He entered the service the Great Western Railway in 1857, and left in 1905, having been with the company for 48 ¾   years. He went to the Stafford-road works of the G.W.R. as a clerk in the wagon office at Wolverhampton, but found his way to the locomotive department, advanced to a very responsible position on their system, and held it until he retired on a pension. As the pension was not sufficient for his needs, owing to the great change in the purchasing power of money, the Football Association had a happy thought. They promoted a testimonial to Mr. Crump to express their appreciation of his life-long devotion to football. At a banquet in London he was presented with a cheque for £4,000, subscribed for the whole football community. The occasion was unique, and well do we remember the emotion evinced by Mr. J. C. Clegg when he handed over this sum and the address in a beautiful casket. But the community was glad to render homage to one of their well-beloved leaders.
His Football Career.
Mr. Crump founded in 1874 the Stafford-road Football Club, which was run in connection with the Great Western Works. The organisation was well known in its day. Of medium height and sturdy build, Mr. Crump was a hefty charger, and in the refined version of the game which obtains to-day might have had short thrift from the referee. He was a sound club player and earned great respect both on and off the field. Football was not distinguished by politeness in those days. Charles Crump once said, “I remember a man who used to play with The Druids in those days. Hehad only the stump of one arm, but presented it to you.” In November, 1875, the Birmingham Football Association was formed, and Charles Crump was elected president. Up to his death he was the only man who held that office. He played for Birmingham against North Wales on November 4, 1876, and captained the team. , In the season of 1876-77 Stafford Road, with Crump in the centre, reached the final tie —the first ever played—for the Birmingham Cup, but they were beaten by Wednesbury Old Athletic. In December, 1877, Mr. Crump captained Birmingham in the first match against London at The Oval, when London won by 11—0. In 1878-79 there was rare fight for the Birmingham Cup. Stafford Road and The Old Athletic were again in the final. At the end of ninety minutes the record was 2-2. Mr. Crump consented to a continuation after ninety minutes, although he had two players disabled, as “his high sense of honour would not permit of so important a match ending in the unsatisfactory state of a draw,” His team lost by 2—3, but we worship the spirit which prompted him. Charles Crump played until he was 41 and then retired.
Legislative Activities.
Elected a member of the Football Association in 1883 became a vice-president in 1886, and rendered great service to the game in that capacity as legislator, because apart from his work on the F.A. he has for many years been a delegate to the International Board. We recall Mr. Crump as a referee, and a success he was, officiating inmany international matches and in The Final tie for The F.A. Cup in 1883, when Blackburn Olympic gained their memorable victory over the Old Etonians after an extra half-hour’s play. Tom Robertson, of Queen s Paik, a famous referee, used to tell a story of Crump’s refereeing days. Scotland played Wales at Wrexham on March 21, 1891, and beat them by 4-3. Two Queen's Park men, Humphrey Jones, Tom Robertson, were the rival captains. Mr. Crump disallowed a goal for Scotland, and Robertson said to him, “What was that goal disallowed for, Mr. Crump?” “Now Robertson, get on with your game,” was the answer. When the match was over Tom Robertson again put the question, and the reply was; “Mr. Robertson, you have won the match. Be satisfied.” This was typical of Charles Crump. Essentially he was diplomatic, and practised well the soft answer that turned away wrath. Since 1905 he has devoted himself entirely to football, and his last important duty was to propose the election of Mr. J. C. Clegg to the office of President of the F.A., in succession the late Lord Kinnaird. Great men in the people’s game have crossed to the inscrutable Beyond this year, but the name of Charles Crump will be enshrined in the memory of all who over knew this honest man with cheerful soul.

KEEN FEUD AT GLASGOW
Athletic News- Monday, April 16, 1923
ONE MISKICK WHICH ENABLED SCOTLAND TO DRAW
RARE LEFT WING WORK
SCOTLAND 2 ENGLAND 2
By Tityrus
England made a valiant effort to conquer Scotland and break the spell of misfortune which has dogged their footsteps at Hampden Park. Twice did the invaders, the Sassenachs, take the lead, and as often did the Scots restore equality. The Englishmen had the issue in their grip, the long-looked-for victory on Scottish soil seemed to be very near, when hope vanished. One of England’s backs made an appalling mistake, and left the goal at the mercy of Andrew Wilson. But the Cambuslang boy had no mercy, and the honour of Scotland was saved. We, who were dreaming of victory, awoke to stern reality. And, by heaven, Sirs, the Scots routed themselves. The slogan: “Stands Scotland, where she did?” stimulated the chiels Caledonia. They made tremendous exertions, but the wavering backs and the pursuing half-backs managed to withstand the shock attacks and muddle through. Thus, once again, Hope told a flattering tale, but England did the next best thing to winning, for they divided the honours of the match. As events happened they ought to have won.
ENGLAND SCORE FIRST
The Scots, as soon as motion was given to the ball, realised their game. They immediately attacked. Tresadern failed to take a pass from George Wilson, with result that Cunningham dashed ahead, drew the defence, and passed to Lawson, whose caused trouble which brought a corner-kick. This was typical of the way the Scots began the game, for they forced four corner-kicks in first five minutes. Their marksmanship was not effective, but Cunningham made two tine shots which tested Taylor, and the second especially, as it was swift and true, but the custodian got his body in the line of flight and cleared at the second attempt. Gradually the Englishmen began to assert themselves, and Wadsworth having sent Chedgzoy on his way passed to Kelly. The Burnley man dribbling for position crossed the ball to Tunstall, whose drive cannoned back, and Watson was able to head inches only above the bar. This attack seemed to give the visitors confidence. Even the Scots were soon away again, and Andrew Wilson’s drive was diverted by Longworth for a corner-kick when Taylor fielded another superb drive by Cunningham. A capital example of combination between George Wilson, Tresadern, Chambers, and Tunstall enabled the Sheffield United man to deliver a beautiful centre, but Watson drove over the bar. Again Tunstall concentrated danger, but Chedgzoy’s ball was tipped over the crossbar by Harper. Tunstall singled himself out time and again. He was the man Scotland had to fear, and he was plied with the ball by his partner and the opposite wing. And it was Tunstall’s effectiveness which brought the first goal. George Wilson placed Chambers in possession and he dribbled on until he made a glorious pass to Tunstall, who took the ball in his long stride and put in another of his peril-laden square centres. This KELLY met with his head and scored with a perfect example of placing. Thus England secured a substantial advantage at the end of 23 minutes.
CUNNINGHAM EQUALISES
Morton became busier than ever, although his idle moments had been very scare. He pushed a ball on the ground to Cairns, who nearly threw his legs away in an effort to reach it. But in vain. Morton was the Tunstall of his side, and I can pay him no higher compliment, but he could get no mate to crown his efforts. Morton had often both Kean and Longworth tackling him. Yet the little, wonder never flinched and never ceased to persevere. In spite of these efforts the equalising goal came from work of Lawson, who travelled inwards and screwed the ball back from the goal line. So much danger was nigh that Taylor threw himself forward on the ground. He was only able to push the ball away for a yard or two. The result was that Cunningham obtained Scotland's first goal with a swift low shot.The efforts of Cunningham to score were at last rewarded, and so at the end of 28 minutes equality reigned again.
Regaining the Lead.
England, however, regained their ascendancy after another eight minutes, and once more Tunstall laid the foundation of success. Kean, by a neat tap, gave Kelly the ball. As soon as he got it I could hear George Wilson shouting “Outside that ball.” At least so the words sounded. Kelly ran towards the centre and flashed a pass to Tunstall, who drove just below the height of the crossbar. The ball curled in transit, and Harper made no effort to repel it, so that Watson dashed in, timed his effort to the fraction of a second, jumped in the air, and headed into the net.  Alan Morton, diddling and dishing all his foes, wove his way so near to goal that he lobbed the ball so that Taylor was glad to catch it. While in possession Andrew Wilson charged the custodian to the ground, whereupon Taylor threw the ball over the line. When the corner kick arrived the Scottish centre-forward sent in a crawling, sneaking ball, which Taylor had less difficulty in gathering than in avoiding a charge from Cairns. England endeavoured to strengthen their lead, but Tunstall, evidently anxious to shoot, could not get the ball under control, and Watson failed when he had a chance; Still, at half-time, the Englishmen led 2—l.
One Fatal Miskick.
The latter half of the struggle was not quite interesting, as the football was not so good as it had been, and incidents were rarer. Chedgzoy was the principal leader of raids at the outset, but he did not part with the ball to advantage. He created positions, and then relieved the defence by weak finishing. Morton kept persevering, and one of his shrewdest centres caused Longworth much anxiety before he got the ball away. Then came the tragic mishap. There was a punt down the centre. The ball travelled over the heads of the forwards and should have been easily returned by Wadsworth. Andrew Wilson, it is true, was following up, and evidently intended to play on the back, but he had no need to do so, as Wadsworth, taking the situation with almost nonchalant ease, simply kicked over the ball. He swung his leg but the ball remained, and WILSON went away with it. He swept past the back and had no one to slay his progress in the 40 yards between him and the goal.  Taylor decided to remain at home. He did not advance to narrow the angle, and, dribbling on, the Scottish centre, retaining all his usual self-possession, shot from about 12 yards—a ground, slanting drive which went away from Taylor’s right hand and was fast enough to leave him helpless.  It is difficult to say whether Taylor should have run out. I rather thought so, but in any event the cardinal mistake was made by Wadsworth, and the goalkeeper was placed in such a quandary that the odds were always on the man in possession. On this incident the whole game revolved. England, by some fine forward play, tried to recover their lead, but all in vain. The Scots, however, having been given a goal, were much encouraged,  and Lawson gave a pass to Andrew Wilson, who looked like thrusting through the defence again, put Wadsworth made some atonement for his false step and cleverly sweeping the ball from the centre's feet, crashed it to the wings.  The Scots were undaunted and persevering and shook England’s defence to its very foundations, but the visitors were not by any means impotent, for Chambers kept prompting Tunstall with subtle foot passes and splendid flicks with his head. All the efforts of the rivals came to naught, but when Morton and Cairns provided Andrew Wilson with one of his all too rare opportunities, the Scottish centre shot so straight and strong that Taylor threw himself to the other side of the goal and turned the ball round the post for a corner, which Cairns headed wide of the goal. These incursions and shots kept the Englishmen on tenterhooks, for Wilson was again through with the English backs rather wide apart, but Taylor saved his charge-as he did once more from Lawson. There was the ever-present fear of a goal, because the Scots worked so hard and so perseveringly. Once when Cairns headed in, six inches more to his right would have given his country the deciding goal. Thus with all the striving of both sides the honours were easy, as whilst players say.
TUNSTALL’S TRIUMPH-AND WHY?
On the whole it seemed to me that Scotland were more often on the attack than England. They had more chances to win and did not take them even when the backs were hesitating and palpably in two or three minds. It was gratifying to see England getting goals after two barren years against the Scots. One had almost begun to abandon hope and to feel that England got all their gaols on one occasion for years to come. The reason was that England had the finest wing on the field. I care not who thinks otherwise, but Tunstall and Chambers stood out by themselves, superior even to Morton and Cairns. It was a severe task for Tunstall to face the Scots in his first international match; but this lad has the temperament for a great occasion. Neither the Scots nor the crowd disturbed his equanimity. He was the same Tunstall I have so often seen with Sheffield United. Let who will be fanciful, freakish, and subtle, Tunstall is content to be plain, orthodox, and simple in his style. Effectiveness is his purpose. Embroidery may be very artistic, but not so useful as a yard of good linen. Tunstall is very good linen. Always position for a pass, Tunstall instantly makes off with a long stride, can take either the outside or the inside route to goal, generally triumphs by sheer pace, and delivers a grand square centre, just inside the goal area. Some of his centres brought to mind John Simpson, once of Falkirk and Blackburn, inasmuch Tunstall takes the ball on his instep and often gets an in-swerve which, after moving along the goal line, carries the ball away towards the penalty spot. What is more, Tunstall will face any man, accept his attentions as all in the game, and never seems as if he can be knocked out bodily or disturbed mentally. Tunstall was the success of the match. Those who talked about the lad being a discovery and a revelation did not know their man. I have seen him play again and again in such form. His virtue was that he realised his best when his best was required. Who made him play? The same man who made Lieut. Hegan against the Belgians; the same man who has made Hopkin, Liverpool. Obviously I refer to Chambers the shrewdest inside forward of the day. His command of the ball in the dribble to draw the defence, his judgment when to pass, and the accuracy of his transfers with head and feet make him really great player. Chambers was the motive force of the line. Very often he did with one touch what Cairns accomplished in several moves. It is true that Chambers was not in a shooting mood. Mind, he was well guarded, but his dynamic value was beyond computation.These twain were the English men of mark. The rest had not their distinction. Beyond scoring the second goal, Victor Watson was very indifferent—not half the man in other big matches this season. Kelly  gave glimpses of his artistry. He could not help doing so, but he was not the stormy petrel of three years ago'. Chedgzoy was not convincing. In the first half he did give some through passes to Kelly, but when the Evertonian went along the wing on his own mission he did not centre well taking the match as a whole. He has often played better against the Scotsmen.  There was one fault common to both sides, and that was that neither team rendered really adequate support to the centre-forward. Watson was more sinned against than sinning, although I am bound to say that Cringan was a close sentinel over his man.
Ragged Back Divisions
George Wilson, captain in more than name, played well, especially in defence. His work at times was prodigious, his head being as much employed as his feet. Yet even Wilson has been more constructive. The wing half-backs were weak. Kean must have been as much above his normal form against Belgium as on Saturday he was below it. He had no plan of campaign with Longworth. Both were looking after Morton. Kean did his best, but was hopelessly lost against the left wing because he had little anticipation, and was just a rugged plodder. There were traces of the artist about Tresadern, but he tried to dribble, did not time his tackle, which was gentle enough, and made too many mistakes. Kean and Tresadern are not accustomed to this type of football, which must have been a hard lesson to them. The backs were fair. There was not a first-class back on either side. Longworth was better than Wadsworth, but he could not master Morton. He never has done. Moreover, Longworth was inclined to wander. Such tactics may pay in his club team, where his penchant is known, but it opens up an avenue in a battle of this kind. There was no serious fault with Edward Taylor. Yet I have seen him quicker and surer about his work. Still no man can always be at his best.
An-balanced Scottish Team.
The Scots were not a perfectly balanced and a finished side. Harper was beaten with balls which were headed. He could not be blamed for Kelly goal, but Harper might have cut out Tunstall’s centre for the second. For first appearance in this match Hutton did well. He was not a distinguished back, but he went to the rescue of his side on occasions when no one but a big-hearted, hard striving, never-say-die type of man would have done. Once when Tunstall had passed him and he looked beaten Hutton found some pace, and getting his nose in front by the side of his man kicked the ball from his toes at the expense of a corner, and on another occasion he crossed over and checkmated Kelly. Yes, Hutton was a grand trier, but he met Tunstall, and suffered. He should not be blamed for being beaten by such a forward. Blair was moderately good, but never touched his former standard.
The Scottish half-backs were not so conspicuous as I expected them to be. David Steele, good as he can be, was no match for Chambers, and he was unable to realise his power as an attacking half- back. Nor did he reveal his extraordinary pace. Many reputations are tarnished in this match and few made. Cringan toiled on and kept watch on Watson, but was not a helper to his forwards. Muirhead was a useful man, but I could not help thinking thatthe Scottish middlemen could be deceived with some ease, and that they were not great prompters. When one compares them with line like “ Dadler” Aitken, Raisbeck, and McWilliam, they were men with feet of clay. And in those days Aitken had even hard work to get his place. This tends to show that football has declined and that we are passing through lean times. Like England, the Scots had a fine left wing. The wee Morton is a master of his art, but I did not think that this dodger was quite so potent in the argument as two years ago. He was inclined to keep the ball too long before releasing it, so that when he did his mates were generally marked. Cairns played the part of jackal to the lion, and was a good provider but not a good shot. On the whole Andrew Cunningham was the shrewdest Scottish forward, for, big and strong, he was tenacious on the ball, dribbled closely, worked out good positions and shot finely. There was always brain behind his boot, and it was his misfortune to see much of his work frittered away. But Cunningham is still a very great player, and not only the mainspring of the attack, but a toiler and a helper in time trouble. Denis Lawson was sometimes good, but more often indifferent, and he-certainly seemed to me unequal, and not so clever and reliable a match-winner as Archibald of the Rangers can be. Andrew Wilson had many a tussle with his namesake, and the honours went to the Englishman, for the Cambuslang man, the hero of so many matches, accomplished very little beyond his goal. This washis saving grace, Still, it would be sheer flattery to say that Andrew Wilson is as thrustful, as swift, and as deadly at Sheffield. He must be compared with his best. Then he was a rare flower in full bloom. Now a petal here and there has dropped away. But he may regain his glory. He has not had a good season, but it should not be forgotten that he has had a trying time from a physical point view. He won this match last rear, and he saved it this spring by taking the chance of a lifetime. Never did a back look so crestfallen as Wadsworth. He appeared as if his heart sank within him, and I felt really sorry for him, as it was an ordeal in punishment for one mistake. But such is life and football. Scotland.- Harper (Hibernians); Hutton (Aberdeen), Blair (Cardiff City); Steele )(Huddersfield Town), Cringan (Celtic, captain), Muirhead (Rangers); Lawson (St. Mirren), Cunningham (Rangers), Wilson, A (Middlesbrough), Cairns and Morton (Rangers). England; Taylor (Huddersfield Town); Longworth (Liverpool), Wadworth (Huddersfield Town); Kean (The Wednesday), Wilson (G) (The Wednesday, captain), Tresadern (West Ham); Chedgzoy (Everton), Kelly (Burnley), Watson (West Ham), Chambers (Liverpool), and Tunstall (Sheffield United). Referee; A. Ward, Kirkham.

EVERTON’S REWARD
The Athletic News- Monday, April 16, 1923
THE VILLA DISCOMFITED IN A SPIRITED RESTART
EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 1
By Junius
It was not until the second portion of the game had been in progress fifteen minutes that Everton showed any signs being able to continue their merry way. A couple of goals within as many minutes changed the whole complexion of the game, and in the end they were just deserving victory. The two periods of play stood out in marked contrast. The first half was simply a travesty of the game, and I cannot recall any match in which offside infringements were so frequent. On the resumption, the methods adopted by the Aston Villa defenders were countered successfully, and into this portion of the proceedings were crowded the only interesting features of the game. During the first half the Villa forwards were the more enterprising. They moved quicker than the home quintette, made straight for their objective, and had they taken advantage of an unsteady defence quite early on, probably a different result would have been recorded. International calls gave Everton’s reserve right wing players an opportunity to display their skill, and they filled the positions with a good measure of success. Parry,  who took the place of Chedgzoy, after a lean time against Moss in the first half, was seen to better advantage in the second, when he was more frequently piled, and he was concerned in the movements that led up to the scoring of the goals.
Two Quick Goals
Placing well from a corner, Cock headed into the net, and two minutes later Parry gave Spiers an awkward oblique to negotiate. The beat the goalkeeper could do turn the ball across the goal, and Troup, racing in, netted with ease. These successes were against the run of the play up to this period, but served to transform the game. Several onslaughts by the Villa left brought reward when Fern failed to retain a ball from Roxburgh, and with Capewell well up, the lead was reduced four minutes from time. Cock returned to the home side after his recent injury, but only sparkled occasionally, and though Troup had a penchant for wandering, he was nevertheless a live force in approaching movements. Capewell was a leader of the dashing type, but as a rule he did not gain good results. The best work of the line came from Kirton and Dickson, though they should have profited from the miskicking and faulty timing of McDonald in the early stages. The lastnamed improved wonderfully later on, but his partner Raitt was the more dependable.  Smart and Mortwere capable defenders, and in front of them Ball and Moss, linked up with their forwards in a manner that merited better results. As a line the Villa half-backs were superior  to those of Everton taking the game all through, though McBain’s placing was of a high standard, and he accomplished one very clever performance just before the interval by preventing Kirton from racing through when all seemed lost. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Parry, Miller, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Mort; Johnstone, Bell, Moss; Kirton, Dickson, Capewell, J. Roxburgh, and Dorrell. Referee; R.W. Sharp, Blackpool.

HAIL HIBERNIA!
The Athletic News-Monday, April 16, 1923
WRECK OF PRINCIPALITY AT WREXHAM
A TEAM TOGETHER
WALES O IRELAND 3
By Impressionist
Ireland won. And that’s that. The game at Wrexham, as a study in international class, was a huge disappointment, except on one side, If there had been enough Irishmen present, argument and reminiscence might have been indulged in, preferably favour of Hibernia, without, save for a short space in the first half, either faction being in danger of missing the gist the game. The proceedings opened in a drab monotone, and it was only relieved when Ireland scored their goals. There was no mistaking the anxiety the majority of the players to justify their reputations, but it was disappointing that two teams of acknowledged individual and collective class should provide such a fitful, listless exhibition. The Irish predominance is not exaggerated by the score. In every department they were the masters. Their club pair of backs, Mackie and Kennedy, playing in international football for the first time, must have felt after the match that the responsibility was much less than they expected. The Welsh forwards were controlled in the first instance by assertive and withal resourceful half-back line; a line, indeed, that embodied the latter trait, as the Welsh attack, as a line, never gave the slightest suggestion of attaining, But this conflict was really decided between the forwards. I obtained the impression that the Welsh half-backs and backs would have given better account of themselves if they had not been so burdened; if their forwards had only revealed a normal conception of what they were there to accomplish.
A Team Together.
All through the Irish team was balanced and cohesive, and the forwards gave the effective touch to the general scheme by their alternate open and inside forward style their superior ability both to make chances and take them. During the first half the Welsh defence appeared unfavourable light against the persistent, and thorough assaults of the visitors, but they had my sympathy because they were so frequently left without support, and left to circumvent a swiftly-moving foe by their own initiative. There were minor incidents which relieved the somnolent atmosphere. The Welsh followers certainly could not urge a tinge of appreciative national ardour, and after twelve torpid minutes consternation was spread when IRVINE emerged from the midfield medley, which had been the rule, and veering to the right scored-with a haphazard kind of ball that had a bounce in it before it eluded the Welsh goalkeeper. Three minutes later Gallagher sent the ball down the middle. It was captured by Gillespie, who made one of his best transfers to the wing, and was all alert in goal to receive Toner’s return centre. Really Godding ought to have diverted the ball—that at least. Instead he handled it on for Gillespie to score simple goal with a nod of his head.
Wales the Toils.
Now, to illustrate how feeble and how fettered the Welshmen were, I mention that they gained what comparatively was illuminating—a corner. It was useless; and in fact reactionary. For Gallagher immediately initiated an Irish advance. When Toner was put in possession John effectively tackled him, albeit the Arsenal man made the mistake of putting the ball square across his own defence. Still the Welsh goal was far away from danger until Russell failed to removed from danger until Russell failed to dispose of the ball, and was dispossessed by the ever industrious Irvine. Still, thirty yards from goal, what was IRVINE to do? He adopted the line of least resistance, but with such expediency that a thrilling drive had Godding beaten from the moment that it left the marksman’s foot at high velocity. In this way Ireland were worthily three goals to the good at the interval. Farquharson, like Godding, was not impressive for he failed pick up a simple ball from Hole, and he ought to have collected an innocuous effort by Len Davies instead of jeopardising his goal and relying on a defender being handy. The best of Wales in all respects was seen in the second period, but their attempts to reduce the heavy deficit only served to emphasise the talents of the Irish half-backs and backs. On the other hand the Irishmen had no difficulty in keeping, their grip. There was something far more pungent about them, as a result which Irvine struck the bar and Gillespie netted the ball, as I plainly saw it, legitimately enough only to be whistled off-side. Farquharson did not impress me, despite having so little to do. He did not grasp eventualities, nor could he collect the ball. Naturally he was not able effectively to dispose of it.
Fusses From The Arsenal.
But he was brilliantly covered. The Arsenal backs started diffidently, as was to be expected, in this their introduction to international football. Before long these youngsters Mackie and Kennedy were playing with the impassive confidence born long experience. The prejudice against playing clubmen together certainly was exploded so far as defences are concerned, and Kennedy—and I cannot separate them in merit—kicked and tackled with unimpeachable accuracy. They are likely to be to Ireland what McCombie and Watson were to Scotland. The success of the backs was to some extent reflected glory for the Cardiff City centre half-back. Smith. He co-operated with the Arsenal men splendidly when it came methods of resistance, but mostly Smith was dominating the Welsh inside forwards and forcing the exchanges on his own side’s behalf. Smith was one of the two really distinguished halt-backs afield. The other, let me say at once, was Jennings of the opposition. Co-operatively, however, the Irish intermediates were superior to the rival line. Irving, the Dundonian, took some time to find his best, but eventually stamped himself as a first-class man with the resource to speed up suddenly and carry war into the enemy’s camp. On the other wing, the best tribute that can be paid to Emerson is that he maintained equality with the chief source of Welsh danger, and with the aid of Kennedy blotted out Hole. The Irish comprised three fine inside forwards who could master a moving ball on a ground that had some deceptive cavities and hummocks, and take it into position or distribute it with favourable directness. Irvine, out of his normal club position, shouldered the centre-forward burden with a tact and celerity that was a feature of the game. With any luck he might have had more than two goals. Irvine was the rapier darting hither and thither, with Gallagher and Gillespie astute men prompting the flashes. At times Gallagher found the pace more than he is accustomed to, but both inside men, with contrasting ideas, were craftsmen. Lyner was seldom seen to advantage, and the variation to the inside-forward game which Ireland played was best supported by Toner. Whether Godding’s first appearance on his own ground in the old gold jersey unnerved him I cannot say, but this would be the kindest explanation of the poor attempt he made in response to the incidents leading to the first two goals. The giant in defence was Bussell. The Plymouth Argyle man may not have been polished, but “right or left as strikes the player”  was always there, covering up Parry who one moment convinced one that he was an artist and the next shattered one’s notions by most elementary tackling. Until the closing phases, when the result was beyond doubt, Keener was never his ease at centre half-back. The bail, without the man, often passed him by. It has conceded, however, that he has been playing in all sorts of positions, save centre-half-back, for Cardiff City. I have seen John play a more steadfast game for his club. The master half-back was William Jennings. The Bolton Wanderers’ player, throwing off the shackles of club responsibility, gave a wonderful exhibition of intrepid; yet cate tackling and shrewd purveying, with the ball always on the ground. Jennings was a strategist and a bulwark to his side. The outstanding forward was Ivor Jones, a clever worker of the ball whose passes fell on barren soil. Jones prompted and initiated all to no purpose. Len Davies was dashing and alert when the holding of the ball and a little discretion would have counted still he looked like getting a goal more than anyone. John Evans, no doubt, suffered through Vizard being clearly out of his element at inside left. But I cannot recollect seeing the Bala man fail so repeatedly, with the scope provided, to lift the ball into the middle. Wales.- Godding (Wrexham); Russell (Plymouth Argyle), Parry (Liverpool); John (Arsenal), Keenor (Cardiff City), Jennings (Bolton Wanderers), Captain); Hole (Swansea Town), Ivor Jones (West Bromwich Albion), L. Davies (Cardiff City), Vizard (Bolton Wanderers), and J. Evans (Cardiff City). Ireland.- Farquharson (Cardiff City); Mackie (Arsenal), Kennedy (Arsenal); Irving (Dundee), Smith (Cardiff City), Emerson (Burnley); Lyner (Kilmarnock), Gallagher (Celtic), Irvine (Everton), Gillespie (Sheffield United) (Captain), and Toner (Arsenal). Referee; G. D. Nunnerley, Ellesmere (Salop).

F.A. VETERAN’S SUDDEN DEATH
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, April 16, 1923
Bee’s Notes
There is a gloom over football. Charlie Crump is dead. He died in harness. He went to bed at Edinburgh after the Hampden park match, and was dead in his bed at nine o’clock yesterday morning. It is all very sudden, for if Mr. crump was an 8-years-old he was as spruce and hearty as a schoolboy, and his ruddy complexion, clear skin, and monocle will be greatly missed by all who deal in football wares. He was a loveable soul; always smiling and happy and offering a kind word to everyone. Little did we think when he came over to our tables at breakfast on Saturday morning and bade us “a happy innings” that the end was so near. I chaffed him and named him “Mr. Holyhead,” and his memory soon recalled the day we were at Holyhead after an international match in Ireland. A race gang coming from Punchestown “settled” on Mr. Crump as a victim and was about to lift his watch. When they failed they tried to throw him over the gangway of the boat. Billy Scott, Elisha’s brother, was present and wanted to settle the whole tribe of thieves “off his own bat.” Mr. Crump grew with the game, and did wonderful work for it in the long-days- ago when I was in the Midlands. He was employed for years in a railway concern, and when his pension, through stress of war prices, became insufficient, the F.A. got up a fund and gave him some thousands of pounds. He had not complained till Saturday night that he was at all unwell, so his sudden demise created intense sorrow in the football party, which practically “broke up,” arrangements being cancelled. The F.A. has some striking veterans in its council, and I hope this is not to be the beginning of the end of losses to football. Service to the F.A. has seemed to bring with it old age, sociability, and happiness. May the remaining members be spared for many a year to do their good work.

EVERTON’S AWAY WIN
The Liverpool echo-Monday, April 16, 1923
By Bee
Everton had their full side out, Irvine sporting a blackened eye through his international game at Wrexham, and he and Chedgzoy returned to the side, which side, by the way, was met by Fazackerley at midday. It is suggested that Fare, of Wigan Borough, is likely to go to Bolton Wanderers and this follow Eatock. Sheffield United had a shocking attendance- one of the poorest I have ever seen at the ground-in spite of their brilliant victory at Roker Park. However, trade depression and the lack of holidays in midweek were the cause of the poor attendance. The day was fine with a struggle.
AN ARID OPENING
For some time after Everton had won the toss there was a lack of “atmosphere” through the smallest of the crowd. Peacock made a good inward pass that was not converted, and Milton and Plant were guilty of bad miskicks. When Troup centred Cock had a escape a bump, and the ball passed out. Milton, as in the semi-final at Old Trafford, could not get his length early on. There was nothing between the teams, yet Everton shaped the better, and when Cock left a Chedgzoy centre for Chadwick the big boy from Darwen hit hard, and the ball clogged against a defender and went for a corner, Chadwick hurting his foot in the act. Waugh was responsible for strong passes to his wingmen, whereas Irvine was not getting the ball to the right spot when he was passing. McDonald was hurt, and play was allowed to go on while he lay on the field with a damaged left leg. It was allowed to go on so long that Tunstall, after a long cross drive, went only half a yard wide of the far post. The best part of the game so far came when McDonald resumed and Johnson beat him for possession and worked his way right in front of goal. However, the home centre forward made a very poor attempt from a gorgeous chance. For the first 25 minutes neither goalkeeper was tested.
EVERTON TAKE THE LEAD
Chedgzoy, seeing Tunstall unmarked, raced down and covered him, and when Tunstall later made a centre McDonald and Fern both went to the ball at the same time and McDonald was hit on the face, and for the rest of the half had to play while in trouble. But he displayed splendid form, and made some fine clearances. Fern picked up at the second time of asking from Sampy when the position was distinctly difficult. The Everton forwards now began to move off in machine like fashion and Troup had more work to do than in any other period, the result being that the whole line had a hand, or rather a foot, in the goal that was scored by Irvine after 35 minutes. It came about in this way. Troup began dodging, and Chadwick made a long cross pass to Chedgzoy, who had to slip round his full-back and centre from the line. It was one of Chedgzoy’s old-time efforts, and when the ball went to Cock the latter passed back to Irvine, who made a nice low drive to the right-hand side of the goal. Chedgzoy would have made goal number two, but for kicking round the ball. Sampy immediately before the interval was just outside the post.
Half-time; Sheffield United 0, Everton 1
When play was resumed McDonald was able to play, but was evidently still in pain with his jaw. Tunstall broke through on his own, and made a low shot of great pace, Fern catching finely. Johnson nearly headed through a free kick, which was not a free kick. The United rallied for 5 minutes only, and then Waugh tried a shot on his own that Fern jumped up to and caught. Everton replied by Irvine bursting through from a pass by McBain, who was playing splendid football. It was a narrow squeak, and encouraged Everton to continue their attacking movements, Irvine again nearly scoring from a corner. If Everton win today it will be their sixth victory in their last seven matches, and at 70 minutes, when they were leading 1-0, they promised to repeat the performance of Huddersfield Town, who last week were the first team to take four points out of Sheffield United.
Final; Sheffield United 0, Everton 1.

SHEFFIELD UNITED 0 EVERTON 1
April 17, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON BLUNT BLADES.
EVERTON DEFEAT THE BLADES
ATTRACTIVE FOOTBALL AT SHEFFIELD.
The United had Plant and Milton back again, whilst all the Everton stars were on view. The first half produced very attractive football, but little finishing power, though Fern knocked McDonald out temporally in dealing with a strong shot from Tunstall who, after opening quietly did his usual excellent work. Thirty-five minutes had gone when Troup put the ball clean across the goal, Chedgzoy returning it perfectly for Irvine to place it well out of Gough's reach. A moment later Gough glorious saved a six-yards' drive by Cock. Everton led at the interval, though Sampy should have equalised just before. The second half opened with a spirited attack by the United, Fern displaying sound goalkeeping, Troup cleared his lines by a strong dribble, but Tunstall brought the ball back, centering perfectly, but Sampy again failed, being unable to control the ball. Delicious dribbling by McBain, Chedgzoy and Irvine carried the ball right into the United's zone where Pantling, attempting to clear, almost scored against his own side. Apart from Tunstall and Gillespie United's forwards were below form, whereas Everton's top of the ground footwork was extremely good. In a rousing finish Fern greatly distinguished himself against Waugh and Gillespie but Everton all through had shown the higher quality, notably in fine understanding between their half backs and forwards. Teams : - Sheffield United: - Gough, goal, Cook, and Milton, backs, Pantling, Waugh, and Plant, half-backs, Mercer, Sampey, Johnstone, Gillespie, and Tunstall, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Referee Noel Watson.

EVERTON WIN AT BRAMALL LANE
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer- Tuesday, April 17, 1923
EVERTON WIN AT BRAMELL LANE
At Bramall Lane, yesterday, before 7,000 spectators. Everton, who were at full strength, gained a well-deserved victory, beating Sheffield United by an odd goal. Early play favoured Everton, but a splendid centre by Chedgzoy was well intercepted Waugh. After 35 minutes' even play Everton scored a fine goal, Chedgzoy getting across a beautiful square centre, and from pass by Cock Irvine, with a swift, low shot, drove the ball just inside the post. Only a brilliant save from a great long shot by Cock prevented Everton adding to their lead. United then attacked with vigour, and just before the interval Sampy only just missed equalising with a shot which grazed the upright. Immediately after changing ends Tunstall raced along the Sheffield left and sent in a terrific shot, which was stopped in great style by Fern, who also stopped a hot shot fromWaugh almost under the bar. Sampy missed a fine opportunity of putting United level. Following a run and centre by the Chedgzoy, the Sheffield goal had a narrow escape, Gough having to save from a mis-kick by his own back. Cook. United then resumed their pressure, but Fern made some clever clearances. In the last few minutes the Sheffield goal was greatly endangered by the fine centring of Troup and Chedgzoy. ResultEverton 1 goal. Sheffield! United none

UNITED BEATEN AT HOME
Sheffield Independent -Tuesday April 17 1923
INSIDE FORWARDS FASIL TO SEIZE THEIR CHANCES
EVERTON’S DOUBLE
SHEFFIELD UNITED 0, EVERTON 1
By “Centre-Forward”
Followers of Sheffield United would have liked to see their heroes avenge the severe defeat suffered at Goodison Park, where they were beaten by 5-1 but only some 7,000 turned up at Bramall lane, yesterday, to see them try, and fail, the Evertonians winning by an odd goal. On the run of the play a division of League points would perhaps have been a more fitting result, but Everton’s goal was a very one, and their defence proving too strong for the United’s efforts in retaliation, credit must be given to the visitors for a well-deserved victory. The Evertonians were at full strength, and Sheffield United also had a fully representative team, in which Milton and Plant, who had been absent from several games recently, by reason of injuries, reappeared at left back and left half-back respectively.
IRVINE SCORES
During the early stages of the game the football was decidedly tame, bearing distinctly an “end-of-the-season” aspect, and only one shot of any great power was sent in, namely a furious drive at the visitors goal by Mercer, which was splendidly stopped by Fern. The goal which gave Everton the victory came at the end of 35 minutes’ play. It was Chedgzoy, with a beautiful square centre, who made it possible, and when Cock passed the ball to Irvine, the inside right, shooting instantly and with force and precision, drove the ball just inside the near post, Gough being unable to get across in time to stop it. It was only a brilliant save by Gough, who threw himself at full length, and stopped a splendid long drive by Cock, which prevented the visitors going further ahead. Just before the interval Sampy came within inches of equalising, and at half-time Everton led by 1-0.
FERN BUSY.
The early movements of the second-half saw the Sheffielders  attacking with great vigour. Tunstall was first to the fore with a dazzling sprint and furious drive, which Fern intercepted in great style. The Everton goalkeeper made another fine save when he stopped a pretty shot from Waugh almost under the bar. The football played during this part of the game was much brisker and the Everton forwards made some smartly combined movements, and once, following a good centre by Chedgzoy, Cook the United back, almost kicked through his own goal, Gough saving smartly. Fern, who kept goal finely, had much to do with the failure of United's attacks, and he made several more good clearances of high shots, notably another from Waugh. Macdonald also played a resolute and judicious game at back. Still, if the United inside forwards had been as clever in seizing their chances as Mercer and Tunstall were to make the openings, there would have been a different tale to tell. Teams; United; Gough; Cook, Milton; Pantling, Waugh, Plant; Mercer, Sampy, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee; G. N. Watson (Nottingham).

UNITED’S THIRD HOME DEFEAT OF SEASON
Sheffield Daily Telegraph-Tuesday April 17, 1923
HOW EVERTON WON
Sheffield United met a keener eleven than themselves at Bramall Lane yesterday, and lost 1--0. That was all there was in it between Gillespie's men and Everton: just the little extra bit of push and go which made the balance turn. At one period of the season Everton could do little right. But they have been climbing the ladder lately, and, with six wins in seven matches, are eager to finish high up. It may not be altogether wicked to suggest that Sheffield United's chief remaining ambition, at the "tired end" of a season in which they have done many fine things, is to deal faithfully with their great city rivals in Waller's benefit match on Thursday evening. At any rate they were not their usual virile selves by a long way yesterday, and Everton deserved to win. The deciding goal was obtained by Irvine some ten minutes before the interval. Chedgzoy, who played masterfully and confidently on the Everton extreme right, beat his man and placed the ball smoothly to Cock in the home goalmouth. Although Cock himself did not hit it fairly, United's defenders could not get it away, and after a few desperate efforts, Chedgzoy s inside partner scored with a quick, low shot, just inside the post furthest from Gough.
The Brilliance of Tunstall.
Although for a time after the interval the Sheffield side overwhelmed their opponents, pressing hot-foot to the attack, they did not maintain the pace as they have been wont to do, nor did they finish with the snap and power that were needed to beat a good goalkeeper like Fern. Tunstall, notwithstanding his great exertions for England on Saturday, and the long railway journey home, came up as fresh as the proverbial paint. He is one of the sort that would play all the year round if the F.A. would let him, would enjoy every game, and would always turn out the best in him. Again and again yesterday Tunstall sped away with the swiftness of the wind, bringing the ball where he wanted it with the conquering touch that seems natural to him, and putting over most tempting centres. But his front-rank colleagues had not his vivacity. Johnson, though trying hard and going close to the mark several times, found the ball too lively for him. Gillespie stuck to the "feeding" role. Sampy petered out after a dexterous display in the first half, and Mercer had a quiet day. Among the home half-backs, Waugh worked particularly well; one fine drive from his foot obliged Fern to be content to push the ball over the bar. At back, Cook served his side admirably: he employs quaint ways of getting at the bail sometimes, but his mistakes are wonderfully rare, and it would be hard to name a back who has fewer free-kicks given against him.
Everton's Stalwarts.
Curiously enough, the best save Gough made was from one of his own half-backs, who in a goal-mouth scrimmage kicked hard in the wrong direction at very short range indeed. Another fine effort was called forth by Cock, with one of the ex-Chelsea man's old-style "going-away " shots. Cock, however, does not seem to take the game quite seriously nowadays. Once he was to be observed engaged in a pleasant conversation with Milton, what time Gough was desperately juggling with the ball three yards away! The Everton centre gives up too soon. Chedgzoy was a long way the most cultured Everton forward, though Troup did some clever things when he could beat Pantling. The Everton half-backs maintained a sound standard, with McBain the best of them, and they had a working arrangement with the backs which often led the Sheffield inside forwards into a jam. Raitt, at right back, put up a very good game indeed; he could not hold Tunstall, but that clever individual had to play hard and well to beat him. The old Lincoln goalkeeper, Fern, showed just so much of his old skill and judgment as was called for by the Sheffield forwards; he kept his goal intact without being lucky. Result; Sheffield United 0 Everton 1
Teams; Sheffield United; Gough; Cook and Milton; Pantling, Waugh, and Plant; Mercer, Sampy, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall. Everton; Fern; Raitt and McDonald; Peacock, McBain, and Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee; Mr. G.N. Watson (Nottingham).

ALONE IN GLORY
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, April 17, 1923
Bee’s Notes
As I was the only Liverpool pressman at Hampden or Sheffield, I must, as on Monday, go deeply into this well-won victory. It could easily have been three-nil, and the Sheffield folk admitted that it would then have been no more than the clever side deserved. One stoppage was due to a cannon ball from Chadwick hitting Cock’s foot! Cock as a defender is a new idea; but Livingstone as the accompanist is not, and Dugal entertained the team and others after the match to some rich music. Now what exactly did Everton do? They beat the Cup side-Gough for Blackwell excepted; they beat the side that won at Sunderland 5-3, and they merited their win. Could you want more? Yes, just one thing -Everton played pretty football, and thus bore out once again my statement that since they became a new Everton they must attract, win or lose. Of course, they are more attractive when the trimmings bring two points. Such was the case at Brammall lane, the three-sided field that bore no great save where Yorks C.C.C. are about to step on to. There always seems something wanting at this ground through the crowd being on three sides. However, that’s an aside.
A CLEAN GOAL
All round there was competence that pleased, and there was methodical movement among the players, who kept the ball where it should be -on the ground- that augurs well for next season. From stem to stern there was no weakness, and if the play ended to the right wing more than the left that is not surprising-for it does “run” that way sometimes of its own free will. Certainly no one could wise to see a prettier goal. Every forward had a hand in it. It was started by Troup, carried on by a sweeping long pass to Chedgzoy, who could have been excused if he had been unable to centre aright, for he had to round his man and centre apace though awkwardly placed. Cock was covered and could not shoot, so he placed the ball back to Irvine, who drove a low ball to the right side of the goal. That was a definite, well-earned, and clean point which allowed of no argument. Then Cock made a long drive- which is uncommon for him so far as Everton matches are concerned, and he hit a peach which Gough only got to in the nick of time at the far side of the post.
A SURE DEFENCE
Fern kept a good goal, high and low fast shots being well caught and cleared, McDonald never played better, although he was hurt early on, and before half-time had suffered a severe kick intended for the ball, which caught his jaw. Everton had an equally dependable back in Raitt, who never put a foot wrong against that much improved and practical forward Tunstall, who had played in the International game at Hampden Park. Tunstall was the one forward of the home side who did himself justice. The remainder of the team was tired, but keen to try. There was a gulf between the work of the goalkeepers. The Cup side (Gough for Blackwell excepted) could not bet back the Everton team, and Gough was not clean in his work, twice juggling with the ball, and only once showing up well from a long drive by Cock that he caught at the foot of the far post. At full back Milton and Cook were not certain in their length or direction, and at half back only Waugh did well, he being responsible for some really good chance shots when his forwards could not penetrate the defence. On the right wing Mercer and Sampy did not work with a will or with effect, and Johnson was well held. There was a general level of excellence on the winning side, and first came Fern’s clean and sure coping with the efforts that came his way. The backs have been mentioned, and the halves took the palm. McBain was a general factotum- his heading of passes was as reliable as his foot-passes, and he opened out the game very wisely. Peacock had a subtle wing to contend with and his first half exhibition was the better. Hart and McDonald never let Mercer and Sampy do any damage, while Hart often went up the field to help his forwards late on in the game, when there was just a chance of a snap goal. Forward the left wing was not unduly prominent-probably through a lot of use being made of the right wing. Still, it is often the case that “play” runs to one wing. Certainly Cock headed some passes, kept his position, and made ground passes, while Chadwick was strong and untiring in spite of his collision with an opponent. Chadwick had another certain goal when the shot hit Cock on the foot. Irvine and Chadwick made wing work often, and each was a capable leader of raids without much fortune attending their efforts. There were times when the end-of-season was suggested by the work of the Sheffield side, but this must not detract from the well-balanced and able display given by the Everton team.

DEATH OF MR. C. W. BULLOCK.
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, April 17, 1923
The death occurred at his residence, Wellington-road, New Brighton, last night, after a long illness, of Mr. Charles W. Bullock. Mr. Bullock was well known in the city as a tourist agent, and he had made the travelling arrangements for the Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs for many years. He was credited with making the first motor charabanc trip from Liverpool -a five days' tour to the Derby at Epsom in 1918. Mr. Bullock was a Freemason, and leaves a widow and grown-up family.

DARWEN 3 EVERTON 2
April 18, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON AT DARWEN.
There were about, 1,500 spectators at Darwen last night, when Everton played a Friendly game as part of the arrangement for the transfer of Williams the home team winning by 3 goals to 2. After about ten minutes Howarth centre for Pearson to score the only goal of the first half. Early in the second half, Parry made a good centre, which enabled Williams to equalise. One of the visitors backs handled, and from the penalty kick Howarth, scored Darwen's second goal. Holt with a fine shot registered the third goal, and Williams scored another goal for Everton. Everton had hard luck in not equalising in the last minute.

DARWEN DEFEAT EVERTON RESERVES
Lancashire Evening Post- Wednesday, April 18, 1923
A capital game was witnessed by over 2.000 spectators at the Anchor Ground last evening, when Darwin defeated Everton's Central League team by three goals to two. The game was arranged in part consideration for the transfer at the close of last season of Williams, inside left. Williams was Everton's thief goal scorer until an injury a few weeks ago lost him his place in the first team. He is now recovered and last evening displayed a fine turn of speed, clever ball control, and quick shooting. Though Everton were the more polished side and kept the ball moving on the ground, Darwen were mainly on the aggressive, and well deserved victory. Haworth, especially in the first half, sorely troubled the Everton defence with his tricky runs and perfect centres, while he had an able colleague in Birch. Ellel was the best half-back on the field, and Whittaker gave a good exhibition at left-back. Darwen’s goals were scored by Pearson, Howarth (penalty) and Holt, the last-named shooting from over 30 yards range. In addition to Williams, who scored two goals, Everton were well served by Livingstone, Parry, Miller, and Forbes.

EVERTON AT DARWEN
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, April 18, 1923
Bee’s Notes
There were about 1.300 spectators at Darwen last night, when Everton played a friendly game as part of the arrangement for the transfer of Williams, the home team winning by 3 goals to 2. After about ten minutes Howarth centred for Pearson to score the only goal of the first half. Early in the second half Parry made a fine centre which enabled Williams to equalise. One of the visitors’ backs handled and from the spot kick Howarth scored Darwen’s second goal, Holt with a fine shot registered the third goal, Williams scored another goal for Everton and had bad luck in not equalising in the last minute.
Everton will play the same team against Aston Villa away on Saturday as beat Sheffield United.
The Reserve side to meet Sheffield United Reserves at Goodison park on Saturday will be; Harland; Caddick, Livingstone; brown, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, and Harrison.

GOING STRONG
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, April 20, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Birmingham to tackle the Villa and to try to show that they are what was said of them on Tuesday. “They are a team.” Well, the Villa ground is not one of the happiest of hunting grounds for visitors, and the task is a difficult one, but the Everton boys are so well-knit these days that I expect their forwards to overcome the Villa defence, while the visitors’ half-back line should be able to hold its own with the Villa. Undoubtedly the game between these two sides bring out very pretty football, and last week’s sample was in keeping with this idea. Everton left it rather late before they “went home” at Walton, and I am hoping for an earlier, determined, and distinctive effort on the part of the forwards to-morrow, so that the sting shall be taken out of the Aston side. Remembering Everton’s lowly position at Christmas, and the fears and tremblings of the people that this was to be their outgoing year, it is almost laughable to see the club fighting hard for the third place in the League honours list! The boardroom and the club-room are keen as mustard as if there were the old-time bonus attaching to that honour. It is good to see the men making “fight” for the highest possible position, and I only hope that they manage their biggest aim- to attain the highest number of League points ever obtained by the club. These are the teams;- Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Mort; Johnstone, Ball, Moss; Kirton, Dickson, Capewell, Walker, Dorrell.
LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The final of the R.P. Houston Cup Competition will be decided on the ground of the Everton Football Club, Goodison Park, on Saturday, 6.15. The competition grows each year in popularity, and last season attracted a record gate. The two contesting sides are Garston Royal and Howson and each side have accomplished good performances this season. As both sides have similar colours they tossed up for choice, and as Howsons lost they will appear in black and white stripes. The North Liverpool Band will render selections, and the game should provide a good attraction for the football fans after the game with Huddersfield at Anfield in the afternoon.

VIRILE VILLA
The Sports Argus, Saturday, April 21, 1923
CLEVER FORWARD WORK AGAINST EVERTON
WALKER ON THE MARK
By “Crusader”
Although the football season is so near its end, and neither Villa nor Everton have much to fight for, their meeting at Villa Park today was not without its interest. The teams have figured in many a rare struggle, and there was no reason why this afternoon’s game should not be as memorable as many of its predecessors. A week ago, at Goodison Park, Villa were without Walker, York and Blackburn, and Everton had Chedgzoy and Irvine away. The game did not reach expectations and although Everton had the verdict by the odd goal of three there was little that was convincing about their play. Today Villa were still without York, while Mort was unfit and J. Roxburgh was not available. Walker and Blackburn returned to their usual positions, and Stephenson and Kirton formed the right wing. Everton with Chedgzoy and Irvine back, were at full strength. Teams; Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Jones; Moss, Bell, Blackburn; Stephenson, Kirton, Dickson, Walker, Dorrell. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Referee. Mr. R.W. Sharp (Blackpool).There were 20,000 spectators present when Villa, who lost the toss, were set to face the sun. they made immediate progress on the left, and Raitt, passing back to the goalkeeper, round Walker ready to bother him to such an extent that the goalkeeper carried the ball over the line for a fruitless corner. Several attempts by Everton to get away were nipped in the bud by Blackburn and Jones, both of whom played coolly and with judgement. Villa half-backs more than usually looked after the left wing, and had the satisfaction of seeing Walker carry the ball several times into the Everton goal, and only four minutes from the start that player gave Villa the lead with a clever goal. WALKER received possession 20 yards out, and finishing cleverly, eluded the attentions of Raitt, dribbled into the centre, and hooked the ball well out of Fern’s reach. Chadwick and Troup were the only Everton men who showed any promise, and these two fed their inside men well, but their centres were of little avail. On the other wing Chedgzoy failed completely to measure the strength of either Blackburn or Jones. From one of Troup’s centres, Irvine got in a drive only inches wide at the foot of the upright. Everton’s raids were the exception rather than the rule. It was Villa who did the greater part of the pressing, and there was style and method in their work. Stephenson and Kirton made a good wing, the former having distinctly hard lines with a drive from Walker’s pass, which sailed inches over the bar, while a subsequent shot from close quarters was well held by Fern. Villa’s half-backs played strongly at all times. There was an occasion when Everton appeared to have Villa’s defence tied up, but Moss threw his legs in front of Chadwick and stopped his drive. In aggressive work, too Moss figured largely, and he was in the thick of the movement which led to Villa’s second goal after 24 minutes. He had worked cleverly to give Walker an opening, and the latter, seeing Kirton’s position, put the ball over. KIRTON cleverly got it under control, and a hard rising shot found the top corner of the net. In the next minute Ball provided Stepheson with a good pass and the winger, cutting in, skimmed the upright with a terrific drive. Villa’s scheming was clever and well sustained, and there was plenty of sting about their work. It was just the reverse with Everton. They schemed well, but finished atrociously. Villa went further ahead after 37 minutes as the result of a corner forced by Dorrell off Raitt. The kick was nicely placed for Walker to get in a header, and although Raitt was standing on the goal line, he allowed the ball to get beyond him. Everton rallied strongly, and Irvine gave Spiers a warm handful at the foot of the post, while Troup continued to get in clever runs without, however, carrying the danger too near goal.
Half-time; Aston Villa 3, Everton 0
Moss, who had been limping badly towards the close of the first half, resumed apparently in better fettle. The early play was a trifle scrappy, with what little balance there was in favour of Villa. Their combination was good and clever, and their half-backs backed up every forward movement so strongly that the visiting defence had many anxious moments. By comparison, Everton’s half-backs were a moderate trio. They lacked energy and initiative, and left their forwards too much to themselves when they might have exerted pressure. Villa had been buzzing round Everton’s goal for nearly 10 minutes before the visitors made anything like a show. Then, however, Troup got away on another of his lively excursions finishing up with a high drive which Spiers did well to divert over the bar. It was a mere flash in the pan, however, for Villa were straight away back to the other end, where Kirton executed a brilliant run only to be bowled over at the moment he was about to shoot, leaving Raitt to concede a fruitless corner to get rid of the danger. Apart from Troup there was no one on Everton’s side who seemed capable of enforcing any life into the play. The little Scottish international, however, made his presence felt in several situations, including one in a defensive capacity, when he held Kirton off in dangerous circumstances. Walker made a characteristic run and centred when Dickson, with plenty of time, tried a first time shot at an open goal. His effort was right off the mark, as it was a little later when, having got rid of the opposition, he had a clear course, the crowd was anything but complimentary towards Villa’s centre. From a subsequent corner kick, Dickson got in a header which Fern did well to save. Sandwiched between all this Villa pressure Troup made a run and shot, which Spiers would have been powerless to save had it been a trifle less elevated, while in a scrimmage in Villa’s goalmouth both Irvine and Chedgzoy failed to get the ball under control when well placed. The closing stages were frightfully tame. There was hardly anything to attract attention to either side. Irvine once all but got the ball in Villa’s net, but it was by means of his hands. To the end they did not shape like getting a legitimate goal, and Villa ran out easy winners. Result; Aston Villa 3 Everton 0
THE GAME AT A GLANCE
After four minutes – Aston Villa 1, Everton 0 (Walker scored)
After 24 minutes;- Aston Villa 2, Everton 0 (Kirton scored)
After 37 minutes;- Aston Villa 3, Everton 0 (Walker scored)

EVERTON’S RAPID RISE
The Liverpool Echo- Saturday, April 21, 1923
By Stork
Everton are the talk of the town. They have deservedly earned the plaudits of all. A few months ago there was a grave promise that they would be again fighting in the lower regions, but they have had enough of that to last them their lifetime. They have left their endeavour a little too late, otherwise they might easily have been challengers to the leaders. Out of their last seven games they have won six-12 points out of a possible 14. That is good enough for anything, and instead of floating around with the relegation clubs, they now occupy the respectable position of fifth in the chart. Everton are undoubtedly the best side in the country at the moment, and the way they are playing is good omen for next season. There is class written all over the side. This is like the Everton we used to know and have sighed for all too long. Their football is worth watching, for it is the style which is pleasant to the eye. The Scottish method of making progress is gradually finding its way into their play. Passes along the turf are always better than the ball in the air, when there is no guarantee that your fellow player is going to take it. Yes, the followers of Everton's fortunes have something to be pleased about, and it is to be hoped that they will show their appreciation of their favourites' recent good work by offering the glad hand when the team takes the field at the next home match. Aston Villa are not trustworthy. They can and have risen to an occasion, but their spasmodic methods do not help one to take them seriously. The new blood infused into their attack did for a while promise well, but these self-same players have fallen away, and goals are not too frequent with the Birmingham side. Villa Park has rarely allowed two points to be taken from it, and Everton's task is a difficult one to-day: but so well are the Goodison Parkers, playing, and such confidence have they picked, that I fancy they will continue in the way they have left off, and please us with yet another away victory Teams; Aston Willa.—Spiers: Smart, Mort; Johnstone, Bell, Moss; Kirton, Dickson, Capewell, Walker, and Dorrell. Everton —Fern: Raitt. McDonald: Peacock, Hart: Chedgzoy, Cock, Chadwick.

THE VILLA FOIL EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 21, 1923
DIRECTORS TAKE STOCK OF GRAND STAND
WALTON MEN OUTPLAYED
F.E.H. TELLS OF A TRY-ON FOR A DOUBLE
VILLA WIN 3-0
Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa; Spiers; Jones, Mort; Moss, Bell, Blackburn; Stephenson, Kirton, Dickson, Walker, Dorrell. Referee; Mr. E. W. Sharpe, Blackpool.
Everton players went to Aston to-day to try to further their double interest in the League chart, they having done remarkably well lately, and having a chance of figuring in the first four of the League. Everton beat Villa last week 2-1. but to-day Villa had Walker back, while the visitors had the international right wing pair, so matters were levelled up.
A WEIGHTY PARTY AND WHAT THEY SAW.
We had a big official Everton party in Birmingham to-day, Mr. Cuff, chairman, being accompanied by six fellow-directors and - Mr. Tom McIntosh, the popular secretary, who witnessed the return match with Aston Villa. Such an exceptional galaxy was due to the fact that they had been invited by Mr. S. W. Pinder, chairman of the Villa Club, to inspect the new grand stand, which has now been thoroughly equipped, and which claims to be one of the best appointed in the world. There are tip-up chairs to accommodate 6,500 people, and an enclosure mainly under cover for 16,000 spectators. There are two very handsome-decorated directors' rooms, and spacious dining apartments, where the public may obtain either luncheon before the match or dinner after the games are over.
For the players there are all kinds of baths and gymnasium, together with spacious recreation rooms. The visitor, who were shown around by Mr. Binder and Mr. Archie Leitch, the well-known architect, had nothing but admiration and praise for all they saw, and it may be that Goodison Park spectators will benefit from the tips received in the near future. The train journey to the Midland capital was made in good time, and there the weather was cold and threatening, though the sun shone when the players appeared. Everton of course returned to their fall strength. and the same observation practically applied to the home side, although they had several changes from last week.
FERN TESTED.
There was a stiffish breeze blowing when the Villa kicked off against it, before a crowd of less than 20,000 people. Dickson and the left wing went straight from the centre line to the Everton goal, where Fern fumbled the ball, and Walker forced a corner. This led to an exciting siege in the goalmouth, and the danger was only cleared when Walker put outside. The Villa returned almost immediately to the attack, and this time Fern ran out to clear from Dickson. The opening stages had been all in favour of the Villa, but Everton soon settled into their stride and two dangerous raids on the right caused Jones great anxiety. He cleared, however, and the home vanguard made play in good order which McBain checked once, but they still came on.
WALKER SCORES.
Walker, steadying himself, scored with a swinging shot, which the Evertoncustodian ought to have saved in spite of the fact that the ball was going away from him. This early setback put the visitors on their mettle, and some good defensive work was witnessed, but the forwards could not get going, and the Villa making further progress on the left, Walker looked like getting a second goal when he drove the leather over the crossbar. Everton replied with a race down the wing on the part of Troup, who put in a long, lobbing centre, but Cock was just too late to profit by it. Nevertheless, the visitors were now making up to somepurpose, and there was nearly an equaliser when, from a neat pass by Troup, Chadwick shot right into the keeper's arms. The Everton right took up the running, and after Chedgzoy had centred Peacock dashed in and tried to find the net with a hard drive. The Villa were busy at the other end, where Stephenson put the ball yards over the woodwork, and this mishap was imitated by Chadwick, who was splendidly placed when he hooked the ball wide of the target. KIRTON DEFEAT'S FERN.
For some-time after this play fell away perceptibly, though it was relieved from actual dullness by clever work on the part of McBain arid Hart, and they gave the right wing possession. but Irvine was beaten by Jone's, and there was more midfield work of a desultory character. Cock and the two inside forwards tried to force the pace by putting on a special spurt, but both Jones and Mort were fully equal to the demands made upon them. The Everton backs were not so confident, and this was proved when Moss got through and shot. The ball was charged down, but Kirton caught the return and scored with a quick shot that gave the Everton keeper very little chance. Following upon this, the home forwards became more active than ever, and Stephenson was again at fault, when he shot over. There was some relief when Troup got away and centred splendidly from the corner flag, but the ball was rather luckilyheaded away by one the home defenders.
MORT PULLING UP.
Once Irvine and Cock attempted to wriggle through, but then were pulled up without ceremony by Mort, and when Chadwick got an opening he put the ball tamely to the foot of the right back. A sequence of back passing on the part of the three inside Everton men led to nothing, and it was left for Chedgzoy to put in one of his customary in order to make Spiers come out and clear.  A few minutes later Chadwick got in a promising centre, but this was safely accounted for by the home custodian, and at the opposite end Dorrell sent in a rising shot which was saved at thecost of a corner.
VILLA THREE GOALS UP.
This led to a struggle, and Dorrell putting the leather to Walker, the latter scoreda third goal for the Villa. In the few minutes that remained before the interval, Everton made desperate efforts to pull up some of the leeway, but their finishing was very rugged. Chadwick h another pop at goal, but Spiers was in the way, and a brilliant solo effort by Troup was blocked at the critical moment. Another rally came to nothing, and the Villa were again pressing.
Half-time; Aston Villa 3, Everton 0
There is no doubt that the Villa well deserved to lead after their first half display, and their forwards were both smart and nippy, and controlled the lively ball with greater skill than their opponents. Fern, I thought, should certainly have saved one goal, while Raitt appeared to be the primary culprit with regard to the others. Play, was resumed in glorious sunshine. The home forwards were first off the mark, but were well held, and Peacock removing play forced a corner. This, however, was not turned to profitable account, and for a time we saw a series of kicks and rushes which, if spectacular, is not productive of goals. On one occasion Dorrell got clean away, but his parting shot was intercepted, and Chedgzoy, at the other end, put in a shot which sent the ball rolling weakly over the line.
TROUP FRIGHTENS SPIERS
Then Raitt and Dorrell had a battle royal between themselves, in which the Evertonians made a very fine recovery. The game generally, however, was not so good as in the first half, much of the work being rather slip-shod. The first real thrill came when Troup got away like a greyhound and finished with a drive which Spiers just tipped over the bar. Chedgzoy took the subsequent corner kick, and Troup tried to convert it, but without success. For some time after this the visitors were kept strictly on the defensive, but the shooting of the home forwards was now very wild and careless, with the result that half-a-dozen chances were missed in less than as many minutes. Once Fern fell in saving from Dickson, and Walker had an open goal when he hesitated and allowed Raitt time to boot the ball away. This was a very bad miss on the part of the Villa attack. Final; Aston Villa 3, Everton 0.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 21, 1923
EVERTON RES v  SHEFFIELD UTD RES AT GOODISON
With West Bromwich now firmly established as leaders of the League, a fight for second place was very keen between these teams. Sheffield made many changes, but Everton had only one- Fleetwood for Reid at centre half. Everton won the toss, and had a strong wind behind them. They were first to attack, and Grenyer, after two minutes, placed in a sharp shot which Blackwell gathered well. Lowe and Boyle now advanced on the Sheffield right, and Livingstone, to relieve the situation, passed back to his keeper. Afterwards Harrison showed prominence on the wing, the ball being eventually crossed to Parry, who sent in a nice centre, but at a critical moment Forbes was judged offside. Both sides were playing good football, but Sheffield were much handicapped by the wind. The home side seemed very anxious to open the score, and Forbes on two occasions had hard lines though shooting straight at the ‘keeper; and another time Williams missed the ball altogether when only a few yards in front of the Sheffield custodian. Beeover, the United centre, was feeding his wings well, and Bromage looked like going through when Fleetwood nipped in just in time. Another movement by the Sheffield forwards ended in a goal through Beeover, who, after beating Livingstone, had no difficulty in placing the ball beyond Harland ten minutes from the interval. The equalising goal came five minutes later through a free kick taken by Livingstone, Miller receiving possession gave to Forbes who found the net from 25 yards range, the ball in the meantime had only touched one Sheffield player in transit. With only a few minutes from the interval, the home team tried hard to get ahead, but this distinction again fell to the visitors who scored through Boyle after the home backs had been well beaten. Fleetwood distinguished himself, for receiving the ball well out and tricking three opponents and when with 25 yards sent in a strong shot which was sailing straight for the top left hand corner of the net when Blackwell effected a most remarkable save. It was a remarkable save of an exceedingly clever effort that was characteristic of the sturdy Everton centre-half. This proved the closing incident of a most exhilarating and strenuously fought initial half.
Half-time; Everton Res 1, Sheffield United Res 2.

ASTON VILLA 3 EVERTON 0
April 23 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON BADLY BEATEN.
ASTON VILLA'S EASY VICTORY.
The Evertonians, after their recent return to form, were expected to give Aston Villa a very good run for money “at Villa Park” on Saturday. The position, however, was badly faltered for the visitors apart from occasions, their were soundly defeated by three goals to nil. All these were registered in the first period, and it is scarcely too much to say that another trio might well have been added in the second half. The ground was on the hard side, and with a stiffish breeze blowing the ball was distinctly lively. The home side succeeded in keeping it under much better control than their opponents, and their shooting was invariably more accurate in direction than that of Cock and his wings. Altogether it was a very disappointing display on the part of the Evertonians, though greatly to the taste of the 20,000 Birmingham people present.
THE THREE GOALS.
From the outset the Midlanders showed their determination, for they set the pace in rousing fashion, and from the kick off Dickson ran clean through and tested Fern, who was not at all too sure in his clearance. This danger had scarcely been cleared when the Villa forward line came along again in the best methods, and Walker opened the scoring with a shot that travelled away from the Everton custodian. Had Fern come out to meet it, it is quite possible that he would have been able to clear. The visitors were aggressive for a time on the left where little Troup frequently electrified the crowd with his speed and strength in centring, but the Villa defence was quite sound, and after a time they gained a second point through Kirton, who, after the ball had been charged down, trapped it and netted. The visitors to their credit be it said, played up in the gamiest fashion, but they were again beaten before the interval arrived. Dorrell, getting nicely away, put the ball to walker and the latter making no mistake, the Midlanders were three up at the turn. In the second half Everton were still rather out of the running, though there were occasional flashes down both wings on the part of Chedgzoy and Troup. Chadwick too, tried his best to reduce the adverse margin, and Peacock once let drive all his strength. It was, however, not Everton's day out, and at the end of the ninety minutes they were a well-beaten side.
THE PLAYERS.
The Everton forward line, though occasionally clever was not consistent Cock failed to hold his wings together, and the centres of the outside men were frequently neglected. In spite of this, Troup was perhaps the cleverest forward on the field. The half-backs all did well, but the backs were very shaky in the first period. They improved considerably in the second forty-five, but this was too late to avert disaster. On the general run of the play Aston Villa proved themselves a distinctly clever and well-balanced side, possessing both speed and skill. Teams : - Aston Villa: - Spiers, goal, Mort, and Jones backs Blackwell, Ball, and Moss half-backs, Dorrell, Walker, Dickson, Kirton, and Stephenson, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Referee RW. Sharpe.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 2
April 23, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 40)
At Goodison Park. Everton who had Fleetwood at centre half, played with the advantage of a strong wind in the first half. Both teams played good football, and although Everton exerted most pressure, the United were the first to score through Beevor. The equalising goal came within five minutes from a free kick. Forbes scoring from twenty-five yards' range. A fine individual effort by Fleetwood was cleverly saved by Blakewell. Boyle placed the United in front through a misunderstanding between the home backs. With the wind in their favour, the United pressed most, but Blakewell was often employed and kept a good goal. A draw would have been a more fitting result . Everton: - Harland, goal, Caddick, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, and Harrison forwards.

NEW BRIGHTON RESERVES 3 EVERTON “A” 0
April 23 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
New Brighton made certain of the championship by beating Everton “A” at Rake lane. The game produced good football but New Brighton were the superior team and but for a capable work of Lawson in the Everton goal the score would have been much heavier. Only one goal was scored in the first half, Bryson converting a penalty kick, which had to be taken twice. In the second half A. Leadbetter beat Lawson with a good shot. Everton's shooting was weak, though one shot struck the crossbar with Voas beaten. For the losers McGrae played a fine game.

EVERTON CRUMBLE AT VILLA PARK
Birmingham Gazette, Monday, April 23, 1923
WALKER IN A HAPPY FRAME OF MIND
TROUP’S TRICKY
ASTON VILLA 3 EVERTON 0
By Touchstone
Everton’s visit to Villa Park on Saturday did not unduly excite the 20,000 spectators. Last week I ventured to suggest that Walker would have been happy against Everton’s defence. Saturday’s game justified the venture up to the hilt. Within four minutes Walker had found their weak spot, played on it, and given Villa the first of their first goals. It was quite a simple manoeuvre, yet a good goal. Walker had previously fed Dorrell assiduously. On this occasion he persuaded Raitt that he was going to do so again, but then quickly doubled back and hooked the ball well out of Fern’s reach. Indeed, the goalkeeper was as much surprised as Raitt.
THE DIFFERENCE
It was Walker’s artistry and Moss’ generalship that set the seal on Everton’s fate. Although Mort was unable to play owing to illness the confidence placed in Villa’s defence was never betrayed, and Moss was able to keep his half-back colleagues on top of the forward line, giving them chances which were easy to develop. Therein lay the great difference between the respective schemes of operations. The Everton half-backs were good enough in foraging, but once they got their forwards going co-operation all but ceased. The vanguard had to do all that was left to be done, and they were pulled up with a jerk every time. Had there been a Walker in one of their inside position the course of the game might have been very different. Chadwick, Cock, and Irvine were very ordinary in their movements, and it was left to a wing man -Troup- to provide practically all the anxieties that Villa experienced. Troup is easily the best left winger we have seen at Aston this season. In addition to speed he has a full box of tricks and well-developed powers of control.
EVERTON’S ONE STAR
Moss could not beat him for possession, but Moss was wise. So long as this extreme danger was kept to his position the goal was in little jeopardy, and Moss and Smart worked accordingly. Troup had his freedom- within the area around the corner flag. To get nearer he had to overcome a defence which timed its tackles well and refused to run into his traps. The consequence as, he was obliged to centre or run against a wall. His centres, however, were always clever. The trouble was that none of the inside men could make use of them. Walker had better luck on Villa’s account. He experienced little difficulty in beating Peacock, and repeatedly put Raitt on false scents. His manipulation was not so quick as that of Troup, but it was the more successful because the opposition was less resourceful. Kirton got Villa’s second goal, after 24 minutes, another clever piece of work. First he had to beat Hart and McBain, and then found McDonald in his way. With perfect accuracy, however, he drove a rising shot into the top of the net. Both Dorrell and Stephenson obtained many chances by these passes. The former usually made good use of them, but the latter again gave the impression that he lacks physique. He is clever, fast and full of ideas, but he is not strong. He and Kirton made good progress at times. Their combination was skilful, and the winger pleased the crowd by his cutting in for a shot. Twice he scraped the cross-bar with terrific drives.
EVERTON’S BEST
When he can make a bump and when he can make a complete run, then he should be among the class men of the day. He gave Dickson one ideal pass on Saturday. It left the leader with a clear run, but he failed badly with his shot, as he did again when Walker middled for him. On the other hand, Dickson made some very effective passes to his wings. The Villa’s third goal, after 37 minutes was the result of a header by Walker from a corner kick. The best work Everton did was to get the ball to Troup. In this the whole team shone. It went to Troup from backs half-backs, and forwards often by clever manoeuvres but on its return cleverness vanished mysteriously and the prospect of a goal to the visitors was never very bright. It remains to be pointed out that Ball and Blackburn played exceedingly well, in fact, Villa’s intermediate line has rarely, if ever this season, played with greater effect. Little was seen of Chedgzoy or Cock, both of whom suffered from close attention and well-judged tackles. Teams; Aston Villa; Spiers; Smart, Jones; Moss, Ball, Blackburn; Stephenson, Kirton, Dickson, Walker, Dorrell. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Referee; Mr. R.W. Sharp (Blackpool).

VALIANT VILLA
Athletic News- Monday, April 23, 1923
EVERTON MEN MEET THEIR MASTERS
ASTON VILLA 3 EVERTON 0
By Brum
GAMES between Aston Villa and Everton have long been regarded as ranking among the most acceptable items on the Villa bill of fare, and normally there is always an excellent attendance at Villa Park for the meetings of these time-honoured rivals. But we are at the end of the long season, and the crowd did not exceed 20,000 people on Saturday. The Villa for once overwhelmed their opponents. It was rather remarkable what a pronounced advantage they had right through the game. There were periods in the second half when Everton attacked pretty strenuously and when they kept the hall in close vicinity of the Villa posts for a considerable spell. But generally the Villa were knocking at the door —knocking persistently and loudly. Indeed it was one of those games where the result is never in doubt.
The Goals
WALKER scored after four minutes from a fine centre Dorrell.  Then KIRTON hit the goal-post with a rising shot and the ball glanced into the net, while WALKER obtained another point before the interval arrived. The concluding half was blank, and there was not much between the rival sides. The Villa always had the call so far as expert control of the ball went. The Everton combination was distinctly faulty, and there was also a lack of virility in rounding off their attacks. The only member of the forward line who did himself full justice was Troup. He was the cleverest manipulator of the ball on the ground. Some of his tricks were strikingly original, and he was cheered again and again for the easy way in which he fooled the Villa defenders, but Chadwick did not lie close enough him when he was making ground to render any real service. As it happened, the bulk of Troup fast, square centres were wasted. There was nothing with them. It is probably a reflection upon the Everton forwards that the ball so often went to a Villa backrather than to one of the Everton vanguard. Chedgzoy did little, and that mainly because he was indifferently fed, while Irvine made only one notable run. There was a touch of brilliancy about the forward work of the Villa, Walker and Dorrell made a magnificent wing. They have rarely done better. They were always well together, and each conjured with the ball skilfully. Walker, indeed, did some brilliant things, and the fact that he scored two goals is pretty well tantamount to saying that was very much in the picture. Kirton shaped well, while George Stephenson, although s trifle inactive at times, filled York’s place creditably.
Out of Form.
The one man who did not shine was Dickson, whose chief shortcoming was lack of pace. The Villa half-backs were exceptionally good. Moss was vigilant, and Blackburn distinctly clever, while Ball was at his best. Not for a long time has he given a cleverer show. Smart was clever, and Jones, playing at the last minute for Mort, who was unwell, gave quite useful a display, although he has not trained on as well as he was expected to do. The Everton defence was far in front of the attack. Fern kept goal skilfully, and Raitt and McDonald met a very dangerous attack resourcefully. The half-back work was exceptionally good, too, McBain and Peacock always shining. If only the Everton forwards had good as good as their rivals it would indeed have been a great game. Aston Villa.—Spier,: Smart, Jones: Moss, Ball, Blackburn; Stephenson, Kirton, Dickson, Walker, and Dorrell Everton.-Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock. McBain, Hart (Captain): Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee; R.W. Sharp, Blackpool.

HOW EVERTON CAME TO FALL HEAVILY
Liverpool Echo- Monday, April 23, 1923
By F.E.H
Whether it was the sight of a magnificent and imposing new grand stand which the Aston Villa directors have had erected at a cost of umpteen thousands of pounds, that overawed the Evertonians on Saturday I am unable to say; but one thing is certain-they fell absolutely away from the fine form with which they have recently been cheering their supporters. The Villa’s victory was by no means a fluke, for they might have duplicated the score. One can only put it down to that “end-of-the-season” feeling which at times creeps over the best of organisations. Still, the display was distinctly disappointing from an Everton point of view, and no reasonable excuse can be urged for this falling from grace. The Villa, right from the kick-off, showed their determination to avenge the rebuff they received at Goodison Park this week before, and in the first minute Dickson ought to have scored. Troup came on the scene with a  couple of brilliant runs and centres, which fell on barren soil, so to speak, and a little later Walker opened the scoring with a deceptive shot. Kirton following suit with a second telling effort, and before the interval Walker clinched matters with a third. In the second half the Villa appeared to ease up when they might have done more damage, Walker and Stephenson both missing golden opportunities. The latter displayed an extraordinary tendency to put the ball over the heads of the spectators instead of into the net; but these efforts were at least diverting. Meanwhile the visitors could do nothing right, and the Villans ran out victors in hollow fashion. No useful purpose would be served in individualising. I may, however, say of the Evertonians, that both the outside wingers did well, and that the half-backs fully filled the bill. The defence lacked that confidence which they have recently exhibited to such good effect.
TEAM FOR THE LOCAL RESERVES MATCH TO-NIGHT
The teams will turn out as follows in the Liverpool Senior Cup, to-night, at Goodison Park, kick off 6.30;- Liverpool; Wilkinson; Lucas, Lilley; Bamber, Davies, Cunningham, Gillespie, Walsh, Sambrooke, Lewis, and Wadsworth. Everton.- Harland; Caddick, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, Harrison.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 0
April 24 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL.
EVERTON EASY WIN.
There was a good crowd at Goodison park last night to see Everton defeat Liverpool by 3 goals to nil in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup. Everton, the holders were the superior side throughout and gave the impression that they could have won whenever they liked. Their half backs were much too strong for the weak Liverpool forwards, who never looked capable of scoring although they hit the woodwork on more than one occasion. The Everton vanguard were speedy, clever in control, and Forbes's early goal was of the unstoppable type. Miller obtained the second goal, and Harrison's goal was the outcome of bad luck on the part of Lilley, and even if Wilkinson had essayed to advance to meet the winger it is very questionable whether he would have won the race for possession. The Everton halves, were the cause of the victory. They piled their fast moving forwards with the right passes, and Forbes was in one of the merriest moods. Parry has given glimpses of his fleetness, but even his own colleagues were surprised when he gave an opponent three yards start and overhauled him to make a fine centre. Harrison sent across centres after centre of the correct order, but Lucas and Lilley put up a bold front, and with Wilkinson kept the score down to three. Liverpool were slower on the ball, and the only forwards who showed promise of scoring were Lewis and Walsh. Wadsworth had a great chance after he had worked the ball fully the length of the field. Davies the Liverpool centre-half again gave a promising display, and Bamber was the best half. Everton now meet the winners of the Tranmere –New Brighton replay. Everton: - Harland, goal, Caddick, and Livingstone backs, Brown, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Williams, Forbes, and Harrison forwards.

EVERTON F.C. GOING TO TOUR SPAIN
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, April 24, 1923
Bee’s Notes
GATHERING MORE NUTS
If you went into the Everton clubroom you would find some rare “nuts.” There is John Cock enlivening proceedings, and Livingstone providing the necessary “wherewithal,” Well, Everton are going to Barcelona for a ten days’ tour and they will doubtless find some more “nuts.” Spain was anxious to get Liverpool there, but this was found impossible. Dundee will be met by Everton at one point of the tour.

EVERTON’S STRONG RESERVES
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, April 24, 1923
By Stork
Although the season is on the wane, football spectators have not had their fill. Last night’s game at Goodison Park, when Everton met Liverpool in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, was full proof that if football lasted right though the season, gates would not diminish to any great extent. Everton attack was fast moving, had a glorious understanding, and more than one of the forwards carried a dogging shot in his repertoire. Every movement they essayed was a means to an end, and the Liverpool defence, which played a strong game, was often in great difficulty. Wilkinson had no chance whatever with the shots debited against him. The first goal was the outcome of a nice movement on the right wing, and when the little Scottie Forbes got his chance he drove in a terrific shot, and Wilkinson had to be content with the role of looker-on. Miller’s point left the ex0Bradford keeper helpless, and when Harrison (through an unlucky happening to Lilley, who got the ball only to see it bounce towards the goal-line) retrieved it, and working it back banged in one of his specials -well, you have all seen the kind that “Jud” can deliver. Parry opened the eyes of not only the writer, but his many colleagues in the scribes’ box, by his amazing speed. Once he gave Cunningham, I think it was, fully three yards start and easily pegged him back. Parry is playing a good style of football, and is one to keep an eye upon. Forbes was in his best mood. What a pity he lacks a few inches! He is a neat and decidedly clever player. The Everton half-backs laid the foundation of the victory, while the defence even though Livingstone miskicked at times, was strong and resourceful, Everton now meet the winners of the Tranmere-New Brighton replay.

FOOTBALL NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, April 26, 1923
A charity football match in aid of the Sir Alfred Jones Memorial Hospital, Garston, is to be held on Garston Gasworks F.C ground, on Tuesday, May 1, at 6.30. the directors of Everton are sending a strong team to meet a side selected from Garston and district clubs.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, April 27, 1923
Meantime, Everton are at home to Preston North End, and those who like a bit of chaff have already told me what they think of my judgement of the Everton side, in view of the biding they got at Aston Villa’s ground last week. Let such scoffers go out to Goodison Park to-morrow and judge for themselves. They will enjoy the game whether the home side wins or loses. Time was when Preston came here, and Downs somehow missed a penalty kick. Preston are not to-day in that sorry plight, and their new coach Jimmy Lawrence, ex-Newcastle, is doing good work in the Deepdale quarter. It would be a pity to see such an old club go down. Preston, however, have courted the clubs at the bottom of the League all too long. The teams are;- Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Preston North end; Branston; Hamilton, Speak; Gilchrist, Marshall, Crawford; Rawlings, Woodhouse, Roberts, Laird, Quantrill.

REGINALD FREEMAN FOR EVERTON?
April 28, 1923. The Liverpool Football Echo
We understand that arrangements have practically been completed for the transferred of Reginald Freeman, the captain and left back of Oldham Athletic, to Everton. Freeman journeyed to Cardiff with the Oldham team but did not turnout, although representatives from Middlesbrough and Chelsea were present at Cardiff in order to watch Freeman play. It is understood that some mention as a basis of negotiation was £4,000, but this probably requires some adjustment between the clubs. Since joining the Athletic in January 1921, Freeman has missed only one match, and it is only a week or two ago, since he completed his hundredth League game for the Athletic. He was secured by the Oldham club from the Northern Nomads, and has long been recognised as one of the most polished backs in the First Division football. The situation this afternoon was placed before Freeman, and he expressed the preference to go to Everton rather than Chelsea or Middlesbrough as he would practically at home it is stated that if only remained for Everton to come to terms with the player concerned before the deal is ratified.

EVERTON’S GOODBYE-EE.
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, April 28, 1923
“STORK” COMMENTS ON LAST HOME GAME
BRILLIANT GOALKEEPING
BIG CROWD PRESENT TO SAY “AU REVOIR.”
EVERTON WIN 1-0
Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Preston North End; Branston; Hamilton, Speak; Gilchrist, Marshall, Crawford; Rawlings, Woodhouse, Roberts, Laird, Mercer. Everton brought their home season-and what a successful season it has been for them- to a case when they encountered Preston North End in their last home fixture at Goodison to-day. Mercer was the only change of the programme. He took the place of Quantrill at outside left. It was a glorious afternoon, and naturally a large crowd was present. There was little in the opening movements, although one could not bit notice a brilliant and successful tackle by McBain. It stopped a dangerous looking movement by Mercer and Laird on the Preston left wing. There were many other pretty things of note, but as they were all in midfield there was no chance of bringing them to a successful conclusion.
OFFSIDE SPOILS A SCHEME
Rawlings and Woodhouse essayed a capital scheme which only came undone through an offside infringement. Irvine seemed to have a golden opportunity of getting to within shooting distance of Branston, but Speak came between him and his objective.  Seven minutes had thus elapsed without either goalkeeper being called upon. The diminutive but clever Woodhouse indulged in some Meredithian methods, and Rawlings was ever prepared for a back-heeler. The first real danger came when Chadwick was allowed to follow up. When he reached the touch-line he centred to Troup, who returned the compliment, but unfortunately no Everton man was in striking distance of the centre. Troup was again prominent with a shot which palled all the way from Branston’s charge. McDonald had seen the workings of Woodhouse and Rawlings, and came to the wise decision of cutting right into their workings, and twice he was applauded for splendid tackles. Fern at last was called upon to handle a swinging pass right across the field, the ball seeming certain to beat mercer, who, however, travelled like the wind and finished with a ball that Fern pulled down and cleared. Fern might easily have been in action a second time if Roberts’ shot had been in a more accurate direction, but the Preston sharp-shooter, who received his shooting chance through a McBain-Raitt misunderstanding, shot yards wide. Speak let in Chedgzoy, but the winger angled himself too much to get a full-blooded drive at goal, and Branston had only to advance a step forward to be sure of success. Cock was much nearer to a goal when he headed a Chedgzoy centre, but Branston picked up cleverly.
FERN WAITS FOR A CATCH
Although there were many good points of play it was surprising how so few shots had been tried. Laird was most original with one of his. He tried a long overhead kick, Fern had to watch it all the way to make sure of a catch. We all know how Troup can shoot, but we were all surprised to see him miss an opportunity the like of which does not come twice to any forward in one match. He got under the ball to such an extent that it careered yards over the crossbar. Tommy Roberts spoilt a solo run through handling the ball, but before he was pulled up he went on and shot, and Fern made one of the best save of his career, turning the ball round the post. Everton now started to press with a will, and Troup was again guilty of a blunder when about to shoot, kicking all round the ball. Still, he made amends a little later with a clever run, dribble, and centre; but the Preston defence held out against all attacks.
A LUCKY CLEARANCE
How lucky they were may be judged from the following;- Chadwick put a ball goal wards, and Hamilton was obviously beaten, but by bringing his leg behind him stopped the progress of the ball and enabled Speak to add the finishing touch to the lucky clearance. With five minutes to go to the interval, Everton made a determined effort to take the lead, and it was only the brilliance of Branston which stood between them and their desire. Cock made the foundation-stone of the effort with an ideal centre. Irvine was not a second in getting the ball under control and shooting. A goal looked a certainty, but Branston made an amazingly clever clearance, edging the ball not more than a foot round the upright. Both shooter and saver were cheered to the echo.
Half-time- Everton nil, Preston nil
Everton started the second half as they had finished the first and Branston had to make a clean punch to get a Chadwick shot over the bar. The resulting corner was speedily cleared, and Troup then tried his foot with another drive, which unfortunately went wide of the mark. McBain again came to the rescue when Mercer, Laird, and Roberts were making a strong raid on the Preston left wing. Both goalkeepers were making fame, and Fern was just as brilliant as his centre when he turned a vivacious drive by Woodhouse out of his goal. Right from the corner kick Everton made towards Branston and Irvine supplied Troup with a wide pass, which the little Scottish man centred instantaneously. Cock and Branston went for it together, and the Preston custodian came off a winner, although he was bundled over when saving.
“THE MIGHTY ATOM”
Troup had made two mistakes in his shooting early on, but he was keenness itself to redeem his failures, and Branston had to be quick and sure when the little idol tried another long shot. It is amazing where such a little fellow gets all his power. Chedgzoy was temporarily knocked out. He signalised his complete recovery a little later with a fine run, which was only spoiled by his poor finishing shot. It was a great chance thrown to the winds. Everton then had a sensational escape. Raitt made a serious error of judgement, his only one up to this point, and Roberts seemed certain to score. This sharp-shooter is not often guilty of letting such an opportunity slip by, but such was the case on this occasion, when he only had Fern to overcome. He made a weak attempt, and the ball travelled wide of the upright. Not satisfied with this let-off, Everton allowed Roberts to get through once again, but he smashed the ball high over the bar,
CHEERING JACK’S GOAL
When the notice board showed Bolton leading, the crowd made a roar, the like of which is only heard in Yorkshire.
COCK PUTS EVERTON AHEAD
Troup was now playing at his best, and his ground passes to Cock were a wonder be behold. Everton took the lead at the seventy-third minute, Cock being the scorer. Chedgzoy made a run and centre, and Cock made no mistake when he got his head to the ball. Branston hadn’t a ghost of a chance of saving. Troup, working to inside left, brought Branston to full length to keep his charge intact.
ROBERTS LEAVES THE FIELD
Roberts had to leave the field through a collision with McBain. Roberts seemed to be in great agony with a damaged arm. Final Everton 1, Preston nil.

LIVERPOOL “A” v.  EVERTON “A”
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 28, 1923
At Anfield. The opening play went mostly in favour of Everton, who almost got through in the first few minutes with a fine effort from Alford. The Liverpool keeper brought off a clever save. At the other end a similar effort by the Liverpool forwards caused the Everton keeper to save after twice dropping the ball. Play afterwards opened out, and both goals received rapid visits. Two goals then fell to Everton in the short space of two minutes, and both from the foot of Virr. Liverpool saved three corners in quick succession, but failed to score.
At the interval the score stood- Everton A 2, Liverpool A 0.

EVERTON 1 PRESTON NORTH END 0
April 30 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S LAST HOME WIN.
A MATCH OF BRILLIANT GOALKEEPING.
Everton's last match at home was notable for the excellent goalkeeping. There were not many shots, but what there were warranted seriously to test the best of goalkeepers. Branston and Fern were equal to them, and their display will long be remembered. Everton won through a header by Cock, but Preston had three chances and Roberts, usually a sure shot, threw them away by poor finishing after being through the defence. The misses give Everton a chance of creating a record –that of scoring 48 points, or one better than their previous record. It was a good game, which did not bear the stamp of the end of the season. Preston started off at a rare rate, and although they kept it up to the finish Everton did most of the pressing. Troup opened in anything but convincing fashion, but came on his game in the second half to make Gilchrist and Hamilton look rather small. He beat them time after time, and when not sending superb passes into the middle he tried shots, and Branston must have wondered where the little fellow stored his shooting power. Near the interval Irvine made a desperate effort to put his side ahead. He deadened a pass from Cock and shot inside the fraction of a second, and although his shot pulled away from Branston, the custodian dived across his goal and edged the ball round the post –a truly remarkable save. Fern was not far removed from his confrere, for he had made a brilliant save from Woodhouse, who had driven in a stinging shot, and when Roberts, not having heard the whistle, went on and shot, Fern diverted a ball which seemed certain to beat him. Rawlings and Woodhouse, after a good start, faded away, while Mercer was not always capable of getting the better of Peacock. There was not a weak link in Everton's armour, but it must be said that McDonald showed more confidence than for some time. Chadwick was limping for the major part of the game, and if he was slow to size up matters at times, he was always a dangerous forward. Irvine is a greatly inmproved player and he is a classy and shrewd inside right. All the Everton halves were strong, and the way McBain checked the Preston forwards and found time to help his own put him down as one of the best centre halves in the country. With seven minutes to play Roberts had to leave the field through coming into collision with Mcbain. Rawlings was also absent for a few minutes, but the game was well won by Everton by that time. Teams : - Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Preston North End: - Branston, goal, Hamilton and Speak, backs, Gilchrist, Marshall, and Crawford half-backs, Rawling, Woodhouse, Roberts, Laird and Mercer, forwards. Referee HW. Andrews.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 30, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
This match at Molineaux Grounds, Wolverhampton, which attracted about 4,000 spectators, ended in a goalless draw. The home team, if anything had the better of the game, and should have won. In the second half Everton were decidedly, fortunate. They owed much to Harland, their goalkeeper, who was conspicuous with good work.

LIVERPOOL “A” 1 EVERTON “A” 4
April 30, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Anfield. The opening play was mostly in Liverpool's half, and Alford almost got through in the first few minutes, the Liverpool keeper bringing off a clever save. At the other end Liverpool tested the visitors' keeper, who dropped the ball twice before he could clear. Within two minutes Everton scored twice, both goals coming through Virr. Liverpool pressed prior to the interval, and gained three corners with out result. During the second half Liverpool forced the pace, but shot badly. Some ten minutes from time the end one of the Everton defenders put through his own goal. Then Young added Everton's third point with a fine drive, and just on time the Everton centre half worked the ball through on his own to finish by registered the fourth goal.

JUST A GOAL
The Athletic News- Monday, April 30, 1923
THAT LISTLESS FEELING AT GOODISON PARK
EVERTON 1 PRESTON NORTH END 0
By Junius
The concluding game at Goodison Park was a somewhat tame affair, for there were few incisive movements. At times the easiest possible openings came along, and how experienced players could fail, time and again, with only the custodian to beat, passes comprehension. Everton were more convincing throughout, yet after goalless first half, Roberts had the winning of the match, when twice he failed from easy range with only Fern to beat. The Everton forwards, too, had their chances though not one so easy as this. It came as a relief following many failures, when the ball was flicked from Cock to Irvine and from the latter Chedgzoy, who crossed it from the line for COCK at three yards to head past Branston. Apart from chances that were allowed to pass unheeded, there were a few efforts above the ordinary, and Branston in the first portion especially distinguished himself in parrying a hard drive from Chedgzoy, and diverting a ball headed by Cock, while one of hissaves from Irvine at full length was a masterpiece. Fern was not so fully extended, but what came his way was attended to with ability, especially when he dealt with great drive from woodhouse.
An Outstanding Figure.
It was at half-back where Everton had a big advantage, and there no more skilled opponent than McBain. All that he did bore the hall mark of clever anticipation, while his tackling was timely and his placing wonderfully accurate. Hart was inclined to over-dribbling and elaborating. Still, he was always master of Rawlings and Woodhouse, and Peacock’s best work was seen in the first portion of play. Preston’s trio were mainly concerned in arresting the movements of the Everton forwards, and Marshall met with a good measure of success. Troup at outside left sent in most shots at Branston. The ex-Dundee man and Chadwick improved as play progressed, as also did Irvine and Chedgzoy, though there was a tendency, especially by the outside men, to beat opponent twice, and the penalty frequently paid. The North End forwards were quick on the ball without making much progress. Rawlings and Woodhouse had a good understanding, combining most effectively, and it was unfortunate that Rawlings ten minutes from the finish had to retire suffering from a sprained arm. Hamilton was capital defender, and on one occasion when cut in to beat Cock he saved a certain goal. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Preston North End; Branston; Hamilton, Speak; Gilchrist, Marshall, Crawford; Rawlings, Woodhouse, Roberts, Laird, and Mercer. Referee; H.W. Andrews, Prestwich.

FORWARD FAILINGS.
Lancashire Evening Post- Monday, April 30, 1923
NORTH END'S CHANGED LUCK AT EVERTON.
Goodison Park hasso often been a happy hunting ground for North End in time of stress that the change in their luck on Saturday was rather a shock to those rho invariably expert the Deepdale eleven to win there. Everton deserved the points, for they were the better organised side in attack from start to finish, and were much the more dangerous marksmen, yet North End had the chance to repeat previoussuccesses and should not have been beaten. The visiting players and officials aver that the ball had passed over the corner line when Chedgzoy made the centre which produced the solitary goal,but I was writing at the moment and only saw the ball after he had kicked it, so cannot confirm their complaint. In any case. though, North End ought to have scored before and after this, through Woodhouse and Roberts respectively, both of whom threw away the chance through taking too hurried aim, and these mistakes were symptomatic of North End’s forward play as a whole. Everton had more chances than the result indicated,but at least had a balanced attack, whereas North End's was rarely united. It is not necessary to retrace ground which has been covered so often in regard the inequalities of the front line, but it should be that if this department had borne its full share of the work the home side would not have been so much more impressive. The play was generally moving back to the visiting halves and defence, for there was a marked difference between the skill of the home side in trapping the light ball and the Preston forwards' slowness in controlling and using it. In other words.Everton possessed more resource and more speed "off the mark." HAMILTON AT HIS BEST.
The most gratifying features of North End's display was the vast improvement in the display of Hamilton. In playing closer on the opposing winger than he has been in habit of doing he showed us, as in the Cup filial last year, and once or twice before then, that he can play brilliant football against a brilliant opponent, and I trust he will never drift back to his custom of playing in the middle. The orthodox method of defence is the one with which hecan best serve the side. Troup, the former Dundee winger, who in feature and stature resembles David Stokers, the old Bolton Wanderer, and in style possesses the jazzy liveliness and dash of "Dicky" Bond, had to play second fiddle to the North End captain throughout the first half, and though he got rather more liberty afterwards, that was only because Hamilton had to cover Branston oftener on account of Speak's growing uncertainty in meeting the elusive Chedgzoy, whose close footwork got him guessing. Brandon's grand goalkeeping, Hamilton's dignified bearing and sound volleying whenever the ball came to him, and the fine industry of all the half-backs were factors which deserved a better response from the men in front. Yet the early promise of forward co-operation was never realised. Mercer faded out of the picture after a nice beginning, and Laird, tons declined, while the right wing pair were too often guilty of holding the ball instead of parting with it before theycould be tackled. Robert, was the best forward, but could make little impression single-handed on such clever half backs as McBain and Hart, the latter of whom I liked best of all, so that Everton's ultimate defence was never extended as North End's was. AJAX.