Everton Independent Research Data

 

BRADFORTD CITY 4 EVERTON 1
December 1 st 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Run Checked.
Williams Sustains Damaged Ankle.
Hopeless Task for Ten Men
By "Bee."
Everton lost their second match of the season by the convincing score of 1-4. Bradford has never been a home for the Everton team on cup or league, and now one has to add to their character of accidental the injury of the captain, Williams was off the whole of the second half through an ankle injury that may take weeks to mend. When the teams turned out for the second half before 20,000 spectators, Cresswell played at back on his own account; this, it may be argued, is courting goals against, and on the other hand it may be reasonably argued that for playing four forwards after the way the forwards had shown up in the first half, one could only expect the deputy back and Cresswell to have a harassing time. It was decided that Cresswell should stand on his own account, and he played as well as ever, but nowadays it is impossible for ten men to play eleven, no matter what the value of the ten may be in the scales of football form and skill. Where Everton was unfortunate in addition, was in the fact that, after Bradford had scored an opening goal, Dean was badly tripped and seemed to have "no" as answer to his appeal for a free kick.
Whistle Incident.
Play went on; hardly anyone on or off the field heard the whistle that was said to have been blown for a free kick. Meantime all the players had gone on with the game, and Dunn had made the 1-1-only to find his net result was a free kick he did not want. It was not the ordinary case of a player playing on believing the whistle had not gone; the home players could not have heard the whistle, as they made desperate efforts to stay the equalising goal. However, the absence of a captain and the denial of the goal upset Everton considerably, and with a glut of goals coming all at once –three in seven minutes-Everton were shaken. They fought back so well that while Johnson scored, Stein should have scored one goal, and at the finish they were playing with ten men far in advance of anything they had done before, so that Bradford had to resort to kicking out to save their side. That Davis scored a pretty solo goal with the last kick of the match to make the score 4-1was neither here nor there, because the game had run its course so much so that the usual feature of the centre kick not being taken was adopted. The fact remains that Everton's at three-quarter time had a chance to save the game mainly because they got into the right groove of football charm and out more energy and effort in their work, which had previously lacked heartiness. All through, however, one felt, and sensed the feeling of loss of the captain, and to he quite candid Everton had not played well; they had played just well enough, aided by Coggins safely and Cresswell's magnificence to keep the score level to half-time. Griffiths played a valiant part, one of his best displays he has given. But on the wing there was a lack of touch and ideals; this applied not only to the wing half-backs, but also to the wing forwards, Stein having a moderate match. Wilkinson could not respond to the work of Dunn, which bore a high mark all through, and Johnson added much endeavour. Dean was well looked after, and in a terribly muddy patch he could not get his shots travel towards goal.
Go –Ahead Side.
Bradford are a good go-ahead side. True they had the help of a mistake made by Coggins for the second goal. Yet all through the home side won mainly because of their endeavour. Had Rhodes been sharper they would have won by more goals. As it was he went lame and finally retired to make the teams ten a side. Bradford were particularly rousing at full-back where Cookson delved into the game with a heartiness that brooked no interference. Elwood was a worker at centre-half, and Kilcar showed a fine idea and much shooting spirit. Best of all however, was Davies the local man at outside right. Scorers; Rhodes Scott Rhodes, Johnson and Davies.
Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Williams (captain) and Cresswell, backs; Britton, Griffiths, and Thomson, half-backs; Wilkinson, Dunn Dean, Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Bradford City; - Clough, goal; Cookson and Lloyd, backs; Taylor, Elwood and Smith, half-backs; Davies, Scott, Rhodes, Kilcat, and Dickinson, forwards. Referee Mr. Health, Sheffield.

EVERTON’S CAPTAIN LIKELY TO BE LAID UP FOR WEEKS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 01 December 1930  
Bee's Notes
. The topic of the moment is doubtless the fall of Everton. It is easily explained. One might say that the defeat had been coming to them so long that it was remarkable it had not occurred before now. The displays at Reading and Millwall were not such as one could be optimistic about the visit to Bradford, which is the place comedians describe as their graveyard.  Williams, the Everton captain, probably looks upon it as his Injury-Parade-ground.  He has never played a match there for more than one-half of the game. With Swansea he was crocked there; on Saturday he left with a very painful injury, and did not even see the second half. His trouble is a badly damaged ankle, and I fear the big man will not play for some weeks. It is hard lines on a brave leader. Creswell went full back and stayed put. His work was very wonderful, but there was those who thought that an extra back, from the half-back line, would lend sense to the Bradford forwards, while robbing the forwards of one unit. I think that if they had taken any one man from the forward line that played on Saturday, the effect would have been to create endless work for our great back and his deputy helper. Let us be frank about the matter. No ten men can heat eleven these days. The register shows that.  That was where Everton were luckless,
AND - 
And they were luckless when Dunn scored a good goal, he, like the rest of us, not having heard the whistle go for a free-kick for which Dean appealed and seemed to have the appeal dismissed.  It was in no sense the ordinary case of a player not hearing the whistle playing on and scoring against dummies.. The home defence played on to the bitter end to stop Dunn's goal, and were as startled as Dunn when the referee said “free-kick." This would have made the score 1-1. That it was not 4-0 at half-time was due to the work of Coggins in particular. Cresswell all the time, and Griffiths. Afterwards Coggins made a mistake was bumped out of possession by s side that would be sentenced to a lifer if they ran under racing rules. I never saw such bumpers and men of boring capacity. They would complete the tunnel work in one hour and a half. They were positively reckless in their method of tackle, and Cookson at back was resolute—l think that's what they call it in Yorkshire!  Away with the thoughts of Bradford for the moment. Let us face the fact that Everton have been hinging on this defeat for a long time. The selection of the team suggested that it was wise not to change a winning side; albeit, the games at Reading and Millwall to name but two, had shown the red lights of warning. Their is absence of weight and height in certain directions when the going is very heavy. This was a handicap to the side on Saturday. True, Dean did not play his normal game; he could not plough the mud fields and his shooting was weak. But it was weaker elsewhere, notably when a winger was placed, not once nor twice but three times, for showing his strength of drive.
IT HAD TO COME 
No longer can I say I haven't seen Everton lose this season. Perhaps it is as well, because people began to imagine I was stretching their faults when they "kept on winning," forgetting that I tallied their wins with the way they won and with the way the opposition played. Everton can learn good lessons from this defeat; it must hearten them to better deeds. There was a lack of balance in the ranks that threatened a defeat at the luckless Bradford ground. So that the defeat may not be costly in the long run. The  absence of shot, the absence of extreme wingmen centreing or shooting; the tenderness here and there to go into  struggle such as Bradford live upon these things counted the cost on Saturday.  Yet Everton so overplayed Bradford late on that if they had had the heartiness and desperation of the home side they could have drawn. The chance was there. Johnson did score,  and the fact that Davis slapped on a final goal with the last kick of the match (the centre was not taken) was neither here nor there; Everton outplayed the  home side for a long stretch, yet in front of goal there was the same faultiness.  Through all the gamut of mud and muddle Dunn and Johnson played well and truly, and Griffiths was astonishing in his virility and ability, aided, of course by the effervescence of “Bernard Shaw Cresswell." 
THE WINNING SIDE
On the winning side it was good to see the game played by a local named Davis- a competent, striking, and quick-striding forward, who was good to watch.  Kilcar was another who was practical in front of goal, but Rhodes at centre forward did not do well, Scott being a good, tall provider and shooter.  At half-back Elwood used his height, weight, and elbows to some time, and on the wing there was one player who got off lightly from the referee.  Bradford will go on winning at home; I rate them fairly high in this rather low chart of football skill.  There is a fierce cutting nature in their tackles, and on the left wing there is not the balance to carry the value of the right wing pair.  Bradford should count their blessings of Saturday last.  They should go on winning their sequence of victories.  To Everton, the defeat should not have been unexpected.  There is a good margin to help them to keep their top-hole position.  Perhaps the defeat came at the right moment or the selectors might have gone on selecting on the principle that no matter what your eyes show, one must not alter a winning side. 

A SPACE FOR THE PENSIONERS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 01 December 1930
Mr. J. Byrne asks; -Cannot something be done for the old-age pensioners at the matches on Saturday- Everton and Liverpool?  There are some who have supported the teams since the formation, and now find it very hard to spare a shilling out of their small pension.  Why not let them in on their tram passes?  I feel sure there would not be many to take advantage of this kind offer, but those who could would ve very grateful and would not take up much space. 

EVERTON ADVERT
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 02 December 1930
Everton “A” want away match for Saturday.  Write or phone, Mr. T.H. McIntosh, at Goodison Park (Walton 63).

EVERTON RESERVES 0 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 5
December 3 rd 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 16)
Although heavily defeated at home Everton had indulged in equally as much of the attacking as Huddersfield –in fact, Everton were rightly the most aggressive. It was late on when Huddersfield asserted their superiority and although Sagar did well, the home defence found the forward line made up of Kelly Lewes, Magnell, Raw, and Smallies too much for them. The first mentioned was always a danger to Everton, and after Webster shot had been brilliantly saved, Magnall opened Huddersfield's score. After failing to get what appeared a penalty Everton fell away and later on goals were scored by Raw, Kelly (2), and Magnall. Everton; - Sagar, goal; O'Donnell and Lowe, backs; McClure, Gee (captain) and Towers, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, White, Webster, and McCambridge, forwards.
Rhyl 8 Everton "A" 6
George Mahon Cup.
At Rhyl Powell played brilliantly, scoring six of Rhyl's total. The home side were superior for most of the game, but the visitors asserted themselves late in the second half, and scored four goals in quick succession. The scorers for Rhyl were Powell (6), Bates, and Whitehouse, and for Everton, Sefton (3), Cunliffe (2) and Davies.

EVERTON TAUGHT A LESSON
December 3 rd 1930. Evening Express.
One-Man Defence Overpowered
Mistaken Policy
Changes Should be Made
By the Pilot
Everton's defeat at Bradford –their first away from home and in total their second of the season –might best be summed up in that expressive word "If."
If Williams's injured ankle had allowed him to play in the second half; If Everton had not left all the defensive work to Cresswell in the second half; if the Goodison team's reserve wingers, Wilkinson and Stein had maintained the promise shown in previous matches; if Dean had not insisted on appealing for a free kick when he was "ankle-tapped" early in the second half; if Coggins had not allowed a centre by Dickinson to be knocked out of his hands and if Everton had taken a leaf out of the Bradford book and introduced more incisive methods, a different story might have been told. But "ifs" do not' win matches" ifs" do not gather league points, "ifs" are only lessons for future knowledge.
Worthy Winners.
Let there be no mistakes about it, Bradford deserved to win. They were the better team throughout. True, they crowded three of their goals into seven minutes play, but they earned them.
I can see at least two changes being made in the Everton team. Critchley will almost certainly resume at outside right and McPherson should also come back into the side. To my mind it was a mistaken policy to throw the whole onus of back play on to Cresswell when Williams was injured. He tackled his task with customary zest and skill, but what was one against five of the quickest moving, most penetrative forwards in the League. Gaps were left down the centre. Cresswell was working on the flank, then on the other, but always those gaps could be seen. He was powerless to stem the tide. Coggins was unguarded, and well as he played goals were inevitable.
Dunn the Artist.
Dunn was the best forward on the field –the super-artist –and Johnson also had a good match, but Dean was off form. Griffiths was invaluable in all phases, but Thomson was too slow, and Britton happy only in attack. He has much to learn of the arts of defence. Bradford, though aided by Everton's mistaken policy are a team who will shortly be entering the promotion field. They have secured twelve of the last fourteen points played for. Sharp as needles they were quick to profit by Everton's blunder.

EVERTON CHANGES
December 3 rd 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Following their defeat at Bradford City last week, Everton have made changes for in addition to finding a substitute for the injured Williams, alternatives have been made at right-half and out-side right, Lowe the former Southport player, has his first opportunity in league football, and as he is a player with local associations- he was born at Skelmersdale-his debut will be closely followed. He is well-built weighting 11 st so that he is well equipped for the position. McPherson returns to right-half in place of Britton while Critchley takes up the outside right berth once more. In facing Oldham Athletic they have a stiff task, but the leaders should take every opportunity to consolidate their position. The team is; Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean Johnson, Stein. Everton Reserves team in the Central League to meet Bolton Wanderers at Bolton is; - Sagar; Cook and Parker; Britton, Gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin, McCambridge, Webster and White.

THE URGENT NEED 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 03 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
From London, H. R. H. writes: "I was very pleased to read in the 'Echo' and 'Post' your straight hint about the composition of the Everton team. The urgent and imperative necessity is for two raiding extreme wing men. The players who have recently occupied these positions are much below the required standard, and are not even the best on the Everton books.  New. First-class men of outstanding ability would lead to a transformation, and would mean a comfortable passage to the First Division. May I congratulate you upon your three independent accounts of the Bradford match appearing in the respective issues of your papers? This is conscientious, enthusiastic, and highly competent journalism. I saw the Reading and Millwall matches, so you will agree that I know what I am talking about."
EVERTON MAKE NECESSARY CHANCES
Following their defeat at Bradford last week, Everton have made changes, additions to finding a substitute for the injured Williams, alternations have been made at right-half and out-side right.  Lowe, the former Southport player, has his first opportunity in League football, and as he is a player with local associations- he was born at Skelmersdale –his debut will be closely followed.  He is well-built, weighing 11st 6lb, so that he is well equipped for the position.  McPherson returns to right-half in place of Britton, while Critchley takes up the outside right berth once more.  In facing Oldham Athletic they have a stiff task, but the leaders should take every opportunity to consolidate their position.  The team is;- Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
The Central league side to meet Bolton Wanderers, at Bolton, is; - Sagar; Cook, parker; Britton, Gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin, McCambridge, Webster, White. 
BOLTON RES V. BOLTON RES
Bolton Wanderers are convinced that they have a star half-back of the future in Goslin, and though most of his appearances in the league team have been at right-half, he may yet prove Seddon’s successor at centre-half.  This is a position he will occupy in the Wanderers’ Reserve team against Everton on Saturday. The team will also include McKay, one of the Wanderers expensive Scottish captures.  The chosen side is; - Church; Boyle, Wagstaff; Howard, Goslin, Banks; Shonaken, McKay, Whilcock, Taylor, Gorringe. 
RUNCORN FULL STRENGTH
Runcorn have an outside chance of the Cheshire League leadership providing they make consistent progress in what games they are engaged. They have only lost two matches, and have one of the best goal averages in the league.  Hughes, who was assisting Cheshire against Lancashire in the Northern Counties championship, returns to the team, and the committee are persevering with Hanson, outside left, late of Everton “A." Hanson is only eighteens years of age, and he scored two goals last week when he made his home debut. The team is: Hughes; Halsall, Delves; Foxley, Swann, Rooney; Dewsnap, Hudson, O'Neil, Morris, Hanson.

SQUARES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 03 December 1930
NO.9 –GREAT GEORGE SQUARE –AND A DINNER
By Michael O’Mahony
Loyal Liverpool is a title loss born of any trick of alliteration than of historic merit.  For a town which attained renown during a national crisis as the "Hanoverian Headquarters" it is one well earned, and, I suppose, deserved.  No other city or town in England has so many streets and buildings commemorating the name George, and it is with less reference to the great saint which the English adopted as their patron saint when fighting for the Cross on the fields of Palestine than to the dynasty which eclipsed the Stuarts.  In this respect it is interesting to recall that Manchester, both before and after the Civil War, manifested a different temper. Its Collegiate Church, now the Cathedral, was the centre not only for the Jacobite clergy, but for the old Royalist families throughout Lancashire. As a specimen of the party feeling of the period it may be mentioned that a minister named Richard Assheton was about the time elected chaplain by the Fellows, but rejected by the warden on the ground, as admitted by himself, that he would "never enter a tavern called the ‘George' nor baptize a child called by that hated Hanoverian name."  The naval successes of the early nineteenth century gave us such street names as Nile, Duncan, Pitt, Grenville, and Cornwallis; and it no doubt seemed natural to the men of Liverpool that the name of the square in their centre should perpetuate the sense of loyalty pervading the land. 
Fine Houses 
Exclusive enough to shelter itself from crowded thoroughfares, the square, with its tranquil air of fine houses surrounding a shaded lawn, long remained a terra incognita to thousands of people visiting Liverpool from year to year.  To a certain extent it is so still. From the Norse and Danish dialects spoken in the porticos of what are now boarding-houses, it is fair to assume that, while its name may be familiar enough on the Scandinavian seaboard.  It remains too many in Liverpool a corner of the town unvisited even now.  In its early days it was a place which kept itself to itself almost rigidly. Close to it were the open fields which were the established resort for public rejoicings; but while the rest of the town would turn out to illuminate the darkness by a Jews de joie on some night of victory, the square, with an air of majestic decorum, rejoiced solemnly in its drawing-rooms and behind closed doors.  It remained unmoved even during the memorable election of 1812. In this, the fiercest fight of its kind ever fought in Liverpool. Galicoyne and Canning fought under the Tory banner; Brougham and Creevy stood for the Whip; and, believe me, rhetoric did abound. Brougham wielded the tomahawk, bearing down his opponent' with wild invective. Canning's polished rapier pierced his foe to the quick, and—more deadly power—he made his listeners laugh. Night by night the streets went wilder; but in their midst, like a tideless lake, reposed the placid square.  I am not writing an epic of the fight, but some details of the dinner at which the ever temperate and abstemious Whigs launched their candidates are worth a backward glance. The bill of fare, for 1,000 freeman, was as follows:  Two whole sheep, 50 rounds of beef, 1 baron of beef, 30 legs of mutton, 2 cartloads of potatoes, 23 barrels of ale and porter. The feast was spread under an awning off Great George-street, and the toasts were drunk, pottle deep, to the chorus of a song, of which I give two verses:— 
Huzza, my brave boys, what a sigh is here seen, 
We've taken the field under General Green. 
We've plenty of cheer boys and good elbow room, 
And want nothing snore except Creevey and Brougham. 
If you wish that old England should weather the storm, 
You must vote for the champions of peace and reform, 
Not for men who the loaves and the fisher consume 
But patriots like Creevey, our townsman, and Brougham. 
Then give a long pull boys, 
Give a strong pull boys, 
A pull altogether for Creevey and  Brougham. 
The fact that fish was ignored on the menu lent stress to the virtue claimed in the last verse. The writer forgot the loaves-1,500 of them were provided and consumed—but, of course, you know what election poets are. I have met one or two of them myself. 
Spirit of Changes 
Wilder than ever went up the shouts on the night which proclaimed the victory of Gascoyne and Canning, bonfires biased till dawn on St. James' Mount, but then as ever the deep reserve of the square remained unbroken. Its air was the calm and philosophic temper of John Howard, the philanthropist, who stayed there just then on a visit to Liverpool, and who, by the way, daily rode on horseback to Warrington to correct proofs of his pamphlets.  The spirit of change is much in the air of the square at present, the public- houses on its borders exude an odour of lager, but it utilitarianism advances in the shape of offices in drawing-rooms it does so decorously. Daily on its parapets there is a mingling of races, and while a refulgent lamp above a portico proclaims “Norse Kyrka," on the same corner a graceful Pugin church and an English convent stand for reassurance of native possession.  In one respect Great George-square reveals no alteration; it is still sound, fresh, and youthful at the heart. Its grassy lawn is still a green oasis in a crowded town, and on its rain-drenched boughs the buds will soon be breaking as they broke 100 years ago.  In reply to Ave correspondents I find myself unable to give precise advice on the whereabouts of quiet rural inns where Christmas may be spent away from home.  Next Week.—Brunswick-square.

EVERTON’S CALL UPON LANCASHIRE CLUBS;
Liverpool Echo - Friday 05 December 1930
TOMORROW’S TEST AT GOODISON PARK
Bee’s Notes
There was a time ago, just before the war – which means a long time ago – when Oldham were a power in the football world.  They paid out bonuses in that year for teams that figured in the first six.  He rest took no thought of the banking account of the morrow; it was sufficient for the day that no matter how well they had played to keep in the respectable position of, say, tenth, they had no money allowance.  S.O.S’s went round from the clubs to the effect that t’were better to pay so much per week for a bonus (win or draw) than to single out the top-notches for payments.  And that’s how the valued bonus system came to be revised to its present state- an admirable pay-by-results method which serves all grades so well to-day.  In that year of 1919 Everton won the championship, I think it will not be thought ungrateful of me if I say they won that league because they beat Oldham and because Oldham could not have paid the bonus that then obtained for leadership if the Latics had won the last game of the season.  So Oldham stood down.  That’s how the story goes, and I have no reason to disbelieve it.  It was the sort of luck-slice that Everton needed just then.  Last season they had many bitter experience and no fortune; this season the turn of fortune’s wheel was theirs until last Saturday, when they struck a Yorkshire rock.  The team sheet shows the lessons of that game were not lost upon the board room.  There had to be changes.  First and foremost the change from full back was forced on the club through the lamentable luck of Ben Williams, but there are other changes and the forward line should mend its way to a degree by this alteration of team card- the alteration of a winning side until a week ago.  The interest created by the team sheets put up by Everton has probably no equal, any change is the subject of an inquest in the various places where two or three gather together to argue football.  So that to-morrow when Everton tackle Oldham Athletic we shall be meeting another old comrade of First division strength for some years.  The effort by Everton must be such that the lead is restored in due course by its big marginal number, then the advent of Cup ties or extra games in mid-week through a crush of fixtures will not bother them.  Oldham and Everton have ever had something in common apart from Cottonitis.  One remembers that Donnachie played for Everton and then Oldham, that Fleetwood went from Everton to Oldham, and that a large hatted, nice young man named Hargreaves went the same way.  Oldham used to be brilliant in the day when Tom Webster sketched Charlie Roberts, their captain; Charlie undressed and dressed for the footballing part – spic and span in football kit.  Webster drew him and when the picture came out it showed Charlie with mufti and with two pin-prick spots for his eyes.  How like the artists!  But what did Charles say about the unrobing business!  Then there was one Hunter, feared of all men, home and away, and by the referee!  But we won’t go further.  Oldham have many memories, and to-morrow they hope to create another happy one.  Everton should say nay.  Everton; Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
GOODISON MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor Mr. Harry Wearing) –March, “Viva Pottie” (Rimmer); waltz, “That Night in Vienna” (Lawrence Wright); fox trot, “Exactly Like You” (Lawrence Wright); selection, “Mercadante (arr, Round); fox trot “Adeline” (Lawrence Wright); march, “B.B and C.F.” (Ord Hume). 

EARLY GOODISON PARK SENSATIONS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 06 December 1930
OLDHAM ATHLETIC TWICETAKE THE ELAD THROUGH WORRALL
By Stork
Everton; Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Oldham Athletic; Hacking; Ivell, Porter; Adams, King, Gray; Stanton, Dyson, Worrall, Fitton, Hasson.  Referee; Mr. W. Walden, Derby. 
The fog which promised to interfere with football today cleared sufficiently before noon, and there was little of it about at Goodison Park at 2.15, an hour which is not conducive to big crowds, for many people had not left their business places at that time.  It was not surprising; therefore, that the gate was on the small side to start with, but those who were there saw a sensational opening, for Oldham took a goal at the third minute.  This was through — Worrell, their centre forward, who had just previously missed a  “possible” through failing to get up to a centre by Stanton.  The Athletic were very forceful, yet it was a big surprise to find the Everton defence well beaten before the game had hardly commenced.  This is how it came about. Hasson placed the ball into the centre, and both Worrell and Cresswell jumped up to head it, the centre forward being the successful person to make contact, and, having done so, he nodded the ball down, moved up a step forward before directing a shot, which had Coggins beaten from the word “go."  Everton were not behind for many minutes; in fact, it was level pegging at the sixth minute.  Stein and Dean linked up in a movement which ended when Dean slammed a terrific shot past Hacking. Everton's football was undoubtedly of better class, but there was no getting away from the fact that Oldham's forceful tactics were more than a danger.  Cresswell and Lowe had to nip in more than once to stop the Athletics’ go-ahead attackers, and then we had a view of Griffiths making one of his grand drives, which Hacking fielded in confident fashion. The Oldham goalkeeper, however, was very daring when he once left his goal in a race for the ball with Critchley. 
DEAN HEADERS 
The sprint was won by the Everton man, who dragged the ball away from the goalkeeper and made a square centre. Unfortunately, it lacked the necessary strength to reach one of his own men, for which the Oldham defence owed their thanks.  Dean's heading had been a feature up to this point, for he offered Stein innumerable chances to get under way, and the Oldham goal was distinctly fortunate when King booted the ball off tie goal-line with Hacking well out of position to have made a save.
WORRALL AGAIN 
All of a sudden Oldham went ahead a second time, and one could not get away from the fact that there were blemishes in Everton's defensive schemes, for Worrell was allowed to cut clean through, and it was left to Coggins to save the situation The goalkeeper's position was tragic; he had to make up his mind in a fraction of a second. He elected to rush out of his goal, and although there was little chance of him reaching the ball before Worrell, he did the only thing he could in the circumstances. Worrell beat him to the ball and then simply shot into the empty net.  This goal came at the eighteenth minute, and it meant that Everton had to start all over again, and it must be said that they showed plenty of fire in their endeavour to place the equalizing goal on their score card.  Dean was just a shade out with a perfect header, and a little later was wrongfully pulled up for offside when he had a clear chance of going through. Oldham were grand tacklers. They needed to be, too, for Everton at this stage were going all out to redeem their losses, and the "Latics" goal was very often fortunate not to have fallen.  Hacking was beaten more than once, but he had some superb defenders alongside him who were strong believers in "safety first" methods, and this undoubtedly held up any Everton advances.  I liked nothing better than the way Dunn made openings. It was football craft at its best. It was a flick of the ball this way, or a kick of the ball the other way, and some men were offered opportunities to do something good.  Quite the heat phase of the game was made when Hacking edged over a brilliant shot by Dunn, who had been well and truly served by Critchley. Dean put a ball back so that Thomson could take a full-blooded drive, but the Scot's direction was very poor. This could not be said of Worrell, who, although on the half-turn, gave Coggins a pile-driver to handle.  The Everton goalkeeper had to be very live to this sort of thing, for Oldham did not believe in flippancies but first time methods, and this was a rare sample of how goals are scored.  Hacking also made a good save low down when Johnson shot, and when Porter and a colleague got themselves in a tangle there were fine prospects for a goal to Everton.  The ball came between Dean and Dunn. Who was to take it? One expected the other, and the delay in coming to the decision ruined the whole thing for the Oldham defence had straightened itself out by this time.  When Dean lobbed the ball into the goalmouth it seemed possible that the bounce of it would beat Hacking, but this England goalkeeper is full of tricks, and he stooped down and thumped the ball over his own bar. 
DEAN LEVELS 
A minute later Everton were on level terms. It was a long shot by Dean, and Hacking appeared to have it covered, but it turned out that he made his dive a trifler too soon, and the hall actually bounded over his body before it entered the net.  Oldham claimed they should have had a penalty when McPherson was alleged to have handled in the penalty area, and I must admit that, from the Press box, it looked genuine case for a spot kick.  When Oldham got a free kick they wanted to take it quickly before the Everton defence could get together, but Dunn and McPherson between them prevented danger.  There was not long to go now, and Oldham utilized the last minutes in trying to take the lead. Fitton having a strong shot blocked out.  Half-time.—Everton 2, Oldham Ath. 2. 
A DEAN HAT TRICK
OLDHAM ATHLETIC’S GALLIANT BATTLE
SIX FOR EVERTON
It took a long time to defeat Oldham Athletic; in Fact, the latter three times held the lead, only to lose it, and finally the match at 6-4.  Of Everton's six goals Dean claimed four, including a hat-trick.  This, of course, put Dean above all others, but there was no doubt that the return of Critchley was fully warranted, for his was a fine display, apart from his goal.  Oldham were brave warriors, and even at the finish when they were two goals in arrears, they never gave up, and Stanton, the outside right, clinched a good display with a nice goal.  Everton, however, had been well on top for the last fifteen minutes, and right at the death Dunn scored with Hacking out of his goal.  Hacking claimed that Dean was offside. Dean was certainly behind him, but could not stop himself, and as he was not interfering with play, Dunn's goal counted.  It was an enchanting game, and Oldham have only to show this sort of form to make them a menace to the leaders at the end of the season. 
Oldham opened the second half as they had left off the first session, and, keeping to the open road, they took the lead for the third time during the match when Fitton cleverly headed in a centre from Stanton, who was one of the best wingmen on the field.  Oldham having obtained the lead once again made a grand effort to retain it, and their grim tackling was quite a feature of their game.  However, at the fifty-fourth minute, or four minutes after Oldham's third goal. Dean performed the hat trick, snapping up a judicious pass by Critchley, coaxing Hacking from his lair, and then placing the ball into the net.  It was a very entertaining game, in which there were many hard-fought tackles and also many goal incidents, but Everton, as in many recent games, were playing stronger at the finish than at the commencement. Dunn had a shot Hacking, and the little even had the audacity to try and bump the goalkeeper out of possession. 
DEAN'S FOURTH 
Dean was serving his colleagues well, and the Oldham defence was very often hard pressed, and at seventy-two minutes Dean headed his fourth goal, turning a centre by Stein right away from Hacking.  Thrills were now of a common order, and when Hacking once again left his goal to stop Critchley the wingman beat him and shot. I thought he intended the hall for a centre, but whatever it was meant to be it ended in a goal, for the ball hit the far post and bounced into the net.  Another goal should have come Everton's way when Dean was clean through and Oldham had stopped for offside, despite the fact that the whistle had not sounded, but Hacking made two sensational saves from Dean when all seemed lost. Stanton gave Coggins a warm handful.  Two minutes from the end Stanton took to himself a goal, a worthy finish to a fine display, within a minute, however, Dunn scored a sixth for Everton after Hacking had come out to stop Dean.  Dean went careering on into the net, and  Hacking claimed he was offside, but as  Dean was not interfering with the play the referee had no cause to alter his  original decision—a goal.  Final:  Everton 6 Oldham Athletic 4.

THE SPORTS LOOKING-GLASS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 06 December 1930
MR. TOM CHARNLEY, LEGISLATOR, AND “DUG” LIVINGSTONE
A PRIME MOVER AND A PRIME FAVOURITE-
By Bee
He will not introduce himself; he is not built that way.  Therefore, stretch a hand to Mr. Tom Charnley, one of the bricks by which the Football League has built its house and started with a solid foundation.   A rugged son of Lancashire; a stalwart who believes in deeds, not words.  Cradled in the game; born to systems and to shelving shocks.  Tom Charnley, of Preston, has been secretary of the best-governed, sport-league in the world for something like twenty years.  You would never know it if you were in his presence.  He sits solemn, his mien very grave, his books in perfect order.  He can tell you in a trice whether a player is in order with his registration papers, or his share of a transfer fee; his Preston office is a model of the man himself –the acme of precision and trustworthiness.  With him is a son who is going to carry on the great big business in father’s absence.  It is well he has someone who can carry on the load of work that comes through the machinations of the league with its thousands of requests and never a bequest.  Mr. Tom Charnley is at the behest of every club, every player, every referee.  And it never seems to worry him.  Nor does his weary in doing good.  Lucky league to have such a guide, counseller and friend. 
Here is the fine spirit and personality of a professor at sport.  “Duggie” never owes any club anything; he is the model pro; the glow of the pro, is here exemplified.  He has that “schoolgirl” complextion.” Came to Everton from Scotland; later went to Plymouth and home again to Scotland, but could not resist the charms of Wallasey and its people- or one of them, at any rate.  Married here, settled down here, and to-day is one of the backbones of the prospective second division side, Tranmere Rovers.  Looks what he is – far thinking footballer, who has never depended upon the rush or crush, but plays this game as he plays golf, with some sense of the fitness of things and a great care for the theoretical side of the proceedings.  Yet he enjoys his game and does not suffer the martyrdom I suffer- from bridge, football and cricket, or racing “Coroners.”  Livingstone can theories, can act upon his theories, but never tires by his converse.  He is a bit of Aberdeen’s granite.  I do not speak well of him because of a memorable defeat I handed him on the golf course as also Hunter Hart – but in spite of the memory of success! Football is all the better for the clean mind in the clean body; better for the Livingstone type.  He had a period when he was rattier curt, shall we say, with the football rules, in the same way that his compatriot Jasper Kerr was curt and perhaps cutting. But everything was done openly, and you can always trust years to bring discretion to such defenders, and, in any case, we would prefer this type of occasional break-of-rules to the type that is sly and depends upon ankle-tapping.  May you get your heart's desire, Dug, by helping the side to Division 2.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 06 December 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 6 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 4
December 8 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Four goals for Dean
Everton hard Fight for Victory
Oldham Hold Lead Thrice and Lose.
After thrice being a goal down, Everton beat Oldham Athletic by 6-4, and deserved their success, although Oldham my considered themselves unfortunate to loss after making such a hard fight. It was keen vigorous football, and at times play reached a fairly high standard. Oldham may not have the polish of Everton, but they are a fast moving, earnest side not easy to beat. With their direct practical movements they gave Everton much to ponder over before yielding to the superior craft of the Goodison side.
Dean's Capital Work.
One of the outstanding features was the success of Dean, who scored four of the six goals and in all did a capital day's work. He was splendidly supported by the forwards, and the line as a whole worked with fine understanding. Play in the first half was fairly even and the score (2-2) was a pretty good indication of the merit of the sides. Any advantage Everton could claim in the matter of skill was nullified by the keen and successful tackling of the Oldham defenders and half-backs. As in the initial half, Oldham were the first to score following the interval, but Everton responded with three further goals before Oldham got a fourth, and the final goal fell to Dunn a minute from the end. Dunn's goal provoked a strong protest from the Oldham players, as when the ball entered the empty Oldham goal –Hacking having advanced to challenge the shooter –Dean was standing right in his opponents' goal, obviously in an offside position but as he never played the ball the point was allowed without hesitation. Oldham were inclined to vigorous and robust methods, but there was little to which exception could be taken, although in the second period Dunn, and Ivill were called together and spoken to by the referee.
Dunn's Craft.
In this game, Everton fought back with skill, and courage, and their steadiness and power of recovery following three reverses brought a fitting reward. They had a splendid leader in Dean, and his four goals show what a protent force he can be, when adequately supported. Dunn gave another display of bright crafty work, and Critchley responded admirably to his partner's well timed passes. Good centres came from stein, and Johnson also did fairly well. Griffiths was a fine worker as also was Thomson, while McPherson, although once or twice holding the ball too long was neat and effective. Lowe as partner to Cresswell made a promising first appearance with the senior side but the positional play of the backs was not always sound. They were better in the second half when they tackled with greater sureness. For Oldham, Hacking made some daring saves, and twice in the second half saved brilliantly from Dean, who was within a couple of yards of goal when he shot. The backs kicked well, and the halves were strong tacklers. Of the forwards Worrall and Hasson were the best. The goals were scored in the following order; Worrall (3 minutes), Dean (6 minutes); Worrall (18 minutes); Dean (40 minutes); Fitton (50 minutes); Dean (54 minutes); Dean (72 minutes); Critchley (75 minutes); Stanton (88 minutes), Dunn (89 minutes). Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Lowe and Cresswell backs; McPherson, Griffiths and Thomson half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson and Stein, forwards. Oldham Athletic; - Hackling, goal; Ivill and Porter, backs; Adlam, King and Gray, half-backs; Stanton, Dyson, Worrall, Fitton, and Hasson, forwards.

BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 8 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Abandon Game)
Everton Robbed by Fog
Fog undoubtedly prevented Everton taking points from Bolton, for they had taken a firm grip of the game when seventeen minutes after the interval, the match was abandoned. Webster and Wilkinson scored excellent goals for Everton. Their wingmen were the chief source of danger. Everton; - Sagar goal; Cook and Parker backs; Britton, Gee (captain) and McClure half-backs; Wilkinson, Martin, McCambridge, Webster and White, forwards.

EVERTON’S UNBLANCED SCORE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 08 December 1930
EVERTON IN NEW LIGHT
By Stork
When Everton were sent down to the Second Division there were many people who claimed that they would never get back. “They are not the sort of team to do battle in the lower region, - they said.” Their style of play is much too gentle, and there is not the spirit in the team to fight back when things are not running their way." How general that belief was is very well known, but Everton are demonstrating that it does not do to make such assertions where football is concerned.  Personally, I never had any doubt that they would soon return to the upper house, for I am a firm believer that class will always tell in the long run. At the same time, I must admit that I feared for them, because they were too easily knocked off their game. A goal against struck terror in their hearts. They seemed unable to get over it, and there was no counter-attack or tenacity, and that sort of thing would never pay in the Second Division.  Their spell among the juniors, however, is having at least one good effect, and that is that it has brought out a fighting finality which previously had been lying dormant, while the experience of standing solidly against the battering ram methods of the majority of Second Leaguers should stand them in good stead in the future.  A goal against is not the terrifying thing it was. It bad not to be against Oldham Athletic; otherwise they would not have won, for the "Latics three times held the lead. Everton did not curl up, but simply bitched up their slacks, having let their opponents do the donkey work for an hour, and went on to secure a solid victory over a team that was good enough to be on level terms at the 72nd minute. In recent times Everton have been accused of leaving things too late. They might have done so against Oldham, but the latter having lost some of their sting through their previous efforts, were the under dogs in the last fifteen minutes, when they felt the full power of Everton's new style of play. It was a charming game to watch, for there was never a tiresome moment, and it was interesting to compare Oldham's go-ahead tactics with the more subtle, scheming ideas of Everton. Oldham's shock tactics seemed likely to pay when they scored in three minutes, for there is nothing like getting in the first blow, and with Everton's defence showing up none too well—Cresswell and Lowe hadn't the right idea—they played in a straight line and so had no cover—the outlook was not enticing. Worrell saw this weakness and took two goals, but Dean was in one of his brightest moods, and took four, which was a fitting climax to a really clever display.  Dean's heading was brilliant. I don't, think he missed one ball in the air when he went, up for it, and his fourth goal was the work of an artist, for he had to direct it away from Hacking, and that from no small distance out of goal. Dean had to face stern defenders; defenders who refused any opponent a free kick at the ball, while their safety-first methods in front of goal often held up promising Everton attacks.  I did not like Hacking in goal—he was more often out than in—even though he made some sensational saves, but his penchant for rushing out of goal brought him trouble. Three times the ball was placed in his net while he was away, the last occasion bringing forth a controversy. He had just stopped a header from Dean, pushing the ball out to Dunn and was following up. Dunn heat him and shot, the ball going into the net along with Dean, who had been unable to check his rush forward. Hacking claimed Dean offside.  How could he be? Dean was not interfering with the play, although he was behind the goalkeeper. This decision on the part of Mr. Walden was both courageous and just. 
CRITCHLEY'S RETURN
Dunn's placing was a joy, and he give Critchley so much help that the winger had a good game. There was only one wing man better, and that was Stanton, and both scored a goal. Critchley hardly wasted a centre, but I think he meant to centre when he scored, the ball curling in and striking the upright before cannoning into the net. Critchley has not returned to the side a moment too soon. Stein and Johnson made up a useful wing, but of the forwards it was Dean and Dunn's match.  Griffith's was a rare defender, and Hacking had to bald a hard, long shot from the centre-half hack, McPherson was best in attack. He was responsible or some lovely touches to Critchley and Dunn, and Thompson was a steady, hardworking defender. The full backs I have told you about, but I must, say that Lowe is not yet ripe for the senior side. I saw him make several healthy tackles, but he fillet have more experience. Cresswell may have felt nervy about his partner, and was not able to play his usual type of game.  Coggins was safe in goal.  Some blame him for coming out when Cresswell let Worrell through for the second goal. What else could be do? If he stayed at home he would have had no chance, but by coming out he not only narrowed Worrall's shooting space, but might have forced the centre-forward into doing something hurriedly. He would have been blamed whatever he had decided to do. I thought he did the only thing possible. 

DEATH OF SHAREHOLDER
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 09 December 1930
I am sorry to hear of the death of one of Everton’s staunch shareholders, Mr. Hughie Clunas, who had recently retired on pension from the G.P.O.  He was a true blue and one of my most acid correspondents. 
EVERTON’S MEMORY TEST
When Everton meet Burnley at Turf Moor, on Saturday, they will be faced with one of the stiffest problems yet presented so far this season in their bid to regain their lost status at the first attempt.  Burnley, like the Goodison Park side, were relegated at the close of last campaign to their present category, and also like their rivals are making a bold bid to return to the premier division after one season in the Second Division.  Founded in 1881 the Turf Moor club was one of the original twelve members that formed the League in 1888-89, but they had not figured so conspicuously as Everton, and have had many ups and downs.  One or two seasons after the formation of the League the East Lancashire club was relegated to the lower sphere, of which division they won the championship in 1897-98 from Newcastle United.  They dropped back again, however, a few seasons later, and their next appearance in the upper circle was made in 1913-14 having finished runners up to Preston North End in Division II.  The previous campaign.  On this third venture o First Division warfare they did much better, and the first season after the resumption, in 1919-20, they were runners-up to West Bromwich Albion.  The following season they did still better, for they carried off the championship honours, their record reading; Play 42; Won 23; Lost 6; Draw 1; For 79; Against 36; Points 59.
During this championship season the East Lancashire club broke all league records for an uninterrupted run of success by playing thirty successive games without defeat.  They opened the season with three losses (to Bradford City twice, and Huddersfield Town, away), and then went from September 6 to March 26, when they were beaten by Manchester City at Hyde-road 3-0.  Their record for this run of success was;-
Played 30; Won 21, Lost 0, Draw 9; For 68; Against 17; Points 51.
The season immediately following they were still successful, but not to the same extent, and only managed to occupy the third position in the chart at the close with 49th points.  Since then they have dropped back considerably, and finally lost their status last season.  Last season the meeting between these rivals ended in a division of the points as the result of a 1-1 draw, but in view of the way the Goodison Park side are playing in away games this campaign they may improve upon that performance. 
DEATH OF MR. RICHMOND BIRCH
I regret to announce the death of a well-known Liverpool gentleman, Mr. Richard Birch, head saleman for forty-six years in the firm of Messrs, Slater, Birch, and Company, timber merchants, Derby-road, Liverpool, which took place on Thursday last at his residence, 24, Milton-road, Waterloo.  Mr. Birch was held in very high esteem throughout the country.  He was a man of sterling character, and will be sadly missed by his hosts of friends.  He will be remembered as a fine athlete, and excelled as a swimmer and runner, as a footballer played for the old Stanley Association Football Club.  He was buried yesterday. 


Richard Birch - Stanley FC

EVERTON VISIT TO BURNLEY
December 10 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
The relegated First division clubs of last season in Everton and Burnley will be in opposition at turf Moor, on Saturday. Both clubs were members of the original twelve that founded the League, but Burnley have had previous experiences of the Second Division, and, indeed, for thirteen successive seasons were in the lower section. The Everton team for Saturday's match will be unchanged from the side that beat Oldham Althetic 6-4 namely; Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean Johnson, Stein. Lowe will than continue at full back in place of Williams, the captain, who was injured at Bradford. Of their nine home games this season Burnley have won 5, lost 2, and Drawn 2.
Goodison Second team
Leyfield on trail
The Everton Reserves team to meet Preston North End Reserves, at Goodison Park, in a Central League game, on Saturday will include Leyfield, an amateur who has been playing with Neston Brickworks. The team will be; Sagar; Cook, Parker; Britton, gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, Leyfield.

SQUARES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 10 December 1930
NO 10-BRUNSWICK SQUARE –DO YOU KNOW IT?
By Michael O’Mahony.
Although it was well on in years before some old Liverpool houses were founded or even the bricks and mortar made to build them, I would venture to say that not one in a hundred—outside Kirkdale  —not one in five hundred—of the people  of Liverpool know where it is.  All the same, it is close to three main highways running north and south and within earshot of one of the most widely known tramway Junctions in the city.  Those who would seek it must first seek Spellow, the district which seems driven like a wedge between Kirkdale and Walton, and after that the going is easy. The beckoning spire of the church of St. Lawrence promptly offers a ready landmark, and turning to the left by its gates down Barlow-lane you presently, by a short turn to the right, find yourself contemplating the little "rue in urbe" called Brunswick-square.  Lying to the left, off an upper reach of noisy Westminster-road, you are somewhat prepared for its air of repose by the marks and tokens of auld lang syne seen in the property around it. 
Barlow-lane 
Barlow-lane has not yet lost its well-preserved old cottages nestling in their gardens, the well-stocked beds of which already give good promise of early pinks and wallflowers, while over against the square itself stands a tall old house whose picturesque windows alone would redeem it from the commonplace as well as the stains of decay. Surrounding a tree-shaded grass plot the old houses of the square seem to be clustering close together as if afraid of the noise of the clattering traffic ever beating on its borders.  The rattling echo of the trams, as they swing round the sinuous curve pf Westminster-road, are ever in the air, but no hidden corner of the unseamed streets of some old country town such as Ludlow or Monmouth could be quieter than this tranquil retreat.  Rising through the tree branches on its western side stands a somewhat commanding erection almost on a level with the highest windows of the surrounding houses.  This queer-looking pile- I cannot call it a pillar –something like an undecorated miniature of the Whitehall Cenotaph, has been for years a puzzle to many people, especially strangers to the locality, who see no meaning in the strange erection.  I, regret, have been asked for some information about it more than once, and I could not give it; but I can do so now.  Walking round it in the dusk a few evenings ago, I spoke to the only person about a lady busy with trowel and basket in her garden on the north side of the square. 
A LAMPSTAND
“Could you tell me please,” I said nodding towards the mystery.  “What that is, what is it for?”    “Well,” she said, it is not much use at present, though at one time of day- or night- it was of real importance.  It was built before the days of gas lamps to give a high position to a large oil lamp which, being lit every evening about this time, illuminated the square.”  The lady may not be aware of the fact that she recalled an epoch of local history, and the proposed formation of a company to light the town with gas.  This was in 1816, and in the “Mercury” of January 26, that year, it I stated that “two large gas lamps with three burners in each have been lighted with gas and had been exhibited for the last few nights in front of the Town Hall.  The light is so brilliant that a person may with ease discover the hour by his watch at a distance of twenty yards.”  There was delay in the adoption of the new method of lighting the town, but although the civic authorities frowned on its formation, a company was promoted which has prospered exceedingly from that day to this, but it is doubtful if the generous light which really revealed the wynds and alleys of the old borough for the first time, was extended to the distant village of Kirkdale for several years afterwards. 
WHY BRUNSWICK
Various reasons are given as to why this old nook, looking today like a copy of Pepys’ Diary on a shelf of modern novels, should be called Brunswick-square, but I daresay it is due to the wave of devotion to the reigning dynasty which swept over the kingdom in the early nineteenth century, and in which Liverpool gives lasting proof in that, desides a square, it can also boast a railway station, a terrace, a place, a road, a street, and a dock.  Loyalty of this kind is to me admirable when it reveals unsuspected unselfishness untoward character; but I suppose it can be carried to excess. I have heard of a lady whose greatest living emotion seemed to be a desire to get into even remote touch with royalty. It was said that during a visit to Liverpool by that truly amiable man the late Prince Consort she was so elated by a gracious bow from him that twins being born about that time to a member of her family the insisted that they should be called "Consort and Consortina."  History does not record that she had her way. 
Old Landmarks Gone 
Many changes have taken place since Brunswick-square first opened its doors upon a miniature pleasance; gone are many old landmarks of the once pretty village, as vanished as the noise of the little brook which, falling down the Dingle, found its way in time to the river . We have changed, but not altogether for the worst. As I turned from the square above me rose the great facade of what was once a grim Industrial school, and which has now been metamorphosed into a cheerful hostel; where not many years ago I would have been chilled by the frowning towers of Kirkdale Gaol I found that heartening, joy-giving feature of our modern life, a children's play-ground. Space green grass, sunlight, and the air of the sea abounded where dark shadows ever spoke of gloop impenetrable.  The black pile ever associated tears and gloom has been swept away and I would consider myself well served had some kindly hand sown the site with salt. Next Week- Falkner-square.  

GOODALL'S S-MEAN DEFENCE 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 10 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
Re the shove of Saturday's "Echo,” I think Goodall might give the clever team's identity, as I for one do not agree with his idea, says” Blue Eyes."  Is not the best defence a good attack?  In my opinion five fast forwards nearly in line will always come off the best.  What is there to stop the other side from having eight men in the defence?  So what earthly chance have his three forwards got? If I was a centre- forward I should want those supposed:  inside forwards to be up and share the battering that the lonesome centre gets. The downfall of Everton has been the W formation, also of most inside forwards who play it. There is a promising young forward in Everton who is making no headway in his game through playing back in the half-back position, and if any inside forward wants to succeed, the goal area is his place, and my advice to any inside forward - is to ignore the semi-half-back game and share the goals with the centre and the wing men. The total of shots at goal by the two Everton inside forwards  (Central League) the last two home matches does not exceed ten between them; hence the results, and so much for a defender's idea of a successful team.
A GAME WORTH SEEING
Tomorrow, see R.M.S. Scythia v. R.M.S. Duchness o Bedford, at Cunard Ground, Bellefield, West Derby.  Players meet at 2 p.m. at West Derby Station.  Kick-off 2-25. DIXIE DEAN will referee, by kind permission of the Everton directors.  Admission 6d, proceeds for Goodfellow Fund. 
EVERTON’S VISIT TO BURNLEY
The Everton team for Saturday’s match will be unchanged from the side that beat Oldham Athletic 6-4- namely, Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Lowe will thus continue at full-back in place of Williams, the captain, who was injured at Bradford.  Of their nine home games this season Burnley have won 5, lost 2, and drawn 2. 
The Everton Reserves team to meet Preston North End Reserves, at Goodison Park, in a Central League game, on Saturday, will include Layfield, an amateur who has been playing with Neston Brickworks.  The team will be; Sagar; Cook, Parker; Britton, Gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, Layield. 

FORMER EVERTON PLAYER ON TRANSFER.
December 12 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Weldon, the former Everton forward, who was transferred to Hull City at the beginning of this season, has been placed on the transfer list at his own request. Weldon, who has recently played in the Midland League team for Hull, but is selected centre-forward against Tranmere Rovers at Preston Park tomorrow says that he cannot adapt himself to the former class of football after his experience in the First Division.

EVERTON AT BURNLEY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 12 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
EVERTON’S “FIRST DIVISION” TEST
Everton continue to win- that is the general theme.  The wretched happening at Bradford is soon forgotten, and wisely so, for with Williamson back to the side, in the second half one felt supremely confident that Everton had worn down the home side, as usual, and were coming forward with their superior stamina and standing.  We can never argue about what might have been, but it is well that you should remember what I have said for months when the side has been level at half time in their away games.  Tomorrow the best test of all arrives.  It is really a test of whether Everton, if promoted, would be good enough.  Burnley are virtual First Division members; they have been rising in recent weeks to a position that suggests that those who went out may have booked their return ticket with the Everton club.  Let us hope so, because Burnley are not well placed manically, and are thinking of unloading some of their stars to make the money side of Second Division good for the bank’s eyes! There is not a great change in the personnel of the Burnley side, and we in this city know how dangerous that side can be when they are on their own ground, a ground unequalled I think for an up-take- so far as senior club; are concerned.  It is a disconcerting ground, and going down the hill it is difficult to keep a ball from aeroplanning.  Going up the hill it is difficult to get placed for a shot before the effect of the hill has been lost on one’s breathing power.  Perhaps we who have seen Everton’s away games have been too critical; we have looked upon their wins against poor sides as not good enough, yet the continuation of the victory strain is emphatic evidence that they are at least playing well enough to secure the return pass to their proper circle. Always have I desired that; hence the call for improvement, believing that it were well, if promotion came, to be ready for the next step in football —the higher grade which is such a severe taskmaster. No one wants Everton to go up to come down again.  Prest will need careful watching tomorrow, also Louis Page. Burnley will battle to the end; Everton must therefore concentrate upon an early start and a continuous performance, with no easing up. The need for hard straight shooting away from home is severe. See to it, Everton.  Everton; Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell, McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
EVERTON “A’ TEAM
Everton “A: (v. Orrell, at Orrell-lane, 2.15); Corry; Jackson, Taylor; Chedgzoy, B. Llody, J. Llody; Liggins, Cunliffe, Davies, Fryer, Jenkins. 
BURNLEY'S NEW LEADER 
WELSH 'HALF-BACK AT CENTRE 
Burnley, for their important home game with Everton, will have a new leader of attack in Bowsher, the Welsh international half hack, who was superseded by O'Dowd in the League team as centre half.  The selected side Conway; McCluggage, Waterfield; Brown, O'Dowd, Storer; Jenkins, Beel, Bowsher, Prest, and Page.

EVERTON VISIT BURNLEY
December 13 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Companions in distress last April, Everton and Burnley meet today at Turf Moor in the Second Division, and the game is likely to prove one of the hardest on the Everton card. The clubs have had many strenuous duels in the past and the issue today appears to be open. Everton are anxious to maintain their hold, while Burnley are of course out to improve their record. Everton showed their fighting power last week, and if they can keep up that form the leaders ought not to be beaten today. The teams are; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Lowe, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson Stein. Burnley; - Conway; McCluggage, Waterfield; Brown, O'Dowd, Storer; Jenkins, Beel, Bowsher, Priest, Page.

BURNLEY LEAD OVER EVERTON 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 13 December 1930
PREST AND BEEL COUNTER LEADING GOALS BY DEAN AND STEIN
By Stork
Everton; Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thommson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Burnley; Conway; McCluggage, Waterfield; Brown, O’Dowd, Storer; Jenkins, Beel, Bowsher, Prest, Page.  Referee; - A. H. Kingscott, of Birmingham.  Everton's visit to Turf Moor was of vital importance to the League leaders, for it promised to provide one of their severest tests of the season. Burnley are not far away in the chart, and they had every belief in themselves to lift a further two points from the meeting.  The centre forward position has been one of Burnley's troublesome points since the season opened, and in the hope of solving the difficulty the directors decided on a bold policy of drafting in a centre half back to take up the leadership. Bowsher is the former Welsh international half-back, who could not get his original position in the Burnley side owing to the brilliance of O'Dowd. He had never played in the position prior to to-day, but had taken every half-back position.  Dean had a bad cold, which kept him indoors yesterday, but the news concerning Williams is promising. He is getting on well, and will probable start training next week.  The weather broke down about half an hour before the start, rain falling heavily, and this naturally kept the crowd down.  Burnley started off with one set plan, and that was to obtain an early goal, and with the slightest bit of steadiness they might easily have had one.   
NOT LIKE PAGE 
First Jenkins missed a grand opportunity to middle the ball when the Everton defence got itself entangled.  Page was offside, however; a grand opportunity, but he made a wretched shot.  This was not like Page, who can usually be depended upon to hit a true ball, given the chance. The first  few minutes had been unquestionably Burnley's, their swift-moving plan finding  holes in Everton's defensive scheme, and Beel was only a shade out with a cannon-ball shot.   
DEAN COMPLETES 
Everton had not got into their stride, but their first invasion proved a winner, for Dean had marked up a goal in six minutes.  It was a great placed shot which beat Conway, but the scorer had to thank Dunn and before him Stein and Johnson, for fine leading-up work, which enabled Dunn to slip the ball easily, through to Dean.  It was a quick turn-round, for there was no getting away from the fact that Burnley had made all the pace up to the scoring of this goal Burnley naturally took some time to get over this blow, and Everton took no small part in the real affairs of the day—the task of getting goals.  Page, however, demonstrated what a  really good player be is when he slipped, by McPherson and Lowe and offered his inside men a chance of testing Coggins  That they did not do so could not, be  laid at Everton's feet.  
STEIN—THEN BEEL 
To fourteen minutes the score was two-nil for Everton. It was a defensive error by Waterfield, and Dunn snapped up the chance to sweep the ball across to Stein.  Conway had come out. He could do nothing else, but Stein cleverly lifted the ball over Conway's head and into the vacant goal.  Thus Everton's position was highly satisfactory, but within a minute Beel had reduced the lead to a goal, and it could not be said that the Everton defence was blameless in the matter. Bowsher's pass to his colleague should never have materialized if there had been a proper covering scheme in defence.  Dunn's work was a joy. He made very few miss-passes; in fact, I could find little fault with Everton's attack, but  the defence very often got itself out of  difficulties by numbers rather than clean defensive tactics. 
BEEL LEVELS 
It may seem strange in view of the fact that Everton had scored two goals that it was Burnley who were calling the tune, and Coggins had to step in and make one or two useful saves. Burnley were a dogged lot, and dogged sometimes does the trick. It did to-day, and before half an hour Burnley were on level terms, Beel again being the scorer.  When Jenkins moved up his run did not forecast a goal, but it is the simple-looking things which are very often the most dangerous. Jenkins put the ball into the middle, where Bowsher was standing, and he neatly slipped the ball to Beel, who shot with the side of his left boot, and squeezed just inside the upright.  I thought Coggins had timed his dive. 
BURNLEY LEAD 
Burnley's pace was very hot and troublesome, but Everton were desperately unlucky not to have taken the lead at the 34th minute.  Dean headed a centre from Stein into the net, only to be judged offside.  It was a terrible decision, for Dean had two defenders and the goalkeeper between him when he headed in.  Everton claimed against the decision, but the referee would not listen to it; and at the 38th minute Burnley took the lead.  Beel did the donkey-work, and by hooking the ball squarely across the Everton goal he gave Prest a gilt-edged chance, and the inside-left made no mistake with a fast shot.  Critchley was injured, and had to receive attention, and Dean went close with a header. It was an uncommon turn-round, but there could be no disputing that Burnley had been the more progressive side.  That disallowed goal, however, was amazing Half-time; Burnley 3, Everton 2.
FIVE FOR BURNLEY
EVERTON LOSE AFTER LEADING   
DEFENCE WAS SHAKY
Although Everton took a two-goal lead, Burnley wart always playing more practical football. Their speed was a big factor in this win, and once again the Everton defence (Coggins excepted) failed to convince.  Page took a good goal against his Liverpool pals, but Beel was Burnley's star forward. A disallowed goal to Everton was the turning-point. 
In the first half Dean and Stein scored for Everton, Beel (2) and Prest for Burnley.  The light, which had been poor in the first half, considerably improved, but the ball required a hefty kick to send it any distance.  Lowe made one tackle when things were looking not too sweet for Everton, but it was Conway who had the first, handling case when Griffiths levelled a ground shot which the a goalkeeper saved at the second attempt. Dunn had a header, and from the goal-kick the bell travelled over the head of Griffiths, who had positioned himself badly, and the ball when on to Beel.  The inside-right had played grand football, and be enhanced his reputation with a choice pass to Page, who took a few steps forward before crashing home  a great goal at the 53rd minute.
STORER THE FIFTH 
Two minutes after the first half-hour of the second half Burnley set seal to their force by scoring a fifth goal. Storer did the trick from long range. Everton were now a defensive organization, for Burnley were definitely on top, and the Everton defence was often in dire trouble.  Griffiths once stopped Bowsher and the offside trick held up Page. Dean made a bad miss when he lifted the ball over the bar from close in. It had to be remembered that he was slipping all the time he had the ball.  Just on the finish Dean hit the post. Coggins made two quick saves, and Stein and Dean had hard lines not to score. As I said a week ago, Lowe is not quite ready for Everton's first team.  He was not the only one who did not produce his real form. Griffiths was moderate and Stein did practically nothing this half.

O'DONNELL ON THE "LIST' 
Liverpool Echo – Saturday December 13 1930
Jack O'Donnell, of Everton F.C has been placed on transfer. He has been out of the first team throughout the present season, but was a regular full back for the club for several seasons.  O'Donnell is from the North-eastern school. It was his work for Darlington in a re-played Cup-tie, at Anfleld which caused Everton to sign him. In his early days, at Goodison, he was sometimes played at centre-forward. 

EVERTON RES V PRESTON N.E. RES
Liverpool Echo – Saturday December 13 1930
Everton were much the superior side, and the interval in no way overrated their superiority.  North End lacked combined ideas in attack, and were easily held by the Everton halves.  In contrast the home attack moved swiftly, and usually there was a good shot at the end of each movement.  White opened the score.  Then Layfield, making his debut with the Central League side, gained due reward by being directly responsible for Wilkinson scoring the second goal.  Wilkinson added the third, and Webster added the fourth.  Half-time; Everton 4, North End 0.  In the second half, Heaton scored for North End- and White and Webster for Everton.  Final; Everton Res 6, Preston N.E Res 1. 
ORRELL V. EVERTON “A”
Played was well balanced.  Fryer scored for Everton, and Bottomley equalized.  Foster kept a good goal for Orrell, and Corry saved well at the other end from Blair.  Wright hit the post. 

THE SPORTS LOOKINGT-GLASS
Liverpool Echo- Saturday December 13 1930
 A LIVERPOOL CHAIRMAN WHO IS AN EX-FOOTBALLER OF EVERTON
MR. TOM CROMPTON.
By Bee
He who does not mix with the crowd knowns nothing.
Flattery won’t hurt you, if you don’t swallow it.
Meet a turncoat
Otherwise Mr. Tom Crompton, the Liverpool Football Club chairman.  He used to play or Everton –thus he turned his coat of blue to one of the ruddy red.  When the trips come in from Birmingham Liverpool tells itself to look up the ducks.  When Mr. Crompton goes to a football “apartment” and the party turns towards cards they thrust their hands into their pockets.  For Mr. Crompton is a second edition of Esler Kessen.  He manipulates the cards.  He cajoles them from sizes into sevens; he makes cigarette ends and match-boxes do the uncanny.  Yet his is more entertainment, and whenever he goes the call is made to him to produce some of his tricks.  The last thing one would think of Mr. Crompton, however, is trickery, for he is straight and above-board.  The footballers like him to show his wares, so that they can forget the morrow’s match.  He could have made a fortune selling unbreakable glass I he had been a trickster.  As it is, he merely makes us laugh heartily.  But there is something deeper than cards with the chairman of Liverpool Football Club.  He has a knowledge of the game from A to Z.  He has played it he has suffered its knocks and its peculiar ways; he makes allowance –so necessary to a wise director.  Some directors say after a defeat, “The wind was blowing hard.”  It blew behind the losing side for forty-five minutes.  That is foolish sympathy in defeat.  On the other hand, the need for sensible sympathy is severe, for players know when they have played a foolish game.  Mr. Crompton is essentially the fair man, the wise controller of the board meeting, which otherwise might easily became a board meeting.  On bowling green, o football sward, in the guidance of club affairs, Mr. Crompton, without display of himself or his methods, has worked to the good of the Anfield club.  He has been at the helm since the late Mr. W. R. Williams .

Stud marks
Liverpool Echo – Saturday December 13 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

BURNLEY 5 EVERTON 2
December 15 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Burnley Rally
Everton Lead Quickly Rubbed Off
By "Stork."
Burnley will be greatly encouraged in their fight to return to the First Division by their victory over Everton at Turf Moor. At one period it seemed that they must be beaten, for Everton took to themselves a two goals lead. Burnley could have been forgiven if they had lost heart, for they were definitely on top when Everton sneaked in their two goals. Burnley had infinitely more opportunities during the 14 minutes during which Everton gained the lead, but either through their own eagerness, and bad shooting they lost their way, and Everton made two sallies and obtained two goals. Still, I could not get away from the fact that Burnley had it in them to hit back, for there was more snap about their play, more pace, and undoubtedly a greater fighting spirit, and slowly but simply they got together, forgot those two goals and by dint of good hard football had taken the lead at the half stage. That was a smart bit of business, for it takes a big heart to fight against a two goals lead, especially when one is having all the play without getting any return.
Griffiths off Colour.
Burnley's football may not have been quite of the class of Everton's, but there could be no getting away from their practicability, and the longer the game continued the brighter became their prospects, for Everton were not playing well together. Their forward line early on was effective, with Dunn providing his colleagues with choice passes, but further in the rear there were blemishes. I have never seen Griffiths in so poor of light. Evan through his passes to his front line have not been one of his strong points, his defence has usually stood the most severe test. At Turf Moor, however, he could do nothing right. He fiddled about with the ball and allowed an opponent to take it from him. Here was one of Everton's great weaknesses. There were others. McPherson spoiled a fairly good first half by his ultra daintiness and that against an opponent of Page's class. Page made him suffer for his nonchalant style. Page claimed a goal, and showed that Lowe is not yet ready for Everton's first team. Page danced his way round this young back, who made good tackles, but lacked the positional idea, and Cresswell with a tremendous lot of work placed upon him; tried towards the end. Burnley tried a half-back, as centre-forward, and Bowsher did a lot of useful work, and had a hand in the making of two goals, but Beel was the mastermind of the Burnley front line.
The Turning Point.
The turning point of the game was the disallowing of what seemed a perfectly legitimate goal by dean. He had to pass McCluggage to get to Stein's centre, and when the ball went into the net Storer was standing under the crossbar along with his goalkeeper. How could Dean be offside? A goal then would have put Everton in the lead again, but it was Burnley who called the tune afterwards, and they were hammering the Everton defence when the whistle sounded. It had been an interesting game particularly in the first half, when the sides were evenly balanced. Dean's opening goal was due to Dean, who also provided Stein with his scoring chance. Beel rubbed those out and Priest, page, and Storer competed the scoring. Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Lowe and Cresswell, backs; McPherson, Griffiths and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Burnley; - Conway, goal; McCluggage and Waterfield, backs; Brown, O'Dowd, and Storer, half-backs; Jenkins, Beel, Bowster, Priest, and Page, forwards. Referee Mr. H. H. Kingscott, Birmingham.

EVERTON RESERVES 6 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 1
December 15 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 17)
Everton returned to their best form, and good progressive combination, terminating with an accurate finish and supported it solid defensive work led to them completely overplaying Preston for practically the whole of the game. The winners main strength was in the half-back line. Here Britton, Gee and McClure worked constructively with the home attack, and helped the defence to frequently wreck any ideas Preston formulated for progressive advances. North End, however, offered a very disappointing exhibition. Their attack was one of individual units, lacking cohesive ideas, the middle line was not capable of holding Everton's lively attack, and only the rear defence achieve anything like a measure of success. One of Everton's outstanding players were Leyfield (an outside left from Neston Brickwork playing his first game with Everton), for throughout he played continually, and proved a sound winger, with a penchant for driving in good shots. Everton's scorers were White (2), Wilkinson (2), and Webster (2). Heaton scored for Preston. Everton; - Sagar goal; Cook and Parker, backs; Britton Gee (captain) and McClure, half-backs; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster and Leyfield, forwards.
Orrell 3 Everton "A" 1
Liverpool Challenge Cup
Orrell-Lane. Good shooting and smart goalkeeping by Foster and Corry were features of the game, Fryer gave Everton the lead, and Bottonley equalised. The visitors defence weakened after the interval, and Parson scored for Orrell, while Bottomley again netted.

THAT DISALLOWED GOAL
December 15 th 1930. Evening Express
What Actually Happened at Turf Moor
Everton's Shock
And Burnley Surprise.
By the Pilot.
Widespread controversy has been caused by Everton's disallowed goal at Burnley. Was the decision a blunder, or was Dean really off-side? Let me state right away I am convinced the goal was absolutely legitimate. Here is what actually happened. Thomson drew the defence and sent Stein off. The winger, seeing Dean in position, cented to a point in front of the post and Dean headed into the net. As the ball passed into the net, Conway, the Burnley goalkeeper, was standing on his goal line with Storer, the Burnley captain beside him. This alone placed Dean on-side, but in addition, Dean, to reach the ball, had run past O'Dowd after Stein had centred. Clearly therefore the goal was a good one. Conway though it was a goal Storer thought it was a goal –everyone in fact except the referee Mr. A.H.Kingscott thought it was a goal. Everton players surrounded Dean and gave him the usual handshakes, and Storer took the ball from the net and kicked it up the centre for a restart. Imagine the effect on Everton when Mr. Kingscott gave offside. It was the turning point of the game.
Burnley Lead.
Burnley took the lead immediately after though Priest. Prior to this Dean and Stein had scored for Everton and Beel twice for Burnley. The disallowed goal was not the sole reason for Everton's defeat. Everton are suffering from defensive weakness. Since Ben Williams, the captain, went off midway though the match at Bradford, they have conceded no fewer than 13 goals. Never has Williams been so missed as at turf Moor. I do not mean to suggest that young Lowe has let the Blues down, but the presence of Williams would have such all the difference. Cresswell misses him more than anyone. He cannot get a working understanding with Lowe, and this affects his other play seriously. Lowe is lacking experience. He was willing enough and brought off many a fine tackle, but was totally incapable of holding up Louis Page, and failed to enter into the scheme of things. It was not his fault, but his misfortune. Everton had two units at full-back instead of a sympathetic pair. The backs were not entirely to blame. The who defence, with the exception of Coggin and Thomson, was at fault. The vital weakness was Griffiths at centre-half. Of the forwards Dean played finely in the first half, but missed two good chances in the second. Dunn and Johnson were up to standard. The wingers Critchley and Stein, were not exploited sufficiently, but neither played to form. Burnley were worthy winners –but what a difference that disallowed goal might have made!

EVERTON'S WEAKNESS 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 15 December 1930
By Stork
Prior to Saturday I had not seen Everton lose, and when they took two goals in fourteen minutes I never dreamed that I would see Burnley prove triumphant A two goal deficit is a tremendous handicap, and needs a great  deal of courage to overcome. It may seem strange, but at is nevertheless true, that even when Everton had two goals lead Burnley had shown the more practical football, which found holes in Everton's defensive schemes.  It had been two spasmodic attacks which brought Everton's two goals,  whereas the Burnley forwards bad  practically dominated the attack  throughout, and had found weaknesses in the Everton defence, but for all this Coggins was not seriously tested. Still, I saw things in Burnley's play which made me rather sceptical about Everton holding on to their lead.  In the first place Everton's key position. Griffiths, was not in his brightest mood. As a fact it was the poorest game I have seen this Welshman play. Not only was he unable to ply his forwards with passes (this has always been a fault with him), but his defensive tactics were rarely successful against the three "live" inside Burnley forwards. In the circumstances it was not surprising to find. Burnley not only  levelling matters but eventually going  on to win a really handsome victory a victory that will do them a power of  good, for they are more than keen to  accompany Everton hack to the senior circle. 
A FATAL POLICY 
Griffiths was not the only Everton man to suffer, for McPherson was ever inclined to over-elaboration, which saw a fatal policy against a man of the calibre of Louis Page, undoubtedly one of the most dangerous wingmen in game. McPherson did not fare at all badly in the first half, but when Page got thoroughly wound up McPherson could make neither head nor tale of him. I felt nothing but pity for the young man further behind. Lowe, as I said a week ago, is not yet ready for senior football. I think he will come, but it will not be yet awhile. Never before have I seen such a glaring case of experience so dominant over inexperience.  Lowe did his best, but it was not good enough against craftier opponents. Another thing, I contend that Everton had a perfectly good goal disallowed, and at a point in the game that was all important, for if that goal had counted it would have sent Everton into the lead again. I have seen some wretched offside decisions this season, but this was one of the worst. When Stein centred Dean actually passed McCluggage on his way to the ball, and when he headed into the net Storer was standing on the goal line along with his goalkeeper.  However could Dean be offside under these circumstances. Dean was upset, so were his colleagues, and from that point Burnley practically settled the match.  They were much faster on the ball, were grim tacklers, and took the straightest course for goal, and if the experiment of playing Bowsher, an international centre half at centre forward, was not all that it might have been it certainly had the effect of speeding up Burnley's attack, and it is only fair to say that be had a big hand in the scoring of two of his side's goals.  Beel, however, was the engineer of the line, and he was ably backed up by men who were all out to score goals.  As usual Louis Page got one against old friends. Storer is a great half-back.  He has quite recovered from his operation, and was undoubtedly the best of the line, although O'Dowd and Brown made up a better line than that of Everton. McCluggage and Waterfield were a pair of full-backs who did not stand on ceremony, while their kicking was full-blooded and usual accurate.  As a matter of fact. Burnley thoroughly deserved their victory. The Everton forwards were good only in the first half, with Dunn outstanding, but after the disallowed goal there did not seem to be any real earnestness in their play, and scoring chances were allowed to pass by. Dean missed at least two, and then right at the death had hard lines when hitting the upright, with Conway out of his lair. 

EVERTON GO TO PLYMOUTH
Liverpool Echo - Monday 15 December 1930
By Bees
Everton go to Plymouth. It is their second visit; they opened the season there, bringing a bright show to the beginning of the Second Division football at the famous Southern ground.  There will be joy in the camp in and around Dartmoor, where it would seem Everton have much support—if not supporters!  Plymouth played extremely well against Everton, and for the first half of the game were a great trouble to the Everton defence. Afterwards Everton wore them down, and won by a goal margin.  Everton have many times declared that Plymouth is the best aide they have met this season—they play very good football.  Everton play Plymouth, at Goodison, on Saturday week. 

EVERTON'S SOUTHERN VISITS.
December 16 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
By john Peel
I trust Everton's visit to Plymouth will meet with success. Their visits to be South in cup-ties have not as a rule been attended with happy results, for I can recall defeats at Brighton and Southampton, not to mention Fulham and Highbury. But I think Everton will be capable of overcoming the first hurdle of this season's tie.
Everton are due to travel to Plymouth, In the opening match of the season Plymouth gave Everton a hard game and were beaten only 3-2. This tie will certainly prove a rousing one. The teams meet in a League match on Saturday week at Goodison park, so that there will be an opportunity to compare notices. The Plymouth Argyle club and their followers express the utmost delight. Mr. Robert Jack predicts a record attendance. "We could not have wished for anything better," he said in an interview. "Everton will find us a different proposition on present form. When they were here at the start of the season our players short of ball practices. We recognizes we are meeting the cleverest side in the Second Division, but I think our luck has turned." The previous visit of Everton, attracted 34,916 people, a record for Plymouth.

THE CUP JUMBLE;
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 16 December 1930
Plymouth 'Pleased To Meet up Again " 
If Everton had desired to choose a side they desired to visit I think it would have been Plymouth, who are much better than their record suggests.  Everton will be quite happy about this draw because they are up against a team of their own type. 
WHAT PLYMOUTH SAYS 
Everyone in Plymouth is delighted with the Cup draw, for the local belief is that Everton are one of the most attractive teams in the country.  Mr. Robert Jack, Argyle's manager, said: It is a perfectly splendid draw and I am delighted that Argyle should have taken such a plum from the basket. I am confident my delight will be shared by everyone, officials and players, as well as supporters. We all remember the great game Everton gave in our opening match of the season, and this Cup-tie should be another memorable game. I have no doubt that the match will break the ground attendance record, as did the match with Everton at the beginning of this season."  " You cannot get away from the fact that Everton are the outstanding team of the Second Division." continued Mr.  Jack. "Their record alone shows that, and we have the further knowledge of having seen them in action. It will be interesting to see how we fare against them at Everton next Saturday week.  The match will be a great time for Argyle, who have been a long time in getting into their stride, but if they can only reproduce the form they showed against Tottenham and also at Reading last Saturday they are confident Everton will not get away lightly.  The Plymouth players are delighted with the draw, and Fred Titmuss, their captain, said: "I think it is a glorious draw and could not have been better.  We have a great respect for Everton, who are undoubtedly the best side we have met this season."
Tomorrow night the Cuefollowers will meet Everton F.C., players at the Stork Hotel, Queen-square.  This is a city venue for all sportsmen. 

EVERTON CHANGES AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON
December 17 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
The visit of Southampton to Goodison Park on Saturday will revive memories of Cup-ties in which the team from the Dell opposed Everton and Liverpool in several stern battles. It is something new for Southampton to visit Merseyside in League warfare, and Everrton's clash with the Southern side on Saturday is likely to be one of outstanding interest. A critical period of the campaign has been reached, and it is essential that Everton should consolidate their position. The defeat at Burnley reduced their lead to three points, and the team must take a big effort to gain full points this time. Important alterations have been made, for Saturday match against Southampton at Goodison Park. And it is good to know that Williams is fit to return in place of Lowe. The captain was undoubtedly strengthen the defence, while I note too, that Britton returns to the half-back line in place of McPherson. To following strong side, will oppose Southampton who have won eight and drawn five of their nineteen matches.; - Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; Britton Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
Everton's Central League side to meet Burnley at Turf Moor is; - Sagar; Cook, Parker; Chedgzoy, Gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin White, Webster, and Leyfield.
The Cuefellows.
The cuefollows have now topped their first £100 contribution to the Goodfellow Fund. Tonight they have the pleasure of playing the Everton F.C. players and staff at the Stork Hotel, Queen's square, by kind permission of Mr. Harry Mestre. The match will start about 7.30. Tomorrow the cuefellows will play the Liverpool F.C players and staff at the Sandon Hotel Oakfield-road, where a concert has also been arranged. The Cuefollows conclude their tour at the Sefton Park Conservative Club on Friday evening.

CAPTAIN BACK IN EVERTON SIDE
December 17 th 1930. Evening Express.
Britton Will Also Play.
After a fortnight's absence, Ben Williams, the Everton captain and right back, returns to the team on Saturday. During his absence nine goals have been scored against Everton in the last two matches. As a matter of fact, the position up to the date of his having to leave the field injured in the match against Bradford, was that Everton had only 17 goals scored against them in the previous 16 games. Bradford against the ten Everton men managed to score four times in that match which means that actually 13 goals have been notched against Everton while Williams was not playing. While be himself –it would be the first to disclaim that his absence makes all the difference, there can be no doubt that his inclusion will strengthened the side in the match against Southampton at Goodison park on Saturday. Britton also returns to the first team, displacing McPherson at right half. Team; - Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson Stein.
The Reserves travel to Burnley in a Central League match, and a further trial is given to Layfield the Brickfield Athletic outside left. Team;' Sagar; Cook, Parker; Chedgzoy, Gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, Layfield.

SQUARES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 17 December 1930
NO.11 – FALKNER SQUARE, ‘OUR MOST COMELY CITY SQUARE”
By Michael O’Mahony.
When the frozen flashes in Crown-street were to skaters what Sefton Meadows is to-day, when Canning-street was a rope-walk, Sandon-terrace a bowling green, and when because of its April fragrance an old path winding out  from it towards the country was called Crabtree-lane, there was no mention of  Falkner-square.  But of the family name there was frequent mention then and for many years before it, indeed very memorable mention during the menace of invasion which roused the land in the closing years of the eighteenth century.  The French are at Fishguard!  They're passing through Pembroke.  They're marching through Wales to the Mersey." Had someone shouted, " The French are at Formby!" he could not have caused wilder excitement than did the above cries, which rang through the narrow streets of the old town on the dark February Sunday in 1797, when  thirty large guns were mounted at the fort and the port placed in a state of complete defence.  TO Edward Falkner, of Fairfield Hall, with his troop of light horse, is said to be due the enthusiasm which enrolled 1,000 volunteers in one hour, and thus while the freakish-looking building called Fairfield Hall (recently demolished)  has passed away, commemoration of him lives in Falkner-street, once Crabtree-lane, and more prominently as the name of our most comely city square. 
Century-Old Scheme 
Its formation was the final touch of a fine scheme of improvement inaugurated a century ago—indeed, so progressive were the men of the period that as the famous church of St. Mary, Radcliff, has been called the last of the cathedrals and the first of the parish churches, Falkner-square with its enclosed central garden and shaded walks might be regarded as the last of the squares and the first of the parks, and a park it really was when its gates were first opened.  In one of his ever-welcomed essays, which are as stimulating refreshment in a prosaic atmosphere, Professor Reilly recalls the fact that a friend of his, then living in London, had spent his early years in a country house, in a large garden in Myrtle-street. Of such a garden in its pride, as of Falkner-square in its days of prime verdure, might not some favoured habitue say in reminiscent mood? 
   “Summer and spring may die, but I have heard. 
The lark full-throated, the error of mating birds. 
The waking fret of doves, the reaper's drone, 
And the slow-sharpening of the scythe on stone.- 
That, at least, could he said of the square and the surrounding grasslands when it was first designed; In fact, the square was formed for some time before the arrival of the builder, not a single house being erected on the Mosslake Fields till after the commencement of the nineteenth century. 
LIKE LONDON
But the builder, when he came, built well, not only in the square itself but in the surrounding streets, such as Chatham-street. In its spacious fanlights and elaborate lamp frames, graceful as branching antlers, there is evidence of improved taste with a desire for durability.  "More like London than any other part of Liverpool" is not an infrequent remark about Falkner Square, but while it has a resemblance to certain quiet areas to be found in Hampstead or Regents Park, nowhere else in Liverpool is there such definite evidence of a feature of the social life which prevailed at the time it was erected.  It was the age of the horse. Every merchant rode to business, consequently with the houses in the square were built adjoining stables, and if houses of its kind were provided with wine-cellars and not with bathrooms, it was at the time not considered an inequality.  In this respect might not Liverpool be said to give further revelation of itself as a city of unfailing contrasts? I am always coming across them. On my way to the square I sat in the tram beside a gigantic-looking man reading “Little Dorrit," and of the two errand boys I encountered in my saunter round it I could say that the deportment of one was the antithesis of that of the other.  The first one, armed with a mouth organ, and leaning against the area railings of the home of an erudite musical critic, was with hideous unselfishness playing firmly out of tune; the other, with his empty basket, worn hood-wise, was slowly pacing along under the bare branches reading a rain-soiled copy of “The Deaf Mute" 
Placid Repose 
The normal air of the well-preserved place is one of placid repose. The careless rapture of the mouth-organists is mainly absent, and if an intruding tramcar makes a non-stop dash through one corner it disappears to leave the ordered stillness deeper than before it was disturbed.  Long may this Sabbath calm remain unbroken in what is a desired oasis at the heart of a changing and extending city. It is not many years ago since there was said to be a danger of this calm being aggressively destroyed; an enterprising builder with a heart set on "improvement" was wont to boast that he had hopes of being able "to brisken up one side of Falkner-square with five bright new shops."  How far those hopes were well-founded it is not now possible to say, but one is thankful to realise that they came to nothing. As so often happens from day to day, there is many a slip between the cup and the Lip-ton.  Next Week; Canning-place. 

EVERTON’S ALTERED TEAM SHEET
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 17 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
The visit of Southampton to Goodison Park on Saturday will revive memories of Cup-ties in which the team from the Dell opposed Everton and Liverpool in several stern battles.  It is something new for Southampton to visit Merseyside in League warfare, and Everton’s clash with the Southern side on Saturday is likely to be one of out-standing interest.  A critical period of the campaign has been reached, and it is essential that Everton should consolidate their position.  The defeat at Burnley reduced their lead to three points, and the team must make a big effort to gain full points this time.  Important alternations have been made, and it is good to know that Williams is fit to return in place of Lowe.  The captain will undoubtedly strengthed the defence, while I note, too, that Britton returns to the half back line in place of McPherson.  The following strong side will oppose Southampton, who have won eight and drawn five of their nineteen matches;- Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
Everton’s Central League side to meet Burnley at Turf Moor is;- Sagaer; Cook, Parker; Chedgzoy, Gee, McClure, Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, Layfield. 
EVERTON TO HEREFORD
Hereford United have signed Wright, Bangor’s centre on a month trial, and he will make his first appearance at Wellington on Saturday.  Wright who is twenty-two, was with Everton reserves before going to Alloa for two seasons. 
EVERTON’S DEFENCE
Re Everton F.C, defence, “Southport” writes;-
There seems to be a great weakness here.  The road down the centre to the Everton goal seems to be too open to opposing forwards and changes are required.  I think if Griffiths were placed at right half, and a good centre half and left back secured without delay, this change would make the Everton team into a sounder eleven with a good chance of returning to the First Division. 

JACK O'DONNELL TRANSFERRED TO BLACKPOOL
December 18 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Blackpool have not found the first division to comfortable and the directors are taking steps to strengthen the team, in securing J'O'Donnell the Everton full back. The seaside club would appear to have made a good move, for O'Donnell ought to be, capable of added strength to the defence. At his best he was a dashing back, and can reproduce the form which he display as partner to Cresswell. O'Donnell has not played in Everton's first team this season, but previously, since joining the club in 1925, he rendered valuable assistance, and he was one of the team that won the league championship three season ago. Everton were attracted to O'Donnell following a fine display on his part for Darlington against Cardiff City in a cup-tie at Anfield and later he joined the Goodison club.

SAINTS' WARM COATES
December 18 th 1930. Evening Express.
Everton Must "Tread on the Tails."
Big and brainy.
Team That Cares For Goals, Not Style.
Southampton Today. Everton must watch H. L. Coates on Saturday. He is the big brain of the Southampton attack, and if he is able to make the journey to Goodison Park for Saturday's match the Blues' defence is likely to have a worrying afternoon. Coates is the Royal Navy player, possessing highly-developed football sense and skill. Tall and fast, it does not matter whether he is playing on the wing or inside. Coates is a danger to any opposition. He is a great dribbler –a real disciple of the old school –and he can shoot with either foot with power and precision. His greatest ally in the Southampton attack is McIlwaine, the comparatively new centre forward. Not a first flighter by any means, but a player who knows the shortest way to the goal and never misses a shooting chance. And he can shoot; Everton may play prettier football than the Saints, but the Southampton method is direct and determined, without frills, and after all goals, and goals only count. What is more; they seem to play better when the odds are against them.
Remember Bury.
This will be Southampton's first visit to Liverpool in a League fixture. They are one of the oldest clubs in the South. They have done better than they are doing this season, but still they hold a comfortable position in the League, and although the odds must be on Everton the Reds and Whites have a habit of bringing off a surprise. Witness the five goals victory over Bury a week ago. The team contains several players who have been on the club's books for many seasons now –Keeping the left back, who is always in the right position's a sound tackler and a footballer who kicks with judgement. Adams the right half, and Shelley the centre half equally as good in defence as in attack.
Everton sign C. Leyfield.
Everton F.C. have signed C. Leyfield, the Chester forward, on professional forms, following a trial in the Central League side. Leyfield, who is 19, and stands 5 feet 10 inches played regularly when a boy for Chester Schoolboys X1, and also represented Cheshire County School boys. For Four seasons Leyfield has been a member of the Brickfield Athletic Club in the Chester League and three weeks ago played for Cheshire in the Amateur County Championship against Lancashire.

THE WEAK PLACES 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 18 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
"Disgusted” writes 
I travelled to Burnley hoping to see Everton a step nearer to Division 1, but fearing that their two very apparent weak places would let them down. The directors evidently cannot see their own team's faults. Burnley quickly found them out, and took advantage of them.  Britton was dropped after one defeat.  Robson, in my opinion Everton's best half-back, was allowed to go, and the high-priced stars remain in the hope that they will justify the big fees paid.  It is heartbreaking to thousands of supporters to see really clever players in the Central League side being kept there probably until some wise team manager spots them and signs them on. Thirteen goals against in three matches, and that in Division II, is a disgrace. Let us hope that last Saturday's defeat will be a real lesson. 
THE CUEFELLOWS 
EVERTON MATCH AT THE STORK RAISES £2O 
Playing Everton F.C. at the Stork  Hotel, Queen-square, last night, the Cuefellows brought, in a further £2O 4s to the Goodfellow Fund, and their up-to- date contribution is £133 0s 9d.  A goodly crowd watched the play, and collections for breaks were frequent. The scores were approximately as follows, a fan having secured the original as a souvenir:— 

Mr. K. R. Mackley again conducted the auction with what is now customary success. Mr. George Neville White administered the tonic at an appropriate interval, and Mr. F. Harrison, of Runcorn, was backing up. A ham presented by Mrs. Challinor went the rounds profitably, and Mr. Harry Meystre produced round figures with a donation of £3. 
LAYFIELD A PROFESSIONAL
Layfield, Chester Brickworks’ outside left, who has joined Everton, turned “pro,” to-day. 

VISITORS TO GOODISON PARK
December 19 TH 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Tomorrow Southampton visit Goodison Park to engage Everton in a second Division encounter, and although the sides have met in Cup warfare this will be the first meeting under League auspices. Formed in 1885 the Southampton club have been a power in the Southern League, and during their connection with the combination they won the championship on six occasions. It was during these days they met Everton in the Cup, the first occasion being in 1899-00, when they defeated the Goodison Park side 3-0, while the following season they met again in the first round, and this time Everton won by 3-1. Entering the Third Division (South) with its formation the "Saints," as they are called, finished runners up the first season worth 54 points, while the following season they won the championship on goal average from Plymouth Argyle and gained promotion. During their career with the second Division they have not met with great success, last season, when they finished seventh being one of their best. So far this campaign they have obtained 21 points from nineteen games, and occupy the tenth position in the chart. The Southampton team will be; - Scriven; Bradford, Keeping; Adams, Shelley, Lockett; Jepson, Fraser, McIllwaine, Wilson, Arnold.

SOUTHAMPTON COME TO OUR CITY AGAIN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 19 December 1930
A CUP-TIE MEMORY
AND A PRESS “GUARD”
Bee’s Notes
Southampton come here to-morrow, and by that means the two ports are blended just in time for Christmas festivities. The difficulty is that the return fixture between the two old football rivals and portly clubs is not until late in the season, much to the chagrin of those exiled Merseysiders who went to see Everton much earlier. Of course, a big crowd of them will be here for the holidays, and that being so; we are sure to see a larger crowd titan usual at Goodison Park, spite the recent defeat.  Southampton has always spilled a bean or two for us in Mersryland.  Time was when Everton went to Southampton and all the directors lost their watches. Then I remember a Cup-tie with Southampton at Goodison Park, which, if memory serves me right, went to the home side by the paltry score of 1-0. Add the memory of Winchester and the battles between Southampton and Liverpool—a sort of continuous performance—and you see that though they are far from us in life's football station, they have been among us very frequently. Parker, who used to be Southampton's full back, was Anfield’s bugbear. Best of all memories is the memory of Southampton having a rare dust-up with Everton in a Cup-tie at Goodison Park when C.  B. Fry got vexed and wrent his vitriolic newspaper article on Jack Bell and Everton F.C. 
NO STINT TO STUNTS 
Small things bring big effects. While C.B.'s national paper was crying out per placard of the disgrace of Everton, the other papers were telling the world epoch-making news of the Boer War.  Hence the introduction of a new paper in the Midlands, and a printing works at Crewe; in short, the start of a new life of an "Express" edition. Since then we have stunted ourselves, and perhaps we would have been better had we stinted ourselves the pleasure of some of these stunt-merchants in newspaper life notably in football scribbling. A friend told me this week: I never open my paper nowadays but what I see something about a football calamity, a sensation, a dark plot, a rounding up of the square pegs, a split on a board or in council. It makes me very tired. After the classic display seen last week at Anfield's ground, we shall expect something similar from the meeting of Southampton and Everton.  The next six games are the most vital in the club's list:—Southampton home,  Bury away, Plymouth home, Bury home, Swansea away—then a Cup-tie, and finally West Bromwich at home.  That's a tousy list, and it is up to the Goodison players to realise that a  special effort is needed so that by the middle of January we can sit back a little and take a comfy view of the return-packet addressed " First Division—delivery  urgent!" To lose at Burnley was not exactly out of belief before the game was played; Burnley have a good chance to come back.  Therefore Everton have no reason to be downhearted. They have formed a richer habit of winning at home than for two seasons. On with the good work, please.  Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnstein, Stein
The new set of uniforms of the Aigburth Silver Prize Band are green, with black and gold facings- quite unique.  Under the conductorship of Mr. Harry Wearing they will play the following;-
March, “La Fanfare,” Powell; waltz, “The Kiss Waltz.” Bert Feldman; fox-=trot, “When You’re Smiling,” Bert Feldman; selection, “Faust,” Gounod; song march, “Song of the Guards,” Bert Feldman; waltz, “Dancing with Tears in my Eyes,” Bert Feldman; March, “Hale and Hearty,” Powell. 

WILLIAMS ABSENT FROM EVERTON.
December 20 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton have most attractive visitors in Southampton at Goodison Park. The Southern side play bright football, but they have not been blessed with the best of luck. They will give Everton a good run today, but I expect the home side to strengthen their position at the head of the table. It is essential that Everton should make the most of their opportunities over the holidays I understand that Williams, the captain, is unable to turn out as arranged, and the selection made on Tuesday night, therefore, becomes disturbed. This is a great pity, because the services of Williams are greatly needed. Lowe will probably take his place. Southampton are sending a strong side, and at 2.15 the teams will line out as follows; - Everton; - Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; Britton, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Southampton; - Scriven; Hough, Keeping; Adams, Shelley, Lockett; Jepson. Fraser, McIllwaine, Wilson, Arnold.

SOUTHAMPTON LEVEL WITH EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 December 1930
SECOND DIVISION LEADERS TESTED IN GOODISON PARK GAME
By Duval
Everton; Coggins; Lowe, Cresswell; Britton, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Southampton; Scriven; Hough, Keeping; Adams, Sheiley, Luckett; Jepson, Fraser, McIllwaine, Wilson, Arnold.  Referee; Mr. W. Phipps, of West Bromwich. 
Southampton's visit to Goodison Park began a strenuous week of football.  For Everton Williams was not able to play, and Lowe again took his place,  while the Southampton backs were changed for the first time this season, Hough coming in for Bradford.  A fine morning gave way to a wet afternoon, and when play started the conditions were the reverse of pleasant.  The opening was notable for two glaring misses, Jepson and Dunn being the offenders. Jepson got his chance when Arnold, following a beautiful run, placed right across the Everton goal, and after McIllwaine had let the ball pass Jepson was left with an open goal, but skied the ball completely out of the goal area.  Then Dunn worked out a position that left him favourably placed, and he, like the Southampton man, shot wide. Stein was the next to come into the picture, and he was in full cry for the Southampton goal when he was bundled off the ball.
DEAN READS IN 
Stein, however, had a big hand in the movement that led to Everton opening the scoring through Dean after six minutes' play.  The outside man drove in a beautiful high centre, and Dean, with a deft header, sent the ball into the net.  Arnold was a speedy performer on the Southampton left, and he finished an excellent run by putting the ball across, where Cresswell was rather fortunate to get it away. Southampton showed good form, and play generally was much brighter than the day.  Griffiths made poor use of the ball when Dunn passed it back and the halfback had an opening that looked promising.  Fraser and Jepson produced some nice work on the Southampton right, without, however, seriously threatening the Everton defence. It was left to Wilson to test Coggins, and at the other end Stein centred into the hands of Striven.
A NARROW ESCAPE 
A moment later Scriven failed to make a good clearance, and while he was out of his goal Johnson sent the ball in, but Keeping just managed to prevent it passing over the goal-line. This was indeed a narrow escape for Southampton, and only the timely intervention of Keening prevented a second goal. Dean tried to force a way through, and although Dunn came to his aid the Southampton backs were abe to keep them out The Southampton attack was fairful useful at creating openings, but  they lacked fire and the power to push home their attacks. Stein was a progressive worker, although he wasted one chance after putting in a capital run.  Altar Dunn had shown cleverness in manipulating the ball and put in a capital shot, Arnold forced a corner and McIllwaine with a header caused Coggins his most anxious moment so far.
WILSON BEATS COGGINS 
A little later, however, Coggins was beaten by Wilson. At thirty-one minutes Southampton got another corner on the opposite wing, and with Jepson placing the ball beautifully into the Everton goal. Wilson was able to equalise when he beaded the ball into the net.  While this was not exactly a surprise, it must be admitted that Everton had more opportunities than the Southern aide. Southampton, however, in the last few minutes of the first half, had improved in attack, and with their half-backs providing more opportunities, the Everton defence naturally had more to do.  Pace was not a feature, because the ground, especially down the middle, was very bolding, and speed was possible only on the extreme wings. Arnold almost got another goal for Southampton when he met a centre from Jepson, but the ball skidded far over the bar.  It was good, clean football, although the game as a whole lacked the sparkle and crispness of earlier games.  Southampton's best forward was Arnold, who had excellent pace, and his centres were generally dangerous; while as a ball-manipulator Fraser was quite good. 
HOME FORWARDS HELD 
Dunn was a great worker, and it was from his scheming that most of Everton's opportunities arose, but the forwards as a line were below their best. Several times Dean was crowded out, and the Southampton backs never hesitated to clear with powerful kicking.  Just on the interval Striven punched the ball over the bar from a centre by Stein, and Griffiths headed over. Quite the best shot of the day so far came from Dunn, who sent in a tremendous volley, and again the Southampton custodian pushed it over the bar.  Half-time.—Everton 1, Southampton 1. 
POINTS FOR EVERTON
SOUTHAMPTON FAIL IN LAST STAGESCRIVEN THE STAR
FINE PREFORMANCE IN THE VISITORS’ GOAL
Much of the play lacked spirit and conviction. The Everton forwards did not hang well together, and often made the mistake of holding the ball too long.  Dunn worked hard, and gave Dean and Critchley capital openings.  Southampton were fairly useful in defence, where Scriven was outstanding.  He did splendid work, although he had some luck.  The sticky ground was all against a fast game, but Everton did most of the pressing, especially in the second half, and Dean's second goal was well earned. 
In the first half Dean scored for Everton, and Wilson for Soton.  Neither side settled down readily after the interval, and perhaps mistakes on the heavy, sticky ground were only natural. Once Dean was a yard short, and he lost the ball rather too easily to-day to be really effective.  Johnson, however, put in a brilliant shot which brought forth an equally brilliant save by Scriven, and during the next few minutes Scriven was kept fairly busy.  As in the first half, Arnold worked out some capital openings, and once he was almost through when the Everton backs were glad to concede a corner.  Twice Dean was held, and Shelley brought forth boos, from the crowd, and was once penalized for holding Dean.  A determined effort by Stein almost brought about the defeat of Scriven, and as both the Everton and Southampton player, rolled over, the ball went behind.  It could not be said that the football was very satisfying, and the Everton forwards were by no means at their beat.  Hough let the ball go between his legs, and, fortunately for his side, Scriven was on the spot and covered the mistake.  Dean, with an overhead kick, went near, but Critchley was a poor shooter to-day. The Southampton defence, however, was sorely tried, and corners were conceded frequently. Johnson put in another great shot, and Scriven responded by falling full length to push the ball behind.  Scriven was one of Southampton's best performers, and it was due to his good work that the Southern side were not well behind.  Southampton made spasmodic raids, but were not very dangerous. 
DEAN DECIDES 
At eighty-five minutes Everton got some reward for their persistent and prolonged hammering of the Southampton defence, Griffiths pushed the ball in and Dean, with a brilliant backheader, sent it into the net. Final:  Everton 2 Southampton 1.

CUP-TIE TICKETS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 December 1930
Everton F.C have a number of tickets for the Cup-tie with Plymouth Argyle at 5s 9d.  Applications should be addressed to the offices at Goodison Park, accompanied by remittance and stamped addressed envelope up to January 3, when unsold tickets will be returned.  

BURNLEY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 December 1930
Burnley Res, were in excellent form against Everton Res, and but for the excellence of Sagar’s goalkeeping they would have been more than four goals to the good at the interval.  Brennan the home centre forward, registered the hat trick with capital efforts, and Henderson netted the fourth.  THz second half saw things again go Burnley’s way, through White and Wilkinson came near scoring for Everton.
LIVERPOOL OUNTY COMBIANTION
Liverpool “A” 1, Everton “A” .  0

THE SPORTS LOOKING GLASS
. Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 December 1930
By Bees
Do you discard from strength or weakness? Asks the card-party member.  And often they have varying ideas of the right discard.  Everton have been rather unfortunate and possibly noteworthy for their discards from strength- Troup and Harrison form two of the most remarkable “send-offs” the game has known.  Football is such a funny, twisting, tale-telling business that anyone can be made to look silly by a signing or a selling.  Harrison had gone slow, Troup had gone old, Freeman went slow and old.  Don’t we all?  Troup went to Dundee with good wishes and with no cheque from Dundee.  Since which he has scored a peck of goals.  Harrison went to Preston seven years ago.  And with him went his trusty left foot shot.  Harrison has gone a trifle balkier, but in facial and football expressions he is the same “Jud” who came to our city with Bob Thompson –they came from Leicester Fosse.  Preston have not yet found Harrison age-ing; in fact Harrison’s son is now becoming a plum ripe player, just as Tom Fleetwood’s son is a tall promising footballer.  Harrison and Donald McKinlay were the two most stunning drivers of a ball I can remember. And Harrison’s innings is not nearly ended.  I chaff him and tell outside lefts play till they are 99, and he says; “I’ll call for you when I want one for game,” The cry will be “Too late!” 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 December 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 2 SOUTHAMPTON 1
December 22 nd 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Leave it Late.
Southampton Beaten after Hard Fight
Dean scored two headers, assist by Stein and Griffiths.
Everton found Southampton a difficult side to beat, and won only by the odd goal in three in the last five minutes of the game at Goodison Park. Everton's task was made harder by their own fondness for keeping the ball close on a surface that was gluey and treacherous, especially down the middle. A more open policy would no doubt have given the forwards better score against a defence that was easily the best part of the Southampton side. While the game was not exactly disappointing it did not grip with the intensity of many earlier contests.
Southampton's defence.
Speedy movements were almost impossible except on the extreme wings, and any attempt to work the ball was almost certainly nullified by reason of its own slowness in execution. Still, Everton were the aggressors for the major portion of the game, and the Southampton defence stood up well to the intensive and prolonged battering of the Everton attack. Indeed, it was mainly Scriven's good work in the Southampton goal that kept Everton out till near the end. Dean scored after 6 minutes when he met a centre by Stein and with a skilful touch headed into the net. At 31 minutes Wilson equalised through a corner well placed by Jepson and the over worked Southampton defence yielded a second goal at 85 minutes, when Dean again headed through following good work by Griffiths. Before Dean scored, the Southampton goal had some narrow escapes. Twice Scriven fell full length to turn the ball past the uprights. Johnson being the shooter, Everton ought to have won by a bigger margin considering the chances they had, but Dean, although he did well up to a point, was often crowded out and always closely watched. Shelley, the Southampton pivot was not clever enough to check dean and when he failed his methods of recovery were not always sporting.
Dunn's Work.
Dunn did a lot of good work and was responsible for many of the openings created by the Everton attack, while Johnson was well in the shooting line. Both Critchley and Stein wasted too many centres. Of the half-backs, Thomson and Griffiths did moderately well, but Britton was not as good as he can be. Williams was not able to resume, and Lowe again partnered Cresswell with a fair measure of success, while Cresswell was sound and effective, as also was Coggins. The best of Southampton side were Scriven, Keeping and Arnold. Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Lowe and Cresswell, backs; Britton, Griffiths, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Southampton; - Scriven goal; Hough and Keeping, backs; Adams, Shelley and Luckett half-backs; Jepson, Fraser, McIllwaine, Wilson, and Arnold, forwards.

BURNLEY RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 0
December 22 nd 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 18)
At Burnley. But for Sagar's brilliance in goal Burnley might have won by twice that margin. Sagar's judgement was a feature of the game, which was largely controlled by Burnley, whose centre (Drinnan) registered a hat-trick. Henderson and Hall scoring the others. Burnley were sound as a team, and gave one of their best displays of the season . Everton; - Sagar, goal; Cook and Parker backs; Chedgzoy, Gee (captain) and McClure, half-backs; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, and Leyfield, forwards.

Liverpool "A" 1 Everton "A" 0
Liverpool County Combination
At Walton Hall-Avenue. Scott scored ten minutes from the start. Both sides played good football. Everton being unlucky in not sharing the points. Roper and Corry gave a good display in goal, and Corhill and Jackson played well in defensive. Gardiner, Roe, and Towers were good half-backs, with Burke, Scott Milward, and Liggins were clever forwards.

A NOD IS AS GOOD AS A GOAL
December 22 nd 1930. Evening Express
Dixie Dean's Revised Version of Old Proverb
By the Pilot.
One understands clearly, after watching Everton's game with Southampton at Goodison Park, why the south-coast side had conceded fewer goals than any other team in the Second Division. Southampton have a first class goalkeeper in Scriven, two Corinthian-like backs in Keeping and Hough, and half-backs who concentrate on defence. There was only one man in the country who could have scored the two goals that Dean got against them on Saturday. What a head! What an opportunist! After six minutes he lept inches higher than Scriven the Saints' goalkeeper, could reach with his arm and headed through Stein's centre. It was an astounding effort nearly as amazing as his second success. Griffiths punted right to the goalmouth where Dean was standing with his back to Scriven. Dean did not trouble to gather the ball and turn around like the majority would have attempted, and as the Saints anticipated he would do. No, he headed the ball back over and into the roof of the net with a dexterity and judgement almost uncanny. This match was a triumph for Dean.
Strong Half-Backs.
Everton's other main source of strength was the half-backs. They distributed their favours evenly, were always in position and they tackled accurately. Griffiths showed welcome improvement, and Britton and Thomson combined thoughtfulness and precision. A gratifying feature was the better understanding and more certain methods of Lowe and Cresswell. They harmonised on this occasion with the natural result that there were few gaps for the Saints to slip through. This was Lowe's best game so far, though he hardly reached Cresswell's standard. Dean worked harder than anyone, though getting few chances owing to Shelley's persistent shadowing and Stein was a quick raider. Critchley was hardly so happy because he delayed his centres too long, but Johnson and Dunn were brilliant at times. This was Johnson's best game of the season.
Southampton's Error.
The Saints made the mistake of concentrating on stopping Everton rather than on endeavouring to win in spite of Everton. They used the shoulder charge more than any other team I have seen for seasons. They did not finesse. First time tackling and kicking was their process, and they covered up faultlessly. Arnold and McIywaine were the best of the forwards, who relied more on individual advances rather than cohesive effort.

EVERTON TAKE THE LEAD AGAIN
Liverpool Echo- Monday December 22 1930
By Durval
EVERTOR JUST GET HOME 
Did Everton adopt the best policy on the gluey, treacherous surface? More open methods might have brought a bigger margin of success, and considering their chances they should have won more readily. Their close work played into the hands of the Southampton defenders. Everton were not wholly convincing, and had to fight pretty hard for their narrow win. The forwards put in a vast amount of work without getting a proportionate reward, although Scriven, the Southampton goalkeeper, was the most prominent performer for the Southerners. Beyond doubt the Southampton defence stood out as the best part of the side. The backs were changed for the first time this season, Hough taking the place of Bradford.  When Southampton appeared at Anfield some seasons ago in a Cup-tie Hough played at inside-left, whereas on Saturday be was the right back, which is his correct position. Dean was closely guarded, and Shelley was not always strictly sporting in his methods of stopping the Everton centre. He used his hands freely, and generally got away with it.  It was not a bad game, if it did not grip with the same satisfaction as some of the earlier contest, Everton appear to have gone back a bit, and will need to be more convincing if they are to maintain their position as leaders. The forwards were better individually than as a line, with Dunn a fine worker and schemer. Dean's, heading has always been one of his best assets, and in scoring both goals he used his head effectively. The defence was good, but the half-backs were not as dominating as usual.
DIX AND “DIXIE”
For over a year Everton’s have had an eye on the possibility of Dean being hurt, and the need for a deputy.  They thought and reckoned they bought Dix as deputy for Dean.  The chairman of the club said Attwood and brought Britton on the signed agreement that this very able young centre forward, Di, should be transferred to Everton.  Time passed and with it the incoming of Blackburn, Millwall, Liverpool, and a hundred and one other clubs.  To-day it is stated that Dix was not consulted.  I think this statement will be disputed, for I was informed four months ago that Bristol Rovers, Dix, junior, and Dix, senior, had all talked over the matter of signing for Everton, and it was then thought that everything deponded upon a tobacco appointment as to whether Dix left or not.  Everton feel they hold the whip hand, and no doubt they will put the matter before the management committee of the Football League.  Meanwhile we are content and are happy to be content with “Dixie” –not Dix. 

EVERTON AND DIX
Liverpool Echo - Monday 22 December 1930
WHAT THE CHAIRMAN SAYS
AND BRISTOL’S VIEW
Everton F.C.'s chairman, Mr. W. C. Cuff, interviewed regarding the claims of the South in reference to Ronald Dix, the Bristol Rovers centre-forward, said:  "Bristol Rovers first approached us for the transfer of our player Attwood. They wanted him urgently. We agreed to this transfer, and suggested we should sign Britton and Dix. The price of £1,600 was agreed upon, and we received £650 for Attwood. We have got an agreement in writing to the effect that Britton and Dix should be transferred to us. Dix was working at the time, and the illness of his mother also delayed the deal, but the suggestion that Dix knew nothing of the affair is nonsense; he knew and his father knew, and the player himself agreed in August last to sign for us. We are prepared to pay him the amount for which he is eligible, but not necessarily entitled, and we are not going to accept the position as it is to-day.  We are concerned with the sanctity of the contract in our possession. We have done our part; Bristol have not.  The authorities will be called upon to decide whether an agreement is binding." 
BRISTOL ROVERS' STATEMENT 
Captain A. .j. Prince-Cox, the new manager of the Rovers, declares that Dix is worth at least £4,000 or £5,000 to Bristol Rovers in the matter of a transfer fee, and he does not intend to conclude a deal with Everton for about £800 under an old contract,  There is no agreement between this club and Everton," he added, " because Dix has not been consulted.  "'We have been inundated with football officials who want to sign him.  Everton have made a mistake. He has not been promised to them."  " Bee “deals with the matter in his notes.

WILLIAMS AND McPHERSON CHOSEN
December 23 rd 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton, are engaged at Bury on Thursday, and I am glad to note that Williams is again chosen to appear. I expect he will have thoroughly recovered from his injury in time for the test at Gigg lane McPherson to resumes in place of Britton, and the team will be; - Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn Dean Johnson, Stein.
Central League "Derby."
Everton and Liverpool meet in a Central League match at Goodison Park, and as the seniors are out of town this is likely to prove a highly attractive match. The Everton team is; Sagar, Lowe, Cook; Breitton, Gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, Layfield.
Everton and Bristol Rovers in Dispute
The Everton and Bristol Rovers clubs evidently do not see eye to eye with regard to the Bristol club's inside-left Renald Dix, for whom many offers have been received from First Division clubs, and the matter is to be taken to the Football league Management Committee for settlement. At the start of the season the Rovers had Attwood, a centre forward, transferred to them by Everton on the understanding, it is stated, that Dix and Britton were transferred to Everton. Britton was duly transferred to the Goodison park club, but Dix, who is still a minor, and his father acting for him, declined to go to Everton. Bristol Rovers plead, if for no other reason, that the arrangement is not stamped. Mr. George Dix, father of the player describes these many transfers fee rumours as strant nosense, and adds. "Ronald will not leave Bristol in any circumstances whatever. For one thing, he does not desire to leave the Rovers, and it does not matter how big a sum is mentioned he will not go. It is not at all certain that he will go next season either."
Everton Chairman Explains.
Mr. W. C. Cuff, the Everton chairman, in an interview said; -
"Bristol Rovers first approached us for the transfer of our player Attwood. They wanted him urgently. We agreed to this transfer, and suggested we should sign Britton and Dix. The price of £1,600 was agreed upon, and we received £650 for Attwood. We have got an agreement in writing to the effect that Britton and Dix should be transferred to us. Dix was working at the time, and the illness of his mother also delayed the deal, but the suggestion that Dix knew nothing of the affair is nosense; he knew and his father knew, and the player himself agreed in August last to sign for us."
We are prepared continued Mr. Cuff, to pay him the amount for which he is eligible, but not necessary entitled, and we are not going to accept the position as it is today. We are concerned with the sanctity of the contract in out possession. We have done our part; Bristol have not. The authorities will be called upon to decide whether an agreement is binding.
Bristol Rovers' View.
Captain A.J. Prince-Cox, the new manager of Bristol Rovers, declares that Dix is worth at least £3,000 or £5,000 to Bristol Rovers in the matter of a transfer fee, and he does not intend to conclude a deal with Everton for about £800 under an old contract. "There is no agreement between this club and Everton,"he added, "because Dix has not been consulted. We have been inundated with football officials who want to sign him. Everton have made a mistake. He has not been promised to them."

EVERTON BRING BACK McPHERSON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 23 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
Both Everton and Liverpool are playing away on Christmas Day.  Everton are engaged at Bury on Thursday, and I am glad to note that Williams is again chosen to appear.  I expect he will have thoroughly recovered from his injury in time for the test at Gigg-lane.  McPherson, too, resumes in place of Britton, and the team will be;- Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
Everton and Liverpool meet in a Central League match at Goodison Park, and as the seniors arte out of town this is likely to prove a highly attractive match.  The Everton team is;- Sagar; Lowe, Cook; Britton, Gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, Layfield. 
The tricks of memory are sometimes scurvy.  Recently, I was asked whether it was Southampton or Plymouth who played Everton down here in a Cup-tie when C.B. Fry had his duel with Jack Bell.  I said “Portsmouth,” but told someone to ask a man, who was there.  He got this reply, “Southampton.” So I said ask an official, and the answer came back “Southampton.” So I reckoned I must have been wrong.  Friday led to the deluge.  Mr. Lloyd, a friend at Wallesey, Mr. Lake, and others phoned me”  It was Portsmouth.”  And so it was! First thoughts were best. 

EVERTON TASK'S.
December 24 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton are called on to play two matches in three days. The Second Division leaders go to Bury on Christmas Day, and as the Gigg lane side is in the front fight, Everton will have to play at the top of their form if they are to prevail. The team will be at full strength upon to do their utmost to gain the points which would enhance the clubs prospects of eventual success in the promotion race.
West Bromwich Albion, second to Everton at the moment have a stiff hurdle to negotiate at Barnsley, while there will be a real Lancashire duel at Turf Moor when Burnley and Preston north End meet. Tottenham, who are well placed, are at home top Southampton. Everton are not engaged on Friday, but on Saturday, Plymouth Argyle, the local sides cup opponents, visit Goodison Park. The Everton team to meet Bury tomorrow is Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. The central League game between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison park tomorrow (2.15) will provide a lively due, as both clubs will be strongly represented. The Everton side has already been announced, and Liverpool will be represented by Scott; Done, Charlton; Ireland James, Bromilow; Burke, Clarke, Scott (A), Wright, Raine.

SQUARE OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 24 December 1930
NO. 12- CANNING PLACE, THE MOST HISTROIC SQUARE
By Michael O’Mahony
It is the most historic square in Liverpool, and less because of the great name it bears than for the mingled memories ever stirred by mention of the time-honored term “The Old Dock."  Where tides of traffic now roll to and fro in Canning-place once, stealing under its bridges, came down a little stream through the rushes to meet the waters of the old Pool. Here in time was founded the first dock, and which gave the town the fame of then possessing the largest enclosed water area in the world. Many a noble enterprise has since been inaugurated along the river front; to-day a chain of splendid docks links Liverpool from south to north, but while Liverpool lives regret will live for the blunder which, in filling up the Old Dock, destroyed Liverpool's first historic shelter for ships.  The Custom House which now stands where its waters rose and fell for 117 years has had several predecessors. 
"King's Custom House."
The first Custom House formed a part of the old Town Hall in High-street, and when this was taken down  about 1675, the "King's Custom House"  was moved to Moor-street, afterwards close to the tide in Water-street, and  still closer to it when the not unhandsome building was erected close to the Pool, and where now stands the Sailors' Home.  When the Old Dock disappeared so did this fourth Custom House, and that the erection of the fifth one, the present building, was good compensation for the change which permitted it remains  —well, very much a matter of opinion.  "Never," says Picton,” was a site more suitable for a dock, and nowhere could have been more unsuitable, for the erection of a large building; area and bulk are powerful elements in architectural design, but they are only the platform on which other and higher qualities should be displayed; and in proportion as the baser or nobler ones prevail, mere bulk adds either deformity to the structure.  The first view of the Custom House conveys a general impression of heaviness.  Every part is severely classical.  Every moulding has been accurately measured, yet life is wanting—sadness and gloom predominate to a painful degree. 
"Choked and Stilled" 
Each front except the one on which the sun principally shines has an advanced portico with a pediment.  There are no indications inch as are stamped on every line of St. George's Hall of creative power. The desire to be severely classical has choked and stifled the least manifestation of original thought.  All this and much more does the critic say, but if the Custom House was the noble creation he wished it to be- and  my word, Piston was hard to please—there are those ,who will hold with him in considering its erection inadequate compensation for the destruction of a most interesting survival.  Still, though the Old Dock bas gone, the atmosphere of Canning-place is of the sea salty. The Jacobean Sailors. Home is, I suppose, one of the most polyglot corners of the world, while at the same time, notwithstanding the fact that the pulse of a great port beats nowhere else so strongly that the dome of the Custom House is at times almost shaken by the traffic of five thorough-fares and two railways, some of the oldest wynds and alleys of the city exist little more than a biscuit throw from to lofty arches.  Strolling round the corner where once retained a single scrap of the papers in his cellar.  From that day Fagan was ruined locally, although what was truly regarded as waste had come into his possession in a legitimate manner collectors of rare books and literary savants, who were his best clientele, fell away from the stall of a suspected man.  He removed to Liverpool, and set up an open bookstall in the shadow of the Custom House, where he throve quietly in the freer atmosphere of an English community. Very soon, owing not only to the quaint lore, but solid erudition of its owner, the Custom House bookstall became a favourite haunt for the scholars of the town. It has been said that most of the racy works of William Carleton and Samuel Lover were founded on stories told them by John Fagan.  He came to a tragic end. He was, with his wife and three children, burned to death at his house in Shaw's-alley.  He was so sincerely regretted that a number of gentlemen erected a monument to him in the churchyard surrounding St. Anne's, Edge Hill, and Charles Hand, the historian of Edge Hill, and I myself have made repeated attempts to discover this monument, and have not yet succeeded. 
Canning's Memorial 
That a statue of George Canning does not stand in Canning-place is because Liverpool, ever mindful of his services to her, has reserved for it the proudest position in her Valhalla. Throned above the blossoms ever suggestive of the glittering periods of his eloquence, and dominating the grand staircase of the Town Hall, stands forth the statue of the great state man, for which a grateful town paid Chantry the sum of three thousand guineas.  In a straight line from where it stands and in Canning-place rises the statue of his contemporary. William Huskisson, presented by Mrs. Huskisson to the city. It is a bronze replies of Gibson's statue in St. James's Cemetery, and the sculptured brows, rough with power, set above the tides of traffic, find appropriate commemoration on the spot which was once the cradle of the city's  Next Week: Queen-square. 

CENTRAL LEAGUE DERBY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 24 December 1930
By Bees
The Central League game between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park tomorrow (kick-off 2.15) will provide a lively duel, as both sides will be strongly represented.  The Everton side has already been announced, and Liverpool will be represented by Scott; Done, Charlton,; Ireland, James, Bromilow, Burke, Clarke, Scott (A.), Wright, Raine.
Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McPherson, Dunn, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
Everton “A” v. Rhyl, County Combination match, due at Goodison Park, Boxing Day, is cancelled owing to the state of the ground. 
BURY MAKE IMPORTANT CHANGES
In the team to meet Everton, Chester returns to right back, vice Robinson, and Hope is restored to inside-right in place of Vernon.  Team;- Hardy; Chester, Bradshaw; Porter, Bullock, Robinson; A. Robbie, Hope, Smith, Grass and Amos. 

BURY 2 EVERTON 2
December 27 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Christmas Day Football.
Everton Gain a Point
Fast Football at Bury
Twenty thousand spectators witnessed the Bury v Everton match at Bury. The game was not marked, by any high class football. Both sides relied on straight forward tactics long passes to forwards followed by quick centres. Consequently the game was very fast, and neither side tired until near the end. Dean was a much-shadowed man. Bullock stuck to him like a leech the whole 90 minutes. Dean was the only Everton forward, who was really satisfactory. Once he headed against the crossbar and twice Hardy had to save at full length. Robbie put Bury ahead, and Amos added a second when Lowe miskicked. Dean and Dunn scored for Everton. A draw of 2-2 was an equable result of a splendid fought game. Bury; - Hardy, goal; Chester and Bradshaw, backs; Porter, Bullock, and Robinson, half-backs; Robbie, Hope, Smith, Grast, and Amos, forwards. Everton; - Coggins, goal; Lowe, and Cresswell, backs; McPherson, Griffiths, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1
December 27 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 19)
Everton were full value for their Christmas Day victory in the local "Derby" for although Liverpool opened well, and took the lead through am adroitly headed goal by Scott after fifteen minutes, the Everton halves gradually asserted command, and Liverpool to the end were fighting a hard battle. Still, Sagar, late on made two great clearances from Done and Raine, and Clarke's leaving the field injured after twenty minutes of the second half further handicapped the Anfielders. Everton at all times were playing convincing, intricate footwork, allied with short sharp and snappy ball distribution making plenty of work for Done, Charlton, Jones, and Thompson. Everton's equaliser came from White at the twenty-fifth minute, and a minute from the interval Webster gave Everton the lead. The winners were the more dangerous in the second half, and Wilkinson and White added further goals. Leyfield on the home left, played another good game, and Scott saved smartly from Martin and Webster, while White hit the upright. There was a large crowd, but the game did not evoke much enthusiasm . Everton; - Sagar goal; Cook and Parker, backs; Britton, Gee (captain), and McClure, half-backs; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, and Leyfield, forwards. Liverpool; - Scott, goal; Done and Charlton, backs; Ireland, James, and Bromilow, half-backs; Burke, Clarke, A. Scott, Wright, and Raine, forwards.

RALLY SAVES A POINT.
December 27 th 1930. Evening Express
Everton Recovery When Two Goals Down.
Everton hit Bar three Times in Second Half.
By the Pilot.
A magnificent second half rally when defeat appeared to be inevitable, enabled Everton to draw at Bury on Christmas Day. Sixteen minutes from time the Blues were two goals down, but they piled on such pressure after the interval that the Bury half-backs so strong before fell right away, and in two minutes Everton were on terms. Robbie gave them the lead in six minutes when Lowe in endeavouring to clear, sliced the ball to his feet to give him a clear opening. Bury continued to dominate the game up to half-time, the Blues never getting down to clever combination. Six minutes after the resumption Porter punted down the field, and through Lowe had the ball covered he allowed it to pass between his legs and the enterprising Amos crated out to score the second goal. Then the Blues gave further proof that they are in truth a second half team. They completely command. Dean and Stein hit the bar, and Hardy turned another centre on to the bar. Bury only managed isolated attacks by Robbie, and Cresswell mastered those in brilliant fashion. Sixteen minutes from the end Dunn slipped the ball through the middle for Dean to score and two minutes later Dean ran to the far post to turn a Cresswell free kick with his head and Dunn shot low into the net. Coggins and Cresswell were brilliant defenders and Lowe had quite a good first half despite his lapse. Griffiths played by far the best game of the season –he did more work than anyone –and Thomson and McPherson made up a strong line. The forward weakness was on the extreme wings. Critchley was never happy, and Stein did not always use discretion in centring. Dean was always closely watched, but played hard all through, and drew attention from the clever Johnson and Dunn, who displayed keen initiative powers.
Sports Pie
•  Everton continue to prove the biggest attraction in the Second Division. On Christmas Day Bury had their best gate since last New Years Day with 21,000 spectators. The receipts were £1,102
•  There was a big exchange of seasonable greetings at Manchester on Christmas morning when Everton, Derby County and Wolvehampton Wanderers took lunch together at a Manchester hotel.

EVERTON PULL UP 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
Everton were two goals down to Bury, on Christmas Day, but Dean and Dunn levelled a hard fought game in the closing stages. Bullock gave Dean little cope. 

PLYMOTH’S RUDE AWAKENING
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 December 1930
CUP-TIE REHEARSAL A FROLIC FOR EVERTON IN MUD AND GOALS
VISITORS REACH CITY AT 6.AM. SLEEP TIL 1 P.M.
By Bee
Everton:- Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Plymouth;- Cann; Roberts, Titmuss; Mackay, Pullen, Hardle; Crozier, Bowden, Bird, Leslie, Black.  Referee; Mr. Pinkston, Birmingham. 
Everton v. Plymouth was in the same category as Liverpool v. Birmingham- Cup-tie rehearsal—and it was a great pity that Plymouth had to play at home yesterday and then make an outrageous journey that landed them in the city at six o'clock this morning.  The Plymouth players went straight to bed, and stayed there until the middle of the day, when they were greeted by a big crowd, some sunshine, and a wealth of mud in the middle stretch of the field that caused the referee to take the usual spin of the coin away to the far side of the field instead of on the centre line.  Everton won the toss, and, after Mackay had done some very sound work, Johnson and Thompson between them got a hold on the mud swamp, and Dunn received the ball to make an excellent pass upward. Pullen should have had no doubt about this ball, but he had not yet got the right proportion of the power and pull of the mudded turf, so that Dean was able to make a full length centre for Critchley. 
TWO FOR DEAN 
Critchley's reply was instant and showed a wise fore-knowledge of where Dean would be. Dean leapt high and beat the goalkeeper with a header that was a winner from the moment it touched Dean's head.  One minute, one goal; five minutes, two goals; Dean again the scorer. This was the opposite to the game at Plymouth, which Everton won by 3-2, after being down 2-0.  Everton have a habit of making their effort in the second half of their game.  To-day they reversed their process and worked on the principle of "business only meant."  Dean's second goal followed a shot by Dunn which struck the upright, and it followed an endeavour of the goalkeeper, Cann, the like of which has never been seen on the ground.  He picked up the ball to make a goal-kick, lashed at it, and, hardly touching it, was surprised to see the ball drop well within the penalty area.  Johnson delayed when he could have made a three-decker goal lead, but Dean, quite on his toes, in merry mood and  thoroughly enjoying himself, reproduced his old back-header with the perfection of touch and direction that made him famous.  Thompson made a long punt, and Dean, appearing to look at the grand-stand clock, jerked the ball behind him to the extreme right-hand corner of the goal, where Cann had to struggle to push the ball away. Not caring a fig for hat-trick performances, Dean offered a pass forward for Dunn while Plymouth stood appealing for offside.  Dunn had no one hut the goalkeeper to consider—l am wrong, he had a sea of mud in which to waddle and boggle.  The result was a sort of spooning up of the porridge, and Cann was able to pick up with ease.  But nothing could stop the Everton side, who were much fresher than their weary and worn traveller friends, so that it, was not a great surprise that the third goal came in fifteen minutes. 
JOHNSON THE THIRD
 Johnson was the scorer, his task being easy, because Critchley had slipped through apace and had trapped a shot that Cann was content to punch away.  The rebound was Johnson's, and the rejoicing was Everton's. This was a swamping of Plymouth, who, with eyes half-closed by lack of sleep and the spraying mud splashes, were to be pitied in their wretched plight.  They could hardly raise a gallop, and nothing was seen of Black or Leslie except that the coloured gentleman, Leslie, was once smothered nut by a surplus of numbers, three opponents being on his track. Bird was not to be compared with the soldier-boy. Vidler, who, I learn, is not to play for a month or so and therefore will not be in the Cup collection.  Plymouth's best up to this point of the rout was Mackay, at right back. One has very rarely associated Everton with mud-plugging ability, yet here they revelled in the dirt and in the drag created by the swamp. Either it was this or it was Plymouth's tired feeling and inability to rise to the important occasion.
HARDIE IS AS HARDIE DOES 
The game had taken such a swift turn towards championship hopes that the crowd, a very big one, probably 35,000 strong, began to show enthusiasm in anything Plymouth did, and Hardie, the half back, who lives up to his name, made a stunning shot that Coggins, caught. McPherson tip-toed one too many steps, with the result that Plymouth were offered a goal if good enough.  Crozier was very clever, but his centre was taken by Slack and Leslie at the same moment, so that neither connected with the ball.  After that Dean offered Johnson a  Christmas-box, and when the goalkeeper made the natural mistake of kicking round a very heavy and sloppy ball Dean found he had a presentation goal. He applied much force to the shot, and his direction was good, but the performance of Cann was better. He made an electric says.
STEIN INCREASES 
Critchley, Dean and Stein, in a three-piece suit, completed their trio when Stein shot into the right-hand corner of the net. Four—nothing, thirty, two minutes, and everyone wondering what will the margin be.  A Southern Argyle Highlander shouted, “Come on. Argyle," but there was no response, except that Cann did wonders to keep the score down to four.  His save from Critchley was probably the best of the day's many deliverances.  Crozier gathered so much mud that the game had to be stopped while the dirty boy was washed, and Dunn offered another laugh.  There was a demonstration at half-time in favour of Cann, who had performed in a valiant manner, although in a lost cause.
Half-time. - Everton 4, Plymouth 0. 
EVERTON EQUAL THEIR LEAGUE BEST
NINE GOALS SCORED AGAINST PLYMOUTH ARGYLE AT GOODISON PARK
DEAN AND STEIN
EACH SCORE OUR GOALS JOHNSON THE ODD
Plymouth landed in Liverpool at six this morning. They leave tonight with sad memories of their first visit to Goodison Park.  It was hardly a Park; it had a diamond-shaped mud bath. And this was not the only swamp. In spite of Cann keeping a grand goal, the following "chalks" were put on the slate. 
One minute—Dean. 
Five minutes—Dean. 
18 –Johnson
22- Stein
55- Black
63 – Stein
68 –Stein
69- Dean
71- Dean
87- Stein
In view of the Cup-tie meeting between the pair at Plymouth in a fortnight, the result was very encouraging to the Everton players.  Plymouth were dormant before they arrived. In a quarter of an hour they were "dead.''  This is the second time in league history that Everton hays scored nine goals. 
In the first half Dean (2), Johnson, and Stein scored for Everton. The second half was bound to be dullish, but it had some point. Cann collared all the praise early on when he saved from Dean and Stein. Stein's shot was delivered at no more than three yards out.  So easy was the position of the day that Everton eased up, and we saw the best of Black, who made three efforts—and the final one led him to a goal-4-1, in fifty-live minutes.  Hardie’sr interception was brilliant, and Pullen made a long shot to prevent Coggins escaping any part of the picture.  Dean handled the hall into the net, and Stein cracked it into the net with his best left foot drive—a truly enormous shot. The register now showed 5 goals to 1 in sixty-three minutes. 
A STEIN HAT TRICK 
Dean netted again, and the referee said "No. offside." They argued shout  the matter, but what was one goal amongst so many, especially when Stein went up to make a perfect header of Critchley's best centre (6-1).  Dean was allowed to go on and dribble to his heart's content beyond Cann to make the seventh goal, three goals having arrived in six minutes.  Griffiths hurt his thigh, and went to left half back, and in a trice Dean  timed a Stein centre in such a manner that Cann had no chance to stop the  ninth goal of the day in seventy one  minutes  Everton have never scored so readily 
THE BEST EQUALLED 
Stein let out another ferocious drive near the finish, and made the score 9-I,  total that equalled Everton's previous best, which was against Manchester City, 25 years ago, when Manchester City came to Everton with a completely new team, owing to wholesale suspensions.  Thus Dean and Stein had scored four each. It will be remembered that Dean got four goals against Oldham at home this season.  At the end of the match there was an outburst of cheering for the whole Everton team.  Dean and Stein in particular.  Final; Everton 9, Plymouth 1.

LEEDS UNITED RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 December 1930
FORWARDS LACK PENETRATIVE POWER
There was plenty of good open play in the match between Leeds United Reserves and Everton Reserves at Leeds this afternoon.  Everton had a good defence and for half an hour were equal to the attacks made upon them.  Green managed to get through from a scramble near the goal, and out Leeds a goal in front before the interval.  Half-time; Leeds United Res 1, Everton Res 0. 
For the first seven minutes of the second half Everton attacked strongly, but their forwards were not strong enough to penetrate the home defence.  

THE SPORTS LOOKING-GLASS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 December 1930
THE SCHOOLMASTER, THE RUNNER, TE DIRECTOR; MR/ EARNEST GREEN, OF EVERTON
By Bee
Mr. Ernest Green, Everton director, formerly a runner, who Duffy in his holes. A man who played football, ran for his life and for sports interest. A man who in after years became engaged in football work.  Was in charge of the schoolboys, secretary of the Association.  An able official; never tiring of the free work necessary in all such honorary engagements.  Later he became an Everton director.  Why?  Don’t ask me.  I can never explain why; some people step in where angels should fear to tread.  Is vice-chairman of the club at the present time after probably fifteen years’ service as director.  A scholastic man, he naturally takes sports in a scholastic manner.  In his own way he has views about football proceedings that would not tally with the average man or the average director.  That doesn’t make his theories wrong; rather does it suggest that he is a believer in working out a theme before one gets to groups win the opponent.  Which is a principle I shall always support, notwithstanding the people who laugh at the ideas of ideals of talks before a game as to what course of action shall be taken.  He who is a fore-thinker is a far-thinker.  Mr. Green is an ardent Blue, but he sometimes sees “Reds” That is not an unnatural happening, and I say so who have fallen foul of him in at least two extraordinary football affairs.  Mr. Green and myself led the governing body to refuse anyone a permit to see the referee at half-time.  Probably neither he nor I is content with refereeing of to-day ort with our respective parts in the rue that was brought to the League book.  I don’t think referees ever feel like crumbling up if I question them.  Most are my friends.  But that’s nothing to do with Mr. Green.  He carried his point. He is a man I hope to get with when we are on our out journeys.  We argue, see?  And we remain fast friends.  In fact, I challenged him here and now to a race over seventy yards for years!  Mr. Green has been “long in the game,” he judges with a stern eye; he isn’t easily taken off his argument by any ordinary suggestion.  He travels far and in solitary estate.  His newspaper shows traces of this, for at the end of the journey one finds its page marked with a series of French lessons , and when he climbs the Alps he goes “solo.”  There are other occasions when he tries solo-but that’s another game. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 December 1930
By Louis T, Kelly

EVERTON 9 PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1
December 29 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton score nine Goals.
Cup Opponents Trounced
Plymouth Argyle will remember for a long time their first visit to Goodison Park, where Everton won by the remarkable score of 9 goals to 1. Although not a record, it equallied Everton's previous best in the League when they beat Manchester City in 1906 by the same score. Saturday's contest was as the score indicates, too one-sided to be regarded as a true test of Plymouth's ability. They were train tired after their all-night journey from Plymouth, following upon their home game with Cardiff City the previous day, whereas Everton had rested since Thursday. In addition, the ground was in a terrible state and only the extreme wing were free of mud and water. Beyond doubt Everton were in far better state physically to operate on the heavy ground.
Test of Stamine.
The conditions were such that only the fittest could expect to do themselves justice. Victory went to the stronger and more resorting side, and, all things considered Plymouth did well to play as they did. They fought gallantly to the end of a contest that gave them little to hope for them the start. True, there were times when they threatened to become dangerous, but for the best part of the game they were forced to play the part of defenders, and Cann, the goalkeeper, was easily the most outstanding figure on the Plymouth side. He made some wonderful saves, and although beaten nine times. He gave a very creditable display.
Mistaken Tactics.
The whole side made the mistake of keeping the play too close. It was almost impossible to force the ball through the mud in the centre, and more frequent use of the wings would have served better. Still was at a discount, and Everton, being the fresher and stronger, held a big advantage in what was really a test of stamia. It was hoped the meeting would provide an indication of how the cup-tie a fortnight hence would develop, but any opinion based on Saturday's contest might be very wide of the result. Everton, however, should derive confidence and encouragement from their big win, but it was clear the Plymouth side, fit and fresh, could be a vastly different proposition, especially on a dry ground. For Everton Dean (4), Stein (4), and Johnson were the scores, while Black scored for Plymouth. Coggins had a very easy day. The backs, Williams and Cresswell, stood up well, although their task was never very difficult chiefly because the half-backs were well able to counter the attacks of Plymouth forwards. Of the forwards, Dean did splendid work, his heading being a feature, while Dunn worked hard and well under conditions that seemed to suit him. Plymouth were best served by Cann, Titmus, Mackay, and Black. The goals were scored in the following order; - Dean (1 minute), Dean (5 minutes), Johnson 15 minutes), Stein (32 minutes), Black (55 minutes), Stein (63 minutes), Stein (68 minutes), Dean (69 minutes), Dean (71 minutes), Stein (87 minutes). Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Williams (captain) and Cresswell, backs; McPherson, Griffiths and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson and Stein, forwards. Plymouth Argyle; - Cann, goal; Roberts and Titmus, backs; Mackay, Pullen, and Hardle, half-backs; Grozier, Bowden, Birt, Leslie, and Black, forwards.

LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
December 29 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 20)
Leeds United and Everton played a draw of 1 goal each at Leeds. Play was scrappy on the waterlogged ground, but the forwards on both sides got through a lot of hard work. United being more effective near goal. Green headed a goal for Leeds after ten minutes, and Martin equalised in the second half. Both sets of halves did well in attack and defence.

EVERTON SCORE NINE
December 29 th 1930.Evening Express
Dean and Stein score Four Each
By the Pilot
Never before has an Everton team scored a bigger and more convincing game than that against Plymouth Argyle. It was their greatest triumph in a triumphant season. In scoring none goals to one, they accomplished their record score made against Manchester City at Goodison Park on September 3, 1906. It was a triumph for accurate combination a triumph in the use of correct skill on a ground, which was all against skilful football owing to its fineness and a triumph for brilliant combination.
Pilgrim's Error.
The argyle were obviously affected by the long night journey from Plymouth but even then they made an error of trying to dribble the ball through ankle-deep mud instead of swinging it about in the same manner as the Blues. The wonder is Argyle scored at all, but Black did get a consolation goal early in the second half. Had it not been for the fine judgement and agility of Cann the Argyle goalkeeper, Everton would have reached double figures. He was the only player who could compare with the winners. One of his saves from Stein was the best I have seen for years. Dean and Stein were the marksmen –in-each half, each claiming four goals. Stein scored his hat-trick for the first time and his feat was the more remarkable because it was achieved from the outside left position. Johnson scored the remaining goal.
Faultless Everton.
There was not a weakness in the Everton side. Coggins did what little he had to do with great skill; the backs promised better than in the last few games the return of Williams bringing a great improvement. The half-backs held the Argyle forwards as in a vice even after Griffiths sustained a thigh injury and swooped places with Thomson, who, confidently, was the best intermediate on view.
Stein and Critchley have never played better. Critchley hardly wasted a centre and it was generally from one of his centres that goals came. Stein had to thank him a great deal for providing excellent openings. Dean was the perfect leader. Dunn and Johnson played the role of initiators selfishly. Argyle were a disjoined eleven with Cann as their hero. He deserved his ovation at the close. Black and Grozier did well with the few chances they had and Hardie was the best man from a defensive point of view. After this Everton triumph, what of the cup-tie at Home-Park on January 10, on paper it looks odds on the Blues and I cannot see them losing.
Sports Pie.
•  The English Scottish, Irish and Welsh Football Association, together with the Football League, will meet in Liverpool on January 7, to discuss the international championship. The English F.A. will be represented by Sir Charles Clegg, and Messrs. W. Pickford and J. McKenna and the Football League by Messrs C.E. Sutcliffe, F. W. Rinder and W.C. Cuff (Chairman of the Everton F.C.).
•  Everton have scored more goals than any other club in the Football and Scottish Leagues; - 70. Manchester United, with 79 have conceded more goals than any other club.

EVERTON’S QUARTET PARTY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 29 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
Plymouth and the walk-over or plug-through connection made by Everton should be sufficient evidence that they will win on Saturday week in the Cup-tie.  There is a drawback to this argument.  Plymouth has a bonny piece of turf; dry, suited to the nippy Plymouth side.  You did not see Plymouth on Saturday.  Why? 
PUT THEM TO BED
Because Plymouth had travelled all night and had that train "deadliness” that comes of hours of being tucked up in the corners of the woodwork, instead of tucked up in the roll of blankets and sheets. The men landed here at 6 a.m., which I may tell you who do not know that hour in December is a ghastly black washout; cold, miserable, sometimes times productive of a brilliant sunrise the east—oh, yes. I know, for I've had a fortnight of the "midnight” attention to journalistic business, and my greatest trouble is to get someone who will order me to bed before the clock strikes one. However, that's by the way, I am only justifying myself for my comments on Plymouth's wretched outlook on life on Saturday.  They were not awake when Dean scored in one minute; they were plucky they were outplayed; they were the victims of the referee sometimes and at others they had no fortune; they hit the bar; they never hit the high lights; these were left for the Everton stars. I have never seen Everton at home on a Saturday this season, but have read of their stirring games, save against one eleven. I thought I would see them at home, and they served up their hottest wares.  To get nine goals against the able goalkeeping of Cann (unfortunate name in such circumstances), and in such a swamp of mud, was a performance of real note. As I said on Saturday, it isn't a new record, as they put nine against Davies (now a New Brighton "house” merchant and uncle of the former Everton goalkeeper) twenty-five years ago or thereby. 
HAVE A CARE 
Everton must have a care.  The cup result will not be the toddling sort of victory that came at the week-end.  Plymouth will have got the sleep out their eyes by then. And though one notices marked faults at full back. I notice that Hardie and Mackay, the wing half-backs, were as good as anyone on the successful side. Add the knowledge that Black and Leslie, a fine wing, cannot play again so moderately, and Everton will know what to expect.  Actually the work of Stein and Dean was of an extraordinary effective character. And they worked a ball that wanted a lot of manipulation. Stein has always been known as a hitter or a hittite, but he has spasms of big scoring with no middle course—Saturday he took his chances first time with ferocious intent—the wisdom of the first-time drive was made self-evident; one wonders that the joy of such slamming should be lost upon professional footballers, but one does not forget the singers of the "Crucifixion "—the spectators who bark at a player if he should miss a first time drive! That is the secret of the absence of the half-volley shot which is the greatest pleasure to the shooter. Dean's back-heading is an object lesson that should be put on the films: he is playing great football, and his dribbling in close quarters is of a character that given the lie to the tarradiddlers who talk of his being purely an opportunist. His skill is in his intricate footwork and in his heading—and it is unwise to say he is playing as well as he did three years ago; he never will play so well; he never could be expected to play so well; but  that subdued style of his just now carries a wealth of effect. Thomson, at centre half-back when Griffiths got hurt showed that he can play anywhere.  Welcome back to Captain Williams, and good wishes for the oncoming “slaughter.” 

MUSIC IN THE CHURCH
Liverpool Echo - Monday 29 December 1930
ANOTHER CASE OF TOO MUCH ORGAN TONE 
No. 136.—S. Cuthbert's, Everton. 
A handful of congregation in a large church on a cold morning are not factors calculated to encourage good singing, and I was surprised that the work of the choir here was as good and as enthusiastic as it was. Their whole-hearted singing deserved the greatest credit.  The choir is not a largo one, and their worst fault seemed to be an unmusical straining tone from one or two of the boys. There was also a tendency at the opening to drop in pitch when intoning. Apart from this they seemed a good average choir; and I dare say they would have sounded better had they not too frequently been overplayed by the organ. In the Venite, for instance, which was taken much too quickly, too much tone was used at the organ, and the impression of speed was made more marked by the fact that the organist made no definite break between the verses, but ran on from one to the next. In the psalm this had the effect of making adequate expression very difficult.  I cannot find any justification for covering up the choir like this. Anglican chanting, despite its inherent difficulties, can be extremely beautiful-how beautiful one has only to listen to the Wireless Singers (the most easily accessible example) to ascertain. But the first essential is that the words shall be clearly sung and distinctly heard.  And while one does not expect the ordinary church choir to reach a standard like this, the progress they might easily make in this direction will never be made while they are able to rely upon a heavy organ tone to cover them up. I recently recorded a very striking example of a choir in a new church who had never had an organ, and who sang extremely well. (I have since learned that this choir had been in existence less than twelve months and that very few of its members had any previous experience, which makes their achievement the more creditable). I cannot help thinking that Cromwell's men have been unjustly abused for pulling down the organs. It would not be a bad thing in these days if their use was prohibited for six months. T. J. B.

WHY EVERTON WENT INTO DIV II.;
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 30 December 1930
EXTRAORDINARY DRAMA REVEALED
Bee's Notes
There is an excursion for the Cup-tie at Plymouth. Everton followers can go by L.M.S., Leaving Liverpool (Lime-street) at 11.50 a.m., and returning at 8.p m.  Tickets can be had at Sharp's. Whitechapel, Cook and Sons, Lord-street, and the ground, and unsold tickets will be returned on Saturday next, so that early application is necessary.  Plymouth have sold all their lot-they could have sold them over and over again. 
LISTEN TO MY TALE OF WOE 
Chapter I.—I won a goose in a sweepstake and the gentleman bringing it home on a bicycle had the misfortune to wring its neck in the spokes of the bicycle. So the bird could not find its way to its proper home. This is just one more chapter in my sweepstake story. 
Chapter 2.—1 have information this morning that there is a grave doubt about James Jackson being able to play on Thursday, at Bolton. 'His knee has suffered from the excessive strain placed upon it and has heroine a bit weak. It is practically certain he will have to rested on Thursday, but he hopes to be fit for Saturday when Liverpool play Middlesbrough at home.  Remembering that we were told by various papers, other than the "Echo.  In August that Jackson would not kick a ball this season, it is rather interesting that he went through the Christmas trinity in such brilliant manner. It only to show you the power of the man, both in limb and will.  Morrison and McRorie may play at Bolton on Thursday.  Chapter 3.—Warren, of Cardiff City and Middlesbrough, has joined what is now becoming the great majority. He was sent off the field yesterday when Sheffield Wednesday beat Middlesbrough 3-2. Middlesbrough are at Anfield on Saturday. Mr. Warren's offence was that he acted in an ungentlemanly manner by disputing the referee's decision. Without saying a word about his action, may I say here that 144 players have been extremely lucky this season to be allowed to maul the referee and dispute his ruling without paying the full penalty of the new rule, which says: "You are not even entitled to be rude on the football field." 
DRAMA OF THE DAY 
Chapter 4 is the drama of the day.  I have never struck such a football story in the whole of my career.  It is true, and would make a perfect volume if we could fill in the vital patches of the intervening years. That is the prologue. Now here is the cause of the story.  On the grandstand watching Everton give their brightest exhibition on Saturday was a very well primed and well informed Everton follower, who asked me for data concerning a meeting of Everton nearly thirty years ago. The match stood out in my memory, and he advised me to look up the particulars, because one of the best football stories ever to be told was lying behind them.  Everybody carved up Everton's body at the inquest when they went into the Second Division. “Chiming Bells" recently said that the reason Everton went into the Second Division was that the then Grimsby Town centre-forward, Robson, beat them four times.  That was the factor that felled them.  For the last two years we have had inquests on the Everton bodies. People have vowed that the absence of Dean or the falling away in form of Dean was responsible for Everton going into the Second Division. Others vowed that the forward line was unworthy.  There were suggestions that the half-backs were the cause, and others said that so long as Cresswell played at full back there was no need to look further for the root of the evil.  Then, of course, the goalkeepers three had to go through it, which in turn was the cause of the trouble and bubble.  Let me give you two fixture dates— April 12, 1930, Everton nil. Grimsby 4; April 13. 1903, Everton nil, Blackburn Rovers 3.  There is the drama in a nutshell. In 1903 some of the Everton players played in a manner that led the spectators to bark and bite.  Said spectators believed that Everton were kicking the wrong way.  In short, to be perfectly open, the spectators conceived the idea that Everton were not trying to beat Blackburn so that the Rovers could stay in Division 1. and that Grimsby Town, for the first time in their lives in the First Division, should be pushed out of that division.  A commission was appointed to inquire into the circumstances of the match and it so happened that I got an exclusive when working in the Midlands of the verdict of the authorities and advised the “Liverpool Post” of the result. 
NEMESIS
Everton were not exonerated, but they were not convicted of the offence.  The fact remains that by this result Everton helped to push Grimsby Town out of the First Division 27 years ago.  Nemesis has waited 27 years for revenge or for justice.  Last season Grimsby Town revisited Everton for the first time in that long-expanse of years and beat them 4-0, and thereby saved their own status and pushed Everton into the Second Division for the first time in their history.  It is a very interesting story and once and for all clinches the argument as to how Everton came to be in the Second Division.  Fate put them there to remind them of the deeds of twenty-seven years ago. 
POMPEY CHIMES
Mr. J.M. Carroll writes;-
Dear Bee.- Regarding the meeting of Everton and Southampton, you mentioned a previous meeting of these clubs at Goodison.  In my opinion, I think you have made a mistake in this statement, as, according to my recollection, it was a meeting of Everton and Portsmouth in an English Cup match, when the great “C.B.” figured at right full-back and Jack Bell made very small “fry” of this great sportsman.  I must be thirty years ago.  The Portsmouth supporters came here in thousands, and sang the memorial “Pompey Chimes,” which rang as follows; “Play up., Pompey-Pompey, play up.”:  And when the Everton players piled up the score their supporters commandeered the tune in the name of Everton.  True, oh, correspondent.  And thanks for the trouble you have taken. 

EVERTOR CONTROVERSY 
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 30 December 1930
FORMER BRISTOL ROVERS MANAGER'S STATEMENT 
Mr. David McLean, now manager of East Fife (formerly manager of Bristol Rovers F.C., makes an interesting contribution to the controversy whether or not Ronald Dix shall become an Everton player: - “In the trot place," he said, "Dix had nothing whatever to do with the arrangements, and was never consulted in the matter. This was one of my grievances, as I consider the manager should have been the first to have dealt with the matter, and the player should have been considered.  "But to come to the agreement, I do not consider Everton have any claim whatever. They had Bristol Rovers permission to interview Dix, and were given every assistance to secure him by the Rovers' board. But Dix refused to go.  Therefore, in my opinion, their option ceased; and I wrote them a letter to that effect; but quite apart from that the option is not worth the paper it is written on became Ronald Dix was not consulted in the matter, and before any option could become binding it should have been witnessed and signed by and on behalf of Dix.  “The Rovers went beyond their powers in giving Everton an option on Dix without his being a consenting party, but, in my opinion, if Everton take the matter to the League they will climb badly out of both clubs may get a rap on the Angels; because both are in the same boat, but, apart from that Bristol Rovers have nothing to fear."  Seen this afternoon, the chairman of the Everton Foothill Club said: — “I have nothing to add to what I have already said. Not only did Ronald Dix tell me of his willingness to come to this city and play for us, but his parents also agreed to his coming here."

BURY'S VISITED TO EVERTON.
December 31 st 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Tomorrow Bury are the visitors to Goodison Park to engage Everton, and the game should be a good one, though the ground conditions are likely to be heavy. Bury first appeared on tomorrow's enclosure under League auspices in the season 1895-96, after winning the championship of the second Division the previous season. Since than they have made twenty-six visits to Goodison park. First Division auspices with the result that they have gained eleven points from three victories and five drawn games, their last victory dating as far back as 1906, when they prevailed by a odd goal in three. On the occasion of their last visit in 1927-28 they lost by a goal to nothing, and at the close of the campaign were relegated to their present sphere, for they finished second from bottom with 31 points. So far this season Bury side has served 25 points from 22 games and occupy ninth position in the chart, but their away performances do not stemma them as likely to prove a barrier to Everton's advance.
Everton have chosen the team, which overwhelmed Plymouth Argyle, and the men will therefore have another chance of distinguishing themselves. The Evertonians is; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McPherson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn Dean, Johnson, Stein. The Everton Reserves team to meet Bury at Gigg lane tomorrow will be; Sagar; Lowe, Cook; Britton, Gee, McClure; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster and Leyfield.

SQAURES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo – Wednesday, December 31 1930
NO.13-QUEEN’S SQUARE, OUR LOCAL CONVENT GARDEN
By Michael O’Mahony
Say it with flowers!
No need indeed to mention it, mere thought of this old-time space at the city's heart suggests a fragrance sweet as the country come to town.  Visit it in the early hours of some fine morning if you would be refreshed by the sight of thronged wagons laden with the odorous wealth of herb, root, and blossom argosies of the farms which spread between wood and wold of the sister counties, long trails of fragile smilax hang from the doorways of fruit stores before which are laid the open treasures of Lyonesse, the Channel Islands, tulip-tinted Holland, and the fields of France. In no other part of the town are the changing seasons more, truly represented, and none of the harvesting borne over-seas is lovelier than the home-grown roses of England or sheaves of moist lilies marked with the attractive label "morning cut."  It is a beautiful corner of the town to walk through, and what might, at one time, have interested the eye of a  stranger strolling through, was to note how obviously the grape, bruised and  unbruised, had been forced into friendly'' rivalry around him. Hotels and fruit stores were until recently closely set together, but to-day victory remains with the vendors of the vine unbroken.  Some of the hotels which have now changed hands, trade, and title were old enough to have each a long story to tell, particularly the Pheasant (now known as the Royal Court), and whose cobbled inn yard on market days ever suggested that of a country town, but the stork, which has seen so many others come and go, is the oldest of them all. 
Famous Parties 
Originally the residence of Mr. William Roe, from which Roe-street takes its name, it can claim to have had a contemporary of its early days such a venerable landmark as the Old Fall Well, which existed from time out of mind on the Great Health, and about the site of the present Royal Court Theatre.  Readers of Picton’s Memorials will remember that when the old well was no longer needed for public purposes (about 1790), the water was conducted by pipes to the garden of Mr. Roe, where it formed a fountain for many years.  This eminent citizen dispensed in his day a hospitality worthy of the best traditions of the old town, but it is doubtful if even his finest receptions could ever equal those given by the kings of sports who in after years made the Stork their headquarters, notably the famous houses parties given by the renowned Captain Machell, who made it his residence for over a quarter of a century.  The old house entered on this palmy period of its existence on the appointment as major-dome of a Mr. Barrett, who had been steward of the Atheneum Club, London; and among the distinguished guests of Machell were the Duke of Beautfort, the Marquis of Hastings, the Marquis of Anglesea, Lord Waterford, Lord Lonsdale, Lord Rodney, Sir John Willoughby, and many others.   That “there was a sound of revelry by night” was not less true of the Stork on the eyes of Waterloo Cup days than was Lord Byron’s recollection of Brussels on the night before a battle at a place of the same name.
A REVOLUTIONARY
I have frequently used from old Ted Edwards, of the “Liverpool Mercury,” of his interviews with an Earl of Derby, when his lordship sat in a secluded room at the Stork preparing the speeches which won for him the title of the “Rupert of Debate "; while in the same room at a later date he interviewed a quiet- spoken gentleman in the person of the notorious revolutionist, Orsini, of the bombs.  It was the custom in old times for commercial travellers to set out by pack horse from the steps of the Stork.  Many a Napoleon of trade has since passed through its portals, including Sir Thomas Lipton, in the days when he thought less of ships than shops. Music is represented on its visitors' book by Carl Rosa and many of his confreres. There I have met silent men who have since attained the highest dignity in the law, and there I had the startled distinction of hearing for the first time that distinguished English linguist the late Lewis Peake.  Literature is represented on its visitors' book by the names of Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, as well as the signatures of so many others that I often think it is a pity that that over-busy man, Alderman Clancy, doesn’t turn his recollections into what would make bracing copy.  The formation of the square as we know it to-day is more or less the result of an afterthought. When the properties which extended from Hood-street to Ranelagh-street were cleared away to make room for the new street called after the Queen of George III., it was intended to erect an imposing crescent between Elliot-street and Roe-street.  This idea was abandoned and a square substituted which, because of its trade, together with the fact that its principal buildings are a hotel and a theatre, so brilliantly associated with opera, justifies it more than ever to be called our local Covent Garden.
 "Sharlotta-Street" 
That it was intended for equestrian performances is the reason why the predecessor of the Royal Court Theatre was called the Amphitheatre, Ducrow’s, Batty’s, and others had frequent circus seasons at what was long and popularly known as the “Amphi.”  Its acoustic properties are so good that at one time it was greatly in demand for large popular gatherings.  My fellow-countryman, Rev.  Hugh McNeill, delivered historic orations there, while in my own time I remember that so moved was the poet, T.D. Sullivan, by the ferrvour o an Irish demonstration there that as a memorial of the occasion he dedicated to the Irish of Liverpool his racy ballad “Erin Sons in England.”  The atmosphere of the square extends beyond the classic ground of the theatre, even to what too many people still provokingly call “sharlotta” –Street even to the line of pavement vendors of fragrant herbs, who, Ophelia-wise as if wailing “There’s rue for you,” not only insist on your appreciation of “saga-or –mint-or-parsley,” but who will kindly keep step with you as if parting were such sweet sorrow. 
OLD AND NEW RUMOURS
As a market Queen’s-Square is a lineal descendant of the first flower and fruit stalls of long ago, when fine posies and rich fruit were brought down into town from the gardens and orchards of Spekeland and Kirkdale to be strewn round the base of the White Cross and notwithstanding rumours of impending change may it long remain so.   Such rumours are no innovations in the square.  It has not run its long span of service to the city without, having to listen to rumbles and mutterings of threatened disturbance, and so far has survived them all.  When some years ago, trade had so increased that it overflowed inconveniently into adjoining streets, various schemes were propounded to improve matters.  One was to appropriate the land eastward of the Free Library; another was to take down the old Royal Theatre, with the intervening buildings, and take in Williamson-square.  We can imagine the bobbery kicked up by the conflicting interests affected by these proposals, but when the stage was set for a battle-royal in the shape of a Parliamentary contest a new and modest proposal quelled the storm.  It was suggested that, by an arrangement of the hours of sale, the 14,000 square yards space of the North Haymarket possessed ample accommodation for two classes of traffic.  The suggestion was adopted, and on July 7, 1866 the market was opened at early morning for the sale of vegetable produce, and for hay, straw, and provender later on.  The system has worked admirably from that day to this.  Next; Pownall-square. 

EVERTON TACKLE BURY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 31 December 1930
Bee’s Notes
EVERTON’S NEXT TEST
Everton take another toss in the mud tomorrow, when they open their New Year’s ledger with a visit from Bury.  The Bury side started the season like champions; so did Everton.  Then Everton had a break; l following which they came back to their best, and having drawn at Bury after being two goals down they must be accounted to have started aright against one of their liveliest opponents.  Bury are a topping little side.  And by all accounts Dean has some scores to pay off on his good friend Norman Bullock.  So we may see some goals.  Certainly the turf will be troublesome, and Bury will find it hard to wade through the mess of potage! Everton seem to revel in it; if they play as cutely as they did against Plymouth they will take a valuable victory.  Griffiths, who was kicked on the ankle on Saturday, will be unable to play, and Gee, formerly of Stockport, will make his debut as centre half.  Towers will play at left half, and McClure centre half, in the Reserve side as a result of this first-team change.  Team;- Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McPherson, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
MEMORY TRICKS
How easily memory can tease us is shown by this letter;-
Re your Southampton and Portsmouth query.  The “Official” reply was correct.  Southampton it was! I was there, and as an old friend of George Molyneux, that Kirkdale boy, formerly of Everton, who captained Southampton that day, went there half hoping his team would win.  I distinctly remember George Molyneux and Billy Balmer, who had defended together for Everton two seasons previously, coming to the centre of the field to toss.  Both George and Billy had short international experience (George played at Hampden when the great stand collapse took place), and how the crowd cheered when the rival captains for the day shook hands.  The great C.B, was crocked soon after the start (some of the Press went so far as to suggest that our good friend, Jack Bell, was not innocent in this connection), and Southampton, then a Southern League team, had five goals chalked up against them before the second half had well begun.  “Fry” practically finished his soccer with that game, but George Molyneux led his team to championship honours, either that year or the next, and finished his career as player-coach to one of the London Combination clubs, Southend way I think. Alas! Kirkdale, West Derby, and Bootle do not seem to be the “nursersies” they once were for football league recruits.  Yours, as always, W.H. Steers. 
  Hampden should be Ibrox, of course. 
BURY SATISFIED 
Satisfied with last Saturday's victory,  Bury management have decided to make no chance in the side against Everton at Goodison Park, to-morrow, and the only change considered desirable in the reserve team against Everton Reserve at  Gigg-lane, the same day, is the substitution  of Brant for Pugh at inside left.  Leightley, ex-Ashington, again taking the leadership of the forwards.

December 1930