EVERTON AND THE WOLVES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 01 December 1905
Bee
Everton have chosen a mixed and unusual team, and there is already tremendous discussion on the selection of Makepeace as a forward, R. Balmer as left back, and Hill at right back. A fortnight ago I suggested that if say change was to be made the directors, might try Makepeace alongside Sharp, but did not recommend it as practicable. With the Wolves’ ground very heavy going I should sooner have seen Abbott at centre and Young on the inside. However, the right wing, to say the least, will be fast, and if Makepeace will shoot hard he need not worry particularly about forcing an attack. Crelley had three stitches put into his head after he collided with a Brum last week, and is not well enough to resume, and it is a wonder “Jock” Taylor is able to turn out-he ought to be serving his King and country in the jury-box! It was fortunate his release was granted. I don’t know officially, but I believe Hannan would have appeared at back, but was unwell. So this let in Hill, who can if he will.

EVERTON F.C. TROUBLES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 01 December 1905
ANOTHER CHANGE NECESSARY IN THE FORWARD LINE
Trouble come quickly on the heads of the Everton Football Club officials. Crelley is injured, W. Balmer has a bad cold, and there are others, the latest news of whom is most unfortunate. Settle finds himself unable to play, and McLaughlin is selected to take the inside left position. Settle got a nasty crack from Beer, and the injury has not healed sufficiently.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 STALYBRIDGE ROVERS 0
December 2, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination Division One.
By reason of the three-nil victory over Stalybridge Rovers on Saturday, Everton strengthened their position at the head of the table. Their propress of late has been remarkable, and the side is in fine form just now. Considering that the first five games resulted in only three points being secured two of them being gained in the Liverpool match, the present record is one to be proud of. The Blues had little difficulty in beating Stalybridge Rovers who seldom caused the home defence much anxiety. At the same time Everton had to fight hard for goals, for Swann and his backs did capital defensive work. It was not until near the interval that Birnie opened the scoring, but in the second half Rankin put on a second goal with a fine long shot, and later on Cooke added another. Had the home side taken advantage of the chances they would have won by a bigger score. The forwards were smart enough till they got near goal, then they either failed or Swann and his backs beat them. Cooke is developing into a clever inside left, but is inclined to selfishness. The home right wingers were prominent and the halves sound, while the defenders were not overworked. The defence best represented the visitors. Swann in goal making some good saves.

FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Saturday 02 December 1905
With injured and incompetent players Everton are in difficulties about their match with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The directors have chosen a mixed and unusual team, and there is already tremendously discussion on the selection of Makepeace as a forward, R. Balmer as left back, and Hill at right back. The right wing to say the least, will be fast, and if Makepeace will shoot hard he need not worry particularly about forcing an attack. Crelley had three stitches put into his head after he collided with a Brum last week, and is not well enough to resume. Then at the eleventh hour, comes the statement that Settle has not got over a kick he received last week. McLoughlin will act as his deputy.
Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
League match at Wolverhampton; Lime-street 10.5; kick-off at 2.30
Everton.- Scott, goal; Hill and R. Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, (if absent McLaughlin), and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Reserve v. Stalybridge Rovers
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; kick-off 2.30
Everton.- Collins, goal; W. Balmer and Wildman, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, Rankin, Yates, Cooke, and Grundy, forwards.

EVERTON v  WOLVERHAMPTON W
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 02 December 1905
LEAGUE -DIVISION 1
EVERTON LEAD AT THE INTERVAL
Added to the disappointment of Everton’s defeat by Birmingham last Saturday were injuries to Crelley and Settle, and it was therefore quite a re-arranged team that travelled to Wolverhampton to-day in order to meet the “Wolves.” The only consolation was that the “Midlanders” are doing so badly this season that Evertonians were not without hope of securing a couple of points. The journey into Staffordshire was made in good time, and after lunch the players walked quietly down to the famous Molyneux grounds. The weather was agreeably mild and fine, and the going was distinctly on the soft side. With Crelley an absentee, Hill who comes from Southampton, was given his first trial with the League team at back, while in the forward line the experiment was made of advancing Makepeace to partner Sharp; while on the other wing McLoughlin took Settle’s place. The home side, like that of Everton, was rearranging. Woolridge owing to an injury to his leg was absent, and his place was filled by the veteran Archie Goodall. The interest in the game locally was evidently of remote insignificance, for there were not more than 1,000 spectators present when the men lined up as follows;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; Hill and R. Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, McLoughlin, and Hardman, forwards.
Wolverhampton Wanderers.- Baddley, goal; Jones and Betteley, backs; Whitehouse, Hughes, and James, half-backs; Bayman, Goodall, Smith, Fairfield, and Breakwell, forwards. Referee, Mr. Hynes of Nottingham.
Everton lost the toss, and started towards the town goal. The opening was in favour of the Wolves, who made the pace on the right. Balmer checked cleverly, and serving up Makepeace ran down and put in a long dropping shot, which caused Baddeley to run out in order to clear. After a scramble in midfield the visitors returned strongly, and the ball being put out to Sharp, the latter bobbed the ball is pretty hot. Baddeley fisted out. An attempt on the part of Bayman  and Goodall to carry the war to the enemies camp was stopped by Abbott, and again the ball was swung across to the right, where Makepeace put in a lovely shot, which was charged down. Following upon this the Evertonians attacked with great persistency, but twice Jones cleared his charge very smartly, and Hughes giving the ball to Bayman, the latter dashed down the centre at top speed. He beat Balmer and passed to Smith, who shot with considerable force, but Scott was on the lookout, and he cleared the ball from under the bar. The game now opened out, and end-to-end play followed, both sides playing for all they were worth. Sharp who went down again, finished with a fine shot, but Badderley met it and cleared. Then ensued a sustained attack on the Everton goal, in which they nearly scored. Nevertheless, the home side kept pegging away, and Corfield became extremely dangerous, but his shot was disposed of by Hill. A spell of midfield work was followed by a steady advance on the part of the visitors, and, after Taylor had put the ball almost into the goalmouth, Makepeace put an end to the matter by shooting wide. The Wolves took up the running on the left, and good work by Brakewell and Corfield terminated in the latter shooting strongly; but Scott was on the qui vive and cleared. The Wanderers, however, continued to press matters hard and at this particular period they were distinctly enjoying the best of the argument. Both Balmer and Hill had all their work cut out, and Smith had beaten them both when he shot wide of the mark. Once more the Evertonians took up the running, and this time they met with success, and McLoughlin working down passed neatly in front of goal, and Makepeace dashing up scored a fine goal by putting the ball right out Baddley’s reach. After this reverse the Wanderers put out greater pressure than ever, and Smith, racing through looked very dangerous when he was bowled over by Balmer. This occurred in the penalty area, and though the charge seemed a fair one the referee granted a penalty kick. This was entrusted to Jones, but to the bitter disappointment of the home spectators, the Wolverhampton right back shot right outside the post. The next stages were altogether in favour of the Evertonians, who profited by their escapes to press the home backs hotly and on three occasions Baddley performed with great brilliancy in keeping out shots. Still the visitors would not be denied, and from a centre by Sharp, Makepeace shot wide of the mark. A moment later the Everton right wingers raced along in splendid style, and completely outplayed James, who passed the ball right across to Hardman, and the little amateur running in scored a capital goal. The visitors were now two up, and with this comfortable margin they showed great confidence, beating their opponents time after time in the race for the goal. The home custodian, however, was in fine fettle and he was particularly well supported by Jones, who cleared his lines on several occasions when the Evertonians were pressing hard. The Wanderers got going on the left after a time, and a pass b Corfield gave that player an excellent chance of shooting.
(Unfortunate rest of report on page 8 is partly missing at crease of the newspaper)

EVERTON v  STAYBRIDGE ROVERS
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 02 December 1905
At Goodison Park. The Blues commenced operations, and the outstanding feature of the initial stages was the sustained pressure by the home forwards in which Birnie and
Grundy shone conspicuously. The visitors, however, gave nothing away, and found time to trouble Collins. Yates made a meritorious attempt to open the Blues’ account, but his final attempt lacked the necessary direction. The game opened out, and both side were equally dangerous. Valentine sent in a beauty, which missed by inches, and in the next instant Birnie compelled Swann to use his best judgement in dealing with a well-directed attempt. Both sides were putting in any amount of work, and play generally was of an interesting character. Both sides attacked in turn, and each set of forwards had opportunities to open the scoring. Faulty passing, however, spoiled many openings, while a tendency to dally on the part of the home forwards often allowed the Rovers’ defence to nip in. several long shots were tried by Yates and his colleagues, but Swann was able to judge them to a nicety. On the other hand, whenever the Rovers’ forwards got withing striking distance they never failed to provide Collins with a warm handful. Birnie eventually scored for the Blues with a shot which gave Swann no possible chance of saving. Everton pressed to the interval.
Half-time.- Everton 1 goal, Stalybridge nil.
Rankin and Cooke scored after the interval.
Final.- Everton 3, Stalybridge nil.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v  EVERTON
Sports Argus - Saturday 02 December 1905
ANOTHER BAD DEFEAT FOR THE HOME SIDE
BEATEN FROM THE START
By “Wulfruna.”
At Molineux, before 5,000 spectators. Teams;-
Wanderers.- Baddley; Jones, Bettelley; Whitehouse, Hughes, James; Baynam, Goodall, Smith, Corfield, Breakwell.
Everton.- Scott; Balmer, Hill; Taylor, Booth (captain), Abbott; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, McLoughlin, Hardman. Referee; Mr. Hines, Nottingham.
Wooldridge, who has several times been injured, was unable to play. Smith accordingly went centre-forward, and Archie Goodall inside right. Settle was absent from the Everton ranks. A coincidence was that Baddeley and Scott, the custodians. Were the goalkeepers in the last internation -England v Ireland- at Molineux a few seasons back.
Young started for Everton, who at once began to attack, and Jones in the first minute had to attend to Sharp. The visitors put on severe pressure for some minutes, and Baddeley was hard pressed to save a hot drive from Hardman.
Only occasionally did the “Wolves” shape like getting into their stride, but once Balmer let in Baynam, and the right-winger centred finely to Corfield, who let drive, Scott saving in brilliant style. Twice Sharp sprinted off in the direction of Baddeley, and the latter had to be smart to deal with his crosses, but the custodian should have been beaten by Makepeace, who stood close in. Goodall was playing a good game, and sent a splendid to Baynam, who forced a corner, but this came to nothing. A capital shot from Hughes was cleared. The visitors’ forwards then got down and Makepeace put in a shot and scored the first goal after fifteen minutes play. From the centre the Wanderers wet in a line for the Everton goal, and one of the backs brought Smith heavily to the ground. A penalty kick was awarded, but Jones sent the ball wide.
At the other end Sharp put in a centre and Young beat Baddeley with a high shot! The Wanderers then got down but Breakwell was injured and the game stopped for a minute. Booth gave Goodall particular attention, and repeatedly dispossessed him of the ball. Young sent a long pass to Sharp, and the latter put in a capital centre which Young met and scored the visitors’ third goal. The home forwards played up and Smith spoilt a good run by shooting wide. Shortly afterwards Smith put in a high shot which beat Scott and scored the Wanderers’ first goal. Everton then pressed and forced a corner but the ball was got away. Half-time;- Everton 3 Wolverhampton W. 1
On the resumption Everton pressed, and the ball was put across the Wanderers’ goal, but a good chance of increasing the score was lost. The home team got down, and Smith scored the second goal for the Wanderers. Afterwards Baynam beat Balmer and put in a good shot, but Scott brought off a clever save. Everton attacked, and Baddeley effected some clever saves, but eventually McLoughlin beat him and scored the visitors; fourth goal. Bayham got in a good position, but was given off-side. The visitors worked down to the other end, and Hughes put in a shot which was received by his forwards, but the ball was got away. The visitors continued to press, and the home defence was severely taxed. Young scored a fifth goal for Everton.
Result Everton 5 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v  EVERTON
Football Post (Nottingham) - Saturday 02 December 1905
Played on the Molineux Ground in cold weather, before 7,000 spectators. Wooldridge was an absentee, Smith taking his place, while Goodall was sent into the front line. Makepeace scored for Everton early on, and Jones failed to score from a penalty. Hardman added a second goal, and Young the third. Just before the interval Smith scored for the Wanderers. Interval; Everton three goals, Wanderers 1
In the second half there was great improvement in the Wanderers play, and they signalled this by scoring a pretty goal through Smith. Everton, however, negatived this goal a few minutes later, when the ball went into the net of McLaughlin head, to the surprise of Badderley, and the backs. Young went through and scored again, the Wanderers being overwhelmed. Result.- Everton 5 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2

EVERTON FARE WELL
Athletic News - Monday 04 December 1905
By Junius
By defeating Wolverhampton Everton repeated their performance of last season, when they prevailed by a margin of three goals.  The composition of the Goodison eleven was curious and there may be an inclination.  In any case a victory by five goals to two on an opponent’s ground is most creditable, and the “Wolves” may be certain of a warm reception when they visit Anfield this week-end, Hill, who partnered Balmer at full-back was out into the team for the first time this season.  He hails from Southampton, and has assisted the reserves during the present campaign.  Everton surprised their staunchest supporters, and this should give them confidence for their tussle with Derby a week hence at the Baseball ground.  Last season they prevailed over both opponents in away matches, and as they have already dropped four points in comparison with the corresponding games of twelve months ago, they will doubtless make a great effort to redeem their reputation. 

Athletic News

THE STAR OF EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 04 December 1905
By Wulfruna
Some nine years ago, when Hereford Thistle were fighting their way to the uppermost rung of the Birmingham League ladder, they paid their annual visit to Molineux Grounds, and the centre of their attack was a dapper little fellow who was afterwards destined to become one of the leading lights in the football world. This man was Sharp. Against the “Wolves” on Saturday he was simply irrepressible. James, the Wanderers’ left half back, let himself go for all he was worth to intercept the dashing Evertonian, but he proved quite unequal to the task, and when Betteley attempted to lend his colleague aid the pair were frequently bested. For the first half hour of the game the balance of play was fairly equal, but there was a great difference in the method of attack on the Wanderers’ side. Most of the leading came from Baynam. Who, lying well out near the touch-line, was ever ready to seize a stray ball and make tracks towards Scott. When he centred, however, his colleagues did not range themselves in any too business-like fashion, but rather trusted to a unanimous and sometimes reckless dash in an attempt upset the Everton defence.  The visitors, on the other hand, were very precise in their work. Frequently Sharp, and sometimes Hardman, would run well down, and pass across with great accuracy. Their colleagues were always in advantageous positions to meet a dropping ball, and by surprising cleverness they were nearly always able to trick the backs and run close in ere they levelled a shot at Baddeley. Of course, now and again Jones or Betteley would step in the way, but the visitors’ front rank men did not make the fatal mistake of rushing straight into the home defenders, but would frequently adopt a back pass or a deft touch which completely demoralized the men in front of Baddeley. The consequence was that that worthy had some difficult work to execute. However, it must be said to his credit that although the ball reposed in the net five times during the afternoon the home custodian was never once at fault. Everton deservedly won by five goals to two. The first goal came from a sprint by Hardman.  He ran well-nigh to the goal-line ere he parted with the ball. His centre was so accurate and so beautifully placed that it was the easiest thing imaginable for Makepeace to step forward and place the ball safely in the desired haven. The Wolves had a fine chance of equalizing matters, as Smith was tripped up in the fatal area. Jones’ effort at the resultant penalty kick, however, was poor in the extreme, as in his effort place the ball beyond Scott's reach he tipped it on the wrong side of the post. Sharp made the initiatory movement from which the second goal accrued to his side. He left James hopelessly behind as he sprinted down the line, drew Betteley out, and then neatly bested him, and worked the ball near to the corner flag, from whence he put it to the other side. Though Baddeley challenged Hardman, the amateur was too smart, and steered the ball into the net.  Sharp repeated the same tactics a few minutes later, and neither James nor Betteley could stay his progress. Upon this occasion the nippy right winger ran well into goal, and passed back to McLoughlin, who, in the easiest manner, placed Everton three goals up. Smith reduced the leeway with a long shot from a pass by Breakwell, and the hopes of the local partisans were raised when Smith again beat Scott, after Breakwell had missed an easy opening. But this proved an expiring effort of the "Wolves.” From thence to the end they were a beaten team, and it was only by a spasmodic rush or a long return from their backs that they afterwards crossed the half-way line. Makepeace missed one of the best chances of the day—a cross by Sharp, but the “ Wolves ” could not get the ball any distance from their goal, and Young eventually headed a fourth point. The same player finished up the scoring by running through the tired-out defence and putting the ball well out of Baddeley's reach. Neither Scott, Hill, nor Balmer had sufficient sustained pressure to test their real merit. The Everton half backs played a perfect game. They not only assisted in making the attack most incisive, but they broke up nearly every attempt at combined work by the opposition. Sharp was the brilliant star of a fine advance line, and had a most capable partner in Makepeace.  The inside right repeatedly drew several of the Wanderers defenders towards him, and then, with a smart forward rush, gave Sharp his opportunity. The winger was showing a clean pair of heels to his rivals in a twinkling, and before the home defence had time to recover the ball would invariably be in front of Baddeley.   Young, besides displaying commendable deftness in distributing the work, was always ready for a solo. The left wing, too, did remarkably well, Hardman’s sprints and McLoughlin’s good judgment each serving their side to advantage. Baddeley gave nothing away. Jones and Betteley were too hard worked to be successful. The home half-backs were not to be compared with the middle line of Everton, and Baynam and Smith were the pick of a none too brilliant attack. Owing to lumbago,  Wooldridge was unable play. Wolverhampton Wanderers;- Baddesley; Jones, Betteley; Whitehouse, Hughes, James; Baynham, Goodall, Smith, Corfield, Breakwell.  Everton; Scott; Hill, R. Balmer; Taylor, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, McLoughlin, H.P. Hardman.  Referee; Mr. A.G. Hines, Nottingham. 

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 5
December 4, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
AN EASY VICTORY.
JONES SENT A PENALTY KICK WIDE
At Wolverhampton, Everton, made some amends for successive failure against Sunderland and them Birmingham. On the face of it a victory by 5 goals to 2 on foreign territory is something of which to be very proud, but circumstances after cases. This season the Wolves admittedly are weaker than ever they have been in their long and, off the whole remarkable career, and already there are vision at Wolverhampton of the club's decent into Second Division a trying experience which by hook or by crook, has somehow been avoided since the formation of the League. It is strange in view of the appearance between the posts of an international custodian of the frame o-f Baddeley, but nevertheless true, that Wolverhampton Wanderers have given away more goals than any other club in the First Division of the League. After Saturday's game, one need not be surprised that the Wolves have fallen on evil times. Their team is but a shadow of the days of Rose and other stalwarts. It has few redeeming features, and the sooner steps are taken to introduce new life into their display the better, otherwise nothing but a season in the second class company will be their portion.
RUN OF THE PLAY.
The straits to which the management of the club are put was illustrated by the fact that, in the absence of Woolridge, a veteran like Archie Goodall had to be brought into the front line. With advancing years even an artist like Archie has been, cannot now hope to prove successful a forward. This was only an instance of the difficulties with which the club have to contend. No wonder that Everton had matters pretty much their own way. Indeed from the start of the game there was never any doubt as to the issue being in favour of the visiting side. Even the Wanderers own supporters were engaged upon forecasting by how many goals their side would be beaten. The Blues had the measure of the opponents right from the start. It was quite a day out for Sharp, especially in the first half, James a local youth, had no carthly chance with the speedy right winger, and one was sorry for him at, time after time he was- left behind by Sharp, who too, did not forgot to flash across centres of wonderful accuracy. Indeed the first three goals were in large measure the result of this player's brilliant work. Makepeace signallsed this appearance as an inside forward by drawing first blood, while Hardman and Young took advantage of Sharp's crosses to completely hoodwink Baddeley. Though Everton were having it all their own way, a slip by Hill led to Smith scoring for the Wolves with a really clever shot. Before this it should be mentioned that for the first time this season Everton had a penalty kick granted against them. Balmer was presumably the culprit, but whatever was the nature of his offence was in no way plain from the press box. Anyhow it mattered little. In as much as Jones shot wide of the post. In the second half, the Wolves were seen to better advantage, and when Smith again reduced Everton's lead the spectators were quite jubilant. Their satisfaction, however, was short-lived for McLoughlin and Young each found the spot, and Everton gained one of their easiest away victories.
BRIGHT FORWARD PLAY.
The chances in the Everton ranks, some of which were caused by injuries worked well but in view of the nature of the opposition, it would be unwise to rely too much upon Saturday's performance. For instance Makepeace may be written down a success as an inside right, but judgement must really be with held until he has more dexterous halves to encounter. Under, the Wolves plan of campaign, he was left pretty well alone, for while poor James was apparently, directed to shadow ‘ Sharp- it was only a shadow- Makepeace was practically on his own, with Betteley not much in evidence. The visiting forwards as a whole, indulged in some sparkling movements, which quite pleased the crowd, and the halves admirably supported them. Young Balmer was in a happy mood, but Hill, through responsible for some clever touches was uncertain, and it was in no small measure due to mistakes on his part that the Wanderers obtained their couple of goals. Scott had a great deal to do, but one of his saves from an oblique shot of a masterly description. Baddeley was not at fault, although he let five shots pass him, but apart, from Smith in the centre, the only man on the losing side who figured prominently was Baynam on the outside right. The outlook for the Wolves is truly dismal.
Teams: -Wolverhampton Wanderers: - Baddeley, goals, Jones, and Betteley, backs, Whitehouse, Hughes, and James, half-backs, Bayman, Goodall, Smith, Hairfield, and Breakwell, forwards. Everton: - Scott goals, Hill, and R.Balmer, backs, Taylor Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp Makepeace, Young, McLaughlin, and Hardman forwards. Referee Mr.Hynes.

TAME WANDERERS.
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 04 December 1905
ROUTED AT MOLINEUX GROUND BY EVERTON
By The Wolf
EVERTON 5 WOLVERHAMPTON 2
The times have changed since Molineux Ground was a stronghold which few expected to invade with any success. The home team are "Wolves" no longer, they are easy victims for visiting teams and few have done the work neater than Everton did on Saturday. The Wanderers could never hold them; they were always too clever for the local men, who at no time shaped like winning. The home team were handicapped by the absence of Wooldridge, whom injury kept out of the side, and though it was not intended to play Goodall, the veteran was given the inside right position—a move which exposes the poverty of talent available in Wolverhampton. A very few minutes' play revealed to the spectators; (about 6,000) the futility of their partisan hopes.  The Everton forwards were fast and worked on a plan—and the execution of this plan showed an appreciation of the weak points in the Wolverhampton armour. With long passes Young kept his wings moving, especially favouring Sharp,' who invariably eluded James and then beat him badly for speed. There was no mistake about the centres which the Everton right-winger got across Baddeley, and two of the goals in the first half were directly due to them.
WELL WORKED FOR.
The first goal was from a clean drive by Makepeace, but in the method of procedure leading up to the second and third was exactly similar, Sharp racing off from a long pass and sending over for Young to beat Baddeley. As a setoff Smith got through for the Wanderers, but prior to this Jones had made a bad mess of a penalty. The Wanderers rushed the Everton halves to some purpose in the opening minutes of the second half, Smith gawky again, but McLoughlin put the matter beyond doubt when he heat Baddeley with a header, and before the close Young scored the fifth, increasing his individual total to three—a good afternoon 's work.
The defeat is explained in the admission 'that the Wanderers were outplayed, and I have no doubt that this same team would find itself outplayed by the great majority of League clubs. Plainly—it is not class enough to win First League matches. There was nothing conspicuously wrong with the work of Baddeley end his backs, but though Whitehouse was unflagging the halves were never a serious barrier to the speedy, methodical Everton forwards. In the home front line Smith and Bayman alone showed good football. The victors were well served by their defence, and the halves are an aggressive as well as a solid trio. Abbott is perhaps the star, but they are all good, and constitute a very fine middle line. There were no weak places in the Everton attack; all the men displayed intelligent notions of goal-getting, but the outstanding feature was the brilliant individualism of Young and Sharp.

THE WOLVES WHIPPED AT WOLVERHAMPTON
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Monday 04 December 1905
Everton’s runaway victory at Wolverhampton, on Saturday, will at least have the effect of reassuring the club’s supporters that the team is not quite in such a bad way as its performance the week before seemed to indicate. At the same time, in carefully weighing up the game between the Goodison Park contingent and Wolverhampton, it must frankly be admitted that the former had practically nothing to beat. There can be no getting away from the fact -and it is a deplorable one-that the Wolves have fallen altogether from their once high estate. Their display on the occasion under notice was less than third rate, and a prominent Everton player was scarcely exaggerating when he assured the writer that it was the worst and weakest team he had played against this season. In congratulating Everton upon their comfortable win it may at the same time be hoped that the Wolves, who bear an honoured name, may speedily recover their lost form and position. Considering interest was aroused through the appearance of Makepeace in the Everton forward line. Had the opposition been stronger, it would have been easier to tell if Sharp’s partner is likely to make an inside right, but even as it was, it was evident that his inclusion strengthened the front rank. He has got all the necessary speed, and is a veritable glutton for work. This was shown by his scoring the first of the five goals that fell to the Evertonians. Having once drawn ahead, the visitors gave the home side a rare “putting up,” and matters, from a Wolverhampton point of view, were made distinctly worse when Jones missed a penalty kick. For the remainder of the first period the game ruled all in favour of Everton, the great bulk of the work coming from the right wing. For this Sharp was mainly responsible. The Lancashire cricketer was absolutely at the top of his form, and with practically no one to beat in the person of James, the half back, he waltzed down the wing time after time in electrifying fashion, and invariably finished with a magnificent centre. One would have though that the Wanderers would have concentrated their attention upon stopping these rushes, but they failed altogether to realise the situation, and when the interval came the Evertonians were leading by three goals to one.
In the second half play was rather of a scrambling nature, and though the home side made several attempts to force the pace, they were never really serious rivals. It is true that Smith worked his way between the backs and scored a second goal, but this was merely a flash in the pan, and before the end came Youn g clinched the argument by sending the leather past Baddeley for the fifth time. This constituted the nineteenth goal scored against the Wolves in the course of the last four matches, and it will thus be seen that the Midlanders are indeed in a parlous state.
Allusion has already been made to the individual performances of the Everton right wing pair. Young was some considerable time in finding his feet, but once he had done so he played capital football, being especially energetic in the second half. The left wing, though not nearly so prominent as the other, nevertheless did useful service, McLoughlin proving distinctly serviceable as a partner for Harold Hardman. The half-back line had a comparatively easy task and Booth in the centre position was really never in difficulties. Coming to the back division, it is pleasant to give young Balmer credit for another clever and confident performance. The weakness of the opposition apart, he showed on several occasions rare resource, and he has just claims to be considered a class full back. Of the new-comer, Hill one cannot speak in such unstinted terms. He may, of course, have been suffering a little from nervousness, and it was no doubt due to this that be let the Wolves through on the two occasions they scored. At the same time, he put in one or two clever touches; but it is difficult to say how he would shape if pitted against a really strong and dashing set of forwards. Scott in goal, oddly enough, had plenty of work to do, and this he performed with sureness, celerity, and despatch. He was particularly smart in the way he cleared a swift oblique shot from the outside right, when the Wolves were putting in some of their best work. Enough has been said to indicate the regrettable declination of the Wanderers, and it is only necessary to add that Baddeley despite the record against him was probably the only man to sustain his reputation.

EVERTON GET THERE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 04 December 1905
Bee
Everton have our congratulations. They won where they were hardly expected to do more than draw, and as these are the first points drawn since November 11 they must be gratified that the break in the monotony of defeats now come. Both sides were almost at a loss to know how to shuffle their men. The Wolves have declined fearfully this season, and the worse blow they could have suffered was the loss of Wooldridge, Archie Goodall taking his place. Sharp was the potent factor in the victory. Diametrically opposed to his display of the previous week, he was always causing trouble and James was shown up badly. I would prefer to wait awhile before expressing a conviction concerning Makepeace as partner to Sharp. The former half back was meeting very weak opponents and the game was not a true test of his service. He has got all the necessary speed, and is a veritable glutton for work. This was shown by his scoring the first of the five goals that fell to the Evertonians. Having once drawn ahead, the visitors gave the home side a rare “putting up,” and matters, from a Wolverhampton point of view, were made distinctly worse when Jones missed a penalty kick.
S.B. Ashworth thinks the team-selectors deserve an extra pat for their judgement in sending Makepeace forward, and says the inside man played excellently. The latter true, but don’t overlook the fact that Baddeley has been beaten forty-six times this season, and recent overwhelming were 8-0 by Newcastle and 6-0 by Villa.
Young was some considerable time in finding his feet, but once he had done so has played capital football being especially energetic in the second half. The left wing though not nearly so prominent as the other, nevertheless did useful service. McLaughlin proved distinctly serviceable as a partner for Harold Hardman. The half back line had a comparatively easy task, and Booth in the centre position was really never in difficulties. Coming to the back division, it is pleasant to gave young Balmer credit for another clever and confident performance.
Hill let the Wolves through on the two occasions they scored. At the same time he put in one or two clever touches. How would he shape if pitted against a really strong and dashing set of forwards. Scott in goal, oddly enough, had plenty of work to do, and this he performed with sureness, celerity, and despatch. He was particularly smart in the way he clear a swift oblique  shot from the outside right, when the Wolves were putting in some of their best work.

NEW FULL BACK FOR LEEDS CITY
December 5, 1905. Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer
Yesterday the Leeds City Club added David Bruce Murray, of the Liverpool Club, to their list of players Murray is a native of Busby, near Glasgow, and is 23 years of age. He played with Everton two seasons ago. Last season, and during the present season, he has played for Liverpool, and Mr. Gillies, the Leeds City manager, arranged on Wednesday night with the directors of the Liverpool club for his transfer, the amount agreed upon being £130. Murray is about 5ft 9ins in height, and weights 12st. 4lb. He is of sturdy build, and comes to Leeds with excellent credentials. His position is full back, left or right, and he will play in the Leeds back division in the match with Bristol City at Elland Road tomorrow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Tuesday 05 December 1905
The Memorial Hall occupies a prominent site in Renshaw-street, the main thoroughfare leading to the southern portion of the city. The fine architectural features of the building give it an imposing appearance, and add greatly to the amenities of the neighbourhood, where an extensive scheme of public improvement, involving the removal of old property and street widening has recently been carried out. The old Central Hall in Mount Pleasant, for many years the headquarters of the Liverpool Wesleyan Mission was in many ways unfitted for the important and growing work carried on there. On the death of the Rev. Charles Garrett, who was so long associated with the mission, it was decided by the Wesleyan body to erect a new Central Hall as a memorial to him, and to perpetuate in the minds of the citizens for generations to come the great religious, social, and philanthropic work which he performed in the city. And no worthier memorial could have been devised then this place, where you men and women will be drawn within a centre of good influence and pleasant surroundings. According to a financial statement issued by the |Rev. Joseph Jackson, Mr. Garrett’s successor as head of the Liverpool Wesleyan Mission, the cost of the hall, furnishing, &c., will be £37,250. The enlargement and improvement of the boys’ homes, and the erection of a training home, will absorb £3,000, and there will be £4,750 for the half cost of houses in Upper Newington, and debt transferred from Mount Pleasant, making a total outlay of £45,000. Of this amount nearly £29,000 has been subscribed, including subscriptions and promises to date, £16,837; grant from Twentieth Century Fund, £7,500; proceeds of bazaar held last April, £4,616; leaving about £16,000 as the amount required to open the building free of debt. The main hall will have seating accommodation for 2,500 people, and there will be a small hall to seat 250. The amphitheatre principle has been followed in the design of the large hall, so that the whole audience can see and hear without difficulty. This fine hall will be a great boon to the city, which has been lacking in such a place, centrally situated, for public meetings and high-class entertainments. The accessories include club-rooms for young men and young women, drill hall, coffee-rooms, offices, &c.

NEW CENTRE FORWARD FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Tuesday 05 December 1905
The Everton directors have realised that new men are required to strengthen their team. The result of a missionary party’s tour is the transfer of a Scotchman named John Quinn, who is twenty two years of age, stands 5ft 8in, in height, and weighs 11 ½ stone. He previously was connected with the Albion Rovers Club, which is at the head of the Scottish League second division with that club he gained great prominence as a centre forward, and his netting ability is shown by the fact that so far this season he has scored 11 goals. He is a teetotaler and a non-smoker.

FOOTBALL FEATURES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 05 December 1905
Bee
From letters which reach me it is an undoubted fact that someone has spread about a rumour that W. Hogg, the suspended Sunderland outside right, was being sought by Everton. Doubtless this originated through someone suggesting to a friend that “as Hogg was suspended Everton might try to get him.” The rumour was current yesterday in Birmingham that the player named was to be transferred to the Midland Blues- that, in fact, his transfer was only a question of price. After the Northerners received £1,000 for Common, they imagine that they can get huge sums for their crack players. Hogg will be a long time on their hands if they do not cut down the excessive price they want for him.
The announcement which I was able to make yesterday that Everton had obtained a new centre forward seems to have caused great satisfaction among their supporters, who had, I fear, formed the impression that the directors had been slightly negligent in the matter of strengthening their team. This is an erroneous impression. Many men have been seen and considered, and many hundreds of miles have been covered in endeavours to find new blood, and the seekers in fresh fields have far from had the best of luck in their travels. It is known full well that players are loath to leave their quarters- a very different state of affairs to former years. I have known many cases where clubs have come to terms about a transfer, and at the last moment the player has refused to go to the club that is after him.
Everton have this month the stiffest work imaginable. In some cases they are meeting inferior clubs, but these are the very clubs becoming desperate through the fear of Second Division “promotion,” and the Blues will have to fight hard all through till the New Year is ushered, and for that matter on the second day of 1906, when they go to Hyde-road. Next Saturday they are at Derby, and the County have allocated this match for the benefit of Stephenson Bloomer and Ben Warren, whose brilliance has oft been seen. Then they receive a visit from Sheffield Wednesday, followed by a journey to Nottingham Forest’s ground, Bury being opposed away on Christmas Day, and at home on Boxing Day. On December 30 they tackle Middlesbrough away, and this completed the awkward fences.

A MODEL JAM FACTORY
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Wednesday 06 December 1905
SPECIAL COMMISSIONER AT AINTREE
WORKERS AND COTTAGES EXAMINED
We are informed that the attack made by Miss Gertrude Tuckwell (honorary secretary of the Industrial Law Committee) in a lecture recently delivered by her in Liverpool upon unsanitary workrooms and sweating conditions was really levelled against a class of small laundries in London. Incidentally, however, the lecturer embraced in her condemnation “jam factories,” this conveying an imputation which Mr. W.P. Hartley, J.P. of Aintree, felt it right to remove as concerns his own model factories here and in London. The lecture was invested with importance in the eyes of Mr. Hartley and others because it was given under the auspices of the National Union of Women Workers, Mrs. Allan Bright presiding, and the Rector of Liverpool (Canon J.A. Kempthorne), chairman of the local branch of the Christian Social Union, being one of the members of that organisation invited and present, the Rector himself joining in the discussion.
All Mr. Hartley could do, under the circumstances, when he saw the condensed report of the lecture and had the subsequent approving and sweeping comments (the latter not in these columns) brought to his notice, was to invite Mrs. Allan Bright to inspect his Aintree works (on the modern style of which his London factory is modelled), and to bring with her Miss Tuckwell, or anyone else, with liberty to all to freely interrogate the female workers. Mrs. Bright at once cheerfully responded, and as Miss Tuckwell had gone on a visit to Spain, Miss Forman (hon, Secretary of the registration branch of the Victoria Women’s Settlement) was her companion, this lady having heard the lecture in question. Mr. Hartley would have welcomed Canon Kempthorne, or any other representative of the Christian Social Union. After thanking the two ladies for their generous response, he gave a cordial greeting to our commissioner, who has had a knowledge of his Aintree factory since its opening, twenty years ago, and was present on this, as on previous, occasions with a free hand.
COMPREHENSIVE TOUR
The tour, facilitated by means of hydraulic lifts, covered all the female workrooms. The operations in the at present idle manufacturing departments, shortly to be resumed on the arrival of enormous consignments of Seville oranges, were illustrated by the boiling of water, which causes more steam than the actual jam and marmalade making. It was to the boiling places that Mr. Hartley first conducted the ladies. The preserving pans, which, working on sockets, are easy to tilt, had been boiling for some minutes when the partly entered. On the electric fans being started, the steam was drawn out of sight and the temperature reduced. The male operation of pouring the jam into copper-lined troughs mounted on light trucks was witnessed, and as the trucks were wheeled into weighing and potting rooms the vast net work of the hand-propelled tramway system of the factory became obvious. In order to better appreciate the automatic means for the reduction of personal fatigue, each of the two ladies wheeled a truck and filled jampots with the ladle. To perform the latter work they severally stepped into the tiny pits in which the girls stand, to the comfort of the feet and the avoidance of bending the back. Working in this hygienic way 220,000 jars per day are filled and transferred to miles of cooling and storage racks- each tier being well ventilated- without any weight-raising or carriage by females. After crossing the covered central street, through which jam and marmalade jars with boxes of candied peel are conveyed in great quantities for consumption in Liverpool and district and viewing the private railway sidings, the inspecting party ascending by the lifts to see the whole six floor, of the warehouses. Without pretence to higher mathematics it was realised that warehouses supporting two tons to the square yard, or 1,000 tons per storey, on half a dozen floors of billiards table flatness, could not have been constructed by the jetty builder, a kind of man effectively warned off Mr. Hartley’s Aintree course.
LONG SERVICE AND PROFIT SHARING
A master of detail and a capital cicerone, Mr. Hartley explained that the difficulty he encountered was not with periods of overwork, such as seamstresses encounter but to find work for anything like a full staff when no home or foreign fruit can be obtained. The women and girls employed in this factory thus range from about 600 to 2,000. He would willingly he remarked open his marmalade season some weeks before Christmas, but he has felt compelled to adhere to the use of Seville oranges alone. This fruit, being grown on high ground and near the coast does not reach him until about December 20. He might have pursed the interesting theme by suggesting more colonial enterprise in orange culture, but his attention was diverted by the passing of a long-service employee. Intercepted to tell the ladies of her working life, the woman said she had been in Mr. Hartley’s works first at Bootle and then at Aintree, for twenty-five years. During the nearly twenty years of the profit-sharing she had always received a sealed bonus as an annual addition to her wages. She appeared surprised at the mere suggestion that there might be something about the wages or the work at which she could reason ably complain. The profit sharing seemed to make her working happiness complete.
Our artist made good use of his opportunities during a series of interviews held by the ladies while in the labelling and tying up department, the scene being one of great animation, with a pleasant rhythmic sound as hundreds of jars were being singly rolled on the boards. In quick succession Mary, Julia, Lizzie, Kate, Clara, Annie, Martha, Maggie, and a second series of Marys, Julias, &c., -Mr. Hartley having a marvellous memory for Christian names -halted a while in their piecework to state their length of service (ranging from four to sixteen years), wages (16s would be a fair average in the season), and profit-sharing (ranging from two to six week’s wages), Mrs. Bright and Miss Forman could not here resist the temptation each to move a full truck of jars. A slight hesitation on the part of the truck to start led a Kate to volunteer the smiling observation, “It’s easy when you get used to it.” In the hands of Kate the truck was most compliant. By way of “drawing” expressions from the girls, Mr. Hartley frequently threw out suggestions that the profit-sharing might have to come to and end through the aspersions cast on jam factories as a sequence to the Tuckwell lecture. Generally, the reply was an incredulous shake of the head, but one of the Claras emphatically added, with a glance at the brisk work in one of the packing-rooms. “I don’t think the profit-sharing will stop.” Before quitting the precincts of the factory, the surgery and female dining-room were visited. Dr. Sugden attends twice a week and when called. A list of patients awaits each regular visit. There were twenty-seven names on the list that evening, this being a season for slight colds, to which attention was given as a preventive. In reply to Mrs. Bright, the doctor speaking in the presence of about a dozen of his patients, who had a cheerful mien) said that the females of this factory were, on the whole, healthy.
Mr. Hartley asked the patients to state frankly and fearlessly if they knew of any case of fining or of the stopping of wages in the factory. The replies were wholly in the negative, and one woman’s testified from fourteen years’ experience. The female dining-hall was found to be of church-like design and dimensions, in harmony with the healthiness of the whole factory. Here all women and girls who wish take their midday meal at cost price. Maggie looked up from the browning of milk puddings and an explanation of the most modern of vegetable steamers (a source of great interest to the ladies) to state that in her eighteen years’ service she had known nothing of fines or of stopped wages. Louise checked the bread-slicer to confirm Maggie’s evidence from her own eleven years at the works. Both expressed appreciation of the profit-sharing. The bread-baking ovens, the kneading machine, &c., prolonged the inspection by the ladies, who, being immediately concerned only with women’s work, did not proceed to the dining-hall for men and boys.
IN THE VILLAGE
A short stay in “Hartley’s Village” gave our easel-laden artist a second period for breathing and sketching at a pretty corner. Th workpeople’s cottages have gardens, wide streets, with a field for football and hockey added to a frontage. At the rear is an even wider passage (12 feet) than the 9-foot municipal one, for which Mr. Hartley fought when a member of the Liverpool City council. Plus the passage is a central bowling green, which Mrs. Bright aptly likened to a collegiate play-ground. The inclusive rental of a cottage, rates, taxes, and water being all covered, runs from 2s 6d weekly. A 2s 6d cottage was thoroughly explored by the ladies, whose commendation of both builder and widowed tenant’s care was richly merited. The tenant volunteered this statement. “Feeding lonely, I once left my cottage for apartments, but I found worse things than loneliness, and came back at the first vacancy.” If the “Garden City” promoters have missed Aintree, their omission is unpardonable. The cottage inspection was repeated with further satisfaction on the 3s 6d side of the same street. As if on the defensive. Mr. Hartley regretted that his model cottage for workpeople (he has groups solely for outsiders) were not more numerous. He would have had a Port Sunlight or a Bourneville in extent, instead of in miniature, if only his business admitted of the employment of more men and boys. From the nature of the manufactory, however, women and girls largely predominate, and naturally dwell, for the most part, with fathers, uncles, husbands, brothers, and sons employed as a rule, elsewhere, in many cases on the railway.
A FRANK TESIMONIAL
After Mrs. Bright had thanked Mr. Hartley for the interesting hours which Miss Forman and herself had just spent, the “Daily Post and Mercury” representative asked her kindly to express for publication an opinion of what both ladies had seen.
Mrs. Bright courteously replied- “With regard to Mr. Hartley’s factory, everything here is more perfect. I regret that the factory is not still larger, so that even more hands could be employed under such excellent sanitary conditions. Miss Forman and I asked the many women and girls with whom we conversed whether there were any fines, and we were informed, in every case, that no fines were known. One woman, with nearly twenty years’ service, said she had never heard of any such things as fines at this factory. We asked the patients at the surgery and they replied to the same effect. We did not see any ground for supposing that there is heavy weight-lifting by females. The ventilation of the factory is admirable. We saw the electric fans working, and were struck with the extremely ventilation and the drawing off of the steam.”

FOOTBALL TOPICS
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Wednesday 06 December 1905
Everton have this month the stiffest work imaginable. In some cases they are meeting inferior clubs, but these are the very clubs becoming desperate through the fear of Second Division “promotion,” and the Blues will have to fight hard all through till the New Year is ushered, and for that matter on the second day of 1906, when they go to Hyde-road. Next Saturday they are at Derby, and the County have allocated this match for the benefit of Stephenson Bloomer and Ben Warren, whose brilliance has oft been seen. Then they receive a visit from Sheffield Wednesday, followed by a journey to Nottingham Forest’s ground, Bury being opposed away on Christmas Day, and at home on Boxing Day. On December 30 they tackle Middlesbrough away, and this completed the awkward fences.

EVERTON TEAM TO GO TO DERBY COUNTRY’S GROUND
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 06 December 1905
Bee
This is the team that will meet Derby County for Everton;- Scott in goal, R. Balmer and Crelly, back, Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, at half-back, and Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman as forwards. The directors are trying the Makepeace experiment again- it was not a trial last week. Settle’s injury is healed, and Crelly is in the best of health now, so that McLaughlin and Hill retire to the lesser organisation.
One eye spectators-
One-eyed spectators-you known, the partisan who has his right eye wide open for good points of his favourite side and his left eye searching for bad marks for the opposition- are not unfortunately a novelty. My reference to Garrat brings out some football freaks from an “Old Junior,” who rites;-
Apropos of your comments in Monday’s “Echo” on the one-eyed “Villain,” Garrat, wherein you remark that, although you have seen a one-legged player and one a one-armed player, you do not recollect having seen a one-eyed one before, may I say that, as a junior player in the early nineties, I also remember a one-legged goalkeeper, who kept the goal space clear with his crutch meanwhile he punched the ball away with his free arm? He failed from Seacombe, if I remember aright, I also remember two or three one-armed players, the best-known of them being Alec Barbour, the old Bootle reserve left-winger. I also played with and remember very well a local prototype of your unique “Villain.” He was the namesake of a great general who committed suicide in Paris not so very long ago, and he subsequently played with Everton reserve, Bootle reserve, and the R.M.S Campania football team. He wore a glass eye and it used to be our game to get on his blind side. He played in all forward positions, mostly centre forward. Perhaps now you will remember him. In any case, I apologue for taking up so much of your time, but the reference recalled so many memories of football freaks that I could not desist from supplying you with a local example of the one-eyed player.

EVERTON v  DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Thursday 07 December 1905
This is the team that will meet Derby County for Everton;- Scott in goal, R. Balmer and Crelly, back, Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, at half-back, and Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman as forwards. The directors are trying the Makepeace experiment again- it was not a trial last week. Settle’s injury is healed, and Crelly is in the best of health now, so that McLaughlin and Hill retire to the lesser organisation. 

EVERTON’S SEARCH
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 07 December 1905
ANOTHER SCOTCHMAN FOR THE TOFFEE TEAM
Everton F.C have secured the transfer of Dougal McNab, who, with Quinn, also signed by Everton, played for the Coatbridge Club, Albion Rovers. McNab has figured in the ranks of Queen’s Park and Hamilton Academical. He is about twenty-two years of age, tall, and possessing weight makes a good bustling forward, and thus should succeed in the English League football. McNab is a good cricketer, being a member of the well-known Scottish club, Uddingston.
MURRAY TRANSFERRED
LEEDS CITY GAIN A LIVERPOOL FOOTBALLER
The Liverpool Football Club have parted with David Murray to Leeds City, the new Association club in Yorkshire, and the club to whom the Reds gave R. Morris and Morgan. Murray leaves Liverpool to-morrow, and makes his debut for his new masters on Saturday against Bristol City.
Murray was transferred from Everton to their neighbours two seasons ago, and he holds the medal presented for assisting the Reds to regain their position in the Senior League. Among the Second Division Murray will shine, and he should be a capital acquisition to Leeds.

ANOTHER FORWARD FOR EVERTON
December 8, 1905. Lancashire Evening Post
Everton have secured the transfer of Dougal McNab, who with Quinn, also signed by Everton, played for the Coatbridge club, Albion Rovers. McNab has figured in the ranks of Queen's Park and Hamilton Academicals.

ANOTHER NEW PLAYER FOR EVERTON
December 8, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Everton have secured the transfer of Dougal McNab, with Quinn, also signed for Everton, players for the Coatbridge club, Albion Rovers. McNab has been in the ranks of Queen's Park and Hamilton Acadicals. He is about 21, and possessing good weight. McNab is a good cricker, being a member of the well knows Scottish team Uddington.

ANOTHER SCOTCH PLAYER FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Friday 08 December 1905
Everton F.C have secured the transfer of Dougal McNab, who, with Quinn, also signed by Everton, played for the Coatbridge Club, Albion Rovers. McNab has figured in the ranks of Queen’s Park and Hamilton Academical. He is about twenty-two years of age, tall, and possessing weight makes a good bustling forward, and thus should succeed in the English League football. McNab is a good cricketer, being a member of the well-known Scottish club, Uddingston.
LIVERPOOL FULL-BACK TRANSFERRED
The Liverpool Football Club have parted with David Murray to Leeds City, the new Association club in Yorkshire, and the club to whom the Reds gave R. Morris and Morgan. Murray leaves Liverpool to-morrow, and makes his debut for his new masters on Saturday against Bristol City.
Murray was transferred from Everton to their neighbours two seasons ago, and he holds the medal presented for assisting the Reds to regain their position in the Senior League. Among the Second Division Murray will shine, and he should be a capital acquisition to Leeds.

EVERTON RES V. NELSON
December 9, 1905. The Lancashire Evening Post
At Everton, in fine weather, before a good crowd, Everton included their latest acquisitions, Quinn and Butler. Nelson won the toss, and Quinn started for Everton. At the outset the home eleven pressed vigorously and Saunders conceded a corner, Butler, however, sending behind. A pretty sequence of footwork by the Nelson quintet caused the Everton custodian to save a fast shot from Anderton. Following this Rankin gained possession but he put the ball pass the post. Nelson retaliated in no half-hearted fashion but their final efforts lacked sting Watkins mulled when a score seemed imminent. Good kicking by Savage and Yates sent the home quintette to the right about. Everton continued to hold the advantage, Chadwick and Donalds missing by inches. Following a free kick against Everton. Hogan missed when under the crossbar. After Nelson had paid a brief visit to Everton territory, Saunders as applauded for a magnificent save from Birnie but the same player opened the score shortly after this. Nelson's front rank combined effectually. Cooke added a second goal for Everton.
Half-time; Everton Reserves 2, Nelson 0
Resuming, Saunders immediately saved brilliantly from Rankin. Nelson advanced in threatening style, but their progress was checked by Wildman. The Nelson right wing looked promising when offside intervened. The visitors were now playing much better football, forcing several abortive corners. Everton spoilt frequent opportunities of adding to their total by reckless workmanship. Hogan netted for Nelson, but was adjudged offside. The visitors continued to make headway, and Collins was frequently called upon to clear. Saunders saved from Cooke. Anderton was often at fault. Everton gave indications of adding to the score, but Savage and his colleagues repelled all advances. Result; Everton Reserves 2, Nelson 0.

TEAM ARRNAGEMENTS FOR THIS DAY ASSOCIATION
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury- Saturday 09 December 1905
Everton v Derby County
League match at Derby leave Central at 9.42; 2.15
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Nelson
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; 2.30
Everton.- Collins, goal; Hill and Wildman, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, Rankin, Quinn, Cooke, and Butler, forwards.

EVERTON v  NELSON
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 09 December 1905
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV 1
At Goodison Park. The Blues commenced operations, and at one assumed the aggressive, a good centre by Birnie and a futile attempt by Donaldson being the result. Anderson shot weakly at the other end, and Collins easily cleared. At length Nelson raised the siege, and the visiting forwards had a glorious chance of shooting their worth. The Everton defence was beaten, but Hogan failed to take in the situation, which permitted Wildman to recover and save the position. Cooke sent in a terrific shot, which Yates just managed to divert with his head. Then followed a severe bombardment of the Nelson citadel, relief being afforded by Birnie sending behind. Chadwick put in a rasping shot, which just sailed over the bar, and then Donladson followed the example of his colleague, his final effort finishing the same. Play now opened out, and the visitors enjoyed a greater share of the attack than they had done since the game commenced. Rankin made a great effort, and after running more than half the length of the field he shot weakly, no doubt owing to the too close attentions of Savage. The home supporters were naturally anxious as to how the latest additions to the team (Butler and Quinn) would fare in their initial appearance. So far both had several opportunities of distinguishing himself, but the impression gained was not a favourable one. In fairness to the players, however, it must be stated that neither had an opportunity of studying the play of their colleagues. The persistent efforts of the Blues were at length rewarded by Birnie finding the net with an oblique shot.
Final; Everton 2 Nelson nil.

EVERTON TAKE A POINT AT DERBY
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 09 December 1905
NIL-NIL DRAW
There was exceptional interest in the engagement between Everton and Derby County in the Midland town this afternoon. A variety of course contributed to this. In the first place the County team had not dropped a single point on their own ground so far this season; and in the second, to-day’s encounter was devoted as a benefit to Bloomer, who holds the remarkable record of having fought for England twenty-one times, and Warren, the useful half-back. Another interesting coincidence is that the owner of the ground is included in to-day’s knighthoods. The journey to Derby was made in fairly good time, and after a light lunch the players walked quietly to the baseball ground. Crelly was fit again after his recent injury, and Hill’s services were, therefore, dispensed with. Settle, too, was anxious to play, but up to the last moment there was a doubt in the matter, and as a matter of precaution McLoughlin travelled down as reserve. There had bene a quantity of rain in Derby this morning, and the ground was rendered exceedingly heavy, but the outlook otherwise pointed to a fast and exciting struggle.
The home side was at full strength, and there was a full ring of spectators present when the players lined out as follows;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Derby.- Maskery, goal; Methven and Morris, backs; Warren, Hull, and Wood, half-backs; J.W. Davies, Bloomer, Fletcher, Richards, and Middleton, forwards.
Referee, Mr. N. Whittaker, of London.
The sun was shinning brilliantly when, Bloomer having lost the toss, Fletcher set the ball going in the presence of 10,000 spectators. The Derby players faced the sun, and they at once made an incursion into the Everton territory on the right. Crelly and Abbott were at once in difficulties, and after a most exciting struggle in front of the visitors’ goal Warren put in a terrific oblique shot, which Scott cleared with rare cleverness. The home side were evidently determined to force the pace from the outset, for the immediately returned again on the right and this time Davies gave Scott a warm handful, which he coped with gallantly. Taylor then gave to his forwards and Everton got down on the right, where Sharp had two shots at goal, but both were charged down, and a few moments later the home forwards were moving off again in the direction of the Everton goal. Fletcher, however, finished with a rather wild shot, which went wide. So far the County team had rather the best of the argument, and on two occasions Bloomer tried to get through, but he was closely watched, and after a time the Blues worked down in promising fashion, Makepeace finally putting in a shot which went wide. The visitors again tried to get going, but the home half-backs broke up two clever combinations, and the visitors were once more placed on the defensive. Booth relieved, and Hardman running down passed to Young, who worked his way between the two backs and shot, but Maskery ran out and kicked clear. The next few minutes of the game were fought in the Everton half, the County forwards making desperate efforts to draw first blood, and Richards looked very like scoring when he was pulled up for being offside, there was a spell of midfield work, and then a free kick in favour of Everton gave them a chance, but Maskery cleared Settle’s shot. A breakaway by Sharp and Makepeace looked promising from the visitors’ point of view, but Morris pulled the outside man up with rather more than necessary  vigour. The game was now going rather in favour of the Evertonians, but they were opposed by a singularly stubborn defence, and after a time the Derby forwards moved along on the right, where Bloomer completely beat Abbott, but his subsequent pass to Fletcher only ended in the latter shooting into Scott’s hands. Following upon this, the home front rank put on another spurt, and there was a fierce struggle between the left wing pair and Taylor and Balmer, the ball finely going over the line. Everton then made play on the left, and the leather being passed to Young, the centre forward put in a smart shot which was intercepted by Methven’s head. A spasmodic forward movement by Bloomer and Dabis came to nothing, and Booth, giving to Sharp, the latter looked very dangerous when he was bowled over by Methven, who had rushed across to the assistance of Morris. There was now a rather long spell of give-and-take play, both sides being visited in turn, but without anything of moment happening. From a long pass by Middleton Fletcher gave Scott some trouble, but he succeeded in getting the greasy ball away, and Booth serving up to Hardman the latter looked very like getting through when he overran the ball. Everton, however, speedily returned to the attack, and soon Young put in a very smart shot, which, however, passed outside. Matters were now getting very much in favour of Everton, who were showing fine foot work, and a movement of more than usual accuracy terminated in Settle putting in a swift high shot, which was rather luckily intercepted by the home custodian. The visitors however, still kept pegging away, and Abbott, running into his forwards’ assistance, sent in a long pot shot that passed wide of the mark. The next item of interest was a breakaway on the part of the home left, and Balmer was thoroughly beaten when Crelly came to his assistance and put the ball over the line. Then followed a long and sustained attack on the part of the Evertonians. The ball was taken along in fine style, and Young passing to Hardman, the latter was about to shoot when he was ruled offside. The visitors, however, come again on the right, and Sharp, working through gave the ball to Makepeace, who netted it, but he in turn was adjudged offside, and the point, of course, was disallowed. This, however, was not the end of the bombardment upon Maskery’s charge, for after the lapse of a few seconds Sharp raced down, and put in a stringing shot which caused the Derby custodian to leave his charge and handle the ball twice before getting it clear. As the interval approached, the home side made renewed efforts, and Richards put in a swift low shot, but it was successfully dealt with. More midfield play ensued and then the County men forced matters once more, but the attack ended in Warren shooting just outside. Good work on the part of the Everton right caused the home defenders considerable trouble, and Sharp was treated rather unceremoniously by Norris, but he stuck to him with great grimness. A beautiful centre from him gave Young a glorious chance, but the latter was fouled by Hall. From the free kick there was a tremendously exciting struggle in front of Maskery, and being bowled over by Makepeace while clearing, the Derby goal was temporarily left open, but Methven just managed to save Hardman’s shot, and half time came without anything being scored.
Half-time score -Derby County nil, Everton nil
The ground was comfortably filled when play was resumed. The home forwards at once swooped down on the left, and Richards shot finely, but Balmer was fortunately in the way. A few seconds later the home right got going. After Davis had tried his luck, without success, Bloomer worked through like an eel, but he was so hampered by Abbott that his shot went just wide of its intended billet. A beautiful breakaway by Hardman terminated in the dashing little amateur centring accurately; but Young was too slow, and Maskery was able to come out and clear. The Everton right was next in evidence, and Sharp putting in a long dropping shot Maskery partially cleared, but Makepeace, in trying to mend matters, headed outside. The next important movement was a sustained attack by the home right, but the Everton defence was sound, and eventually the visitors took up the argument through the instrumentality of Young and Makepeace but the latter shot outside. Returning a few moments later, Settle was given an opening, but he shot without thinking, and there was no danger. End-to-end play followed, both sides taking up the attack in turn, and a corner to Everton looked promising, but it was cleared, and the game was continued at a ding-dong pace to the end.
Final Result Derby County Nil, Everton Nil
Last season Everton 2, Derby County 1

DERBY COUNTY v  EVERTON
Football Post (Nottingham) - Saturday 09 December 1905
The Bloomer-Warren benefit match results in a goalless draw, this being the “Rams” first divide of the season.
A STUBBORN GAME
(Last season; Everton 2, Derby 1)
Brilliant as had been their form at home since the campaign opened it was fully recognised that the “ Rams” had a very stiff task before them this afternoon in meeting Everton at the Baseball Ground.  Tho Goodison Park representatives had proved themselves a formidable side and were in the fortunate position of having their forces available, Crelly and Settle appearing to the exclusion of Hill and McLoughlin, compared with the side that so handsomely defeated the “Wolves” at Molineux ground a week ago. Derby were stronger than at Birmingham Morris and Wood having sufficiently recovered to resume their accustomed places. As the match set apart for joint benefit of those two whole-hearted players, Bloomer and Warren, a big attendance was assured. The match was favoured with delightful weather, when the players turned out the despite the early start, there were some 8,000 present and the crowd were still pouring in. The grounds was a trifle heavy, and losing the toss, the “Rams” started with the sun in their faces in the direction of the Normanton goal.  
“Rams” Open Strongly
Neatly fed by Fletcher, Davis immediately sprinted clear, and screwed in a fine centre, which Crelley headed away, but Warren secured and put in a tremendous drive which Scott fielded cleverly and threw away.  Middleton was pulled up for off-side when Richards initiated another attack by some skilful manoeuvring, but the County swept back and Scott had to dispose of a fast, rising shot from Davis. The visitors worked down by easy stages, and Sharp compelled Morris to concede a corner, but Wood applied his head to the flag kick very judiciously and Bloomer completed the clearance. For a while Everton maintained a steady pressure, but Methven relieved, and when Young beat him a moment later and looked certain to score, Maskrey ran out of goal and cleared in dashing style. Aided by a free kick, the “Rams” advanced determinedly, but Davis was erroneously given off-side when Bloomer furnished him with a clear course, and following a free kick against Methven for charging Settle in the back, the visitors became very aggressive, but Richards hooked the ball out of danger and the forward attacked spiritedly on the right, Fletcher essaying a fast grounder which Scott gathered and returned. A capital individual effort by Middleton enabled Warren to get in a drive, but he was very wide of the mark and when the Everton left wing assailed Morris headed out splendidly as Settle volleyed in from close range. At the other end Scott cleared from Richards at the second attempt, and then Everton rushed down in ominous fashion, only for Young to misdirect when a favourable opening presented itself.
Settle’s Bad Miss
The visitors could make no capital out of a corner conceded by Methven, but Settle missed badly when Makepeace landed the ball in front. Clever combination by the home left only brought an unproductive corner off Balmer, and Everton again forced matters with rare grit, but Maskrey brilliantly  from Abbott.  Middleton, who was being admirably fed by his partner, got the ball away unattended, but delayed his centre too long, and Balmer charged it down. Off-side neutralised promising movements by both sets of forwards, and in the course of a well-engineered attack by the visitors Sharp got in a centre pretty centre, and after some scrimmaging Makepeace rushed ball into the net, but he was obviously off-side, and the point wag promptly disallowed.  The game was being contested at an exhilarating pace, but the County met a very strong defence, and could not get within range.  Crelley twice kicked into touch when Davis was working hard for an opening, and after another forcing run by Sharp.  Morris had to give a corner, but this, like it’s predecessors was not improved upon.  A taking movement by Richards and Middleton saw the latter try a magnificent drive which flashed inches the wrong side of the post and after Davis had landed on to the net Warren raced into position, but shot yards wide.  Just before the interval Everton attacked hotly, but Hall cleared, and half-time arrived with the score:— Derby County 0 Everton 0
The game was resumed before over 10,000 spectators, and Derby promptly attacked, Scott having to clear from Fletcher and Richards in the first few minutes following a couple of excellent centres from Middleton.  Directly afterwards Bloomer burst through, but had to take his shot under difficulties, and it passed a foot wide.  Sharp came into prominence for a beautiful run and centre, but Makepeace headed over and when “Rams” swept back, Crelly had to give a corner to keep Richards out.  The flag kick was badly placed by Middleton, and Balmer cleared, Sharp immediately racing away,  and putting in a beautiful centre. Both Makepeace and  Settle missed it, and then Bloomer initiated a determined attack, but Mr.  Whittaker whistled Richards off-side with three men yards in front of him.  Through the instrumentality of their right wing pair, Everton pressed persistently, but Morris at last relieved Bloomer went careering though at a great pace, and gave Davis an excellent chance, but the latter’s left foot shot skimmed the bar. A moment later the “Rams” attacked in desperate fashion, and after Davis had hooked the ball in prettily, Bloomer, Warren and Richards all tried shots, which cannoned back off opposing defender’s legs and Balmer eventually rushed the ball away.  
A Strenuous Fight
For a time the County completely monopolised the attack, but Everton defence offered a very stubborn resistance. Middleton was unceremoniously grassed by Taylor just outside the penalty line when he had dribbled through cleverly, but the free kick came to nought. Derby, however, maintained the pressure, and the visitors’ defence was sorely pressed, but off-side against Davis drove them back, and Morris checked Settle just in time when Sharp had again shown Wood a clean pair of heels and centred with fine judgement. Bloomer and Davis again changed the scene by an effective bout of passing, and with Scott out of his goal Taylor headed out a shot from Fletcher from right under the bar. The visitors advanced on the left, but Warren dispossessed Hardman neatly, and when Abbott volleyed in from long range Settle was ruled off-side. A rapid burst by Middleton served to give the “Rams” a footing in their opponents’ quarters, where two beautiful centres from Davis went to waste. A capital individual effort by Richards brought a corner off Balmer, but Middleton placed the flag-kick with poor judgement, and it was scrambled away. A dangerous movement on the visiting right was neutralised by some resolute tackling by Methven, and the “Rams” were sent back, Wood heading right over from a well-placed corner given by Crelley. In the closing stages of the game play became rather scrappy, but Derby continued to have much the best of the argument. On one occasion Davis got clean through, but preferred to shoot to passing to Fletcher, and could only find the side net. Derby pressed continuously until the end, but could not score, and the final whistle sounded with the result;-
Derby County 0 Everton 0
Players;- Derby County.- H. Maskrey (goal), J. Methven , C. Morris (backs), B. Warren, B. Hall, A. Wood (half-backs), J.W. Davies, S. Bloomer (right wing), T. Fletcher m(centre), G.H. Richards, and F. Middleton (left wing).
Everton.- J.W Scott (goal), R. Balmer and J Crelly (backs), J. Taylor, T. Booth (captain), A. Abbott (half-backs), J. Sharp, H. Makepeace, (right wing), J. Young (centre), J. Settle, and H.P. Hardman (left wing). Referee; Mr. N. Whittaker of London.
NOTES ON THE GAME
By “Peveril”
At last Derby’s series of brilliant home achievements has received a check, and after a very strenuous game, Everton has attained the distinction of being the first team to procure a point at the Baseball Ground this season. To say they fully merited a share of the spoils is only giving them their due, for though the “Rams” were obviously the superior combination, taking the match through, the Everton defence presented a magnificent front to all their assaults. For that matter, the game may truthfully be described as a triumph for defence, as in that particular department the home backs accomplished remarkably fine work, Methven, in particular, distinguishing himself for his resourcefulness, his resolute tackling, and dashing clearances. Neither goalkeeper had more than a couple of really dangerous shots to deal with the whole ninety minutes, but an error of judgment on the part of Scott was nearly attended with disaster in the second half. The spectators were disappointed that Bloomer did not score on the occasion of his benefit, but it was not for want of trying. Generally speaking he was not allowed much scope, and the most conspicuous forwards in the County leading file were Davis and Richards, both of whom got through a tremendous amount of work.
Middleton was not an improvement on Lamb, but for some unaccountable reason he very rarely does show to advantage before his own supporters.

Of the opposing forwards Sharp was very dangerous, but the remainder, like whose of the “Rams,” were not allowed to settle down to any definite scheme of attack, thanks to the vigilance of the half-backs, amongst whom Warren and Booth were continually prominent. Compared with last year the result represents a gain of a point to Derby, so I suppose they will be perfectly satisfied with a division of the spoils under the circumstances. Everton are a splendid side, and I can quite understand how easily they routed the poor “Wolves” so completely last week.

EVERTON SUCCESSFUL
Athletic News - Monday 11 December 1905
Everton were opposed by Nelson at Goodison Park and the home team won by 2 goals to 0. Birnie and Cooke scored in the first half.  Quinn, who was tried at centre forward, did not prove a very efficient substitute for Oliver, but he may do better when he has become accustomed to his new surroundings.  Neither did Butler shape advantageously, but both these men have good credentials.  Fort Everton, Cooke, Rankin, and Birnie showed capital form, while at half-back, Black was the most prominent figure.  In the rear division Hill and Wildman defended capably.  The Nelson forwards were weak near goal, and though they gained many favorable positions for scoring, they seldom tested Collins seriously. 

WEAK FORWARD WORK AT DERBY.
Athletic News - Monday 11 December 1905
By Peakite.
Everton achieved a feat at Derby on Saturday which they have some reason to feel proud. Prior to that day Derby County had won all their matches outright on the Baseball ground, but Everton —the eighth team of visitors to that enclosure -succeeded in preserving a clean sheet, in  the matter of goals, and in making a division of the points. They had the worst of the play, but their defence served them well so well that the Derby forwards for the first time this season at home failed to score. Everton had their full strength out, and Derby were well represented, Morris once more being included in the team, and Middleton being tried in his old position at outside-left to the exclusion of Lamb. The latter selection had given rise to no little criticism before the match, and it may be said at once that it did not work out as well as the directors could have hoped. There was a puzzling wind, and Everton, who won the toss, could hardly have been satisfied with the way in which it helped them after they had won the toes and decided to kick towards the town goal. Something like 10,000 spectators witnessed the match, which was played on a fairly heavy ground. The Derby men opened the game with one of the most dangerous attacks they put in during the afternoon. They warmed round the Everton goal, and Warren tried a beautiful long shot which Scott cleverly negotiated. Fletcher gave Scott another shot, and this was followed by unavailing attempts on the part of Young and Settle, the latter making rather a weak shot when well placed. On another occasion the hearts of the spectators came into their mouths when a shot from the right failed to reach Maskrey, who was deceived by the flight of the ball, and would really have done better to have dashed forward and fisted away. It was an exciting Incident whilst it lasted, and everyone was glad when the ball was safely out of danger. Richards made a good attempt to score after he had succeeded in beating Balmer, but his shot went about a yard outside the top corner of the goal. Makepeace had the ball in the net on one occasion, but he was standing under the bar when he got to it, and the referee pronounced him off-wide before he touched It.  So far as the first half had gone there was not a great deal to choose between the teams, but after ends were changed Derby put a lot more spirit into their attack and kept Everton almost continuously on the defensive. Still it was the sort of pressure that does not count for much, and Scott’s anxious moments were really very few and far between. He had to handle immediately after the resumption, and several corners followed in fairly quick succession, all of which were easily cleared. Once Scott handled from Middleton, and later, when Scott was out of goal, Fletcher headed straight in. Fortunately for Everton Taylor had dropped back, and though he was apparently inclined at first to fiet out, he found his head—in a double sense—and got the ball away. Whenever Everton were dangerous in this half it was generally through the instrumentality of Sharp, who got in more than one fine centre. On one occasion Makepeace ought to have converted beautiful centre, but made a sad hash of it. The defence on either side was undefeated to the end. I suppose we shall be told that Derby County ought to have won, and no doubt there is some force in the contention. But after all they had no right to complain of only making a draw, as their work in front of goal was by no means as clever as it might have been. For that matter Everton were far from exercising a terrorizing influence when they drew near goal, and in this respect there was nothing to choose between them. The defenders on either side had in fact a great afternoon, and for every word of praise that had to be given to one set precisely the same had to, be said of the other. Balmer and Crelley  kicked and tackled with unerring accuracy, but so did Methven and Morris, the veteran probably being as good as any one of the four. The half-backs, too, were a tremendous factor in the game, and Warren, Hall, and Wood had nothing to learn from Abbott, Booth, and Taylor.  They constituted a pretty strong lot, with Warren perhaps the pick of the party.  Naturally, with such a fine defence to face, the forwards on either side reaped few honours.  Fletcher had a bad afternoon, and seldom made his presence felt.  Bloomer and Richards were about the best of the five.  Middleton being far from effective, and Davies spoiling his work by a tendency to get offside.  Of the Everton forwards Sharp and Makepeace were the better wing, the former getting in many clever centres.  The goalkeepers were not seriously tested.  Derby County; -Maskery; Methven, Morris; Warren, Hall, Wood; Davis, Bloomer, T. Fletcher, Richards, and Middleton.  Everton; Scott; Balmer, Crelley; Taylor, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; N. Whittaker, London. 

EVERTON GARNERING POINTS
Athletic News - Monday 11 December 1905
By Junius
Although Everton failed to reproduce their victory of last year at the Baseball Grounds, Derby, they did the next best thing in averting defeat, and have the satisfaction of knowing they are the only team to take away a point from that enclosure this season.  The failure of their forwards to score was only the second occasion of such an instance occurring during the present campaign, and it was likewise the first match in which Everton have kept an intact defence in a League fixture.  Compared with the corresponding matches of last year Everton are now five points in arrears, but by gaining three points out of a possible four in two successive away games, they have rehabilitated themselves in the graces of their supporters.  They are at home next Saturday to Sheffield Wednesday, whom they easily beat last season, so that another success over the “Blades” will not strengthen their position in the League tourney. 

DERBY COUNTY 0 EVERTON 0
December 11 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Everton did not repeat last season's victory at Derby. Indeed, under the circumstances this result must be considered highly gratifying. It has to be remembered that until Saturday last Derby County, had not lost a point a home, though in the majority of instances their victories had been achieved by only an odd goal. As a matter of fact, though they cut such a respectable figure in the League table, only one club in the League has registered fewer goals than the Peakites. This in itself is striking testimony to the soundness of their defence, and it was a feature which was emphasised in the fixture with Everton, for, while the forwards evidently are nothing great in the matter of goal getting, the defence- on the Baseball ground at any rate- will upset the combination of the vast majority of visiting teams. The match was set apart for the benefit of the famous International, Steve Bloomer and Ben Warren, but though the weather was favourable, the good people of Derby did not bestow their patronage as generously as might have been expected. Still Bloomer, and his less-known colleagues will reap considerable pecuniary advantage.
AN EVEN GAME.
It was a fact and well contested game, and taking everything into account, a division of the honours was a fair indication of the merits of the sides. Derby County might have had a shade the better of the play, but it would have been hard lines for either team to have lost. The home eleven had a district advantage on the greasy turf, which they know so well, and the consequence was seen in the fact that they were better able to keep their feet than the Evertonians, who are not so well acquainted with, the little peculiarities of the ground. Under conditions as these the players gave an exhibition of pluck and endurance upon, which they are to be commended. Naturally it was not a day on which the forwards could be expected to shine, and the clean sheet bore testimony to this. At the same time the ineffectiveness of the attacking forces was largely due to the strength of the respective defences. Especially prominent were the half-back lines, for the tactics they adopted prevented either set of forwards showing to advantage. Still there were chances which not turned to account and on one occasion when Scott was drawn out of goal only a timely header on the part of Taylor saved Everton from downfall.
THE PLAYERS CRITICISED.
As has been indicated, there was nothing particular about the display of the forwards. Bloomer was too well looked after to become dangerous while the outside wingmen were uneven, at times doing fine work, and at others being sadly at sea. For Everton, Sharp and Makepeace did the best work, the former though not in his most brilliant vein, putting across some lovely centres. Neither Settle nor Hardman was up to concert pitch, and Young was in one of his irritating moods. Everton sorely need a dashing centre of the Hewitt type. Scott kept a capital goal, and both Balmer and Crelly rendered good service, while Booth was the most conspicuous of the halves. The Derby County rearguard was admirable, the veteran Methven being as alert and resourceful as ever. Whether in honour of the neccasion or not, Warren put forth a best efforts, and was easily the most effective of the County middle line. Teams: - Derby County: - Maskery, goal, Methven, and Morris, Warren, Bull, and Wood, half-backs, Davies, Bloomer (Captain), Fletcher, Richards, and Middleton, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goal, R.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-back, Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Referee N. Whittaker.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 NELSON RESERVES 0
December 11, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 15)
Everton continue to add points to their already capital record, and had little difficulty in gaining both points against Nelson. They had their new forwards on view- Butler an outside left from Tranmere Rovers and Quinn a scotch centre forward. The latter was something of a disappointing, and was slow. He may improve, however, when he gets used to the other forwards. Butler did some good things, but nothing exceptional and the changes in the front rank did not lend to improve the side. Birnie and Rankin formed a capital wing, and the former looks like turning out a good player. He and Cooke was the scorers. Everton: - Collins, goal, Hill, and Wildman, backs, Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs, Birnie, Rankin, Quinn, Cooke, and Butler, forwards.

EVERTON DRAW AT DERBY
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury- Monday 11 December 1905
Although Everton did not repeat their last season’s performance at Derby on Saturday, they are least had the satisfaction of halving the points. Up to this the County team had won every home match, so it will at once be seen that the display of the visitors must have been a highly creditable one. As a matter of fact, the heavy state of the ground militated greatly fast football. Heavy rain had fallen during the morning and the turf was in the condition best described as greasy. Keeping one’s foothold was a matter of extreme difficulty, and in this respect the home side had the advantage of being more familiar than were their opponents with the playing patch. In spite of this drawback, however, there were frequent flashes of fine footwork on both sides, and throughout the whole ninety minutes the play was very evenly distributed. The proceeds of the gate, by the way, were for the benefit of Stephen Bloomer, the record-breaking international, and Warren. With the return to the ranks of Settle and Crelly the Evertonians were at full strength, which was just as well, for they had nothing in hand at any time. The home forwards went off at a great pace from the start, and after Warren had tested Scott with a long, raking shot. Bloomer tried to force his way through and give his club the lead. Both Balmer (the younger) and Crelly, however, were on their best behaviour, and on many occasions they covered Scott most efficiently. When the Evertonians at length got going, they gave the home defenders something serious to think about, but there was a scrappiness about their movements that rendered the likelihood of scoring extremely remote. In the second half the Derby forwards were much more formidable, their combination being much better than that of their opponents, and on one occasion they certainly should have scored, Scott being right out of his goal, when Taylor nipped in and headed the ball from under the crossbar. At the other end Settle and Makepeace, to say nothing of Young, had nice openings, of which they failed to take advantage, and thus the game ended as it began-a goalless draw.
Everton’s weakness was undoubtedly in the front line. Young had one of his off-days, and cut rather a poor figure. What is wanted in a centre forward nowadays is someone who to use an expressive Americanism-can “hustle.” For once in a way, too, Hardman never looked really comfortable, and neither Settle nor Makepeace added to their reputations. The only one of the quintet to do himself justice was Sharp, who is just now evidently at the very top of his form. The half backs and backs were all excellent, and Scott kept goal exceedingly well.

BEE’S FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 13 December 1905
Everton are to go through an exceptionally heavy programme as I pointed out a few days ag. Sheffield Wednesday who still have strong claim up favourites for the League championship cup, have not been going any too well in the last half-dozen matches, and Everton have several reasons for putting forth their best foot on Saturday. It is an extremely open issue, and, after the club’s 5-2 and nil-nil registrations, they will be welcomed home by a large crowd of loyal spectators before they bid them “A merry Christmas.”
The team to represent Everton on Saturday will be the same as last Saturday -namely- Scott; R. Balmer, and Crelley; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman.

TEAM ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS DAY
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Saturday 16 December 1905
Everton v Sheffield Wednesday
League Match, at Goodison Park, kick-off at 2.15
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Wednesday.- Lyall, goal; Barton or Slavin and Burton, backs; Ruddlesdin, Crawshaw, and Bartlett, half-backs; Davis, Chapman, Wilson, Stewart, and Simpson, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Oldham Athletic
Lancashire Combination match at Oldham, Exchange 11.40; Kick-off 2.15
Everton.- Collins, goal; Hill and Wildman, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, Rankin, Quinn, Cook, and Grundy, forwards.

TRICKERY ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD
Birmingham Mail - Saturday 16 December 1905
HOW A GOALKEEPER WAS DUPED
Bob Kelso, who was a shining light with Everton, had a keen sense of humour. Once, says a writer in the “Sporting Chronicle,” he was “having a rest,” and took a holiday by playing with the reserve team in a Lancashire Combination match. The championship of the Combination depended on it. It was drawing towards time,” and each side had scored a goal, with the result that a good deal of energy was being displayed. Everton were pressing, when Jimmy Collins, the other full back, placed the ball to Kelso, who lobbed it over the heads of the players direct into goal. There was no Everton player up to the goalkeeper, who was shaping to fist away, when a hoarse voice shouted sharply, “Let it go!” The goalkeeper promptly ducked, and the ball passed into the net.
The Everton team did their usual dance, and Kelso turned a somersault as the referee pointed towards the middle of the field, indicating that a goal had been scored. The defending goalkeeper and backs blamed one another, and the captain blamed them all, but everyone denied having given the misleading shout, and before the team had half recovered their equanimity the whistle sounded and Everton had won by two goals to one. It was Kelso who repeated the trick in a subsequent match at Chester.

WEDNESDAY DOWN AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 16 December 1905
EVERTON IN GOOD FORM
GRAND HALF-BACK AND FORWARD PLAY
SHEFFIELDERS SHOW POOR DEFENCE
Everton have succeeded in securing three points at of their last two matches away, and under ordinary circumstances this would have put their supporters in enthusiastic mood for to-day’s contest with the Wednesday, who are still in the running for championship honours, and therefore formidable opponents. But the Blues have been none too reliable for some time part and the defence is not one too sure against such a stringing attack as Wednesday’s. Moreover, at the last moment Crelly was replaced by Wildman, and as Abbott of late has not been the strongest of the halves the change suggested at once where the brunt of the Blades’ attack would be directed. Still, victory for the Blues would mean a great deal in restoring the confidence of the supporters, as well as giving the players themselves a very necessary stimulus, not to mention the valuable points accruing. The weather had been foggy all morning, and was pretty thick when the game started before a crowd of about 20,000. The teams tuned out as follow;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Wildman, backs; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Sheffield Wednesday.- Lyall, goal; Slavin and Burton, backs; Ruddlesden, Crawshaw (Captain), Bartlett, half-backs; Davies, Chapman, Wilson, Stewart, and Simpson, forwards.
Referee.- Mr. A. Green.
During the early moments of the game some rather stylish passing was shown by Settle and Hardman, but the Blades were more businesslike in their methods, and soon Scott was called upon to save from the Wednesday left. A free kick gave the Evertonians relief, but for a time only, the visitors coming back in fine style, spoiling their move by fouling Scott in the goalmouth. Just afterwards an electric run by Sharp produced a corner to Everton, but this proved of no benefit; and then a positive bowl of disappointment went up when Hardman, with the easiest of opportunity at his feet, tamely put the ball over the crossbar. Hardman’s miss was followed by a free kick to the Blues, and it led to more pressure. The home lot were now working gallantly and Sharp came along with one of his bursts, only to wind up by skying the leather. The home right continued to be busy, but a cross to Young saw the centre well taken care of by the Wednesday backs. Once more did the Everton right lead the van, and a smart cross to Hardman was promptly taken up, and the left winger steadied himself nicely, and sent in a terrific shot, which cannoned off Ruddlesden, and resulted in a corner. This did not bring increased danger at the moment, but it established the Blues in Sheffield territory, and the attack on the right was increased in energy, until Sharp found an opening, when Lyall was defeated with a terrific drive after twelve minutes’ play. With the restart came several attacks from the Sheffield left, but Balmer was too alert to give anything away, and although the visitors had the benefit of a free kick close in they fell to good defence by Wildman. Then Hardman broke away prettily, the result being a centre to Young and a swing out to Sharp, the latter being unable to turn the move to good account. However, the homesters kept up the pressure, and a free kick against the Blades for fouling Young gave the screw a further turn, but the visitors wriggled out of a tight place. Now followed pretty work between Abbott, Settle, and Hardman the latter ending up somewhat weakly. Very soon after Sharp held possession on his wing, and dropped the leather first over the bar. Everton continued to do most of the pressing-in fact, their form was very promising. Then a misunderstanding between Taylor and Balmer let the Blades in, but Jock ultimately retrieved the situation. Wednesday, however, came again soon afterwards, but Simpson shot very erratically. This stimulated the Blues immensely, and the front rank advanced in line of attack. Smart passing had the Wednesday in difficulties, but when Makepeace had a splendid opening he like Hardman previously, put the leather well over the bar instead of in the net. Soon afterwards Chapman came out with a strong run, but came to grief at the last fence. Then a really good centre popped up from Davis, but the middle men were too slow to take advantage of it. Chapman came back and shot with great power, but was slightly wide of the mark. Everton gained a corner on the left, and just after this was cleared Sharp dropped the ball into goal, and Lyall soon had half a dozen opponents troubling him, but he came out of the ordeal safe enough. A feeble shot then came from Young, who in subsequent moves failed to respond to the business-like work of his wings. Davies and Chapman opened up a capital move on their wing, and matters looked decidedly ominous until Wildman by very discreet tackling defeated the pair, and forced a kick out. Sharp next got a long pass, and was racing forward for the ball when Lyall caused excitement by a long run out to intercept the oncoming cricketer. The home right continued in evidence and a neat forward pass to Young was taken advantage of smartly by the centre, who only missed by inches. The Blades bucked up at last, and obtained a hold in Everton territory, but all their efforts did not bring about a really dangerous situation, as there was very little determination about them. Simpson wormed his way into within nice shooting distance, but Scott was not called upon, as the winger sent the leather, high at the finish. The home contingent made very little use of a free kick, and Hardman in delightful fashion nullified one which was given against Everton. Then the Blues attacked and after Sharp had dropped the ball in goal it was hustled into the net, but for some reason or other the point was not allowed. A rush by the Sheffielders found the home defence nearly asleep, and Davies got in a perfect centre which Stewart just failed to reach. Then Everton had a turn in Sheffield territory, where they were busily engaged when the interval was sounded.
Half-time score; Everton 1 goal, Sheffield Wednesday Nil.
Restarting Sharp got a very pretty pass from Young but when the cricketer crossed the leather there was no “Blue” to receive it. Settle found himself in possession, but the whistle went as he gave Lyall a handful. After this Makepeace made ineffectual efforts to break away, and when Young did so by kicking smartly on the Burton he failed to pull himself together in time to take the advantage he had forced. Midfield exchanges terminated in one of Abbott’s brilliant long drives, and it was a beauty, just shaving the upright. Free kicks followed on both sides before Simpson tested Scott with a lovely swift ground shot. After a throw in Taylor sent the leather to Young, from whom it went to Settle, the little man shaving the crossbar with a very fine shot. The Sheffield wings put in some hard work, but failed to put on that touch at the finish which is to much to be desired. One shot from Simpson gave Scott a little trouble; then came several dashes by Sharp but as soon as he got away he was tackled by Bartlett and Burton. A move by Young, Makepeace, and Sharp opened up a nice position, but Sharp was fouled within the penalty area, and as Mr. Green declined to pronounce the extreme sentence this for a time put an end to Everton’s hopes. However, some few minutes later the home forwards put on great pressure, principally from the right, and this gave an easy chance to Settle, who promptly netted the ball amidst tremendous cheering. From Abbott’s clever pass, Young nearly scored with a splendid drive. Everton forced the pace on the left. Scott then rushed out to a long forward pass by Crawshaw. Makepeace, Settle, and Sharp were next prominent, until Scott rushed out to Wilson’s advance. Clever tactics by Wednesday’s front led up to a hot corner, and then Taylor relieved. This led up to an Everton attack, Young failure. The Blues continued to hold their own.
Final Result;- Everton 2 goals, Sheffield Wednesday Nil.
Last season-Everton 5, Sheffield Wednesday 2
BEE’S SNAPSHOTS
Who said the popularity of football was declining? At two o’clock there were only 300 persons present. By the kick-off there were thousands. Wildman had his chance to-day, Crelley having been kicked at Derby, and Robert Balmer was moved to the left side. Wednesday showed a quiet confident style, and they were calculating, and as a consequence Simpson first caused Scott to handle, and he was not allowed to rest even a moment, and when holding the ball from a characteristic place of determination by the busily also he was nearly bunded ball and all over the line. Referee Green had seen an infringement-fortunately.  Hardman missed fire, but after a quarter of an hour Makepeace had his back towards Lyall, the lengthy. Promptly he drove on to Sharp, who was well placed. Goal! The ball netted in the right spot, even thought the lengthy one touched it. In so doing he hurt his fingers-and no wonder. As in his only previous appearance with the premier team Wildman opened with mis-kicks and with apparent nervousness. If he improved with the continuance of the game the crowd would express delight. Makepeace, Young, and Hardman had golden chances and after half an hour’s play they should have had a quartette as the result of an almost continuously applied pressure. Was ever there so plucky a man as Hardman? Interval 1-0 -and it should have been a wider margin. The only goal in the second half came from a soft clearance by Slavin and a soft shot by Settle, who in his own mind was pretty confident the ball would roll outside. However, it tucked itself under the net and with this the final goal Everton won by 2-0. But the two points were deserved. Everton were continuous in their offence. Wednesday were running about to catch the speedy Sharp and his players till they were positively worn out. Lack of power in shooting was the only complaint to be made against the home forward line. They were sadly deficiency in this, and it only wanted precision on their part to have made an easy half dozen goals. However, they are going a good way, and having picked up five paints in the last three matches will have something to inspire them to further good efforts through Christmas. Sharp was once again the most prominent man on the field. Makepeace and Sharp performed splendidly but Makepeace likes to rub shoulders with a defender. Stewart was always working with effect for the visitors and had he been served better by Wilson Scott would have been taxed. Davies and the centre line are showing  signs of antiquity. Crawshaw isn’t far from it. He was head and shoulders above the other two halves. It was a disappointing display Slavin gave, and all round Wednesday did not dive up to their reputation.

EVERTON 2 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0
December 18, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
ANOTHER WIN FOR EVERTON.
However, successful Sheffield Wednesday may have been on other grounds, they have no reason to be particularly fond of Goodison-Park. They have not found it a happy hunting ground in respect of Cup-ties, and as for League matches they have only a solitary to their credit, this being in the year when the present magnificent enclosure of the Everton Club was opened. They had a similar experience on Saturday, when they were soundly beaten by Everton by two goals to nil. This, it may be mentioned, is the first occasion this season that Everton have scored a victory without having their penetrated. There was no doubt whatever that Everton were full value for their couple of points, and it is rather singular that Wildman should have appeared at back in the first match, in which the Blues have been successful without having given a goal away.
A MODERATE GAME.
Taken as a whole, the game could not be described as anything out of the common. Certainly we expected something a little more exciting and classic from teams of the stamp of Everton and Sheffield Wednesday. At the same time, there was plenty of good genuine play, and the spectators were not slow to recognise this feature, more especially as the honours of the day rested with the home side, who in their last three matches, two of which were away from home, have secured five out of six possible. In the earlier stages of the proceedings Wildman scarcely settled down, with the result that the Wednesday leftwing were rather prominent. The Everton forwards, however, were not long in getting into their stride, and in less than a quarter of an hour Sharp had given them the lead. The speedy winger received a beautiful pass from Makepeace and, putting in a terrific drive, he had Lyall beaten all the way. This was the only score up to the interval, and when with a soft goal Settle obtained Everton's second goal, no doubt existed in the minds of the spectators as to the ultimate issue. Curiously enough the last quarter of an hour was productive of the best play of the match. Both teams went into the fray with astonishing freshness, and it was quite a treat to have such an interesting wind up to a rather moderate display.
THE PLAYERS.
Once again Sharp was the most conspicuous figure on the Everton side. He is in rare from just now, and with Makepeace becoming more adapted to his how position the outside man has full opportunity of name his speed for the benefit of his side. His centres, too, were wonderfully accurate, and the fact that the scored, a goal all the most welcome, seeing that he has been lacking in this respect for some week past. Settle and Hardman did their share of the week, and did it well, but Young had another of his off-day, though in large measure this was due to the close attentions, which were paid by Crawshaw. Indeed the halves on both sides were full of rescue, while amongs the backs Balmer and Burton were the most prominent. Wildman uncertain at first improved considerably as the game advanced, but Slavin the ex-Birkenhead play, was scarcely a success. Everton's second goal being almost entirely due to a slip on his past. Lyall had no chance of dealing with either, and that scored, and Scott quite maintained his reputation as a most reliable custodian. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, R.Balmer, and Wildman, backs, Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Lyall, goal, Slavin, and Burton, backs Ruddleston, Crawshaw (Captain) and Bartlett, half-backs, Davies Chapman Wilson, Stewart, and Simpson, forwards. Referee A.Green.

BURY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
December 18 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination Division One. (Game 16)
The game between Oldham Athletic and Everton was notable for the many chances that were allowed to go a-begging. This was particularly the case in the opening half, and Rankin would have put Everton ahead had he finished better. After changing ends there was little improvement, and the only goal fell to Oldham from a penalty kick. Everton thus sustained the first defeat since September 16, and have been displaced at the head of the table by Bolton Wanderers who have, however, played two more games than the Goodison-park team. Everton: - Collins, goal, Hill, and Wildman, backs, Black Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs, Birnie, Rankin, Quinn, Cooke, and Grundy, forwards .

EVERTON STEADILY CLIMBING
Athletic News - Monday 18 December 1905
By Junius
Although Everton defeated Sheffield Wednesday by two clear goals it cannot be said that their display gave unalloyed satisfaction.  This was particularly the case in the forward line, where there was much room for improvement.  The Makepeace-Sharp combination was on view at Goodison for the first time, and judging entirely from this match, my opinion as to the former’s ability as a forward has been simply strengthened.  It is a sad waste of talent to place a clever half-back like Makepeace in the front rank.  He is such an enthusiastic footballer that he exerts himself to the utmost to bring about his side’s success, but every move he makes demonstrates the half-back clearly and indisputably Young is completely off colour just now, and until a great improvement is witnessed at centre forward it is useless to expect the Everton attack to become an incisive factor in any game.  Sharp has displayed great form this season, and it is just as well for Everton that this has been the case.  The latest captures made by the club have not altogether bewildered us by their excellence, though this can scarcely be wondered at.  However, the fact remains that Everton are well placed in the League table, but this is entirely due to the strength of their half-back line, and their capable defence. 

Cricket & Football Fields

WEDNESDAY WARRIORS SLAIN.
Athletic News - Monday 18 December 1905
By Junius.
Everton have invariably given a good account of themselves against Sheffield Wednesday, and the latter have only once during the whole of their League experiences with their opponents annexed a victory in Liverpool.  This, curiously enough, came on the first occasion that the clubs met in the League tourney, in 1892. Another reverse has now to be added to the total, and a poor game was the result of the last meeting of the twain. At  the last moment Everton had to make a change in their rear division, for Crelley, who had been suffering all the week from a damaged thigh, was unable to turn out, and Wildman was chosen to fill the post of right back, Robert Balmer crossing over to the opposite wing. Taking the game throughout, there was little to wax enthusiastic about, for both sets of forwards were remiss when it came to a question of shooting. Much of the midfield work was cleverly executed, and the exchanges were rapid and often diverting, but they almost invariably dwindled away when it came to a question of testing the custodian. Despite their failings Everton were the more aggressive team, and they certainly deserved their lead of a goal at the interval. Only thirteen minutes had elapsed when Taylor sent the ball forward to Makepeace, and the latter transferred to Sharp, who put in a terrific ground shot, which made Lyall’s fingers tingle. The custodian could not atop the ball, and the game was delayed somewhat while the keeper was attended to by his trainer. After this initial success Everton exerted more pressure, and had the front rank made the most of their opportunities they must have held a winning certainty at half-time. They did again get the ball into the net from Sharp's centre, but the point was disallowed, presumably for some ultra-attention to Lyall. Rarely did the Wednesday attack cause Scott any uneasiness, and though several good endeavours were made by Stewart and Simpson, their final drives went all awry, and Everton never seemed like losing the match. Everton’s second opportunity came from a sudden rush on the right wing. Burton was lacking in his clearance, and after the ball had hovered dangerously near Lyall during several exchanges, Settle kicked at the leather, and though he only half gained his object he managed to send it rolling slowly into the net. It was a puny sort of goal, though Lyall, who was stationed at the opposite post, was unable to get across to stop the shot. Thus Everton won by two clear goals, a verdict which was fully in accordance with the general run of the play, but it cannot be said that the display of either side roused much enthusiasm. In midfield some clever movements were witnessed, which appeared to betoken a desperate attack at close quarters, but almost without exception the result of the finish was disappointment. On both sides the men in the rear ranks were superior to their comrades, and the respective custodians had a comparatively easy time. The Everton attack was woefully lacking when it came to a question of scoring, and the only forward to do himself justice was Sharp. He certainly received several grand chances from Makepeace, but the latter was always playing a half-back game. The dashing rushes of Sharp were pretty to watch, and Makepeace did his best, but Everton are as far off finding an acceptable inside right as ever they were. Young was very faulty, and seems to be retrogressing rather than making headway. His passing was badly judged, and he made some feeble attempts to take the ball from the extreme men. The left wing was seldom in evidence, Hardman giving a very moderate display, and Settle was little better than his partner. At half-back Everton excelled, and every one of the trio in this line performed nobly. They lobbed the ball to the men in front unceasingly; they dispossessed the Sheffield van quite as cleanly, and by thus doing they played a double role. Their own forwards could not utilize the openings made on their behalf, while the Wednesday advance guard could rarely get the better of them. This department of the Everton team decided the issue of the contest. Wildman shaped fairly well, and Robert Balmer played capitally, but Taylor, Booth, and Abbott were the dominating influences throughout. They held the key to the situation. I was much disappointed with the play of the Sheffield team, though there were a few redeeming features. Stewart was much ahead of the other forwards in deft maneuvering, and although he displayed an unnecessary penchant for attending to the Everton custodian, he gave evidence of possessing rare powers as an inside forward. Wilson indulged in some tricky work at times, his passes being well-timed, but there was nothing at the end of all the efforts of the visitors beyond an occasional attempt by the extreme wingers. In the rear division Bartlett did well against Sharp, and though not showy he kept a watchful eye on the strongest part of the Everton front line. Ruddlesdin got through a vast amount of quiet plodding work, while further behind Slavin and Burton defended fairly well without being unduly prominent. Lyall was not often requisitioned, and was helpless with the shots that beat him. Everton; Scott: Williamson, R. Balmer: Taylor, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Makepeace, Young,  Settle, Hardman. Sheffield Wednesday; Lyall: Slavin, Burton; Ruddlesdin. Crawshaw, Bartlett; Davis, Chapman, Wilson, Stewart, Simpson.  Referee; Mr. A. Green, West Bromwich. 

POINTS FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury- Monday 18 December 1905
One of the most disappointing features of the game of football is to witness a feeble and spiritless exhibition by a team which has gained a reputation for sterling ability and brilliance. Sheffield Wednesday’s form on Saturday at Goodison Park did not, surely, provide the spectators with a genuine sample of the Wednesday’s merits, or it would be very difficult to guess how they came to occupy their present prominent position. The supporters of the Blues had good reason to anticipate the fixture with, to say the least, apprehension, and with tolerable certainty of a very tough struggle; but mothing of the kind happened and the home team’s superiority was never in doubt from beginning to end. Everton did not by any means give one of their best displays, but they kept well on the move all the time, and there was a businesslike air about their movements which suggested a try-try again spirit. Now, with the Sheffielders it was exactly the opposite; they moved about in a listless sort of fashion, and seldom looked like scoring, leave alone winning. It is not suggested that they lacked cleverness and style-this was continually being demonstrated in midfield-but the Sheffield forwards seldom got the best of the encounters with the home halves, who played a tenacious and resourceful game, and, consequently, the line of attack was so frequently broken up that the finishing strokes were performance feeble, ragged, and erratic. The Wednesday men did not often succeed in forcing likely openings, but just before the interval Davis beat Wildman cleverly, and flashed the leather with the speed and directness of an arrow across the goalmouth. It was a superb bit of work, and offered a fine opportunity for equalising had Davis but received the necessary support. The baneful supineness of the Wednesday was, however, as marked here as on other occasions.
On the home side the outstanding figure in the forward line was Jack Sharp, who was in splendid form, and repeatedly defied the combined efforts of Burton, Bartlett, and Crawshaw. His great speed and fine command of the ball delighted the spectators. Sharp was ably seconded by Makepeace, and already the right wing shows such admirable understanding that ultimate perfection is not far distant. Makepeace will develop into an ideal inside right, as he is courageous, cool, and particularly nippy, with a rare command of the ball. On Saturday his weak point was his shooting, and on one occasion particularly he put the leather over the bar instead of into the net. It must be conceded, however, that Makepeace on several occasions gave ample evidence of latent ability, which, if discreetly nurtured, may turn him out some day a deadly sharpshooter. Young was, unfortunately, not at concert pitch, and gave an erratic exhibition, performing in very slovenly fashion at times, and at others succeeding in beating both Wednesday backs with supreme cleverness. But Lyall had not much anxiety on Young’s account; in fact, Everton’s centre did not get many opportunities of aiming in the direction of the Wednesday warden, but on two occasions his shooting was really capital, and the leather missed its desired resting-place by inches only. Young tried to operate on his own too much, and failed to recognise that he had little chance at that game with Burton and Slavin. Of he had elected to pass out more to his wings the Everton attack would have been much more effective, and the score, no doubt doubled. Hardman vied with Sharp in brilliance, and did everything but find the net. Unfortunately, his fine swinging centres were not often turned to account, but for this Young was more to blame than Makepeace. Settle, as usual, contributed his full share of the attack, and although the goal he scored appeared to be an unusually soft one, it followed a previous bit of fine forceful work on the right wing. Lyall for the moment appeared to lose his head entirely, and did not make any effort to intercept the ball, which rolled lazily into the net.
Among the halves Abbott appeared to have come back to his old form, and was quicker and more resourceful than of late, and made a couple of capital efforts to score with his famous long shots. Booth was easily the best of the halves, and the skipper seems now to be in as good form as ever he was.
R. Balmer showed improved form at back, while, despite numerous flaws, Wildman’s exhibition was sufficiently meritorious to warrant further trial in the future. In the second half the Blades were much keener, but it was in the last fifteen minutes that the game reached its zenith. What a game it would have been, to be sure, if it all had been equal to the concluding stages. But perhaps it is as well for Everton that it was not so. Everton have now scored five points out of their last three games, and Saturday’s form showed clearly that they are very keen on winning just now. Sluggishness seems contagious with football teams but, luckily, the same may be said about energy, dash, and determination, and it is to be hoped there will be a regular epidemic of these qualities in the Everton team now signs of their presence is manifest.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Sheffield Independent - Monday 18 December 1905
EVERTON WIN A POOR GAME
By Our Own Reporter
The visit of the Wednesday team to Goodison Park invariably proves a great attraction, but the early kick-off naturally has its effect on the gate even in a city like Liverpool, and though the number present at the start was rapidly augmented, the number present would not exceed 16,000 or 18,000. A slight fog hung around the ground, but not sufficient to interfere with play. Crelley was unable to play, and so R. Balmer played left full back, with Wildman as his partner. On the Wednesday side Layton was still an absentee, Slavin taking his place. There was not a great deal of wind, and Crawshaw did not gain much advantage in winning the toss.
Play opened briskly, and in the first minute Everton got away, and just as Young looked like getting through he was cleverly stopped. Nothing of note occurred during the next few minutes, though once, when Young deliberately charged Crawshaw in the back as the latter was trying to head the ball, the referee caused some amusement by penalising the Wednesday captain. A little later Simpson slung the ball in for Scott to clear, and following this the little left winger was penalised for using his weight against the Everton custodian, though the latter had the ball in his hands. Gradually Everton gained the upper hand, and a smart burst by Sharp threatened danger, Burton just getting up in time to give a corner to clear. The Evertonians were very persistent, and with Sharp being beautifully fed more trouble came from the right wing. Again Young got into Crawshaw’s back, but no notice was taken of this. Some clever passing by the Everton forwards resulted in the ball being put out to Sharp, and the latter, unmarked, put in a shot from an awkward angle. Lyall threw himself full length in order to save, and seemed certain to do so, but the ball evidently caught some obstruction in the ground, and Lyall was beaten. This was after 15 minutes’ play. The Sheffielders attacked after this, Simpson putting in one or two fine centres, which were not taken advantage of, whilst a corner to them was well cleared. Then for a few minutes the Everton forwards had matters nearly all their own way, Sharp being continuously fed, but the defence held out. A diversion was caused by Simpson slinging in a lovely centre, but Booth got the ball away without difficulty. Back again went Everton, Makepeace and Sharp both shooting wide, and then Lyall was twice brought into play. A mistake by Slavin was well covered, and then with half an hour gone Wednesday improved. Nice work by Wilson and the right wing resulted in Chapman shooting wide when hampered, and next Simpson skimmed the bar with a good shot from a pass by Chapman. Wednesday were now having the best of play, and once Davis looked like going through after some clever work by Stewart, but the ball was brought back owing to Abbott having handled. The best bit of play was seen just before the interval. Sharp worked into a good position, and as he shot Young and Settle went at Lyall, with the result that the custodian was in the net before the ball, and the point did not count. Then a fine bit of work by Davis ended in that player centring from the line, Simpson being penalised for jumping as he dropped headlong into the goal. Thus at half-time Everton led by the odd goal.
The Everton men were a good ten minutes before they again put in an appearance, though the light was none too good. After one fine piece of work by Sharp had been nullified by offside, and Abbott had crossed over from his wing and shot a shade wide at express speed, the Sheffielders had more of the game, but Scott’s work was not heavy. The visitors’ left wing pair were busy, Simpson shooting over and a surprise shot from Stewart hit the foot of the post and went behind. Again Simpson centred, but Scott rushed out some distance and cleared. Play was then stopped owing to Sharp, who was just overpowered in time, being accidentally injured in the penalty area. One more attempt Wednesday made, but Chapman hesitated, and though the ball was not got away, Davis put behind. With twenty minutes gone, Everton made a combined attack, and following a weak clearance by Slavin, the ball was shot across, and, striking Settle’s leg, looked like going out, but there was a tremendous amount of screw on it, and Lyall had the mortification of seeing the ball curl just inside the post. Play, however, was of a scrambling and uninteresting character, free kicks being far too frequent. Davis forced an unproductive corner off Balmer with a good shot, Scott fell in saving from Wilson, and later Scott saved a header from Simpson. Then a bad mistake by Burton let Makepeace in, but his centre was cleared. Towards the close Everton had the best of matters, but there was no more scoring.
Everton were certainly the better team in the first half, and well deserved their lead on the play. In the second half the game was of a scrambling and most uninteresting character, the play being a long way below what one expects of teams like Everton and Wednesday. In fact, taking the game all through, it was not one to enthuse about by any means. And the same might with truth be said about the two goals scored by Everton- especially the second, as the man who accomplished the feat had no idea of doing so. And yet Everton deserved to win. In the first half their forwards at times played delighted football, but the bulk of the work was given to Sharp, and certainly he was the star performer. The half-backs worked hard, and Abbott used his hands judiciously more than once. Not the least fault could be found with the defence, the backs kicking a good length, and Scott keeping goal well. On the other hand, the Wednesday defence was much less reliable than usual, both backs making mistakes, whilst without putting any blame on Lyall, it must be confessed that he has shown better form. Crawshaw was the pick of the middle division, the Wednesday captain getting through an immense amount of work. Simpson was the best forward, and put in some delightful centres. Davis did his work in snatches, being brillaint at times, and mediocre on other occasions. Stewart was clever on the ball, but finished badly; and though Chapman worked hard and Wilson tried his best to no purpose, the line was evidently out of joint, and thus Wednesday were beaten as follows;-
Everton 2 goals, Sheffield Wednesday 0 goals
Everton.- Scott, goal; Wildman and R. Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, H.P. Hardman, forwards.
Sheffield Wednesday.- Lyall, goal; Slavin and Burton, backs; Ruddlesdin, Crawshaw (captain), and Bartlett, half-backs; Davis, Chapman, Wilson, Stewart, and Simpson, forwards.
Referee, Mr. A. Green; Linesmen, Messrs. H. Howard and H. Windle.

WEDNESDAY AT EVERTON
Sheffield Independent - Monday 18 December 1905
By “Centre Forward.”
Writing of the match at Goodison Park, our own reporter says; First of all let me congratulate the Everton executive on the great improvement they have made for the Press. It is certainly awkward to get to, but once in the box a splendid view of the game is obtained, and it is a pity the referee cannot see some of the things that happen on the field as well as the Pressmen can. As to the match very little need to be said. Neither teams covered themselves with glory, and the game will rank as one of the least interesting played between these teams. Everton won and deserved to win on the play, but even they had not a very great deal to congratulate themselves on. The referee was not a pronounced success, but he would not have been so bad after all had he understood the laws of the game referring to charging. But if the referee is also the timekeeper, how is it he allowed nearer a quarter of an hour than five minutes at the interval. It might possibly have meant the abandoning of the match.

WEDNESDAY BEATEN AT EVERTON
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 18 December 1905
Sheffield Wednesday were beaten at Everton by a couple of goals to nothing, but the Goodison Park brigade had to strive all the time for the points. It was a vigorous, hard-fought game, with neither side showing its best form, but full of excitement from start to finish. The midfield play was excellent, but in front of goal the forwards were all weak, Everton gaining some advantage here through the comparatively poor defence of the Wednesday backs. Sharp was a perpetual worry to them; and his fine turn of speed, coupled with smart and tricky methods, was responsible for much of the success of his side. Wednesday went away soon after the start in a manner promisingly enough, and they maintained the pressure for a good portion of the opening half, without, however, being really dangerous. The forwards were inclined to play a fine open game, and their passes were more frequent and better conceived than usual, but they found them often intercepted. Individually, writes a colleague, the front line men were good and indifferent parts, and they all too seldom were showing their better form at the same time. Stewart put a lot of excellent work in mid-field, but he often held the ball too long. Wilson was active, and only failed to take advantage of a few good openings lack of speed ; Simpson was fast enough and clever enough, but his centres were cleared, while Davis and Chapman, when they did get to work, were more than once unfortunate, the former on one occasion arresting the ball on the line and putting in a brilliant centre right in the goalmouth.
The Everton forwards were also very active, though Sharp was the chief figure in the line. They kept the Wednesday halves fully employed, the three not having much breathing space from start to finish. As indicated, the Sheffield backs suffered comparison with the home men, and several miskicks were sources danger. Small irregularities on both sides were frequent, and, generally, prejudiced as the crowd was, it was ready to call for penalising when the referee took no notice. The visitors were unfortunate once when Chapman and Davis, well through the defence, were strong for goal. Davis had passed smartly forward, and the ball just skimmed the hand of Abbott as it sped forward. Chapman took the pass smartly, and the movement looked like being productive, when the persistent signalling of the linesman brought the referee to a consultation. The free-kick against Abbott which followed was charged down by Sharp.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 18 December 1905
Another Liverpool Victory
Ideal weather at Goodison Park favoured the meeting of Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, and the crowd was over 20,000 strong. The teams were unaltered from last week, Layton once more being unable to take his place in the Wednesday defence, thus allowing Slavin to again officiate. Everton were quickly on the attack, but a misunderstanding between Crawshaw and Slavin looked like letting them down. A well-directed kick by Burton, however, brought relief, and Simpson compelled Scott to clear. Wednesday followed this up by an attack on the Everton goal, but a free-kick was given, and Sharp ran smartly down the field, Burton, in saving, being compelled to give a corner, which was cleared. Everton were very persistent, and after 14 minutes’ play Sharp sent in a stinging shot on the ground, which Lyall partly stopped, and Everton were one ahead. Wednesday started from the kick-off with some of their old rush, and Wilson, Stewart, and Simpson put in some good work, the latter having a corner. Generally the Wednesday forwards spoiled their chances by holding the ball too long, but Stewart got well through, with a dashing run, and Simpson was very unfortunate. Stewart again got possession and passed to his outside colleague, this time Simpson got well away, and had a fair chance of equalising, but he preferred to pass, and no one was up. Sharp continued to the most active of the Everton players, and Lyall was twice called upon in quick succession. Sharp again shot into the net, but Lyall was charged, and from the resulting free-kick Davis put in one of his finest runs, and a centre from the line into the goal-mouth, Simpson missing it with his head. The interval arrived with Wednesday a goal down.
Resuming, Sharp early tripped Burton, but Bartlett got his centre, and clearing well down the field, forcing the game well into the Everton half. Everton soon attacked again, and but for some fine work by Ruddlesdin, Stewart would assuredly have got through. Davis and Chapman following a free-kick taken by Slavin, worked well down, and Chapman compelled Scott to throw out. For the moment Wednesday, who had the better of matters, were unlucky not scoring. Then Everton got going again, and added a further goal, which, however, was of a particularly lucky nature, Settle finding the net with slow shot.  This unexpected reverse inspired Wednesday to greater efforts, and they were soon finding Scott a fair share of work. Crawshaw was playing a rare game, and Stewart presented many openings, but Wilson lacked speed on several occasions. The Everton backs used their hands with good judgment just outside the penalty line. Fairly even play followed, and the end came with the result:
Everton 2 goals. Sheffield Wednesday  0 goal.
Everton.—Scott, goal; Balmer and Wilkinson (Sure be Wildman), backs ; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, young, Settle, and H. P. Hardman, forwards.
Sheffield Wednesday.—Lyall, goal; Slavin and Burton, hacks; Ruddlesdin, Crawshaw, (captain) and Bartlett, half-backs; Davis, Chapman, Wilson, Stewart, and Simpson, forwards. Referee: Mr A. Green, West Bromwich.
Last season: Everton 5, Sheffield Wednesday 2.

GREAT GOODISON ATTRACTION ON DECEMBER 28
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 December 1905
EVERTON’S NEW PIVOT
Bee
Liverpool people like to see classy football; in their hearts they were sorry when McDermott left the Goodison ground, even admitting that his fancy work seldom led to tangible results. And I would impress the enthusiastic football follower that to my mind the fixture, Northern Nomads v. the Corinthians, promise the most attractive game we have seen in the city so far this season. It is due to be played at the Everton ground on Thursday, December 28- make a note at once of the date-and an official informs me that the Corinthians are bringing Messrs T.S. Rowlandson, W.U. Timmins, C.C. Page, O.T. Norris, H. Vickers, M. Morgan Owen, J.D. Craig, G.S. Harris, S.S. Harris, E.D. G.   Wright, E.S. Ward, B.S. Foster, S.H. Day, G.N. Foster, and B.O. Corbett. The Nomads anticipate that they will have the services of L.R. Roose in goal-this will be “the world’s goalkeeper’s first appearance on the Everton ground since he resigned his membership-R.T. Wallwork (Heaton Moor), F.S. Walmsley (Etrurians and Pilgrims), H. A. Thomas, and B. Browne (Chorlton-cum-Hardy), S.B. Ashworth (Burslem Port Vale), R. Hounsfield (Derby County), or J. McKenna (Old Xaverians), E. Mansfield (Preston), R. Stephenson (Chorlton), or A. Cook (Burslem Port Vale), V.S. Simpson (Sheffield), and Hardold Hardman (Everton). Mr. John Lewis will referee.
Just a line in brief to tell readers that Everton have selected the same team as last Saturday for Christmas. With the Reserve team Dilly appears in the role of centre forward.

WEST BROMWICH CHAIRMAN ON MATCH WITH BLUES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 21 December 1905
Bee
Commenting on the Cup-tie which brings Everton and West Bromwich Albion together. An Albion supporter writes;-
By far the most difficult task imposed upon a Midland team is that to be undertaken by West Bromwich Albion. In being called upon to meet Everton at Goodison Park, the Albio cannot be said to have been blessed with any back in the draw. It is truly a gigantic engagement, but the Albion, remembering the many glorious achievements in the ties in previous years, are not entirely destitute of hope. They are sure to make a superhuman effort in order to accomplish the feat recently performed by the Birmingham men; but, even should they fail, it may prove a blessing in disguise for it would enable them to centre their energies in an effort to regain their place in the First Division of the League. Mr. Harry Keys, the chairman of the club is optimistic. In an interview, he expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the result of the draw, and thought the Albion were not obliged to be beaten. He looked forward to an exhilarating game and a huge crowd.
“There is only one other team- Aston Villa- we would rather have met,” added Mr. Keys.

CHRISTMAS FOOTBALL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 22 December 1905
Bee
If there is one thing more than another that will upset footballers and clubs it is the Christmas programme. One cannot infer from that remark that the players are excessive in their meals and thirst-quenchers. Far from it! They have the kindly eye of a directors to see that a level and fair standard is indulged in, in view of the strain of the Christmas programme. We shall say to ourselves on January the first, of next year “Stands Liverpool where it did a fortnight ago?” and we shall sturdy the barometer to see whether Everton have changed from fair to fine. It is an anxious time for both clubs, and more particularly for the Goodison Park members, whose matches mostly in our journey. With Crelley fit and well again the Blues will displace Wildman.
The directors will reply on the same eleven throughout barring accidents. McLaughlin will accompany the team to Nottingham, where the Forest and Everton provide the opening match of the holiday season. To prevent as much as possible the staleness that comes of constant travelling, the directors have made up their minds to sent the players to Nottingham a day in advance, and this afternoon at 3.30 they left Central Station.
Bury is the second obstacle, and this is to be attempted on Monday at Gigg-lane where the kick-off is at 2.15 as on the following day, when the two sides meet again at Everton’s ground. Most probably Bury will travel to Liverpool by the same train as the Blues on Monday evening. On the following Saturday Middlesbrough receive Everton, and on New Year’s Day Manchester City receive them, so that it will be seen that Everton’s task is of extreme difficulty. Nottingham Forest are a side to be seriously contested with on their own ground and the Blues may pull in one point in consequence of the Forest changes which are bound to be made in consequence of the team’s total inability last Saturday. Then the Bury matches are open. The Shakers have not gone great shakes for so long; yet their desperation might lead to Everton’s undoing at Gigg-lane. To their bustle and rush Everton must reply with similar play. Suppose we put it down as one point from Nottingham, three from the Bury contests, and one from the Middlesbrough match- shall we be far out? If the club do increase their pointage by five points their supporters will be satisfied.
The Blues Combination team is varied. On Christmas Day, when Blackburn visit them, they will have W. Balmer and Harman as backs, whereas on Saturday, with Bury as visitors, they revert to Wildman and Wright. The latter has recently operated at half-back, while Dilly who figures at centre forward, has always been an outside left. Perhaps the trial of a wing forward as pivot will be as beneficial as it was to Liverpool. We hope so.

TEAM ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS DAY
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Saturday 23 December 1905
Everton v Notts Forest
League match, at Nottingham; Kick-off at 2.15
Everton- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Taylor, Scott, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Bury Reserve
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park.
Everton.- Collins, goal; W. Balmer and Hannan, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, Rankin, Dilly, Cooke, and Grundy, forwards.
Christmas Day
First Division -Bury v Everton
Boxing Day
Everton v Bury

NOTTINGHAM FOREST v  EVERTON
Football Post (Nottingham) - Saturday 23 December 1905
Seven goals scored on the City Ground, the Forest by a plucky dash at the finish getting the points they had looked like losing.
FOREST EXPERIMENTS
(Last season; Everton 2, Forest 0)
With the visit of Everton to-day Forest entered upon an exacting programme of matches for the holidays, which crowds four into five days, and entails journeys to Derby and Sheffield. Last year when they were here Everton won, shortly after they had been beaten on the same ground in the memorable semi-final with the Villa, and they had the advantage on the present occasion of catching the “Reds” at a time when they were in rather a bad way. The committee of the home club marked their sense of what they saw at Birmingham last week by dropping Henderson and Lessons, and giving a trial to Armstrong. The Kegworth youth, at left-half, with Hardstaff introduced on the inside-right, allowing West to move into the centre. Wolfe and Fullarton, too, changed places in the intermediate file, the former thus appearing in his old position in the middle of the line. Everton came with their full side, and, throwing nothing away, made the journey yesterday, appearing at the Empire later in the evening.
TRAVELLED FROM MATLOCK
Forest, who only returned this morning from Matlock, where they had been sent for a change in the early part of the week, opened the game in sensational fashion, for Hardstaff at once broke through and ran to within a dozen yards of the line when he left the final effort to Craggs, who got the ball well in front. West promptly shot in, and though Scott saved he could not get the ball away, and Morris, who was lying well up, promptly bundled it into the net well out of the goalkeeper’s reach within a minute of the start. After this early success Forest settled down to their work with admirable spirit, but Everton on the whole had the better of the football for some minutes, and at the end of a fine sprint by Hardman, Makepeace had a capital chance, from which he shot close by the foot of the post. On another occasion, brilliant tackling by Craig in the goalmouth beat Young and Makepeace off when they were threatening danger, and succeeding to a lot of open play, West worked his way through brilliantly, only for Balmer to lift his centre off the line to safe quarters. Forest, however, stuck to their work gallantly, and after a nicely judged lift forward by Hardstaff, Craggs centred finely for Morris to help it along to Niblo, who shot very feebly with an open goal in front.
THE EQUALISER
Twice the speedy Sharp was held off as he tried to sprint through, and then Hardstaff set West going in the centre, for the latter to shoot on the wrong side of the post as he found himself badly sandwiched by the visiting backs. With the game a quarter of an hour old, however, the Everton forwards got away in line, and the home backs hung too far up, Makepeace found a rather cheap opening, and with Linacre leaving his goal the score was equalised in very simple and unfortunate fashion. Showing pretty understanding the Everton forwards again assailed in line, and only smart work by Fullarton, who dashed across the goalmouth to rob Makepeace prevented further disaster.  The game was not particularly brisk or entertaining, with the home forwards unable to establish a definite scheme of understanding, and for a time the game largely developed into a series of loose attacks by Everton, during which Linacre had several times to clear with plenty of time to do it in. A corner once came off Dudley which Linacre handed out, and Niblo sped away to the other end, where he tripped himself up as the ball rolled over the line, and was probably as surprised as anybody when Mr. Adams signalled for a foul against Palmer. The free kick was cleared, and Young, feeding Sharp, the latter raced off all on his own, and was only prevented from getting clean through by Armstrong tripping him in full flight, and bringing him down so heavily that he was temporarily hurt.
SCOTT IN GREAT FORM
When play was resumed Niblo got going along the wing and passing neatly back to Morris, the latter swept in a superb left-foot ground shot that Scott only turned round the foot of the far post by going down full length. The corner led to a couple of smart scrimmages in the goal mouth, but the defence prevailed, and after some sharp work in midfield, a wide pass out to Sharp led to him getting in a centre when the ball appeared to have been over the line. This was helped behind by Fullarton, and from the corner, Sharp was again well plied to swing in a shot that Dudley clean missed and Linacre had to stop on his knees. The latter could not get rid of the ball effectually, and during a mix up in the goal mouth, Makepeace was presented with an open goal only to plant the ball beyond the far post. A moment later Craig intercepted with his head, in splendid fashion, a pass right into the goal mouth, and followed it up with a running clearance, after which Sharp, who had apparently again wrenched his knee, left the field, and Forest set up a series of attacks helped as they were by two or three free kicks, principally against Taylor. At length their persistence was rewarded, for Wolfe, slinging the ball out to Niblo, who was unmarked, the latter got across a superb centre that West took right in the middle of his run, and easily turned into the net. This occurred after thirty-nine minutes’ play, and, reinforced by the return of Sharp, Everton worked down for Armstrong to beat Taylor and Makepeace in dangerous quarters. From this point to half-time the game was largely fought out in open quarters, and nothing noteworthy occurred before the whistle sounded, when the score stood;-
Nottingham Forest 2 Everton 1
At the outset of the second half, which opened before 9,000 or 10,000 people Fullarton was at once penalised for fouling Hardman, but Craig’s ever ready head disposed of the free kick, and after a moment or two, Morris dribbled through in beautiful style to give West a fine pass right in front of goal. The latter delayed his shot a shade too long, however, and when he did elect to try it, it spun across the goal-mouth and struck Balmer, off whom it cannoned at a big rate just on the outside of the post-an extremely narrow escape. The corner was easily dealt with by Scott, and play again shifted to midfield, where a lot of slow and uninteresting football went on, the only outstanding feature of which was a fast low shot from Young, that Linacre gathered close by the post. Eventually Everton worked up a desultory attack, and Dudley once let Young in a very badly on the line, but fortunately the latter slipped at the critical moment, and Craig was enabled to clear, as he did in fine fashion on two succeeding occasions. At length Forest woke up, and forcing football by West and Hardstaff opened out for Morris a fine chance just wide of the goal on his own side, but Scott took his oblique shot in superb style and cleared.
THE ”REDS” TWO UP
The “Reds” however, returned in dashing form, and Morris, slipping the ball beautifully to West, the Hucknall youth ran on a dozen paces, and then a drove a tremendous shot under the bar, which had such power behind it that although Scott got his hands squarely to it, it curled back over his head and passed into the net amid wild cheering. At this point the half was just over a quarter of an hour old, and though Everton promptly set to work alter the aspect of things, Forest were playing better football than at any previous period. Once a corner fell to the visitors when Hardstaff raced back to dispossess Booth, but Hardman placed this behind, and by gradual stages the game moved back, chiefly through the instrumentality of Hardstaff. Craggs finally crowned the advance by a long, high centre that Scott caught but lost again, and he was lucky to be able to scoop the ball out of the reach of the advancing Niblo. Morris hooked it back into the goal mouth was Scott out of his position, but Crelley’s head intervened, and Everton moved back in line.
WAS IT OFFSIDE?
Craig and Dudley both checked them by well-timed clearances, but Settle returned and putting a forward pass over Craig’s head, gave possession to Young, who was standing distinctly off-side, but Mr. Adams allowed him to go on, with the result that Linacre was easily beaten a second time at the end of twenty-eight minutes. This unexpected gift stimulated Everton to renewed effort, but Forest were the more dangerous for a minute or two, and Morris had hard luck in getting sandwiched at the close of a splendid movement with Niblo. Young then beat Craig by a touch, but had to take his shot too hurriedly, with Dudley challenging him, and the ball flew high over the bar. Niblo was twice penalised for fouling, and from the second of these Craig headed back to the feet of Sharp, who smashed in a low drive that was just wide. A moment later Booth followed suit with a similar one that was more on the mark, and Linacre only got rid of this was difficulty. After this Craggs and Hardstaff got under weigh, and Morris helped the latter’s centre out to Niblo, who dribbled right into the goal mouth and then finished up with a feeble centre that Crelly easily disposed of. A quick dash by the visiting right was ended by an accurate centre that Linacre only half got under with his fists, simply hooking it into the air and then applying his fist as it fell.
A SENSATIONAL WIND-UP
Four minutes from time, however Mr. Adams though fit to penalise Craig for what looked to be a legitimate tackle just outside the penalty line, and the free kick being taken before the home defence had tumbled to the situation, Abbott took the pass and drove a high shot into the net clean out of Linacre’s reach. In the short time that remained Forest strove desperately to regain the lead, and had the hardest of luck in not doing so, attack after attack being thrust home with the visiting defence fully extended. Once Scott only arrested a hook from Morris as it was passing under the bar, and after a couple of corners were taken, and just as everybody was expecting the whistle to sound. Hardstaff got the ball out to Niblo, who was lying well out, and the left-winger rolled in a low shot which Scott was unable to reach, and Forest won as sensationally as they began. Result; Nottingham Forest 4 Everton 3
Players.-
Nottingham Forest- H.J. Linacre (goal), C.T. Craig, W. Dudley (backs), W. Fullarton, G. Wolfe, J. Armstrong (half-backs). J. Craggs, J. Hardstaff (right wing), E.J. West (centre), A.G. Morris, and T. Niblo (left wing)
Everton.- J. W. Scott (goal), R. Balmer, J. Crelly (backs); J. Taylor, T. Booth (captain), A. Abbott (half-backs), J. Sharp, H. Makepeace (right wing), J. Young (centre), J. Settle, and H.P Hardman (left wing). Referee; Mr. J. Adams, of Birmingham.
NOTES ON THE GAME
By “The Free Forester.”
It was a very near squeak in the end, but that was not so much the fault of the Forest themselves as of the referee, for Mr. Adams, whose remarkable decision at Blackburn is still held in remembrance, was distinctly unfortunate in his rulings, and allowed Everton at least one doubtful point.
The gargantuan feast of goals was worthy of the season, but it did not argue superfine so much as weak football, for more than one was due to weak defence, although West’s couple must not be included in this category.
Taken all in all the game was not one of outstanding distinction, for except in spasms it was somewhat dull and lifeless. However, the spectators got plenty for their money, and a match with such a dramatic opening and an equally dramatic ending will not be seen again for a long time.
Everton played with the better understanding, the halves and forwards being well in touch, while Young’s habit of lying just in front of the backs served his side very usefully in the advances. Forest, however, were the more dashing when once they really roused themselves, and deservedly won. There were blemishes, it is true, and the side were not so well knit as one could wish, but at all events there was more penetrative power about the advances and greater spirit, except for strange lapses, all round.
The inclusion of the two youngsters certainly did not make for weakness, although Armstrong evidenced traces of nervousness in the first half. He did his work admirably at times, and with greater experience should do well. Hardstaff gave both life and pace to the attack, and it is a pity that he is not blessed with more inches, for he is the embodiment of pluck and activity. West’s appearance in the centre, too, pulled the forwards better together, and with Niblo much better on the outside than as pivot the firing line was much more dangerous than it has been. Craig played a masterly game in defence, and was, on the whole, well supported, for the adverse score is worse on paper than it was in actual football, and the Everton vanguard were very difficult to hold.
The result reverses that of last April, when the home side were beaten pointless, so that the side are still three points to the good relatively speaking.

EVERTON v  NOTTS FOREST
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 23 1905
THE HOMESTERS LEAD AT HALF-TIME
Half-time score Notts Forest 2 Everton 1
The Everton team entered upon the first of their holiday fixtures by meeting Notts Forest on the banks of the Trent this afternoon. The journey to the centre of the English lace industry was undertaken yesterday afternoon, the players being under the charge of Mr. George Mahon and Mr. William Cuff, the secretary. The evening was spent quietly, and this morning the men whiled away the time by strolling about the busy town. The weather, though rather misty, was mild, and there was every anticipation of a good game and a capital attendance when the players turned out. Everton were once more at full strength, Crelly coming into the team again. At the appointed time the teams lined out as follows;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Notts Forest.- Linacre, goal; Craig and Dudley, backs; Fullerton, Wolfe, and Armstrong, half-backs; Craggs, Hardstaffe, West, Morris, and Niblo, forwards.
Referee.- Mr. J. Adams, of Birmingham.
It will be noticed that the Forest team were trying a new man in Armstong, who filled the left half back position. Booth won the toss, and the home side started towards the town end. The beginning of the game was most sensational. From the kick-off West dashed right down towards the Everton goal, and shot in strongly. Scott fisted out, but before either of the backs had time to recover themselves Morris had pounced upon the ball and he netted it amid tremendous excitement. All this happened within the space of ten seconds, and it naturally put the home team on very good terms with themselves. From the centre line, however, Everton were next in evidence, and a capital movement on the part of the right wing ended in Makepeace shooting wide. A few moments later and the Foresters were again on the aggressive and working their way down in clever fashion Hardstaff put in a fine shot, which went the wrong side of the post. It was obvious from the onset that both teams were in a determined mood, and the pace tremendously fast. End to end play kept both the men and the referee exceedingly busy, and on one occasion the Everton kicked extremely dangerous when the offside rule came into operation. A promising movement by Sharp came to nought and then the home right made ground, but Crelley cleared his lines, and the visitors once more got going in dangerous fashion. Sharp was the most prominent figure in the forward rush, and he finished with a beautiful centre, but Young was yards away, and a fine opportunity of equalising was lost. The game then veered again in favour of the home side, and Morris worked his way through with remarkable cleverness, but at the last moment Booth rushed to the relief of Balmer, and kicked into touch. Following upon this the Foresters made another sustained attack upon Scott’s charge, the movement terminating in Niblo putting in a hot shot, which was only a few foot wide. After a spell of midfield work the home forwards proved cleverer than their opponents, and Crelley, making a miskick, let in West, who shot inches out of the proper direction. The visitors after a time made a retaliatory encroachment and Young instituted a frontal attack that eventually met with success. Threading his way through he gave the leather to Makepeace, who was within a couple of yards of Linacre, and the half-back had no difficulty in netting the ball. With the game once again equal the pace was better than ever, and the spectators were treated to some exceedingly clever footwork on both sides. Good work by Booth and Abbott put the Evertonians in possession, but as the last moment Sharp was hampered by Dudley, and a promising movement came to nothing. There was more give-and-take work, and on one occasion the home right proved extremely dangerous, but Scott through running out of his goal managed to clear. The visitors then pressed strongly and Young tried hard to pierce the home defence, but Linacre was on the watch, and damage was averted. Following upon this Niblo got away on his own and raced nearly to the three-quarter flag, when he fell. Mr. Adams for some reason gave a free kick and this led to an exciting bully in front of Scott. The leather eventually was got away, and Sharp sprinted off at top speed. He looked all over a score when Armstrong deliberately bowled him over, and though the ensuing free kick gave the home defence some trouble, Craig was ultimately enabled to clear. The Foresters were next in evidence with a fine forward movement. Niblo after resuming down the wing, passed to Morris, who put in a low swift shot, and it was only due to Scott’s nimbleness that an almost certain goal was saved. There were more rapid exchanges, and both custodians were kept at high pressure. The visitors at this juncture were enjoying rather the best of the argument, and both Settle and Young had shots which were fisted clear at the other end. Niblo was especially prominent, and twice young Balmer had to concede corners, which fortunately for Everton proved fruitless. A foul against Crelly gave the home side a free kick close in, and this ought to have been converted into a goal if Niblo had been smart enough but he allowed Balmer to clear the danger at the expense of a corner. Towards the interval the Foresters put on further pressure, and a break away by Niblo culminated in a second goal, for, after dribbling well, he passed to West, who had nothing to do but bang the ball into the net. The home side, having regained the lead, played with much greater confidence than before, and for some time they practically monopolised the play, the Everton defence however, was very sound, and at last Sharp and Makepeace were able to make progress but Dudley proved a stumbling block, and the ball was sent back to the centre line. Just before half-time Everton made desperate efforts to pull up the leeway, and the three inside men put in a lot of smart work, but Craig on each occasion managed to nip in and clear. There was then a temporary slackness and play hovered in midfield, where the ball still was when half-time came.
Half-time score. Notts Forest 2 goals, Everton 1 goal
STIFF CONTEST AT NOTTINGHAM
EVERTON LOSE POINTS
There was a largely-increased attendance when the game was resumed. The visitors were the first to advance, but Dudley pulled them up, and in a moment the Foresters moved off in the direction of Scott. Their whole forward line was concerned in the movement, and West put in a long, fast shot. Balmer rushed at it and kicked, but in doing so he almost put the leather into his own goal-a very narrow escape indeed. This movement was succeeded by a further bombardment of the Everton goal, but to no purpose, and the next stages were in favour of the visitors, who worked down in businesslike fashion, and Young finished with an altogether excellent shot, which Linacre dealt with in characteristic fashion. Another combined movement on the part pf the visitors gave hopes of an equalising point, but there was an evident lack of understanding about the forwards when in front of goal, and in the space of ten minutes quite as many chances went begging. The greatest offender in this respect was Young, who was too slow for words, and the homesters were always able to clear. A breakaway by the Forest, boded ill for Everton and Morris put in a splendid shot, but Scott just managed to get to it and save the situation. The game proceeded in ding-dong fashion, and the Reds working down through a long kick by Craig Morris put in a delightful centre. This was taken by West who shot with terrific force from close range, and scored third goal. Twenty minutes before time Young scored for Everton. Shortly afterwards Abbott equalised for Everton, but Niblo scored the winner goal just on time.
Final Result Notts Forest 4 goals, Everton 3 goals
Last season-Everton 2 Notts Forest nil.

EVERTON v  BURY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday December 23 1905
LANCASHIRE COMBIANTION-DIV 1
At Goodison, this afternoon. Dilly appeared in the centre position for the Blues. The opening stages favoured the Evertonians, who persistently troubled the Bury defence, and a forward movement in which the whole of the home front rank participated was neatly stopped by Mullineux. Then Bury attacked only to find Plant wanting at the crucial moment. The home forwards opened out the attack and Dilly taking a pass from Rankin at the right moment put in a shot which Wolstenholme was lucky to divert. Faulty passing by the home vanguard spoiled many favourable openings, Dilly and Rankin both showing a tendency to dally and allow the opposing defence time to recover. Ny way of a change the Bury forwards took up the attack, and from Plant’s centre Berry put in a stinging shot, which grazed the side of the post. Almost in the next minute a slackness on the part of the Blues’ defence left Williams with an unexpected opening. The Bury man’s shot was powerful enough, but lacked the necessary direction. Birnie was next in evidence with a neat drive which struck the upright. Slater missed his kick and let in Rankin, who with only the custodian to beat shot weakly and yards wide. Dilly made amends for his colleagues short-comings a moment later by nipping in at the right time and defeating Wolstenholme. Rankin added a second goal from a penalty. This second reverse stimulated the attack of the visitors, and Collins fell in saving from the Bury right, and was unable to recover himself in time to save from Hodgkinson. Everton got going again, and Dilly scored No. 3 for the Blues. Dilly was always on the spot to take up the centres of the wing men, but he was somewhat slow in dealing out the work to his wings. Altogether, however, he made a fairly satisfactory debut as pivot to the attack. Nearing the interval Donaldson put in a fine dropping shot, which Wolstenholme safely handled. Half-time; Everton 3 goals, Bury 1 goal.
After the interval Williams scored for Bury, and a moment later the same player missed from a penalty. Final;- Everton Res 3, Bury Res 2.

EVERTON JUST WIN
Athletic News - Monday 25 December 1905
Everton got the better of Bury by three goals to two, after a well-contested game, and there was little to well-contested game, and there was little to choose between the teams.  At centre forward Dilly shaped well, while Rankin and Birnie were both seen to advantage.  In the half-back division there was an even consistency shown all round, and further behind Wildman gave a sound display of defence.  Collins had a great deal to do in goal, and he brought off several fine clearances.  Bury had almost as much of the play as the home side, but they met Collins at his best.  Plant, Kay, and Mullineux were the best of the side. 

SEE-SAW GAME AT NOTTINGHAM.
Athletic News - Monday 25 December 1905
By Trentsiders.
Twice in the course of this game with Nottingham Forest -Everton succeeded in drawing level, and when they did so for the second time five minutes before the close, a point seemed assured to them. However, the Reds managed score one more, and won a curious contest by four goals to three. They seemed to have the result in safe keeping upon gaining a lead of two goals twelve minutes after resuming, but Everton stuck manfully to their work and put forth some fine efforts. On both sides there was forward play of exceptional merit, and changes in the Forest team had the effect of bringing about a much needed improvement, and there was rare life and vigour in their movements. Their work was far from being as polished as that of the visitors, and there were shortcomings in some directions, but their performance, taken as a whole, was distinctly creditable, and they broke through ‘Everton’s defence with the utmost skill. At half-back too, where another fresh arrangement was tried, they were well served, and if their defence was not all that could be desired, it compared favorably with that of the Lancashire men. The score indicates that there was not great solidity in the rear lines, and it was a matter for surprise to find Everton so unstable. Their forwards gave an admirable display, many of their movements really beautiful. They made progress too, and it was only in their finishing touches that they in any way failed, several good chances being made no use of. The Forest started in sensational fashion, Hardstaff going straight away and West shooting, Scott stopped the ball, but Morris pounced on the rebound and scored. West was very prominent his new position, the centre, and he and Morris went very close, whilst Niblo shot indifferently when nicely placed. In the meantime Everton had not been idle. Several smart attacks were made and Linacre was found employment. The best attempt came from Makepeace, and after fifteen minutes he got through to equalise, though it appeared as if Linacre might have prevented the score. Later his charge had a very fortunate escape. He dropped on his knees to a centre from Sharp, and when Makepeace secured possession a goal seemed certain. The Liverpool forward, however, kicked very wide. Scott did well to turn sharp ground shot from Morris round the post, but was unequal to one from West, and the Forest thus led at the interval. Play was fast all through, and interest was wen sustained. A shot West cannoned off Balmer desperately near his own goal, and Young missed his kick on the line when Settle was waiting almost under the bar for his pass. Another good save was affected by Scott upon Morris shooting hard, but notwithstanding that he got his hands squarely to a high drive by West, there was so much force in it that he failed to wholly arrest the course of the ball, which curled over his head.  A centre by Craggs also gave him trouble, and matters then veered round in favour of Everton, Young scoring their second point whilst off side was being claimed. Capital attempts followed from Sharp, but both Young and Makepeace shot badly. Five minutes before the finish, however, an equalizing point was obtained. Craig was penalized for a charge on Young which seemed perfectly fair, and Crelley placed the free kick for Abbott to shoot high through. This was a staggered for the Forest, who, however, did not give up the ghost. On the contrary, they put forth renewed exertions, and had the gratification of seeing them crowned with success. Scott dealt with one great effort by Morris, but Niblo, getting clear and running in, beat him with a sharp oblique shot. The Reds deserved their victory. Their forwards were dashing, West taking them along with great spirit. He opened out the game very cleverly, and was responsible for great deal of capital work. In Hardstaff, on his right, he had a player after his own stamp, always ready for work, and about it with the utmost celerity he could command. His object, and that of West's, was always to go ahead. Morris, too, was in splendid form, and the Reds had therefore three dashing inside men. On the wings they were not so strong, but Niblo scored one goal and brought about another, so that he had a big share in the success. Wolfe reverted to the centre-half position, which Fullarton had been filling, the latter playing on the right, and the change was successful. Wolfe was certainly better suited, and Fullarton looked well after Hardman and Settle, Armstrong, from the reserve eleven, did fairly, though he was once too severe on Sharp; and Dudley was the better back. Both keepers made mistakes, and the Everton backs were not reliable. The half-backs played a good game, and the forwards showed that they thoroughly understood the art of combination. Nottingham Forest;- Linacre; Craig, Dubley; Fullarton, Wolfe, Armstrong; Craggs, Hardstaff, West, Morris, and Niblo.  Everton;- Scott; Balmer, Crelley; Taylor, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; J. Adams, Birmingham. 

NOTTS FOREST 4 EVERTON 3
December 25, 1905. The Liverpool Courier.
FORWARDS' FAULTY PLAY.
For a considerable period Nottingham has proved happy hunting ground for Everton. They had picked up points with wonderful consistency, both from the County and the Forest clubs. On Saturday they was a turn in the tide. They met the Foresters, and instead of emulating their performance of last season, when they won by two goals to nil, a high scoring game resulted in their downfall by the odd goal in seven. As a rule a club which scores three goals, on an opponents ground is reasonably expected to be able to avert defeat. Such, however, was not Everton's lot and while on the face of it, one would naturally imagine that the defence was solely to blame, this would scarcely be a correct reflex of Saturday's game. True, the defence was not of a high standard, but at the same time, although three goals accured, the forwards with the chances they had might easily have doubled this number.
A CROP OF GOALS.
While, Everton were in a position to place their full strength in the field, the Forest made several changes in the hope of improving upon recent unsatisfactory display. Certainly the outcome of the game justified the experiments, although it cannot be claimed that even now with the Forest are more than an ordinary side. The game opened in sensational style, for right from the kick off the ball was rushed down, and almost before one had recognised that the players were off, Morris had the ball in the net. The point was as unexpected as it was acceptable to the home supporters. Everton however, soon gave a taste of their quality and indulged in some clever footwork in midfield, though their old fault in front of goal was again noticeable. Still, Makepeace equalised with a shot which Linacre made no great effort to save, and a dong-dong struggle up to the interval saw West taking advantage of slackness on the part of the Everton defenders to put his side ahead again. The second half was vigorously contested, but the Everton display was irritating in respect of that dash and judgement which is essential if opportunities are to be turned to account. West placed the Forest further ahead, but first Young, and then Abbott registered goals for the visiting side. Only a few minutes remained for play, and Everton seemed likely to carry home at least one point, but almost on time Niblo scored with a shot which appeared to go off Balmer into the net.
EVERTON'S WEAKNESS.
It must be conceded that Everton were by no means up to their usual standard of efficiency. In midfield they were clever enough, but this was neutralised by the vigorous and well-sustained efforts of the Foresters. The half-backs were not so effective as usual, and this probably affected the play of Balmer and Crelly neither off whom was at all resourceful under pressure. The fault, however, mainly rested with Young, who had many chances to Settle the issue for his side, and until he can impart more grit into his movements in the vicinity of goal, better results can scarcely he hoped for. Altogether the work of the forwards was distinctly disappointing. Hardman and Settle, were off colour, and the strongest feature was the display of the right wing, although an injury to Sharp handicapped the usually brilliant outside right. It is quite evident that if Everton are not maintain a good position in the League table some changes of a more or less drastic character will have to be made. Teams: - Notts Forest: - Linacre, goal, Craig and Dudley, backs, Fullerton, Wolfe, and Armstrong, half-backs, Cragg, Hardataffe West, Morris and Niblo forwards. Everton: - Scott, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Referee J.Adams.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BURY RESERVES 2
December 25, 1905. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 17)
The meeting of Everton and Bury at Goodison Park provided a capital game, but Everton were the better side, and deserved their 3-2 victory. Bury brought a strong eleven, practually all the men having assisted the first team this season, and it was something of a surprise to find such players as Rose Thorpe, and Plant, relegated to the second string. The veteran did very well, but youth told in the end, and Everton would have won by a bigger margin had they taken all their chances. Rankin especially missing some capital openings. Chief interest in the game centred in the appearance of Dilly, as the Everton centre, and he did very well indeed. True he did not always open out the play to the best advantage, but he invariably shot well, and in addition to scoring a couple of goals, had hard lines in not getting at least another point. Everton's third resulted from a penalty kick, (Rankin) while the shakers would have drawn level in the second portion had Williams successfully negotiated a penalty against Everton. All he could do however, was to put the ball over the bar, and the visitors did not get another chance. Everton were best served by Collins, Birnie, Cooke, Dilly, and Black. For Bury Wolstenholmes and his backs did well, while Rose (whose years of services for the Shakers constitute a record) could give points to many younger players. Everton: - Collins, goal, Wildman, and Wright, backs, Black, Chadwick and Donaldson, half-backs, Birnie, Rankin, Dilly, Cooke, and Grundy, forwards.

EVERTON GO DOWN AT NOTTS
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury  Monday 25 December 1905
Everton’s experience at Nottingham on Saturday was both unusual and unfortunate- unusual by reason of the trend of the play and unfortunately from the fact that it was not until the last minute that they were beaten. The game, speaking candidly, cannot be called a good one, and the display of the Goodison Park brigade was very disappointing to the club directors and supporters who undertook the tiresome journey to the popular lace town. There is no disguising the fact that Evertonians are lacking in that dash and determination which along make for victory. Their cleverness is undoubtedly and their stamina beyond question, yet on Saturday there were quite half a dozen occasions when opportunities of scoring were literally thrown away. In a word, the forwards failed altogether to do themselves justice, and to make matters worse the defence was undeniably shaky. Without any desire to assume the role of Jeremiah, one cannot help saying that, without there is a marked improvement to-day. Bury will certainly help themselves to a couple of points.
The game opened in the most sensational way, for from the kick-off the home centre forward ran right through his field and gave Scott a warm handful. The Irishman threw clear, but the clever and speedy Morris caught the return and scored before the game was a minute old. For some time after this the Evertonian’s enjoyed rather more of the play than their opponents, but the weakness in front of goal already alluded to prevented them from getting on level terms, until Makepeace, with a fine individual effort, equalised. The pace then became exceptionally fast, and fine footwork was seen on both sides. West putting his side ahead before the interval came.
The second portion of the game showed no diminution in point of excitement, though generally considered most of the forward work was scrappy, and, therefore, ineffective. With half an hour to go it was anybody’s game, but the issue was apparently placed beyond doubt by West adding a third goal for the home team. The Evertonians, however, were by no means done with, and the contest assumed a very difficult complexion when Young by a brilliant effort found the net and Abbott equalised. There was at this time only five minutes to go, and it seemed as though honours were to be divided, when Niblo snatched a victory just before Mr. Adams sounded the “cease fire.”
Reverting once more to the Everton forward line, it may be said that Settle was probably the best of a very mediocre lot. Young was seen to anything but advantage, missing chance after chance when he ought to have bustled the ball into the net. Hardman was also off colour, and Sharp for once in a way, appeared to be out of the picture. Makepeace credited himself with a number of clever individual touches, but the whole front line, as we have already said, was frankly below par.
In the half-back division, Booth and Taylor did a lot of good work, especially the former, but the same can scarcely be said for Abbott. The backs were kept exceedingly busy all through the game, thanks to the rushing tactics of the home forwards, and they must certainly be delighted with a share of the defeat. Scott might, perhaps, have saved two of the goals, but generally speaking he played well.
The Forest cannot be considered a particularly formidable team, and this fact makes Everton’s defeat all the worse. At the same time, both Morris and Niblo played exceptionally fine football, while in Craig, the right full back, they possess a player of sterling worth. Of Linacre, it is only necessary to say that he showed characteristic agility between the sticks.

BURY 3 EVERTON 2
December 26, 1905. The Liverpool Courier.
After their defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday the Everton players journeyed to Bury in order to fulfil the first of the season's engagements with the Shakers. It was hoped, in view of the lowly position the home side occupied in the First League table, that the Goodison-park team would improve their record at the expense of their old rivals. Still Bury of late have shown considerably improved form, and their supporters in view of the victory of their team over Sunderland on Saturday, were fairly confident. Unfortunately for Everton, Abbott was unable to occupy his usual position, and Black came into the team at left half. Sharp, who was injured at Nottingham on Saturday was however, fit to play. On the home side Rose and Thorpe (who played against Everton Reserves on Saturday) re-appeared in the Shakers' team at right, and centre half respectively, vice Humphreys and Chorlton. The teams were as follows: - Bury: - Monteith, goal, Linday, and Hulmes, backs, Ross, Thorpe, and Johnston half-backs, Richards, Kilbourne, Dow, Leeming, and Murphy, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goal, R.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Black, half-backs, Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. The weather was fine and mild, but the ground slippery and 18,000 spectators were present when play started. Play was well contested at the start, but Dow scored for Bury in the first fifteen minutes. Afterwards Everton had most of the play, and the Bury defence was severely tried. Eventually Makepeace scored from a centre by Sharp, and the interval score was-m Bury 1, Everton 1. The opening exchanges of the second half were greatly in favour of Bury, Thorpe, Dow, And Kilbourne having shots for goal. Once with Scott on the ground and practually an undefended goal Bury failed to score. Makepeace missed an easy chance while Sharp failed being under the impression he was offside. Then Dow scored for Bury, Murphy adding after 25 minutes play. Everton scored from a corner, and the game ruled ding-dong to the end. Nothing further was scored, and the game ended Bury 3, Everton 2. Though the turf was on the soft side and the greasy condition of the ball often upset calculations it was the unanimous opinion that the match was the best exhibition seen this season at Gigg-lane, and far, and away the best given by the Bury brigade. Everton were much the cleverer side with the ball, their command of the sphere enabling them to show many pretty passing displays. Bury's first goal was neatly got, but was not obtained without some luck, the ball passing from Murphy through a crowd of players to Dow, who promptly netted. The equalise was beautifully obtained. Sharp breaking away, and swinging across to Makepeace to neatly turn the ball into the net. Resuming on equal terms the turning point was reached when Hardman sent across. Settle and Young having their backs to the goal let the ball pass to Sharp, who was close in. Cries of “offside” instantly resounded and Sharp, evidently thinking there was something in it, hesitated an open goal. The next minute Dow put Bury added and another blunder followed when Scott allowed a moderately fast shot from Murphy to screw through his hands and legs in the net. settle struck the bar, and Monteith being charged the ball caught his back of his hands and rolled into the net. The game was splendidly fought out, but had Sharp taken his chance a different result would certainly have been registered. Scott, apart from his one error, played a clever resourceful game. Balmer and Crelly divide high honours for their confident superb tackling and kicking. Taylor was a long way in front of his col-leagues, being always in the thick of it. Hardman and Sharp were the most prominent of the forwards, all three insides making only moderate target practice. Bury were a well-balanced side, and should provide an attractive game at Goodison to-day.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 2
December 26, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 18)
The return match between these teams was play at Goodison-park yesterday before about 5,000 people. The home club under went a couple of alterations from that under went a couple of attackers from that which did duty on Saturday W.Balmer appearing at right back, and Wright taking up the right half back position, in place of Black, who was doing duty with the first team. The following teams faced: - Everton: - Collins, goal, W.Balmer, and Hannan, backs, Wright, Chadwick, and Donaldson half-backs Birnie, Rankin, Dilly, Cooke, and Grundy, forwards. Rovers: - M'Iver, goal, Smith, and McClure, backs, Broughton, Wilson and Bradsahw, half-backs, Pentland, Crompton, McAllister, Wolstenholmes, and Dawson forwards. The conditions were equal, and from the start even play was the other, both sets of half-backs doing good service. Everton were first to put on pressure, and early on M'Lver had to clear from a capital attempt by Dilly. The Rovers custodian soon afterwards handled from a shot by Cooke, and then the Rovers right wing made progress. Collins being called upon to save a good shot from Crompton. Then a good run, and centre by Pentland endangered the Everton goal, but Collins was equal to saving a couple of shots, which reached him. A good clearance by Balmer enabled the Everton right wing to get away, and Rankin forced M'Iver to repel two attempts. End to end play followed, and both goalkeepers were called upon play being well contested and very interesting at this stage. Everton were the more dangerous near goal, and only a fine save on the part of M'Iver prevented a capital shot from Cooke, taking effect, the Rovers custodian saving at full length. This was followed by a bombardment of the visitors goal, and it was only after M'Iver had made several fine saves that he was beaten by Cooke, from a corner. Shortly afterwards Dilly was going straight for goal, when he was fouled, and from the ensuing penalty kick, Rankin put Everton further ahead. Everton pressed to the interval, but could not add to their score. Half-time Everton 2, Rovers nil. On resuming the Rovers made strenuous efforts to reduce the margin against them, and on one occasion Dawson missed by inches. Then Everton went in front, but M'Iver effected a grand clearance. The visitors were quickly pressing again, however, and good work by Pentland resulted in McAllister having a fine chance, but the centre failed badly. Play centred round the home goal for some time, but Collins gave a splendid account of himself, and the Rovers were eventually driven back. Rankin made a capital run, only for Birnie to send wide. After about twenty minutes play Wolstenholme put in a fine run and beat Collins with a splendid goal. Encouraged by their success the Rovers pressed hotly, the home defenders having a busy time. The Everton left wing broke away, but the visitors returned to the attack, and Dawson equalised. Collins being hurt while saving. There was a keen struggle to secure the leading goal, but neither custodian could be beaten again, and a capital match ended-as the first had done- in a draw of two goals each.

BURY v  EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Tuesday 26 December 1905
At Bury, on Christmas Day, before about 10,000 spectators Ross and Thorp reappeared in the Bury half-back line, vice Chorlton and Humphreys and the only charge in the Everton team was the substitution of Black for Abbott. The game opened in an exciting manner, the Everton forwards at once initiating a determined attack on the home goal, a long shot by Hardman striking Lindsay and rebounding out of danger. Only a few minutes had elapsed before -from a melee in the Bury goal- Young placed into the net, but was palpably offside, and no one was surprised when the point was not allowed. In the first fifteen minutes play was largely in Everton’s favour, and it was only on rare occasions that the Bury forwards were in the vicinity of the visiting team’s goal. In each of their breaks, away the Bury men were dangerous, and exactly quarter of an hour from the start Dow scored from a good centre by Murphy. Scott had no chance to clear, his view of Bury’s centre when taking the shot being obstructed by the backs. This early success evidently encouraged the Shakers for they began to show up to better advantage, and the game became more evenly contested. Young with a clear opening sent over the bar, and a good effort by Hardman missed the mark. Lindsay in clearing diverted the ball into the Bury goal, but Monteith run out and relieved. About five minutes from the interval Sharp neatly tricked Ross, and from his beautifully timed centre Young, within a couple of yards from goal, easily defeated Montieth, half-time arriving with the scores one each.
The game was resumed before quite 15,000 spectators and continued to be keenly contested. The earlier stages were all in favour of Bury, but they experienced the hardest of luck. Time after time Makepeace missed a glorious opening, and the Bury men showed their appreciation by making a raid on the visitors goal Dow easily scoring a second goal from an admirably-judged forward pass by Leeming. Both sides were now making strenuous efforts, and the utmost excitement prevailed as Bury showed something of their old-time dash and determination. A quarter of an hour from the finish Dow scored Bury’s third goal, the ball slipping through Scott’s hands, and five minutes later Everton scored from a corner. One of the finest contested games ended with the final scores; Bury 3 goals, Everton 2.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV 1
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 26 December 1905
EVERTON v. BLACKBURN ROVERS
The meeting of the above teams provided the holiday attraction at Goodison yesterday. The following were the representative elevens;-
Everton.- Collions, goal; W. Balmer and Hannan, backs; Wright, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, Rankin, Dilly, Cooke, and Grundy, forwards.
Blackburn Rovers.- McIver, goal; Smith and McClure, backs; Broughton, Wilson, and Bradshaw, half-backs; Pentland, Crompton, McAllister, Wolstenholme, and Dawson, forwards.
From the start both teams adopted a businesslike attitude. Everton had the best of the initial half, which was marked by the cleverness of the home attack and the really brilliant custodianship of McIver. Times without number the Rovers’ citadel seemed certain to fall, but the persistent attacks only served to show the fine qualities of the custodian. Cooke eventually put the ball into the net with a long ground shot, and the score was augmented later by Rankin from a penalty kick.
Half-time; Everton 2 goals, Blackburn Rovers nil.
During the second moiety the Rovers enjoyed the bulk of the attack, although the Blues had many fine opportunities of adding to their score, but there was a lamentable lack of understanding between the forwards, and hence many chances went abegging. Dilly missed many chances, and his display as centre forward was never brilliant. Wolstenholme put in a long drive which completely beat Collins, and towards the finish Dawson rushed the leather through from close range. A draw of two goals each was a fair reflex of the play.

BURY v  EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 26 December 1905

At Bury, on Christmas Day, before about 10,000 spectators Ross and Thorp reappeared in the Bury half-back line, vice Chorlton and Humphreys and the only charge in the Everton team was the substitution of Black for Abbott. The game opened in an exciting manner, the Everton forwards at once initiating a determined attack on the home goal, a long shot by Hardman striking Lindsay and rebounding out of danger. Only a few minutes had elapsed before -from a melee in the Bury goal- Young placed into the net, but was palpably offside, and no one was surprised when the point was not allowed. In the first fifteen minutes play was largely in Everton’s favour, and it was only on rare occasions that the Bury forwards were in the vicinity of the visiting team’s goal. In each of their breaks, away the Bury men were dangerous, and exactly quarter of an hour from the start Dow scored from a good centre by Murphy. Scott had no chance to clear, his view of Bury’s centre when taking the shot being obstructed by the backs. This early success evidently encouraged the Shakers for they began to show up to better advantage, and the game became more evenly contested. Young with a clear opening sent over the bar, and a good effort by Hardman missed the mark. Lindsay in clearing diverted the ball into the Bury goal, but Monteith run out and relieved. About five minutes from the interval Sharp neatly tricked Ross, and from his beautifully timed centre Young, within a couple of yards from goal, easily defeated Montieth, half-time arriving with the scores one each.
The game was resumed before quite 15,000 spectators and continued to be keenly contested. The earlier stages were all in favour of Bury, but they experienced the hardest of luck. Time after time Makepeace missed a glorious opening, and the Bury men showed their appreciation by making a raid on the visitors goal Dow easily scoring a second goal from an admirably-judged forward pass by Leeming. Both sides were now making strenuous efforts, and the utmost excitement prevailed as Bury showed something of their old-time dash and determination. A quarter of an hour from the finish Dow scored Bury’s third goal, the ball slipping through Scott’s hands, and five minutes later Everton scored from a corner. One of the finest contested games ended with the final scores; Bury 3 goals, Everton 2.

EVERTON v  BURY
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 26 December 1905
The Shakers visited Goodison Park this afternoon and the fixture promised to be of a holiday character as the changes on both sides were of a wholesale character. When operations commenced there would be quite 30,000 spectators present, the teams lining up as follow;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Hannan, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Black, half-backs; Birnie, Young, Abbott, McLoughlin, and Hardman, forwards.
Bury.- Murphy, goal; Leeming and Dow, backs; Kilbourne, Richards, and Ross, half-backs; Thorpe, Johnson, Mollineux, Slater, and Monteith, forwards.
Everton lost the toss, and Abbott started, and for some time the game was confined to midfield. At last Murphy and Leeming made a move and Balmer effected a pretty clearance. Next Abbott got a pass in from the left, but he was palpably slow, and Thorpe disposed him before he could become dangerous. Now the exchanges were of a straggling charcater until Murphy dashed off and gave Scott a great beauty to deal with. The home front advanced in some style, and Abbott finished up with a grand shot, which struck the bar. The home forwards were now putting on pressure, but there was a distinct lack of understanding within shooting distance. A fine long shot came from Booth, and Monteith only just effected a clearance. This was followed by sequence of feeble shots from the Everton forwards, not one of whom seemed able to send in a decent shot. The Blues were the better if anything, but their combination was far from effective. Black and McLoughlin made efforts to initiate an attack, but the Shakers’ defence was close, and ultimately the leather was crossed to their left, and Hannan had to concede a corner, which was nicely transferred by Balmer. A goal-kick and throw in enabled the visitors to make a little headway, but they could not maintain the advantage, and the Shakers made a feeble advance on their left, which Balmer checked. Birnie next made a neat run, but his centre was faulty, and he put the leather over the bar, though Abbott and McLoughlin were up to receive. The game lacked incident, and the forwards on both sides were slow and uncertain. Booth made a nice pass to Birnie, who was successfully intercepted by Ross, but a corner followed on the other wing, the corner being headed over. Hardman failed to take a pass from Black, but Slate did not succeed in giving his side an opening, and Booth was impeded when taking a promising free kick. Then Black kicked behind in trying to locate Monteith. Soon after Birnie mulled a splendid chance. Booth gave Young a pretty pass, but the effort failed at the critical moment. Birnie then had another chance, but could not make any use of it, and the first half of an uninteresting game was over with no goals scored.
Restarting the Blues showed a little better form, and for ten minutes they pretty well occupied the Bury territory, but when well placed Bernie repeated former errors and let another fine opening go adrift. However, a few minutes later the Blues were seen again buzzing round Monteith, and the Bury attack was in difficulties, as Hardman, Young, and Abbott sent in shots which were feebly repelled. At last McLoughlin made a clever detour and put the leather beyond the reach of Monteith a success which put the crowd in rare good humour, and imparted an element of vim into the home lot, and their attack was much earnester, and only a lack of understanding stood in the way of another goal. Thorpe obtained in midfield and put across to his right, when Richards eluded Hannan cleverly and sailed along unopposed towards goal. He evidently lacked confidence, and shooting too early, sent the ball very wide. The Shakers continued to attack, and were bent on equalising, but Booth and Balmer proved very steady under pressure, although Everton had many very anxious moments. A free kick was well taken by Molyneux and smartly cleared by Balmer, but it did not prevent Murphy from forcing a corner. From this Everton broke away and attacked vigorously, but without success. The Shakers broke away in dangerous style, but fine work by Black broke up a capital attack, which was however, soon resumed, and Taylor dealt ably with a really fine centre by Richards. The Shakers were undoubtedly unlucky in not getting anything for their labour. At last luck turned for the visitors, who had been straining every nerve. Murphy and Leeming led up to a hot attack, and Hardman came to grass tackling Dow, what time Leeming darted in, and equalised. Everton’s ill-luck still stuck to them, and Kilbourne won the game for the Shakers just on the stroke of time. During the last few minutes McLaughlin retired hurt.
Final; Bury 2 Everton 1

EALESTOWN v  EVERTON RESERVE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 26 December 1905
(Lancashire Combination)
At Earlestown, before 2,000 spectators. Colonel Pilkington, M.P., started on behalf of the visitors. The homesters quickly took up the running, Wright cleverly saving from Bartley and Cunliffe. A couple of corners to the homesters were futile, and at the other end Topping had to negotiate fine efforts from Quinn and Grundy. Wright played magnificently between the sticks. Half- time; No score.

BURY v  EVERTON
Sporting Chronicle - Tuesday 26 December 1905
At Bury, before 18,000 spectators in mild weather, the ground being on the soft side. Teams;-
Bury.- Monteith; Lindsay, Hulmes; Johnston, Thorpe, Ross; Richards, Kilbourne, Dow, Leeming, and Murphy
Everton.- Scott; Balmer, Crelley; Taylor, Booth (captain), Black; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.
Everton started and Richards was nearly through when he was charged off the ball. Montieth gathered up from Settle. Young netted, but was obviously off-side. Murphy raced away, and swinging into the centre Dow scored a lovely goal after sixteen minutes. Pretty passing enabled Sharp to get clean away, and from his cross in Makepeace easily equalised.
Interval- Bury 1; Everton 1
Resuming an exciting scrimmage in front gave Kilbourne an open goal, but he could not get full command of the ball before Crelley tackled and cleared. At the other end Hardman crossed to Sharp, who thinking he was off-side failed to convert the easiest chance imaginable. Then in the next minute Dow and Kilborne burst clean through, Dow scoring a lovely goal. Next Kilborne looked all over a scorer, but grazed the crossbar. Murphy drove the ball through Scott’s hands and legs, and then Settle headed against the crossbar and Monteith being tackled, the ball found the net.
Result;- Bury 3 Everton 2

BURY v  EVERTON
Sporting Life - Tuesday 26 December 1905
Last year’s Result-Everton  2, Bury 1
At Gigg-lane, Bury, before 15,000 people, Bury pressed at the start, but Everton returned, and showed clever work at close quarters, but after fifteen minutes Dow scored for Bury. The game was keenly contested, both sides showing good play. Just before the interval Everton pressed. Young equalised from a fine centre by Sharp.
Half-time;- 1 goal each.
On resuming, the Everton goal had two narrow escapes, and for a short time the visitors were kept on the defence, but the pressure was relived, and Montieth had to clear at the other end. But Bury returned, and Dow scored again twenty minutes after the restart. Murphy scored a third, while Everton scored from a corner.
Result;- Bury 3; Everton 2.

BURY v EVERTON
Leicester Daily Post - Tuesday 26 December 1905
Daily Record - Tuesday 26 December 1905
At Bury, in clear, open weather, before 15,000 spectators. Ross and Thorpe reappeared for Bury vice Humphreys and Chorlton, and Black replaced Abbott for Everton. Daw scored for Bury in the first fifteen minutes, after which Everton had most of the play, and Bury’s defence was severely tried. Eventually Young scored from a centre from Sharp. The interval score was;- Bury one goal, Everton one goal.
The opening exchanges of the second half were greatly in favour of Bury. Thorpe, Dow, and Kilbourne having shots for goal. Once, with Scott on the ground and practically with an undefended goal, Bury failed to score. Makepeace missed an easy chance, and then Dow scored for Bury. Murphy adding another. After twenty minutes play Everton scored from a corner. The game ruled ding-dong to the very end.
Result;- Bury three goals, Everton, two goals.

BURY v  EVERTON
Dundee Courier - Tuesday 26 December 1905
Bury defeated Everton at Bury by 3 to 2. Everton were the smarter in combination, but Bury made many dangerous attacks, and after fifteen minutes’ play Dow scored for them. For some time Everton attacked, but were driven back and several corners for the home team followed, after which Everton made strong attacks, Young equalising just before the interval. The second half opened in favour of the home team, who had several fine openings, but failed to score. Sharp was next responsible for a fearful error, and getting clear Bury worked to the other end, where Dow, put the home team ahead, Murphy next adding a third. Scott letting the ball through his hands. Everton scored again from a corner, but failed to equalise.

BURY v  EVERTON
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Tuesday 26 December 1905
Eastern Daily Press - Tuesday 26 December 1905
At Bury, before 15,000 spectators. Bury made many dangerous attacks, and after fifteen minutes’ play Dow scored for them. For some time Everton attacked, and Young equalised just before the interval. The second half opened in favour of the home team, and Dow put them ahead. Murphy added a third goal, and just before the finish Everton scored from a corner.

EVERTON 1 BURY 2
December 27, 1905. The Liverpool Courier.
BLUES AGAIN BEATEN.
For the second day in succession, Everton and Bury were in opposition yesterday. The match at Bury on Christmas-day had resulted in favour of the Shakers by the odd goal in five, but Everton were decidedly unfortunate in not securing a point. It was hoped they would be able to turn the table to-day, but unfortunately the team had to be rearranged owing to injuries. Bury also made changes, and it was rather curious that both sides had to find substitutes for the backs, who turned out yesterday. The home side were also without Sharp, and Settle, for whom Birnie and McLoughlin turned out, while an experiment was made in Abbott being placed at centre forward. The following are the names and positions of the players: - Everton: - Scott, goal, W.Balmer, and Hannan backs, Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Black, half-backs, Birnie, Young, Abbott, McLoughlin, and Hardman, forwards. Bury: - Monteith, goal, Slater, and Mullinsaux, backs, Johnstone, Thorpe, and Ross, half-backs, Richards, Kilbourne, Dow, Leeming, and Murphy, forwards. Everton lost the toss, and Abbott started play before 15,000 spectators. The home right wing at once got away, Birnie putting in a capital centre. Abbott had an almost open goal, but preferred to pass to Young, who sent over the bar. A moment later Birnie again placed the ball well in the goalmouth, and on the ball being returned Booth tried his luck, but shot yards over the crossbar. Bury paid a brief visit to the other end, and Scott had to handle from a long shot by Kilbourne. The Blues were quickly pressing again, and this time Abbott forced Monteith to stop good attempts. Another attempts by Bury resulted in Kilbourne sending over and end to end play followed with Everton holding a slight advantage. The half-backs on both sides checked many forwards movements until a splendid pass by Kilbourne set Richards off in great style. The winger shot well, but Scott turned the ball over the bar in clever fashion. The corner led to another before Scott eventually cleared. Abbott passed badly and Bury attacked for some time. Dow on one occasion missing a fair opening. The Everton forwards quite failed to make headway, and Bury for some time held a decided advantage so far as pressing went. Taylor however, worked strenuously, and Scott had little to do. At last Abbott set his left wing going, and from Hardman's centre Birnie should have scored, but sent wide. Everton showed come improvement, but the forwards showed little method in their play. The only incident for a long time was a run by the right wing and a slow shot from Birnie, which Monteith easily saved. Bury was little better than their opponents so far as their forwards work was concerned, but they certainly shot better and once Scott stopped a capital attempt from Dow. Hardman livened up the game by beating both Johnstone and Slater, but Monteith saved the finish from McLoughlin. This led up to more pressure on the Bury goal. Abbott but a couple of opponents in characteristic fashion, but Monteith saved his shot, in fine style. After Hannan had cleverly repelled a dangerous rush by the Shakers. Everton attack with vigour and Monteith effected a splendid save from Booth. Following a dash by the visitors, Dow was allowed to run in from an off-side pose, but Hannan robbed him, and on the Blues taking up the running both Birnie and Hardman in turn were adjudged offside. At the other end Scott saved from Leeming and Kilbourne and after Birnie had shot over the Bury crossbar the Everton goalkeeper cleared again from Richards. Everton got down again, but only secured a fruitless corner. There was no finish to the work of the home forwards, and although they kept play in the Bury half they did not cause Moneith any anxiety. Birnie once threw away a good opening, and when the interval arrived the spectators were still waiting for a goal. Half-time Everton nil, Bury nil. There was about 18,000 spectators present when Dow resumed on behalf of Bury. Neither side could get going for some time, and play showed little improvement on the opening half. The first move of note came from Everton, a long pass to the right wing giving Burnett a good opening, but he finished very badly and shot yards wide of the goal. Bury replied well Richards making a good run, and Scott had to save from Dow. Then Everton put on pressure and McLoughlin scored cleverly after about seven minutes play. Leeming had a chance of getting an equaliser soon afterwards but he missed his kick when right in front of goal. Everton followed with a strong attack but failed to get the better of the defence, Richards then put in the best run of the match, beating Hardman, he ran straight into the goalmouth but to the delight of the Everton spectators he shot outside. The Bury winger should have scored easily for he had only Scott to beat and was but a couple of yards from the goal. Shortly afterwards Dow sent across the goalmouth and the ball went outside. Everton paid a fruitless visit to the other end., and then Richards failed again when well placed. A good movement on the part of the Blues followed, only for Young to get offside. A little later McLoughlin was fouled just outside the penalty area, but the free kick was cleared. Scott had to save from a foul given against Abbott. After a lot of end to end play a beautiful shot was sent in from the wing, Scott saved well, but Leeming was close up, and scored an easily when the goalkeeper was out of position. Hannan making an ineffectual attempt to head the ball out. Having equalised Bury played up well and Balmer and Hannan defended strongly. Before the finish McLoughlin retired hurt, and in the last minute, Kilbourne put on the winning goal for Bury. Final Everton 1, Bury 2.

EARLESTOWN 4 EVERTON RESERVES 0
December 27 1905. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 19)
At Earlestown, before 2,000 spectators. Both elevens were below full strength. Col. Pilkington M.P. kicked off, on behalf of Everton. The homesters were the first to attack, a couple of shots from Bartley and Cunliffe severely testing Wright. At the other end Topping safely got rid of grand efforts from Quinn and Grundy. Earlestown pressed severely, but Wright played magnificently. Interval no score. Final Earlestown 4, Everton nil . Everton: - Collins, goal, Wildman and Hill, backs, Wright, Chadwick, and Donaldson half-backs Rankin, Quinn, Dilly, Cooke, and Grundy, forwards.

EVERTON v  BURY
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Wednesday 27 December 1905
The Shakers visited Goodison Park yesterday afternoon and the fixture promised to be of a holiday character as the changes on both sides were of a wholesale character. When operations commenced there would be quite 30,000 spectators present, the teams lining up as follow;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Hannan, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Black, half-backs; Birnie, Young, Abbott, McLoughlin, and Hardman, forwards.
Bury.- Murphy, goal; Leeming and Dow, backs; Kilbourne, Richards, and Ross, half-backs; Thorpe, Johnson, Mollineux, Slater, and Monteith, forwards.
Everton lost the toss, and Abbott started, and for some time the game was confined to midfield. At last Murphy and Leeming made a move and Balmer effected a pretty clearance. Next Abbott got a pass in from the left, but he was palpably slow, and Thorpe disposed him before he could become dangerous. Now the exchanges were of a straggling charcater until Murphy dashed off and gave Scott a great beauty to deal with. The home front advanced in some style, and Abbott finished up with a grand shot, which struck the bar. The home forwards were now putting on pressure, but there was a distinct lack of understanding within shooting distance. A fine long shot came from Booth, and Monteith only just effected a clearance. This was followed by sequence of feeble shots from the Everton forwards, not one of whom seemed able to send in a decent shot. The Blues were the better if anything, but their combination was far from effective. Black and McLoughlin made efforts to initiate an attack, but the Shakers’ defence was close, and ultimately the leather was crossed to their left, and Hannan had to concede a corner, which was nicely transferred by Balmer. A goal-kick and throw in enabled the visitors to make a little headway, but they could not maintain the advantage, and the Shakers made a feeble advance on their left, which Balmer checked. Birnie next made a neat run, but his centre was faulty, and he put the leather over the bar, though Abbott and McLoughlin were up to receive. The game lacked incident, and the forwards on both sides were slow and uncertain. Booth made a nice pass to Birnie, who was successfully intercepted by Ross, but a corner followed on the other wing, the corner being headed over. Hardman failed to take a pass from Black, but Slate did not succeed in giving his side an opening, and Booth was impeded when taking a promising free kick. Then Black kicked behind in trying to locate Monteith. Soon after Birnie mulled a splendid chance. Booth gave Young a pretty pass, but the effort failed at the critical moment. Birnie then had another chance, but could not make any use of it, and the first half of an uninteresting game was over with no goals scored.
Restarting the Blues showed a little better form, and for ten minutes they pretty well occupied the Bury territory, but when well-placed Bernie repeated former errors and let another fine opening go adrift. However, a few minutes later the Blues were seen again buzzing round Monteith, and the Bury attack was in difficulties, as Hardman, Young, and Abbott sent in shots which were feebly repelled. At last McLoughlin made a clever detour and put the leather beyond the reach of Monteith a success which put the crowd in rare good humour, and imparted an element of vim into the home lot, and their attack was much earnester, and only a lack of understanding stood in the way of another goal. Thorpe obtained in midfield and put across to his right, when Richards eluded Hannan cleverly and sailed along unopposed towards goal. He evidently lacked confidence, and shooting too early, sent the ball very wide. The Shakers continued to attack, and were bent on equalising, but Booth and Balmer proved very steady under pressure, although Everton had many very anxious moments. A free kick was well taken by Molyneux and smartly cleared by Balmer, but it did not prevent Murphy from forcing a corner. From this Everton broke away and attacked vigorously, but without success. The Shakers broke away in dangerous style, but fine work by Black broke up a capital attack, which was however, soon resumed, and Taylor dealt ably with a really fine centre by Richards. The Shakers were undoubtedly unlucky in not getting anything for their labour. At last luck turned for the visitors, who had been straining every nerve. Murphy and Leeming led up to a hot attack, and Hardman came to grass tackling Dow, what time Leeming darted in, and equalised. Everton’s ill-luck still stuck to them, and Kilbourne won the game for the Shakers just on the stroke of time. During the last few minutes McLaughlin retired hurt.
Final; Bury 2 Everton 1

EARLESTOWN v  EVERTON RESERVE
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury – Wednesday 27 December 1905
(Lancashire Combination)
At Earlestown, before 2,000 spectators. Colonel Pilkington, M.P., started on behalf of the visitors. The homesters quickly took up the running, Wright cleverly saving from Bartley and Cunliffe. A couple of corners to the homesters were futile, and at the other end Topping had to negotiate fine efforts from Quinn and Grundy. Wright played magnificently between the sticks. Half- time; No score.
Final; Earlestown 4, Everton Reserve nil.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 29 December 1905
When considering Everton, we come to a problem. They left Lime-street at two o’clock this afternoon, and will stay at Harrogate for the week-end. The brothers Balmers are the backs chosen. Black is among the halves in consequence of the decision to rest Abbott and Hardman has had a heavy time lately, and so the promising Grundy, who was obtained from Chirk, will have his first trial. The directors are pursuing the right wing experiment again, and Young returns to pivot work.
Makepeace is getting married next week. Our very best wishes to him and his bride.
Manchester City will be met on Monday at Hyde-road, and Hardman will then join the team.

EVERTON ARRANAGEMENTS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 30 December 1905
Everton left Lime-street at two o’clock yesterday, and will stay at Harrogate for the week-end. The brothers Balmer are the backs chosen. Black is among the halves in consequence of the decision to rest Abbott and Hardman has had a heavy time lately, and so the promising Grundy, who was obtained from Chirk, will have his first trial. The directors are pursuing the right wing experiment again, and Young returns to pivot work. Makepeace is getting married next week.
Middlesbrough v Everton
League match at Middlesbrough
Everton- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and R. Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Black, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Grundy, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Southport Central
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison; 2.30
Everton.- Collins, goal; Hill and Hannan, backs; Chadwick, Wright and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, Rankin, Quinn, Cooke, and Butler, forwards.
Southport.- Rimmer, goal; Spink and Rimmer, backs; Sinclair, Wareing and Chorlton, half-backs; Birch, Abram, Smith, McGuigan, and Waddington, forwards.

EVERTON v  SOUTHPORT CENTRAL
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 30 December 1905
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV 1
At Goodison Park this afternoon. The homesters gave a further trial to Butler (outside left), while Southport were represented by a strong combination. The Seasiders, who led off, were the first to show to advantage, Waddington running the ball outside. The Blues next advanced, and Butler put in two accurate centres, from which Rankin scored with a neat drive quite out of the reach of Rimmer. A misunderstanding between Rimmer and Spink almost led to a second disaster, an abortive corner being the result. Then Everton held the whip hand for some time without, however, seriously troubling Rimmer. McGuigan was prominent with a long shot, which just topped the bar, the Blues returned to the attack, and both Dilly and Rankin made good but ineffectual attempts to augment the score, while a moment later Rimmer cleverly fielded the ball as it was sailing under the bar. Then midfield was the scene of operations. Cooke was presented with an excellent opening, but he shot very wide. At the other end Waddington was twice presented with favourable openings, and on both occasions his final work was weak and ill-directed. The visiting forwards did not lack opportunities, as on more than one occasion the leather was placed in front of Collins and only needed piloting into the net. They invariably hesitated and lost their chance, or shot with wretched judgement. The Central now pull forth more persistent efforts and Collins charge was in serious jeopardy. The custodians, however, cleared through a cluster of players, and the Blues once again assumed the aggressive. Butler put in a good centre, and Rankin shot outside. Both McGuigan and Birch were to the fore with excellent centres, but they shared the same ignominious fate as their predecessors. The Blues rallied again, and Cooke beat Rimmer from close range with a fast rising shot. Uninteresting play followed to the intervals, which arrived with Everton leading by 2 goals to nil.
Smith scored for Southport, and Rankin for Everton from a penalty.
Final.- Everton 3, Southport Central 1.

TAME TUSSLE AT MIDDLESBROUGH
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 30 December 1905
EVERTON GET A POINT
BETTER RESULT THAN EXPECTED
GOALLESS DRAW
Half-time Everton Nil, Middlesbrough Nil
The Everton team completed their old year engagements by meeting Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park this afternoon. The long journey to the North-east Coast was made in easy stages, the team leaving Liverpool yesterday for Harrogate, where the evening was quickly spent, then entrained for Middlesbrough in good time this morning, and on arrival walked quietly up to the ground. The weather was perfect, a brilliant sun shining from a cloudless sky, and, with the prospect of a keen game, there was a capital attendance when the players turned out. There were several interesting changes in the Everton ranks. Crelly, Abbott, and H. Hardman were all absentees, and occasion was taken to give a First League trial to Grundy, who is a Neston youth, and gives promise of making a capital outside left. W. Balmer came into the team after a rather lengthy absence and Black made a reappearance in place of Abbott. In the home ranks there were three changes, McCallum playing in place of Hogg, and Thackeray for Coxon.
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and R. Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Black, half-backs; Sharp, Makepeace, Young, Settle, and Grundy, forwards.
Middlesbrough.- Williamson, goal; McCallum and Agnew, backs; Henderson, Aitken, and Davidson, half-backs; Green, Hewitt, Common, Reid, and Thackeray, forwards.
Referee, Mr. D.G. Ashworth.
Booth won the toss, and elected to play with his face to the sun. The home forwards at once made play on the right, and the ball being swung across to the left. Thackeray put in a smart shot which went over. The Evertonians took up the running on the right, and after the ball had been put over the line once Sharp again run down, and a corner was forced. This put the home goal in jeopardy, but the ball was eventually cleared, and the struggle was continued in midfield. Thanks to good work by the right wing, the Everton defence was sorely tried, but the elder Balmer eventually cleared his lines with a huge punt. A moment later, however, the Reds had returned in force, and Hewitt had a splendid chance of scoring, when he sent the leather sailing high over the bar. So far the game had been of a very scrambling character, and what little was shown was on the part of the home forwards, but their shooting was most erratic. They gradually improved, however, and a mistake by Booth let in Thackeray, who raced down the wing and centred to Aitken, who put in a terrific shot, which Scott managed very cleverly to clear. The Everton backs tried hard to send the invaders to the right about, but they returned on the right, and relief only came through Green losing. This was followed by a forward movement on the part of the visitors, and a free kick gave them a nice opening. Agnew, however, intercepted the leather, and the Middlesbrough men again made ground. Taylor was too slow for Thackeray, who broke away on the right and finished with a fine dropping shot, which Scott dealt with in masterly fashion. The game continued to be ragged and exceedingly tame, and a movement on the part of Grundy and Settle was very half-hearted McCallum having no difficult in kicking clear. The home forwards next moved down in workmanlike fashion, and Scott had to leave his goal in order to clear from Common. More midfield work of a desultory character followed, and nothing of importance was done until Young worked through and passed out to Sharp; the latter in turn sent the ball back to Young, but the Everton centre forward was offside when he attempted top shoot. Good work by the home right wing was well checked by R. Balmer, and then Thackeray burst through once again, and outstripping both Taylor and the elder Balmer, he was about to score, when young Balmer literally threw himself at the Middlesbrough man, and though he saved the goal he hurt his leg, and had to leave the field. The home team now began to exert great pressure, and for some time the Evertonians were penned in their own quarters, the pressure only being relieved when Green shot over the bar. It was not long before the Northerns were again attacking strongly, but the movement terminated in Aitken shooting very wide of the mark. At length Everton got going on the right, and Sharp shaped fairly well, but at the last moment he lost possession, and Middlesbrough once again ran down in the direction of Scott, who had to handle a shot from Common. A minute later a corner was forced on the right, and though it came to nothing. It was not long before the Reds were again paying undesirable attention to the Everton defences. Black was beaten by Hewitt, and after R. Balmer had cleared the ball was put across to the left, where Thackeray tried an ineffectual shot. Booth initiated a forward movement, but it was checked by Aiken, and the home left were once again prominent, but the outside man’s shot went behind. A run down by Sharp and Makepeace came to nothing, and then Thackeray created great enthusiasm by running right through the field and putting in a swift shot which Scott just got to and threw clear. Green caught the return and shot with great force, but the Irish international was fairly on his mettle, and by an almost superhuman effort he managed to clear the danger a second time. A fugitive forward movement by the Evertonians brought no success in its train, and the Middlesbrough men were soon on the move again. Common, however, was offside when he got the ball from Hewitt, and the movement was spoiled. Try as the world, however, the visitors apparently could not get going at all, and a foul against Black put the home team once more on the aggressive. W. Balmer gave relief, and Sharp took the leather along, but it went into touch. From the throw in the ball was placed well in front of the home goal, but Black shot very tamely, and Williamson had no difficulty in throwing clear. Towards the interval the visitors began to exert themselves a little more, but the Middlesbrough defence had time to gain confidence and twice McCallum proved too smart for Settle and Young. Then the home left wing was busy, and the ball being sent across to Hewitt the Everton goal was endangered but R. Balmer saved the situation with a timely kick. His brother then passed to Sharp, who had a clear goal before him, but as the last moment he allowed McCallum to tush across and kick the ball over his own crossbar. The ensuing corner was safely negotiated and once again the Reds moved forward, Scott, Green nullifying the movement by shooting over. They then made ground on the left, but Hewitt was dispossessed just as he was about to shoot, and Everton moved down on the left, Aitken, however, barred their progress, and the Middlesbrough left got going. Thackeray ran right in, and should certainly have scored, when he shot wide. Sharp next got away on his own, and when within a couple of yards of Williamson he shot, but the home custodian as on the alert, and he saved the situation.
Half-time score Middlesbrough Nil, Everton Nil.
There were fully 12,000 spectators present when the game was resumed, and it was hoped that there would be an improvement in the play. The visitors began by working down on the left, but McCullum cleared. The visitors immediately returned on the right and Sharp put in a glorious shot which Settle ought to have landed into the net, but Williamson was too quick for him, and cleared. The Evertonians were evidently determined to score if possible, for Sharp again raced away at top speed and put in a fast ground shot which the Middlesbrough custodian was distinctly smart in getting down to. Following upon this the home forwards made play, and both Balmers were kept busy. It was the home side itself, however, that eventually gave relief, Common with a clear goal shooting yards wide. Midfield work ensued, and then the Everton left got going grandly finishing with an excellent centre, which Williamson ran out to and cleared. Returning on the left. Settle and Grundy were busy, and from a throw-in Booth lobbed the ball into the goalmouth, where Davidson cleared just as Sharp was preparing to net the ball. Another long shot by the Everton skipper was spoiled through being handled, and the next move of interest was a break away by the home left, Hewitt’s shot going wide. Give-and-take play followed, and both ends were visited without anything happening, though on one occasion Settle and Grundy were especially dangerous.
Final Result- Middlesbrough Nil, Everton Nil.
Last season- Middlesbrough 1 Everton nil.