SCOTTISH FORWARD FOR EVERTON.
February 1 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton have signed Patterson, a young Scottish centre forward from Camelon Juniors. He stands 5ft 8ins, and weighs 11 st , and is regarded as a player likely to diverge into a good forward. He may be introduced to Everton's centre League on Saturday.

THE OUTLOOK FOR GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, February 1, 1927
DEAN’S “DEMISE” RUMOUR
HULL MAY MAKE CHANGES
Bee’s Notes
The morrow is fraught with a big Cup points, all of them rather prickly.  The draw for the next round has only heightened the appetite for tomorrow’s replay.  I see one of the critics has ticked off the Cup draw in a nonchalant manner, thus; “Not an inspiring draw.”  Well, to be frank; I think if one had the opportunity of having the draw “face upwards,” as they say in cards, you could not have paired them off more equitably than Fate paired them yesterday.  I think it is a joyous draw, promising rich sport and a lot of speculation.  It leaves us with a doubt about Everton and Liverpool, owing to the replayed ties tomorrow.  There is no need for further comment upon the Cup draw, except to say that if Bolton do not get through tomorrow there will not be a match in Lancashire, and there will be four in and around London.  Is this to be London’s long-delayed year?  Everton meet to-night to select their team, and I imagine that the big consideration is concerning outside right.  I am not going to anticipate anything regarding the team sheet, and shall simply place Mr. Query in the position of outside right.  If the weather holds out well there will be an enormous crowd, the game having caught the public of his City, and this being the first view we have had of the famous Hull defence, in which Maddison’s seemingly care-free style of fielding the ball will tickle your risibilities.  Hull are plainly not satisfied with what happened on their right wing, and they are talking of changing the inside left (clever fellow) over to the right wing.  This is a pity, because it prevents your seeing what a fine understanding there is between Taylor and Martin.  This is the plan of the field as far as can, at this stage, be made out;- Everton; Hardy; McDonald, Kerr; Peacock, Hart, Virr; ?, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Hull City; Maddison; McGee, Bell; Swan, Dixon, Bleakley; Martin, Scott, Whitworth, Gulyan, Taylor.  There has been a rare rush for the tickets, which will be on sale to-morrow till twelve o’clock at Goodison Park and Sharp’s Whitechapel. 
All last night my ‘phones was busy answering the query “Is it true Dixie Dean is dead; they gave it out on the wireless?” 
He isn’t; they didn’t.
What was said was this; Dean’s deputy has been signed.  Deputy on a bad wireless set must have sounded like the word decease or demise!!!
Another topic that is still being debated –the published statement in this paper re Cresswell and Bob Kelly.  The Sunderland club have issued a denial regarding Kelly in this phraseology; “Everton did not approach Sunderland for Kelly’s transfer.” 
Note the wording?
SUNDERLAND OFFERED KELLY AND CRESSWELL TO EVERTON
Hull City went to Blackpool yesterday in preparation for the replay with Everton at Goodison Park.  Guyan and McLaughlin were included in the party, which suggests that changes will most likely be made in the forward line.  Martin will probably be restored to the right-wing berth, and either Guyan or McLaughlin or both brought into the attack.  Everton players paid a visit to the brine baths at Stafford yesterday. 
AN OLD SONG-‘EVERTONIFIED
Come, cheer up, my lads, you will win, never fear
Play the game, as you’re played in the past, year by year
Though misfortunes have dogged you,
Remember it’s true
That your name is far-famed-you men of the blue
High and low, friend and foe
Wish you luck- that you know
With wishes they’re ready- steady, boys, steady!
You’ll fight, and you will conquer
So blue-boys, bravo!-L.P. ANTONEY

IRVINE AT OUTSIDE RIGHT.
February 2 nd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Changes in the team have been found necessary, the most important of which is that Irvine is to play outside right in place of Moffatt. The extreme wing berth has proved are of the weak places and the directors have endeavoured to solve the problem by moving the clever Irishman and bringing in Bain as his partner. Both players have had previous experience is that Rooney is to play at right half, Peacock who played at half, not being fit. The kick off is at 2-30, and the team is: - Hardy, McDonald, Kerr, Rooney, Hart Virr; Irvine, Bain, Dean Dominy, and Troup.

EVERTON MAKE THREE CHANGES FOR CUP REPLAY
February 2, 1927. The Daily Courier
Everton Bring Rooney into the Halves, While Irvine Moves to Outside Right, with Bain as Partner.
Everton are optimistic that they will safely make the harbour of the fifth f=round. At the same time, the opposition Hull City will offer is not minimised. The Everton players, following their visit to Stafford for Brine baths, wound up their training with a stroll round the Everton district yesterday. There will be three changes in the Blues' side, like that of their opponents. Peacock, the right half, has an injured leg, and Rooney will take his place. Forward an experiment is being tried by placing Irvine at outside right, with Bain as his partner. Bain has been tried in several positions this season, but today's move will be watched with more than ordinary interest. The changes in the Hull City team, which comes on from Blackpool this morning as announced in the Daily Courier yesterday are Guyan the South Shields player, in the centre for Whitworth, with McLaughlin inside-left, Martin going to outside-right. Optimism prevails in the Everton camp. Mr. W.C. Cuff, the chairman of the club, says; "Advantage of ground should help Everton to get into the next round. "The Hull ground is a small one, and Everton found it a handicap, but at home it will be another story." In predicting a win, Mr. Cuff should be regarded as a prophet, because before Everton went to Hull he expressed the view that Everton would do well to force a draw. Mr. Tom McIntosh, the manager, said-"It is going to be a hard match and we hope to win. It certainly will not be as easy as some people seem to think. The ground is in splendid condition," The teams are; Everton; Hardy; McDonald, Kerr; Rooney, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Bain, Dean, Dominy, and Troup. Hull City; Maddison; McGee, Bell; Swan, Dixon, Sullivan or Bleakley; Martin, Scott, Guyan, McLaughlin, and Taylor.

CAMELON CENTRE FOE EVERTON.
Falkirk Herald - Wednesday 02 February 1927
Camelon Juniors have lost their clever centre forward, James Paterson, Causewayhead, who has signed for Everton. The terms agreed upon by the player, Camelon Club, and Everton were satisfactory to all parties, and it is stated to be one of the largest sums ever given for a junior player’s signature.
Paterson is 19 years of age, stands 5ft. 8in., and weighs 11st. He carries with him the best wishes of the Camelon club.

HULL RECOVERY
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 2, 1927
EVERTON’S TWO GOAL LEAD WIPED OUT
MADDISON GREAT
PLAYS CAT-GOALKEEPING TO PERFECTION
EXTRE TIME NECESSARY
By Bee
The ground at Goodison Park had some “bone” in it, but mercifully the morning frost was in part drawn out of the ground by the midday’s sun.  Everton; Hardy; McDonald, Kerr; Rooney, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Bain, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Hull City; Maddison; McGee, Bell; Swan, Dixon, Sullivan; Martin, Scott, Guyan, McLaughlin, Taylor.  McCracken’s boys were soon down a goal.  In four minutes.  They tried to work the offside principle and failing to catch the referee’s verdict (Mr. Woods was referee), they paid the penalty of an all-important early goal. 
TROUP SCORES
It was Bain who supplied the fatal pass, and the Hull defence stopped to argue about offside, what time Troup went on to shoot the ball right in the goalmouth, having got right on the heels of Maddison, to score with comparative ease.  He had thus made the redemption order for a couple of raises on Saturday.  Everton kept up the attack by swinging the ball about freely and well, and Irvine went near.  Bond made a very fine solo run and shot, and Troup fired a ball that drew very wide.  Dominy nearly caught Maddison napping when the goalkeeper ran out and tried to bounce the ball in a soft piece of turf.  Dominy could not have been more than six inches away from the ball, but Maddison kicked clear. 
HULL RETALIATE
For a long stretch, Hull were on top without being convincing, in front of goal.  On the other hand, after Dixon had headed over, Everton got moving in good fashion, and Dean, with a left-foot drive, went close, and followed it up by making another solid and substantial shot, which Maddison very cleverly patted down.  One of the notable features of the match was the full-length each goalkeeper obtained with goal kicks; they were rarely out of the three-quarter mark.  The Everton forwards certainly passed and shot better than they had done in the first game and when Troup beat a dribbling full back he offered a pass deluxe to Dean, whose shot spun and swung outside.  McGee, who did so well at the week-end, was not deceived by the fight of the ball, and Troup went in to make his second goal, only to find Maddison step out of his goal with his hands at his side, as if to say, “When you’re ready, old man, I’ll clear the debris for you.”  he caught the shot, a red-hot one, with as much ease as if he were shelling peas, and he repeated the “offence” when Dean battled with a full back, beat him, and shot crosswise. 
DEAN’S GOAL
Maddison sent him about his business without so much as a by-your-leave, but Dean had his revenge before many more minutes had gone by.  Dominy offered him a further chance, and this time Dean beat the goalkeeper with a ball that had not the strength of the preceding shots which Maddison had saved, so that Maddison was quite human after all.  This second goal came at the fortieth minute, and although Irvine was in an offside position when the movement started he made no effort, and therefore the goal was a just one.  Half-time; Everton 2, Hull City 0.
DOMINY DENIED
Maddison got a splendid rally, from the crowd when he took up his position at the Stanley Park end, but I imagine he was more comforted by the sound of the whistle when Dominy scored from Irvine.  It was a very fine point, but the referee said Dominy was offside.  Thus Dominy was denied once again his first goal at Goodison.  He has scored nine away from home, and has had three good ones disallowed at Goodison Park.
SCOTT’S BOMBSHELL
The Hull backs were beginning to quake, and Bain nearly caused a third goal when Maddison and a full back were uncertain each of the other.  Hull seemed to have shot their bolt, and Martin was simply wasted at outside right, but it was he who dropped a bomb into the Everton camp by offering Scott a goal at the 53rd minute.  Scott’s shot was a stinger well out of the reach of Hardy, and thus new life was brought into the game.  The crowd were now on tip-toe, and Virr had a chance to repeating his goal performance of Saturday when he shot well to the left of the post.
GUYAN MISSES EQUALISING
Maddison continued to wear that care-free habit, and he was overconfident to one idea, and Dean charged him off the ball, but Troup could not score with a hasty shot at the empty goal.  This was the first mistake Maddison had made, and from it Hull went away, and were offered a priceless chance of equalizing.  The whole of the goal gaped at Guyan, and when he shot the ball hit McDonald.  This was one of the streakiest pieces of fortune any club could have; it was sheer good luck for Everton.  Hull kept pegging away, and Hardy had to throw away in all haste to stop a further goal, and when Bain made a goal look easy for Dean, Maddison, still standing two yards from his lair, threw himself at the low ball and deflected it.  Maddison’s saves were getting almost monotonous.  Rooney was doing his part quietly and well, the result being that Taylor was quite an ordinary outside left instead of an abnormal outside left. 
GUAN EQUALISES
The referee pulled up an Everton forward on the score of offside, and thus made his first mistake, and a few seconds after this, that is to say the 70th minute, Martin centred with good judgement, and Guyan scored to the left hand side of the post.  It was a good goal, and when a corner arose Taylor looked like making it No. 3 for the Hull side, Dixon following up with an equally good effort.  Maddison continued to act in the capacity of a “cat” goalkeeper.  He booted a shot from Troup away from the corner of the goal, and followed it up by clawing a high ball from the right hand side.  After 90 minutes.- Everton 2, Hull City 2.  (extra time being played). 

EVERTON AND HULL TRY A THIRD TIME
February 3, 1927. The Daily Courier
Extra Time Falls to Decide who Shall Meet Wolves
Blues Peter Out After Holding Two Goal Lead
Hull Only Visiting Side to Score in Five Ties
Tigers Great Rally
First Half Deficit Wiped Out
Everton, after a rough passage, failed to enter the harbour of the fifth round. During the half-an-hour extra time, in which both sides ran themselves to a standstill, each in turn was in danger of foundering on the rocks. In that portion Guyan missed a grit. Otherwise Everton would have no further interest in the competition. The directors of the clubs discussed the question of replay. They were agreeable to Monday, but Hull pressed for Leeds as the neutral venue, and Everton urged Birmingham. They agreed to differ, and suggested the F.A. should decide, but later it was stated Birmingham had been decided on. This means Dean will be unable to play in the International trial. Everton have themselves to blame they did not win outright in the first half, when they ought to have had a four goals lead. In any case they should not have let the two goals lead be whittled away. Troup's first goal after four minutes was an Everton tonic. The off-side trap, which was too recurrent, did not work that time. Wiseacres may shake their heads over Everton's lapse. If such it be, but this was no "exhibition" day. Hull's storming tactics, their strange methods, have to be seen to be believed. There were some hard knocks going, but the players fringed and bore them. Dean's goal was a good one. Irvine, in an off-side position, judiciously kept out of the movement.
Dixon Worries Dean.
Dean showed he could receive and give a charge with the best, but he was largely an individualist, challenged and worried throughout by Dixon. His wings were haphazard after the first half. Irvine started splendidly, but began to fade away, and when by changing places, Irvine got back to his favourite inside berth, there was no improvement on this wing. Bain in no outside-right. Troup was tricker and more workmanlike on the oppose wing, and for a little man he has a powerful kick. The Everton halves had a trying time in tackling the Tigers, who came in spasmodic bursts as of the devour all in their path. Hart waded into a tackle and came out again, and Rooney, the local A teamer, did well as well as could be expected. Hardy had no chance with Scott of Guyan's goals. Bell, who goes till he drops, and Maddison were the Hull heroes. The Hull goalkeeper deserved the ovation from a sporting crowd, to whom the partisanship of the "Tigers" supporters sounded strange. Dixon was a fine centre-half, and the Scott and Martin wing an improvement on the first match. Teams; Everton; Hardy, goal; McDonald and Kerr, Backs; Rooney, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs; Irvine, Bain, Dean, Dominy, and Troup, forwards. Hull City; Maddison, goal; McGee and Bell, backs; Swan, Dixon and Sullivan, half-backs; Maretin, Scott, Guyan, McLaughlin, and Taylor, forwards. Official, 45, 000 spectators; receipts £3,050.

EVERTON 2 HULL CITY 2
February 3 rd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
TWO HOURS' CUP FIGHT.
EVERTON AND HULL CITY DRAW AGAIN.
REPLAY AT ASTON VILLA'S GROUND.
By "Bees."
Everton and Hull City drew 2-2 after extra time, yesterday at Goodison Park in the fourth round replay of the F.A. Cup, and the second replay will take place at Aston Villa's ground on Monday. It was an astonishing game because after Everton had taken command and scored two goals they faded out to such an extent that Hull City should have won. Having said that I must hasten to put Everton right in the matter of a penalty kick decision that was denied them by the excellent referee Mr. Wood, of Sheffield. The handling case occurred in the last four minutes of extra time. That there was a handling case admits of no doubt. The whole question was one of intent or otherwise, and possibly the referee being on the "blind" side of the case could not see it properly. At any rate he was dogmatic to the point of refusing to consult a linesman.
HULL WORTHY OF DRAW.
I know many clubs who would have insisted that he consulted a linesman (on the vital spot), but the Everton players are not pushful in that direction and their lack of fiery protest possibly cost them a spot kick. Had a penalty been taken and yielded a goal the visiting side would have been unjustly treated, because they had proved themselves worthy a draw and Guyan of centre had failed to steal a surprise victory with a side step to a ball that drifted outside that part of the goal that was empty. This was a let off for Everton, and allied to that factor was another, even more important; there came a time when the same forward drove in at an empty goal, and the ball hit McDonald. That was good fortune for Everton, who did not play well enough to deserve a win, and Hull played well enough to earn the right of replay.
MADDISON'S SAVES.
Having made that clear, it is necessary to point out that Maddison. In the Hull City goal, prevented Everton winning by a large margin. Maddenson saved four certain goals by superb diving and catching, and his methods of leaving his goal two yards behind him was of striking help to him in the matter of saves from Dean, Troup, and Dominy. Everton were so security on top in the first half that it because unbelievable that it was the same side in the second half it was not the same side in spirit nor yet in football, and there was a change of front that proved rather extraordinary. Bain brought from centre half-backs in the reserve side to resume on an inside forward, had offered unselfish passes to Dean, who had responded with direct shots. But in the later half Bain and Irvine changed places, and if this was not due to Bain being damaged, than it seemed a tactless idea for Irvine had started rather well as outside right, and his penchant for overdribbling had not been so baneful to his side's chance. When he resumed at inside right he worked unceasingly as ever, and his cudding of the ball was clever, but it took him nowhere, save into a wall of defenders, who applied the closure. As a matter of fact Hull live for this sort of super football, and they cut in with avidity; their backs were steady under pressure, and played a great part in keeping the work from Maddison. The crowd could raise a cheer for Maddison, but they could not a raise a voice in encouragement of their own side. It may be that the temperamental trouble of the Goodison side has been carried to the spectators' portion.
DEAN SHADOWED.
As a game it was a great pleasure, because one could not help but admire the way the Hull defence played their part and the way Dixon stuck to Dean, who gave passes, and got few in return. It is impossible for G. O. Smith or any other centre-forward to play if the ball is not handed out to him in something like a combined move; the ball was too often in the air, and the left wing, which had come so well in the first half failed to keep the pace, even if they kept the pace of the second half. The selection of Rooney as right half-back for Peacock (damaged) was quite a success. In his own quiet stylish way Rooney did well against a winger who had been the best forward on the field in the first game. Taylor missed his partner yesterday and Martin, who had left him, went over to the extreme right wing to make the two goals for his side. He did not score them, but he certainly was the instrument by which they came, and strangely enough he had been unemployed for so long that one wondered whether the Hull manager had not made a mistake in chopping his forward line from Saturday last. However, the proof was in the goals scored by Scott, a tall elusive forward, and Guyan.
SHOULDER CHARGING.
There was plenty of heavy charging by Dean without the game developing into anything more than a friendly fixture, and in that respect referee and players deserve praise for their valiant part. It was certainly a tremendous turn-round to a game that seemed to be well-won by half time, even if Troup by his early goal and Dean by his fortieth-minute goal had taken a lead that would have damaged most sides ideas of enterprise. Everton sadly disappointed their supporters they did not stay the elongated distance as well as their rivals, and the work of the eleven was of a patchy character. Taken seriatim and making due allowance for the offside tactics adopted by Hull's brilliant full-backs, one is left with the impression; Irvine and Bain played brilliantly for a quarter of an hour; Dean was hard at it throughout a match that did not tend to produce the right kind of pass to the centre-forward albeit the goal he got was from an upward pass.
HART'S FINE PLAY.
The left wing had an innings and like the rest of the side it then fell away from grace. At half back none did better than Hart, who had little to accomplish in staying the disappointing Guyan, but had plenty to do in helping his backs and providing passes to his wings. Virr was a trifle below par, and McDonald was a hero at full back, Kerr's punt of the ball imparting a curl that did not allow him full length clearances. Yet I would gave credit to Kerr and McDonald, the latter most noticeably. Considering the chances Hull made by their swift-t0-part Second Division rushes Hardy had another easy day; there was a time when he dropped the ball on the goal line, and another occasion when he threw away and found the ball offered to a Hull forward. However, he could not be blamed for the goal's scored against him, and some of his outward runs were well timed. How, then can one explain Everton's failure to win after being two goals head. Maybe it was that tired feeling of which we read; may be it was lack of confidence for when they were a goal in front they were nerve ridden so soon as Hull moved off. Teams : - Everton: - Hardy goal, McDonald and Kerr backs, Rooney, Hart (captain), and Virr half-backs Irvine, Bain, Dean, Dominy and Troup, forwards. Hull City: - Maddison, goal, McGee, and Bell, backs, Swan, Dixon, and Sullivan, half-backs, Martin, Scott, Guyan, McLaughlin and Taylor, forwards. Referee Mr. Woods.

GRIFFITHS IN EVERTON TEAM
February 3 rd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton visit Leicester on Saturday to resume their struggle for League points, and compared with yesterday's side a new half-back line is to turn out. Griffiths, the former Wrexham half-back has been selected to fill the pivotal position in place of Hart, and this will be the Welsh player's first appearance in the senior team. As he is to occupy a similar position in the Welsh team against England on the following Saturday the experience should prove beneficial. Brown resumes in place of Rooney, and Reid comes in instead of Virr, Critchley again appears at outside right. The team is; Hardy; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Griffiths, Reid; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup.

EVERTON’S NEXT TEST AT VILLA PARK
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 3, 1927
CUP MEMORIES
ENTER GRIFFITHS IN LEAGUE TEAM
MADDISON’S STYLE
Bee’s Notes
So we go to Villa Park, thanks to the toss of a coin, Hull and Everton having disagreed over the neutral ground (Leeds or Birmingham).  Villa Park was the scene of Everton’s former triumph in a semi-final tie against Liverpool, where they won 2-0.  So they have something to encourage them.  They’ll need it if Hull continue to plug on as they did through yesterday’s second half display.  I have no patience with those who after the game decry the home side as being this, that and the other and all very useless.  If one had taken a plebiscite of the crowd at half-time we should have been faced with two concrete facts; Everton were due for a victory, and a well-deserved victory, and Maddison had been a hero.  Now take the plebiscite this morning, and you find that memories are short lived.  I am not out to make excuses for a side that in the end was perhaps fortunate to escape defeat; but I am out to say that this was a good result, because neither side deserved to lose.
FINE PHASES
It was a fine point about the first goal.  There are those who were parallel to the incident who say that the goal was wrong through offside, but against that I made Troup onside and the player standing off-side made no more, so that there could not be an offence.  I am going to say this, too; if the referee had not erred in one big case during the game the first goal to Hull would not have arisen.  That is another “if” and another “but,” but the most patent of all was the penalty kick, which was refused by a referee who would not consult the linesman.  It was an incident on the blind side of the referee, and that being so he would consulted his lieutenant if he had a tousier team to contend with.  I can name some sides that would have torn him asunder and forced him to take a second inquest.  However, that and all such things are by the way; there is the slid fact that a well-deserved draw was outcome of a hard game which tired players to their last ounce and we resume on Monday at Aston.  Meantime, Everton have issued their team for Saturday’s game. 
RE RE-PLAY ARRNAGEMENTS
For the Everton-Hull game at Villa’s ground on Monday, Thomas Cook and Sons are running an excursion, leaving Lime-street about 11.15, fare 5s return.  The Everton Club have 5s tickets for this match.  The team leaves for Leicester on Friday (central 4.5), and after the game travel to Droitwich, where they will stay until Monday. 
GRIFIFTHS IN EVERTON TEAM
Everton visit Leicester on Saturday to resume their struggle for League points, and compared with yesterday’s side, a new half-back line is to turn out.  Griffiths, the former Wrexham half-back, has been selected to fill the pivotal position in place of Hart, and this will be the Welsh player’s first appearance in the senior team.  As he is to occupy a similar position in the Welsh team against England on the following Saturday, the experience should prove beneficial.  Brown resumes in place of Rooney, and Reid comes in instead of Virr.  Critchley again appears at outside right.  The team is; Hardy; McDonald, Kerr; Brown, Griffiths, Reid; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup. 
THE SEVERE CRITIC
“Thirty-five Years a Supporter” writes;- The directors have had ample time to redeem themselves, but have failed in comparison with their predecessors, and brought the club to disgrace.  “I say, “Sack the lot” with the exception of Mr. Cuff.  Against the ‘Spurs they place a left half as right half, and behind him as full-back an untried in First Division, a young back against one of the finest outside lefts in the county, and expect the players to do themselves justice.  I quite agree giving young players a chance, but not against one of the finest outside lefts in the country, and also in so vital a match for points.  It is no use blaming the players; they are doing their best I am in sympathy with them.  The reason of the failure is, the players are not good enough for the class of football they are in. I do not say all of them, but most of them.  Instead of the public showing their resentment to the players they should congregate in their thousands and show their resentment of the directors.  Oh, for a board of directors the same as Newcastle have and always seem to have! This is a club that gets directors with football brains.  Clear all the Everton directors out. Let us have some directors of the class we used to have. 

EVERTON SIGN CRESSWELL
February 4 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton completed negotiations with Sunderland club yesterday for the transfer of W. Cresswell, the right full back and he will play for the Goodison Club against Leicester at Leicester tomorrow. The amount of the transfer fee has not transpired but it is understood to be a high one, and probably a record for Everton. When Cresswell joined Sunderland from South Shields in March 1922, the fee paid was £5,500. It was indicated in the ''Daily Post'' a week ago that the clubs and the player were endeavoring to come to terms and Mr. Cuff, the Everton chairman informed us of the completion of the necessary papers last evening. The addition of Cresswell to the playing strength will enable Everton to give one of their backs a well-earned rest in view of the cup-tie on Monday. Cresswell's services should prove of the utmost value to the club just now, for the strain on the Everton men is great. He will not be available for the cup-ties. Everton have always had a liking for players of the scientific type, and Cresswell's style of play is essentially founded on cool, scientific methods. His judgement in timing his interventions is superb and his clearances are made with due regard to the positions of his own forwards.
CRESSWELL'S CAPS.
Cresswell played for England as a schoolboy in 1911 at cenre half and in the senior ranks assisted his country against Wales in 1920, and 1926, and against Ireland in 1925. He has also played for the football league. It is curious that the full back will have for his first opponents with the new club, the team he faced in his last game for Sunderland. At Roker Park last Saturday. He was complete master of the Leicester City left back winger Lockhead and Wadsworth and he will no doubt endeavor to accomplish a similar feat for Everton
ALFRED FRENCH SIGNED FOR RHYL
Meanwhile Rhyl Athletic have signed on Alfred French, centre-forward who is eighteen years of age, and has been playing as an amateur for Everton and Camsell to take dean's place for England against the rest.

FARE TO FLINT
Liverpool Echo- Friday, 04 February 1927
Flint Town to-day signed on Harold Fare, full back from Bury.  Fare is the only son of Mr. John Fare, Everton.  He will play for Flint at Conway, tomorrow. 

EVERTON’S TRY-OUT CASES
Liverpool Echo-Friday, 04 February 1927
Bee’s Notes
Cresswell, of Everton, will play for his new side to-morrow at Leicester.  This is the signing of the season, and will go far towards solidifying the Goodison defence.  The news which I was able to publish last night will give great delight to the legion of Everton followers.  Cresswell as a right full back has no superior and though he has not caught the official eye in representative games his club work has been of a high, scientific, and thoroughly captivating character.  His very presence will be of help to the other members of the side, and though he is Cup-tied his appearance in League matches will allow the club to give one of the present members a much-needed rest.  Cresswell’s debut is to-morrow at Leicester, and there is no need to add that this will not be the last big signing by the club, who are making what Harry Weldon says “One might swipe” to escape the lower rungs of the League ladder. Cresswell’s signature was obtained by Mr. Tom McIntosh yesterday evening.  There is no need at this stage of the day to give further particulars of Creswell’s career; that was done in our issue of last Thursday.  I look upon the signing as one of the greatest strokes of business done by the Everton Club since the war.  
THE NEW PIVOT
A lot of people have asked me why Hart has been left out of the team for Leicester.  There were also inquiries, weeks ago, as to why Griffiths had been signed and had not been played in the first team.  As I have said before, whatever selection Everton now make is bound to cause a disturbance in the debating societies.  Well, I take it that Hart is being rested for Monday’s Cup-tie and that the return of Brown to the half back line is made with the possibility of his appearance in the other games due shortly.  Meantime, we shall be keen to see what happens with Reid as a half-back again and Griffiths making his League debut.  The Welsh half-back from Wrexham is asked a big question facing Chandler but he is built for the job on hand.  Good luck go with him and his fellow friends in this chase against the relegation bogey.  Leicester have not been so good in recent months, but we know, from what they did in their surprise spurt at Goodison Park in the early part of the season, that they are a swift and capable side.  These are the elevens. Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, Kerr; Brown, Griffiths, Reid; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Leicester City; Campbell; Black, Osborne; Duncan, Carrgan, Bishop; Adock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead, Wadsworth.  
EVERTON F.C. SHAREHOLDERS MEET
A meeting of shareholders has been called for in the Law Association Rooms, Cook-street, next Friday, at 7.30 to discuss the position of the club.  The precarious position of the club has caused anxiety to a number of shareholders and it is felt that prompt action should be taken. 

EVERTON'S SEARCH FOR POINTS.
February 5 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Progress in the F.A. Cup is conveyed by all clubs but there are times when vital league interests clash with Cup-ties, and when such a position arises the reappearance of the clubs concerned are taxed to the uttermost limits. Everton find themselves in this predicament at the moment for with a Cup replay on Monday before them they go to Leicester today to fight for points which have never in the history of the club been so badly needed. The danger of relegation has become so real that many believe it is not practicable for the club to escape. Football, however, is full of surprises, and Everton will not give up trying. The appearance of Cresswell in the Everton ranks will add additional interest for the match. Griffiths the Welsh international will also be making his first appearance for the Everton League team, and he will have the dashing Chandler to oppose, so that he will undergo a thorough test. Brown returns to his old position, and Reid displaces Virr, while Critchley resumes at outside right. The teams are: - Everton: - hardy; Cresswll, Kerr, Brown, Griffiths, Reid; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup. Leicester City: - Campbell; Black, Osborne; Duncan, Carrigan, Bishop; Adcock, Hine Chandler, Lochhead, Wadsworth.

No Football Echo February 5 1927

LEICESTER ITY 6 EVERTON 2
February 7 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON HALF-BACKS FAIL.
HARDY PLAYS UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
LEICESTER CITY'S SUPERIOR COMBINATION.
While Everton are fighting for their existence in the Senior Division, fate appears to be directed against them, which only goes to prove that when a side is having a lean time everything seems to go wrong. Fate struck a vital blow at Everton in the first half of their game with Leicester City, when Hardy sprung a thigh muscle and was limping badly for the remainder of the game, and it was a moot point as to whether it was advisable to allow him to resume after the interval, for it must be admitted that Everton were then a beaten side, and Hardy was only aggravating his injury. At all events Hardy will not be able to play in the Everton-Hull Cup-tie at Birmingham today, and Davies will take his place, he having been sent for on Saturday night. Everton's defeat was a calamity in view of the big task which comfronts them, and one cannot view the future with optimism. The blow struck by Leicester was the worst experienced by Everton, and it is doubtful whether it would have been alleviated if Hardy had not met with a mishap, for the shots which entered his net were of that type which are rarely stopped. The chief cause of the debacle was the inability of the wing half-backs Reid and Brown, to hold up the speedy wing play of the City. They were distinctly poor. They were neither good in defence nor construction, and as a consequence their forwards had to work out their own salvation, and were not successful in their task, while the defence had double duty to perform.
SECRET OF SUCCESS.
Although Cresswell and McDonald stood up boldly to Leicester a rapier-like attacks number defeated them, and it was small wonder that Leicester won by 6 goals to 2. The secret of Leicester's success was that the forwards and half-backs linked up with each other. The forwards were feat and were accurate in the passing. They were also quick to task up position, and although Chandler only scored one goal he was for ever a dangerous raider, and Griffiths had a trying time against him and his colleagues Hine and Lochhead. The former Wrexham player had a poor first half, but improved considerably after half-time. Not only did Cresswell, who played a cool and calculating game and did many smart things through his power of anticipation and McDonald suffer through the failure of Brown and Reid, for as can be imagined the forwards rarely received a pass which enabled them to attack. They had to do too much foraging on their own account, and although they promised to test the Leicester defence those promises were never fulfilled. Dean might have scored a "hat-trick" if Campbell had not made a lucky save in the first five minutes, for he was responsible for his side's two goals –two good goals they were too, but apart from those efforts Campbell had an easy afternoon. Excuses will not help Everton's position, and to be quite frank one must say that they were outplayed and outclassed by a superior team.
LEICESTER'S STRONG HALF-BACKS.
Leicester at full strength will not forfeit many points, for there is unanimity of purpose in their football, and even admitting that matters went their way at times there was no semblance of luck about their victory. There was a dispute about one of Hine's goals –he scored two, Wadsworth two Lochhead and Chandler one each. Everton ceased play on the score that Lochhead was offside. He was but as he was not interfering with play the referee signalled "play on" and Hine seizing the opening dashed ahead to score easily. It was a serious blunder. Player should play to the whistle. H. Wadsworth was in his best form. He danced his way past the opposition and scored two goals, and this in face of the fact that Cresswell was his opponent. Cresswell, however, was not to blame. Of the forwards, however, Adcock was the best. His speed, ball control, and centring being of high class, and four of the goals came from his work. As a half-back line, Duncan, Bishop, and Carrigan can have few superiors, Carrigan shadowing Dean successfully. Black and Osborne were solid and effective. Teams: - Leicester City: - Campbell, goal, Black and Osborne, backs, Duncan, Carrigan, and Bishop, half-backs, Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead, and Wadsworth, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell and McDonald, backs, Brown Griffiths, and Reid (captain), half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, and Troup, forwards .

EVERTON RESERVES 1 OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 0
February 7 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 25)
At Goodison Park. After forty minutes Oldham lost the services of goalkeeper Styles through injury, and a full back went into goal. Everton had done most of the attacking, but after this they practically monopolished it, but poor finishing and faulty combination –even allowing for the wretched conditions –delayed the goal till five minutes from the end when Moffatt after juggling with the ball and foiling the opposition centred from the goal line for Paterson to deftly head his first goal for Everton. The scorer making his debut showed good promise for his ball control and positional play was good, but Saturday's condition were much against good football. A feature was the fine defensive work of Crompton, the Athletic back.

LEICESTER’S SIX  GOALS
Athletic News-Monday 07 February 1927
LEICESTER CITY 6, EVERTON 2
By Roman

Everton were badly beaten by Leicester City at Leicester, the home team putting on three goals in each half, and Everton responding' with a couple.  Chandler opened the scoring, and then Wadsworth supplied two.  Early in the second-half Dean reduced the margin, and then Hine, Lochhead, and Hine again, put on goals for Leicester, Dean finishing with a simple goal a minute from time.  After the first, five minutes, during which time the Leicester goal had a narrow escape, Leicester, were decidedly the better team in most departments, but an exception was at left back, where Cresswell was playing for the first time.  He was hardly ever beaten all through the game, but he must have been dispirited by the poor show set up by the rest of the Everton defence.  Adcock tried no tricks; a push forward, a race down the wing, and a centre into goal was his programme, and on the heavy turf it paid.  Both Wadsworth’s goals, in the first half, and Lochhead’s and one by Hines in the second were scored after the ball had come flying over from Adcock’s toe, and he had more to with the attack than any other forward.  Leicester were better served in the close connection between half-hacks and forwards than Everton, who for the most part were a disjointed force.  Griffiths generally kept a watchful eye on Chandler, but while he was doing that the other forwards were boring in, and the wing half-backs were only very moderate.Wadsworth’s success was pleasing, for a good many folk doubted the wisdom of dropping him in the early matches.  While the Leicester defence was sound as a rule, Campbell, curiously enough, was not so safe as usual. He had very little do, but one or two his early saves were not too convincing, and it looked as if he should have cleared the last goal.  Everton are entitled to some condolence upon the fact that they suffered in defence through an injury to Hardy early in the game, diagnosed afterwards as a torn leg muscle. He stuck it out to the end, though palpably lame, and while he would hardly have saved either of the three goals of the second half, it is just possible he might have cleared one.  Of the half-backs only Griffiths was up to average, and he had lapses, but, on the other hand, he fell back twice to clear when goals seemed almost certain.  Dean was always looking for chances to run through, and was the most active of the visiting forwards. Irvine, Dominy, and Troup all did good things at times, but they were few and far between, and evidently needs a little more acquaintance with First Division football before he can play the game that an outside-right in such company should be able to show.  Leicester City.—Campbell; Black, Osborne; Duncan, Carrigan, Bishop; Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead, and Wadsworth. Everton.—Hardy; Cresswell, McDonald; Brown,Griffiths, Reid; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, and Troup.  Referee P.G. Strouther, Nottingham. 

THE EVERTON BLOW
Liverpool Echo-Monday, February 7, 1927
CRESSWELL DOES WELL
By Stork
Everton could not hold Leicester City, even with the aid of their new international full-back, Cresswell; but it was in no wise through the newcomers that they were so severely trounced at Filbert-Street.  As a matter of fact Creswell did exceedingly well under the circumstances; and although his debut for his new club will not be a pleasing one for him, Everton’s followers can rest assured that the inclusion of Cresswell has solved one of their most vital positions.  Those people who had ideas that Cresswell would turn Everton into a winning side must realise that one man does not make a team, and that before their troubles are over Everton must have new and capable talent.  Cresswell was one of the soundest backs on the field, and that is saying a great deal, for Osborne and Black are not in the novitiate stage, by any means, but whereas the latter pair had a capital line of half-backs in front of them, Cresswell and McDonald were sadly let down by their wing halves, who were never in touch with the wings opposing them, and I doubt if Adcock and Hine, and Wadsworth, and Lochhead have ever had such easy opposition to overcome.  Was it any wonder that Cresswell and McDonald had to yield under the extra strain that was put upon them?  They had my sympathy. 
HARDY’S MISFORTUNE
Everton have had their full measure of bad luck this season, and they are not yet face from it, for during that first half Hardy sprang a thigh muscle; and although I am not of the opinion that the was responsible for their heavy defeat, it means that Hardy will not only be unable to take his place in goal for the Cup-tie at Birmingham, but perhaps for some weeks to come.  Then it must be remembered that Kerr had to cry off at the last minute. I am not trying to make excuses for Everton’s defeat, for all the excuses in the world would not explain away Leicester’s 6-2 victory.  The plain facts are that Everton were not good enough.  They met a team that was superior to them in every way; and although I was full of sorrow each time Leicester scored, I had to admit to myself that the points went to the better team.  How did Griffiths fare? Well, he did not impress a great deal in the initial half, but as the game proceeded he improved.  Neither Brown nor Reid could hold their wings, and Leicester, having found Everton’s weakness, made the best possible use of their knowledge, and utilized their wingers in turn with such effect that Adcock and Wadsworth were the shining lights of the side.  The failure of Everton’s half-backs had its effect upon the forwards, who found the task of doing their own foraging too much for them, and on top of hat had to face such capable half-backs as Duncan, Carrigan, and Bishop, a trio that can have few superiors.  The second-named player had one set idea, and that was to look after dean.  Kenny Campbell had put him wise to the move, and it paid for itself, for Dean got few chances to shine; but for all that he scored a couple of goals and might have had a third if Campbell had not made a lucky save in the first five minutes of the game, a goal which perhaps would have turned the whole trend of the game.  Irvine, as usual did a lot of donkey work, and Troup and Dominy paired off in some smart wing play, but it did not take them far; how far may be imagined by the fact that Campbell had less than half a dozen shots to deal with during the whole of the game, and two of them counted.  Leicester at full strength are a team to be feared, for there is something sold in their make-up, while they play a progressive type of football which takes toll of a defence.  Their wingers were speedy and clever at centring; yet it was not only that, but the fine understanding which existed between forward and half-back which was the secret of their success.  If the Everton attack had received half of the passes that Duncan and his colleagues gave to their vanguard I am certain we would have seen more than two goals scored by Dean and Co, but that was the great difference between the sides.  Chandler is not nearly so good a centre forward as Dean, but he had men alongside him who realized his requirements and tried to carry them out; but Leicester are not a one-man team.  If Chandler fails either Hine or Lichhead makes up for his deficiencies Wadsworth is not looked upon as a scorer of goals but he must be given credit for two in this game, the first one being the direct outcome of his penchant for following up what seemed a forlorn hope.  The former Liverpool player is playing better football than ever.  I must play a tribute to Mr. Crowther, the referee. 

EXTRA TIME AGAIN
Liverpool Echo-Monday, February 7, 1927
DOMINY’S GOAL CROWNS LONG PRESSURE
EVERTON’S GREAT GAME
EXCITING NINETY MINUTES AT VILLA PARK
By Bee
Everton and Hull City refought their fourth round tie of the English Cup at Aston Villa’s ground, today; in wet weather, before a small crowd.  Everton, who are still hot on the trail of famous Scottish forwards, had to make many changes.  Davies returned to goal through Hardy’s unlucky injury, and Millington was the third outside right to take part in the meeting with Hull, following Moffatt and Irvine.  Rooney was again at half-back, and the only other change was made by Hull, Whiteworth reappearing.  There were 200 excursionists from Hull, a trainload from Liverpool, and an aggregate attendance of about 6,000.  The ground was well sanded, and the turf looked like churning up.  Hull won the toss, and had what little advantage it offered.  Everton started better than in either of the two previous games, yet Hull no sooner raced away than they offered a shot that went close.  Still better was an Everton effort when Maddison unwisely left his goal, and Dean made him give a corner, Dominy being a second late to make the easiest goal imaginable. 
GUTAN’S SIMPLE GOAL
The heading of Virr and Rooney was first class, and Martin was tackled with a fierceness that he had not known at Goodison Park.  Then came a shock for the Blues, for Guyan scored in eight minutes in a very simple manner.  The ball was presented to him by a full back, who had half blocked a simple shot, and the ball travelled to him at a convenient pace and in a nice position, Davies having no chance with a strong shot.  Irvine was so enthusiastic that he worked his way over to outside left and centred so well that one expected Dominy to score.  However, the ex-Southampton man did not get hold of the ball, and the chance faded out.  In addition to this Dean, when flying through, headed sideways, a brave effort, and after claims for two penalties were ignored, Dean went on to shoot, and tried to place the ball wide of Maddison, but found it travel too far to the right.  During the last two games Maddison had taken abnormal risks in running out, and he took a liberty that lost him a goal.  The time was twenty-eight minutes, and the incident put new life into the weary players.  Troup pushed the ball half-way inside the penalty area, and running up, could see that Maddison had come out too late and too far.  He passed to Dean, who did the wise thing at the moment of crisis and tapped the ball over the goalkeeper’s head into an empty goal, judging the distance perfectly.  It was as pretty a goal as one could wish to see, and it brought new life to the side, and they hammered away for a lead. Five minutes from the interval Hull got another of their irregular breakaways and scored from it.  Whitworth was the scorer, and there was no doubt about his goal, although he took a long time to score it.  O’Donnell had attempted to kick away, but missed, and the ball went parallel to him to where Whitworth was unmarked.  The scorer ran in, hesitated, ran in still further and scored at the moment Davies determined to leave his goal.  Thus Hull had broken away not more than half a dozen times, had scored twice, and hit the post once.  Half-time; Hull City 2, Everton 1. 
WHITWORTH DAMAGED
There had been a little bit of bite in the proceedings, and Whitworth went off the field and did not return when the teams reappeared, owing to a damaged eye and nose.  This was the first real sign of bitterness in the three games, and Irvine and his rival made it up with a shake of the hand.  The Hull backs were as keen as ever to pass back half the length of the field and hesitance by Irvine went far to spoil a chance of goaling.  Hart, who had played brilliantly, tried a longish shot from a corner kick, and Kerr and O’Donnell also tried long punts.  Whitworth came back to the field at this point with a very heavily bandaged face, but it did not prevent his having a perfect view of Irvine being crowded out after taking the ball a yard too far.  It was different with Dean, who lashed out at everything that came his way.
MILLINGTON STOPPED
Dean was no great distance out of his reckoning, but Evans was nearer.  Davies limped badly, and Guyan had his shoulder hurt through Davies blocking a shot.  Millington was not given many chances now, owing to Bell coming to his own.  Virr made one error that was a present for Scott, who hesitated in trying a circular dribble, and finally was too high with his shot.  Everton had a nice spell of attacking, Dean forcing a corner through going outside-left, and from the kick Irvine, a yard from the goal line, was baulked by Bell, who saved a certainty by giving a corner, from which Dominy headed against the upright with the goalkeeper well beaten.  Troup and Hart were now masters of the game, and Hull were for the first time windy.  At this point Everton were absolutely on top in everything except goals.  With the exception of two forwards Hull were kept in their own goal portion for long stretches.  The pressure seemed certain to bring a goal, even though Dixon and company concentrated on kicking or heading outside.
DOMINY’S CROWN
The crowd went wild with excitement at the intense outburst of attack by Everton, who had no response from the Hull forwards. It was one long-drawn-up hammering of the Hull side, and Everton had undoubtedly been most unlucky this half.  A quarter of an hour to go.  Was there sufficient time? That was the burning question on this cold and wet day.  This was a type of Everton we had not been used to watching.  Only once in twenty minutes did Hull break over the half-way line, and then O’Donnell saved his limping goalkeeper by heading out.  It was a heroic battle for the equalizing goal.  Troup slipped after O’Donnell had put him in a good position in front of goal.  Irvine tested the Hull ‘keeper, who put the ball over the bar.  From the resulting corner Dominy headed just wide.  In the last minute of the game Dominy equalized.  After 90 minutes- Everton 2, Hull City 2.  Extra time being played

WOLVES RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo-Monday, February 7, 1927
Wretched conditions prevailed for this game at Hillsborough, this afternoon.  Everton won the toss, and Wednesday were set to face wind and rain.  During the first two minutes Wednesday swarmed round the visitors goal, but eventually the danger was cleared.  Racing away to the other end, Everton forced a corner, which was cleared after much difficulty by Kirkwood.  Play after this was fairly even, the defence being too strong for the respective attacks. Offside on several occasions spoiled promising movements, but towards the interval fine play by the Wednesday left wing resulted in Anstiss scoring for the Wednesday.  Half-time; Wednesday Res 1, Everton Res 0. 

EXTRA TIME AGAIN. 
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 07 February 1927
EVERTON EQUALISES CLOSE ON TIME. 
GUYAN, WHITWORTH, DEAN AND VIRR SCORERS. 
TWO GOALS EACH AFTER NINETY MINUTES
By Veritas
VILLA PARK, Birmingham.  AT the third time of asking Hull City and Everton came together to-day, this time on the classic ground of the Aston Villa club, to decide who shall challenge Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 19th at Molyneux for progress to the sixth round the F.A. Cup.  The Aston Villa venue, was not the most convenient one for Hull City, whose players made the journey to Birmingham Sunday, to be followed this morning by a special tram load of still sanguine supporters of the Tigers.
CLUB BEFORE COUNTRY. 
Dixie Dean was required to assist his club instead of taking part to-day's international trial game at Bolton.  Teams:  Hull City.—Maddison; McGee and Bell; Swan, Dixon, and Sullivan; Martin, Scott, Guyan, Whitworth, and Taylor.  Everton.—Davies; Kerr, and O'Donnell; Rooney, Hart, and Virr; Millington, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, and Troup.  Referee: Mr. Musther, London. 
EVERTON'S RESERVE GOALIE. 
Everton were unable to play Hardy, their regular goalkeeper, who was injured at Leicester on Saturday. Davies, a capable reserve, filling the vacancy. O'Donnell substituted McDonald at left back, and Millington played outside right with Irvine as his partner. Hull City were as selected. 
200 SUPPORTERS FROM HULL. 
About 200 people travelled with a special excursion from Hull. The weather broke down at Birmingham shortly after noon, and kept the attendance down to very small proportions.  Birmingham was certainly not excited about the match, Cup-tie interest having evaporated in the district. The turf was on the heavy side, and rain was falling when the teams entered the enclosure before no more than 10,000 people.  Bell won the toss, but there was little wind.  Troup showed signs of lameness in an attempt to reach the ball, which Swan kicked out of play. Dixon quickly opened out play on the left for Hull, but Taylor was pulled up by Kerr, and from Hart's kick, Troup showed signs of recovery racing up and forcing a corner off Dixon. 
A LONG SHOT BY HART. 
Hull were unable relief, another flag kick being conceded to Everton without result. Before the danger was removed Hart took along shot, the ball travelling wide of Maddison's charge.  Then Hull got going in more workmanlike fashion, but the City ought to have profited more had Whitworth centred instead of driving high over the bar.  There was more danger at the other end, when Irvine and Millington worked a passage past Sullivan and pressed goalwards. 
BELL TO THE RESCUE. 
There was every indication of a score, when Maddison came forward and appeared to leave a possible opening but Bell was at once on the scene and with a huge lunge he not only saved the situation but set his forwards at top speed to the Everton goal. Hart failed to stay the progress Guyan, Whitworth also being close up. 
GUYAN SCORES. 
The last named drove in a hard ball which struck Kerr and rebounded to the foot ofGUYAN who promptly and cleverly returned it the net to give the City the lead after eight minutes.  It was a brilliant effort on the part of the young forward and again revealed him in the light of a clever opportunist.  Everton were quickly in their stride again Maddison having some luck in seeing Dean completely miss what was practically open goal. Swan changed the scene and Martin was badly obstructed on the penalty line after smartly beating four opponents.  Everton got off very lightly in this incident, and before Hull were driven back Whitworth headed over.  Dean was quite out of range with a couple of shots which Maddison knew very little about. Everton were mostly the aggressive party. 
EVERTON'S WILD SHOOTING. 
The forwards had a poor notion of the whereabouts of the goal, however, several excellent chances being thrown away by wild shooting.  A breakaway on the Hull right carried Martin well into Everton's quarters, but his cross to Taylor was badly utilized, Rooney being able to relieve at the supreme moment. City were now more industrious, and Everton were lucky to escape when Scott struck the foot of the post with a terrific drive.  Davies was charged away from the ball, but there was nobody else up to turn it into the net.  Quarter-time: City 1, Everton 0.  City enjoyed equally fortunate escape when Millington outran Bell and the winger drove the ball into the mouth of the goal, where is was promptly met and knocked out of danger by McGee. 
DEAN EQUALISES. 
Everton's great pace was rewarded at the end 31 minutes when Maddison came out to meet DEAN, who smartly lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper's head to see it roll into the net. It was a bad miscalculation on the part of Maddison, who atoned for the error when he tipped a header from Dean over the bar and the next moment he fisted away a fast ball from Millington.  City threw more dash into a sudden incursion, which carried them into a favourable position, but from Scott's pass Whitworth could only drive the ball over the bar. 
EASY GOAL BY WHITWORTH. 
City kept at it and played in quicker and more determined fashion. The forwards were always dangerous, WHITWORTH completing a brilliant solo effort from half way where he received the ball from Guyan, by dribbling the ball past Kerr to carry it into the net in the easiest possible manner to give the City the lead five minutes before the interval.  Encouraged this success, City kept up the pressure, Scott making many masterly moves in order to drawn the defence, which was no means sure of itself. Whitworth came to grief in another attempt to cut in, but City continued to show "snap" in front of goal, but they could not force another score before the interval, which period play had been a streaky mixture of good and bad play. 
ALL CHANCES SEIZED. 
To City's credit they had seized all the openings that had occurred, whereas Everton were only able to receive one half a dozen chances. That was their most difficult one. It was once more question of staying power, and City finished the first half with appearances favourable to their prospect of survival.  Half-time:   HULL CITY 2.  EVERTON 1.  Unfortunately, Whitworth was unable to rejoin his companions when the game was resumed.  Everton attacked straight away, Dean being the scene with long drive from 18 yards. This travelled past Maddison's right-hand post, and Sullivan stopped an attempt by Dominy to make scores equal.  VIRR equalized for Everton.  Result (after 90 minutes):Everton goals, Hull City 2 goals.

WEDNESDAY RES 5 EVERTON RES 0
Sheffield Independent - Tuesday 08 February 1927
Atrocious conditions were all against good football at Hillsborough, yesterday where Everton Reserves opposed Wednesday Reserves in the Central League.   Rain fell heavily throughout the game and the ground resembled a quagmire, yet, in spite of this the players gave a good exhibition.  The home team well deserved their victory, and Kirkwood was a good schemer at inside forward.  The first half exchanged were fairly even, and Anstiss gave the Wednesday a goal lead at half-time.   After the interval, however, Wednesday were attacking almost continuously and Brown added to the Wednesday's advantage.  The shot should have been saved, for the ball slipped from the hands of the visiting goalkeeper, Kendall.  Anstiss then added two more goals in quick succession, although the second one was a gift, for the Wednesday forwards had but to touch the ball into an empty net.  Before the finish, prince completed the visitor's rout by adding a fifth goal with a long cross-drive from the left wing.  besides Kirkwood, Brown played well, while Powell (W.) put in some powerful shots, one of which, in the second half was unfortunate, for it struck the woodwork with terrific force.  The Everton full backs, Hamilton and Raitt, defended well under the trying conditions. 

HULL CITY 3 EVERTON 2 (AET)
February 8 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
FA CUP ROUND FOUR, SECOND REPLAY
EVERTON OUT OF THE CUP
WINNING GOAL SCORED WITH BURST BALL
THRILLING TWO HOURS.
By "Bees."
When Martin scored for Hull City in the replayed Cup-tie which they won at Aston Villa's ground yesterday by 3-2 in extra time he took the wind out of the ball and the wind out of Everton's sails, for he had burst the ball. This would be done probably through the manner in which his boot caught the ball –possibly a stud burst it. The rules on the point say that the ball is "dead" when it is burst, but it was not until the ball was taken from the back of the net that it was found to be burst. The game was an historic one in many ways for rarely had the 16,000 spectators (receipts £1,600) seen keen striving and such a strangely differing style of forward work. Hull for half an hour of the second half were kept on the defence, and were actually confined to their own half for that period without relief. Yet Hull took the lead in seven minutes through Guyan, the Hull centre taking up a grit pass offered by O'Donnell, who had not trapped the ball as it came to him, and although Dean equalised at the half-hour with a brilliant lob over the advancing goalkeeper's head, Hull regained the lead through Whitworth damaging Davies, the debuty goalkeeper, in his effort at easy distance.
SECOND HALF STRUGGLE.
The second half was one continual struggle against the Hull backs, because Maddison, for once in a while was not actually tested to the full. Not until twenty seconds from time –yide the referee, Mr. Musther of London, who did his work capably –did Everton make their attack pay, and then Dominy headed a corner kick, taken by Millington, right out of reach. Thus for the second time in this, the third meeting of the side the game was all square again, and it was necessary that extra time should be played. It appeared rational to expect Everton to win because they had regained confidence, and seemed to be playing well above their rivals, whose forwards, it must be admitted, lacked Whitworth, save as a deputy outside right owing to a nose injury, he sustained. Yet when O'Donnell decided to head a ball for a corner rather then leave the ball to his goalkeeper the corner proved fatal, and Martin scored the goal that gave Hull the right to play against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molyneux Grounds on the 19 th inst.
DAVIES BADLY HURT.
One of the sad things about the game was the fact that Davies, the goalkeeper, was badly hurt, and therefore, will not be ready for the game with Liverpool on Saturday at Anfield, and as Hardy is hurt and Kendall has the flu, the position of the club becomes exasperating. Add the inclusion of Dean in the English side and the Everton position for the local Derby becomes very awkward. It is correct to say that these five and a half hours of football have provided three stern and clean contests, in which the refereeing has been of a good order, inspite of the penalty incident at Goodison Park. It is moreover worthy of chronicling that Hull hardly made any attacks yesterday at Villa Park, yet when they moved off they were at once a danger, and their first two goals could be described as the outcome of a change of forward front, the Hull men breaking away. To this must be added the news of Hull City putting the ball against the upright, and two cases where Maddison was well beaten when the ball was stopped by the woodwork. Dominy often veered to his old position at inside right, and once from the position he sent in a swerving ball that crashed against the crossbar. Oh, yes, Everton had plenty of bad fortune in this game, but they shook their victors to the hand when they left the field, and voted them a sporting side with good backs and good ideas. But they doubtless regretted a Dominy miss among other things early in the game when the backs were suffering an eclipse, through the speed of Millington, who was the third outside right tried by Everton in this "series" of games.
TROUP'S GREAT DAY.
Taking the game from a personnel point of view, one must at once vote Troup the most dangerous forward on view, with Dean working in solo fashion in his own hard manner, and his goal a perfect one of wisdom and forethought. On the right Millington started well indeed, but he was not well served afterwards, Irvine again falling a victim to the over-dribble that is crowded out by men such as Hull field at full back –McGee and Bell. The Everton half-backs played so superbly that they helped to give their full backs a quieter time than usual. Hart was a joy –the greatest half back on view, especially when he was passing to his forwards and he was not slow to move among his forwards when the position had become desperate. Virr and Rooney played calculating football, and shared the honours and though O'Donnell made the first slip of the day he did many good things to balance it. Kerr being able partner. Davies was not unduly tested, any more than was Maddison.
MARTIN'S PART.
It was simply a case of the Second Division team holding on to what they had. They took the lead three times during the course of the game, and well as their half-backs played –they fought on until they nearer dropped through exhaustion –the side's victory was attributable to Martin, one of their best men in each of the three games. He is a canny Scot, and he is in a line that is no sooner attacking than it has a shot at goal and the shot is well directed. Naturally the line could not be expected to do much in the later stages owing to Whitworth's injury, but at least they impressed by their incessant and sparkling effort when they did break out, for it must be forgotten that they had a gruelling experience at Middlesbrough at the weekend, when after being three goals down they proceeded to make a draw. The referee congratulated both sides upon their display, and the spectators would doubtless have seconded the motion of praise. All the players deserved it. Now Everton can concentrate upon the main issue of the season –namely, the League position. It is said that some new faces will be seen in the forward ranks ere long –probably this week. Teams : - Everton: - Davies goals, O'Donnell, and Kerr, backs, Rooney, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, Millington Irvine Dean, Dominy and Troup, forwards. Hull City: - Maddison, goal, McGee and Bell, backs, Swan, Dixon and Sullivan half-backs, Martin, Scott, Guyan, Whitworth, and Taylor forwards.

THREE FOR ANSTISS
Sheffield Independent-Tuesday 08 February 1927
WEDNESDAY’S BIG VICTORY IN CENTRE LEAGUE
WEDNESDAY RES 5, EVERTON RES 0
Atrocious conditions were all against good football at Hillsborough. Yesterday, where Everton Reserves opposed Wednesday Reserves in the Central League.  Rain fell heavily throughout the game and the ground resembled a quagmire, yet, in spite of this, the players gave a good exhibition.  The home team well deserved their victory, and Kirkwood was good schemer at inside-forward.  The first half exchanges were fairly even and Anstiss gave the Wednesday a goal lead at half-time.  After the interval, however, Wednesday were attacking almost continuously and Brown added to the Wednesday’s advantage.  The shot should have been saved, for the ball slipped from the hands of the visiting goalkeeper, Kendall. Anstiss then added two more goals in quick succession, although the second one was a gift, for the Wednesday forward had but to touch the ball into an empty net.  Before the finish, Prince completed the visitors’ rout by adding a fifth goal with a long cross-drive from the left wing.  Besides Kirkwood, Brown played well, while Powell (W.) put in some powerful shots, one of which, in the second half, was unfortunate, for it struck the woodwork with terrific force.  The Everton full-backs, Hamilton and Raitt, defended well under the trying conditions. 

EVERTON GO OUT OF THE CUP THROUGH A BURST BALL
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, February 8, 1927
Bee’s Notes A year ago Everton went out of the Cup through Beecham’s pill at Fulham; to-day they mourn the loss the Cup chance and say “Perhaps it is a good thing we are out, though we wanted to be in even yet, and we think we ought to have been.”  That is a fair summary, for never do I remember Everton playing so heroically as they did yesterday at my dear old sports-spot at Aston.  Naturally, the crowd wanted to see the weaker team win- weaker in the divisional sense –but, by degrees, they had to give a glad hand to the First Division side for their incessant grit and perseverance against a side that took the lead three times in this Cup serial which produced five and a half hours of real solid football and much really splendid sportsmanship.  The game yesterday was memorable if only for the fact that Dominy scored his tenth goal for his side-all away-twenty seconds from the finish of the game- this from the referee’s own lips.  It was touch-and-go, and the 1,500 spectators who went from Liverpool expected a gift-win, in view of Everton’s remarkable stamina. 
TO THE DEATH
The previous meeting had shown Everton at Goodison Park falling to stay the last half, never mind the extra time; yet here they were pasting away at the great Bell and McGee, both of whom had a bad start owing to Millington speeding the parting guest, and in the end Hull won in spite of being thoroughly knocked up and worn out.  Everton’s great challenge for a solid half-hour has rarely been equaled.  Make no mistake about it, there was no occasional burst away; it was solid attack in the Hull’s half for half an hour, and not until twenty seconds from the finish did Dominy score, thus partly redeeming an early miss that was costly.  But the tragedy of the day was the final goal.  O’Donnell tried to head away a ball that should or might have been left to the goalkeeper and the corner brought the clever Martin a goal with a first time hook shot which burst the ball; took the wind out of the ball and out of Everton’s sails at one and the same time.  The rule says a burst ball is a dead ball, and when the ball was retrieved from the back of the net by the damaged Davies (who cannot play in the local derby game at Anfield on Saturday) it was noticed that the ball had “gone.” Why should it give out?  The probability was that Martin caught it low to the boot and a stud made the burst.  At any rate, Everton did not quibble about the goal; indeed, it would have been a difficult point to decide at which time the ball was burst! It is in the same category as a fellow in my household who has the record of 100 punctures in one year- you must take the case and lose no breath over it! 
GOALKEEPERS WANTED –ETC
With Hardy hurt, and Davies hurt, and Kendall out just getting over the “flu,” the position of Everton on Saturday becomes desperate.  Nothing will go right with them, not even the international team, in which Dean pokes a nose thus early in his hectic life. I congratulate him upon his selection-well merited-and wonder what the club will do about a deputy centre-forward.  This much can be said in view of the future –Rooney and Virr played excellent calculating football, and Hart between them was the star man of the field.  He and Troup took the main honours of the glorious day’s football in which there was very little trouble for the new referee, a Mr. Musther, who did uncommonly well.  Hart’s feeding and his occasional run up among the forwards when the position was desperate deserved reward; and in the forward line one couldn’t find anything to equal the way Troup hung his centres and beat his man, added to which he found some driving force.  The right wing was variable; Irvine is a desperate energetic worker with just the over-indulgence that is the bar to his amazing greatness, Millington had a fine innings early on, and O’Donnell, who failed to trap the ball for the first goal gained, went through the second half with credit; Kerr also playing a level, steady game throughout.  It was heroic football; it was amazing football; it was impossible to tell how Dominy’s shot missed scoring instead of cracking the cross-bar; it was impossible to tell how Maddison’s goal escaped for half an hour of solidity in attack that is not customary to Everton; Maddison, like Davies, had little to do; Hull City in reality broke away half a dozen times and scored twice in ninety minutes and put the ball to the woodwork once as against Everton’s twice.  This much must be said for them; they were very direct when they went away, the shot being instant, and they suffered a deep loss when Whitworth had to go to outside right through cracking his nose.  To lose a game of this description was no crime; it was something of an honour, and I took the liberty of congratulating the losers and winners upon a grand day’s sport.  It can be added that some new forwards will be finding a home at Goodison Park this week. 

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 0
February 9 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 26)
No details

REMEMBER THE OTHER SIDE
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 9, 1927
Bee’s Notes
“Old Blue” writes;-
I was ever so pleased with your remarks re the replayed tie.  I am Everton out and out, and saw all their famous Cup-ties between 1903 and 1908, but the match on Wednesday was “it” –a grand hard, strenuous and exciting match, with a correct result.  One each week like it would suit me.  These croakers who are always on the “What were Everton doing?” stunt must remember that the other side are trying to win as well as their own.  The Blues will come into their own as soon as their luck turns. 
LEAD ON MAC-?
“W.H.I.M.” writes what he calls the real Everton solution;-
Everton went “leading.” How often do we see the whole team get “windy” when the opposition score a goal? You talk about the figures for a full back and a forward.  It isn’t necessary; but that is said for a real live, inspiring (Page torn last 2 lines) shouldn’t get Wanderers.  I have seen him pull the Bolton team together (although he was only vice-captain) when they have been playing badly, and alter the whole complexion of the game by a pat on the back here and a “well played” there, and then roll his own sleeves up.  That attitude of “Let’s get busy now, we’ve got ‘em,” displayed by a kindly-disposed captain, had an enormous effect upon a team.  Now, “Bee,” I know that your heart is with both the local teams and I do not know anyone more capable of making the club get a move on in this direction than you.  I know Hart well enough to suggest for him that if he thought his resigning the captaincy would produce a goal, or a point he would do so forthwith.  But my correspondent has not solved the problem altogether.  The necessity for the whole team going on the field with confidence is too patent for words.  Can anyone tell me how the eleven could play games against the top two in the League at Christmas time, and yet fade out against a club like Cardiff? 
CHANGE THE TACTICS
“Well-wisher” writes; Make attack not defence.  It is no use calling forwards back.  Every time Everton’s backs cleared their lines, Hull City’s backs had a free-kick on each occasion because none of Everton’s forwards was up to receive the ball, and that is one of the main reasons that Dean does not get the support he should.
DONWS, NOT DOWN!
“Joe B,” writes;- So Everton has signed Warney Cresswell.  Gee whiz! I figure that the “Blue supporters” will have a long-drawn and wonderful sigh at the reception of such encouraging “news.”  Doubtless many minds will wander back over the dusty years and visualize the occasion when Everton found the “League table” hard to surmount, then finally the advent of that “old contemptible,” Dicky Downs, who subsequently did much to “bring them through.” If such be one’s thoughts it is inevitable that the old familiar face- and bandy legs- will surely reflect therein.  It is pleasant and assuring to recall how greatly “Dicky” helped to “stem” the tide of disaster with his fine anticipation, his cool, masterful style, his “shallow dive” clearances when guarding the goal.  All were remarkable features that brightened and inspired the Everton of these days, resulting in a fine rally and escape from relegation. Will Cresswell aspire to be such a prodigious asset? Will be strive to emulate the feat of Dicky Downs? Much will be expected of Warney Cresswell, and it is hoped that his inclusion will serve to stimulate a team sorely tried to keep up its prestige.  May be resign long and successful is the wish of all Evertonians. 
  “T.W.” says;- Everton will do no good under the present management.  The board deserves severe censure and marching orders.  Though I no longer visit Goodison, I have no quarrel with the players.  I have heard the fear expressed that the F.A. will extend the League to save Everton.  This, of course, is absurd, but it shows the anxiety some “sports” have lest the promised descent should not happen. 
  “J.E.C” says;- Tom Smith expounded a good one recently to the Everton director, Mr. Harry Banks; “We know Mr. Pearson wrote the ‘Whispering Gallery,’ but to be in one, get behind the Everton goal any Saturday afternoon!” 

THE EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS MEETING TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 10, 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton F.C affairs are a paramount importance nowadays. And the greatest point of all, so far as the inner circles are concerned, is this mysterious arising of shareholders at the behest or request of one of their number.  They meet tomorrow night at the Law Association Rooms, at 7.30
, and entrance is possible to those who show their shareholder’s ticket.  Mr. Charles Wright will take the chair, and I do not think there is any need or desire to hide the identity of the man who has been at the back of this convention.  It is Mr. James Wilson.  What will they talk about? At whom will they talk? Who put the directors in their position? The shareholders, is the natural assumption as an answer.  Maybe it will be like old-time fights at shareholders’ “do’s,” but Everton’s noisy meetings of years ago were a discredit to the game; therefore I trust they will not be repeated, and it is good to hear from one of the leaders that “we just want a heart-to-heart talk, with no side; it must be whole-hearted, everybody is of one mind, judging by the talks I have had with most of them, and there is to be no fight.  But we must have action of a definite character.  Changes are necessary.” 
So now you know!
There is an overflow match to locals on Saturday for those who cannot get in Anfield, or who do not desire to take the crush there; they can go to the very interesting game at Goodison Park, where Everton “A” play Skelmersdale in a County Combination fixture. 

CHANGES EVERTON DIRECTORS WILL PROBABLY MAKE
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 10, 1927
Everton have not been able to decide their eleven for the great Derby game, but with McDonald not fit and half backs burdened with thigh and muscle trouble, it is probable that the following eleven will stand for the club;- Kendall (now fit; Hardy, and Davies quite unfit); Cresswell, and Kerr; Rooney, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, O’Donnell, Dominy, and Troup. 

J. KELLY SIGNS FOR EVERTON
February 11 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
There was a record rush of important association football transfer yesterday; J. Kelly signed for Everton the right half back from Ary United. It is curious that both Everton and Huddersfield Town should sign a player having the name of Kelly on the same day, and to complete the sequence Kelly is regarded as a very fine half-back, and he is expected to strengthen the playing staff at the club. He is twenty-five years of age, stands 5ft 10ins and weights 11 st 7lbs. The club hopes to secure other players today, who with Kelly may be included in the team to meet Liverpool.

EVERTON’S LATEST
Liverpool Echo-Friday 11 February 1927
DIRECTORS STRENGTHEN THE DEFENCE
TED TAYLOR SIGNED
HIS DEBUT IN LOCAL DERBY GAME TO-MORROW
Everton F.C shareholders meet tonight to discuss the position of the club and the question of strengthening the team.  Meantime, the directors announce that they have signed on Ted Taylor, the famous international goalkeeper.  Moreover, the club yesterday signed Kelly, a half back from Ayr United. 
A SON OF LIVERPOOL
Ted Taylor is a son of Liverpool, bred and born here and made his name with Balmoral a school that produced quite a number of good footballers and men of international ranks.  The peculiarity of the transfer is that some years ago Everton desired Ted Taylor to link up with their club, and he refused to go there.  Now Everton have found themselves without a goalkeeper, Hardy, Davies, and Kendall being unfit.  They therefore decided to jump in and take from Huddersfield Town the man who has guarded their goal through their championship years, and only fell out of touch with the senior team when he suffered a severe injury at Manchester. 
WITHOUT COMPEER
Ted Taylor was without compeer until eight months ago, and his position in the English team was never challenged, although Pym put up a brave fight in the trial games.  However, the damage he received at Hyde-road through a collision bothered him physically and perhaps mentally, but he went away to recuperate and has ever since been playing capital football.  Meantime, Mercer having failed   Huddersfield Turner has come into position and made it his own.  Taylor has been with Huddersfield five seasons and is due a benefit, and he is well remembered as Oldham’s goalkeeper.  During the war he assisted Liverpool on a few occasions, and since the war he has been engaged on the Cotton Market.  Weeks ago (says “Bee”) I had an inkling that he was likely to leave Huddersfield, and when Davies was injured on Monday in the Hull City game, I gave the hint to the right quarter that Taylor would just love to play for Everton.  And now this has come to pass.  Taylor was capped against Scotland in 1923-24-26 versus Wales in 1923, and against Ireland in 1923-24.
PROMISING
One of the best jokes of many that are told in connection with Taylor’s life, is the story of how he kept himself fit by playing for a minor club during the summer season.  He was “approached” by a local junior side, who told him that they thought he shaped quite well and seemed likely to develop into a goal goalkeeper.  Would he like to join them? 
PATTERSON PLAYS
Everton A (v Skelmersdale, at Goodison Park, 3.30) will choose their side from G. Hughes, Curr, S. Green, G. Holbrooke, Sisson, W. Jackson, W, Murray, J. Tyson, and E. Gaskill.

TRANSFER SURPRISES; EVERTON “COURTING” ENGLAND’S INTERNATIONAL ‘KEEPER TED TAYLOR
Liverpool Echo –Friday, February 11, 1927
SIGNING OF KELLY OF AYR UNITED
TOMORROW’S DERBY
Transfers are all the rage today. As we stated exclusively last night, Bob Kelly has gone to Huddersfield from Sunderland.  Everton, as I write, are said to be signing Ted Taylor, the Huddersfield goalkeeper, a story which seems possible and probable and would lead to England’s international goalkeeper coming to his home-town at long last. Everton have Hardy and Davies unfit, and Kendall has recently been down with the flu.  Everton have signed Kelly, Ayr United’s right half-back, who will doubtless make his debut in the “big do” tomorrow. 
About the local “Derby” game; there is much suggestive talk in the city about Liverpool’s kindly disposition towards Everton, whose lowly estate troubles the heart if the Liverpool players.  There is inference behind this sort of talk and I am out to scotch it.  Liverpool have no heart where Everton or any other opposition is concerned!  Have a heart! This is the sort of commentary some football enthusiasts are alleged to have heard this week, and the supposed talkers are the Everton people and the listeners are the Anfield people.  These people did not think out such an inferential request when the teams met in September. Oh, no; then every Evertonian know his side was going to win, and every Liverpool follower knew the Reds were going to win.  Therefore, it comes very awkwardly at us when we hear suggestions of “Liverpool will possibly be kind to their neighbours.” The Anfield man with a memory says; DO you remember the history book.  Do you remember Liverpool’s descent and the reason therefor?” And he scowls at the scoffer who thinks Liverpool might be tolerant towards their neighbours.  
NEIGHBOURS WHO DON’T AGREE!
Some neighbours don’t agree, and in this meeting of neighbours I can tell readers that on the field they will not agree to-morrow; Liverpool make no bones about their case; we have a duty to all clubs, all are neighbours in a sense, and the thought of lying down to anyone is repugnant; we shall be out to reverse that terrible defeat at Goodison Park, when we could not strike our proper form.  We believe we can win; we believe we shall win.  And let the Everton followers not forget that we have a chance in the League race.  People who laugh at this idea would do well to get out the fixture list and work it out; we have been unbeaten since January 1, and Newcastle have started to lose.  Thus we are getting placed for a final and furious challenge.  Who can say? And who can say us nay? 
THE PLAN OF THE FIELD
There is no doubt that Kerr began his first team career when he was put in the Everton defence in the first of the season’s local Derby games.  He it was who surprised Liverpool, and as he and Cresswell form the back line to-morrow we shall be able to judge two distinct and differing styles, and Warney will get the glad hand of all his many friends down here.  It is likely to be an historic meeting, and I am sorry I can’t be in two places at once, my idea at the moment is to see the international. Meantime, let me remind you that I have been a bit fortunate in picking the winner of the local Derby in after-war years, and therefore I make no apology for suggesting that Everton may win; Liverpool can win, a draw is not out of the question, and my belief in Everton leads me to decide upon that eleven as victors, when the teams turn out in the following order;- Everton; Ted Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dominy, Irvine, Kennedy, Troup.  Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, Mackinlay; Macnabb, Pratt, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Reid, Chambers, Hopkin. 
DEAN AND GRIIFFTHS PROVIDE THE DUO-TURN
The meeting of England and Wales at Wrexham to-morrow, promises to be one of the best things we have seen in North Wales. The blending together-in-opposition of Dean and Tom Griffiths makes the game one of the joys of the season.  Each one is having his first run.  We wish both a great day. 
SEEING AT EVERTON
“A bon Speck” writes; May I ventilate a grievance shared by thousands of loyal supporters of the Everton club.  I refer to the miserable “seeing” conditions existing in the 1s 6d paddock at Goodison Park.  Whenever there is anything like a good “gate,” and the paddock is reasonably full, it is impossible for an average man (say 5ft 6in) to see more than three-quarters of the field of play, and since one is absolutely in the front row much of the interesting play in the corners of the field are missed. A simple remedy would be to remodel the paddock in the form of a curve, the centre portion being set back from the field of play.  This would possibly lessen the holding capacity of the enclosure by a few hundreds spectators, but would be the means of enabling a few thousands more to obtain a decent view of the whole of the game.  The increasing number of ladies attending the games will no doubt appreciate an improvement in this direction. 

E. TAYLOR SIGNS FOR EVERTON
February 12 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Following the signing of Kelly, the Scottish half-back, Everton yesterday completed negotiations for the transfer of Taylor, Huddersfield Town goalkeeper and he will appear for his new club at Anfield today. Taylor is a Liverpool man, having had his early football training with Balmoral. Everton were hard hit for a goalkeeper, owing to injuries to Davies and Hardy and Kendall has recently been suffering from influenza. Taylor's service, therefore, prove valuable to-day. Taylor has had a long experience of senior football, having played for Oldham and assisted Huddersfield through that club's championship years. But an injury last season compelled him to drop out for a time, and he is now fit again Mercer followed him in the Huddersfield goal and he in tern gave place to Turner. Taylor has been five years with Huddersfield. He played for England against Scotland 1923 1924, 1926, and against Wales in 1923 and against Ireland in 1923 and1923. He also kept goal for the football league against Scottish league in 1923 and 1924.
GREAT GAME IN PROSPECT.
The clubs and players were never more determined to play their hardest, for both have their eye on the main chance and if Everton win it will be on their merits. Make no mistake about that. In these days of keen competition there is little room for sentiment in football, and it is a case of survival of the fittest. The day when the taunt of "going easy" could be levelled at a club is long since past and the game today will be fought out by both sides with the keenest determination to win, but one believes, in the best sporting spirit. In such circumstances as those, which prevail today, the enclosure at Anfield will be taxed to the utmost. Everton have won once only at Anfield since the war in 1923-24 –and on form it will be a surprise if they win today. Liverpool have been playing so well lately that they should win this game. In the absence of Dean, Irvine is to fill the centre forward perth, a position he has occupied on many occasions. The kick off is at 3.15, and the teams are: - Liverpool: - Scott, Lucas, Mackinlay, McNabb, Pratt, Bromilow, Edmed, Hogson, Reid, Chambers, Hopkins. Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr, Critchley, Dominy, Irvine, Kennedy, and Troup.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 12, 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

• ‘Twas like adding insult to injury today for the F.A. to call Dixie Dean away when his club had such great need to him. The H’s to your notice-Hunter Hart heroic
• The Everton captain played one of the games of his life on Monday in every sense of the term
• Everton were most unlucky to lose, but possibly their defeat will prove something of a blessing in disguise
• The Blues have now called upon thirty players in Cup and League
• Inability to withstand pressure, and inability to press home their openings, have proved Everton’s undoing-a screw loose, unfortunately, at both ends
• Everton have not fielded the same side in any two successive matches since September 11

There were two train loads of Everton’s faithful followers at Aston despite the cheerless outlook
Unless the unexpected has happened at Anfield to-day Everton’s position to-night will indeed read critical

• A “rise to a great occasion” was assuredly needed.
• Dean has doubtless been torn with conflicting emotions –and what irony, to be fighting and capped for one’s country when he would have hive his “head” to be leading on the firing lien at Anfield
• The Everton chairman, Mr. W.C. Cuff, is to read the lesson, whilst the soloists will be Mrs. Bromilow and Baby-Stud Marks
• Everton have been hunting in Scotland for weeks, says one authority; we understand it was for players

A MANAGERIAL MOVE
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 12, 1927
Bee’s Dairy
“Evertonian” writes;- For many years I have been a reader of your Sports Notes, and it gives me great pleasure in expressing my appreciation of the broadminded way in which you deal with matters concerning our local clubs.  Our great concern is for Everton to-day, and as a supporter I might say that whether it is First or Second Division football they may play in the future they will still get the support of your humble; yet to my way of thinking, if the directors would appoint a good player manager and leave the team to him with a free hand, even now it is not too late to make certain of playing First Division football next season.  The club has had its share of misfortune this year; injuries and the like have told their tale, yet their spirit is far from broken.  Dixie Dean and Co are by no means a spent force.  With certain defects in the team remedied we can look forward to seeing them occupying that place in the League which their football.
EVERTON F.C.
The meeting of the Everton shareholders last night took the form of an inquest.  The company present begged leave to presume the death of the club!  And they then proceeded to deal with the “body.”  The most practical speeches were those of the Tranmere chairman, Mr. R. Ledsom, who said this was not the time to call the directors to order; and Mr. Denaro, who said it was hardly fair to take the club to task when the officials were not present.  Much “dead” conversation was brought to life, and eventually it was agreed that the shareholders should demand the club to call an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, so that the officials could give an account of their stewardship.  Mr. Scroggie held the floor for some time, and expressed the belief that the shareholders did not elect directors, as the directors held proxies and commanded the situation.  Mr. Scroggie, pointing his papers at “Bee” said he knew him not, and created some fun in the smoke-ridden atmosphere, over which Mr. Charles Wright presided.  It was explained that the meeting was called by the young men of the club. 
WHEN IT’S “WINDY” AT WALTON
As a devourer of your notes for umpteen years, please allow me, for the first time to write to you, says Mr. Joseph Allan.  You refer to the silence of the Everton supporters, I certainly agree with you that they should make the presence felt, and let the Everton players know they are playing a home; but, “Bee,” who are the supporters that make the visitors to the Park think they are playing before their own supporters? At the first sign of safely play by an Everton player these same supporters begin a regular outcry against the unfortunate player with “windy” predominating.  “Bee,” Hull City’s full backs played the safely game, sometimes kicking back to their own goalkeeper from near the half-way line.  There was no outcry of “windy” to put them off their game; but I think if Kerr or McDonald had done so, they would have got what you call a dog’s life. 
  “G.D,” a famous cricket, reckons that “what Everton require is a big personality in the middle a Jimmy Seddon or a Frank Barson.  Why spoil two positions? This has been the theme all the season.  It must be very disheartening to the reserve players who never get a chance.  Fancy the number of different positions Reid and Bain have had.  I think if I were on the Everton board I would plump for Millington, the “fiper,” at outside right, I think he, with his great speed and straight running, would reduce this “no back” game to a debacle.  I think, he, with Dean and Troup would beat Hull.  What a great player is Dean, I think it would be heaven for the Blues supporters to see him between Syd Puddefoot and Billy Walton, or David Jack and Harry Chambers.  If you see Billy Walker, try and persuade him to go to Everton, I think I had better go to Brum, on Monday, and be your runner.  Especially as I haven’t seen Everton beaten this season.”
See here, young man; Do you want the Villa to suspend me?

LIVERPOOL V EVERTON
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 12, 1927
THE BLUES PRESENT A REMARKABLY STURDY DEFENCE
TED TAYLOR UNDER FIERCE BOMBARDMENT
PICTURESQUE FIRST HALF BARREN OF POINTS
Everton; Ted Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Dominy, Irvine, Kennedy, Troup.  Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, Mackinlay; Macnabb, Pratt, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Reid, Chambers, Hopkin.  Referee.- Mr. D. Caswell, of Blackburn.  Everton and Liverpool met to-day in the cold, at Anfield, before a massive attendance, whose appetite was whetted by the signings of Cresswell, who made his debut a week ago, Kelly , the Ayr United half-back and Ted Taylor, the international and Huddersfield goalkeeper.  These signings and the emphatic effort of Everton to escape the pangs of Second Division series tended to make the attendance the greatest ever at the Anfield ground.  The stretcher-bearers were early on the scene, several fainting cases occurring before the start.  Liverpool kicked off without the aid of Hopkin, who was a minute or two late in taking his place.  Everton made an attack that promised an early sensation, but fizzled out without creating any danger to the Liverpool goal.  Troup set Everton going a second time, but he was not sufficiently accurate with his centre, the ball seemed to fly off his boot and travel for a goal kick.
PLAYERS IN KNEE ARMOUR
All the players were kneecaps, ample proof that the ground was not only hard, but somewhat slippery on the surface.  This was made apparent when Reid slipped up, and Hopkins had to perform fine work in beating Kelly and Cresswell, and providing his centre forward with a chance.  O’Donnell made one fine punt that stopped the Liverpool forwards, and Chambers and Hopkins were soon at it again with their triangular work.  Kelly, the Ayr man, must have realized the task which confronted him on this, his first appearance, for his new club.  Taylor’s first handling case arrived when Chambers tried a header, and when Reid and Hodgson followed up.  Taylor was unable to kick clear, but his throw was long and strong enough to get him out of his difficulty.  So far the game had been fast and furious, and what little there had been undoubtedly went to the Liverpool side, even though their defences made one or two miskicks which might have proved fatal if Liverpool players had not worked out such a fine covering scheme.
TAYLOR ON HIS METTLE
Chambers, Reid, and Hodgson were on the warpath, and any one of them might have scored if a linesman had not flagged for offside, and so forced the referee to sound his whistle.  The shot of the match thus far went to Reid, who does not look to strong from outward appearances, but in reality must be as strong as a horse, for he goes in regardless of bumps and knocks in a manner which made Harry Hampton famous.  It was only a brilliant save by Taylor which prevented the young Scot from scoring.  Chambers in one of his judicious passes sent the youth clean through, and although Reid’s drive was of much power, Taylor managed to turn it over the crossbar –truly a grand effort.  There was a claim for a penalty by Edmed against O’Donnell, and although the referee agreed that an infringement had occurred, he would not have it that it was in the “box.”  The free kick was taken from outside the area.  Hereabouts, the ground became enveloped in a smoke screen from a neighboring chimney, but it did not last any length of time, and only spoiled our viewpoint for a matter of minutes.  Macnabb made a miskick that might have proved expensive to his side.  The ball traveled on to Kennedy, who pushed it through the middle for Irvine, and the Irishman was only the fraction of a second late, otherwise he might have beaten Scott for possession. 
THE UNIVERSAL PROVIDER
This would have been a serious matter.  There are many people who contend that Chambers is worthy his place in the England team; and on his present form it cannot be denied.  And, although “smiler” is supposed to be a heavy-ground player, he did many things to-day which stamped him as the real football artist.  He did not play the laborured type of game, but did with one touch what others would require two or three movements to bring about.  He was the great schemer of all, and opened out the game wisely.  Of course, there were mistakes, but that was not to be wondered at on such a day.  Those players who tried to coddle the ball found their best policy was the first-time efforts.  Hart, as usual, kept pushing them through the middle, and if Kennedy could have got a true smack at the ball he might have done more than he did.  For some time play was mostly confined to midfield, but when O’Donnell brought Reid down without ceremony, Mackinlay, with a free kick, started an action that nearly brought about the downfall of the Everton goal. 
TAYLOR UNDER FIRE
It was Taylor, and Taylor only, who saved the situation.  Mackinlay’s free kick came out of the rut to Edmed, and when that player drove for the net it seemed any odds that he would score, even though Taylor had fined down his shooting space.  Edmed’s shot, however, was as true as steel, but Taylor pushed it under the post, and away from whence it flashed back into play, and for a moment out of danger.  It was a tense moment.  Everton showed their thanks for this let-off by taking up the cudgels, and when Troup made a corner-kick Hart headed the ball close into the goal, and Irvine, Scott, and Lucas had a grim struggle to do the right thing by their side.  The Liverpool defence won the day, although it must be admitted that it was a very near thing.  While there is a slight lull in the game I must tell you that Kelly is ideally built for half-back.  He is, I should think, slightly taller than Virr and carries a little more weight and is a dour defender, as was necessary against such a wing as Liverpool’s left wing.  When Chambers took upon himself to ramble to the inside-right position he and Edmed dovetailed momentarily and Chambers made a centre that was the acme of wisdom, but, unfortunately, both Reid and Hodgson had got themselves into an offside position, and so the effort came to naught. 
EVERTON’S STURDY DEFENCE
Cresswell was playing a solid and quiet stamp of defensive football.  There was no dashing here and dashing there with the former Sunderland man.  He relied upon his anticipation, and so sure was he with it that he cut many dangerous looking thrusts by the Liverpool attack.  As a matter of fact, the whole of the Everton defence played well, which spoke well for the future.  Near the interval Kennedy had a chance to open his side’s account, but failed to utilize it, but really it took a player all his time to keep his feet, let alone anything else.  The dashing Reid once took Taylor by surprise as the latter went out to retrieve a ball that appeared to be going into touch, but Reid came along like a steam engine, and took the back from under Taylor’s very nose, almost to the corner flag, and then foozled. 
Half-time; Liverpool nil, Everton nil. 
THE NEW EVERTON
WEAKNESS IN THE FORWARD LINE
GOAL BY CHAMBERS
CHAMBERS GOAL DECIDES
There was a sensational opening to the second half, for in exactly one minute Chambers had given Liverpool the lead.  Prior to this Taylor had to punch away over the heads of several Liverpool players,  and this gave Chambers his chance.  He had to go to the inside right position to get in his shot, and Taylor had no chance whatever, for the ball went into the net like lightning; in fact, it went in and out again.  Almost straight from this Everton launched an attack, and when Kennedy headed in, Scott patted the ball down. 
A DOUGH TIME FOR REID
The Everton players maintained that the ball had crossed the goal-line. I am not prepared to say whether it did or did not, but leave it to the referee, who was admirably placed to see the whole thing.  Reid was knocked out for the third time, and on this occasion, had to leave the field.  He returned rubbing the back of his head.  Edmed was playing grandly at outside right and once defeated three opponents and then himself through his desire to do just a little more than he should have done.  At this point Irvine and Dominy changed places.  Hart for a fraction of a moment became a sixth forward and set Critchley going with a superb pass, but he was too high with his attempt at goal.  He was much more close a little later with a corner kick which Scott had to punch clear.  Cresswell was lying well forward.  In fact, at one point he was only a few yards off Liverpool’s penalty line, and when Reid made one of his dashes and decided to part to Hodgson, the latter found himself offside with a rare chance in front of him. 
A CHAIN OF PASSES
Chambers flashed one across the Everton goalmouth and Mackinlay made a beautiful tackle and clearance when the Everton right-wing pair, and Critchley, promised to do damage to his goal.  One of the best piece of work seen during the afternoon came from Liverpool’s left wing.  It is worth giving in detail, so here it is, Bromilow to Hopkin, Hopkin to Chambers, Chambers to Reid, Reid back to Hopkin, the latter driving with tremendous power at the Everton goal, but Taylor stood there and brought off another amazing save.  This was his third during the afternoon, Irvine’s ill-luck as a shooter still remains with him.  He had a great effort cannoned out by Lucas and this was the forerunner to a determined attack on Liverpool’s goal. 
DARING FEAT BY SCOTT
Troup, who had gathered the ball just inside the penalty area, let loose a terrific drive which Scott turned away by stretching his foot.  It was a daring thing to do but the only thing to do and Scott deserved every credit for doing it.  For a spell Everton were slightly on top and if Dominy could have accepted a centre from his left wing, Everton might have got on equal terms.  As it was, the chance went begging.  A free kick to Liverpool came to Mackinlay to rattle in one of his rocket shots, which, however, did not trouble Taylor.  Then when Hodgson put Reid through, the centre-forward was just offside.  Edmed took a chance shot on the run, and although the ball bounced awkwardly, Taylor patted it down and cleared.  Hart and Chambers had a few yards over a little happening, and then Cresswell had a long shot at goal, which travelled just over the cross-bar.  They could carry play into Liverpool’s territory, but when they got there they could not finish it off. 
CLOSING SCENES
Hart opposing them with the right kind of passes.  In fact, the whole of the Everton half-back line gave the attack ample support.  Reid caused amusement when he grabbed Ted Taylor round the neck when the latter had advanced from his goal, Chambers had another powerful drive blocked and Hopkin a centre turned away after he had got the better of Cresswell.  Reid nearly bundled Taylor into the net what time Chambers shot into the Liverpool goal, but as Reid had infringed the rules, the point did not count.  Final; Liverpool 1, Everton 0.  Attendance 52,677; receipts, 3,199 pounds. 

WALES V ENGLAND
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 12, 1927
“ALL THAT WAS LEFT OF THEM”-THE WELSH POSITION
By Bee
FINE GOAL BY DEAN; LEN DAVIES SHOOTS PENALTY
Wales; Lewis (Arsenal); Jones (Manchester C), John (Arsenal); Kennor (Cardiff C), Griffiths (Everton), Evans (Reading); Williams (Wednesday), Lewis (Swansea), L. Davies (Cardiff), Nicholas (Swansea), Thomas (Man United),  England; Brown (Wednesday); A.G. Bower ((Corinthians, capt), Waterfield (Burnley); Edwards (Leeds U), Seddon (Bolton W), Green (Sheffield U); Pease (Middlesbrough), Brown (Huddersfield), Dean (Everton), Walker (Aston Villa), Page (Burnley).  Wales, of all that was left to her-owing to the large number of players and clubs who cried off at the last moment –tackled England at Wrexham Racecourse to-day, the game being notable to Liverpool owing to the selection of Dean and Griffiths, club mates at Everton, receiving their baptism in international warfare.  The difficulties of community singing were made patent again, but Mr. Emlyn Davies struck the lyre aright when he got the crowd of 15,000 to sing unaccompanied, what time the band did the Charleston in an endeavor to keep warm.  All the lot got going again when “Aberystwyth” was the tune selected, and one had to confess that this was real harmony. 
THE SMILE OF OPPOSING FRIEND
Bower, the Corinthian, captained England, Wales with Keenor in command, had an enormous reception.  Wales won the toss, and when Referee Fogg got the game going, Griffiths stopped Walker in the first tackle of the game, and then smiled as he passed the time of day with Dean, his clubmate.  Waterfield had to make a useful punt to prevent Brown being employed, and after Griffiths had out headed Dean, he screwed the ball for Brown to make a catch Brown had to attend to Len Davies header, that header, catching Seddon in the jaw, but was not sufficiently hurtful to affect his making of England’s first attack in which Dean, Pease, and Walker made a triangular movement, Walker heading over.  Len Davies had a reasonable chance to beat Brown, and I put it down to the liveliness of the ball and the hard ground that he could not hit the ball full in the face.  Wales dribbled rather acutely and made a way for half-back Evans to shoot, after which came a rugged effort by Rees Williams. Brown supplied the first real surprise of the day.  He (the goalkeeper) held on too long, and was forced to throw rather than kick away, the result being that he threw the ball to a Welsh forward, who headed towards the empty goal.  The Sheffield custodian ran back and punched away.  This shook the England side into action, and the first sign of life from Page ended with Dean heading against the crossbar.  Thus we had both teams on the full stretch and Bower had to head away very definitely from a corner or else a goal would have resulted.
BRILLIANT GOAL BY DEAN
The game improved and when Walker and Page made a thorough duel turn Green rushed among the forwards and took the liberty of shooting.  It is a liberty for half backs to shoot these days.  The ball seemed to strike Lewis as he fell to the ground, but he had no chance in the next breath, when at the twelfth minute Dean made one of the smartest goals an international match has seen.  He beat two men with ease and complacence, and shot in a definite manner.  He was heartily congratulated upon his first goal in the international series.  Lewis kept goal for Arsenal at Anfield last Saturday, and did remarkably well, you remember.  But now he thumped at the ball, and nearly put into his own goal, but perhaps gained some confidence by the fact that Wales went away to head a goal after fifteen minutes. 
SWIFT EQUALISER BY LEN DAVIES
Len Davies was the scorer, and the ball came from the right wing to the great joy of the crowd.  These goals were something to write home about, and Brown, the goalkeeper could also write home and tell the old folk that he very badly damaged his left elbow when the goal was being scored against him.
SECOND GOAL FOR ENGLAND
The match was apparently going to be crowded with surprise, because three minutes later Brown made a joyful pass for Dean’s benefit and the Everton man unselfishly glided the ball to Walker to make a thrilling and complete piece of goal making.  The English forward kept the ball on the ground and so far Dean had proved himself the best forward England has had for seventeen years.  He made the combination and kept the ball low, and at all times opened out the game. 
A BLURRED SIGNAL
Yet, mark you, Griffiths was almost equally as good in his providing for the Welsh forwards.  Wales was not going to take this lying down, and Rees Williams, with a finely judged centre, let in the left wing pair, who were not too clever, and the referee signaled “fool” or “offside”- I am not quite sure which.  One of the stars of the Welsh side was Fred Kennor as a wing half back.  Remembering he is on transfer, his display was of special value.  The Welsh forwards were remiss in front of goal and Lewis of Swansea, threw away a gift of the gods.  Thomas did even worse.  He missed a sitter.  Goals are cheap to-day and the players’ regrets are equally cheap.  Waterfield from full back went halfway up the field to provide Page with a pass, thus showing that Waterfield has not forgotten the day when he was a forward.  One of the nicest drives of the day came from Edwards and one of the best rans from Rees Williams.  Thomas could do little right.  He missed his third good chance, and when he appealed for a penalty against Edwards he was utterly wrong, for the ball hit his chest.  Had Thomas taken his chance properly there would have been no need for an appeal.
PENALTY GOAL BY LEN DAVIES
Wales was without fortune when Nicholas shot, and the ball hit Brown’s legs and travelled over for a corner.  Rees Williams was charging through when Green, of Sheffield, cut across him, tripping him, and bringing the uncommon sight of a penalty in an international match.  Len Davies scored with the spot kick after thirty-six minutes.  A free kick against Bower for a charge in the back perplexed some of the onlookers, and the kick brought an injury to the English goalkeeper who was charged over while in possession of the ball and had his back, so that he was doubled up for some time.  Brown will look upon this as anything but a joyful international debut.  Wales was making her customary plucky fight.  Lewis produced a throw from goal that sent the ball to the half-way line, this recalling the happy days when Dick Roose and Dick Bond used to chase each other on the ground.
SMALL BUT INSPIRING
There was no doubt who was making Wales a live force in attack.  Rees Williams and Len Davies the two little ones, were the great inspiring sources.  Len Davies for a little one has enormous pluck.  Very little had been seen of Pease and Seddon, the latter of whom, was “stabbed” by Keenor and was carried off the field.  There was a scene in the last breath of a rather historic game when Nicholas charged Brown, the goalkeeper, when he had not the ball.  Brown had a blow on the jaw, and drew his hand back as though to strike the Welsh player.  However, the two went off together. 
Half-time; Wales 2, England 2. 
WALES STAUNTON
FINISH WITH HONOURS EVEN WITH ENGLAND
DEAN EQUALISER
England had not shown international spirit, and the right wing had hardly been seen.  The game had been full of life, yet it was borne on one that the scratch Welsh side had made most of the running.  Is it the Welsh jersey that “make a man,” or does the Welsh secretary, Mr. Robbins, sing to them “When the Red, Red Robin comes Bobbing Along”? 
ONLOOKERS ENCROACH ON CORNER
Seddon limped his way on to the field in the second half.  He started with a foul on the Swansea man, Lewis, and offered his apologies.  Thomas was crowded out by the spectators when taking a corner kick, which he put towards the half way line, and from it Page, when going through, slipped, but found the Welsh right back present him with the ball, so that this son of Liverpool made a stringing shot, the ball being lofted a foot too high.  There was another accident, Lewis running out to attempt to stop Page scoring as the whistle blew for offside getting a blow on the head.  The next on the injured list was Walker who went off sick.  Dean and Page came more into the lime-light now that Seddon was putting the ball well up the middle. 
WALES TAKES THE ELAD
However, Wales went off on its tricky right wing and Rees Williams made an opening for Lewis who scored, Brown being unsighted and unable to get near the ball.  Thus Wales took the lead at the hour, at which moment Walker having become worse was carried away on an ambulance. 
DEAN’S SPENDID EQUALISER
Dean headed against the side net, and Page made Lewis punch away.  Only three minutes had elapsed when Dean, receiving a ball from the right wing, made a glorious drive, to turn the score into three all.  Mr. Robbins, of the Welsh F.A asked me to thank the North Wales Coast people for their rally, and particularly for their behavior when asked to leave a stand in case of accident.  Thomas hit the bar from a corner-kick and nearly broke it.  Walker returned after an absence of a few minutes.  The greatest save of the game was made by Lewis from Brown, and the most thrilling pass was made by Kennor from half-back to outside-right.  Final; Wales 3, England 3.  Attendance 16,000 Receipts 1,790 pounds. 

EVERTON A V SKLEMERSDALE UTD
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 12, 1927
At Goodison Park.  The visitors were first to attack, and later Lister opened the score, Hughes saved well from Copping, and later Master headed away a free kick.  Everton forced two corners, which proved abortive.  Half-time; Everton A 0, Skelmersdale 1. 

LIVERPOOL 1 EVERTON 0
February 14 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON WEAK FORWARDS.
LIVERPOOL WIN DERBY GAME BY ONLY GOAL.
HARD CONTEST ON TREACHEROUS GROUND.
Liverpool beat Everton by the only goal scored in the second local "Derby" game at Anfield on Saturday, and there are many who incline to the view that this will be the last of the "Derby" games played between the sides for at least another season. That Everton are in a precarious position is generally admitted and much will depend upon the future performances of the clubs in the danger zone. In a football sense Saturday's game was disappointing because the standard of play was much below that usually associated with recent local games and this was chiefly due to the state of the ground which prevented any thing like accurate football. The game was hard and keenly fought but lacking in the finer more dainty movements. To the credit of the players it must be said that all played with commendable heartness and spirit, but the conditions were against them and as a contest the game had few outstanding features. Liverpool were the stronger side –better balanced and more definite in their movements, yet Everton could almost claim equality in all except attack. The forwards were Everton's weakest link and it was this weakness that lost at least a share of the spoils. The ground was hard and frost-bound, and the light ball was always difficult to control. To turn quickly was a risky manocuve, while passing over and miskicking added in the players difficulties.
EVEN FIRST HALF.
The first half was fairly even yet, Taylor had more to do in the Everton goal than had Scott at the other end. It was Taylor's skill saved Everton on at least two occasions when the Liverpool forwards made definite raids on the goal. He tipped over the bar a great shot by Reid and later saved splendidly from Edmed. Scott's greatest test came when Hart lobbed the ball into the Liverpool goal and its downfall was only prevented by a stroke of luck. Kennedy missed a great chance near the interval and the first half remained goalless. In the first minute of the second half Chambers scored the only goal of the game although Everton claimed that the ball was over the line when Scott patted down a header from Kennedy. It was a near thing, but Scott had a genuine slice of fortune when he shot out his foot and blocked a fine drive by Troup. Right through the game there was a dearth of good shooting and very few sparkling runs.
TAYLOR'S SAVES.
Taylor, who made his first appearance in the Everton goal gave a satisfactory display. He had not a great deal to do, but what he did was efficiently and skillfully effected. Both Cresswell and Kelly, also seen in Liverpool for the first time in the Everton colours, did much good work. The former is too well known to need any introduction, and it is sufficient to say that he did all that was expected of him on his polished and affective style. In Kelly Everton would seem to have acquired a half-back of the right type. Splendidly built (tall and slim) he played a capital game once he found his feet and plied the forwards with excellent passes. Of the half-backs, none was quite the equal to hart. He was effective in attack and defence. The Everton forwards could not complain that they did not get enough of the ball. It was the ineffectiveness of the inside forwards that made the attack so poor. In the second half Dominy and Irvine changed places without, however, revealing any noticeable improvement. Troup was the best of a poor line. On the Liverpool side Scott worked with his usual skill and coolness, and both Lucas and McKinlay played soundly. Bromilow was another splendid worker, and he played a big part in subduing the Everton right wing, while Pratt worked hard and well.
CHAMBERS TO THE FORE.
Chambers was the outstanding figure in the forwards. He sent out passes with fine judgement and was the most dangerous forward on the field. Edmed was little inferior. His centres were nicely timed and he made good use of openings that came his way. Reid tempered his dashes was discretion and was consequently a more effective leader, while Hopkins put in a number of useful raids. Attendance 52, 677 Receipts £3,199. Teams: - Liverpool: - Scott goal, Lucas and McKinlay, backs, McNabb, Pratt, and Bromilow, half-backs, Edmed, Hodgson, Reid, Chambers and Hopkins, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Dominy, Irvine, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr D. Caswell .

WHAT EVERTON HAVE PAID FOR THEIR NEW PLAYERS
Athletic News - Monday 14 February 1927
LEAGUE football is still very much afflicted with the transfer fever.  There has been ceaseless activity during recent days, and the end of the search for new players and precious points is not yet.  With the fever comes the inevitable game of guessing at the fee.  Seven thousand pounds —£7,000! —is reported to have been paid by Everton for the services of Cresswell, Sunderland’s international back, and the Roker Park club are stated to have reduced bank overdraft of £14,000 allowing Robert Kelly to go to Huddersfield Town, and Coglin and Prior to Grimsby Town.  Everton, too, are claimed to have passed through a week of wealth- squandering in securing Cresswell,  Taylor, Huddersfield Town’s International  goalkeeper, and Jeremiah  Kelly, the half-back of Ayr United. 
Cresswell Cost £4,760. 
The speculation is not all with the clubs. How far these shots are near the mark can gathered from the fact that the exact fee Everton paid for Cresswell was £4,750 —so that it is nothing like record—and that the total sum expended on the other two players secured by the Goodison Park club was less than that amount.  Something like £9,000 has been drawn from the Everton exchequer for the transfer of those players, and other clubs have been stirred action.  Thus, Leeds United have been hurrying about beyond the Border, and the outcome is that not much below the fee of Cresswell was paid the Hearts for the assistance of John White.  Leeds United certainly needed an inside forward to assist Tom Jennings, bravo and free-scoring Scotsman.  These many club changes, however, are treated on another page of to-day’s Athletic News. 
Up to Everton’s Forwards. 
Tradition counts for little with Everton nowadays. The Anfield ground was never awesome prospect for them in the local duels with Liverpool, but In Saturday’s forty-fifth meeting the clubs Liverpool’s post-war mastery was emphasized.  The old query ‘‘Too Late?” is hovering over Everton. They have taken an important stride towards keeping out of the Second Division in the engagement of the three players who appeared for the first time on Merseyside in their service –Edward Taylor, Warneford Cresswell, and Jeremiah Kelly.  This was ordeal match for the trio, but, far from excuses being permissible for any shortcomings on account of the occasion, the new players were personalities in saving Everton from a heavier defeat.  Taylor lived right up to his reputation in goal, and Cresswell was the master craftsman without any wavering. In spite of a frost-bound ground mischievous ball, he did not put a foot wrong—as the footballer says.  Kelly, the right half-back, is a player of intuition and natural ball command.  Particularly arresting for a Scot was his speed. Surely the future of Everton now rests with their forwards, who were feeble in the extreme, without Dean, in this struggle.

 

DOWN IN THE DEPTHS. 
Athletic News-Monday February 14, 1927
EVERTON’S NEW STARS IN DUEL ON MERSEYSIDE:
LIVERPOOL 1, EVERTON 0
By impressionist. 
UNHAPPILY for Everton in the darkest hour their history, they had to visit the headquarters of their city rivals.  Football still retains something of its sentiment, and that is why a general feeling of regret exists that the First. Division is very near the parting of the ways with one of its most illustrious members. But charity begins at home, and Liverpool gave no pause to the plight to their neighbours.  No, this was clearly cut issue. Whatever sympathy the Liverpool players might have had for Everton was scattered to the four winds the transgression of O’Donnell on Reid in the early stages at Anfleld. It seemed a spark which made of Liverpool firebrands. Not that they were giving anything away.  They comported themselves like a team that could win any time, but directly after this incident came zealous determination to settle the issue at once, and beyond question. Standing between them and this decision was splendid defence.  Everton had not any forwards. 
EASY TO THWART. 
Hero was an emphatic illustration of the value of Dean: of what ho achieves when present, and little value made of him. I repeat, Everton had not an attack. Now and again units promised something. The anti-climax came in the shape most easy-going intervention imaginable by the Liverpool defence, which had anxieties, anti in the general tenor of events had moments of distraction with a ball which performed all kinds’ impish movements on a ground of frost and angles.  It is only just to accept the indifferent class of the play as almost inseparable from the conditions. Liverpool won by the bare goal, but might so easily have been increased, for best defences must have some luck if the forwards cannot shoulder part of the burden.  Those of Everton were just like a tramp steamer rudderless in the trough of the sea. Everton had one or two frowns from the fickle goddess, and the goal with which Liverpool prevailed contained its element of fortune. The contrast was that one side seemed sure of scoring, whereas the other had to hope for the best. And best was the Liverpool defence—literally scarcely that—as their defence began somewhere near the half-way line, instantly to merged into a frontal movement. 
THE FIRST MEANS. 
Three fresh players were in the team. Only Cresswell had worn their colours before, and none had appeared before a Merseyside audience. Under such conditions, on such a localized feverish occasion, the new-comers could have been forgiven for an indifferent display.  Absolutely on the contrary, Taylor in goal, Cresswell back, and Kelly at right half-back, are to heartily commended. In these personalities Everton have the means escape their fears. One huge stride has been made towards the formation of a winning team. The rest remains to be done in the front line. The whole company badly need a belief in themselves, which has been sapped to the dregs. I appreciate the feeling. The bottom dog gets all the kicks, and comes to expect them.  Well, Edward Taylor earned his transfer fee the first half, since he gave his new club leave to hope. That is to say he averted two positive goals. Reid feinted and controlled the ball in a way which indicated the youth with the football fundamentals. So he went through to Taylor, and shot like a rocket. Up went the goalkeeper’s hands with fine intuition, and the ball was over the goal.  Moreover, Edmed secured from a rebound, and drove point blank for the net, but Taylor achieved the improbable, by as much flinging himself in the course of the ball and diverting it against the post. When he was beaten it was after a series of rebounds, and unexpected diversions, which left him unsighted when Chambers made the ball veritably sing in its course to the net.
ACQUISITIONS IMPRESS. 
The Everton acquisitions were outstanding.  The curiosity was that they were in effective repose, while others flurried and floundered, and in the instance of Irvine misdirected cleverness.  On this form Taylor will come to the international selectors’ notice. So also, without doubt, will Cresswell.  It may be that his new environment suits him, and that he feels the tang of lighting uphill. The fact remains that Cresswell was the ideal back, so sure of himself; an artist without frailties; a tactician in every sense of the word.  This has an especial significance when it is realised that he was relatively strange to his goalkeeper, and to his half-back.  Likewise it is a testimony to Taylor and Kelly, Liverpool’s left flank of Chambers—at about his best —Hopkin and Bromilow was most conspicuous combination of the match. Fortunate were Everton in having their strength in opposition.  Kelly looks to me like a big asset. He has the natural ball control of the Scot, but what struck me as unusual of one crossing right into English football, was his speed. Great heart and skilful was Hunter Hart in the centre. There one finishes with Everton. Lucas and McKinlay were perfect in their positioning, with Pratt taking the edge off to begin with.  McNabb and Bromilow snuffed the Everton wings like a candle.  Liverpool. Scott Lucas, McKinlay; McNabb, Pratt, Bromilow: Edmed, Hodgson, Reid, Chambers, and Hopkin.  Everton.—Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dominy, Irvine, Kennedy, and Troup.  Referee: I. Caswell, Blackburn.

REDS GET THE ONLY GOAL
February 14, 1927. The Daily Courier
Taylor, Cresswell, and Kelly Please in Anfield Derby Game
But Similar Chambers
Everton How to Make the Most of a Chance
Everton Down Again
Spoils Go to the Better Side on the Day
Liverpool 1, Everton 0
Win-less Everton went down again, it was a good and honourable win for their rivals and neighbours, Liverpool, but only just. Everton failed, but failed so heroically that they can be excused. They were over wrought by anxiety and the vision of the wilderness for which they seen bound, Liverpool deserved to win, because they were the better all round side. Everton's attack was spasmodic, at other times it was weak. True, both sides were at times a little "wild" but there were the thrills and tremor of a Cup-tie that set the pulses of 53,000 spectators tingling. In the British way there was much sympathy for the weaker side, and in the flurry and excitement glimpse of Everton's possibilities emerged. Can there be a sustained revival? Their supporters were asking Why Not? Everton had introduced new stars into the drama. A picture will remain of O'Donnell and Cresswell, the Sunderland international recruit, fighting every inch of the way with Ted Taylor, the newly introduced international goalkeeper, performing heroically. It is a tribute to the Everton defence that Chambers was the match winner with the only goal scored. With O'Donnell, it was a case of "any port in a storm" in his clearance, and he would do with more steadinesses. After O'Donnell had unceremoniously up-ended Reid in a way the referee and crowd rightly resented, O'Donnell found himself in the spot light and when he did the unorthodox in kicking out he received a community call.
Cool Cresswell.
Opposite, Cresswell's play was as cool as the weather. Here was a master of positional play, always where wanted without apparently much trouble to get there. Cresswell's head certainly saved his legs. Hart was the pick of the Everton halves. A promising right half seems to have been unearthed in Kelly, the Ary United recruit, who is going to improve on this display. He has good ball control and make use of the ball when he gets it. Virr was useful in counteracting the Edmed and Hodgson wing, but he had not the skill of Hunter Hart, who trapped, held and pushed the ball through to his forwards. Bobby Irvine was undoubtedly clever, but he had his old fault of over-elaboration, although it helped him to get through the Liverpool defences in his new berth as centre. His luck as a shooter was out, particularly when Lucas got in the way of a shot that was finding the billet. Pratt, the finest centre-half on the field, too, patrolled the Everton centre-forward closely, and prevented him playing as he has a way of doing. "Dixie" was missed. Then MacNabb loomed large like an elephant jumping among the chickens when he ran up against little Troup and Kennedy, who are on the small side.
Scott Takes a Risk.
Not much was seen of Troup, but Scott took a risk in kicking out from the dangerous second-half shot of his. On the other Everton wing, Dominy was a worker, not averse to lending the halves a hand, but he and Critchley, too often found themselves in the grip of the great Bromilow, who again took the eye. Liverpool have discovered a zealous bustling centre forward in Reid, who must be careful, as advised previously, not to overdo it when the goalkeeper is the objective. Liverpool would have had a second goal though Chambers in the last few minutes had not Reid bundled into the goalkeeper and infringed. Edmed was clever and had the speed, and Hodgson gave some nice touches to Reid. Chambers a schemer, and Hopkin were on and off, and it is a feather in Kelly's cap that he often effectively stopped their little game. The old form, Scott, Lucas, and McKinlay were up to the usual standard. Teams;- Liverpool: - Scott goal, Lucas and McKinlay, backs, McNabb, Pratt, and Bromilow, half-backs, Edmed, Hodgson, Reid, Chambers and Hopkins, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, C
Critchley, Dominy, Irvine, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Attendance 52,677. Receipts £3,199.
•  Arsenal; 1 (Brain), Leeds 0
•  Blackburn Rovers 2 (Harper (2), Leicester 1 (Lochhead)
•  Bolton 0, Aston Villa 2 (York (2)
•  Bury 3 (Robbie, Maggie (2); Birmingham 1 (Islip)
•  Derby County 4 (Bedford (3), Gill); Burnley 1 (Devine)
•  Huddersfield 4 (Kelly (3), Jackson); Wednesday 3 (Anstiss, Wilkinson (2)
•  Manchester United 1, (Hanson); Cardiff City 1 (Seymour)
•  Sunderland 2 (Halliday (2); West Ham 3 (Earle, Watson, Yews)
•  West Brom 5 (Davies (2), Carter (2), Short; Tottenham 0.

EVERTON "A" 1 SKELMERSDALE UNITED 1
February 14 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Goodiosn Park. After an even opening the visitors pressed. Littler scoring after ten minutes' play. Everton gradually approved Houghton just missing equalising by inches. Both sides frequently attacked up to the interval but could not add to the score, the visitors leading by the odd goal. In the second half Everton attacked for some time, and Scott in the visiting goal made some clever saves. The visitors were frequently dangerous but their shooting was poor. In the closing stages Everton force matters, Houghton equalising.

LIVERPOOL’S VICTORY
Liverpool Echo-Monday, February 14 1927
“STORK” EXPLAINS WHY THEY DEFEATED EVERTON
If Everton’s forwards had been half as good as their defence Liverpool’s defence would not have had such an easy time; but, as Irvine and his colleagues were never a dangerous force in front of goal, the points went to the team which won through superior marksmanship.  No doubt most people were delighted to hear of Dean getting his “cap” but England’s gain was Everton’s lose, for without him, the Everton forward line never worked smoothly.  They could engineer an attack, and carry it forward, but when the moment was ripe for a shot there was no shot forthcoming, and without a shot no side can expect to win, attack as it may.  It was not that they lacked support from behind, for Hart, the best half back on the field, Kelly, who did remarkably well considering it was his first appearance and that he was pitted against Liverpool’s brightest wing, and Virr gave them sample opportunities to have a dig at the Liverpool goal; but with what measure of success may be gauged from the fact that Scott was rarely called to duty.  Even when Irvine and Dominy changed places, and more life came into the line, that shot was minus, and the only forward to do himself justice was Troup. 
THE HONOURS LIST
The honours undoubtedly went to the defensive lines, which bodies well for the future.  In defence Everton were equally as good as Liverpool, for Cresswell was as solid as a rock.  He did not weary himself by careering all over the place, but gained his object by his keen anticipation and admirable positional play.  His partner, O’Donnell, did not please the crowd by his treatment of Reid, who received three knocks which were enough for any man. I admit Reid plays the type of game which courts the hefty shoulder.  Harry Hampton, the former Villa star, took thousands, but it is not necessary to pitch a man headlong when other and just as effective measures could have been employed.  O’Donnell was, to say the least, a bit too keen on the dashing Scot.  Taylor was magnificent.  Liverpool are known to be a team of mud-larkers.  They like the going heavy, and while I agree that they are better on a soft surface I could not find any fault with their football on this hard and slippery turf, on which it was a difficulty to keep one’s feet.  Mistakes had to be overlooked; the conditions were responsible rather than anything else.  I had seen Liverpool at Sheffield earlier in the week, when they played entrancing football, the left wing in particular being brilliant.  I have not seen a better wing than that composed of Chambers, Hopkin, and Bromilow, this season.  The first-named is entitled to consideration for the next international match, and on his present form I cannot see how he can omitted.  He did so much by doing so little. A flick of the boot or a glance of the head, and off went the Liverpool attack into action; and woe betide the half-back and full back opposing this trio.  The right wing, especially Edmed, was likewise a danger point in Liverpool’s attack, and with Reid ever on his toes to burst away between the backs it is small wonder that Liverpool followers think their side has a chance of lifting one of the season’s honours.
CHANGE OF SCENE
How quickly a scene changes. A few weeks ago Liverpool were in the doldrums, but since New Year’s Day they have gone on, and on, and who will step their victorious sequence? Scott, Lucas, and Mackinlay, despite their long association together, are still one of the soundest defences in the country, and they more than held their own against anything Everton could launch at them.  But it must not be overlooked that a lot of Liverpool’s strength comes from the half-backs, who are playing well in both defensive and constructional sense.  Bromilow has come right back to his best, while Pratt is steadily making the pivotal position his own.  Macnabb kept a watchful eye on Dominy and Troup, and if the little Scot got the better of his big brother Scot, it was because he was better able to twist and turn on the “rink” than his opponent.  It was not a “classic” Derby meeting by any means, but it was a desperately hard-fought battle, in which every player did his best, and was sometimes beaten by the ground.  At Anfield the collection on behalf of Superintendent Monk’s widow realized 37 pounds 10s. Mr. W. McConnell, the Liverpool caterer, has offered his takings of last Saturday. 

MR. W.R.CLAYTON
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Tuesday 15 February 1927
Mr. W.R. Clayton, of Formby, ex-chairman of the Everton Football Club, was seriously hurt in a motor accident on Sunday night.  He was run down by a motor-cyclist and received injuries to the head.

EVERTON SIGN JOHN WHITE OF SOUTHPORT
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, February 16, 1927
We are informed officially that to-day Everton signed on John White, who can play in any inside forward position, from the Southport club.  White has not long been in the game, but his form has voted him one of the possibilities of football.  He is not yet nineteen and is an addition to the Griffiths-Dean stamp of youngster in the Goodison side.  He played against Tran mere and Liverpool in the F.A. Cup-tie and has collected quite a number of goals. 
McPHAIL-LATEST
The latest news about McPhail is that Everton are still seeking his services, and within the next twenty-four hours there may be some result.

DEAN AND GRIFFITHS PLAY IN INTERNATION
February 17 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
DEAN SCORED TWICE FOR ENGLAND
GRITTHITHS PLAYS FOR WALES
Dean scored 2 goals for England against Wales at Wrexham in a 3-3 draw, before 16,000 spectators, Dean goals, both sweetly sure shots which neither Lewis of Arsenal, nor any other goalkeeper could save. Griffths, also played for Wales. Griffiths for a long time had been the tailer and better header, but I made Griffiths going best when he was attacking. His tackle is hard and definite, with little recovery if he is beaten, but his method of swinging the ball about to his wingmen is his forte, and it is a happy inspiration to Everton for the future.

EVERTON SIGN WHITE, SOUTHPORT FPORWARD.
February 17 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
T. White, the Southport forward, has been signed by Everton. He can play in any of the forward positions and did well in the F.A. Cup-tie against Liverpool, when he scored Southport's goal. A native of Southport he started football with Holy Trinity School eleven. He was selected a member of the Southport schoolboys team with whom he played centre half. He also played in the Lancashire Country eleven on several occasions. Soon after leaving school he became associated with the Southport club as a forward, and last season figured once or twice in the league team. He was with the reserves at the beginning of the present season, and when an outside left was required for the first team he was given a trial with excellent results. From the scoring point of view he has been a success and it was he who laid the foundation of the defeat of Blackburn Rovers in the F.A. Cup-tie at Southport, when he obtained the first goal. White is a capital shot with either foot, and in a Lancashire combination match for Southport Reserves scored five consecutive goals. He stands 5 feet 8 inches, and weights 11 stone.

EVERTON DIRECTORS’ DECISION TO “KEEP THE PEACE.”
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 17, 1927
Bee’s Notes
The Everton shareholders met last Friday and formed a resolution.  The Everton directors have replied that they propose to “keep the peace” as this is not the right time for meetings or domestic dissension. Everton F.C internal matters came to a head on Friday, when the shareholders got together, and tabulated a scheme for getting in touch with the directors.  There was no definite evidence that those present were shareholders-I know some that were not! –and therefore the meeting had not the full shareholders’ authority.  However, that is by the way.  When the signatories (Messrs James Wilson and Charles Wright) dispatched the letter calling for an extra-ordinary meeting of the club, they said “they desired to hear any explanation the directors might have to offer as to the position of the club.”  The club, through the chairman, Mr. William C Cuff, have in effect told the shareholders that “they acknowledge the receipt of the request, and realize the grave position of the club.  For a considerable period the club have made strenuous effort to amend that position by getting good players.  However, no good purpose could be served at this stage by holding such a meeting, and they are confident the shareholders, on reflection, will agree with this statement.  The club, spectators, shareholders, directors, and everyone concerned should at this stage concentrate on an effort to improve the club’s status.  At a more appropriate time, say t5he annual general meeting, the directors will be fully prepared to give an account of their stewardship.  But when the wolf is at the door is the wrong time to indulge in domestic dissension.” Everton’s recently inquired international goalkeeper, Mr. Ted Taylor, in addressing the players attached to Port Sunlight Amateur A.F.C at the Progress Club, Port Sunlight, last night, proved that he has an excellent theoretical as well as practical knowledge of the game.  His remarks, which were punctuated with sound advice all through, were kindly followed by an appreciative audience, while Mr. Ledsome, a present director and former player of Tranmere Rovers, who was in the chair, added interest to the meeting with his reminiscences. 
HOME SUPPORT
“Soccer” writes;- I went to Everton to see the Spurs, and stood in the new stand, 1s 6d portion.  Round about were a score of well-dressed, well-set-up men of twenty-five to thirty-five years of age, who amused themselves by imploring the Everton players to “get rid of it” or “let it go.”  However, when the Spurs scored the winner they waved their hats and cheered uproariously.  Marveling at the London “fans” enthusiasm, I was corrected by a policeman, who said they were “Reds from Anfield.” 
BLACKBURN AT GOODISON
Blackburn Rovers, who will be entertained by Everton at Goodison, has done remarkably well recently, having won five matches and drawn one in the last seven, their only defeat being that at Birmingham, where they lost by the odd goal of seven.  Last week-end they beat Leicester City and West Ham, Harper distinguishing himself by scoring six goals in the two matches.  There will be two positional changes in the side to meet Everton, Rigby resuming in his old position at outside left and McKay, after missing a match through injury, comes back at inside left.  The side will be;- Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Campbell, Healless, McIntyre; Puddefoot, Holland, Harper, McKay and Rigby. 
M.A.C, of Birkenhead, writes;- You must excuse my writing such a long letter, but it is sincere and in a good cause, viz., to try and save Everton from relegation.  It can yet be done, but there is little time.  The fight is now between Everton, West Bromwich, and Leeds United.  As the latter have to visit Goodison there are great hopes-a win for Everton would really level matters, especially as Everton are home on Saturday next, and Leeds are at Derby. But I must say Everton need immediately two new forwards.  Like yourself, I wish Everton had taken Kelly and also McPhail (who may be with Everton this week), and my line would have been Irvine, Kelly, Dean, McPhail, Troup.  So now I must find a substitute for Kelly.  Well, I wonder would rather Jackson or Brown care to leave Huddersfield, since Kelly is an inside or outside right? Huddersfield can’t play them all, unless Brown goes centre. Still, Devlin is there, and Everton might inquire about one of the,.  You gave them the tip about Taylor, for which I would like to thank you; also I wonder would McGrory, of Glasgow Celtic, suit, I have not seen him play, but no doubt Everton’s numerous scouts have.  Should Wolves win on Saturday, Hull may part with Bell, I don’t know this for certain, but I have an idea they would, because between you and me they (Hull) won’t win promotion, I feel sure.  So, if it is possible, my team would be; Taylor; Cresswell, Bell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, McGrory, Dean, McPhail, and Troup.  Another man who would do them a world of good is Williams of New Brighton. A rare schemer and gets goals. 

McPHAIL TO STAY AT HOME
February 18 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
The negotiations between Everton and the Airdrieonians for the transfer of McPhail have been terminated. The players didn't wish to make the change, and of course, that settled the proposed deal.
TESTING TIME FOR EVERTON
The supreme effort which is to be made by Everton to avoid regalation begins tomorrow when Blackburn Rovers visit Goodison Park. Mr. W.C. Cuff, the chairman of the club, intimated yesterday that no good purpose would be served by granting the reguest of the body of shareholders, who held a meeting last week, for an extraordinary general meeting. Mr. Cuff stated that the directors would give an account to the shareholders at the annual meeting. Meanwhile Mr. Cuff said the shareholders rely on the directors doing everything possible to improve the position of the club. They were all aware that the present situation was critical, but they were not without hope that they would gain a sufficient number of points from the remaining matches. The wholehearted efforts of players, directors, and shareholders Mr. Cuff added, were required. The present was not the time to indulge in dispension.

EVERTON’S STRIVING AFTER EIGHTEEN POINTS
Liverpool Echo-Friday, February 18, 1927
GOODISON “WAKES”
Lancashire and wakes are known the world over.  To-morrow I prospect the first of Goodison Park’s Wakes.  In short I expect them to beat Blackburn Rovers with their “new team.  It had been hoped to have McPhail in the side, but he has apparently held off a while.  However, the return of Dean after his triumphant international display- one that has not raised a quibble from any of the critics- and the appearance of Ted Taylor, Warney Cresswell and Kelly made the game a most notable one in the great history of the Goodison Park club.  The Everton chairman has said that the club are setting out to make 18 points from the remaining 13 games.  To-morrow is the first on the list.  IT MUST BE WON. Since the defence was stiffened and since the Goodison crowd had something to shout out about, it becomes increasingly difficult to see why Everton’s followers should not to-morrow make a joyful noise and encourage their players in this the first milestone of the fading season.  Blackburn know what they are up against and have chosen a very decidedly good side, with Puddefoot on the wing, but I have a definite faith in Everton in this game, and a feeling that to-morrow will got a long way towards starting the streak of victory that Everton have required for so long.  The position of the club is serious; but with victories against Leeds, Derby, and other sides near at hand, the League chart could soon be made to change its North Pole aspect.  Let us not forget that a team that two months ago was languishing is now talking of the championship.  Blackburn themselves were in the throes of annual meetings and extraordinary meeting not so long since, yet a few victories pitched them to fourth from the top.  Thus, the zig-zag League course is run, and if you travel the country you will find that two clubs the other clubs never went out of the First Division are Everton and Liverpool-because they are friendly-like and because they subscribe more per the twenty per cent, to visitors than any other sides in the land.  Go in and win, Everton.  Everton; Ted Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Blackburn Rovers. Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Campbell, Healless, McIntyre; Puddefoot, Holland, Harper, McKay, Rigby. 

EVERTON MUST WIN TODAY
February 19 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Interest in the League struggle centres in Everton's game with Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park. If Everton are to have the chance slender though it appears, to get out of the awkward predicament in which they are placed they must win this match. Despite the fact that the Rovers have struck a winning vein, the home side, strengthened by the inclusion of Cresswell, Taylor, and Kelly, is good enough to gain the points. Dean's return should remedy the weakness noticeable last week, for his ability as a master of craft and shooting power is undoubted. The Rovers contest every inch of the way, and the game may be expected to provide exciting and skilful football. The kick off is at 3.15 and the teams are: - Everton: - Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, and Virr; Critchley Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup. Blackburn Rovers: - Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Campbell, Healless, McIntyne; Walker, Holland, Harper, McKay, and Rigby.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 19, 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

• Long years ago Blackburn Rovers visited Everton when the shadow of Division II was overhanging them- the Rovers, we mean. 
• They won, and it was asserted (and, we fancy, admitted) that Everton were seen in sympathetic mood that afternoon.
• But as a rule such alleged happenings have little foundation in fact
• All things considered, Everton’s new right half came through his first big question with eminent satisfaction
• Kelly is the right build for a present-day half back’s job-big and strong; and reminiscent as somewhat of a cross between Sammy Wolstenholmes and Tom Booth.
• After last week’s happenings, many will regret that Everton did not take two Sunderland internationals instead of one
• Everton have tried more men than they have played matches.  Taylor and Kelly were Nos. 31 and 32.
• Strange that for the first time since September the Blues failed to get an “away” goal last week, and that just when the defence had sort of got their backs to the wall
• Ted Taylor’s Everton debut was eminently satisfactory in every sense save one-it wasn’t coupled with victory to his side.
• But the famous keeper made instant appeal by reason of his ability and his very clear-cut evidence of being a sportsman to the fingers-tips.
• Everton have doubled the total of international players on their books in recent weeks.
• Cresswell’s advent in Everton’s colours will mean an immensity of train travel for the famous back ere the season closes, for he is still carrying on at his northern home.
• The Wolves had Chadwick and Weaver on the injured list last week end
• Martin, the Hull City smart winger, lost his wife the day after Everton were knocked out of the Cup
• As transfer go we should say Dixie Dean would run Gallacher very close as a record-fee man of figures could be tabulated under this head
• Yes, Dean is a big “pounder” in more senses than one
• Everton’s opponents of this afternoon, Blackburn, claim the distinction of having earned more away points this season than any other First Division club!
• Fourteen in all to date
• Yet in their seven visits to Everton since the war the Rovers had only earned one point out of 14, and scored but one goal to Everton’s 13
• Everton are still looking for a team to pull them out of the “cart.”
• Everton’s continued disasters have gone a long way towards knocking the side’s confidence into a cocked hat
• It’s a horrible feeling, as any player will tell you
• And it’s almost as bad with the team builders –England’s and Everton’s. 

EVERTON V BLACKBURN
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 19, 1927
THE BLUES DOMINATE THE GAME IN THE FIRST HALF, BUT LACK THE FINISHING TOUCH
TAYLOR ONLY SERIOUSLY EMPLOYED LATE ON
By Stork
Everton; Ted Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Campbell, Healless, McIntyre; Waiter, Holland, Harper, McKay, Rigby. Referee; Mr. H. Hopkinson, of Rochdale.  There was another big crowd at Goodison to see Everton tussle with Blackburn Rovers, who were without their star performer, for whom Walter deputized. 
A TIP FROM CRAWFORD
I should say the crowd numbered 30,000 at the start of the game.  The Everton goal was soon under fire.  McKay, the canny little Scot, offering Harper a chance, but as Cresswell cut across the centre-forward’s path Virr was able to cut in and concede a corner, which did not create any difficulties to the Everton defence.  As a matter of cat, it enabled Everton to strike back at the Rovers’ goal, for it was from the clearance of the corner that Kelly was able to move up the field and put in a long and accurate drive, which Crawford had to tip over.  Critchley followed Kelly’s suit, and Crawford had again to edge the ball out of his goal, and, in so doing, gave Troup an opportunity to display his shooting ability.  Troup, however, was well off the mark.  Everton got on top for a few moments, and when Dean was working out a position to shoot he lost his foothold, consequently, his intend shot, which was rank bad luck, to say the least, for he had fine prospects of scoring. 
A STUBBORN DEFENCE
Dominy was early prominent with some wise passes, while Irvine did his best with a header to get Dean placed but the ball was just a shade too high for the centre-forward.  Troup had still another chance to place his side ahead, but instead of his shot being straight, he screwed it across the goalmouth, and although Virr did his utmost to find the net, he, too, was wrong in his direction.  The Rovers’ attack could not get moving at all, the Everton defence being much too good for it, and during all this Everton pressure, nothing had been seen of Harper and his colleagues.  Judged on the number of chances they had, Everton should have been at least one goal to the good in the first quarter of an hour for the Blackburn Rovers’ defence was not always up to the task of holding the Everton forwards Harper, who struck his real form last week by scoring four goals, put the spectators on their toes by one of his most brilliant runs and when he had beaten all but Taylor, he made a sad hash of things by shooting over. 
A CLEVER TOUCH
Cresswell showed his cleverness with tricky Mckay.  The Rovers then showed up a little more prominently, but still they did not give Taylor anything to do; while Crawford, at the other end, had to watch a ball from Dean closely to prevent it from defeating him.  Dean had taken a pass when on the run, although it did not seem possible.  He got the side of his boot to it and turned it into the goal.  Dominy came nearer to scoring than Dean, for his great drive was only a foot out of plumb.  Everton were playing splendid football.  Dominy cannoned the ball on to a Rovers’ defender and Crawford had to save and Irvine with an even better chance sent one over the crossbar.  Taylor went 20 minutes without handling a shot from a Rovers’ man which is surely proof of how Everton had dominated the play.  It only needed better finishing to give them goals, for their combined work was much in front of that of their opponents. 
DEAN AND THE CUSTODIAN
True, each and every one did his best to beat Crawford and the half backs too took a hand in the shooting.  Hart had a fierce drive headed away from goal and Kelly for the second time forced Crawford to handle.  The Rovers did manage to sandwich in an attack but Holland was much too far out to have tried a shot when he did for there was little chance of his long shot beating Taylor.  Dean was whistled up for an infringement on the goalkeeper and Critchley directed a centre right across the Rovers’ goal face.  At the end of 40 minutes Taylor had to make his first save, Walters had made a centre and Taylor had to go out to punch it away and in doing so, Rigby was put in possession and should have scored from the position he was in, but here again was a case of poor finishing.  Taylor fumbled one shot, but was great in his anticipation of a Walters’ centre a minute or two later.  At this point the Rovers were putting in their best work, but they could not locate the net, and the teams left the field all square. 
Half-time; Everton nil, Blackburn nil. 
A WELCOME WIN
EVERTON BEAT ROVERS AT HOME
DEAN FOILED AT PENALTY
Taylor and Cresswell had a misunderstanding but were not made to play for it; and then Everton had the hardest of luck, when Irvine hit the base of the upright after Dean had worked out an opening for him.  The rebound went out to Dominy, who, I feel sure, was taken by surprise; but, in any case, it does not clear him for his failure to find the net.  Dean followed with a hook shot that was just on the wrong side of the woodwork; but still we were without any goals.  Judging from the feeling of the crowd, a goal was all that was required.  They certainly gave Everton every encouragement to go on and win.  Taylor saved from Walters twice in succession, the second effort costing his side a corner.  The spectators at long last got their desire –a goal, and never have I known a goal so well received as this one scored by Dominy, his first home goal, by the way, since he joined the club, the game had run its course fifty-six minutes when Critchley made a centre that Dean headed on to Dominy for that player to run in and head a grand goal.  The people went frantic with delight, and for the next five minutes we had more excitement than during the whole of the first half.  Critchly, nearly scored his maiden goal, and only a lucky save by Crawford prevented it.  Critchley’s shot struck Crawford on the foot, curled upwards and appeared to be dropping into the goal, instead of which, however, it hit the crossbar and rebounded into play.  In a breakaway Holland tested Taylor, and O’Donnell saved an awkward situation when Holland was through. 
SAVING A PENALTY
The Rovers did not lie down to it and Holland struck the Everton upright when things were looking really critical for the Everton goal.  Everton were granted a penalty for hands.  It looked a weak case for such an award.  Dean, entrusted with the kick, aimed for the right hand side of the goalkeeper, who, however, brought off a remarkably fine save almost up against the upright.  Irvine was again off the mark, and Kelly was knocked out for a minute or two, Irvine hit the side netting with a worthy effort.  Troup had a fine shot stopped by Crawford.  By their win to-day, Everton scored their first League success since New Year’s Day.  What this victory mean we all know. 
Final; Everton 1, Blackburn Rovers 0. 

BLACKPOOL RES V EVERTON RES
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 19, 1927
Ideal weather prevailed at Blackpool, Everton opened vigorously, but Blackpool quickly took the upper hand, and Binks scored in twelve minutes.  Everton replied spiritedly, and Warren was lucky to divert a lightning drive from White.  Crompton twice saved hard drives from Millington.  Half-time; Blackpool Res 1, Everton Res nil. 
PRESCOT V EVERTON “A”
Melia scored for Everton “A” after ten minutes, Fletcher equalizing.  Half-time; Prescot 1, Everton “A” 1. 

EVERTON 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
February 21 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
TURN OF THE TIDE
FIRST LEAGUE WIN SDINCE JANUARY 1.
DOMINY'S VALUABLE GOAL FOR EVERTON
DEAN FAILS FROM A PENALTY KICK.
Everton sent their supports home from Goodison park, on Saturday in a happy state, for, although their success over Blackburn Rovers was only obtained by the margin of a single goal, it was sufficient to produce a feeling of mild optimism. The game had some excellent features. It was a hard, keen struggle, and if Everton realised that so much hung upon the issue they were never flurried, but played with a purpose and confidence that brought their due reward. It was not until the 56 th minute that Dominy scored the all-important goal, the first the ex-Southampton player has scored at goodison Park since he joined the club, and which gave Everton their first League win since January 1 st . In the first half Everton played with freshness and vigour, and made some capital attempts to score, but in spite of their cleverness they were disappointing in front of goal. Taylor had so little to do in this half that the game was thirty-nine minutes old before he handled the first shot. The second half was more even, and although the Rovers never played badly they were not convincing. With more deadness in front of goal Everton should have won by a much bigger margin. Dean failed to increase the score from a penalty kick given against hands during the second half, but it was a very slight offence, and when Crawford made a capital save justice was done.
THRILLING INCIDENTS.
The most thrilling incidents happened in the second half. Critchley once put a shot across the Blackburn goal, which Crawford stopped with his foot, and the ball cannoned against the upright. This narrow escape was balanced when Holland, after missing a great chance, sent the ball against the upright; whilst earlier on Irvine also struck the woodwork. These narrow escapes added fuel to a game that was splendidly fought and provided much bright football. Taylor gave another fine display in the Everton goal. He made one or two slips but recovered well and never jeopardised the position. O'Donnell has rarely played better and his association with Cresswell looks like turning out well. Cresswell was neat and effective and altogether the defence was very sound. Kelly justified the good opinion formed on his first appearance, and with Hart and Virr made a capital middle line. Curiously enough Dean was the weakest link in the Everton attack. He was certainly well covered by Healless, so much so that his dashing runs and useful passes were rarely in evidence. Critchley had a rather poor first half, but he improved considerably afterwards and made some excellent raids and centres. Troup and Dominy made a splendid wing. Everton's most fertile movements has often played better.
SOUND DEFENCE.
Blackburn had a sound defence and Healless worked well in the middle line, although the half backs had their limitations and hardly supported the forwards as they might have done. Harper was in much the same category as Dean. He got few opportunities thanks to the effective shadowing of Hart, while the attack as a whole lacked driving power and cohesion. Teams : - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell, and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean Dominy, and Troup, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Crawford, goal, Roxburgh, and Jones backs, Campbell, Healless, and McIntyne, half-backs, Walter, Holland, Harper, McKay, and Rigby forwards. Referee Mr. H. Hopkins.

BLACKPOOL RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
February 21 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 27)
Everton were unlucky to lose at Blackpool, a hotly disputed goal giving the seasiders both points. In a keenly contested game Everton were always more dangerous at close quarters, the home goal having innumerable lucky escapes. Millinghton and White were particularly conspicuous in the attack, which was well led by Patterson. Griffiths excelled at half back. Blinks opened Blackpool's score early on. Rooney equalised fourteen minutes after the interval. Everton held the upper hand afterwards but Butler eventually netted during a scrimmage following an alleged handing incident.

PRESCOT 2 EVERTON "A" 3
February 21 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
At Prescot. Meha scored for Everton after ten minutes, but Fletcher quickly equalised. W. Carr with a twenty yards shot, gained the lead for the visitors Murray (Everton) and Morris (Prescot) scored in the second half. Everton were hard pressed to prevent Prescot equalising. Hughes and his backs being fully extended.

WHY THE EVERTON DIRECTORS STAND BY 
Athletic News - Monday 21 February 1927
IN response to the request from a number of Everton shareholders -who originally opposed a suggestion that the directors should be requested to resign en bloc—that an extra ordinary general meeting should be called to consider the club’s position, the directors reply that they do not see any useful purpose to served by acceding to the request at this critical juncture.  This, in our opinion, is the only reasonable attitude in the circumstances.  Such a drastic step as first mentioned to rend the present management was calculated to disperse the last visage of hope.  Mr. W.C. Cuff, the chairman, states:  “The directors will be prepared to give an account of their stewardship at the annual meeting.” He considers that though the position is serious it is not hopeless, and that the whole-hearted effort all concerned with the club's welfare is now required. 
ANOTHER HOPEFUL. 
Meanwhile the directors ere adding to their playing strength, and have signed T. A. White, a useful player in any forward position. White is a native of Southport, and while at school played in the Southport schoolboys’ team and the Lancashire County eleven. After leaving school he appeared regularly in the Southport reserve team, and assisted the first on two occasions last season.  In his nineteenth year age, White, in partnership with Sapsford, has been highly successful, and in recent Cup-ties scored against Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool. Standing 5ft. 9in, and weighing 11st., he has good ball control, with agood shot from either foot, and has prospects of successful career. 

EVERTON’S TONIC
Athletic News - Monday 21 February 1927
VITAL VICTORY THAT SHOULD RESTORE CONFIDENCE
EVERTON 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
By Junius
Everton accomplished much towards dispelling the gloom that has overhung Goodison Park by their victory over the recently successful Rovers team-their first success since New Year’s Day.  True, the win, was by the narrowest margin, but victory should restore confidence in the players and hearten them to face the difficult task in the days still ahead.  Everton unquestionably deserved victory; indeed, had the margin been trebled it would not have over-estimated their superiority. They began the match as if the issue was bound to be theirs.  The forwards were zealously keen, but in the early stages particularly their very zeal prevented them reaping reward.  Approach work, supported by a capable line of half-backs, left little to be desired, but on reaching the goal area over-anxiety led to weak finishing. Over a dozen shots were sent in, but Crawford was only seriously tested by a long fast rising drive from Kelly.  Taylor until the last ten minutes of the first half had been a comparative spectator, and then it was that Rigby had a great opportunity to open the scoring from a ball fisted away by the goalkeeper in dealing with a centre from Walter. 
A STIMULATING GOAL. 
However, the first half was really a story of how Everton took command without result. Twelve minutes after the interval came the reward of persistent endeavour. Dean misdirected a header from the right, but Dominy was in close attendance and headed into the net. This success put Everton in a frenzy of delight. They saw victory ahead, and encouragement from some 45,000 spectators stimulated the team to further effort.  Crawford was kept fully extended, and a lucky deflection from his foot to the crossbar was followed narrow escapes from Irvine, Critchley and Troup. Then came the saving of a penalty kick taken by Dean as the result Healless handling as Critchley was going through.  The Rovers played good, clean, crisp football generally, adopting the close game, and though the wing players made good progress and put in many fine centres Harper was unable to profit therefrom owing to the vigilance of Hart,  whose tactical moves, clever ball control, and accurate passing were all to his side’s great advantage.  Holland and McKay at times eluded his attentions, but shooting all along the line was moderate. Dean, like Harper, was always closely shadowed, and was given little room in which to work.  KELLY’S DEBUT. 
Everton held lead half-back play, and so able was their support that the forwards were afforded great opportunities to score freely. Kelly in his first game at Goodison Park ran Hart close race for honours. He is a hard worker, outstanding in ability, both in constructive and defensive play, and delivers a powerful shot when the chance comes along.  The Rovers’ middle line were great interveners, and generally kept well in touch with their forwards, but as a combination they scarcely reached the standard of the opposing trio.  Cresswell might be described as the artist, nonchalant, except when the demand for his services had more than an ordinary call. Alongside was O’Donnell, who has not given a better display this season, and the pair were more dependable than Roxburgh and Jones, the latter finding Critchley's speed too much for him.  Everton. - Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, and Troup.  Blackburn Rovers.—Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Campbell, Healless, Mclntyre:  Waiter, Holland, Harper, McKay, and Rigby.  Referee: H. Hopkinson (Rochdale). 

BLACKBURN’S “BOGEY” GROUND
Liverpool Echo-Monday, February 21, 1927
By Stork
Blackburn Rovers will readily agree that Goodison Park is one of their “bogey” grounds, for, in my search through records, I find that they have not won a match on that enclosure since 1914, in fact, they have only managed to locate the net on one occasion since the war.  They failed once again on Saturday, and, although they were only defeated by an odd goal, the result does not do Everton full justice, for the winners were by far the better side, and the chief reason for their small goal crop was Crawford in the Rovers’ goal.  This reserve goalkeeper excelled himself, and foiled the Everton attack time and again when good shots –shots worthy of scoring –were turned aside or kicked clear.  To what extent Everton dominated the game may be explained in the fact that Taylor did not handle a shot for fully forty minutes, whereas Crawford was continually in action, and in the end stood out as the “star” of his side.  He had no chance with Dominy’s goal (his first at home since he joined the club), for he evidently expected Dean to take Critchley’s centre, whereas Dean headed on to Dominy for that player to head a goal.  Never was a goal so well received by spectators.  They cheered themselves into a frenzy, for they realized of what enormous value that point would be to Everton.  A winning goal is rated at two points in the rules of the game; but, from an Everton point of view, it may be worth double that amount before the end of the campaign arrives.  With ordinary luck Everton might have had two or three goals in the first half-hour, for they had at least half a dozen opportunities to find the net; but it was either Crawford or their own weak marksmanship which kept the game warm to the bitter end. 
GREAT PENALTY SAVE
If Everton can reproduce a similar type of game and clinch it with telling shots, there is every prospect of their avoiding relegation, for I saw in their game an enthusiasm and a confidence that has been lacking for some considerable period.  No doubt the knowledge that the defence is reliable has had its effect upon the whole side.  At all events, Everton played as if there was no cause for anxiety.  Would you credit it that Dean did the least work of any man on the side? It has so often bene the boot on the other foot that it astonished us to find overshadowed by his fellow-forwards.  Still, it must be remembered that he gave Dominy his goal, and also Crawford his opportunity to make his great penalty save.  Dean’s spot kick was of terrific strength, and was directed away from the ‘keeper, but Crawford leaped across the stopped the ball almost up against the upright.  It was one of the best saves seen for many a day, and Crawford made many others of note during the afternoon, two in particular standing out in relief.  An Irvine rocket shot he put over and when Critchley appeared likely to get his maiden goal, Crawford’s foot barred the way. 
THE STRANGLE HOLD
I am given to understand that Blackburn Rovers are either very good or just ordinary.  That they were in the latter category in this game shows to what degree they were in the grip of the Everton half-backs and backs.  They rarely got away from the strange-hold of Kelly, Hart, and Virr, and if they did Cresswell and O’Donnell were more often than not their masters.  Kelly was unanimously voted the best half-back on the field.  He is of the true Scottish style-ball on the turf, and accurately placed at that, while his lobs into goal and his shooting were ever dangerous to a defence.  Hart played his usual good game; but perhaps the greatest joy of all was O’Donnell’s display.  He has never played better. Surer in his kicking, quieter yet more effective in his tackling, he was second only to Cresswell of the four defenders; and Jones and Roxburgh were not poor by any means.  Has Cresswell’s influence made itself felt? It looks like it.  Of the forwards, Dominy played a wise game.  His passes found their man; while Irvine opened out the game more than usual; and if Critchley was not so good in the first half, he was much better later on.  Troup centred well, and gave Crawford a strong drive to save later on in the game.  Taylor showed anticipation with several dangerous centres from the Blackburn right wing.  Like, Everton, Blackburn’s strength lay in its defence, for the forwards missed the inspiring influence and schemes of Puddefoot, and only Harper and Holland created any danger to the Everton defence, Healless kept a watchful eye on Dean, and Campbell did well against Troup and Dominy; but taken all through, it was Crawford, Jones, and Roxburgh who saved them from a severe drubbing. 

PECULIAR CORRESPONDENCE
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, February 22, 1927
Bee’s Notes
I do not often have to complain about my correspondents, but I think the limit is reached in the following example.  A splendid piece of handwriting reached me at the week-end –too late for publication.  “Old Supporter” wrote complaining about one member of the Everton defence. I pointed him to the fact that the letter could not be published, as it had been received too late, and I reminded him that everyone voted this defender as having played great football against Blackburn Rovers.  The same correspondent then sands me this letter;-
  “Although Everton beat Blackburn on Saturday, they have to thank their defence for the two points. As usual, the forwards were anything but convincing; there is a lack of combination every match, and until the directors get two inside forwards to give the right passes to Dean there is nothing to save them from going down to Division II. I think Reid and Houghton might be given a trial.” 
  How the correspondent can in one weekend (or should it be weak-moment?) slaughter a defender and then turn round and declare that the club had to thank the defence for the points is altogether beyond me?  
Let’s hold out the “glad hand” to verton (says “BM/BBAC”-a mono-mark).  Saturday’s was a great game, and every player was a real trier, whilst Dominy’s goal (via Critchley and Dean) was a beauty.  But every match I’ve seen recently has left me with the impression of an estrangement between a certain player and- who?-directors, fellow-players, or spectators? And I’m certain that it only needs a word of apology, or praise, to remove the grievance.  Can’t it be done, “Bee?” I’m not going to mention names because this player is a real worker, skillful to a degree, and plays ninety minutes in every game (longer, of necessary!).  You know, even some spectators are human beings, and I for one have shouted myself hoarse (“Home” and “away”) when all around were “wrapt in silence”- and I’ll say this particular player is just as human as any of us.  He is the right man in the right place, and I am convinced that “a word in season” would be enough.  He got, I think, one cheer all to himself on Saturday afternoon.  My congratulations to him for his sterling performances, and more still, my sympathies. I am employed in a large office and know how much a little praise might mean when it isn’t forthcoming.
FROM SOUTHPORT
The transfer of T. White from Southport to Everton induces retrospective thought, and I am tempted to wonder how many of the present day supporters remember the name of the last Southport-Everton transfer (says “Chiming Bells”).  Memory is a fickle jade, but, unless mine serves me ill, it was some twenty-five years ago that Jack Kirwan made the change of quarters.  The fee was 50 pounds, and Kirwan gained many an international cap representing his native Ireland at outside left.  Judged by modern standards, the fee would require to be multiplied by at least 100 to reflect the ability of Kirwan.  Everton, the club which brought him to light, did not long enjoy Kirwan’s skill, and most of his career was spent with Tottenham Hotspur, then in the Southern League, to whom he eloped along with Ted Hughes and John Cameron; Kirwan, Copeland, and Hughes forming one of the finest left wing triangles in the country at that time.  Another Southport Central-Everton player was Harry Stringfellow, of Burscough, who understudied “Daddy” Holt in those far off days.  Eh also, succumbed to the galmour of the Southern League, and joined Portsmouth, along with Marshall, Cleghorn, and Wilkie, of Liverpool, and Dean, Cunliffe, of Liverpool and Oldham County. I assume that the present Portsmouth Stringfellow is his son; anyway, Harry was a great player, who could not get a place in the Everton team.  Ah, the owld days! The owld days! In those days we did not have to sigh for an Everton victory.  Everton were the aristocrats of football and a power in the League.  If my facts are wrong, perhaps some other old-timer will correct me. 
CHEERS, BOYS, CHEER!
If ever a team responded to a cheering crowd, Everton did on Saturday.  It showed an object-lesson to Blue supporters. I suppose I am one of the few who have never troubled you with “my selection,” says friend J.A. Povah. 
  “Old Blue” writes;- “I am asking as many Evertonians as possible to go to Huddersfield on Saturday.  The enthusiasm against Blackburn was great, and if it can only be transferred to Leeds-road I am sure we can get at least one point, big as the opposition is.  Train leaves Line-street at 12.30 and there is plenty of room on the ground, Roll up, ladies and gentlemen!” 

FURTEHR CORRESPONDENCE
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 23, 1927
Bee’s Notes
I asked you some time ago for a slogan in order to get the Everton supporters to wake up and rally to their old club’s aid (says Jimmy Quinn).  If they have not actually used the slogan, still one can congratulate oneself on the fact that the crowd are beginning to make the Everton team feel at home at Goodison.  Doubtless, you will say, “not before it was time.” Still better late than never.  With West Brom “slipping up” there should be a chance yet for the old team that has always played the game, win or lose.  I had not the pleasure of being present last Saturday versus Blackburn, being horse de combat owing to a chill caught at Wrexham’s national, but from all accounts the Boys in Blue played fine football, and the spectators responded with delightful clamour. I hope I’m able to go to Huddersfield, and trust that thousands of enthusiasts will follow and help on with encouraging shouts and cheers.  Keep up the cry, “On, on, on, Everton.” 

W. SCOTT’S ILNESS
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 24, 1927
Bee’s Notes
It is with regret that I announce the serious illness of Billy Scott, the famous goalkeeper, brother of Elisha Scott, of Liverpool F.C., and formerly of Everton and Leeds, and, sometimes, Anfield! Billy has been bear death’s door, but yesterday there was a welcome change, and the bulletin said not only had the crisis passed, but there was a sign of steady improvement. 
OLD-TIME LORE
To “Chiming Bells, from “T.R.A.”: I think you are in error, but am not quite certain.  If I am not mistaken, Blackburn Rovers held Kirwan’s signature at the time he was transferred to Everton. In consequence, Everton had to pay an additional 200 pounds, or thereabout to secure his signature.  Speaking of this brilliant footballer may recall to some other –say past old-timers-the occasion when, in a match versus Burnley, Kirwan received four passes that he dealt with so accurately that Hillman had four goals scored against him, although he had not played the ball at all other than to pick it out of the net and boot it up the field.  I think Proundfoot did the hat-trick that day.  The half-time score was 4-0 in Everton’s favour; but in the second half of the game the captain of Burnley, ‘Jimmy’” Ross by name, instructed his back to play the one-back game, to the utter confounding of the Everton team and their supporters.  Nobody present, with the exception of the referee, had any idea what was happening, I think this was before Billy McCracken knew that one-back tactics were in any way possible.  As somebody else has remarked.  “The world usually erects statues to the wrong men.” The match ended in an uproar with the score unaltered.  Maybe some other long-distance supporters can recall it.  Kirwan I may say, was the slowest moving winger I have ever seen; but he never went a foot in the wrong direction.  Therein lays a lesson. 
    “Finder of Players” writes;- I quite enjoy reading any letter from “Chiming Bells” in your columns. As he asks to be correct if in error, I should like to point out that it was twenty-nine years ago that Jack Kirwan signed for Everton (he got his Cup medal with the ‘Spurs in 1901).  Kirwan, of course, was a Kirkdale man (brought from Ireland when a baby).  He played for a team called Sterling, who played in Bootle North Park, and Southport got him from there and paid him 1 pound a week.  He worked at the brick kilns, off Hawthorne-road, Bootle.  In the early hours of a Monday morning two four-wheelers awakened the residents of Bresmar-street, Kirkdale, where Kirwan lived.  One of the cabs contained a representative of Blackburn Rovers and the other a representative of Everton.  The Rovers signed Kirwan on first, but not on a League form. Everton signed him on a League form.  Then came trouble- Kirwan was fined 10 pounds and Everton 50 pounds. The transfer fee was 250 pounds.  The following year Everton paid 400 pounds for Settle. 

EVERTON GO TO THEIR OTHER CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENEGERS
Liverpool Echo-Friday, February 25, 1927
Bee’s Notes
A HOPE
Huddersfield’s chairman was at Leeds in mid-week, and I gently suggested to him that there will be a deep depression spread over Huddersfield on Saturday.  He laughed, but he who laughs last gathers no moss! Of course, the meeting of Everton and the Yorkshire side is a meeting of giants and minors, but the new Everton era has started, and Huddersfield may find them a strangely-virile side.  At any rate, the straightening process in the rear positions has led to a brighter confidence at half and forward, and Everton have a hope that they can at least draw, and their great desire is that they create the sensation of the season by whacking the possible champions.  Do not forget that earlier in the season the Everton side drew with Huddersfield and that Everton’s best work this season has been against the topmost teams, Burnley and Sunderland.  Naturally with the appearance of Kelly in the home side and Ted Taylor making his goal-show against the team he helped to win three championship, the match is uncommonly interesting and is full of meaty possibilities.  You can get the “Football Echo” tomorrow for the news of the needle match.  These are the teams;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Huddersfield team is possible team.  They tell me they cannot shoots a side, as so many of them are down with the ‘flu! Everton had to refuse permission to Irvine to play for Ireland. 
Reserves (v. Huddersfield Res, Goodison Park, 3.15); Kendall; Hamilton, Kerr; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; Millington, White, Paterson, S.M. Beswick, and Kendrick. S.M. Beswick, the Nomads amateur, thus makes his first appearance in Everton colours. 
In connection with the League match, Everton v Huddersfield Town, Saturday, the L.M.S announce an excursion to Huddersfield at the specially reduced fare of 5s The train will leave Lime-Street 12.30 p.m., Edge-hill 12.35 arriving at Huddersfield at 2.20 p.m., and will return at 5.40 p.m. Intending passengers are requested to book in advance. 

EVERTON FACE CHAMPIONS.
February 26 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
It is a coincidence that the Liverpool clubs should oppose the leading teams on the same day. Everton face what is likely to prove one of the greatest tasks of the campaign when at Leeds-road, they oppose the champions. Thus the respective interests of the rivals are directed towards vastly different objects and each will be desperate in their efforts to succeed. On form this is one of those matches from which Everton cannot hope for relief, but football is full of surprises and Everton may crate a diversion. It is in their favour that the defence has been greatly strengthened, and if the forwards can impart a greater measure of finishing ability than has been apparent in the last two games then they may save a point. A number of the Huddersfield Town players have been suffering from influenzur and the team was not chosen until late yesterday. Smith (WH) is doubtful, and Jackson is playing for Scotland. Kelly is to play outside right with Raw as a partner. Everton have not been able to release Irvine. Teams. Everton: - Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchely, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup. Huddersfield Town: - Turner; Goodall, Wadsworth; N. Smith, Wilson Watson; Kelly, Raw, Devlin, Brown, WH Smith

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 26, 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

• Dominy has registered three of Everton’s four goals against the Rovers
• O’Donnell’s brilliant kicking was perhaps the most delightful feature of Saturday’s match against the East Lancastrians

MORE RECOLLECTIONS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 26, 1927
Bee’s Dairy
Seeing the reference to Ted Hughes playing for Everton (writes Mr. A. Kirwan, Freshfield), I beg to state that he captained the Formby Football Club thirty years ago went direct to Everton, and, of course, cost them nothing.  I may say I have been a reader of the “Daily Post” for about fifty-five years and hope to be able to read your pleasant notes for a long time yet.
  I am afraid that “T.R.A” is mistaken with regard to James Ross (the old P.N.E. player) playing for Burnley, says “Araby,” He introduced the one-back game when playing for Liverpool, against Everton, at Goodison Park ten years before Kirwan came to Everton-McCracken was unknown to the football world then.  The name on the statue should be “James Ross” (brother of Nick Ross).  An old colleague of his- Graham-has just “crossed the border.” 

EVERTON AT HUDDERSFIELD
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 26, 1927
THE CHAMPIONS KEEP TAYLOR BUSY
IRVINE REFUSES INTERNATIONAL HONOURS TO HELP HIS CLUB
KEEN FIRST HALF, BUT STOLID AND SOUND DEFENCE
By Stork
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Huddersfield Town; Turner; Goodall, Wadsworth; N. Smith, Wilson, Watson; Kelly, Row, Devlin, Brown, W.H. Smith.  It was a brilliant afternoon, and the ground, although it bore very little grass, looked in good condition.  In fairness to the player, I would like to state that Bob Irvine gave up his international cap against Scotland of his own accord.  He told his directors that if they wanted him he would forgo his honour.  That is the spirit! The doubt about W.H. Smith was only a doubt, and the only last-minute change was A. Smith at half-back.  The excursion brought a goodly number of Everton supporters, who were soon busy with their rattles and vocal chords.  When the Everton team took the field the band struck up “Should auld acquaintance be forgot,” and Taylor received a warm welcome from the crowd.  In the very first minute Virr sent Dean through, but Wadsworth cut across him and prevented an early thrill. 
KELLY FRUSTRATES KELLY
When the Huddersfield attack got on the move the craft of Kelly, was made apparent and when he and Law changed places it looked very dangerous, but it came to naught, through Everton’s Kelly breaking up the scheme.  Tom Wilson sent W.H. Smith on the move, and the winger’s centre was dangerous, but a shot by Norman Smith was more so, and Taylor showed grand anticipation in turning it over the bar.  Cresswell was once beaten, but showed coolness when dealing with the lively Devlin.  Huddersfield had done much more shooting than Everton, and Taylor had to make a catch from Devlin, who a little later placed one aside the upright.  Everton had had three shies at Turner, Irvine putting over from a free-kick, Kelly shooting a shade wide, and Critchley lobbing a high ball into Turner’s hands.  Everton’s hopes ran high when Dean burst between Goodall and Wadsworth and was speeding for the goal, but the referee’s attention was drawn to the fact that Dean had handled in getting the ball under control by the appeal of the crowd.  Irvine showed a crude idea when he tried a push through pass to Dean, and it was rank bad luck that it did not reach Everton’s centre, for Dean was ready to take the chance.  As a matter of fact, Dean showed disappointment at not getting the chance.
A LOVELY SCOOP BY TAYLOR
Everton made several promising advances, but found Goodall and Wadsworth in stolid mood, and Turner was rarely tested.  He had to leave his goal on one occasion in order to stop Dean from getting in one of his famous headers.  Taylor was a busy man, and when he scooped up a ball that shot out of a ruck of players it was a truly magnificent effort.  Dean and Critchley paired off well in some combined movements, and as a result of one of them Turner was penalized for excessive carrying, but the free kick was cannoned out.  When the pair came a second time Wadsworth was beaten, but Goodall came to his aid, and though Dean forced him to run towards his own goalline his assistance had saved the situation.  Critchly, however, was not to be done out of his shot and he was not so far off the mark with it either. 
WAS IT A FOUL?
Smith then missed a chance of heading for goal, and Brown was offside, following good work by Devlin and Kelly.  There was one curious decision made when Mr. Shuker, the referee, gave a foul against Dean when the latter charged goalkeeper Turner. I could see no wrong in Dean’s action, for Turner was in possession of the ball at the moment of contact.  Turner had to throw the ball away hurriedly, but the remaining Huddersfield defenders were able to complete the endeavor.  Cresswell made one grand solo run, beating four opponents en route before transferring to Critchley, who, however, fell a victim to Wadsworth.  This had been a keen half, and the result was about correct.  Half-time.- No score. 
BRAVO EVERTON
HUDDERSFIELD FORCED TO DRAW
HOLDING THE CHAMPIONS
The Everton defence had undoubtedly played a great half holding the champions at bay.  The forwards had done little in the shooting line, and the best of the forwards had been Irvine, a hard worker, and Critchley and Dean.  Huddersfield resumed with a thrust by their right wing, but Cresswell and O’Donnell gave nothing away, and when the ball was flung down the middle Dean was stopped through offside.  Irvine had a chance to go through when he found the ball cannon back to him.  The surprise of it, however, was too much for the Irishman, who put the ball too far forward and was crowded out.
A ROBUST DEFENCE
Everton’s forwards undoubtedly found themselves up against a sterling defence, and they rarely got the better of Goodall and Wadsworth.  Still, Critchley struck the right note when he elected to shoot instead of passing inside, and Turner had to save smartly.  Critchley again put the ball to Turner’s hands, and Taylor made another smart clearance from Kelly’s corner kick.  The game was chockful of minor fouls, Dean showed his wisdom when passing out to Critchley, but the latter was a trifle slow in making up his mind before centring. 
SEEN TO DISAPPEAR
Everton at this point were having the better of matters, and when Troup offered Dean a centre the long-awaited goal appeared on the horizon, but Dean shot outside. It must not be overlooked that the ball came awkwardly to Dean.  Wadsworth and Goodall were not having it quite all their own way, and the Huddersfield goal had more escapes in this twenty minutes than during the whole of the first half.  The Everton defence had never played better; all the half backs magnificently, with O’Donnell kicking clearly and well. 
AN OFFENSIVE FLICKER
Raw made a good shot and Taylor a good save, and Dean netted the ball but was obviously offside.
Final; Huddersfield nil, Everton nil.

EVERTON RES V HUDDERSFIELD RES
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 26, 1927
At Goodison Park.  The first half was interesting and fort a fluctuating type.  Huddersfield started with much zip to overplay Everton, but hesitancy in the goalmouth and poor finishing lost them many chances.  After fifteen minutes, Everton suddenly came into their own, and their useful forward line, which included S.M. Beswick and White, subjected the Town defence to a grueling spell, Mercer having to make brilliant saves from Patterson, White and Beswick.  At the half hour, Huddersfield sprinted away up the centre.  Kerr, in endeavouring to head away deflected the ball past Kendall.  It was certainly unfortunate, for at this stage Everton were playing well.  Undaunted, however, they fought hard for the equalizer.  Half-time; Everton Res Nil, Huddersfield Town Res 1. 
Everton’s second half display was one of the best of the season, and Millington was the initiator of the two goals scored by Patterson and Beswick to give Everton the lead at three-quarter time. 

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 EVERTON 0
February 28 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
VALUABLE POINT FOR EVERTON.
SKILFUL HALF BACKS AGAINST CHAMPIONS.
While it is too early to become optimistic over Everton's chance of evading relegation, the result of their visit to Huddersfield suggests that they have more than an outside chance of escaping. They still have a stern struggle to face, but they can enter into the fray with a lighter heart and a more confident feeling that they have only got to play their part and all is well. Any side that can bring back a point from the champions' headquarters have every reason to plume themselves, and although the Everton club realise that they are not yet out of the wood they must have gained a belief in themselves which will spur them on in their matches to come.
DISPUTED GOAL.
The spectators at Huddersfield wondered how it is that such a team, playing such football as Everton did are languishing near the foot of the table. No goals were scored, but Dean is firm in his belief that he should have had a goal when he was adjudged offside. He got the ball after it had touched Wadsworth and so placed him in an onside position. That of course is a matter for the referee to decide, but even the best of us are liable to err. The referee penalised Dean for a perfectly legitimate charge on goalkeeper Turner when that player was in possession. As a matter of fact the whistle was too often heard. Huddersfield had the better of matters in the first half, and Taylor who was keen to do well on his old ground, made at least four saves, which, no doubt went a long way to making the draw a possibility. It must be admitted that the Everton forwards did no promise a goal during this period, even though they made some promising advances, but they found in Goodall and Wadsworth a sound pair of defenders. The great strength of Everton lay in their half and full backs. Kelly, Hart, and Virr have never played better. Huddersfield are noted for their wing play, but really Kelly and W.H. Smith have never been held in such a grip as that which Virr and Kelly applied, while Hart looked after Devlin, who was rarely a danger. Kelly's play particularly took the eye, Smith and Brown could not do anything with him, and even if they got the better of him at times, the cool Cresswell was there ready to take up the cudgels.
O'DONNELL AT HIS BEST.
O'Donnell was the O'Donnell we saw against Cardiff City in the Cup-tie at Anfield and it is not belittling to any of the other full backs (three internationals defenders) if one says that O'Donnell was the best back on the field. With such a defence Everton should not be afraid to face any opposition, but there must be more shooting from the front rank. The shooting on Saturday left a lot to be desired. Dean was well watched, but he should have had a goal when Troup offered him a good chance. Still Dean did many clever things along with Critchley, while Irvine played well opening out the game in a manner which was quite foreign to him. Troup and Dominy, especially the former made some brilliant centres, and came near to beating Turner with a spinning ball, which the goalkeeper had to edge over the bar at the last minute.
SOUND DEFENDERS.
Turner's best work was saved until the second half when Everton were the more dangerous side, and Wadsworth failed to maintain his earlier brilliance, but Goodall was always sound. Wilson at centre half, was the engineer of most of his side's advances, but N. Smith, who played his first league game did remarkably well. Devlin was disappointing at centre-forward. Hart holding him well, Brown was the best of the forwards and when he changed places with Devlin there was more danger in the line. One of the best shots of the match came from Raw, a reserve team player. It was a very hard encounter, and the bulk of the honours go to Everton. Teams: - Huddersfield Town: - Turner, goal, Goodall and Wadsworth, backs, N. Smith, Wilson, and Watson, half-backs, Kelly, Raw, Devlin, Brown, WH Smith, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 1
February 28 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 28)
Everton's practically new forward line created a distinctly good impression against Huddersfield, for the attack (With the exception of the first twenty minutes) was virile and the rear line was sound. Huddersfield lost through faulty finishing. The first goal came when Kerr, in endeavoring to head clear, deflected the ball past Kendall, and in the second half, good wing play by Millington led to Patterson and Beswick scoring for Everton. S.M. Beswick wearing Everton's colours for the first time gave a creditable display, and along with White and Patterson made a penetrative inside trio.

BLUES AT LEEDS ROAD
February 28, 1927. The Daily Courier
Irvine Prefers to Play for Everton
Everton will be at full strength against Huddersfield Town at Leeds—roads, where the Champions supporters will see one of their old favourites in Ted Taylor operating against the Town. The knowledge that Irvine prefers to play for his club in preference to his county will have a heartening effect on his colleagues, who in their last two League games have showed good football. Huddersfield like many other clubs, have a number of players down with the flu, but they are fielding one of their strongest sides which includes Bob Kelly. Jackson is on international duty, so Raw will play inside right and Kelly outside right. Watson returns after an injury, Smith is suffering from influenza and, if unfit, Slicer will appear at outside left. Teams; Huddersfield Town: - Turner, goal, Goodall and Wadsworth, backs, N. Smith, Wilson, and Watson, half-backs, Kelly, Raw, Devlin, Brown, WH Smith, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy and Troup, forwards.

GREAT HALF-BACKS
February 28, 1927. The Daily Courier.
Enable Everton to Earn a Valuable Point.
Everton 0, Huddersfield, 0
No one pretend that Everton's troubles are over, but it is obvious the club is going to make a great sporting fight. The team have got their nerves back. It was a wonderful performance, under the circumstances to bring a point back from Huddersfield. There was not a blade of grass on Town's ground, and it was a hectic struggle. Everton's rally was the result of team spirit, which should help the club to climb. The revelation was the "come back" of the half back line following on the real consolidation of the defence. It is now up to the forward line, which contains the individual artistes to blend. The Everton halves were masterful, making early contact, and taking the initiative from Huddersfield's formidable forward line. It was a feverish game, too –a "blood match," in fact, between two stout defences –but Everton did not sacrifice the finer arts and played the prettier football, some of their moves being suggestive of the Scotch style. Hunter Hart was a great ball controller, hard to shake off, with a mastery over the Scots' centre forward Devlin. Kelly looks like a capture; not the perfectly polished half, but a grafter. Like Virr, who gave one of his best displays, he played the club game. In fact, there was the team spirit all round in Everton's rank. The forwards should have given of their best ahead of the half-back line, although the halves featured destructive play. One approaches the Everton forward line in two minds –one can praise and criticism. There was just the impression that the inside men did not make most of their opportunities, when Dean had so often to part, with three opponents on him. Irvine was the dancing master, a fascinating, elusive exponent, and it was all to the good he did not hold on so long on this occasion.
Critchley Pleases.
Critchley did brilliant things that took a fancy of the crowd, and then was variable. He must be prompter at times in crossing the ball. On the other wing Dominy, another fine team man, wanted just that little extra speed to make an effective partnership with Troup, whose ability we all know. As indicated, Everton's defence gives confidence. Cresswell, who works in little room, was seldom, if ever ruffed, and he was meeting in W.H. Smith –happily associated with Brown –one of the finest wingers in the country. Cresswell's coolness was also reflected on O'Donnell, who is settling down a sound, orthodox game. Ted Taylor, on renewing acquaintance with his old ground, was greeted with musical honours, and there was also a cheer for Dixie, who, it will be recalled, had his first try out in a reserve game on the Town ground after his motor-cycle accident. Taylor again gave of his best, particularly in those hot moments in the first half, when he picked up four times in succession, but both Taylor and Turner had comparatively few close-up shots, and they were unbeatable at long range. In a commendable desire to keep the game in hand, Referee Shuker used a great deal of whistle, ad Everton fell under the ban a great deal. Dean was once penalised for impeding the goalkeeper, and was pulled up rightly, it seemed from the stand, for offside, when he netted, although Dean was confident the ball went through off Wadsworth, who, by the way, was Huddersfield's stitest defenders. Teams;- Huddersfield Town: - Turner, goal, Goodall and Wadsworth, backs, N. Smith, Wilson, and Watson, half-backs, Kelly, Raw, Devlin, Brown, WH Smith, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy and Troup, forwards.
•  Arsenal 6 Burnley 2 Brain (4) Hoar, Buchan for Arsenal and Hill and Devine for Burnley
•  Birmingham 1 Tottenham 0, Cringan
•  Blackburn Rovers 4 Leeds United 1, Harper (2), McKay (2); Leeds White
•  Bury 1, West Ham 2 Ball for Bury, Johnston and Yews for West Ham
•  Derby 2, Aston Villa 3; Whitehouse, Murphy for Derby, Stepheson Cook,
•  Liverpool 1, Newcastle United 2; Reid for Liverpool, Seymour (2)
•  Sheff Utd 3 Cardiff 1; Tunstall, Arthur, Mercer SU; Davies for Cardiff
•  West Brom 2 Wednesday 2; Carter, Short for WBA; Trotter for Wednesday

TIM COLEMAN
Athletic News- Monday 28 February 1927
So we know our men.  I have a letter headed J.G. Coleman, Eurchede, Holland, but it is signed –Yours sincerely, Tim Coleman.  The international forward of Arsenal and Everton will always be “Tim” the footballer and the humorist.  He has been coaching to some purpose among the Dutch, making really successful footballers of them.  Apart from taking his charges to the top of their competition, he has had the credit of being the lion tamer in the itinerant circus.  With all his light heart “Tim” is serious enough to care for our soldiers’ graves in Holland.  At the expiration of his contract on May 1 he is coming home.  There is a chance for some League club to enlist his valuable services. 

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 EVERTON 0
Athletic News - Monday 28 February 1927
By Ivan Sharpe
WHEN Number One in the League table, its own ground, meets Number Twenty-One result should be gentle jog to victory. But the meeting at Leeds-road of Huddersfield Town, who have eyes on capture of the Championship for the fourth consecutive season, and the completion, surely, of unbeatable record, and Everton, who are reduced to beggary and go from ground to ground seeking crumbs, this occasion of contrast produced a match that made you scratch jour head and wonder what was happening. It was all a mix-up.  First of all, Taylor, having done his best this season to help Huddersfield to that fourth consecutive Championship, was now in Everton’s goal-doing his best to frustrate their ambitions. Then Cresswell, having twice appeared in the field against Huddersfield Town this season for Sunderland, was now making a third attempt to check the Champions.  Also, Robert Kelly, having played twice against for Everton and Sunderland', was now taking a third turn at thrusting the Lancashire club into the Second Division! 
SYSTEM WRONG. 
As all are famous internationals, something was radically wrong. No need to beat about the bush.  The present transfer system, with its chopping and changing, and inevitable hardships, is wrong —too lax.  A good deal of the joy of this game had vanished before the ball was kicked off. It was too largely a match of borrowed plumes, of last-minute team additions that throw things out of balance, compel other speculations, and destroy the flavour of the League fight.  I am not condemning Huddersfield and Everton.  They are within the law. But the law is bad; the present position is indefensible. It is for the clubs as a whole to call a halt, and, sooner or later, they will have to do so.  One more oddity, and we will get on with the game. Huddersfield Town released Alec Jackson, their outside right, to Scotland for the Belfast international ; Irvine, of Everton, was chosen to play for Ireland, but told his club that, in view of their dangerous position in the First Division, he would prefer to play for them. This sort of thing throws the game further out of balance, and will not be remedied until the internationals, for the good of the internationals and the good name of the game, are played in the first half of the season, when League problems are less pressing. 
PULLING THROUGH? 
No wonder one scratched one’s head. The match was a jumble, and at the end only were happy. They pulled' up a precious point while most of their rivals stumbled.  What is more, they earned it, and will make more progress and perhaps pull out of the mire-if, as all the world expects, they borrow more plumes for their attack. For the defence is now good enough to make the desired recovery. Cresswell has been an inspiration. His quick, cool foot and head raised the hopes the team at Huddersfield in a trying first half, when the battle was really decided. He challenged W. H. Smith—of late in his very best form and demanding of the England selectors that they shall reconsider his claims—and Smith, having been bed for two days, owing to influenza, faded out. This was checkmate, for the rest of Huddersfield’s attack was not the high standard the Champions have set—far from it.  But Taylor also struck a vital blow, for there was series of clever close-range saves in this half which kept the Town bay. It would be unfair, however, to suggest that Cresswell and Taylor pulled Everton through. O’Donnell has improved with Cresswell as his companion back, and Hart set the example Everton need by keeping cool and keeping the ball on the ground'.  At wing half-back was the some stability, and that is why I say that Everton’s defensive dangers appear to be at an end.
SHORT OF SHOOTING POWER. 
But there was precious little sign revival in attack.  Here, Dean tried to do too much because there was no one else to it. Irvine worked the ball well at times, but when he shot his effectiveness collapsed. Troup and Critchley were generally under the thumb of Huddersfield's splendid backs, but as both defenders are internationals the real lesson of the match from Everton’s viewpoint was that inside forwards—scheming, shooting forwards —are badly needed to back thrustful Dean.  There were no goals because Everton's defence effected a similar hold-up. .  Huddersfield Town’s attack apparently missed Jackson. Anyway, it was not of the true blue and white grade.  The inside play was distinctly moderate, and the chief forces—Kelly and Smith, on the wings— were not plied in the match-winning way. Devlin, in the centre, I think shall have finally to say, is one the Scotsmen who have been very unhappy in English football. Some of the Football League clubs are finding that a great name beyond the Border does not mean great player under English conditions.  Nor were the half-backs of the brilliance of post-war seasons. No doubt I saw the team out of tune4. They will have to play a good deal better to shake off the challenge of Newcastle United.  If this is largely an Everton story, it is because it was largely an Everton day.  That will be admitted when Number 21 is quite as good as Number one.  Huddersfield Town; Turner; Goodall, Wadsworth; Smith (N), Wilson, Watson; Kelly, Raw, Devlin, Brown and Smith (W.H).  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, and Troup. Referee; N. Shuker, Mansfield. 

EVERTON MAKE A BOLD SHOW AND HELP NEWCASTLE
Liverpool Echo- Monday, February 28, 1927
“ANOTHER LITTLE POINT”
By Stork
By Stork who would have thought it? Everton, whom many think are already in the Second Division, bearded the lion in his lair and, after a rousing battle, came out of the duel with honours divided.  Huddersfield, three times champions, and at the moment in a fair way to winning the title for the fourth successive year, were not only held up by Everton, but were nearly defeated by the new “Blues” for Dean, who placed the ball in the net in the second half, is emphatic that it was a genuine goal, for although he agreed that he was in an offside position the very fact that the ball struck Wadsworth ere it reached him was sufficient evidence that he was automatically placed “onside.”  On that statement Dean appears to be fully entitled to his opinion, but whatever Dean or anyone else had to say goes for nought if the referee decided otherwise, as he did in this particular case.  What the loss of that goal means we all know.  Two points would have been invaluable, but the one gained will not lose its usefulness when the final reckoning has to be made. 
A NEW FOUND SPIRIT
A draw at Leeds-road was a wonderful performance.  On the journey to the Yorkshire centre one met pessimists at every turn, but I was a joy to find that not one of the Everton company would listen to the tales of woe, and they one and all turned a deaf ear to the word defeat.  They were not going to be beaten before the match, big as the task on hand appeared to be.  Such is the new spirit in the Everton ranks, and this spirit may get the club out of its difficulty, even yet.  I was not in the slightest perturbed by Huddersfield’s record, for having seen the new Everton in all their matches and been in close touch with the players. I had gained the knowledge that here was a body of men who had a belief in themselves to lift the club out of the depths.  Confidence in any undertaking is a valued asset, and the moral effect of this splendid performance should be an incentive for the future. 
EVERTON’S GREAT STRENGTH
Everton have spent fabulous sums in the past, but never was money better laid out than in the purchase of Taylor, Cresswell, and Kelly, for with their arrival there has been a revival; and with O’Donnell, Hart and Virr in collaboration Everton should not be nervous of any opposition, no matter where the games take places.  It was this defence which was in the main responsible for this goalless draw.  It smashed the might of the champions’ attack to smithereens just when it promised to do material damage to the Everton goal, and having overcome that danger point, it proceeded to help the forward line, which, although capable of framing a promising attack, could not get in a blow at Huddersfield’s goal through the stern work of Goodall and Wadsworth, an international pair of defenders.  It was not that they were not a driving force, but just that they were pitted against a solid defence.  They had a fair share of the attack in the first half, but were not allowed to get too close to Turner, who had an easy passage as compared with Taylor, who made some remarkably fine saves when the Huddersfield forwards were in their most aggressive mood.  Still, the Everton forwards played their part well in the affairs of the day, and towards the end of the game were better together than their confreres; and Wadsworth and Goodall had many harassing moments before the final whistle relived them
HIDE YOUR HEADS
I am not going to individualize, but I must pay tribute to Bob Irvine, who gave up his international cap to help his club.  He has never played better. No player has been so severely criticized for his desire to over-elaborate, but in this game he opened out the play with wide passes, and if he goes on in this manner he will soon force his critics to hide their heads.  He was, to my mind, the best of the Everton forwards. I was informed after the match that Kelly played the last quarter of an hour in a dazed conditions.  Dazed or not dazed he was splendid throughout.  It must be some considerable time since Bob Kelly was so completely held.  He found Virr and O’Donnell too much for him, while W.H. Smith, one of Huddersfield’s most dangerous forwards was in the same boat with Kelly.  Devlin was a disappointment, and the home crowd would rather have Brown in the centre judging from their call from around the ground.  “We want Brown,” they bawled, and when that player changed place with Devlin there was certainly more liveliness in the Huddersfield front rank, and to an extent greater danger to Everton.  Wilson was the best of the half-backs, but Smith did exceedingly well against Dominy and Troup, but as in the case of Everton it was in defence where Huddersfield were strongest.  Turner in goal is only a boy, but there is a future for him.