Everton Independent Research Data

 

IN DAD’S FOOTSTEPS
Daily Mirror - Wednesday 01 February 1928
One of these days there may be another Chedgzoy in Everton’s ranks, I hear that the son of Sam Chedgzoy, a youngster of fifteen is displaying promise of making a fine footballer.  At present he is assisting a junior Liverpool Club, and on the right wing, like his father.  Another case of what’s bred in the bone. 

EVERTON MAKE NO CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 01 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
The race for the championship of the First Division promises to be almost as interesting as the fight for the Cup.  On Merseyside, particularly, interest in Everton’s progress will be at a high pitch, and the fact that the two main clubs concerned in the race meet on Saturday at Leeds-road may go a long way towards a solution of the problem.  Everton and Huddersfield Town are undoubtedly two of the strongest sides in the country, and this game ought to prove one of the best of the season.  At the moment Everton are three points ahead of their rivals, who, however, have a match in head, Everton will field the team which played against the Arsenal, and no doubt Huddersfield will also be at full strength with the thrustful wing men, Smith and Jackson, to harass the Everton defence.  The Everton team is; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
Huddersfield Town, who apparently are going to have a shot at the double event, have seventeen games to play, nine at home, while Everton’s remaining sixteen games are equally divided at home and away. 

GENEROUS SPARTANS
Blyth News - Thursday 02 February 1928
In view of the financial benefit they receive through the transfer of John Kennedy to Everton last week, Blyth Spartans have sent a donation to New Delaval Villa and Beside Gordon.  Kennedy assisted both these local minor clubs before joining the Spartans. 

NEWCASTLE AS THE DOG IN THE MANGER!
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 02 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton and Newcastle are not exactly friends just now.  Everton offered February 8 as a suitable date for the Goodison match.  Newcastle turned it down.  But when Everton were knocked out of the Cup Newcastle were quite anxious to play on February 9-which is the date Dean is due at Middlesbrough for a trial game.  The League authorities have been called to act on the case.  I think it can be said with surety- the game will not take place at Goodison next Wednesday. 
From Helensburgh I get a letter that will be very interesting to everyone- As a 100 per cent, Evertonian, I feel I would be wanting in my duty did I not congratulate the Everton team on the truly wonderful display- least of all inspiring –they “put up” at Highbury.  If ever the worn out, and probably much abused, saying.  “Beaten but not disgraced” could be applied, without doubt it can be now and that to the “Boys in Blue.”  Heroes every one.  It is a few years now since I left my home in Tranmere for this part of the world; indeed, not since the days when Val Harris “won his piano” have I seen my favourites at the game more than half a dozen times, but up till then and from the time they carried the Cup from the Palace, I was a “thick and thin,” “home or away,” win or lose” follower; for instance, well do I remember Feebury putting paid to Chedgzoy at Burnden Park.  However, the whole point is, never has my admiration reached such a high level as it has to-day, when I read of the magnificent display put up by the boys; already – twenty-four hours after – have I spent 1s 6d on papers to read the different versions and believe me all Scotland is singing your praises obviously intermingled with just a little sympathy and I, as a “commercial,” getting all over this country, can vouch for its many warm spots for Everton, and proud indeed will I feel during the next month or so, as I discuss Saturday’s gallant battle, in the spots I speak of, and I trust when next they step on Goodison Park, friend and the alike will raise their voices as one man sufficiently loud for me to hear them this far away.  Not so long ago, in a wee spot named Avonbridge, miles away from anywhere, I saw Sandy Young emerging from a clay pit, proceeding for his “we bit o’ bite.” 

A BIG CHANCE
Yorkshire Evening Post - Friday 03 February 1928
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN AT HOME TO EVERTON
The football outlook for tomorrow is none too promising.  Last Saturday, we had grounds that were more of mad pitches than anything else, and the rain of the week will not have improved matters by any means.  Still it is not likely that the programme will be seriously interfered with, and there is certainly no lack of interest in the games that are down for decision.  If the weather is reasonably accommodating there will be a rare crowd at Huddersfield, where the match of the day, so far as the Association world is concerned.  Will be played between the first and second clubs in the First Division.  This is a tussle which may go a long way to deciding the destination of League Championship honours this season.  At the moment Everton, the visitors, have a slender advantage, but if Huddersfield play as well as they have done this last few weeks, it is more than likely that this advantage will have changed hands to-morrow evening.  With Everton having played one match more, a Huddersfield victory will not place Town at the head of affairs, bit it will put them in a position to make full use of their outstanding fixture. 
DEAN’S TEST
Everton have not beaten Town in the last eleven league games, five of which have been drawn.  This season’s Everton side, of course, is a vastly improved one, and by no means the least interesting features of tomorrow’s game will be work of Dean, England’s centre forward against the Town defence, and the defence put by Taylor, in the Everton goal against his old colleagues. 

TOP TEAMS MEET AT HUDDERSFIELD
Liverpool Echo - Friday 03 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
After the fulsome praise of the weekend from London, the “general inference” (as they say from Daventry) is favourable to Everton making a hold show in this important match at Huddersfield –a meeting of the top pair on a ground that has not been exactly kind to our hopes in the past, although one remembers one surprise win there that was totally unexpected.  Liverpool have beaten Huddersfield and one who was present describes to me the reason of the change after a quarter of an hour- Liverpool cut in and stopped the fritters.  Everton can do likewise, if they are in the mood.  Yesterday at Blackburn I met a dozen and one football “hands” who vowed they would not miss this meeting of “champions” for all the world.  Let us hope that football all round the country is blessed with finer weather that than which has blotted the game for the last three months.  There is nothing to add to the prospective side of the game at Huddersfield, except tat the disquieting mews of Dean being a doubtful starter will trouble the most ardent and confident Evertonian.  Let us trust he will play O.K.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Huddersfield; Mercer; Goodall, Wadsworth; Redfern, Wilson, Steele; Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Stephenson, Smith. 

DIXIE V. DEN HUR
Liverpool Echo - Friday 03 February 1928
The climax to Panto Day was the Great Procession.  Striking items were a charming desert scene, for instance, showing the shooting of something or other by the Lost Angels Film Company.  The “stars” appearing were Luke Pleasant, Andy T Over, and Ophelia Cash.  Considerable excitement was caused by the arrival of Dixie Dean and Ben Hur, in gorgeous chariots –Dixie’s pointed Everton club –drawn by a cart horse apiece.  This was quite the most dashing part of the procession.  Cart horses are so speedy.  Free flights were offered by the Liverpool Aero Club, whose machine must have crashed on the way down London-road, and facelifting and shoplifting operations were being carried out in a beauty parlour temporarily mounted on a lorry. 

HUDDERSFIELD MAKE NO CHANGE V. EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 03 February 1928
Against Everton, Huddersfield Town will make no change.  Team; Mercer; Goodall, Wadsworth; Redfern, Wilson, Steele, Jackson, Kelly, Brown; Stephenson, and Smith.  This is the team that has defeated Lincoln and West Ham in the Cup, and ‘Spurs and West Ham in the League in successive home games in January.  There has been a great demand for tickets for what is regarded as a vital match.  Huddersfield Town Reserves team at Everton, will be;- Turner; Pickering, Barkas; Campbell, Spence, Meads; Jepson, Raw, Dent, Cuming, and Duff. 

DEAN NOT DAMAGED
February 4 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
The Daily Courier is in a position to retute a statement circulated regarding Dean. Everton's crack centre forward who, it was said, would be unable to turn out against Huddersfield Town at Leeds road today owing to a leg injury. An official of the Everton club, when approached by the Daily Courier on the matter, discredited the who story. Brilliant Huddersfield loom, large ones again on the League horizon, and their meeting with Everton today is a momentous one, and one having a most important one might not be too fulsome in using the word “ vital” –bearing on the championship. The die, unfortunately seems already cast against the stylish blues in this all important crash for the Town are much nearer too being unbeatable at home than Everton are at being impregnable away. The Lees road side are playing in championship form at the moment, and are sure to see that, at this critical stage of the tournament, the three points already dropped in their doorstep will not become augmented. This battle of giants, both creative artists in football, if ever there was any, will have a country wide appeals, and a "Gate” if the elements are kind, that will he worthy of such a Trojan conflict. The teams have met already this season at Goodison Park, where honours were declared even.
LET EVERTON REMEMBER.
Let Everton remember that if the Town are victorious today, the Yorkshiremen will have but one point fewer, with a game in hand, the Goodison Park fellows “happy family” way of doing things can achieve remarkable feats as in the not remote past, but the demands today for team work will be more insistent than at any time during this season, excepting perhaps, in the great cup-tie at Highbury. A man like Dean could accomplish wonderful things in a match of this decription, where pent-up feeling is likely to destroy, partially at any rate, the skill of many of the players, but one can safely predict a restricted ambit for him today, and many furtive shadowers. Everton taking form for what it is worth, must unleash all the craft, and fight like demons to bring away the one point that gleams like the twinkling lights of the will-o-the-wisp from Leeds road way. Teams, Everton –Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Huddersfield Town –Mercer, Goodall, Wadsworth, Redfern, Wilson, Steele, Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Stephenson, Smith.

LOST TO LIVERPOOL CATHOLICTY
Catholic Pictorial –February 4 1928
Death of Dr. J.C. Baxter
Civic Leader and Football Club Director
The death took place last Friday of Dr. James Clement Baxter, J.P., at his residence, 110, Robson Street, Evrton.  He had been ailing for some time past –R.I.P. 
Deceased who was aged seventy-one, was a native of Liverpool, and received his education at St. Francis Xavier’s Colleague.  Qualifying in the medical profession, he carried on an extensive practice for many years and was one of the best-known doctors in the City.  In 1906 he was appointed a justice of the peace.  He also represented the St. Anne’s ward as a Liberal member in the City Council from 1906 and 1920.  For many years Dr. Baxter was a director of the Everton Football Club, a member of the Football Association, and a member of the Football League Management Committee. 
Twenty-One Year’s  Service.
His official connection with the Everton Football Club dated back to 1890, when he joined the Everton Board.  In 1921 he was the recipient of a presentation from his colleagues on the board.  In celebration of the twenty-one years of service as director.  For many years he also acted as medical adviser to the Everton team, a position which he ion later years relinquished to his son, Dr. Cecil Baxter.  He leaves a widow, two sons, both doctors, and a daughter.  Requiem Mass was offered on Monday at the Church of Our Lady Immaculate by Fr. O’Shea, nd Mr. McAuley gave a short address on the loyalty which had distinguished the life of a great and much-loved man.  There were also presents; Frs. Casey, Gorman, and Mell, with the Rector of the St. Francis Xavier’s (Fr. Magee), and the vice-president (Fr. Gurrin).  The interment took place in the Anfield Cemetery.  The prinicipal mourers were Mrs. Baxter (Widow), Miss Baxter (daughter), Drs. C.S. and C. Baxter (sons), the Misses Connelly and Mrs. Balmforth (sister-in-law), W.F. and F.S Flinn (nephews), C. Alston and T.L. Hughes (cousins), Nurse Ford, F. Jones, etc.  The following organiastions were represented; St. Francis Xavier’s school by the two school captains; Ild Xaverian, Mr. E. A. Morton, J.P., our Lady’s School, Mr. Merriman, headmaster; All Saints’ S.V. Society, Mr. J.Hill, president; St. Vincent de Paul Societym Mr. J.A. Sloan, C.Y.M.S, Mr. J. Kennan. 

AFTER FIVE YEARS
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Saturday 04 February 1928
OLD EVERTON FULL BACK LEADS BARROW’S ATATCK
J.S. MaConnachie, the Everton full back of many seasons ago, resumed playing by taking the centre forward position for Barrow against Wrexham today.  It is five years ago since McConnachie played his last game of league football, when with Swindon.  He is at present coach and trainer to the Barrow club.  McConnachie was a great favourite when with Everton, his cool methods in defence being the outstanding feature of many stirring games at Goodison Park.  He was secured from Hibernian, and generally rated as the best Anglo-Scottish defender never recognized by his country.  He left Everton for Swindon, and this season was appointed to the staff of the Barrow club. 

50,000 “GATE”
Star Green 'un - Saturday 04 February 1928
HUDDERSFIELD “HAT-TRICK” TO BEAT EVERTON
(League –Division 1)
The match between Huddersfield Town and Everton at Leeds Road, to-day, was the attraction, which the position of the teams in the League team would suggest and thousands poured down to the arena from  two o’clock onwards.  The stream of motor-cars converging on the ground from all directions resulted in a remarkable traffic block, quite unknown to Huddersfield.  Clem. Stephenson had to stand down from the Town team owing to injury, Dent taking the centre-forward position, Brown being transferred to inside-right.  Taylor the former Town goalkeeper had to bow his acknowledgment to the crowd.  He reception was terrific.  The going was distinctly heavy.  There were 40,000 present.  Early on Redfern conceded a corner and Mercer fisted away and a moment later he had to repeat this method of clearing.  Everton had the better of the opening play and Troup had shots fisted down.  When Kelly and Jackson were going forward O’Connell made a couple of great clearances.  Critchly made the crowd hold its breath by outpacing Wadsworth, but the ball passed out of play.  After eight minutes Taylor handled for the first time as a result of smart play by Kelly, Dent, and Jackson.  Everton were soon back, and Dean shot at an acute angle, the ball passing outside.  Kelly made a great opening for Smith, and he ran well to shoot badly.  Critchley had an opening to shoot at the other end.  Smith broke away on the wing and centred finely, and DENT dashed up to score from short range, Taylor touching the ball in its flight.  The Town played hard football and Brown put the ball through, but was offside.  Dean was bowled over when near the goal.  At the other end Kelly shot wildly.  Everton were the more aggressive generally, Troup shinning, but Town managed to extricate themselves from nay difficulties.  Brown and Jackson made several clever touches.  Taylor touched the ball over the bar from a hot shot by Kelly and Jackson forced him to put another over the bar.  After half an hour SMITH scored with a curling shot from the wing, which completely deceived Taylor.  Town played greatly improved football after this, and Taylor was repeatedly troubled.  He made one fine clearance from Smith.  SMITH  scored a wonderful goal, tricking Cresswell easily.  Just on half-time DEAN scored for Everton from a corner.  Troup sent to Dean in front of the Town goal, but the ball was got away safely- a very narrow shave.  Smith played wonderfully good football and Kelly sent over from one of his passes.  Dent shot over clever play by Smith and Kelly.  The game continued to be fast and full of thrill.  The Everton goal had a narrow escape.  Dent, Brown, and Smith all missing a straight drive from Kelly which went across the goalmouth a yard out.  Half-time; Huddersfield Town 3, Everton 1.
Irvine drove the ball well across the Town goal shortly after the restart.  Town attacked, but Dent was signaled offside.  Critchley ran strongly on the right, but Town retaliated, and Dent headed into the Everton goal for Taylor to kick away.  Play continued to be fast, and Town appeared to have the measure of the opponents.  SMITH scored his third goal for Huddersfield Town, who overplayed their opponents.  Result; Huddersfield Town 4, Everton 1.  The attendance was 51,284. 

McGOVERN
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 04 February 1928
Numbers of Chester football supporters were disappointed by the failure of McGovern, the King’s School scholar, to turn out as announced in these columns to play for the City’s Welsh National League side against Oak Alyn on Saturday.  This local lad has made quite a name for himself in the school team and with Everton “A.”  It was a disappointment to many, who were looking forward to witnessing his appearance with Chester, that at the very last moment –after signing registration forms for the Cestrians- he elected to appear once more for the Merseyside club. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 February 1928
A TEST MATCH WITH NEAEST RIVALS
HUDDERSFIELD’S HUNT
FOR POINTS THAT WILL PUT THEM IN THE ELAD
By Bee
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Huddersfield Town; Mercer; Goodall, Wadsworth; Redfern, Wilson (Captain), Steele; Jackson, Kelly, Dent, Brown, W.H. Smith.  Referee- Mr. Botham, of Walsall.  The meeting of Everton and Huddersfield was looked upon as the meeting of the season. Huddersfield by winning, would in a great measure, upset Everton’s figures in the chart.  Whether rightly or wrongly, the championship is looked upon as a two-some, and the teams we saw to-day were the two.  Had this game been in Liverpool there would have been 60,000 present.  Huddersfield, however, is not built that way.  Instead, twenty minutes from the start, there were no more than 25,000 present.  Outside we were told there was another 20,000, and the ground record looked like going by.  The record is 47,000, made when Liverpool lost here six years ago.  It was a pity that this meeting of giants should be played on a soggy ground; only two corners of it had any substance of grass.  Huddersfield also regretted that Clem Stephenson could not play.  Clem damaged his ribs last week, and could not breathe freely.  The result was that Brown went inward and the Durham boy Dent, who could not get his place through Camsell’s brilliance, led the line. 
DEAN IN THE VAN
Thus we had two mere youngsters at centre forward to-day.  The only thing wrong with the day was that this was the tenth successive Saturday that has been wet.  Everton reported fit, and the startling story I published regarding Dean happily had its answer in his appearance to-day, so that so far as Everton are concerned there were no excuses to offer.  As usual there were trainloads of followers for the Everton side, and when the teams turned out in the cold and clammy atmosphere the attendance looked about 35,000.  This ground, like Highbury and Chelsea, has only one grandstand, and that means the majority of the people are out in the open.  They have a broadside kep here, and it accommodates a huge mound of spectators.  The band struck up “Should auld acquaintance he forgot,” to signalize the reappearance of Ted Taylor at his old ground.  The turf soon showed that it was extremely yielding.  Tom Wilson and Cresswell tossed, and Cresswell had the benefit of the wind.  It was more like a friendly match, in view of the handshakes that went on. 
EVERTON IN ATTACK
Everton started beautifully on the right where Hart and Kelly were splendid, and Critchley was stopped by Wadsworth; but Everton resumed the attack and got two corners, one through Redfern heeling out badly from Virr, and the other from a rebound from a shot inside by Troup which Virr tried to convert.  Troup’s corner was put in perfectly, but nothing came of the move as Hart’s forward lob was not accepted.  O’Donnell found touch once or twice; Dean was bumped once or twice, but went on to become an outside left; while Irvine not only dropped bac for a moment, but also joined in a  brilliant move on the left, where Dean provided a lively pass for Troup, whose centre was about to be shot in by Irvine when a foot stepped in and barred the way.  This was an encouraging start, and when Wadsworth hurt his leg through Steele damaging him, the visitors’ chance improved.  Indeed Wadsworth was well beaten by Critchley’s speed, but when the winger centred a bit too strong the local folk were shocked to see Mercer drop the ball, Everton kept up the pressure, and Weldon shot a ball that was turned, and Dean met with a similar fate.  Troup tried to place Weldon with an all too patent pass, the result being that Dent went away for Huddersfield’s first raid.  The result would have been fatal but for Taylor’s masterly handling of Jackson’s shot. 
GOAL BY DENT
Everton soon fought back, and Irvine pushed the ball over to the left, where Dean made a square centre so accurate that the goalkeeper was beaten; but the ball swerved just outside instead of inside the goal, and neither Irvine nor Critchley could reach it.  Hammering away, Dean veered to the right, and Critchley did not quite anticipate Dean’s movement, but got a chance through Wadsworth passing back weakly.  Critchly shot hard and true, and was a foot out of a goal range.  Then occurred the sort of thing that we had witnessed at Birmingham.  After having all the play in this quarter of an hour, Everton found themselves one down.  Smith centred accurately as compared with a previous centre that was bad.   Dent was well placed in front of goal, and Taylor did well to push the ball to the left-hand side, where unfortunately it rolled on to O’Donnell and over the goal line.  Thus Huddersfield were one up, and a “Debut” had been made in Everton’s armour.  Huddersfield scored again, but this time offside was the verdict.  Then came a remarkable decision.  Dean worked through from Critchley, and reused to be hurried in his shot, as a goal was easy, and a defender running behind charged him in the small of the back and sent him to earth.  To my mind it was a clear case of a charge and a push in the back.
AN ACCIDENT IN THE CROWD.
It was impossible to get to Dean’s shoulder to deliver the shoulder charge.  No penalty arrived and Everton fought back splendidly, Weldon being a delight and Troup lobbed in a centre to which Mercer was once again unconvincing.  It was fine football to watch, because the cleverest side to-day had to work against a goal deficit.  The crowd by now was a picture study.  The number-board was carrying a mass of people and there appeared to be over 40,000 present.  One of the number concerned in an ugly crush at one of the corners was taken off with that seemed to be a broken arm.  Indeed the swaying at this corner was very ominous.  Taylor had to thump away after O’Donnell had heeled backward towards goal, and Goodall stepped into to stop Troup getting a square pass from Dean.  Young boys were now being hauled over pell-mell from the top of the foot of the ground, and the field glasses revealed an ominous crushing. 
GOAL DIRECT FROM CORNER.
Goodall stopped Dean in the nick of time by giving a corner kick, and Kelly had the brightest dribble and shot of the match.  The shot was a stinger, but Taylor turned it up with both hands for a corner.  This corner led to a further corner which was fatal to Everton’s chance.  W.H. Smith took the kick and the ball entered the net without touching anyone.  Taylor and a full back ran inward towards the post, and it looked as though the ball was passing outside, whereas it actually evaded all the defenders.  This twice this week I had seen a goal scored direct from a corner kick.  Everton were shocked, and when Weldon shot over they missed a chance of reducing the margin.  Troup and Weldon interchanged places, and got the glad hand of the spectators.  Incidentally the second goal today brought Smith and Jackson, the extreme wingers, to thirteen goals each.  Unfortunately Critchley was fouled heavily by Goodall when he was racing through a spread-eagled defence.  When Critchley recovered he made a useful opening, which Weldon spoiled through dallying. 
DEAN’S FORTIETH
Taylor saved at a second chance, when W.H. Smith shot in a low and bumping ball.  Smith refused to be denied, and having beaten Kelly in a solo run he was tackled by Cresswell who could not quite reach him.  Smith ran on, and battling entirely on his own he squeezed a goal in an amazing fashion.  Smith was practically done up by this single effort, and before he had recovered his breath or his composure Critchley had taken a corner and Dean had headed in with seeming ease to make the score 3-1.  There had been two goals in two minutes, and some brilliant football.  Everton deserved their goal, but no one could deny that Huddersfield had taken their chances, and the brilliance of the Yorkshire forward line safeguarded the rest of their side.  It was Dean’s fortieth League goal of the season.  Half-time; Huddersfield Town 3, Everton 1. 
HUDDERSFIELD CLOSE ON THEIR TRACK
W.H. SMITH’S HAT TRICK
DEAN SCORES HIS FORTIETH GOAL OF THE SEASON
Everton began the second half with a good round of passing, and Mercer was well beaten by a low shot, and was, therefore, glad to see the ball pass a foot wide.  This was an escape for the Yorkshire side.  Cresswell stopped W.H. Smith’s progress, and Critchley overran the ball and the crowd near the goalline.  The ball was very sticky, and it was no surprise when Virr completely missed it and Jackson had a chance.  Taylor kicked away pretty speedily from Dent’s header, and Huddersfield resumed their attack, and Jackson was only a few yards from goal when he screwed the ball in.  Taylor caught it at the foot of the post to clear.  Critchley made a magnificent run and centred strongly.  Troup deadened the ball before shooting, and then shot hard, the ball bouncing the goalkeeper.  It cannoned back to the shooter, whose second shot seemed to be travelling for a certain goal when it struck an Everton player.
GREATNESS OF THE MATCH
Everton now had a long spell of attack, Cresswell working to the outside left position in a fierce endeavour to force the pace, but there was no luck in the Everton house, and Kelly, moreover, got an injury.  Although Kelly and Dent shot outside, Everton were much the superior at this point.  Bob Kelly made the most inspiring run of the match, escaping limbs and lumber, and then sent the ball across the goalmouth, where Taylor stretched out his arms unavailing, and three of the home side failed to put the ball in what was an empty net.  This was the great miss of the match, and was an awful finish to a perfect piece of forward work.  Irvine worked out of position to the left and gave Weldon a chance, but the little man was off the target.  Jackson was a joy.  In a great tussle Weldon was once more crowded out and finally tripped in the penalty area, quite accidentally.  Taylor introduced a new goalkeeping mote to the game when he dribbled two men in consequence of the ball being outside the penalty area.  Huddersfield had recovered their balance and stamina, and were making it very hot for the Everton defenders and half-backs.  Taylor stemmed a shot from Jackson after the flying Scotsman had beaten O’Donnell and Virr, and had gone to within six yards of goal. 
W.H. SMITH’S TRICK HAND.
At this moment Virr crocked a leg, and had to be repaired, and he had no sooner come on than W.H. Smith scored a fourth goal.  Cresswell seemed to think that the ball was over the line, and only touched the ball with the back of his heel.  Huddersfield played on, and after Taylor had run into a Huddersfield forward and placed himself for the shot, W.H. Smith raced up, hit a brilliant shot to make the score 4-1 at seventy-five minutes.  When the centre kick was being taken, Cresswell went to the centre line to complain to the referee, who waived him aside.  Then Dean was plainly tripped in the penalty area without getting a spot kick, and O’Donnell left the field with an injured foot and the intense boos of the crowd, who objected to his treatment of Jackson.  Smith had performed the “hat trick” for his side.  Taylor, for the second week in succession, had four put past him; yet he played well, and the margin this time was so great there was now no hope.  O’Donnell returned, and went outside left.  Final; Huddersfield 4, Everton 1.  The official attendance was a record for the ground, the number being 51,284. 

HERE’S A LAUGH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 February 1928
While travelling to Cardiff a correspondent chanced to look out from the window at Hereford.  On the next line was a Great Western engine, No. 2,900.  It had a name! What was it?    Well –William Dean!! Asked the guard about it, and he said that the engine was one of the “saint” class! The finishing touch!

EVERTON RES V HUDDERSFIELD RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 February 1928
At Goodison Park.  A good first half, with Huddersfield the batter-balanced side by reason of superior constructive play.  Rooney gave Huddersfield a gift goal in the first minute by placing the ball out of Hardy’s reach when passing back.  Poor finishing was Everton’s failure, Griffiths, Easton, and Hardy were consistently good.  Spencer scored a second for Huddersfield. 
Half-time; Everton Res 0, Huddersfield Res 2.
On resuming French and Easton scored for Everton.  Cumming scored a third and Mead a fourth for Huddersfield Reserves. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 February 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

51,000 FOLK IN POURING RAIN!
WHY HUDDERSFIELD TOWN DEFEATED THE LEAGUE LEADERS AT LEEDS-ROAD
Athletic News - Monday 06 February 1928
Mud, Manceuves and Match Winners
By Ivan Sharpe
Huddersfield Town 4, Everton 1
Less than ten years ago most of the people of Huddersfield would not take a tram-car ride to see the Town team play.  Today the call of the club is heard in all the neighboring cities and –yes- counties.  For when I went to Huddersfield to see the Everton match on Saturday I started out with a party who were travelling from Southport –partly attracted, no doubt, by Everton –but on the Huddersfield side of Manchester it was obvious that Lancashire and Cheshire, in addition to the West Riding, are now tapped by this transformed Huddersfield Town.  Less than ten years ago Huddersfield Town were drawing crowds of about 5,000 –sometimes less.  On Saturday 51,284 people paid to see them play Everton on a day when it rained from morning till night and, between times, poured.  Forty thousand of these people accepted the drenching that was involved in the afternoon’s entertainment, for they were in the open –on the terraces.  Ponder that. Forty thousand dripping hats and squelching raincoats kind of rubbing shoulders at the exits and on the way home and everyone more or less happy and content!  At last I thought, Huddersfield Town have had the kind of gate they deserve.  It was a record for the ground (receipts 2,963), but it was a record League scrap that all these folk set out in cheerful defiance of the weather to behold. 
Best and Worst
Normally, Huddersfield Town have to be content with less than half this support, but the meeting of League leaders and runners-up made this match an event to see.  How many people would have invaded Colne Valley if the day had been fine?  It is reasonable to say a third more.  Well, the absentees missed a match in which the teams, as a whole, showed the world that it is possible for the best British footballers to beat the worst British weather.  It was a ploughing match in the sense that there were inches of heavy, clinging mud on the ground, yet the players fought it out at a great pace right to the end, and treated the heroes on the terraces to many a bout of brilliant football –brilliant, that is, considering the conditions.  The result suggests that Huddersfield are decidedly the better team, and that was the question that drew all these people into the West Yorkshire town.  But a score of 4-1 is a little flattering.  I am assured by an International in Everton’s team that Everton are used to and quite happy in mud – that they have become accustomed to it at Goodison Park.  But that impression did not come to the observer during this display, Everton were beaten because they had not the combined strength and skill in attack to plough through the mire.  For a time their football was superior, and when Huddersfield Town opened the scoring after 15 minutes it was against the run of the play.
Attacks and Goals
But there was a lesson in this goal of Dent’s that Everton failed to grasp.  A long pass, an open attack, an accurate centre, a ball at the centre’s toe (as the result of the defence being forced to spread out and run), and Smith had started a wonderful day’s work by giving his centre-forward a goal.  The lesson for Everton was that half-a dozen close attacks in which the ball was moved from man to man in the mud did not pay like one open, sweeping advance by their opponents.  And there you have the story of the match, if we add that Tom Wilson played policeman very effectively on Dean, and Everton by overdoing the short game, locked themselves up.  The luck was not with them.  Huddersfield’s second goal was a fortunate affair  inasmuch as Smith’s corner kick was a bad one and was falling short – a low ball curling in towards the near post – when Kelly (of Everton), thinking the ball was going to curl over the line and rest against the side net, merely covered it and did not play it.  He “Let it go.”   So he blocked Taylor’s view, and unfortunately for the visitors the ball curled round the post and into the net – a goal direct from the flag-kick.  The third goal was Smith’s too – a fine one; the result of an outside man going for goal and swerving round men at close quarters before punting through from two or three yards out.  Immediately Dean dived in with a header –very neatly –to make it 3-1, but Smith completed a hat-trick from the wing and another day of personal triumph by accepting an opening provided by Dent early in the second half after Cresswell had preferred to hesitate rather than play for safety and concede a corner. 


A Comparison
Perhaps Everton should have had a penalty kick soon after –I could not see the incident clearly –but they were well beaten, even though they were game to the last.  Perhaps Everton are a prettier side than Huddersfield Town in good going – even this had to be proved, for the Town’s attack can play pranks.  In mud –on this showing –they have not the combined skill and thrust that overcomes obstacles,.  They had their full share of the game but they could not develop the telling onslaughts on goal that came from men like Smith and Jackson.  And, Dean being under arrest, they had not forwards to skim through the mud like Kelly and Brown, and, before running into difficulties, to sweep the ball to firmer footing on the wing.  That is the secret of this decisive score – Huddersfield Town were more adaptable and powerful.  Whatever would happen on a perfect pitch, Everton did not bring into action as many guns in attack as the Town, who remember, also lacked the aid of their general –Clem Stephenson.



Smith’s Day
Huddersfield had the match-winners, and their great man was Smith, who, cleverly plied by Brown and Kelly, scored three goals and paved the way for the other.  I am not going to individualize, because the day was so bad.  I commend the players all for a gallant exhibition under difficulties.  But some, of course, were better than others, and I thought the back play disappointing.  Cresswell was overcome by Smith.  He played a waiting game and Smith beat a fine back at his own game.  But Smith was in the mood that defies the best.  I wonder if he could catch the inspiration at Wembley, with Scotland there.  Goodall, sliced his clearances, and Wadsworth had his old coolness and confidence but not the old mastery and nip.  Leaving O’Donnell, who kicked at times like an International and, without being too sure, was the best back afield, I thought.  As Everton’s Kelly had much trouble with Smith, Huddersfield were more sure at half-back, where Hart gave good leads without getting the ball to the wings with sufficient frequency.  Of the forward play I have told.  Dean was held, and the left wing of Everton was better than the right because Troup played the correct game in giving the ball air, while Weldon work with a will.  Everton had skill and style and flourish but not the same force or finish.  Generally, their big guns stuck in the mud.  Mobility won.  And, so Huddersfield are on the leader’s heels and, to quote a director’s whisper, are beginning to dream of the “double event.”  I will be content to use scissors and paste on my report of last October; “Huddersfield surely cannot fail to be once more a power in the land.”  Huddersfield Town; Mercer; Goodall, Wadsworth; Redfern, Wilson, Steel; Jackson, Kelly, Bent, Brown, and Smith,  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Crithcley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; T.J. Botham, Walsall. 

HUDDERSFILED TOWN 4 EVERTON 1
February 6 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
HUDDERSFILED'S CHALLENGE FOR EVERTON'S CROWN.
INJURED PLAYERS REFUSE TO LEAVE THE BLUES' SINKING SHIP .
Everton's chance of winning the League Championship received a severe setback by their defeat at Huddersfield. The victors are now their most dangerous rivals, being only one point behind with a game in hand. It was a memorable game, and the tremendous interest in the match was reflected by the record attendance for the ground of more than 51,000, the gate receipts amounting to £2,963. This was surprising considering the wet weather and the fact that the bulk of the crowd had no protection from the rain. The quality of play was worthy of the occasion. On the ground that was inches deep in mud and water the game was fought tooth and nail from start to finish. There was not that disparity between the teams that the scores would suggest. Everton had almost as much of the play as Huddersfield until well in the second half.
KELLY'S GRIT.
One remarkable feature of the game was that Kelly, the Everton right half-back, had one of his ribs injured when the game had been in progress 20 minutes. He, however, played on to the end, not reporting his injury until the end of the match when a doctor had to be sent for. O'Donnell also showed great courage in remaining on the field in the closing stages when an ankle injury caused so much pain that he could hardly limp about. Everton opened most promisingly, a swerving shot from Dean went over Mercer's outstretched hand, but pasted just in front of the far upright, then Critchley was only inches wide with a low shot. After 14 minutes Huddersfield scored, a centre by Smith saw Dent throw himself forward, his shot went off Taylors arm into the far corner of the net. Then Smith followed with a “hat-trick.” His first goal was scored direct from a corner kick, Taylor was unsighted by Virr, who was standing by the near upright when Smith's shot came across and swerved into the net. His second was scored from a range of about two yards, and he dodged several opponents before placing past Taylor. His third goal came after 27 minute's play in the second half, Cresswell made a mistake in thinking the ball was out of play, when Dent sent to the left for Smith to rush up and sending it into the net.
DEAN'S “ORPHAN.”
Dean scored Everton's solitary goal a minute before the interval with a header from Critchley's centre. The Everton forwards were never convincing, owing to the bad ground. They and the half-backs seemed to be a yard slower on the ball than their opponents. Dean ploughed a lonely furrow, true, he was well watched by Wilson, but he rarely received the ball in an unmarked position. There were two occasions when Dean ought to have been given a penalty kick, early in the first half he was deliberately pushed from behind when a few yards from goal. At the same time the Everton leader was at fault in delaying his shot. In the second half he was again unfairly brought down when almost in the goalmouth. Kelly, despite, his injury, was the best of the half-back's Virr being the least satisfactory. Cresswell repeatedly found himself beaten by Smith, and O'Donnell was never a match for Jackson, Taylor could not be blamed for any of the shots that beat him. Besides the four goals they scored Huddersfield had tow disallowed for offside. Although without Stephenson, and with a reserve centre-forward in Dent, a bustling youth of 20, Huddersfield forward rose to their best form. Teams. Hudderfield Town: - Mercer, goal, Goodall and Wadsworth, backs, Redfern, Wilson and Steele, half-backs, Jackson, Kelly, Dent, Brown, and Smith, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 4
February 6 th 1928. The Daily Courier
CENTRE LEAGUE (Game 25)
Huddersfield were too good for Everton at Goodison Park. The Blues had a shock in the first minute when Rooney, in attempting to pass back to Hardy, placed the ball into the net. Raw, the Huddersfield inside right, was a rare schemer and also tested Hardy with many good shots which the goalkeeper saved cleverly. Spence, however, placed the visitors further ahead. After the interval French went through for Everton, then Easton equalised with the best shot of the match, only for Cumming and Meads to again place Huddersfield ahead. The visiting defence, in which Barkas was a conspicuous figure, generally dominated the proceedings. Easton was a hard worker, but Roscoe could make nothing of the robust Barkas. Common and Kennedy did good work for Everton, and Hardy, who made some fine saves, could not be blamed for any of the goals scored against him. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Roscoe, Easton, French, White, and Lewis, forwards.

REASONS FOR EVERTON’S FALL-AWAY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 06 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
Clem Stephenson was said to be indispensable.  You and I are not in that category, noir is Clem.  Clem dropped out through bruises; in walked young Dent, who did not set the place afire, but the club will wait with him with a patience that is placing.  The one thing that troubles me about this side I the defence.  Mercer had so little to do that he must have thanked the Everton forwards for their kindness towards him.  Yet Mercer was not convincing.  Neither was the trinity of defence.  Goodall was not playing well; and though Sam Wadsworth started badly he finished up with some fine work and, generally speaking, showed that here is a cheap, ready-made article who will do some other club good shortly.  I don’t think he will stay at Huddersfield long through a little affair that centred a rumpus recently.  The physique of Wadsworth and his comrades is such that they make the small men look smaller. 
WINGER WHO SCORE.
But there is another side to this championship flight that drew a record crowd of 51,000 spectators; here were extreme wingers who would and could shoot.  They did not adopt the slavish idea that their sole duty was to centre the ball to a crowd of defenders with an odd forward or two in the middle-piece.  No, they elected to shoot, and the result was that W.H. Smith helped himself to three in a Heinz fashion.  The first was a corner kick –a sloppy sort of goal, you may say, but how fortunate it was is proved by the fact that Jerry Kelly could have kicked away for another corner, but thought that the ball would pass out of play.  His second was a fearless following-up of his own sinuous dribble, and a shot through a seemingly impossible avenue.  His third was a the result of a ramming, rasping drive.  This local forsooth had scored three goals.  The only other one came from Dent, who saw Taylor make a gallaint attempt to stay a ball that passed on to the post and in the goal, not a nice-looking goal, but a goal carrying a lot of solid weight to Everton who had attacked in fine formation for fifteen minutes, and had earned a penalty through a defender pushing Dean in the back when he made a desperate effort to stop a sure goal.  I do hate to be bringing this referee-topic up again, but I am bound to put it on record that I can see no defender racing from yards behind Dean and catching him up so that he can get shoulder-to-shoulder with him and deliver a charge –the thing is impossible, and judged as I saw the incident, there could only be one verdict –a penalty kick.  It did not come, so we will pass on with things that did happen.  For instance, Jerry Kelly, who had played so well, broke a rib, and looks like being out for some time; O’Donnell hurt his foot badly in a challenge with Jackson, and generally speaking, Everton finished dog-tired, and almost giving up the effort, so pronounced was the Huddersfield attack.  W.H. Smith scored three goals from outside left, and Jackson, beautifully fed by Bob Kelly, ex-Sunderland and Burnley, was the other main source of trouble.  I recall Kelly racing from Sunderland to the station, unwashed, and without a change of attire two years ago.  He said,  “I wish I could join Everton.”  This from a St. Helens boy, who years ago was turned down because he did not look strong, Smith of Huddersfield, is a local find.  There must be some others knocking around if we would only seek diligently, and not hurry their preparation! 
EIGHT OF THE –
In a fortnight Ted Taylor has picked the ball out of the net eight times, and he has played well each game!  Those goals figures are startling commentaries upon a something that is lacking at Everton.  It is true the side has held the lead in the League for some months –a record period- I believe according to the information vouchsafed by my friend Secretary McIntosh- but anyone who has followed the side frequently =as I have happened to do lately –has seen a falling away occurring is more than one department.  There is not the same happy combination between the forward and half-back lines that used to obtain.  There was a time when the side moved up by wise, quick passes, made without flourish of fripperies- but to-day the inner forwards seem to have formed a dilly-dally club; at any rate, the pass so soon as it becomes possible is delayed, and a further bit of jugglery is indulged in.  I hate the jugglers of the halls who can perform a trick at the first time of asking and have three bites at their cheery ripe performance to catch the applause.  Everton are taking three steps where one would do, and one has lost the sight of centres, being swung into the middle of the field.  In short, the players have not only gone tired and stale, but they have got into a groove that does not suit them; it is too confined to suit their style of play.  Troup and Critchley continued to make those bonny runs we have become accustomed to, but the snag in it is that there was no five formation; there was too much individual working of the ball and an utter absence of shot.  Considering Everton were attacking for a quarter of an hour one wondered when they would be content to shoot instead of dribbling on.  They have lately started their games like world-heaters, only to wind up in disappointing fashion.  Admittedly the ball needed a lot of driving; but at the same time the Yorkshire forwards showed how easy it is to crop up space and the ball, and how resolute is their shot, when the local goal looms near.  The 4-1 margin was a severe one, and hardly justified, but one has to pay tribute to the stern, yet pretty work of the Yorkshire forwards, which took its toll of the half backs and backs.  It was grand football to watch, and the victory went to a worthy side- let’s give them the glad hand for such a noteworthy performance.  The League race is not yet won.  The Yorkshire side have Cup interests still running for them, and the fixture card shows Huddersfield as having some very stiff away engagements.  The pity of it is that Everton have now lost Kelly, and possibly O’Donnell through injury.  Those are severe blows.  Incidentally, few of the thousands who went to the ground from Liverpool recognized Billy Balmer, the former Everton full-back, in the crowd.  Billy looks a trifle older, but is fit and well, and is looking for a trainer’s job.  Returning home we picked up with the Liverpool Res party as well as Birkenhead Park’s team, while I noticed a Hoylake golfing contingent, who had forshaken the putt for the (football) take!  It was a memorable day, spite of the leaders being pegged back. 
Many Everton excursionists failed to see the game through a train being late.  They had the match broadcast for them by a man standing on top of the stand.  Huddersfield has the ball in the not seven times!  Three thousand people got into the Huddersfield ground without paying.  They walked in!  A man scaled the wall and unlocked the “turnstiles,” and let the people in from the outer ring!  The policeman –the solitary policeman – was down in the mid while the procession proceeded. 

THEIR TURN-AGAIN “TURN.”
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 07 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
The sixth annual reunion of the Everton and Liverpool turnstile attendants will be held at the Sandon hotel to-night.  I seem fated never to get to this happy function. A lecture booked up months ago prevents my accepting this year’s annual.  I wish them a very happy night. 

KELLY'S DEPUTY.
February 8 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON SELECT BROWN FOR “SPURS” MATCH.
W. Brown, takes the place of the injured Kelly, Everton's regular right half-back, for the match with Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Saturday, Kick off 3'o'clock. Although Brown was a fairly frequent performer in the Everton first team last season, when he made 25 appearances, he has been called upon very few time this season to assist the senior eleven. This is the only change from the team who lost to Huddersfield. Kelly who sustained a rib injury, not a fracture, in the match with Huddersfield, is going on as well as can be expected.

NEW EVERTON DIRECTOR
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 February 1928
KELLY’S INJURY NOT SO BAD AS EXPECTED
Dr. Cecil Baxter, son of the late Dr. J. C. Baxter, has been co-opted a director of Everton F.C.
Sn X-ray examination shows Kelly’s ribs to be not broken, but badly bruised. 

EVERTON-NEWCASTLE SPECUALTIONS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
A good many correspondents have expressed perturbation at the fact that the match between Everton and Newcastle United has been arranged to take place on March 28. 
Several reasons excite my band of “ready writers,” chiefly that the great match between England and Scotland is due on the following Saturday, the 31st, and it seems to be taken for granted that Bill Dean is the one and only men to lead England’s forwards in such a match. A player selected for an international match not being allowed to play in a game during the week preceding the international, and March 28 being the Wednesday before the Saturday, Dean if selected, would not be available to play for Everton.  Of course, taking Dean’s selection for England for granted so far in advance may, in the exuberance of happy anticipation, be permissible, but  Goodison Park frequenters are fearful of the consequences should Everton, minus Dean, meet Newcastle United, restored to full strength by the reappearance of Gallacher, whose suspension will have expired by that time.  Dean’s goal a match has become a feature, we know, but let us not forget that in October West Ham were routed 7-0 without Dean.  However, I can say that although nothing has been done yet, something may be done to arrange a more favorable date, and at that we much leave it.
BROWN DEPUTISED FOR BROWN
Everton receive Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Saturday, and in view of the fact that it will be the leaders’ first appearance at Goodison Park since January 7th. When they defeated Middleborough3-1, there is sure to be a large crowd to welcome the men after their four keen strugglers away from home.  Kelly and O’Donnell were injured at Huddersfield and while Kelly is unable to play, the full-back has recovered quickly and he will take his customary placed as partner to Cresswell.  Brown comes in to fill Kelly’s place, and the team is otherwise unchanged.  The kick-off is at 3, and the Everton side is; - Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Brown, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

TRIUMP OF DEAN
February 9 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
DEAN SCORED FIVE
ENGLAND 8 THE REST 3
Dean, the Everton idol, carried England to a comfortable victory over the Rest in the second international trial at Middlesbrough yesterday. Dean, in scoring five goals, carried off the honours of the game. The match attracted a crowd of 20,000 people.

SPURS CHANGES AT EVERTON GROUND
Liverpool Echo - Friday 10 February 1928
EVERTON’S BIG HOPE
Bee’s Notes
At Goodison Park, for instance, there will be a return home of players seem to have been away from Goodison Park for months.  Rarely does it happen that a First Division side is away over a month at a spell.  The local folk are dying to see the men who fought o bravely at London as to get the encomiums of the London Press, and then put up another goodly show at Huddersfield.  The League race is far from lost and won at the time of writing and as the popular Spurs side make the opposition to-morrow, the gate at Goodison Park will be a mammoth one.  No side carries more support away from home and the meeting of O’Gallaghan, Osborne (one of Dean’s big rivals) Clay, Grimsdell, and the veterans Armstrong, who keeps Elkes out of the side, an Dimmock- a joyful forward –is a great draw, to which is added the view of Dean, after his five-decker success in the trial game.  These are the teams to line up at three o’clock.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Brown, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Tottenham Hotspur; Spiers; Clay, Richardson; Lowdell, Skitt, Grimsdell; Handley, O’Callagham, Lindsay or Osborne, Armstrong, Dimmock. 
EVERTON V NEWCASTLE
The Management Committee of the Football league met at Liverpool today.  The meeting was private, but it is understood that the question of the date of the match between Newcastle United and Everton, at Goodison Park, is on the agenda.  The match, originally fixed for January 28, had to be postponed owing to Cup engagements.  It was later fixed for March 28, but as this precedes the international match between England and Scotland on the 30th, Dean, if chosen for England, would be unable to help Everton.  The League was therefore asked to decide the date. 

SPURS FOR THE BLUE
February 11 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Everton were the first team to defeat Tottenham Hotspurs at White Hart Lane this season, and the Londoners carried their escutcheon with this one blot through a hazardous period until the beginning of this week when another Lancashire club, Bolton Wanderers, inflicted the second home reverse. In the circumstances with the Trotters, no matter how much they have improved lately, being good enough to knock Hotspur off the house roof, the prospects for Everton at Goodison Park today are distinctly pleasant. Everton must take this opportunity of gaining two fairly easy points with celevisy, for the shadow of might Huddersfield, the greatest power, in post-war football, is fast appearing over the Goodison Park skyline. As Huddersfield may not be great enough to win at Cardiff, it is up to Everton to try and widen the gulf.
TERRIER LIKE TOWN.
Once on terms-at present the Town are only a point behind with a game in hand –Huddersfield with a goal average which is very little inferior to the excellent one of the Blues, can hardly be shaken off. Tottenham were not at full strength against Bolton, but for today's match it is expected that both Grimsdell and Lowdell will be fit enough to play. The inclusion of Frank Osborne is doubtful, but if he cannot turn out Lindsay will lead the attack while Armstrong will play at inside left. Everton's only change is the substitution of Billy Brown for Kelly, injured in the Huddersfield match. The team as follows, (kick off being at 3.0) Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Brown, Hart, Virr, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Tottenham Hotspur: - Spiers, Clay, Richardson, Lowsdell, Skitt, Grimsdell, Handley, O'Callagan, Osborne (or Lindsay), Armstrong, Dimmock.
By the way, Everton's match with Newcastle United has been re-arranged once again, this time for April 18. It had been decided to play it on Wednesday march 28 but as England are to meet Scotland at Wembley on March 31 st a curious position would have been arisen over Dean.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 February 1928
BROADCAST OF GREAT GAME WITH ‘SPURS
DEAN’S HUNDRED?
FIRST HALF THRUSTS FOR GOALS PER CENTUM
By Bee
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Brown, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Tottenham Hotspur; Spiers; Clay, Richardson; Lowdell, Skitt, Grimsdell; Handley, O’Callaghan, Lindsay, Armstrong, Dimmock.  Referee.- Mr. W. Thomas.  For such an important game one had hoped for perfect weather, but once again Saturday had been accursed, as it were, by the clerk of the weather, but I suppose we ought to be thankful, at any rate, that it was at least a clear day.  There was no rain at the start, and the ground was in quite good condition considering all the circumstances.  The first incident of note was when Clay out-headed Dean, and a moment later Cresswell made a lovely dribble and pushed the ball to Dean, whose header was a trifle too fast for Troup.  Troup was robbed by Clay through being slow, and then Virr stopped a promising movement of the Spurs.  Hart tried to “find” Dean, but Grimsdell spoiled the idea by cutting in.  O’Callaghan set Handley going, but the latter’s centre was a poor one, and was stopped by Cresswell.  A pass by Brown gave Critchley a chance, and clever work by the winger, Irvine, and Weldon put Everton in a good position, but the move was spoiled by Troup getting offside.
THE OFFSIDE TRAP.
Richardson ran in to prevent Dean shooting from a long centre by Troup, and then the visitors worked the offside trick, and caught Dean and Troup in the trap.  Tottenham broke away on the left, but a miss-pass by Armstrong let in O’Donnell, who kicked clear.  Dean and two of the visiting defence had a race for the ball.  Dean won, and sent in a wonderful effort, which Spiers had to walk about five yards from his goal to save while being challenged by Irvine.  The Spurs got away on the left and fed Armstrong, who centred to Handley.  Handley’s shot was partially saved by Taylor, and Cresswell running up nodded the ball away to save a dangerous situation.  The Spurs now had a spell of attacking on the right wing, Handley passed to O’Callaghan, who was pulled up for offside. 
AN APPEAL FOR GOAL.
O’Donnell too the free kick, the ball going to Hart.  Cresswell received from Hart, and Brown fell as he tried to further the movement by transferring to the right wing.  Again the Spurs broke through on the left, a beautiful shot by Dimmock passing not more than a yard outside.  Amiss-pass by Brown led to Grimsdell taking a first time drive, Taylor gathering the ball at the second attempt.  The appeal for a goal was ignored by Referee Thomas.  But it was a very near thing.  Everton were now looking rather worried as a consequence of the sustained attack made by the Spurs.  O’Donnell over-dribbled, and was in the end forced to pass back to Cresswell, who set dean going.  The latter’s pass found Troup, who tricked an opponent neatly and centred, but the danger was cleared by Richardson.  The crowd had now increased to at least 30,000 and the stands were closely packed.  This was the first time Everton had been at home for over a month, and it was a great pity the weather was so bad; there would have been a record crowd otherwise.  Weldon shot from close in, but Spiers picked up with ease.  Dean slipped in gathering a pass from Weldon, but managed to get the ball to Critchley, who, much to the annoyance of the crowd, was given offside.  The ‘Spurs so far had worked the offside game very acutely.  O’Callaghan made a beautiful dribble, and then sent Handley flying away.  Taylor picked up his shot, but was charged, and in throwing away the ball went over the line for a corner.  This was headed away rather luckily by O’Donnell, but the danger was not cleared, for Handley centred again, and this time Cresswell headed away. 
THE CROWD ANNOYED
Grimsdell, who thus far had been the outstanding half-back on the field, fastened on the ball and passed to Handley, whose centre was headed away by hart.  Everton were now being harassed, and they were not at all convincing.  Following a nice movement by Troup and Dean, the centre-forward was given offside.  It was a beautiful movement, and to my mind a perfect opening from a perfect piece of football, spoiled by a very doubtful decision.  The referee was loudly booed by the crowd.
SPURS ONE UP
A clever dribble by hart resulted in a free kick, returned by Clay with a hefty punt, and this led to the opening goal of the match.  Lindsay fastened on the ball and passed to Handley, and when the latter centred Dimmock simply hit a first-class first-time drive to make Everton one down at the end of 23 minutes.  Everton were now on the collar, and Dean was hard marked and plastered by opponents.  It was a desperate blow; but the mercurial Spurs were worthy of the lead on what we had seen so far.  Critchley put in a shot which was safely held by Spiers.  It was a spinning shot, but there was not much sting behind it. a long punt up the field by Irvine was passed back to Spiers by Clay, who made a bad clearance, the ball going to Troup’s foot.  Dean was given offside again, and the crowd began to get restless at these stoppages, which were cutting up the game badly.  A free kick against Grimsdell was taken quickly by Critchley before the Spurs expected, but Clay headed away in front of the goal.  Lindsay set Dimmock going, and when the winger centred square Spurs should have scored, but Armstrong was crowded out.  The Everton forwards so far had not been at all convincing.  Indeed, the whole Everton team was not convincing; but maybe the wind had something to do with this.  Grimsdell was covered up by three men, and in the melee something was done which should not have been done.  Troup on the ball three yards from goal, shot, but found the ball clog against Spiers, who turned it over for a corner.  It was a piece of good fortune for the “Spiers that there was no one but Dean for Troup to centre to and therefore he had to try a shot.  Dean headed over the bar for the ensuing corner.  Armstrong made a long dribble and fed Lindsay, who was beaten by Cresswell.
AN EMPY GOAL
Cresswell made a bad pass to Taylor, with the result that O’Callaghan, stepping in, placed the ball into an empty goal.  This was a bad look-out for Everton, who were thus two down at the half-hour.  A passing movement in which Hart, Dean and Critchley took a prominent part led to dean and the Spurs keeper getting to the ball at the same time, Spiers, however, picked up smartly and cleared.  A narrow thing. From a free kick for offside Virr gathered the ball pushed it up the middle.  The ball travelled across the field to Brown, who beat his man and was pulled up for a foul.  Irvine received from the free-kick and passed to Critchley, Dean heading over the bar for a second time.  Critchley over-ran, and Brown centred but managed to get his pass to Dean, Skitt complained of the way Irvine charged him, and Troup, gathering the ball, sent in a nice centre to Irvine, Grimsdell and Richardson smothering his shot.  The Spurs were now continually working the offside trick, and the spectators applauded when they were hoisted with their own petard by being pulled up for offside almost on the half-way line.  Dean working through on his own pushed the ball forward by a hook to Irvine, and Spiers picked up moderately.  Richardson going to his aid sent the ball into touch.  Half-time; Everton 0, Tottenham 2. 
SURPRISED BY PUNGENT SPURS
FOUR BY O’CALLAGAN
TROUP’S DOUBLE IN DEFEAT AT GOODISON PARK
The second half opened with a beautiful solo dribble by O’Callghan, who, however, was robbed by O’Donnell.  Brown was hurt on the right knee, and went off, but soon returned. A centre by Troup was headed by Richardson, and when Critchley shot his effort was covered by a defender, while a minute later Spiers picked up from the winger’s centre despite Dean’s charge. 
TROUP REDUCES SPURS’ LEAD
A first time swinging shot by Weldon from the centre forward position-his best effort of the day-was not more than two feet wide of the mark, and then at the 49th minute Everton reduced the lead, Irvine fastened on a goal kick by Spiers and passed to Dean.  The centre forward transferred the ball to Weldon, and when Weldon offered Troup a chance the latter scored with a brilliant first time shot in practically the same manner as Dimmock had scored in the first half.  Almost straight from the kick-off, however, the Spurs added a third goal, O’Callaghan making the score 3-1 at the end of 51 minutes –two goals in two minutes.  The home defence was to blame in this instance, for when the ball was hooked up and O’Callaghan raced through, he was allowed to score pretty easily, Taylor being in an impossible position to gather the ball.  O’Donnell next went up the wing and became an outside left for the moment, and put in a beautiful shot which was punched away by Spiers.  Cresswell hesitated and seemed to let in Lindsay, who followed up, but the back recovered and punted the ball to Critchley, who made his best dribble of the match.  Weldon shot from a mass of players outside and it was then seen that Tommy Clay had been injured.  He was limping badly, and a free kick was awarded the ‘Spurs. 
HAT-TRICK BY O’CALLAGHAN
A good solo effort by Lindsay ended with an unselfish pass to O’Callaghan, who scored goal number four and incidentally his hat-trick.  This after ten minutes of the second half had gone.  This was a great surprise to Everton- the greatest they have had since Crystal Palace beat them in the Cup-tie at Goodison Park some years ago.  Brown, Critchley, and Hart, in the passing movement, resulted in Dean netting the ball.  He was given offside, however, despite his appeal to the referee.  The players were now holding their heads as if in pain through the extreme conditions of hail, rain and gale, whilst Taylor was huddled up against a goalpost trying to get the greatest possible shelter he could.  Everton again got on the attack, and Dean headed what he hoped would be his forty-first League goal of the season, Spiers, however, picking up and clearing. 
TROUP’S DOUBLE
At the sixty-fifth minute Troup netted the ball to make the score 4-2, and the referee was surrounded by eight or nine Tottenham players appealing that it was no goal, but the referee pointed to the centre.  O’Donnell put the ball up a little too far, and Spiers ran out and picked up.  Troup kicked the ball against the side netting, and we were now seeing the old Everton of October, November, and December.  Dean fastened on a pass by Irvine and pushed the ball up the middle.  Going straight for goal he made a brilliant drive, but Spiers, who had advanced six or seven yards, patted the ball away.  This was one of the features of the second half, and was the best save of the day so far.  Everton were now crowding on pressure, and a corner by critchly was handed out by Spiers when Virr headed in.  Dean was charged in the back, and the crowd claimed for a penalty, but the referee would have nothing of it.  O’Donnell went up and nearly scored with a long shot.  Dena just failed to score from a beautiful centre by Critchley, and Weldon was only inches out.  O’Callaghan was playing brilliantly, and in a manner which thoroughly deserved a Welsh cap. 
O’CALLAGHAN’S FOURTH
O’Callaghan, with a brilliant drive, made the score 5-2 for the Spurs.  The more practical and definite side won the game.  The match was a sensational one in the sense that Everton had not been beaten in this fashion at home all the season.  Everton have had more goals scored against hem in the last three weeks than almost during the whole of their previous home matches.  Final; Everton 2, Tottenham 5.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 February 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

BEE’S LETTER-BAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 February 1928
YOUR TURN NEXT!
The sixth annual reunion of the Everton and Liverpool turnstile attendants, held at the Sandon Hotel, on Tuesday evening, proved a best-ever in more senses than one.  In the first place there was a record gathering in point of numbers.  Secondly, the catering “heads” excelled themselves and finally, the musical programme touched high-water mark in regard to this popular function.  Consequently the evening proved a memorable one, reflecting great credit upon and assuredly giving tremendous satisfaction to the promoters.  The toast list was but a short one, the proposers being Messrs, E. Jones, and Summersgill; the responses being made by Messrs Barker and Walters (Everton and Liverpool clubs) and Mr. L.T. Kelly (Echo).  But the outstanding feature was the night’s musical programme, wherein a new comer tenor, Mr. C. Haigh, of “Haigh’s, Huddersfield,” created a splendid impression.  It evidently isn’t good footballers only that they turn out from this Yorkshire hotbed!  Other s who excelled included Messrs Tom Smith, Clarke Davies, Jas. Williams, Monty Hamilton, Will Cubbey, J. Boden, F. Fletcher, W. Pincers, W. McGrath, T. W. Pamfreyman, James Williams, and the Apollo Quartet; whilst Red Webster at the piano proved “one of the best,” Mr. E. Jones resided in his usual able manner, and especial thanks were accorded to Mr. Joe Williams for bringing together such stars. 
NEW DATE FOR EVERTON MATCH
Everton and Newcastle United have agreed to play their postponed match at Goodison Park on April 18.  On the card, originally for January 28, it was postponed owing to the Cup-ties and two subsequent dates announced proved to be unsuitable owing to the international trial, in the first instance, calming Dean’s services, and the probability of Dean and Gallacher being debarred from playing in the week of the international match between England and Scotland, in the second instance. 
In the trial match at Middlesbrough Dean, the Everton centre forward scored five goals out of eight credited to England.  The Rest obtained three. In representative football during the last two seasons Dean’s record is;-
1926-27
V The Rest 4 goals
v. Wales 2 goals
v. Scotland 2 goals
v Belgium 3 goals
v Luxembourg 3 goals
v. France 2 goals
Total 16
1927-28
V Irish League 4 goals
For Lancashire F.A 4 goals
V Rest 3 goals
V Rest 5 goals
V Ireland 0 goals
V wales 0 goals
    Total 16
The matches on the continent were played in May

EVERTON THRASHED AT HOME.
Athletic News - Monday 13 February 1928
O’CALLAGHAN’S QUARTET OF GOALS IN TEAM-WORK TRIUMPH FOR TOTTENHAM.
DEAN’S BLANK DAY
Everton 2 Tottenham Hotspurs 5
By Junius.
This was a punishing game, played under conditions that were atrocious. To begin with, the ground became churned into a sea of mud, and midway through the second half a terrific hailstorm swept the pitch for ten minutes with such severity that the players were scarcely distinguishable. But, amid it all, it was obvious from first to last that the 'Spurs were the more complete footballers, for they combated the ground defects, wind and hail, found their men with more accuracy, rarely indulged In frills.  Still, the game was never as one-sided as the score suggests, but there could be no mistaking the fact that the London men were the better-balanced and faster moving set. Their team work was cleverly executed, and, all round, the side did not, reveal any weakness in any position. On the other hand, Everton were fitful, and were often at fault in attempting close play. This was not altogether confined to the forwards, for the defence, too, was inclined to dribble on the heavy turf when it was obviously the best policy to boot the ball, and strongly, too.
Capable Half-Backs
All the Spurs' forwards played well, for they were constructive and moved about with an easy assurance, and were alert to every chance that came along.  Everton's attacks were frequently nipped at their inception by a capable line of half-backs and as Dean was constantly under the watchful eye of Skitt and Clay his colleagues were unable to make progress with their customary skill.  Thus the attack became lop-sided but I am rather inclined to think that they allowed themselves to be thrown off their game by failing to counter the off-side methods adopted by the opposing defenders. Dean was the man mostly feared, and stoppages due to these tactics became irritating. The 'Spurs led by two goals at half time and were certain full value for them.  Handley provided Dimmock with the opportunity to open the score, after twenty minutes and at the half-hour, Cresswell paved the way for the second when he passed the ball back to Taylor from close quarters.  The ball only travelled a couple of yards, and O'Callaghan was there first to place it into the untenanted goal.  Five minutes after the resumption Troup reduced the lead, but the margin was restored within a minute on O’Callaghan rounding Cresswell to completely defeat Taylor, the inside right ten minutes later placing his side further ahead on taking a pass from Armstrong. 
Cresswell's Mistakes
Troup again reduced the lead, but he appeared to me to be off-side and though Everton struggled strenuously to make up the leeway, the 'Spurs returned to the attack, and on Drimmock taking the ball from Cresswell, who was attempting to dribble, O'Callaghan took the pass almost on the half-way line to race on and score his fourth goal of the game two minutes from time.  Cresswell had an unfortunate day.  It may be that he missed Kelly, who was injured the previous week; at any rate, there was little understanding between the captain and Brown. Cresswell was unfortunate in that his few lapses conceded goals; otherwise his work was up to a good standard. All the Tottenham half-hacks played well, and here it was that than slight lead was maintained. Grimsdell has still a wise old head his shoulders and though occasionally penalized, anticipated the movements of Irvine and Critchley to a nicety, while he was power in defence when Everton were pressing Skitt was successful In shadowing Dean and he often swung the ball out to Handley and Dimmoek, who were more virile raiders than the Everton outside men. Troup was the more effective, but his partner indulged in too many frills and fancies, a drawback that "retorted progressive movements. Clay and Richardson were tenacious pair defenders, who refused to run risks in the goal area as did the home defenders. But the man of the match, apart from O'Callaghan, was Spiers, who often saved strong drives, all potential scoring shots. Two notable saves were those shots from Critchlcy and Troup, for on each occasion all seemed lost. The ’Spurs fully earned their success and spectators were left wondering how they have only managed to record three victories in their away engagements this season. Everton.—Taylor; Cresswell. O Donnell; Brown, Hart, Virr; Critchley. Irvine, Dean, Weldon, and Troup. Tottenham Hotspur. Spiers: Clay, Richardson; Lowdell, Skitt, Grimsdell, Handley, O Callaghan, Lindsay, and Dimmock. Referee: W. Thomas, Willenhall.

WHY EVERTON FADED OUT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 13 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
What is wrong with Everton?
They have forgotten to link up their half backs with their forwards.  I am thinking of the future rather than the past.  Saturday’s debacle started when Cresswell struck a wrong patch.  He never got over his passing mistakes.  But the stricture in the Everton structure is that the pass-back from forward to half back (when the forward is harassed) has been forgotten.  That was one of the secrets of their success in the early months of the season.  There has been so much marking of the centre forward that the other inside forward men should be having a good time.  They are not.  The reason is that there is a selfish vein in the manner of play.  That’s my reckoning anyway!  Laid to rest, gently and firmly our two clubs on Saturday went home without a point to their name.  that was a good struggle on the part of Liverpool, but Everton just added one more shock absorber to the list that field the ”Football Echo” on Saturday.  There had been a suggestion of jaded, faded play on the part of Everton, when things have not gone their way, and though they fought valiantly against Arsenal, after having being well down, and repeated the dose after Huddersfield had taken a solid lead, there was something lacking, and it seemed that strength and earnestness had given out.  Tottenham Hotspur well and truly beat them 5-2, and if the margin is kind to the London side Everton cannot complain, for they did not shape like leaders of a league.  Perhaps the tonic of Huddersfield losing once again to tally with Everton’s loss will set the Mersey men on the upgrade; but what a rare chance Everton lost of solidifying their chance by a home win.  They have been home so few times in the last two months that the welcome they got should have inspired them to go ahead with forcing tactics.  Actually, Everton lost because they played the wrong game at the wrong moment.  There were times when they had the ball near goal and they moved hither and thither.  How different the Spurs who lived up to their name plate.  Take the last goal as a sample.  Cresswell had gone far up into the attack, to help to make a further raid, he was beaten, and the ball went to Dimmock.  Dimmock strode on two paces, centred O’Callaghan moved up, and without flourish or flurry moved straight up towards goal, unmarked!  And he played the goal unmistakably.  The goalkeepers could not move easily in the mud, the forwards could not wheel about at will, and maybe all the Everton side were afflicted with the same complaint –the desire to work the ball instead of letting the ball do the work. 
O’CALLAGAN’S CROP.
It was strange to pick out Dean without a goal and with a crowd of players on him whenever he moved; yet his inner forwards did not show up well, and the shooting of the line as a whole was infrequent.  In looking for the middle link they seem to have lost sense of confidence; they should be getting a lot of goals, and it is inconceivable that they are not getting them.  It is due in part to the idea that they must pass and repass instead of blazing away at a rational angle- Troup got two goals, and is second to Dean in the scoring list.  This does not say much for the rest of the forwards concerned.  Weldon has had a very lean period, and Irvine for his labours, should get far more goals.  Not that the forwards were alone to blame for this surprise revengeful victory of Spurs, who had been beaten at White Hart-lane; he no; the half-backs were a slow line, with Brown doing quite well as Kelly’s deputy, and finally we had a slip-up defence in which Cresswell had strokes of bad fortune allied to a bad day’s experiences, O’Callaghan was not the only bugbear-he scored four out of five after having the way shown to him by Dimmock-and apart from actual goalling the credit of the will goes to the whole sale, for there was not a weak link.  Grimsdell was very strong on Critchley, and Skitt, Clay, and Richardson took Dean in hand.  Handley and Dimmock were the extreme wingers I like to see; a tap and a centre and the centre forward has a chance; the defence has not me to congregate, whereas at Everton’s attack there is a delay and a lack of cohesion quite foreign to what went for their football in the early months of the season.
THE BIGGEST BLOT
It was good football; it was the biggest surprise of the home season.  Troup’s goal, they tell me, was yards offside- I couldn’t tell from the broadcast perch- and certainly he was the one forward who lived up to his reputation and played practical football.  Spiers had his good-fortune- slices and he is entitled to them; but he should have been beaten early on when the goal was gaping at a man who used to have a crack shot and now cannot produce power into his shots.  I wonder how these things evaporate.  The redeeming feature of the day was the result column, which showed that Huddersfield had fallen almost as heavily as Everton had fallen.  It’s a wonderful season, and the difference of 16 points between top and bottom sides shows us that we ought to expect these surprise packets.  However, nobody looked on Spurs as a likely winning side after what they had done during the week and, in fact, during the season.  The truth is that being at the top of the chart means that all your games are Cup finals- the opposition specialists in their efforts to take you from the top perch.  However, the fact of 13 goals against Everton in three games makes one ponder over the Goodison defence as well as some forward traits. 

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 14 February 1928
Everton F.C have no match on Saturday.  The players can do with the rest.  Everton are definitely out to strengthened a forward position and news will shortly come through.  The possibility of Spencer, of Newcastle United arriving at a field in our neighbourhood is here and now mentioned. 

AND NOW THE EVERTON CRY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 15 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton, through the recent falls, have come into the letter-groan department;- I consider the Everton directors might be expected to redouble their efforts to obtain new players.  I have read of them being at this and that game across the border, and of having their eyes on this and that player, but this is usually as far as they get.  But to revert again to Saturday’s upheaval, this game provided us, unquestionably, with the key weakness in the team.  What I am more concerned about, however, is that they always rush off to Scotland in search of recruits instead of trying to satisfy their requirements by “tapping” English League clubs, whose players, generally speaking, are more practical and, therefore, less likely to surrender effectiveness for finesse.  Trusting that this may prove to be a few words in season.  I would like to say, in conclusion, how I enjoy your articles in the “Weekly Post,” and to express a wish that similar copy be provided for the “Echo.” 
“Griff” writes;- You ask what is wrong with Everton?  Let Davies in.  Selfishness is pronounced since Forshaw has been missing.  Everton will not thrive until Forshaw and Dixie Dean get together again. 
“Pat Grey” of Gloucester-crescent, London, writes; - I read your notes re Everton-Huddersfield match, I agree with everything you say.  The Cup-tie with Arsenal was lost mainly through the Everton directors playing a clever footballer who disorganizes the front line.  Everton require a fast-moving right wing and new inside men who will not tie themselves up with the ball until the whole defence is on them.  I have been a supporter of Everton for forty years and would like to see them do well, but the policy of persisting with names in spite of the way the men play passes every whole-hearted supporters comprehension. 

“BILLY” EASTON
Blyth News - Thursday 16 February 1928
Will “Billy” Easton, the Blyth inside-right whom the Spartans transferred to Everton last march, make a change to the neighouring rivals, Liverpool?  The Anfield Road club is known to be decided on securing new forwards, and the following apparently inspired paragraph is taken from a Liverpool sporting journal; - “We have a player of ability at the Anfield doorstep in Easton, of Everton Reserves, and I am sure if the Anfield scouts were to approach their neighbours in a friendly manner, I have no doubt this player could be obtained to become of some use to Liverpool.” 

WANTS A CHANGE
Coventry Evening Telegraph - Saturday 18 February 1928
Joseph Russell McCrae, the Norwich City left half is not quite settled at the moment, and would like a change of quarters.  Providing the right figure was offered for him, Norwich officials would not stand in his way if he can better himself.  He is a produce of the Bootle club, and assisted Everton and Tranmere Rovers before going to Norwich.  Eight hundred pounds would but him. 

EVERTON RES V MAN UTD RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 February 1928
At Goodison Park.  There was a great crowd to see the team that included Forshaw in a trial run and taking matters steadily and J.H. Clayton, ex-Marine, making his debut for the United.  It was, however, a mediocre first half, for the United defence persistently worked the offside theory, and Everton’s forwards were often caught in the trap.  The home eleven were a shade the more superior and an element of good fortune often saved the visitors.  Houghton scored after four minutes and White and Forshaw sent well over the top when favourably placed.  Snap centres later resulted in Clayton and Sweeney scoring goals for Manchester.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, Manchester United Res 2. 

DEAN’S GOAL-TOLL –OFFICIAL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 February 1928
COLLECTION OF POINTS IN REPRESENTATIVE FOOTBALL- BY ENGLAND’S CENTRE
In view of the varied and differing statements regarding William Dean’s goals this season, “Bee” has gathered together the official list, and it forms a striking collection.  As the Continental tour was played “this” season –last May –it is included.  The goals scored by Dean in club and representative games are as follow;-
English League games (up to yesterday) …40
F.A Cup ties………………………………………………3
Inter-League games………………………………….4
Blackpool (Hospital Cup)…………………………..5
Continental Tour English F.A……………………..9
Fleetwood Disaster match ………………………..4
F.A Trial at West Bromwich……………………….3
F.A Trial at Middlesbrough………………………..5
                                       Total ……………………..73

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 February 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

“GIVE IT TO DIXIE”
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 February 1928
By J Hill, Burnley
Your centre forward may be the very best ever, but he won’t get goals unless he has the men on either side of him who can draw the opposition.  I am told that the slogan at Everton, and the slogan at Middlesbrough in the Trial match recently, was this;  “Give it to Dixie.”  It isn’t a bad slogan either, because Dean can put them into the net, there’s no doubt about that.  But it is of little use giving it to “Dixie” –or any other centre forward for that matter –unless the opposition has been drawn away from him to a certain extent.  It is primarily the duty of the inside wing men to draw the opposition from the centre forward.  As a centre-half I know the team which give me most difficulty; it is those which possess those scheming, seldom in their places, inside wing men.  You know them as well as I do –the players who draw the centre-half over to one side of the field and then put the ball to some player on the other side.  From the half-back’s point of view the are a nuisance.  A moment’s reflection will serve to show how these inside wing men are working, not only for the centre-forward, but also for their extreme wing men- the outside rights and the outside left.  Players in these positions are now getting more goals than the inside wing men.  Why? Because they are being provided with chances.  So, while we talk of the need for centre-forwards –of the great part which a centre-forward can play in a side-let us sum up by saying that the game’s greatest need to-day is for super-footballers at inside right and inside left.  That is my view, anyway. 

“BEE’S” LETTER-BAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 February 1928
TAYLOR NO TO BLAME
Please excuse me for trespassing (says “Evertonian”) my reason for doing so is that I have noticed a tendency in a Liverpool paper (not the “Echo”) and on the part of some spectators, to attach some of the blame for Saturday’s debacle, at Goodison Park, to Taylor.  I don’t know Taylor personally, and so have no axe to grind, but I want to say that Taylor was absolutely left between “the devil and the deep sea” by the men in front of him, and had no chance with any of the goals.  How many times was he left alone to face two or three Spurs’ forwards, in fact, he was very badly let down all round.  It is remarkable the number of goalkeepers that have had their confidence undermined at Everton by the tactics of the men in front.  The Everton half-backs never got into the game on Saturday from the commencement, Virr especially being very slow and clumsy.  The failure of this department to put a bit of ginger into their tackling, coupled with Cresswell’s unaccountable lapses, was the cause of the trouble.  By the way, “Bee,” is there no hope of Forshaw being fit ere long?  It seems strange, but Everton’s forward ineptitude seems to date from the tune that he was injured.  The present inside forwards never seem able to create openings for some reason or other. 
A WORD TO –DEAN!
“Analysis” writes a rather too long letter.  I have given the “kernel” of the composition;  Years ago when an Everton team looked like heading the League and was lapsing, I wrote you what was I believe the first letter you published in your columns.  Then I wrote purely on lines asking for faith patience in the team in a time of misfortune.  To-day I write to call attention to what I believe are faults which I know will not meet with general acceptance.  But the Everton directors and the critics who count will already have spotted these points, or if not will readily recognize their weight.  It is like waving a red rag to a bull to suggest that Dixie Dean, good as he is, is far from perfect.  There are serious faults in his methods, judged from any standard but that of goal scoring.  He may develop into the finest centre-forward produced.  But, to-day.  Halliday and other perhaps are better.  Why?  Everton is a very light team.  There are two big men only in it; neither uses his weight in midfield for the general good.  One plays in goal, so cannot; the other is- Dean.  You have therefore mine light men to do the team work of ten- an impossible job on heavy grounds.  And next Saturday will be the fourteenth wet one in succession!  Watch Dean.  The ball comes to midfield, giving him and an opponent an equal chance to get it.  it is odds that he will move forward, hoping that one of his inside men will get the ball for the side.  The inside lacks weight and must take this up by extra activity and energy.  This means wear and tear at best which should fall to Dean.  At worst, and this often happens, the opponents’ extra weight is the determining factor, which secures not only the ball but the initiative.  Another point.  Dean too often is too far up the field.  Clever defences put him offside (continues the correspondent).  His present methods throw all the hurly-burly midfield upon his colleagues, and in heavy weather they are far too light to stand the strain.  Taylor is short in length when taking the goalkicks; an important point always, but vitally so in the circumstances upon which this letter is based.  The present team is a very fine one.  But the principles upon which the team bases its game are lacking.  Success justifies a good deal, and it is only in the last few weeks that those I have spoken to in the matter begin to believe I am right.  Midfield is still the most important spot on the ground.  You can only relax your efforts there at imminent risk of throwing too much work on the defence.  When looking out for likely men no harm can come from remembering that “a good little ‘un is all right until a good big ‘un comes along.” 

EVERTON “A” v. POULTON ROVERS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 February 1928
Everton had best part of the play in the opening stages, and in the first 15 minutes French and Causfield obtained goals, Poulton were very weak in their attacks, and never looked like scoring.  Everton, with a strong wind in their favour, kept up the pressure, and near the interval were leading by two goals to nothing. 

EVERTON 2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 5
February 20 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
WELSH LAD CHIEF ACTOR IN LATEST EVERTON CRASH
O'CALLAGHAN'S FOUR GOAL FOR TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR AT GOODISON PARK
TROUP THE ONLY BLUEBIRD TO TWITTER
The display of Everton against the Spurs at Goodison Park set one thinking. The Bluebirds flopped, certainly, but there is no particular significance about it. They can and will do better. Everton threw away chances in the first half, but although they were up again in with a grin in the second they were quite unable, although they tried hard, to make good against the elements. It was must certainly Evertons' “off-day.” There was trouble almost everywhere. Cresswell has not been up against it as on this occasion for many a long day. He was not the strategist he usually is, and seemed to be unsettled after the Spurs' first goal by Dimmock, in which little blame attached to him. The same could not be said in what followed, for a bad pass back by Cresswell to Taylor, who could not reach the ball, led to O'Callaghan obtaining the first of his bunch of four goals.
KELLY MISSED.
Undoubtedly Cresswell missed Kelly, who is injured, in front of him, for they understand each other's game, and adopt a system of covering in which Cresswell think out some of the moves. Brown apparently, did not tumble to it, and required more speed to cope with Dimmock (a box of tricks) and Armstrong. Yet they should have been countered, because the ‘Spurs' idol is a forward who hangs on to the ball. Virr, on the other Everton in middle line flank played quite a useful parr, and Hart a hard general utility played without much reward. O'Donnell did well, and with Virr, tried hard, with variable success, to take care of a great pair O'Callaghan and Handley, the former the Welsh slip of a lad who made a meteoric rise to fame last season, and the latter a wiry ball controller with a way of changing his tactics. O'Callaghan's four goals included one in the first half, and one had the impression that Taylor, who had not a great amount of work, had not the confidence of his best days at close quarters.
DEAN WELL HELD.
Dean came into view with a few headlong efforts, but generally speaking he was snuffed cut like a candle in a gate. When he obtained the ball three men held him. Young Skitt never left him, and he covered up well, while Grimsdell, the many times capped veteran, if he has not his former speed, was most tenacious, and never waited on ceremony in a tackle. In Lowdell, whom the ‘Spurs exchanged for Jimmy Seed with the Wednesday, the Londoners had also another hard working destructive type of half-back. Everton wings were often ineffective, but, to give them their due, the forwards deserved some reward only the superb goalkeeping of Spiers, the ex-Villa goalkeeper, robbing them of it. We should like to have seen Irvine giving more though to the men on each side of him; neither was the Weldon and Troup blend perfect, for the inside man, who can shoot was inclined to wonder. Troup had scored a couple of goals in the second half, but there seemed grounds for the ‘Spurs' appeal for offside in the second.
OFFSIDE EXPERTS.
The ‘Spurs' are past masters in the offside game, and did not overlook it this time. They were however, the more methodical and faster side, and found their men with their passes, which could not be always said of Everton. the crop of goals was a new experience for the Bluebirds, who have had more goals put up against them in the past three weeks than during the whole of their preceding home matches. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Brown, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Tottenham Hotspurs: - Spiers, goal, Clay and Richardson, backs, Lowdell, Skitt and Grimsdell, half-backs, Handley, O'Callagahn, Lindsay, Armstrong and Dimmock, forwards.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
February 20 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 26)
A large crowd saw Everton make several early raids in this Central League game, and after the United custodian had twice saved Houghton drove in to give the Blues an early lead. This goal should have been followed by others, but White and Forshaw missed fine openings. Clayton, ex-Marine, displayed any amount of dash, and had the satisfaction of levelling the scores, thus netting on his first appearances for the United. He also had a hand in the second point, which was scored by Sweeney. For long spells in the second half the Everton forwards hammered at the Manchester goal without success. Whitehead made several daring if rather lucky saves and Dale kicked off the line with the goalkeeper well beaten. After a previous penalty claim had been igorned, Everton were awarded a spot kick, when the Manchester goalkeeper pulled down White, Forshaw scored without difficulty. Everton: - Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Bain, Griffirths, and Rooney, half-backs, Kendrick, Forshaw, White, Houghton, and Lewis, forwards.

MORE ENTHUSIASM THAN METHOD DOWN SOUTH
Athletic News - Monday 20 February 1928
I have seen Everton in all their home games this season and I can assure your correspondents from down South that Dean never moves without a least two of the opposing team in attendance, that dean takes more knocking about than any other man in the game, and that, in my opinion, he is the poorest supported centre-forward in the First Division.  When Dean scores a League goal for Everton it is generally a personal triumph for him.  CHAS. F.A. CLOUGH, 48, Derwent-rd., Stonecroft, Liverpool. 

OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 4
February 22 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 27)
Everton Reserves fielding the best Central League attack seem at Boundard Park this season gained a well earned win over Oldham Athletic Reserves yesterday. Easton and kendrick displayed brilliant form on the right, and had Cooper hopelessly chasing shadows all the afternoon. The pair had the Oldham defence a merry dance, with White was a thrustful leader and Lewis a dangerous on the other flank. Bain was the pick of the half-backs, for while Griffiths supported his own forwards well he was not always equal to holding Stapton, who although often playing a lone hand, worrying the Everton defence to some purpose. Kennedy stood out head and shoulders among the backs and never put a foot wrong. Hardy was a capable goalkeeper and no chance with the shots that beat him, and twice being twice unsigned, and he saved a penalty taken by Goodier. Easton opened the scoring and restored the Everton lead after Stanton had netted in the second half. White and Houghton added goals for the winners, Crompton and Dyson scored with a couple of good shots. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Kendrick, Forshaw, White, Houghton, and Lewis, forwards.

RETURN PACKETS IN THE LOCAL DERBY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 22 February 1928
EACH SIDE HAPPY TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bee’s Notes
There is a very happy ring about the Mersey Derby game at Anfield on Saturday.  Last night when the directors of both sides met; they had the pleasure of hearing doctor’s’ report s which showed that both sides would be at full strength.  A week ago this seemed an impossible outlook, but here to-day we announce the return to the fold of Forshaw (against his old side) and Kelly (who damaged a rib at Huddersfield), and so far as Liverpool is concerned there was great rejoicing at the fact that Gordon Hodgson had recovered to the extent that he could play in this strenuous game.  He had a run-out last week in a friendly game, and now he comes to a post that has not been filled with success during this absence; indeed, it is only his absence that has led many Anfield people to realize his worth- his heading is one of his strongest points, and his physique is another.  His coming-in allows Jackson to go to centre half-back to keep watch over his flock by Saturday- as he did in the Goodison Park meeting, when a draw of one-one surprised the home team and supporters, for at that time Liverpool were not going strong.  The match has come at a convenient moment, because Liverpool have won a surprising victory away from home (at Derby), and Everton have been sliding, and there is an intenseness about Saturday’s issue that makes it probable there will be a record for Anfield, which has grown much since the out-season, thanks to a wonderful “top-hat” for Spion Kop.  There are no tickets for the match; it is a case of first-come-first-served, and as friend Mr. Billy Bunnell is in charge of the contestants, there is no fear in our minds about the control of the game, and all the players know his standing, and will be content to abide by his alert decisions.  Thus everything is in apple-pie order for a grand game.  There are the teams;-
Liverpool; Riley; Lucas, Mackinlay; Morrison, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Chambers, Race, Hopkins.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  The appearance of young Race in a game of this description shows the new spirit of the football age- to-day young folk come in at the earliest possible moment to prove that youth will be served, Race, at twenty-one years of age, is having seniority thrust upon him.  He has had quite a hectic time since he left his Northern home.  His first day was a hailstorm match, in which he scored his side’s only goal –his Central L\eague debut; next came a mid-week First Division match, in which he scored the first goal for his side; a few days later he was up against Neil McBain in a friendly; and the next issue is the Liverton game –a real baptism into the throes of partisanship and pleasure, for 99 per cent of our Derby games have been the essence of fairness and enjoyment.  May the good work go on Saturday, when we gather the whole of the forces of the City in another battling contest! 

EVERTON PLAYER TRANSFERRED
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, February 23, 1928
Everton’s half-back and utility servant David Reid has been transferred to Belfast Distillery.  He is one of four brothers, two of whom have been with New Brighton

DAVID REID
February 24 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
David Reid has severed his connection with Everton and gone back to the distillery club. I well remember this fresh complexioned player figuring in the Irish league team against the English league team at Anfield in 1919-20 season, when the result was 2-2 draw. Reid was at centre-forward that day and his fine play led to Everton signing him on from the distillery club. He proved a fine servant for the Goodison club, and at different times figured in most of the forward and half-back positions. His best position is half-back, but he is the type of player, who can do well anywhere, and he should strengthen his old club. He is a brother of john and max, who have played for New Brighton, all three being half-backs.

TAYLOR UNABLE TO KEEP GUARD FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 February 1928
Tomorrow’s match at Anfield between Liverpool and Everton has suffered something in the matter of team-sheets, owing to the inability of Ted Taylor, the Everton goalkeeper, to take his customary place.  He had his hand damaged at Birmingham, and no sooner had this got better than he damaged a finger in the Huddersfield match.  This injury was increased in the meeting of Everton and the ‘Spurs a fortnight ago, and Taylor is forced to retire from the important game.  Hardy, ex-Stockport, would naturally be expected to take the vacant place, but he, too, is in doubt owing to injury, and it might be that Davies, who has quite a useful first team experience, will be found in charge of the Everton goal to-morrow. 
A total of 30 pounds 6s 3d was raised for St. Dunstan’s at the collection on the ground during the Everton v. Tottenham Hotspurs match. 

THE GREAT DAY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 February 1928
BREEZY AND BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR LIVERTON MATCH
Bee’s Notes
Into the breach again!  Another meeting of the Liverpool and Everton clubs.  What memories the fixture creates!  What pleasure have been produced in their meetings at Anfield and Goodison Park!  To those of our city who are not accustomed to the game I recommend the meeting of Reds and Blues as a picture match- a match wherein the element of deadly partisanship does not prevent the players of both sides playing THE game!  Boy, bring me the lyre, let us muse;- Let’s play the game.  Through thick and thin; the chances are, perchance, we win.  But if we lose, Not ours the blame.
If we but ever PLAY THE GAME.  The difficulty of the morrow is to say something to-day that shall not give the Red and Blue any idea that I am working in a supposed favourite line.  You know what I mean!  I have to forget that these are two city teams and to judge them according to their own lights.  Therefore I propose to put it on record that I believe the game at Anfield to-morrow will be a draw – this is the first time in a quarter of a century, as far as my memory reminds me, that I have ever voted for division of the spoils.  The reason for so doing is that I cannot separate the two teams.  Everton have undoubtedly run into a cold iceberg of misfortune that has left them with many occasions for talking the ball to the centre of the field to restart the game.  There has been a lack of consistency in defence; there has been a distinct speed-wobble at a time when speed was not exactly necessary.  Everton have in the last six weeks changed their mode of play and their style.  Gone are the days when their half backs intermixed in the combination; gone are the days when the inner forwards made a quick pass and winger away first time.  Are the days gone for all time?  Or is it just a passing fancy, due to the absence of the old-head?  Forshaw, who returns to the game at the same time as Kelly, comes back to half back duty?  To-morrow will tell us the answer.  One thing we must remember too, is that dean was held tight by James Jackson in the previous meeting, and therefore Everton have got to alter their plan of campaign if they hope to amend their ways and turn into the victory channel. 
THE HOME SIDE
But there are other points that lead me to the drawn selection.  Liverpool have been frankly bad in a period of say two months.  They have slipped up at home before their own loyal bodies and that is a sin in the eye of the Reds’ sect. 
THE TURNING POINT
Many could see the tread of events; there was a lack of punch, and the half back line was not covering itself with glory.  The whole team begin to “rock,” the ardent Anfield followers at last said to himself.  “This cannot go on.”  The appearance of T. Morrison brought some relief; you have to look persistently into this player’s notions to realise the game he plays; at Derby the local folk missed him, yet I placed him as playing beautifully constructive football; he does not dash in two-footed to make a tackle; he holds off to size up the prospective move of his rival, and Edmed has the joy of an upward ground pass that can be taken in the running.  Which is football!  Clarke, of Newcastle, came, saw, and –fell to injury thus early.  Then Race raced to the front and took the lead among the forwards and A..field could not believe its own eyes!  Liverpool had tumbled once again on a cheap purchase, and his coming created the atmosphere of confidence that had been so lacking in the Anfield camp.  James Jackson is able to go to the pivotal place and concentrate upon his work as he concentrates upon his devotional duty- he is taking the services at Wallasey Presbytrian Church on Sunday morning and evening, next week he visits Ormskirk and the following Sunday goes to Mr. Lanceley’s church.  He gets through as much work on Saturday as he does on Sunday- which is saying a great deal.  Football is the richer for a man of his talents and example. 
GORDON ANFIELDERS.
Gordon Hodgson has had a varied experience at Anfield.  He came from South Africa, made good, and then went a trifle stale, so that the crowd thought of him only in terms of stones and pounds.  They would have produced some stones for him but for the persistence with which this column kept telling them he was better than ever they dreamed. And one day this season a man came to me at Bury and said; “We must put up our hands; Gordon Hodgson has turned out as you said he would.”  He has added body to the Liverpool branch; he has created headed goals; he has never stopped working at the defence, and his return to the side after a too-lengthy absence is one of the great charms of the Liverpool team-sheet to-morrow.  Liverpool have everything in their favour; so have Everton –that’s why I think it is a draw we shall see to-morrow.  Meantime, let me quote a letter from a very fine guide of the city, Mr. Tom H. Blair.  He says; - “One good thing about Dixie Dean’s technical excellence (as a scribe in your “Football Echo” last week)- which you sadly lack- is his ability to favour both sides with special preference.”  That is a good one!  I am happy to say have no preference shares!  Now let us draw up the plan of the field.  Liverpool; Riley; Lucas, Mackinlay; Morrison, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Chambers, Race, Hopkin.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

EVERTON DEFENCE ALTERED FOR GREAT DERBY
February 25 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
TAYLOR STANDS DOWN OWING TO INJURY
Everton have had the misfortune to be compelled to make a change for the great “Derby” match with Liverpool at Anfield today. Ted Taylor, their famous goalkeeper, has had to stand down owing to an old hand injury, and Hardy will deputise between the posts. This is hard luck indeed, for the Goodison Park side, who, however, will be at full strength otherwise, Liverpool will, of course, field a combination which has been re-invigorated by an expensive transfusion of new blood and the return of Hodgson. This match, more than any other meeting of local sides today provides a double barrels problem for the prophets, for when there is a clashing of the two great Merseyside clans anything is bound to happen. This will be the 25 th meeting between the clubs in the League at Anfield, Liverpool have won eight, including the last three, and Everton 11. EVERTON'S CROWN IN DANGER?
The affair of today will be invested with interest by reason of Everton's position at the top of the table. Huddersfield who visit Bolton, are not likely to do more than draw their defeat quite possible –but if they divide the spoils with the Wanderers and if Everton lose, the Leeds road people's goal average is so little inferior that arrears could be soon made up. And they still have a match in hand. All this, by the way, is suppose them. It is simply meant to show that Everton will have an added zest if any were needed to gain a clear-cut win and help to counteract that one match advantage with Huddersfield hold. The town too, will be keen on avoiding defeat at Burnden Park, for the Leicester menace is growing. Leicester could easily pop into second place today by winning against the Arsenal (which they can do) but first Huddersfield must lose. Bolton also have a chance of going into the third berth today if Leicester do no more than draw, while Cardiff whose win during the week brought them up next best to the Wanderers, are in the swim as well, but to a lessor degree.

NOMAD STROLLERS V EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 February 1928
At Penny-lane.  Thrills where the order of the day.  Everton at length succeeded, their inside-left netting with a point blank drive.  Soon after this Nomads equalized through a scrimmage in the goalmouth.  Everton scored a further goal before the interval.  Half-time Everton “A” 2, Nomad Strollers 1. 

THE BEST MERSEY DERBY EVER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 February 1928
HOW LIVERPOOL TOOK THE ELAD AND THEN FELL BEHIND TO 3-1, BUT MADE A GREAT RECOVERY
HAT TRICK PERFORMANCE BY DEAN
LIVERPOOL MAKE A DRAW IN SPITE OF HAVING TO PLAY LUCAS AT OUTSIDE-RIGHT
IN A WORD OR TWO
An enormous crowd- about 60,000- saw the Liverpool-Everton “Derby” game, at Anfield, this afternoon.  Hopkin scored in five minutes, giving Hardy, in goals instead of Taylor, no chance to save.  Dean signalized his 100th appearance for Everton by cleverly equalizing at the 17th minute.  Again Dean scored, at the 40th minute, but in the process Lucas was hurt, and had to leave the field.  The teams crossed over with Everton leading by 2 goals 1.  Lucas reappeared after the interval but was placed outside-right, with Edmed centre-forward.  Dean completed his hat-trick at the 60th minute.  Bromilow reduced Everton’s lead at the 73rd minute.  Excitement was intense when Hodgson equalsied.  A draw of 3-3 was a fitting climax to an absorbing game. 
Liverpool; Riley; Lucas, Mackinlay; Morrison, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Chambers, Race, Hopkin.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  It was a case of “Many happy returns” today, for not only did Mr. Tom McIntosh celebrate his birthday, but we welcomed back to the Mersey football fold Gordon Hodgson, after a pneu’ spell; Forshaw and Kelly and Hardy in the Everton side, and Referee W. Bunnell.  It was a happy day in that the meeting of Liverpool and Everton was blessed with cold, but fine weather.  The game should have taken place at Anfield early in the season.  The change of fixtures was due to Spion Kop stand not being completed in time to take the risk of a record crowd.  To-day was the great testing time for the new stands, and with Everton at the head of the League, and Liverpool followers rejoicing in the revival of their side at Derby, the game became an imposing one.  The main change was Hardy for Ted Taylor, who, as I was able to announce yesterday, could not play owing to a damaged hand.  In an interview, Mr. Cabre, the architect to the Liverpool Football Club, gave us a few facts regarding the improvement that has been wrought.  “It has been a race against time,” he said, “to roof in the first Wembley-like or rounded corner of the ground for this great match, but it has been accomplished, and the grandstand and Kop extension opened for the first time to-day, linking with the older stand, the gable of which has been removed.  “In the summer two pieces of the old roof will be jacked up a few feet to clear the view completely to all the new accommodation (quite a big lift, but nothing like a record weight) in accordance with requirement known from the beginning of this work.  “Since the last derby game on the Liverpool ground, new accommodation has been provided for about 8,000, and the Kop roof at present covers 22,000.  It remains to be seen whether full use has bene made of this accommodation, for unless spectators more away from the exit- a rather selfish means of endeavouring to be first out after the game –many thousands will remain beyond the turnstiles in bitter disappointment.”  The ground was in perfect condition, and there was but little wind.  There was an enormous crush; an hour before the start of the game the attendance was in the region of 45,000 strong.  The police, under Superintendent Hughes, took early command and their control with mounted and foot police was an object lesson to some of our Southern friends.  The waiting crowd was not without some amusement.  It was strange to see a policeman arrest a black dog and carry him off in his arms.  It was also strange to see a blue and a red balloon in rivalry blown by the gentle breeze from goal to goal.  The Edge-hill Silver Prize band very kindly played the programme list they asked me for, and showed their usual team work and ability.  Under the number board there was some congestion and the police put a number of boys out of harm’s way.  Three of them were taken outside the ground.  They had been caught getting in by scaling methods.  Spion Kop’s new corner-stone was well packed, and the attendance was near 56,000 by the time teams turned out. 
EARLY “CASUALTIES.”
Just before the start of the game ambulance cases became more numerous, and many a young lady must have been glad of the chance of leaving the ground because of the extreme pressure at the various corners.  Some of the more daring spirits climbed the rigging of the unfinished stand at personal risk and at risk to everyone else in their immediate neighbourhood.  Liverpool won the toss, and Dean kicked off amid a storm of enthusiasm and bottled-up excitement.  At once Bromilow made a big kick to send Edmed on the mark, but Cresswell cleverly stopped him; following which Hart made a movement wisely and well, Critchley beating Mackinley along the touchline for speed, but never being very happy about his centre or shot, which Riley picked up with ease.  This was the beginning of a Liverpool raid in which two corners ended when Hardy handed the ball out.  Mackinlay dwelt on the touchline to forcer Critchley over for a throw-in, and Kelly, who had been hurt for a moment, resumed, puffing and blowing, but quite all right physically.  It was a fiery beginning to what promised to be a storming match, and played swayed from goal to goal; and after Cresswell had passed back to his goalkeeper Dean beat two men, and Weldon, bringing the ball to a shooting position for Forshaw’s benefit, saw the latter player’s shot blocked out by Jackson. 
HOPKIN’S EARLY GOAL
Hodgson’s height was the beginning of Everton’s most serious trouble.  He headed the ball when challenged by O’Donnell, and Kelly, getting too far under the ball, only half-headed it the result being that Hopkin had a priceless opportunity to make a goal at his favourite end, at which he scored his famous goal when the stand was set afire.  Hardy had no chance, and Hopkin’s shot travelled to the right and side of the goal to make a most wonderful opening for the Anfield spectators.  In five minutes Liverpool were a goal to the good.  Virr tried to equalize by a long shot that was off the mark.  Edmed, in response,  made a picturesque driver that passed over the bar.  Troup offered a good number of centres and passes but, naturally enough, Everton realized the difficulty which faced them of turning a deficit into any sign of a lead.  Forshaw’s reintroduction to the forward line was soon made evident and when he passed upward Dean took a first-time crack to attempt to celebrate his hundredth League appearance for Everton with a goal.  It was a very definite and strong shot, and cannoned against the concrete on the right hand side of the post.  Hardy ran out to make a sure catch in spite of the buxom Harry Chambers, and thus begin an Everton raid, in which Weldon loosed out a fiery shot that cannoned against the a defender.  Race not only helped the forwards, but found time to tall back and give Bromilow some help.  Now came the first stoppage, Hart being inquired accidentally on the temple. 
DEAN’S CENTURY SIGNALLED
Mackinlay was also hurt, but in none of the cases was the trouble serious.  Hodgson came forward with a huge clearance punt; out the Anfield side was not easily able to march ahead, and when a pass was put up towards the  Everton centre forward, Jackson realized what was likely to come, and half-nodded the ball off its direction.  However, the ball turned to Weldon, who tried to make a shot, and the ball turned awkwardly off a full back, the result being that when Riley went out to reach the spinning ball he never got a proper grip of it, and Dean scored with a certain amount of ease with a ball that had no one to stay its progress.  Thus in seventeen minutes the score was equal, and the fight resumed its sharp, clever and enjoyable way.  It was such a game to this point, anyway, that one envied the players who took part in it.  chambers wanted a lot of watching, and Lucas, having kicked over the ball in his own goal area, made an awkward situation, but recovered the balance of affairs; then we had a series of narrow escapes, Edmed, Critchley, and Weldon being on the mark, yet not on the mark!  Bromilow made a very timely header, and a free kick against Weldon on Hodgson was another helping phase for the home side, which culminated in Hodgson shooting outside. 
VARIETY ACTS
Bromilow faltered, and Race once again came to his aid.  Jackson, as in the Goodison Park meeting, covered Dean as though he were a co-pastor.  One of the most amusing incidents followed the signaling of an offside decision.  The referee acted on the linesman’s advice, and Hodgson and Chambers not realizing this played on, and Hardy was charged out of possession of the ball.  Another smile came when Lucas leapt high in the air to try to stem Troup’s sure centre, Dean heading the centre no more than half a yard from the goal.  Two more exciting incidents occurred when riley ran out, picked up, and skipped out of Dean’s way, followed by a punch-away in the part of Hardy, who got a rather hefty bump during the process.  The next question was a race between the ball and the speedy Critchley, the ball beating the man.  These incidents crowded upon each other to make the game a really enlivening one.  Dean, having reached the 41 goal mark for this season, and wanting four more for his century in a hundred appearances was playing an unusually stern game.  He headed well to the right of the goal, to find Riley punch and clear at the second effort.  Forshaw being on the track of the goalkeeper with a charge.  When Hodgson made a balloon centre Race headed close, but an even more important happening was that where Weldon kicked round the ball, making it spin to such an extent that even an old head like Troup could not fathom a way of timing it to make an easy goal and falling to the temptation of handling it.  This incident was on the six-yards line. 
DOUBLE FOR DEAN.
However, five minutes from the interval Liverpool suffered two blows in one.  Dean scored and Lucas in the process, was hurt and had to leave the field.  Lucas had been limping for some minutes, and everyone regretted to see him retire.  Dean’s goal was a spectacular affair, which had it’s in a trapping movement by Weldon, who pushed the ball forward and Dean ran on, beat Lucas, and, although Riley left his goal, Dean made no mistake about driving the ball into the right-hand side to make a perfect sample of a goal.  Jackson went full-back, and Chambers centre-half.  Just before the interval Riley was charged out of possession of the ball, and Dean came near completing his “hat-trick.” 
Half-time; Liverpool 1, Everton 2
LUCAS’S NEW POSITION.
Everybody during the interval was talking the match afresh, and much of the conversation must have turned on Dean’s brilliant second goal.  When the teams reappeared, Lucas had to go outside right, Edmed centre forward, and Chambers centre half, with Jackson still at right back.  It was a sensational reopening.  Hodgson bored his way through, and Race had half a chance to keep up his scoring record.  He made a lovely placed effort, and Hardy was able to put his fingers to the ball, but having done that the crowd looked on for a fraction of a second while the ball spun its way along the goal line, and finally out of play for a corner.  Troup gave them further excitement with one to the top of the bar, and when Riley tipped over a Critchley idea the crowd was raised to further heights of enthusiasm.  It was most unfortunate that Lucas should be a drag upon the resources of his side.  He tried manfully but unavailingly, and got the crowd’s glad hand for his perseverance with one leg and  “a swinger.”  Cresswell had to give a corner to Hopkin when hard pressed, and this led to a header secure to the mark by Hodgson, but Hardy and O’Donnell were at a convenient spot, and the danger was avoided.  Dean returned to the attack, and having rounded Jackson he made a splendid oblique effort to complete his “hat-trick,”  only to find that Riley after half saving denied him his chance, nonchalantly picking up the ball as if there were hours to spare.  Virr was hurt, and Dean was tripped by Mackinlay, the free-kick causing some trouble.  The pace slackened very considerably, although the enthusiasm was always at boiling point, and Everton, in this half, had to fight a disorganized side that had lost nothing in determination.  Naturally the idea of combination for the Red jackets were difficult, yet one could not fail to admire the magnificence of their enterprise.  As evidence of this it is only necessary to put on record a corner forced by Hopkin off Kelly.  Not only did Hardy punch the ball away but he punched Cresswell and a Red player overboard. 
DEAN FINSIHES HAT TRICK
Dean carried the play to the other end and bowled over Riley, Mackinlay racing up to kick away; there was further trouble awaiting the Liverpool side, as when O’Donnell took a risk with a dribble and then got out of his anguish by stabbing the ball at Race’s toe, he found a chance of pushing the ball up the field, where Critchley very cleverly and unselfishly centred.  Dean sizing up Riley’s position, turned the ball with his head, and with the utmost deliberation with regard to placing, shot into the right-hand corner of the goal to make the score 3-1 for Everton.  Dean was hugged by his comrades upon his achievement in performing the “hat trick,” and visions of the First Division League record of 46 by the Blackburn player Harper, came into the Everton spectators’ minds.  Moreover, having been well primed in regard to statistics, they knew that Dean wanted two more goals to make his hundredth goal in his first hundred games in senior League football.  Virr came near snapping a goal, and Edmed brought some relief with a gem of a solo effort that was no more than a yard from success.  The sight of Riley being challenged by “Little Tich,” otherwise Troup, was a comic interlude.  Edmed was, in truth, the stormy petrel of the Reds’ attack.  He was very quick to seize an opportunity of shooting.  Not a great deal was seen of Morrison, the St. Mirren man, who had fellow Scots to play against in Troup and Weldon. 
BROMILOW REDUCES LEAD.
Forshaw tried hard to score against his old companions, Riley beating down the ball to make a fine save.  Hodgson returned the compliment, and Edmed headed over the bar, so that the pace had increased again to its original point, and the game could be written down as one of the best, and certainly one of the hardest, ever seen between the teams, in addition to which it was one of the cleanest and, in a sense, paradoxical, because while Liverpool were losing 3-1 the game still had an open appearance to deny the score, and Liverpool were fighting in a fierce manner with ten men.  It was cut-and-come-again all the time.  The best evidence of this was a goal to Bromilow at the 73rd minute.  Hardy had picked up at the foot of the post from a free kick against O’Donnell, and a moment later he had to yield.  Bromilow, who converged inwards towards centre-forward position, and his shot was turned by Hardy’s hand against the foot of the post, but without doubt the ball had previously crossed the goal-line.  The score 3-2 for Everton the time 73 minutes, and everyone thrilled by the possibilities of play.  Indeed, Lucas nearly scored a goal in spite of his damaged leg.  The crowd went frantic when Mackinlay came up to take a free-kick two yards outside the penalty-box. 
HODGSON EQUALISES.
This free-kick was fatal to Everton’s lead.  Mackinlay’s as usual hit an enormous ball travelling beyond some players.  Hardy was beaten, and the ball might have entered the net in any case from the free-kick, but Hodgson, dashing in, made sure, and brought the score to 3-3.  This is the sort of match one reads about in novels.  Dean put the ball a foot over the bar in an endeavor to make a lead for his side of 4-3 at the eightieth minute, and Weldon tried a long shot that had no sting in its tail.  Forshaw, however, got in a beauty that riley caught with agility.  Chambers at centre-half worked hard and was one of the successes of the rearranged plan on the part of Liverpool F.C.  Final; Liverpool 3, Everton 3. 

STUB MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 February 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

LIVERPOOL 3 EVERTON 3
February 27 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
HUDDERSFIELD LEVEL ON POINTS
DEAN BRINGS HIS LEAGUE TOTAL TO 43
Merseyside has never seen a keener and more wonderful “Derby” game than that at Anfield since their inception in the season 1894-95. This was like a typical full-blooded Cup-tie, and it brought out all that is best in football and players. Although the game went at a tremendous pace until the end it was fought out in the best of spirits. If the game revealed, but one thing it was a most value revelation for Liverpool and that was in Chambers they have an ideal centre half. It will be revealed that the tabulation of injury to the stalwart Lucas induced Liverpool to make various shifts, the latest move being that Chambers was given the pivot position. Whether he will eventually graduate into a centre-half remains to be seen, but Chambers was no carbon copy. It is of course, a grueling job at times. He had the weight, which was most useful, and it was a new satisfaction to see how the wings were having the ball slung out to them.
GOOD TEMPER PREVAILS.
This, however, is a digression. There was an atmosphere about the game, which could be felt yet, partisanship never went out of bounds, although one has to tread warily in summing up for fear of being thought a partisan of one side or the other. The cheering ran round the ground in waves that swelled, but did not break as each side in turn provided the entertainment. The large crowd were made the more comfortable because one end of the mammoth Spion Kop covering had been joined up with the grand stand, and the extension was opened for the first time. My opinion was that Everton deserved their narrow lead in the first half, writes a Daily Courier representative. But, having said that, ungrudging credit must be given to Liverpool for the way they fought back, with Everton putting up a desperate rearguard action. It must be remembered that all the first session Liverpool were a disorganised side, for Lucas, who had been on the top of his form at his regular job, was doing his best in the second to hold down the right wing position and doing it manfully with one sound limb and a swinger.
JACKSON AS RIGHT BACK.
This necessitated Jackson going to the right back position, while Edmed, whom Liverpool must keep on the wing at all, cost was now in the danger zone at centre-forward. Liverpool certainly were running risks in putting this brilliant winger there for he is hardly built for the role. Anyway, all's well that ends well, and Red and Blue supporters could retire to their homes with the feeling that the result was right. Why could not Everton, when they had a 3-1 lead early in the second half hold on to it, 1 have been asked possibly there will be some who will disagree with the opinion that their last line of defence was not the strongest feature of the side and that the middle line can do better. I do not attach blame to Hardy, who generally inspired confidence, and who came in goal for Taylor, who was keenly disappointed that a finger injury picked up in the Huddersfield game kept him out. Everton eased up. Dean, of course, with his three goals, bringing his League total to 43 was a host in himself. What would Everton do without him? Yet he did not start too convincing, but I do not suppose we shall ever see a better goal than his second.
THE RIGHT MATERIAL.
It was really the right material, and spectator at that. Weldon first trapped the ball and passed it on to Dean invited Lucas to come and catch him, and then unloaded a stiff shot and beat Riley, who had come running out. Dean had previously scored in this session, so that he was making a most auspicious 100 th League appearance for his side. This was certainly a turn in the wheel of fortune for it was Liverpool, though Hopkin, who had opened the scoring. Hodgson, who was using his head, and putting every ounce into the game, initiated the move. Race was proving a capable partner to Hopkin, and judging his play from every standard he must certainly be put down as a Liverpool discovery and the credit passed on to whoever was responsible for making it. The versatile Chambers also took some taking care of as a centre-forward during his spell in that position. Pleasing impressions remain of both Hodgson, a sterling player with the team spirit, and Edmed, who never really had time to settle down in either the wing or his new centre-forward position. Hodgson by his resistency in forcing his way through, had the satisfaction of bringing the sides level in the second half, and just previously Bromilow whom we were all pleased to see steadily coming back to something like his true form, had the pleasure of scoring, which had been questioned during the game from some yards out.
HARDY'S GREAT EFFORT.
Hardy made a game effort to turn the ball out, and some of the Everton players had the impression the ball had not crossed the goal-line, but from my position it certainly appealed to have done so before Hardy made his effort, in which two or three of his clubmates tried to help him, and the referee signalled a goal without hesitation. It is a tribute to Dean that although he was so well watched –he was not always able to use the ball when it came to him –and his moves well known, he scored a trio, although Jackson patrolled him well during the time he was on duty at centre-half and Chambers was so successful later in a heavy role when necessary. With certain periods excepted, Everton's half back line came up to requirements Hart, time after time rooting out the ball and making the best use of it. Virr was sound, if he has played even better while Kelly helped Cresswell in some commendable positional play between the pair. Troup, always a good little one, and Weldon ran up against stiff opposition in Morrison, a distinct acquisition, and an outstanding back in Lucas until he was hurt, while McKinlay was never allowed to forget he was meeting a flyer in Critchley, and his work had to be done in a hurry. Teams : - Liverpool: - Riley, goal, Lucas, and McKinlay, backs, Morrsion, Jackson, and Bromilow, half-back, Edmed, Hodgson, Chambers, Race, and Hopkin, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards . Attendance 57,000, Receipts £3,400.

DEAN VERY SWIFT
Athletic News - Monday 27 February 1928
THREE GOALS IN 100TH APPEARANCE
LAME LIVERPOOL’S GLORIOUS RALLY
WELL DONE EVERYBODY
LIVERPOOL 3, EVERTON 3
By Impressionist
Elbowing a way through the press of people bent upon getting into the Anfield ground for the meeting of the locals, I had slight irritation of the larynx.  It made me an easy victim.  “I can’t stop that cough,” said the vendor, “but no one can stop “Dixie” Dean.”  I fell for a pennyworth, and pocketed the lozenges, thenceforward forgetting all about them, first of all rapt in contemplation of the wonderful structure covering Liverpool’s “Spion Kop,” and next riveted on a game brimming over in all the speed, spirit, and energy it is possible to associate with teams tuned up to the pitch of the occasion.  Well, he was certainly a prophetic soul outside the ground who told me about Dean- as if I did not know.  Everybody knew.  The ranks of Tuscany could not forbear to cheer.  Dix-i-e! The cry went up when the ball was in the Everton vanguard.  There abouts.  Dean was the beginning and the end.  One Everton official said to me “He’s a match winner.”  Another of Liverpool insisted “What a wonder!” 
“BILLY” DEAN
Fulsome praise enlarges heads, especially those of susceptible footballers, but I can guarantee that William Dean takes just the same size in hats as he did in early days with Tranmere Rovers – a finely modest young man, and a grand footballer.  Well, Dean made his one hundredth appearancesin the League for Everton, and celebrated with three goals, largely of his own making, and entirely of his finishing genius.  Give Dean the semblance of a chance, and it is some degree of odds on a goal.  You may be sure that Liverpool’s defence had no illusions about his prowess and spontaneity.  They marked him as the danger spot, but it was of no avail.  Everton did not play up to Dean particularly.  He was not Mr. Micawher waiting for something to turn up.  No dean played up for Everton.  Others might have scored, but they did not.  He won a trio after Liverpool led by one.  What with momentous change in the laws, and evolution of ways and means, comparisons are difficult.  Nevertheless I place Dean in a select gallery of the greatest centre-forwards I have seen.  His energy was profound, and withal skillful.  Outside right and outside left momentarily, and always centre at the finish, he must have appeared the devouring ogre to the Liverpool defence.  So much for the personality of the day.  It is a tribute to him that he stood out in a struggle and a drama in which men were remarkably equal in ability.  A division of six goals was a result which could not fail to please everybody.  Ornate passages were rare, but ball mastery was in the ascendant.  Every unit could bring it under control; to hold it, however, was too much against the imagination and the tautness at which the players were strung.  A wonderful crowd had all the excitement they could crave, and admiration of the Dean thrills could not be less stinted to the tremendous rally and recovery of Liverpool.  The Anfield side seemed beaten and broken.  Two goals down, and Lucas damaged – no more than the willing horse at outside right, replacing Edmed transferred to the centre, with Chambers removed from there to half-back pivot, and Jackson retreating to right back.  Deficit and disintegration.  Yet Liverpool drew level, and nearly won.  It was a magnificent performance of grit and gifted football.  Liverpool had not a Dean, but vast co-operative effect.  Had they been able to muster this after opening the score things might have been different.  When Cresswell headed out, and found the ball falling to HOPKIN’S right foot or an easy goal, Liverpool, I gathered reflected that it was going to be easy.  Everton dictated otherwise, and the suggestion that they are going stale is absolutely unfounded on this display.  Weldon pushed the ball through.  DEAN made haste, saw just a glimmer of light past Riley, and down it placed the ball into the net.  DEAN’S second goal was a superb piece of deception with body swerve and foot flick.  It beat the now injured Lucas utterly, and would have done so probably in any event.  So Riley, the cool and accomplished goalkeeper, rather inclined to be statuesque, was overcame again.  Clipping the ball out to Critchley, the next best Everton forward, DEAN received the centre with that subtle head of his to make three.  Still, forty minutes of the second half had gone, when the lion hearts of Liverpool earned the goal by BROMILOW, the ball rebounding from the post.
ROUSING FINALE 
Then the desperate assault found Everton committing an infringement just outside the penalty area. McKinley’sflash might have found the net, but HODGSON’S foot gave it further impetus past Hardy, who, understudying Taylor, had not the responsibilities of Riley.  The level of ability was so true that Ifind it hard single out individuals.  On the Liverpool side, Edmed, Chambers, and Jackson were notable for their versatility, and the boy Race, playing in his second League match, has great possibilities. Morrison, the Scottish International half-back, must have found it foreign his football breeding to hit the ball about.  Everton had a great general and strategist inCresswell, and the superior half-back line. 'Twas a famous draw, and in its sportsmanship a great credit to both sides.  Liverpool. Riley: Lucas, McKinlay (Captain);  Morrison, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed,  Hodgson, Chambers, Race, and Hopkin.  Everton.— Hardy; Cresswell (Captain), O Donnell;  Kelly, Hart. Virr; Critchley, Forshaw,  Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; W. F. Bunnell, Preston.

A PERFECT DRAW
Liverpool Echo - Monday 27 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
We breathe again! So do the players, but they breathe rather hard- and no wonder after the galliant flight put up by the twenty-two players.  I don’t want to hear and see more excitement; it was a thriller from the opening moment to the last moment.  I went to put on record the kindness of the players and specially to Mackinlay and Cresswell for breaking new ground in the matter of their appearance at the ground.  Another “B” suggested to me that it would be fitting the bill on hand if I were to ask the players to enter the field together instead of in two sectors as I they were strangers.  Thus we found Mackinlay leading the way up the subway on to the ground, Cresswell following on his heels, then a red –then a blue- almost like a snooker player’s well-ordered scoring marks.  This was the first time in my football history that I had seen such a unanimous “outcome,” and I am sure it befits the players concerned and gives the real sporting to the Merseyside Derby games, which have become a beautiful thing in the last twenty years and have left behind all those terrible things that used to happen in venomous and spiteful days.  These men were follow-professors and brothers in arms and legs!  They came out to battle for their club and their city’s reputation.  They sullied neither; indeed they gained praise all round.  At one point, when Dean had taken a hat-trick and had made the score 3-1, I felt that my predication of a draw was out of the question; but Liverpool played just typically of the known Liverpool side- they wwere up against Fate, fact, score, and history’s record.  And they gave their followers one of the greatest joyful “rebounds” they have ever known.  Those who had been saying rude things of the team and its offers now had to raise a cheer for a team that pulled the game out of the fire. 
CHRONICLES.
Let us put on the chronicles the happening of the day!
3.15.- Teams turned out en bloc Cheers.
3.20- Hopkins scored, Liverpool 1-0
3.32.- Dean scored, Liverpool 1-1
3.55.- Dean scored, Everton 2-1
4.5.- “On resuming,”
4.20.- Dean completed hat-trick, Everton 3-1
4.33.- Bromilow scored.  Everton 3-2
4.38.- Hodgson scored, Everton 3-3
4.50.- The end of a perfect play! 3-3
HOW THEY CAME
The figures speak for themselves, gentlemen; the two first goals were not of the purest ray, but goals of any callibre count in these great meetings, and are hailed as gems for nothing sake!  Dean’s second was one of the best one could wish to see; a stab pass from Weldon, a bonny run, and a bounding shot all along the turf.  His third was a thank you for and from clever young Critchley, the essence of timing the ball and placing the header.  Then came Bromilow’s inward turn, a feint, a movement, and a step, then a shot- and the ball crossed the line, although it was scooped out.  No argument from anyone; no referee-ragging; up the field for continued pegging away.  Finally a free kick.  Mackinlay is hailed as though he were a taxi-driver. “Aye, Donal’” the shout goes up.  The crowd call for them.  He is captain,. But he is led by his men to take just one more of his momentous free kicks.  He is still a great driving force where there is a dead ball- and I think the ball would have travelled through for goal; Hodgson may have thought the same, but he made sure by banging it over the line.  The game hardly gave us time to breathe or to think of those things seen up the grand stand pillars, when men delight to take refreshment after putting their hearts in their mouths and their hands upon their pockets- in case of accident! 
MORE FIGURES OF SPEECH
Liverpool’s will-t-win had overcome the enormous handicap of the re-moved Anfield side.  Lucas had broken down so badly that he really ought not to have gone on during the second half to play a capital game (under the circumstances) at outside right.  This meant the big axe brought upon the team sheet.  Chambers went to centre-half to produce one of the greatest games he has ever shown us- quite a revelation; Edmed as a centre we know, for we have seen him on other occasions –there is no more fiery fellow at centre than this young man; Jackson having been eluded while he was at centre half-back would not let Dean go by without contesting every inch and every blade.  It was a rearranged Liverpool team, but the spirit was not rearranged; unless it was that the players became all the more determined that a cruel blow of Fate should not lose them points and pounds.  To gain an equalizer in so short a time was inconceivable to those who did not have the pleasure of seeing the game.  But through it all Everton had many pleasant moments.  For instance, Dean wanted but two more goals to make his hundredth goal tally with his hundredth League game in senior League football- an astonishing record-rake of goals, typical of the man, who is a wonder, a skilled worker, as well as a wholesome worrier, and incessantly busy shooter or header.  He took a throw-in; he took every atom out of himself to attain the 100-100 mark, but failed nobly; he had, however, the satisfaction of reaching forty-three goals for the season, and as he still has two months and more in which to work out his club’s salvation in the championship endeavor, you can easily see Harper’s figure (a record) of forty-three passing out of the League books and being replaced by the name of Dean with a figure that may never again be equaled.  Camsell’s fifty-nine looms in the offing-second-rate fare, do not forget –and one must not forget that Dean has an inter-league and international appearance to make, so that his League fixture list is cut by two games.  It is making the season a very hectic one, thus goal-raking business. 
PURELY PERSONAL.
And now let us, as our custom on these auspicious occasions, run the rule over the 22, briefly and thoroughly;
Liverpool;-
Riley.- Not to blame.  Ticklish task.  Thankless position.
Lucas.- Luck out; pluck never locked out.
Mackinlay.- Warrior of old; wonder horse.  Gie’s your hand!
Morrison.- New sphere of work for you, Scottie.  Quiet and effective.
Jackson.- Watch-dog.  A hearty day’s work. Full-back may yet be your natural home.
Bromilow.- Chasing after Critchley is hard work.  Your goal a delight.  Let the good work proceed. 
Edmed.- Double-edged forward sword-winger and worry centre.  I like your slapdash shot when you pivot.
Hodgson.- Welcome back, big fellow.  What a head for headers; what a body for charges! What a joy your goal gave you on your resumption!
Chambers. - Took the locals by storm.  When were you schooled over centre half-back fences?  Hearty display, m’lad.
Race. - Never seen anything quite like this, had you, sonny.  Keep on passing at your convenience, boy; I like you.
Hopkin. - Still forging ahead.  First goal perhaps turned this game inside out.  Steady player, skilled man.
Everton.-
Hardy.- Liked your punches.  You played an excellent game.  No blame.  Luck has not been with you for some time.  May this be the turning point.
Cresswell.- It’s hard work, man, and you deserve a hand for your part and the pleasure you gave.  You may still want that speech, so get it ready.
O’Donnell.- Bustley, hustler, helper of goal-makers.  Good, sure punt.
Kelly.- Greetings on your return.  A polished display; stern tackle and bonny pass.
Hart.- “Nelson” could not have done better.  Your craftsmanship and passing specially recommend themselves to those who work on kick and rush styles.
Virr. - Perhaps a trifle tired, and seemingly worried over a well-bandaged knee.  A local.  None the worse for that.  Well played, sir!
Critchley.- Teddie of that ilk; goes ahead, improving all the time; let out a shot; might have passed; no matter; your game is going the right groove.
Forshaw.- Came back to produce plenty of evidence that you could play against Liverpool!  Inspiring effect on the line; Riley says you shoot hard and unexpectedly.
Dean.- Who wants to know anything about you, anyway-everybody knows it all now; they did not know it two years ago; and they didn’t believe those of us who kept saying; “Here is the most natural centre forward the game has ever known.”  The number to fix in your mind is not 59, but 60!
Weldon.- Well played Tony; convincing dribbles and put the ball into Troup’s pocket; where is your wandering shot tonight boy?
Troup.- The most consistent Everton player of the season, perhaps.  Level-headed; secure sort of winger; why did you spurn the ball that spurned to your hand?  Those are memories for the future.  Well done! Well done, too, the twenty-two! 
Ah, but one must not forget “one for the referee,” Mr. Bunnell.
And that’s the end of our perfect play.  May we be privileged to see many more such heroic and fair contests. 
The attendance of Anfield was 57,000.  There would have been more had it been possible to “pack” the ground properly.  The new stand worked excellently.  Having christened “Spion Kop” dome twenty-years ago I beg to suggest that the best name for the linked-up corner of the Kop and the grand stand is “The Whispering Gallery.”  A; “Football Echo: correspondents must their notes to-night otherwise they will be marked. “W.P.B.” There were forty-five cases of fainting, &c., at Anfield-fifteen were ladies.

CENTRAL LEAGUE GAME.
Thursday 28 February 1928 Yorkshire Post
Everton Successful at Huddersfield.
Everton Reserves defeated Huddersfield Town Reserves in Central League match at Leeds Road yesterday 2 goals to 1. Both sides had strong elevens on the field, the home men playing Cumming, fresh from the International match at Belfast, while the Everton forwards were led by Attwood, who was signed earlier in the week from Walsall. Most attacking was done by Everton, Ritchie being a difficult man to hold. It was he who put his side ahead with splendid shot from near the penalty area, after good work by Attwood, Forshaw, and himself. Attwood originated and completed the move that lead the second goal. Just before the close Young scored for Huddersfield.

THE EVERTON FOOTBALL GROUND
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 28 February 1928
Bee’s Notes
Is it not time the old club began to prospect for a new ground (ask “Wiseacre”)?  The present ground can only be extended by going up in the air, and on the occasion of the Everton v. Liverpool match 100,000 spectators would have been present if they could have been accommodated.  The club would obtain an excellent price for the present ground for building purposes.  The site I have in mind is the Greyhound Club’s ground in Prescot-road, a s it is the centre of Liverpool, served by cars each end, and the railway alongside.  A magnificent ground could be laid out, and one worthy of the club.  We also want two inside forwards.  How would James, of Preston North End, do for inside left, and Gallacher, of Newcastle, for inside right?  Weldon beats his men, but he does not leave him behind; consequently has his work to be done over again.  Irvine is a great forward, but overdose the tricky work.  Another spot is the slowness of the right flank.  You have probably noticed that not a single opposing right wing has made an impression on the Everton defence, due to the all-round excellence of Virr and O’Donnell.  All the damage has bene done by fast left wings.  Remedy these deficiencies, and we will have a team and a ground to write home about. 
OUTSIDE
Allow me to protest (says E.P.H) at the way I, along with many others, was treated at the local Derby.  Being situated at Kemlyn-road end of Spion Kop, where the crush was terrible, and gates still being open, I was carried on to the ground to make way for several fainting cases.  At the request of the police we were moved around the ground to the players’ entrance, and without any explanation we were then bundled outside the ground by the police like a lot of sheep.  Now, I think this was obtaining money by false pretences.  After paying for admission, and doing an act of humanity by moving out of the way for fainting cases, this is the way we were treated.  I ask you, Bee, if you think it is fair?  Certainly not fair, nor nice.  But when a crowd of 57,000 is being worked it is difficult to expect everything to be absolutely smooth.  Some new arrangement will, no doubt, be made for those who move off around the touchline; the difficulty at the moment is that if anyone comes out it is difficult to find room for him in the gymnasium.  It looks too me as if both our clubs will have to realise that their grounds should be made nearly twice their present size.  Football is only in its infancy at this period. 

 

 

 

 

 

February 1928