Everton Independent Research Data

 

D.J. MURRAY LEAVES BRISTOL CITY
Staffordshire Sentinel - Thursday 01 November 1928
D.J.Murray, the South African, who was a member of the team which toured this country in 1924, when he scored 21 goals, including five in International matches against England, Ireland, Wales, and Holland, has bene transferred from Bristol City to Bristol Rovers.  Murray, an inside forward played for Everton before going to Bristol City. 

BRISTOL CITY TO BRISTOL ROVERS
Dundee Courier-Friday 2 November 1928
D.J Murray has been transferred from Bristol City to Bristol Rovers. Murray was a member of the South African team which tourned this country in 1924, when he scored 21 goals, including 5 in international matches against England, Ireland, Wales and Holland. Before joining Bristol City, Murray played for Everton. He is an inside forward.

MORE FOR SHAREHOLDERS
Todmorden Advertiser and Hebden Bridge Newsletter - Friday 02 November 1928
Then there is another semi-official reform scheme which has recently been put forward.  It stands in the name of Mr. W.C. Cuff, the chairman of the Everton Football club.  He suggests that the remedy for transfer system evils is to allow the big clubs to pay their shareholders such dividend as is warranted by the profit which the clubs make in the course of any one season.  It is known by everybody, of course, that at present the shareholders of a football club must not be paid more than seven and a-half per cent, by way of dividend.  Mr. Cuff’s contention is that if unlimited dividends were allowed to be paid, the shareholders of the big clubs would stop the big transfer fees being paid, and would insist on the money which is now paid for transfer being paid to them- that is, to the shareholders.
TEMPTING THE WRONG PEOPLE
I shall take a lot of convincing that a reform on these lines would be good for the game in general.  It cannot be denied that football- professional football that is- is now commercialized.  But it is at least a boast worth making that in spite of this commercialism nobody comes into the game –in an official capacity- purely with a view to making money out of it. Directors are not allowed to be paid fees, and shareholders’ earning are limited.  If the shareholders’ dividends were not limited it is a certainly that there would be much more strenuous efforts to grab the control of the football clubs by people who were interested only in the money they would get out of it, not in the game itself.  The danger of all these reform schemes-and of all this reform talk- is that we shall reform in the wrong way.  And so far as most of the schemes yet put forward are concerned, my view is that it is better to bear the ills we have than fly to others we wot not of. 

ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL GOALKEEPER
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Friday 02 November 1928
TAYLOR, OF EVERTON, FOR WREXHAM
R. Taylor, the former Everton goalkeeper and English international player, was to day transfer to Wrexham.  Taylor has six international caps, secured against Scotland in 1923-24 and 1926, Ireland 1923-24, and Wales 1923.  He joined Everton from Huddersfield two years ago at the time the champions were fighting to avoid relegation, but he was not retained at the end of last season. 

EVERTON MISS HILL AT BURNLEY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 November 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Burnley, a place hard to get at, and when there one finds it a rather irksome sort of football ground, with a rise that is not suited to the best of football.  As I write the team has not been chosen, but Burnley are content and have announced that they, at least will make no change.  Everton, by slipping up at home, have apparently felt the used of looking into the team sheet rather more deeply than usual; besides which there are some doubtful starters in the list through stress of mid-week work.  I believe Dean will be O.K., but Ritchie may not be.  Altogether there is an air of “if” and “but” about the Everton side, yet without big Hill aged thirty or thereabouts, Everton should feel complacent.  Hill was the sort of man who made these big occasions his own special forte.  In international matches or trail games recently he had to fared well; he lacked spirit and “devil” but in League encounters with star centre forwards he was very torrid.  However, he’s gone to mend Newcastle and their ways, so o that really Everton should be happy about the match tomorrow, remembering that they have Dunn back in the fold, and therefore can produce the magnificent of their display at West Ham.  May it be so! 
HIS IDEA
Mr. R. Nelson, writes
Before seeing your comments on Everton v. Leeds, I would like to give my candid opinion- I only arrived just prior to half-time, as the crowd were cheering a great save by Davies, so my comment only applies to the second half.  Candidly, it is my honest opinion that while I have seen Everton play a worse game, I have never seen them make such a poor use of their chances.  Three times out of five the ball, whether kicked by back, half, or forward, would go to one of the opposition.  Three times out of five the Leeds men put it to their own men –and that sums up the whole difference. I could name the delinquents, but that would do no good, so I will just give this advice, and it applies to all;- If you are in possession of the ball don’t try to be too clever; part when the opposition is five yards away.  If you do this, and the ball does not go to the man or place where you intended it four times out of five then you are not worth your salt.  Sharp, accurate passing in the turf will beat any defence; and no passing pays so well as what we a few years back called the “herring-bone” method.  In a letter to Everton players a few years ago I gave this same advice, and said if it were followed I had visions of ten or a dozen goals.  Well, it might easily have been twenty, but McBride gave the greatest exhibition ever, and yet Everton won very easily, but lapsed afterwards.  Next match I see I intend checking the passes;- Pass received by own side, 1; by opposition-; pass y opposition to own side, 0; to opposition. 
DOES NOT APPLY
Apropos your remarks re F.A Charity Shield, that it seems absurd to expect a Manchester man to go to Old Trafford to see teams from other towns play, why not?  I would say that if Rovers and shall I say Manchester City, had been playing this particularly match at Goodison, there would have been somewhere around about 20,000 present (says J. Williams), especially seeing that it was being played on a Wednesday.  It appears to me that some people are only interested in so far as their own team are concerned.  This I am glad to say does not apply to Liverpool, as witness the “gate” on Monday last- Monday, bear in mind, not Wednesday or Saturday.  The situation so far as other towns are concerned may be summed up by be remark I heard last season at Huddersfield, not in the bob spec., but on the stand.  I was at Halifax on holiday, and being a “Dicky Sam,” of course, must see a soccer game if possible.  I therefore went to Huddersfield to see the Town and Manchester United.  During the game I expressed the opinion that I was enjoying it much better than if I were watching Everton, which drew the remark from a Huddersfield gentleman that he could not understand my view because he himself could only find enjoyment when his own side was playing.  And what Huddersfield said yesterday, Manchester evidently says tomorrow, at any rate so far as football interest in concerned. 

EVERTON CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 November 1928
KENNEDY AT FULL-BACK
DUNN AND CRITCHLEY RETURN
Owing to injuries, Everton have been forced to make several changes in the side to meet Burnley at Turf Moor, tomorrow, and the side is announced as follows;- Davies; Cresswell, Kennedy; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  The changes from last week-end are at full back, where Kennedy enters in place of O’Donnell, and on the right wing, where Critchley and Dunn reappear in partnership.  O’Donnell, Ritchie, Kelly, and Rooney are all unfit.  The Reserves team to meet Manchester United in a Central League game at Goodison Park will be; Maher; Common, Pratt; Easton, Bain, White, Meston, Jones, French, Martin, Stein. 
EVERTON A TEAM
Everton A play Ellesmere Port Town at Strawsberry-lane, tomorrow, 2.45, and their team will be chosen from Calvert, Platt, Slater, Jones, Kerr, Roscoe, Webster, Vaughan, Templeman, Clough, Sendle, and Lewis. 

“TED” TAYLOR FOR WREXHAM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 November 1928
EVERTON GOALIE JOINS THIRD DIVISION LEADERS
Ted Taylor, for many years England’s goalkeeper, has made a more from the Everton Club.  He has signed for Wrexham, who have been forced, through the temporary indisposition of another Liverpool goalkeeper, to make an alteration in their last time of defence.  Ted Taylor will do Wrexham much good.  It is known that he would yet have been with Everton but for an unfortunate contretemps a year ago, which was really a debate about tactics.  However, he plays tomorrow for the Welsh side that is at the top of the Third Division, northern section and his high hopes of getting into the Second Division for the first time in their history.  Taylor began his football with Balmoral, and then was taken on by Oldham Athletic, thanks to the initiative of David Ashworth, the then manager.  From Oldham he went to Huddersfield, and helped them to championship years.  A serious injury at Manchester kept him out of the team for some time, and in the meantime Huddersfield found another man, and it was no surprise when Everton, through their chairman Mr. Cuff, asked Taylor, ‘Would you like to play for us?”  The matter was fixed up in quick time, and Taylor played before his own city friends.  There is no doubt that by his display at Huddersfield and the Arsenal, and also against some other sides at home, Taylor was a main factor in keeping Everton from the Second Division.  The pity of it was that he should help Everton to a championship medal last season, but through difference of opinion he should find himself not signed on at the end of the season. 

CHANCES OF ALTERED EVERTON TEAM AT TURF MOOR
November 3 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
There is much spice in the pie which Burnley and Everton will serve up at Turf Moor today. Some of its concerns the two changes forced on the Champions by injuries, O'Donnell and Ritchie being unfit. Kennedy the former Arsenal player, who is an Irish International, will receive a warm welcome to the first team, no doubt, and he should be a capable substitute for O'Donnell at left back. Critchley takes the place of Ritchie, whose absence leaves the Hibernian wing in a mangled state. Kelly and Rooney are by the way, others on the Everton casualty list. Burnley are the fellows who have been in the public eye recently on account of the Hill deal, Newcastle are said to have paid a figure around about £8,500 for the International centre half, who has displaced the irresistible Hughie Gallacher as captain of the United. One wonders what Hughes said. With Hill gone, the better part of the bite has been extracted from the Burnley middle line, and the champions, eager to atone for their beating by Leeds United may bring off a “turn-up” –or at least a draw –despite the changes. Another point of interest about today's Lancashire “Derby” the possible return of Andy McCluggage, the right back, to the home team. Andy, who was hurt in the match with Derby County is the broth of a bhoy who gave away the penalty to England which Dean missed at Goodison Park the other day. The teams are as follows, kick off being at 2-45; Everton: - Davies; Cresswell, Kennedy, Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup. Burnley: - Down; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Parkin, Forrest; Bruton, Fitton, Beel, Devine, and Page.
WREXHAM SIGN TAYLOR
Ted Taylor, the former Everton goalkeeper, possessor of six English International caps, was signed by Wrexham yesterday, and he will play for the Welsh club's Third Division team (leaders of the Northern section) at Lincoln today. He was a member of Everton championship team last season, but he was not signed on at the end of the term. Taylor Played against Scotland in 19234-6, against Ireland in 1923-24, and against Wales in 1923. He began his career with Balmoral, a Liverpool club, and before going to Goodison Park he was with Oldham Athletic and Huddersfield Town. He made his name with the Yorkshire club in their championship years.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 November 1928
SAMPLING A NEW CENTRE HALF-BACK AT BURNLEY
By Bee
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, Kennedy; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Burnley; Down; Knox, Forest; Steel, Parkin, Forest; Bruton, Fitton, Beel (Captain), Devine, Page.  Everton at Burnley, had Dunn in the forward line again, and Kennedy was brought in at full back owing to O’Donnell straining his groin.  McCluggage was another full-back absentee.  Considering Burnley’s home performances, the attendance on this quite fine day was disappointing.  Forshaw was on reserve for Everton.  Invitations are out from Everton F.C. for an aftermath to the Everton v. Cardiff City match next Saturday.  I understand that the Lancashire cricketer’s are to join the company at the festive board.  It is not true that Kennedy, the Irishman, got the band to play “Eileen Alannah.”  Mr. Mr. Gooch, of Middlesbrough, a newcomer, was referee, and the ground positively asked for good football, the turf being ideal.  Beel captained Burnley.  Everton lost the toss, and kicked up the hill.  It was probably the quickest opening of any match for some years, and when Griffiths made a lovely movement, there was promise of life until Weldon was fouled by Steel.  Hart took the kick, and, as usual, lobbed it to a point at which he knew Dean would arrive, a move that has been adopted many times by the same player. 
MISSING THE MARK
Dean’s head connected with the ball and flew not more than a few feet from a sensational opening goal.  This having failed, Hart decided to have a pop at goal and was copied by Weldon, neither being on the mark.  Burnley then had an attack, Bruton making a nice cross lob which was cleared by Kennedy after much trouble.  Everton’s left flank was troubled by the glare of the sunshine.  Kennedy came into prominence through covering Beel at the moment Bell was about to shoot.  This was a timely intervention, but so far Everton were playing as if they had nothing to beat, almost carelessly in fact.  This was no policy when the score-book had not been opened, and two punches away by Davies brought them to the necessity of their business, especially when Griffiths fouled Page and Devine shot over.  Critchley and Dunn paired off nicely, and Dean had two sidesteps before being smothered out by force of numbers, Troup had a hold shot at goal; and Hart, ploughing a lonely furrow up the hill, was cleverly stopped by Parkin, after which Davies the Everton goalkeeper, went down awkwardly through slipping and when he was rushed had to throw the ball away, but a Burnley player could not collect the chance.
A COMMON ERROR
Cresswell handled in a  defending movement, or rather the ball hit his hand, and, to my surprise a spectator proclaimed that so long as the ball was diverted there was no question of intent in the rule, which only shows what some spectators know of the rules of the game.  There was a lack of spirit in the game that was quite in common until Beel and Fitton wormed their way through and should have scored instead of putting the ball two yards out.  Griffiths was doing well against Page, who, however, gained a corner which led to Bruton jarring his leg.  Dunn, on the other hand, was unable to get his passes through for some time.  It was plain to see by the way the players’ feet slipped from under them that the top of the ground was slippery.  When Dean charged the goalkeeper after a lob by Dunn the crowd was vexed, and the referee gave a free kick.  Davies had to kick away in another of the Burnley break-through endeavours, Critchley and Dunn passed and interpassed, and Critchley was unlucky not to be able to get in a shot from close range.  Cresswell fell over, so that Beel looked to be in a well-placed position until Kennedy stepped in.  A quick throw-in by Steel caught Everton napping, and Davies did not pick up at the first time of asking.  There was no sting in the Burnley shots up to now, yet Davies had been unable to gather the ball with confidence.  In one raid Virr hurt his leg, and away went the ball to the top end for Dean to head over from an offside position
SECOND THOUGHTS IN GOAL
Fitton was the next casualty; another small case.  Dean was never bothered to beat Parkin when the ball was in the air, and his passes were the acme of strength and direction.  Even so, Everton were not having enough shooting practice until Dunn fired one which pulled across the goal, and Troup, shooting, found the goalkeeper start for the wrong end and wind up by recovering himself.  The same goalkeeper cleared from a header by Griffiths, and he punched away when Dean was in attendance, after which came a Critchley shot outside.  Critchley offered another centre to Dean, whose header was taken pretty readily by Down, and Burnley replied through Fitton and Beel shooting outside when Davies should have had no chance.  So that Everton had been the superior class without punishing power, and Burnley had two open chances and had not accepted them. 
A DEVINE SHOT
However, two minutes before half-time Burnley scored through Devine, who tried a shot at a venture and found it enter the right-hand corner of the net.  It was a simple and unexpected goal, because the movement started with Parkin, the centre-half, making a couple of passes with no special point.  Right on half-time Dean blazed away half a yard from the mark of equalization. 
Half-time; Burnley 1, Everton 0. 
BURNLEY WIN
DEVINE AND BRUTON SHARE THE HONOURS
Lack of shots had been Everton’s failing against a side that should have been made to suffer from powder and shot.  Parkin, as a deputy for Hill, had never stopped working, and when play was resumed Page was hurt in a tackle by Griffiths.  Critchley found his speed down the hill failed him against Forrest.  Griffiths hooked the ball away to good purpose, and Kennedy cut across Beel at a moment when Everton once again lacked inspiration.  At last there was some sign of life in the visitors.  Critchley pushed the ball across to Troup, who running in shot and the ball cannoned from a defender so that Dean looked all over a winner, whereas Down saved in spite of an injury to his leg and a surprising miss was registered, Davies was also hurt on two occasions, one when a fancy kick by Cresswell was not completed. 
AN OUTSTANDING FORWARD
Undoubtedly Troup was the outstanding forward on the field.  It was he who made a deliberate handing centre, which gained a corner which might easily have led to a goal, especially when Griffiths rose up to the corner and headed.  Hart for the second time tried a long shot without luck, but with much strength and no more than a yard wide. 
FED BY PAGE
In an hour Bruton scored, thanks to Page’s speed to a ball that seemed beyond him.  He trapped it paralled to the goalline, and centred so hard that many though the he wasted the ball, whereas anyone with half an eye could see that Bruton had closed in, and there was never a doubt about his slamming a shot into the net to make a two goal lead. 
FED BY PAGE
After this Devine made a deliberate and nasty offence, for which he was cautioned, and Griffiths made yet one more header and also a shot of power.  It seemed that Everton had awakened from their lethargy, Beel ran into Virr and hurt himself, but pluckily resumed.  Everton were enjoying a large measure of the attack, without producing any evidence that they would reduce the leeway.  Everton’s inside forward work lacked points, and it is a long time since Dunn and Weldon were so little in the picture.  In fact, the team all round lacked fire, and the team was beating them was not playing with any special brilliance.  No one played quite so well as Griffiths and the extreme wingers, and Devine spoiled his game by a loss of temper and a display which should have gained him the referee’s black book.  Fitton also impressed, and Dean, seen for the first time for a long time, was covered by Waterfield at the moment of attempting goaling.  Critchley was limping and Troup was emphatic in his drives.  Kennedy had a row with Bruton, and brought him down with a severe kick.  To give Burnley their due, they took their chances and were deserving winners; yet I shudder to think that I might see another dull game to equal this.  It was a poor game.  Final; Burnley 2, Everton 0

EVERTON RES V MAN UNITED RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 November 1928
FRENCH AND RICHARDSON IN BAD COLLISON
Lively incidents marked the early play, which was unfortunately marred by what looked like a series accident.  French, the home centre, was racing goalwards to take a long clearance, when he collided outside the penalty area with Richardson, the United keeper.  Both were hurt, French the more serious, a stretcher being brought to remove the Everton player.  The crowd behind the goal barracked the United keeper, but appeals from Referee J.S. brown, of Blackburn, had good effect.  Two minutes later Richardson evidently felt the effects, for he, too, had to be removed to outside the line, where he remained for about five minutes. 
UNITED LEAD
Somewhat dazed, he resumed, and was warmly applauded.  In view of his condition, the Everton forwards refrained from tackling him, otherwise Everton might easily have equalized Taylor’s goal scored at the twentieth minute.  Jones missed a glorious opportunity, and United raced away for Nichol to score their second goal.  Half-time; Everton Res 0, Man United Res 2. 
On inquiry it was ascertained that French had sustained slight concussion.  Platt deflected a ball through his own goal, and Everton playing hard and well, scored twice through Stein and Martin.  Richardson, the United keeper, was unwell and had to retire.  Three-quarters time- Everton Res 2, Man United Res 3. 
EVERTON A V ELLESMERE PORT
Calvert made a good save from Griffiths, Vaughan opened the score for Everton after v15 minutes’ play, followed by a second by Templeman.  Collins reduced the lead, but Webster scored a third for Everton near the interval.  Half-time; Everton A 3, Ellesmere Pt 0. Final Everton A 4, Ellesmere Port 3. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 November 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

BURNLEY 2 EVERTON 0
November 5 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
WHY BURNLEY TRIUMPHED.
BLUES HUG THE BALL AND FAIL TO “OPEN OUT.”
Everton might easily have won the game they lost at Burnley, by two clear goals, inasmuch as they had equally as much of the play as the winners, but the fact that they lost mainly because neither of the inside forwards could find a shot in his feet after the interval. It was not a great game –this means that it will make no impression one one's memory –but while there was plenty of incident, especially in the first half, the spectators were the quietest “congregation” imaginable. There were scores of things happening in the opening season which would have raised an ordinary gathering to some pitch of excitement, but not so those at Turf Moor. The encounter was made to appear a lot worse than it really was, for in the first half, when there was not a great deal to choose between the sides, there was much that called for praise. The second half was not so good, but it was during this period that the home side, displayed that superiority which entitled them to the points. Everton though they pressed often enough, never impressed after the change of ends.
EVERTON ERRORS.
A week previously against Leeds, the Champions' chief fault was that they waited for the ball too long, but at Burnley they erred because they would go that extra yard when in possession instead of making the ball do the work. This coupled with the fact that there was too much of the short-passing game instead of opening-out methods accounted for the fact that in two successive matches the Blues have gained neither a point nor a goal. Burnley were just an ordinary side who put more heart into their work than usual just because their opponents happened to be Everton. Everton ruined their reputation of being a second –half team with a vengeance, for after conceding a lucky goal in the session, wherein they were the superior football side, they laded right out of the picture, and except for one occasion, never looked like retrieving the situation. That one instance was when Troup –one of the most effective forwards on the field, and certainly the most potent Everton attacker-fired across a low centre straight to Dean, who was not four feet from goal. Dean tried to hook into the net but aimed too straight, and Down was on to the ball like lightning, Dean should have scored then, and also on one occasion in the first half, when he only had Down to beat, from Critchley's centre, but he headed straight into the goalkeeper's hands. The inability of the other forwards to level a shot, caused Troup to spring to the front as a marksman, and he did well without having any luck. Others to join him were Hunter Hart and Griffiths, and they caused Down quite a lot of anxiety with their efforts too. Everton served up some exceedingly pretty football for about half an hour in the first half, much better than the bulk of that exhibited by Burnley, but there was no “fire” inside the penalty area. Then when Devine scored with that surprise shot from the point of his toe, they appeared to lose heart, and the second Burnley goal from Bruton –what a beauty –was quite sufficient to clinch the deal. The Everton inside trio have not played so ineffectively this season. Dunn being especially right off colour, and Critchley was hardly at his best, so that all the honours fell to Troup, Griffiths, stood out as best half-back, his tackling in the second half being brilliant, and there was nothing wrong with either Kennedy or Cresswell, Davies brought of many excellent saves, as did Down at the other end. Teams: - Burnley: - Down, goal, Knox, and Waterfield, backs, Steel, Parkin, and Forrest, half-backs, Fitton, Bruton, Beel, Devine, and Page, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain), and Kennedy backs, Griffiths, Hart and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 3
November 5 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 13)
The game at Goodison Park was marred through a collision between French, the Everton centre, and the Manchester custodian. This occurred after ten minutes play, and French was compelled to retire suffering from slight concussion. Richardson resumed, but was obviously not himself, and he also left the field midway in the second half. Manchester had slightly the better of the first half, and led at the interval through goals by Taylor and Nicol. The lead was increased immediately after the resumption through Platt unfortunately turning the ball into his own goal. Afterwards came a transformation, and the brilliant play of the Blues' forwards and halves roused the crowd to a high pitch of enthusiasm. Stein and Martin found the net, and in the closing stages Martin scored an equaliser from a penalty.

DARING BEATS STYLE
Athletic News - Monday 05 November 1928
BURNLEY THRAST EVERTON IN GAME OF TACTICS
BURNLEY 2 EVERTON 0
By Centaurus
Lovers of the Scottish type of football saw it played by Everton at Turf Moor and noted its ineffectiveness when opposed to a more daring style.  Not that Burnley were a less scientific side, but their capacity for changing tactics from close play to a more open and dashing game gave them advantages over the slower methods of Everton.  Two well got goals out of half a dozen chances thoroughly entitled them to the victory.  The first came two minutes before the interval, when Devine dashed in and took the ball off the foot of Beel, who looked like losing an opening, and shot well out of Davies’ reach.  Bruton, who had crossed the ball to Page, was in position to receive the return pass after 62 minutes, and again Davies had no chance with a lightning shot. 
A TRAP
It was perhaps Burnley’s neat, but somewhat dilatory, methods in the first 25 minutes that lulled Everton into a false sense of security, for right up to the interval the visitors played a slow and studious game without a spice of vigour.  So much were the two sides alike in this respect for that period that the game had an exhibition flavor, and was pretty to watch without creating much excitement. 
When Burnley commenced to exploit the open game, and to explore more direct avenues to goal, play swung round in their favour.  It was, however, by putting more variety into their methods, and not adhering long to the more finicky methods of Everton, that their chances were won.  Taken all round, Burnley were the better balanced side, and their advances were well sustained, whilst the finishing of the home forwards was stronger than those of Everton, whose best shots came from the half-back line.  What would have happened if the two centre-forwards have changed teams can hardly be said, for whilst Dean had not a single opportunity to get in a direct shot, his English reserve, Beel, had a good number, but failed to take them. 
DEAN SUBDUED
On only two occasions could Dean be said to have come neat scoring, once when he slid the ball off his head just past the post, and another when he hanged the ball in from a close position for Down to bring off a clever save.  But Dean has rarely received such close attention as he did from Parkin, who was the outstanding man of the afternoon.  The Burnley pivot played an ideal centre-half game, for he not only defended well, but exhibited the usefulness of the long pass to the wings, besides slipping the ball neatly up the middle.  The extreme Burnley men have not often bene better employed, and the repeated changing, in the point of attack contributed towards opening out the opposing defence.  Too often was it obvious that the Everton wing men relied too much on their leader, Troup alone showing an intuition which, with less effective covering methods, might have proved fatal to Burnley.  Waterfield, however, was in magnificent form, happily so, as Forrest was never too certain, and the Burnley left back did not appear to be as much affected by the absence of his usual partner as Cresswell was.  The latter played a clever game, but his positioning was not as good as usual, and he might have prevented Page crossing the ball for the second goal had he not apparently believed it would cross the line before Page could reach it.  down had several good shots to stop, and should have had more, but Dunn and Weldon both seemed to think their work had finished when they had got to within shooting distance.  Griffiths was the best of their half-backs, but on the whole Everton would have done well to seek an alternative to close passing.  A tribute should be paid to Fitton, the ex-Adlington youth, who made an admirable partner for Bruton.  With Steel behind them this wing was repeatedly dangerous, and did a lot to create interest after a somewhat dull opening.  Burnley; Down; Knox, Waterfield; Steel, Parkin, Forrest; Bruton, Fitton, Beel (captain), Devine, and Page.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. E.B. Gooch, Middlesbrough. 

EVERTON IN MOURNING
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 November 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton are not playing as well as they played last season.  Take it from me, they had not a great deal to do at Burnley and they did it badly.  Burnley were not a good side, and Everton’s style of play for half an hour suggested that there was an away victory in sight; instead of which a snap goal divined by Devine, who used his too instead of the instep, turned the game out of Everton’s way into the home team’s favour and sent Everton to the dressing room with that uncomfortable feeling that comes of holding out for all but two minutes of the half and then leaving with a goal in the stinging quarter of their anatomy.  But, candidly, there was something more troublesome than the mere defeat of Everton; the great barrier to one’s hopes and beliefs was that they would produce some further samples of the West Ham shooting form.  They had forgotten all about London- thus early!  Burnley had four chances, took two, and missed the easiest two; Everton had no shot worthy the name.  Griffiths and Hart were their most persistent shooters, and generally speaking the game was dull and insipid, and lacking in life after the first half hour, in which pretty movements brought no special effort for Down, the Burnley goalkeeper.  Many people on the cheaper portion of the ground inquired how matches are reported; whether the writer sees all or only some of the game- the remainder of the game being centred upon his writings.  Therefore, it is not out of place at this juncture to tell how it is done by the writer.  Generally there is a direct phone wire from the Press box to the office, which means that, save for an odd note to impress the memory, no writing is done; then at other grounds where a ‘phone in the box is impossible, I keep my eyes on the game and dictate to a writer.  And the foolscap page has on it some quaint signs and signals to show me the way to Monday’s notebook.  I rarely read them, it is true, because they are impressed by drawings of goalposts, &c.  On Saturday, half a sheet of notepaper was more than ample to indicate what had gone before, I tell you this was a poor match, and the cleverer side made no impression on a moderate side because they did not produce the factor that counts-s shot. 
TO-DAY
Parkin, a breezy little centre-half back, went of the field last of the twenty-two, and the crowd rose at him as one man.  He had taken jack Hill’s place in a manner that led them to demonstrate their approval.  It was a remarkable demonstration to a little fellow of some years of service, because in part he has modelled his game on that of Jack Hill’s in that he uses the ball to construct work for his forwards.  But applause to-day may being in its turn crucifixion for Parkin tomorrow.  For this reason; he had an easy match, and was made to appear to be playing better than he was.  In the air he had little chance with his opponents, but when the inside forwards tried to do too much the ball was his-it was made for him, and he collared it.  It may sound like damning Parkin with faint praise, but I must say that the normal Everton attack would have made him and his colleagues go much harder.  Their task was easy, Waterfield was a good back, but the rest of the team, Fritton excepted, was very ordinary, and the best one could say about them was that they took their chances, whereas the inside forwards of Everton rarely made a chance, and when it came they were very lax in making it good for a goal.  I have not seen the three inner forwards so inept for some time, but must keep Troup and Critchley out of his condemnation, because Troup had no equal on the field- he stood alone for consistency and ability for his method and his manner; while Critchley’s speed was used to good effect against Forrest and others.  It was just one of those days when there was lack of life in the inner forward trinity, and I am sure this is but a passing phase of football life, and the mid-week matches against Blackburn.  Oldham, etc, have worn the players for the time being to a point where, against moderate opposite, they sense a victory and then have not the sense to push home their early advantage.  It would seem that Everton played somewhat similarly against Oldham last Tuesday, thus making another mid-week game to go on their agenda.  It can be said definitely that the deputies for Ritchie and O’Donnell did their part well, and that Griffiths once again gave a sound display of heading and passing and tackling, with Hart and Virr pulling their big weight.  I am sure anyone who reads will not convict me of sour grapes about this defeat, because the tenor of the commentary in Saturday’s paper was sufficient to show how the game was going.  Page, who has had a peck of trouble innately, was in a quiet mood, and Burton did not produce his known international fashion.  Devine was desperate at times without coming under the ban, and Kennedy once made a sweeping assertion that would have been better for omission. 

EVERTON F.C. BURGLED
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 November 1928
WHY THE INTRUDERS WERE UNSUCCEESSFUL;
The offices of the Everton Football Club at Goodison Park were bugled during the week-end, but the thieves who apparently reached their objective after scaling a boarding round the ground, got away with nothing of value.  The League Championship Cup, which Everton hold, is in the strong room of a bank in the city, so that there was no chance of Everton losing it before the end of their “term of office.”  Mr. Tom McIntosh’s secretary told an “Echo” inquirer that “nothing could be taken from our club, because there are so many Scotties in the team!” 

OFFICES BROKE INTO
November 6, 1928 th The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
If the person who broke into the offices at the Goodison club hoped to take away the league championship cup as the swag, they must, like the burglar in the old song, have suffered a bitter disappointment. The cracking of such a crib is hardly worth while these days, for the big clubs take good care that valuables such as national trophies are not kept on the premises. The strong room of a bank is much safer, ever since the FA cup was stolen from a shop window in Birmingham. Clubs have carefully guarded the cup or cups placed in their possession.

BURNLEY TRIUMPH
Burnley News - Wednesday 07 November 1928
A WELL-MERITED VICTORY OVER EVERTON
THE SUBJECTION OF DEAN
PARKIN’S CLEVER WORK AGAINST ENGLAND’SLEADER
BURNLEY 2, EVERTON 0
By Kestrel
Darkening days for Burnley, following the bad experience of October, were brightened considerably by the well-merited win against Everton, on Saturday.  Possibly it was not the Everton that was expected as it was a side without the trustful energy without which no football side can make headway under modern conditions.  Football crowds are so accustomed to seeing the kick and rush game nowadays that there is a tendency to belittle in many quarters the quieter but classier style of Everton and the crowd is astonished and not to say a little bored by exhibitions standards, Burnley showed that they too could play football when everything was not sacrificed to expediency and speed, and it was by playing football of a classy order combined with a dash of speed that they won when they were not supposed to be capable of it.
DEAN GETS FEW CHANCES
A game in which the opposing side contained England’s leader, Dean, and the reserve for that position, Beel, was, however expected to reveal something in the way of leadership and from that point of view it was somewhat of a disappointment.  For while Beel got several openings, which a quick man like Dean might have made use of, and did not take advantage of, Dean got no scope at all and only on rare occasions did he show what he might be capable of if he were allowed any liberty at all.  Therefore neither of the two was amongst the goals scorers.  Burnley deserved the win, on the whole because they took two of the chances which were made by clever scheming and a greater variety in their tactics than Everton exhibited whilst the Goodison Park team had fewer chances and finished in very poor style indeed, though the few shots which were put in were sufficient to call out some of Down’s best.  One of these was a nasty one from Troup and another was a save from Dean at close quarters in the second half.  Apart from this effort Dean never got a direct shot for goal.  Apart from the fact that the first half provided Burnley with a goal, there were very few really sensational periods. A slow-motion picture it was, however, filled in with many touches of enjoyable football of the exhibition type, dainty and clever.  But whilst Everton were clever schemers there was something obvious about their work, and as Burnley were even less confident at the beginning, the visitors might have bene pardoned if, for a time, they had no need to infuse more vigour into their game.  As a matter of fact it was Burnley who suddenly sprang into being as an attacking force, not because of any rejection of stylishness, but because they found a balance, and added driving force to their other qualities.  And in this direction Parkin was one of the mainsprings, as he employed the long swinging pass to the wings, and helped to keep the visiting defence so open that a co-ordination of Burnley’s attacking forces was possible.  There is little doubt that throughout the game Parkin was a dominating force, for besides keeping a watchful eye on Dean, he showed a clever anticipation, and his positioning was so accurate that often he was able to look around and to place the ball to the best advantage.
A BRILLAINT REVIVAL
When once the Burnley men had taken a grip on the game there were frequent well-concerted movements, in which Fitton did a host of clever things, and helped by his drawing of the opposition, to make the line work with a smoothness and freedom reminiscent of other days.  Not too often did the Burnley attack adopt a cramped attitude, and generally they looked like scoring more often than Everton did.  But as already indicated, only two goals accrued.  The first followed one of the best efforts by Beel when he had the bad luck to shoot just outside the post.  It was almost immediately afterwards that Parkin put the ball across to Forrest, and he centred for Beel to pounce on it and to swerve to the left.  Just as he appeared to be on the point of shooting Devine darted in, and hit the ball so truly that it passed well to the left of Davies, who had come to cover Beel, and into the net.  The second goal came 17 minutes after the interval, and was the outcome of excellent feeding by Steel who allowed Bruton to go forward to put the ball right across to Page.  The left winger had to race for it, but he captured the ball on the goal line, and before Cresswell could make up his mind to tackle, Page whipped it back to the other side.  The attention of the Everton defence thus distracted to Burnley’s left, Bruton had an opening, and shooting from an angle he gave Davies no chance.  It was Burnley’s brilliant revival late in the first half which brought about the welcome change and then was exhibited a team spirit which in play, if not in goals, threatened to overwhelm completely the visitors.  There were doors open to them, as Troup found, and Critchley might have done more than he did against Forrest, who was uncertain in his work.  But with regard to Parkin and Steel, the Burnley forwards received inspiration, and we saw coupled with craft a deliberately planned working up to promising positions.  It may be agreed that this was mainly because Everton were a slow side but they too felt the need to add pulse to their work, and the game speeded up and grew with interest until towards the end, even with a two goals’ lead, Burnley were not always holding it with too much comfort and it was not until the last few minutes that it could be said all danger was past. 
TOO MUCH EMBROIDERY
Beel captained the side, and winning the toss played towards the Beehole goal, but it was Everton who raised the first thrill as a free kick taken by Hart gave Dean an opportunity to leap to position and as he slipped the ball off his head it skimmed just past the post.  There were occasions, however, when Burnley worked in but overelaborated and delayed their shots so that Cresswell and Kennedy were not troubled seriously for a time.  Davies’ goal had a narrow escape when Bruton put across but Beel missed the chance and Davies got it away.  Finishing generally was not good and there were few incidents, the Everton men making the mistake of leaving too much to Dean and apparently thinking that one man could do all that was needed in the scoring line.  There was, however, rather too much embroidery on both sides, and in the earlier portion of the game neither Bruton nor Page got in his centres as he might have done.  Beel, however should have had a goal when Fitton, who showed many delightful bits of work, put to the middle.  Beel’s shot, however, passed out with Davies on the ground.  A good movement on the Everton right enabled Dunne to drop the ball into the goalmouth, and as Down gathered high up he was lucky to get rid before Dean charged into him.  There was little to choose between the sides for a long time, both doing smart constructive work, but overdoing it when goal was approached.  Devine once spoiled a fair chance by holding the ball when he could have parted, whilst Beel appeared so anxious to score that he failed to give passes to others better placed.  A low fast shot by Troup after 35 minutes almost had Down beaten, and there was a tremor as the custodian slipped the ball, but he gave a corner and had to save under pressure as a result.  Beel had bad luck when he missed the goal just before Devine’s goal. 
THE SKILL OF PARKIN
Five minutes after the interval Critchley swung the ball across to Troup, who dropped it nicely into the middle, where Dean was waiting only a yard or two out, and he came near to equalizing, but Down gathered a sharp shot and cleared.  Burnley’s attacks after this increased in intensity, and Davies was often called into action.  A goal deal of elbowing was allowed by the referee, and the crowd often had to remind him of the fact.  Then came Burnley’s second goal, and some spirit crept into the game, Devine having to be spoken to for a regrettable action.  Speed began to tell more than ever, and though Everton began to try more open methods it hardly suited their style.  Bruton and Page came more and more into the limelight, both playing cleverly.  Dean found himself up against a strong defence, and once when he got close he was prettily robbed by Waterfield.  Towards the end a foul by Devine on Dunne led to trouble, for when Griffiths put well forward, Troup got in a hot shot which was charged down.  Towards the end Burnley acted more on the defence and held the visitors off until the whistle blew.  There were not many weak points in Burnley’s armour.  Down kept goal cleverly.  Waterfield was an artist in defence, his work throughout being stylish and clean, whilst Knox was never lacking against a good winger.  Parkin was the outstanding man on the field, and played a centre-half game reminiscent of Boyle, Steel did well, though he left Troup a good deal of room.  Both the Burnley wings worked smoothly together, but Beel was never happy in his gathering of the ball.  Cresswell on the other side, with Griffiths and Troup were the most prominent.  Teams;- Burnley; Down; Knox, Waterfield; Steel, Parkin, Forrest; Bruton, Fitton, Beel (captain), Devine, and Page.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. E.B. Gooch, Middlesbrough. 

PARKIN’S BRILLIANCE
Burnley Express and Advertisement, Wednesday, November 7, 1928
DECIDING FACTOR IN BURNLEY’S VICTORY OVER EVERTON
BURNLEY (1) 2; EVERTON (0) 0
By Sportsman
Devise scored two minutes from the interval with a shot which deceived Davies, both as regards speed and height.  Bruton notched the second point when he met a grand centre from Page 17 minutes after the resumption. 
LEAN PERIOD ENDED
After going without a victory since September 22nd, Burnley achieved the seemingly impossible on Saturday, and returned to winning vein at the expense of the champions, whose colours were lowered for the sixth time this season as the result of a match in which they never displayed that will to win which brought them success in face of last season’s keen competition for honours.  The credit for this rather startling revival of Burnley must be taken almost in its entirely by George Parkin, who again stepped into the breach occasioned by the transfer of Hill, after achieving nothing out of the ordinary at Derby.  On Saturday, however, he rose to great heights, and gave a display such as we have not seen on Turf Moor for many a long day.  I say that without apologies to anybody, and I would add that in my opinion, Parkin’s display against Everton was better than anything we ever saw from his predecessor, and with regard to Hill, there is no greater admirer than myself.  Just as a comparison between Hill and Boyle is an impossibility, so a comparison between Hill at his best and Parkin last Saturday is equally out of the question.  The Yorkshireman excelled in a display which richly earned the tremendous ovation at the close, and roused memories of a centre-half whose name always conjures up Cup memories. 
A COOL POLICEMAN
Parkin’s success was due in a great measure to the fact that he never allowed himself to be overawed by the important of the occasion.  That he was watching record-breaking “Dixie” apparently never entered his head, for despite the fact that he shadowed Dean with all the affectionate persistence of a faithful lap-dog, he also found ample time to devote to feeding, and in this direction he proved a brilliant inspiration to his side.  An additional point was really of more value than any other asset of his.  He always kept his place, lay well up the field, and so allowed the two backs ample space in which to operate.  As a breaker-up he was in his most joyous mood, while he maintained throughout a knack of popping up at the most inopportune times for the Everton attack, and forcibly reminded me of the effervescent “Alf” Bassnett.  It was a great display, but there were contributory factors which ought to be overlooked.  Whenever a player shines as Parkin shone against the champions, there is always a danger that the value of others may be inadvertently overlooked.  Burnley supporters ought not to forget that coincident with Parkin’s brilliance were the improved displays of other members of the side, particularly Steel and Fitton, and the expected consistency of Waterfield. 
WATERFIELD EXCELS HIMSELF.
Like Down, Waterfield has so often pleased with his consistency that we are inclined to overlook him in the hour of triumph, but he played a magnificent game on Saturday.  Without McCluggage, it naturally followed that he would have more work to do, and more work sometimes means more flurry.  Not so with Waterfield; he covered Knox well in the Scot’s period of nervous adversity, and attended to his own work in addition, displaying the while not one trace of anxiety or nervousness.  His was a great exhibition, and ought not to be overlooked.  Seel, too, played one of his best games, although he never settled to the role in which he appeared so often until the commencement of last season.  Knox’s early tendency to be unsettled by the importance of the occasion caused Steel to adopt the role of a roamer, but he roamed brilliantly, and was always fathering his younger countryman and helping him out of difficulties.  Knox started nervously, as he has done on previous occasions, and suffered for certain time in consequence.  Once his confidence asserted itself, he played very well, and twice saved very threatening situations with Smart clearances.  Once he had settled down, he played a capital game, but he owed a lot to Steel’s covering tactics in the early stages. 
FORREST’S TACTICAL ERROR
On the other wing, Forrest was ill at ease because he made a mistake which has brought worry to many a half-back, and a mistake which “Tommy” Bamford was sometimes prone to make.  Critchly, on the right wing, whilst but a shadow of his former self, much appreciated Forrest’s rush tactics.  He wanted the Scot to make his first move, and every time Forrest ran to him he was in his element.  Forrest would have done better had he waited for the winger to make his move first; as it was he beat himself with his own bustle and became “rattled” by his own failures.  Of the home forwards, Fitton vastly pleased the crowd by reproducing that form he showed on the occasion of his League debut at Leeds.  Compared with Devine he utilsed little energy, but his moves were always neatly executed, while much of his work near goal deserved a better fate.  Had Bell been on form there would have been a glut of goals, but the acting captain had one of his poor days being unlucky with several shooting efforts, although he distributed the ball well.  Bruton and Page scintillated on the wings and Devine was the prettiest inside forward on view. 
EVERTON DISAPPONT
Candidly, Everton disappointed.  There was lacking that will to win and this coupled with some really inefficient inside work by the inside forwards, left dean with a lot of spare time on his hands.  Dunne was clever at times without being effective, while difficult as Troup may have been on occasion; his efforts at centring were often ill judged as regards length and speed.  It was the poorest Everton line we have seen for some time, and with little work for him to do, Dean lost interest and gave a dull display, although his position play was always beautiful to watch.  Time after time he took up position for centres, but they never came across, chiefly because Parkin gave a great display of anticipation and nipped in to rob the inside man before he had a chance to feed the international.  The outstanding player for Everton was Griffiths, who tackled superbly in the right-half berth, and gave Page some good chases.  Griffiths, who used to play centre-half for Wrexham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, has been deputizing for the injured Kelly for some time.  The veteran, Cresswell, generally played steadily and coolly, but in the first half too many of his clearances found their way to opposing defenders.  Davies, in goal, was not too safe, apparently having a difficulty in keeping his feet, while his handling never inspired confidence. 
BURNLEY’S MISSED CHANCES
The game had a sensational opening, a free-kick in the second minute ending in Dean heading the ball just wide of the Burnley posts.  Everton monopolized the play for the first few minutes, but their finishing was hurried, despite the fact that they gained some beautiful positions.  A fine concerted effort by Beel and Bruton saw Page head the ball along the bar, Davies missing it and Kennedy clearing as it fell to earth again.  At this stage the sun was troubling Page, but the home halves kept plying him with the ball, and Griffiths had a much easier task to dispossess the wingman than he was destined to have later.  Davies fell when catching a hook shot from Beel, and a goalmouth scramble nearly ended in a score, the ball eventually being cleared for Hart to handle during the next home raid.  Mistakes by defenders and attackers followed the free kick, Steel ending the move by putting well over the bar.  Fitton was hereabouts pleasing the crowd with some deft touches, and with Steel giving some brilliant passes to Bruton, Burnley markedly advanced and showed a decided superiority.  Fitton set Beel in motion in the 18th minute, for the captain to touch back to Fitton, but the latter found Beel not quite clear when he shot, otherwise there would have been a goal.  As it was, the ball rolled slowly across the goalmouth and out of play, the helpless Davies watching its progress. 
DEAN’S LEAN PERIOD
Down had to show time fine anticipation in dealing with Troup’s long dropping shots, his variety of which caused some anxiety.  The little wingman is a noted hard shot, and an instance of his hefty kicking occupied before the mid-way stage of the ball was reached, the player straining his leg with a terrific left-foot shot which just went wide.  Down had to be smart to pull the bad from under the bar when Dunne tried his luck, and there was some comment when Dean fouled him as he cleared, Burnley were better all round, but weak shooting robbed them of a goal, although they ought to have made headway through Davies weakness, the goalkeeper being beaten time after time by Bruton’s cross shots.  The Everton passes were noticeably going astray, and Dean was left very much to his own devices, although he was never out of position when an opportunity did materialize.  Down made several smart clearances about this time, but Dean was unable to do himself justice owing to the close attentions of Parkin and Knox, the latter nipping in on several occasions.  The Everton man missed an easy chance when he nodded the ball into Down’s arms, and once Down ran out to punch the ball from his head.  Beel went near with a shot which was only inches wide, and with Davies out of goal.  The first goal came when Beel and Devine passed and inter-passed in a clever dual effort down the middle, the Scot eventually firing in from twenty yards a shot which beat Davies with its sheer speed.  Previously the scorer had hardly covered himself with glory as a marksman, but this well-deserved goal atoned for all his lapses.
SLOW AND HESITANT.
The first half concluded, it must be admitted on a note of disappointment, there being lacking that fire and thrust which we had expected from the champions.  Everton had been slow and hesitant, while their inside forwards had accomplished nothing.  The second half brought a revival, however, there being more excitement, although this was mainly caused by the Burnley forwards, the visitors again meeting a solid defence.  Dean early caused a thrill when he breasted the ball into Down’s arms, the goalkeeper making a brilliant save by sheer anticipation.  Down was injured in the process, but luckily the game was transferred immediately to the other end, where Davies was injured in a goalmouth melee.  Thus we had the curious spectacle of the two goalkeepers receiving treatment at the same time, a reflection on the game which only too clearly showed how it had been speeded up.  Within five seconds play had been transferred from end to end.
THE SECOND GOAL
The second goal was the result of a great ground pass from Steel to Page, the ball travelling across the field, never more than an inch of the turf.  Page, too, had to go almost to the goal-line to get it, but he hooked it smartly across to Bruton, who met it on the run and put a high rising shot into the net, Davies being helpless.  Following this point tempers occasionally became ruffled and the referee spoke to Devine.  There were no more goals, and the players left the field to receive a great ovation, Parkin being singled out for especial attention.  Teams;- Burnley; Down; Knox, Waterfield; Steel, Parkin, Forrest; Bruton, Fitton, Beel (captain), Devine, and Page.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. E.B. Gooch, Middlesbrough. 

DEAN SCORCES FOR ENGLAND
November 8 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2 SCOTTISH LEAGUE 1
The Football League again won yesterday at Villa Park, Birmingham, and “Dixie” Dean gaining one of the two goals after outwitting the visiting backs, before a crowd of 25,000 spectators. Ten minutes before half-time Dean though strongly challenged by both backs beat Thompson as the goalkeeper ran out, and so gave the Football League a lead of two goals.

CARDIFF PROVIDE THE GOODISON PARK THRILLER
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 November 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton have undoubtedly been failing this season; there has been all all-round slide and any moment there may be a revival of the form shown against West Ham, which the Goodison crowd is yearning to see,
KEENOR AND COMPANY
Keenor and company have always done well here, and they have put up a rousing display that has set the footballer’s heart aglow, and has made the spectator warm to the game.  In fact, there is the renewal of the meeting between the Welsh half-backs and Dean, which always has a point of note about it, because they meet in international warfare, and therefore, it is a case of high-ding done football.  Cardiff, I am told, did not do too well against Arsenal, who should have won, but that solitary piece of form is not special evidence on which to hang a selection, especially when Everton shaped listlessly at Burnley.  I have a belief that the home lot will revive and will take a couple of points out of the Welsh side, but it will need a very stern attention to attacking duty and some severe shooting which was not in evidence a week ago.  It promises to be rich football, fast football, and perhaps a bomb is due upon us again, such as Leeds dropped.  It is plain that Everton will always command interest and attention by reason of the way they play, so that a big crowd will certainly be present again, and doubtless a large party will as usual, come along with Cardiff to offer their greetings to the capital of Wales.  Everton?

 

CRITICS ON THE HEARTH DEMAND GOALS.
November 10th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EXTRA EVERTON EFFORT EXPECTED AT GOODISON TODAY
WELSH INVASION.
The critics on the Goodison hearth are showing signs of eruption again, and a further dose of the West ham anesthetic seems necessary. When Everton gave such an exceptional display of football style at Upton Park some weeks ago. It was in prompt reply to the whinings of measly croakers, who were for a time mollified like a small boy who is presented a stick of dyspeptic-looking sweetmeat, which in the end tastes not so sweetly after all. “When are Everton going to give us goals?” Is the essence of the present rumbling among disgruntled fans. The answer appears to be, so a few caustic wits, either Give it to Dixie” or else, in the venerable words of Mr. George Robey or somebody like that “a lemon.” While it is true that Everton have not scored a League goal since the Upton Park gambol, and three have been marked up against them, it does not mean that a reserve army of sweepers will be enrolled for clearing the cobwebs from around opponents' goals areas or that the expediency of offering a piano to a half-back –do you remember the Valentine Harris episode of pre-war days in another camp? –Will resorted to in order to bring home the bacon again. It is funny now a little falling away from grace wreaks havoc with the morale of some supporters, who want champions to be champions from early morning to closing time. Well, the croakers may be silenced once again today, when the men from the wild and woolly South of Wales visit Goodison Park. For, with fellows like Keenor and others of the Cardiff team over spoiling for a scrap (in the football scene of course), the Evertonians will have much incentive to answer back, with, it is hoped, a certain amount of interest. The home forwards will always be found at their best when harried by a pack of terrier-like halves, and the feature of the battle should be worth going a long way to see. The visitors will, by the way have special greetings for their compatriot, Griffiths, the Everton right-half, who has just been selected for Wales and if Stan Davies, a popular figure at Goodison in the past is among them, then the gathering of the clubs should be a merry one, indeed. Everton will have Jack O'Donnell at left-back again, but Critchley still deputises (and very well-too) for Ritchie. The battle being at 2-45, and the teams are: - Everton: - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup. Cardiff City: - Farquharson; Nelson, Jennings; Keenor, Sloan, Hardy; Thirlaway, S. Davies, Ferguson, Len Davies, and McLachian.

CARDIFF CITY’S TASK
Western Mail - Saturday 10 November 1928
A KEENOR-“DIXIE” DEAN DUEL
By “Citizen”
If the Cardiff City players were asked which crowd they prefer to play before it is not improbable the majority would reply, “Liverpool’s.”  The City enjoy great popularity in the city which has aptly been described as the capital of North wales, and it probably accounts for the excellent displays they invariably give at Goodison and Anfield.  It will be at Goodison, the home of Everton, the champions, the Cardiff city will renew acquaintance with their friends this afternoon.  One wishes the City were able to send a more representative side than that which has bene chosen, especially as points are urgently needed, but we may rest assured that the inspiration the City will derive from the wonderful backing they always get on Merseyside from the Welsh element who invade Liverpool in their hundreds from Wrexham, Rhyl, and other North and Mid Wales centres will help to compensate, to some extent, for the absence of such stalwarts as Nelson, Wake, and Sloan.
THE ELUSIVE DEAN
Everton are a useful but not a great side, although they have undoubtedly the greatest match-winner in the country in Dixie Dean.  It will be Keenor’s task to shadow the famous international, and the duels between the pair will be watched with more than ordinary interest, because they will be in opposition again a week hence at Swansea when Wales meet England.  Kennor has been made the butt of a good deal of criticism of late, but the brilliant part he played in saving the game against Arsenal last week, when he took over the centre-half berth after Sloan was injured, must have convinced all and sundry that the City captain is still young enough to hold his own in any class of football.  Kennor dominated the centre of the field in the second half of the game against Arsenal as no City player had been able to in any previous game this season.  Brian the Arsenal centre-forward of course, is not a Dean, and Kennor will heed to pay greater attention to his man this afternoon than was necessary a week ago, and if the City pivot succeeds in his task Cardiff may cause a surprise by bagging their first brace of away points.  It has been said that dean is half the Everton team.  I am inclined to subscribe to that view, and I can think of no centre-half more likely to smother and render impotent England’s most dangerous forward than the man who will oppose him today. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 November 1928
Cardiff celebrations
BY Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Cardiff City; Farquharson Jennings, Hardy; Helsby, Keenor, Blackburn; Thirlaway, Harris, Ferguson, Davies (L), McLachlan. Referee; Mr. Thomas, Willenhall. Everton v. Cardiff is always a big draw,  and to-day it had a special moment because  after the game there was to be a gathering  of cricket and football champions of last  season—Lancashire Cricket Club were to be the guests of the Everton club to-night at the Exchange Station Hotel.  It was a wretched day for such an attractive match, and the attendance was the worst I have seen at Goodson Park for many a long day. Such was the state of the “going” that both goalmouths had covered with canvas sheeting. Some minutes before the match the “WelchChoral Society " treated the spectators to some fine singing, which also told us that Cardiff had a big following.  It was strange to see Hardy figuring at left back for the Welshmen, but it was not strange to see him busily employed keeping the Everton attack away from Farquharson, his bald pate being responsible on two occasions for keeping Dean out. The first time that Davies handled the hall he tried to bounce it, but found it sticking to the turf. If Ferguson had only known what a chance he could have had if he had followed up he would not have hung off as he did.  For the next few minutes Everton were the chief attackers, and when Troup dropped in a centre that cleverly beat Helsby and Jennings, Dean and Farquharson went up together, the goalkeeper winning.  A chance took place—it was Cardiff's turn; but their methods were much more open than those of Everton and consequently the Everton goal was reached at a much quicker pace. 
INCIDENT OF A RAID. 
Despite the schemes of Ferguson and C o..,  Davies was not called upon, although when  Cresswell once misjudged the flight of the ball and got under it with his head, it gave, McLachlan an opportunity to show his worth, but he did not make the best use of it. Cresswell recovered and cleared. In one rapid raid on the Welsh goal, Dean caught Farquharson with the ball on his head.  Of course, Dean charged him, as he was entitled to do, and Farquharson lost his session.  Dean and foreseen this happening, and when the ball dropped to earth, he immediately punted back so that Critchley could take a first-time hit at goal, and it only needed a first timer, of course, with the right direction for Farquharson was out of his goal at the time.  Critchley, however, in his over-anxiety, pushed the ball forward where Jennings readily cleared.  The best shot so far had been made by Ferguson who from inside the penalty line was very sure in his direction.  But he was no more certain than was Davies in the Everton goal, who caught the ball in his safe hands.
DEAN TESTS THE KEEPER.
Dean retaliated with a left foot shot that Farquharson had to drop on.  This was followed by McLachlan, the speedy Scottish outside left, making such an accurate centre after his solo run that Ferguson made a grand header that Davies caught with confidence.  Critchly was finding it difficult to keep his feet, but when he did get an opportunity of eluding the hardy Hardy, he offered Davies a gorgeous opportunity of opening the score.  Dean’s header was dead on the mark and carried a bit of pace, and only fault to be found with it was that it was straight to the goalkeeper, who was thankful that it came his way and not away from him.  Weldon, by his keenness to " find” Dean, missed an easy chance of going through on his own. The incident took place in the penalty area, so there was no excuse for him missing a shot;but instead of taking the bull by the horns, he passed inside, and, with Dean not being there, Dunn could not get up in time to take a shot. Hardy having nipped is to take command of the situation. 
HUNT IN COLLISION. 
Thirlaway forced s a corner with a badly-angled shot—a pass into the middle might have been better-and then Griffiths and Blackburn, kicking the ball together, the Cardiff half-back hurt his leg, and during, his absence Farquharson’s goal had a narrow escape. Thirlaway, a little later, shot high over the bar, and when he came again, he centered, so that Len Davies could head on to Griffiths for the latter to clear.  Dean hit a tremendous ball, and I doubt if Farguharson would have stopped it if it had been an inch or two lower.  There was one old-fashioned duel between Dean and Hardy, this wee 'un winning, much to the amusement of every Welshman present.  Dean was certainly knocking them about to-day, but they were all good old-style charges. The game was full of incident, despite the lack of goals, and when Harris made a drive, it was only Davies’s length that enabled him to turn it round for a corner. When Farquharson half-punched a free-kick only a slip-up by Troup prevented him from scoring.  Half-time; Everton nil, Cardiff City nil. 
DEAN HEADS IN NET, BUT IS OFSIDE
WLDON GOAL DECIDES
HARDY CONSTANTLY IN THE PICTURE
There was plenty of excitement in the opening minutes of the second half.  Dunn shot wide, and then O’Donnell was nearly caught napping while he was waiting for a centre by McLachlan to come to him.  Ferguson and Harris had dashed up, and it was only by a fraction of a second that O’Donnell got the ball away to safely.  Davies made a capital punch-away when he was surrounded by opponents, and then followed the miss of the season.  I think Dunn must have been surprised out of his life to find himself slap bang in front of the Cardiff goal with the ball at his toe.  Everybody had prepared himself for a shout of “Goal,” but the shout had to be subdued, for Dunn shot high over the bar.  Dean, although closely tackled by Jennings and Hardy, got in a great shot that travelled just wide of the upright, and when Hardy and Dean indulged in a charging match, it was indeed humorous.
WELDON STRIKES THE HOUR.
A goal had been a long time in the making, for it took Everton exactly sixty minutes to put one on their card, Weldon being the scorer.  It was a great shot, too, Weldon got his chance through Troup and Dean worrying the Cardiff defenders, the ball coming out from this quartet to Weldon, who shot instantly.  A minute later Farquharson, to keep Dunn out, had to make a fine save, and for a minute or two Everton crowded round the Cardiff goal.  Dean, Critchley, and Dunn were concerned in a movement which might have brought something, but Troup was offside, while Dunn lobbed the ball over the bar.  O”Donnell was playing great football as was his partner Cresswell, their understanding being perfect.  Hardy will be a hero to-night, for it was he, more than anyone else, who stopped Dean.  It looked a certainty for the Everton man on one occasion, but the little warrior came along, and not only beat Dean, but kept the ball in play at the same time.  There was nothing rash about his methods.
DEAN HEADS IN NET OFFSIDE
Tirlaway was much too square with a pass to be of any use to Ferguson.  Everton were awarded a free-kick.  This was perfectly placed, Dean with his back to the Cardiff goal headed into the net.  It was a wonderful header and would have been a wonderful goal if the referee had not considered Dean offside.  I am not going to argue with the decision, but judging from the comments of the people who were in the vicinity to judge it must have been a very fine point.  Just on the finish Thiraway ran through and Davies only saved his goal by coming out, the Cardiff man shooting right at him.  Final; Everton 1, Cardiff City 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 November 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

ASTON VILLA RES V EVERTON RES
Sports Argus - Saturday 10 November 1928
About 3,000 people assembled at Villa Park to welcome Everton for the Central League match.  Aston Villa played two newcomers secured this week from Scarborough, Swale at centre-half, and Small, at outside right.  Teams; Everton; Maher; Common, Kennedy; Bain, Curr, White; Meston, Forshaw, French, Martin, Stein.  Aston Villa; Maggs; Young, Morris, Jakeman, Swale, Yates, Cook, Head, Houghton, Chester,  Boardman, Small.  Villa were early in the picture, Chester tried a hard shot which Maher did well to save at the expense of a fruitless corner.  On the other wing, Small was responsible for a fine run and accurate centre that was allowed to go begging.  Everton were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, and Maggs did well to save.  A Villa raid saw the visitors goal undergo a series of escapes.  Chester had a good chance, but shot wildly when an inside pass would have proved of value.  Later the same player was guilty of some miskicking when the Villa forwards were spread across the Everton goalmouth.  For Everton, French tricked his way through and put in a ground shot that Maggs saved cleverly.  Maggs was again prominent with daring saves when the visiting left wing threatened.  Two minutes from the interval Cook was fouled when right through, and Chester netted from the resulting penalty kick.  Half-time; Aston Villa Res 2, Everton res 0.
The second half was notable chiefly for the great display of both goalkeepers.  In the early stages Maggs in spite of injury, did great work under severe pressure.  Later in the half the Villa attacked steadily and Maher put up a great defence, bringing off many daring saves at personal danger.  Five minutes from time Cook added to Villa’s score with a first-time left foot shot from 20 yards out.  On the verge of the long whistle Chester put on the Villa’s third goal.  Final; Aston Villa Res 3, Everton Res 0. 

LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 10 November 1928
EVERTON “A” V ELLESMERE PORT TOWN
The Town were again away from home on Saturday, this time being visitors to Everton “A.”  Misfortune again overtook the Port boys, as at the last minute it was discovered that Tolley could not play, owing to an injured leg.  His absence was more than felt, as he is one of the mainstays of the team.  The Town lost by the odd goal in seven and yet this should not have been so, for they had scores of chances.  On the whole, however, it was an interesting game, and some good exhibitions were given by both teams.  The teams lined up as follows;- Everton A-Calvert; Crutchley, and Younds; Slater, Jones and Kerr; Roscoe, Webster, Vaughan, Templeman, and Clough.  Ellesmere Port Town; Robertson; Brookes, and Jones; Turner, Collins, and Davies; Jones, Roberts, Griffiths, Story, and Sutherland.  The Town were the first to make headway, and in the first minute Storey and Sutherland got away for Roberts to send wide.  At the other end Roscoe sent behind.  Sutherland was again prominent in a run and centre, Griffiths taking the pass to drive into Calvert’s hands.  The home team were the first to open the score, a tussle in the Town goal culminating in Vaughan beating Robertson from close range.  The visitors made progress following the kick-off, but Storey shot wide, and in the next raid Roberts was ruled offside.  Everton attacked once more to score what was something of a surprise goal.  Robertson had partly cleared, and Webster appeared to handle the ball in passing to Templeman, who scored.  The Town kept on pegging away, but when they did reduce the lead, it was a case of luck.  Collins had sent the leather towards the Everton goal, and the goalkeeper stood waiting to catch the ball on the bounce.  Instead, it landed in a pool of water and rolled into the net.  The game was fast, and both ends were visited in rapid succession.  Then Griffiths made a mis-kick when a goal seemed sure.  Everton had a period of attacking, but both Brookes and Jones defended well.  Again Robertson had difficulty in saving a hot shot from Vaughan, and while on the ground received a kick on the head.  The referee afterwards gave a throw down on the goal-line, which led to a corner, following which Webster netted.  Later the home goalkeeper saved well from Griffiths and Storey.  When the interval came the score read; Everton “A” 3, Ellesmere Port Town 1. 
There was a period of midfield play when the game resumed, and then Everton went ahead once more to force a corner, which was cleared.  Sutherland, who was playing a dashing game, made a fine solo run down the wing, to centre perfectly, for Griffiths to send in a hot drive, which was all the way a goal.  At the other end Griffiths, Roberts and Jones combined to force a corner, the home custodian making two delightful saves.  The Town should have equalized, when during a tussle in the home goal the visitors lost an opportunity.  Keeping up the pressure, two more corners were forced, but again the inside men failed to take advantage.  The Town were at this period having more of the play, but were weak in front of goal, while a breakaway by the Everton forwards resulted in Templeman increasing the lead with a fast shot.  The visitors did not give up hope, and continued to press strongly.  Their reward came when following an offside kick.  Story worked through to send in a drive, which Calvert cleared only, for Griffiths to return to send in a stinger which found its way to the back of the net.  Again and again the Town raided, but the home goal appeared to be charmed.  Shot after shot was seen to hit the crossbar, upright, or go inches wide.  In fact, the Town could do anything but score.  Just before the final Crutchley handled in the area, but the fault was allowed to go by, and the final whistle blew with the score 4-3 for Everton. 

EVERTON A TEAM RETAIN TOP POSITION. 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 November 1928
The "A” team of Everton are now attracting large crowds in their home matches. These young players under Mr.  Kirkwood's charge are certainly playing good football. When Ellesmere Port Town paid their return visit, with high hopes of taking full points after success in the first game by the odd goal in 9, both teams commenced to play an open game. Vaughan opened Everton’s account, and although the Port played good football they were unfortunate in the scoring sense, due to the good custodianship of Everton's goalkeeper.  Everton went further ahead after fifteen minutes through Templeman, followed by a further goal by Webster. The Everton boys made good use of their chances. Just on half-time Collins opened the Port's amount. On resuming, Ellesmere took command of the game, and Griffiths added No.  2. Plenty of excitement now" Webster, going through on his own, scored Everton’s fourth goal. From the centre kick the Port team put all they knew into the attack, and Griffiths scored again for the Port.  The game was fought out at a terrific pace, and only for the brilliance of the Everton 'keeper, the Port must have surely equalized. The spectators were heard to remark on leaving the ground that they would certainly come again. 

EVERTON 1 CARDIFF CITY 0
November 12 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON WIN THRILLING GAME WITH CARDIFF.
DEAN'S DUEL WITH HARDY.
FEATURE OF EXCITING GOODISON PARK STRUGGLE.
Many thrills, a spectacular goal, plenty of excitement, and honest shoulder-charging were, features of the encounter between Everton and Cardiff City at Goodison Park on Saturday, when the Champions deservedly earned the points by the only goal of the match. In view of the meeting of Wales and England next Saturday, when Dean and Keenor will be in opposition again, interest centred on the anticipated duels between the pair, but, miracle of miracles, they did not develop. Dean was too wide-awake, and elusive for Keenor, but he met his match in the veteran Hardy, who appeared at left0back. Hardy must have realised that Keenor was receiving very little change out of the virile Dean, and took it on himself to put paid to the schemes of the leader.
DEAN CREATES HAVOC.
Consequently, a fierce battle waged between the two, and with neither giving any quarter nor expecting, any the crowd were thrilled. Scores of times the two met in grand old-fashioned shoulder charges, and it stands to the credit of the short, but stocky Hardy –the greatest uncapped player in the game today –that he was the only Cardiff players who could stand the weight of Dean.
Dean created havoc among the other defenders with his unceremonious charging, and claimed so much attention that it was a matter of wonder that the other inside men did not obtain more goals. Often the path was left open for them after Dean had coaxed the defence out of position, but neither Weldon and Dunn could put in a telling shot on such occasions. Weldon obtained the all-important goal from a position bordering on the impossible. He was straight behind two opponents when the ball rolled his way direct from a tussle in which Dean and Troup had the better of Jennings, and Helsby, but he delivered his thrust with astonishing accuracy and the ball was in the roof of the net almost before Farquharson had moved to clear. A good goal was this coming at the end of 64 minutes, and seeing that the first the Blues had obtained in 244 minutes football, it was doubly welcome. There was little to choose between the teams in the opening half, for whereas the Blues had more of the game from a pressure point of view the Welshmen served up the more accurate football, and were more eager to get rid of the ball.
WAS “DIXIE” OFFSIDE?
The second half was Everton's although the forward work has often been better, both collectively and individually. Farquharson had three times as many shots to deal with as Davies, but performed his job well. He was once beaten by a header from Dean, off a free kick, but for some unaccountable reason the referee ruled that “Dixie” was offside. From the press box this appeared impossible. The Everton half-back were good. Hart was ever in the thick of the fray while Virr and Griffiths were terrier-like in the manner in which they challenged their immediate opponents. At the outset one would have imagined that Cresswell was in for a bad day owing to the liveness of McLachan, but after two or three minutes he had the Cardiff winger well “in his pocket,” and gave a classic exhibition of full back play. O'Donnell performed with his customary good will and came out of the ordeal with credit, though he did give Thirlaway ah easy passage to goal in the last minute which almost cost the Blues a point, Davies, in goal made no mistake. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart, and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Cardiff City: - Farquharison, goal, Jennings and Hardy, backs, Helsby, Keenor, and Blackburn, half-backs, Thirlaway, Harris, Ferguson, Len Davies, and McLachan, forwards.

ASTON VILLA RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
November 12 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 14)
Aston Villa gave a good display at Villa Park against Everton. The Villa had two Scarborough players Small, and Swale, on trial and both did well. Chester from a penalty in the first half then Cook and Chester later were the scorers for Villa. Maher kept a goal finely and Forshaw played skillfully at inside-right with Bain clever at centre half, and Curr at left-back. Everton: - Mahar, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, White, Bain, and W. Curr half-backs, Meston, Forshaw, French, Martin, and Stein forwards.

CITY MISS CHANCES AND LOSE
Western Mail - Monday 12 November 1928
EVERTON 1 (WELDON) CARDIFF CITY 0
Cardiff City always attractive visitors to the Merseyside, and their visit to Goodison Park attracted a good crowd in spite of the inclement weather.  It is difficult to explain the defeat of Cardiff- they have really themselves to blame for it.  The conditions were certainly all against good football, but it was the same for both teams.  With a wet ball it was difficult to anticipate the direction of the kick, and it must be assumed that this was where the Welshman failed.  As a team Cardiff were greatly superior in every department of the game.  Their forwards worked with wonderful cohesion, ably backed up by a resolute trip of halves, who completely subjected the home forwards to a poor unit of footballers. 
KEENOR SPLENDID
In this respect praise must be given to the visitors’ pivot.  Keenor proved that he has all the qualities of a born footballer.  His anticipation of attack and his own attacking initiative proved the salvation and help for his own side.  Although the home supporters might clamor that dean is overworked by playing in too many matches recently, his only ineffectiveness on Saturday was due to the splendid spoiling work of Cardiff’s centre-half.  If Keenor was beaten at times- which was seldom- he had an able partner in hardy, who played a great game at left-back to help him out.  Ferguson led his line splendidly and distributed the ball well, which led to his wing men getting every chance of proving effective, but their centres were not always well directed.  McLachlan made several attempts on his own which, however, proved futile, while Thirlaway wasted great opportunities by carrying the ball down too far.
MISSED CHANCES
The first half was well contested, and both goalkeepers were called into action, both sides having every opportunity of scoring.  After Dean had bowled over Farquharson and presented Critchley with an open net, the outside right shot tamely and Farquharson recovered sufficiently to fling up his hands and divert the ball.  Shortly afterwards Ferguson bad his “present,” but shot straight at Davies.  Cardiff overwhelmed the home team, at the start of the second half, and looked as if they must score, but the home defence never wavered, and gradually the Welsh attack was subdued, and from a breakaway the home forwards caught the Welsh defence napping, and when too much attention seemed to be paid to Dean.  Weldon was allowed to run on and score a great goal.  Cardiff fought gallantly for an equalizer, and although they had practically all the subsequent play, they failed to equalize, and in the end had to suffer defeat to a team far less superior to themselves.  Teams; Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O;Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Cardiff City; Farquharson; Jennings, Hardy; Helsby, Keenor, Blackburn; Thirlaway, Harris, Ferguson, Davies (L), McLachlan. 

INTERNATIONAL DUEL
Athletic News - Monday 12 November 1928
DEAN AND KEENOR IN A REHERSAL
EVERTON 1, CARDIFF CITY 0
By Junius
Everton resumed winning ways against Cardiff City, though not displaying championship form.  The second half had been twenty minutes in progress when the only goal of the game was scored by Weldon, after Dean had made the opening possible by persistent following up, and while Everton held the balance of play there was a fine rally by the visitors, who almost got on terms.  In their great effort during the last minute of the match Thirlaway played a big part.  Romping round Virr, he cut in to deliver a terrific shot at close range.  The goalkeeper had no chance of holding the ball, and could only partially clear for the outside right to return the ball, which was deflected by O’Donnell.  The game after a somewhat placid opening, became brimful of thills, and the first half generally was a continual tussle between well-balanced sides.  Play was particularly clean and sporting, though hardy limped for a few moments, and Blackburn, tackled by Griffiths, had to leave the field, but quickly returned.  In view of the International much interest was directed towards Dean and Keenor, and while the City pivot did not slavishly hang on to England’s centre-forward, he was always aware of the position, and was about at the sign of danger.  Dean was a great worker, not utilsed as much as usual, but he had little luck and few real opportunities. 
DAVIES AT HIS BEST
Cardiff adopted the sensible and obvious course, at the outset in particular, by driving the ball about on the heavy ground.  They did not dally, but moved with zest and pace.  Direct methods produced promising positions and a number of good shots.  But the latter all came alike to the Everton goalkeeper, who has never played better.  Everton displayed the more attractive footwork.  They had the ball control art, but, opposed to a fine defence, their efforts to find the net were crowed out.  The duels between Dean and Keenor and again between the centre-forward and Hardy aroused enthusiastic attention, with honours just about even.  Dean was a tremendous worker and more than once scared Jennings into mistakes.  Hardy’s position play was superb.  He readily held Critchley, who was a weak link, the more so as he dwelt on the ball with the inside colleagues in waiting.  Dunn, however, was a difficult proposition for Blackburn to tackle. 
A TELLING WING
Of the Cardiff forwards Harris and Thirlaway impressed me most.  Dovetailing skillfully and keeping Virr fully extended, they were easily the dominant visiting wing.  On the other wing McLachlan played only as well as Griffiths would allow.  It was at half-back where Everton enjoyed a greater share of the honours.  Griffiths, in an easy manner, without any show, tackled with precision and placed with good results; indeed, the Welsh International was a stylist in this game.  Hart was schemer, and Virr completed a very serviceable intermediate line.  Blackburn and Helsby were quite effective the latter, brought into the team through Sloan’s injury, being resourceful against Everton’s cute left-wing pair.  In defensive play Cresswell was the astute performer.  He generally is.  O’Donnell, in a sturdy way, was sound except for two occasions when he made errors that might have proved fatal.  Hardy was outstanding and both goalkeepers earned praise.  Cardiff were a great fighting side, striving all the time against a team that were just cleverer and superior.  Teams; Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O;Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Cardiff City; Farquharson; Jennings, Hardy; Helsby, Keenor, Blackburn; Thirlaway, Harris, Ferguson, Davies (L), McLachlan.  Referee; W. Thomas, Willenhall. 

MEETING OF CHAMPIONS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 November 1928
EVERTON ENTERTAIN LANCASHIRE CIRCKET CLUB
After the Everton-Cardiff game, the Everton Club and the Lancashire C.C team foregathered at the Exchange Hotel, where the Everton Club entertained the cricket champions to dinner, Mr. W.C. Cuff, the Everton chairman, in the chair, said it was a great thing to have the Lancashire team with them, and hoped that the team would go and equal the record at present held by Yorkshire.  Referring to the Everton team, Mr. Cuff said it played football as it should be played.  When we go after a player we go after the man who gives a classy display rather than one who plays robust football.  It may not win the Cup or League, but it had won the approbation of the spectators.  Sir Edwin Stockton, chairman of Lancashire Cricket Club, said he was delighted to be present to reply to the toast of the Everton Football Club, and as a Manchester man, he was indebted to Liverpool- he had to suffer correction-for supplying Lancashire with two such fine sportsmen as Messrs, John Sharp and Harry Makepeace, both double internationals.  He was sorry to see that Ernerst Tyldesley had not struck his real form in Australia, but was confident that he would do so before long, Duckworth, of course, has jumped right into form, “Regarding Harry Makepeace,” Sir Edwin said, “Makepeace thinks he is finished with first-class cricket.  He is only just starting, and may yet be called upon for first team duty, but whether he will or not is entirely in the hands of the younger element.”  Mr. Green and Mr. John Sharp replied on behalf of the Everton Club; while Colonel Green, the late captain, and Mr. Peter Eckersley, the present captain of Lancashire C.C., responded on behalf of the cricketers.  Mr. Harry Makepeace said; “I am going out at the right time.  It does not do to overstay your welcome in any game,” Touching on the matter of football Mr. Makepeace quoted the case of a former international player of long ago, who, in a recent article, said that the Old Invincible could give any present-day team six goals’ start and a beating.  “I don’t think the Old Invincible could give the present Everton team a goal start and beat them.”  Mr. Warney Cresswell spoke on behalf of the Everton players, and, as a grand finale, Sir Edwin Stockton said that Gordon Hodgson was going to be a really good lad.  We have made MacDonald into a Lancashire man, and we are going to make the South Africa into a Lancastrian. 

GOODISON JOY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 November 1928
WAS IT A GOAL?
CONTROVERSY OVER A DEAN HEADER
By Stork
There is sure to be a lot of talk about the referee’s decision in disallowing what many thought was a perfectly genuine goal scored by Dean, so while I was present at the reception given by the Everton Club to the Lancashire Cricket Club, I thought I would make inquiries so that those who did not have a close-up view of the incident should know exactly what happened.  I suggested that Dean may have been offside when he put his forehead to the ball, and when the referee spotted him, but where was he when Cresswell took the free kick?  The reply was unanimous; “He was in front of the full-back, and did not move an inch until Cresswell put his foot to the ball to send it on its journey.”  If such is the case, Dean should have another goal to his credit, for he was onside when the ball was last played.  Fortunately, it does not matter whether Dean scored or not, for the game has been won, but what if Thirlaway had snapped up his chance in the last minute and scored!  There would have been a hullabaloo, and Everton would have lost a point through a disputable decision.  Cardiff usually have a bright innings when they come to Goodison Park, and with all the chances offered to them in the first half, they should have had a goal or two, but it was in attack that they failed to make good and the only member of the line worthy of comment was Thirlaway for, after a promising start, McLachlan faded right out, while Ferguson did not get the hang of the ball at all.  Still, taking the team as a whole they adopted the right tactics is swinging the ball about on the heavy turf, but when a front line of a team fails to respond to the promptings from those behind little or no good can be expected of that side.  Ferguson and his comrades were not the only people remiss in front of goal, for Critchley had an empty goal to shoot at, only to fail through over-anxiety, while Troup slipped just as he was about to apply the finishing touch to a half-parry by Farquharson. 
THIRLAWAY’S BOMBSHELL
That took us up to the interval, and there had been little between the sides; but I cannot say that of the last “45” for Everton were complete masters and until Thirlaway’s bombshell right on time Davies had not been needed, yet only one goal came to Everton, and that to Weldon.  Critchley, Dunn, and Troup should have augmented the score, for they had even better chances than that which gave Weldon his point.  Dunn was not quite himself; but even so, he should have scored with the opportunity that came his way.  I thought he was taken by surprise by finding the ball at his toe, but it turns out that the ball pumped away at the last second, and he had to reach out to take a shot, and that is the reason why it went careering over the bar; but it was a terrible miss.  Then Critchley was let in with only the goalkeeper to beat, only to fizzle away a gift offering.  Then came Weldon’s goal- a great goal it was, too.  Dean and Troup had worried the Cardiff full-backs, and when the ball came out of the “scrum” to Weldon, the little fellows drove straight for the far corner of the net, and Farquharson, although he travelled across his goal, could not stay its progress.  That goal won the match, but there must have been many quaking hearts when Thirlaway eluded O’Donnell, for he had a clear course to goal.  Davis acted wisely in coming out, for it forced Thirlaway into taking a quick shot, Davis turning it away for Cresswell to complete the clearance. 
A HARDY ANNUAL
It had been a good, hard game, and one of the features was the display of Hardy, the evergreen, who is a full-back nowadays after a lengthy and brilliant term at left half.  Hardy was the one man that Dean could not master.  He took charge for charge, and was the big little man of the side.  Jennings has cause to remember Dean, who charged him over time and again; But he never flinched, and defended strongly; but I preferred the Everton backs as a pair, for Cresswell and O’Donnell had a rare understanding, and were faultless in their kicking.  Griffiths, Hart, and Virr, too, were superior as a line than were Keenor, Blackburn, and Helsby, none doing better than the former Wrexham man, who is playing great stuff.  Critchley had a poor afternoon, despite the way he was served, and the fact that he was up against Hardy.  Dunn was not up to his usual standard, but Dean worked with a will, and made opportunities for others, and had two great drivers that were a wee bit unfortunate in not finding their way beyond Farquharson.  Weldon carried and fetched, but once should have had a shot instead of passing inward to Dean, who, unfortunately, was not there.  It was a good victory and a deserved one, and Davies played no small part in the action, for he had one or two difficult shots to get away.  To my mind, he is entitled to the palm. 

A GALA MATCH OF LONG AGO
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 November 1928
“D.H.W,” writes;- During a recent removal I came across my dairy for the year 1882.  The following is an extract under date April 19;- “Attend meeting representative (Liverpool and District) Football Committee, at Royal Oak, Spellow-lane, to choose team, &c.  team selected; Goal, Jones (Bootle); backs, Evans (Everton), and Armstrong (Everton); half-backs, Morris (Everton), and Parry (Everton); right wing, A. Provan and D.H. Williams (both Everton); left wing, Roberts and Edwards (both Bootle); centre J. McGill (Everton) and Harvie (Liverpool), Reserves Back Sloane (Bottle); half-back J. Rogers (Bootle); right wing George (St. Mary’s); left wing, Roberts (Everton); centre no selection.  Umpire, Lythgoe.  Referee Rev. Mr. Keighley.  I may say that the diary records several preliminary matches with a view to the above selections, also subsequently games by the selected team against local combinations leading up to the game against Darwen at the Stanley Park Gala on May 30, 1882.  You will observe that at that time two half backs and two centre forwards were played and that even then there was a Liverpool A.F.C. 

HYMN NUMBER ONE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 13 November 1928
Bee’s Notes
This is only my second offence in many years (says “A Very Old Blue”), but I am writing to your column as it is the only way of letting Everton know the opinion of onlookers. Purposely I go in different parts of the ground- in the 1s, 2s, 2s 4d, and the paddock- in order to hear the various opinions and see how far they coincide with my own.  My opinion, which is shared by heaps of spectators, is that Everton have thrown away many points both this season and last by learning only one hymn, viz., “Give it to Dixie.”  In order to teach them another one I would alter the forward line.  It is quite true that generally we get pretty football, but goals win matches, and I think even with the talent available we can have both.  Some of the forwards have lost their shooting boots for a long time past, and though scoring a few goals they are about only 1 per cent of their chances to do so.  We want a more penetrating attack.  Forwards –Ritchie (if absent, give Meston a fair chance) Dunn, Dean, Troup, and Stein to supply the wing speed.  Regarding the disallowed “Dean goal” on Saturday, I was just behind the goal, and several around me (including myself) had just mentioned the fact that the two men of Cardiff who were behind him, and almost leaning on him, were not giving him much chance, when, after the ball was kicked, he slipped from them, and, following like a flash the flight of the ball, he got to it at the same time as the goalkeeper, but beat him in the jump to it and slid it into the net from the back of his head.  It was a fine goal and not offside.  It was one of the simplest things I have ever seen, and my first impression, I am sure, was the right one-it was a case where a stern warning was ample punishment.  In fact, if the game had not been so clean I could have understood the decision, because the referee could have argued that the players were getting out of hand.  But such was far from the case.  The referee stated afterwards that the player did not say anything derogatory, and that he acted in a thoroughly gentlemanly manner when told of his decision. 
In connection with the Sheffield United Everton game Dean and Dawson, Ltd, have arranged a special excursion leaving Liverpool Central at 11-10, returning at 10 p.m. 

EVERTON DELAY THEIR TEAM
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, November 14, 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton are due to meet Sheffield United at Bramall-lane on Saturday but in view of the fact that dean and Griffiths are required for the International match at Swansea and that several of the players are suffering from slight colds, the directors have decided to postpone the selection of the team until later in the week.  Sheffield United will not be weakened by international calls. 

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS AT BRAMELL LANE
Sheffield Independent - Thursday 15 November 1928
EVERTON WITHOUT TWO OF THEIR INTERNATIOANL PLAYERS
THE UNITED’S NEEDS
By F.G. Walters
Sheffield United will have another opportunity of picking up much-needed home points this week-end when Everton visited Bramell lane, and the position is such that they can ill afford to make a slip at home.  Indeed, it is doubtful if even a victory in this game will lift them away from their present unenviable position, for Cardiff City, who stand just above them level in points are also at home.  In fact, before the |United’s position can undergo any appreciable improvement, it will be necessary for the team to not only book the points in their home engagements, but meet with a greater measure of success away from home.  Everton are not quite the convincing side this season as they were last, when they won the championship, though they hold quite a respectable position in the table, and there is yet time for them to cut a better impression in their efforts to return to the top position. Judging by their away record they are still a difficult side to defeat.  But on two occasions of recent weeks Sheffield United have demonstrated their ability to take points from clubs running well for the championship, and what was possible in the case of derby County and Blackburn Rovers is just as possibly in their meeting with the Goodison Park team.  One reason which has been put forward for Everton’s decline is that dean, their international centre-forward, has not been collecting goals with the same frequency at last season.  He certainly opened out the season with a couple of “hat-tricks” in the first three games, but since then he has found it a very difficult matter to shale of the attentions of opposing centre halves.  Of course, last season, it was frequently said that when a side had successfully subdued Dean they had beaten Everton. 
DEAN AN ABSENTEE
There is no doubt about it that no side can afford to let England’s centre-forward have much rope, but there are some skillful footballers in their forward line, and I doubt very much whether any defence can afford to leave one man with the sole object of hanging on the Dean’s heels.  But, he that as it may, Sheffield United will have no Dean to worry them in this game, and with Martin coming in at centre-forward, the United’s task must be appreciably lightened, for Dean will that day be assisting his country against Wales at Swansea.  But a victory for the United must depend upon the now familiar question as to the ability of the forwards to get goals.  The United’s lowly position –apart, of course, from one or two games when defensive blunders literally threw away points –is due entirely to the ineptitude of the forwards in front of goal.  At Highbury, last week, as in so many preceding games, they had ample opportunities for saving at least one of the points, but hesitancy and anxiety told its inevitable tale in front of goal, and at the moment, with the exception of hapless Bury, they have netted fewer goals than any other side in the Division.  Indeed, quite a number of teams have scored rarely twice the number of goals claimed by the United. 

FOOTBALLER BRINGS MAN DOWN
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 15 November 1928
STORY OF MOTOR THEFT CHASE
A local professional footballer, who has played with Everton, Bury, and New Brighton F.C., Frank Morris Sheldon, appeared in the witness box in Liverpool Police Court to-day.  The case was one in which Francis Patrick Carroll (35), of no fixed address, was accused of stealing a motor-car, valued at 120 pounds, from a garage in Smithdown-road, Liverpool.  He was remanded.  It was stated that Carroll, accompanied by two other men, was riding in the motor-car, when it knocked down and injured a youth, who was riding a cycle in Lower Breck-road.  In the box, Sheldon said when the youth was knocked down he saw the car pulled up and three men jumping out and running away.  Witness chased Carroll through several gardens, and overtaking him, kicked his legs from under him.  He then conducted him to the police station.  The condition of the injured cyclist, it was stated, was improving.  (Note- On a previoius occasion Sheldon intervened when a policeman was being mauled by a crowd and received the thanks of the police and magistrate and a sum of money). 

BEES NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 November 1928
Everton will look strange at Sheffield United.  White, signed to be a centre of attraction, goes wing half-back, after being pivot for some time with the reserves- rather a remarkable happening, but in keeping with the memory of Bain and Easton and others being half-backs and forwards in double-quick-time and turn, I am not sure that these changes are good, no matter what history may say.  However, it may be that injury is the cause of this frequently adopted method of swopping places.  Certainly most folk realise that it is not possible to keep a good man down, and that George Martin is due a rise in status any moment.  He becomes centre, and with Ritchie returning the attack should bear up well.  Sheffield United have been improving, yet are not able to produce the form they showed at Anfield, for instance.  I think Everton will chronicle another victory away from home, if they can keep Tunstall in a subdued mood when he starts to cut inward from the cricket pitch to the football arena.  Ritchie, by the way, not only suffered an injury, but had the ‘flu tucked away as well.  Hard lines.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Martin, Weldon, Troup. 
A FOOTBALLER’S HELP
Sheldon, the former Bury and Everton player (not to be confused with Jack Sheldon of Liverpool), earned the praise of the police by helping a policeman in distress through assault some time ago.  Now he is “in the news” again through his pluck in chasing the thieves who stole a motor-car from a Liverpool garage and knocked down and injured a cyclist.  Sheldon is out of a job.  Will some junior club help him? 
QUERYOSITIES
Dear old Mr. John Rogers, of Bootle, gives me some historic news; - “Reading ‘Echo’ on Monday night, I saw an account by D.H.W’ of team picked to play a gala football match.  What struck me was the last item.  There was a Liverpool A.F.C at that time.  It may be news to “D.H.W,” to know the L.A.F.C was born in Bootle.  The Bootle club played a match v Queen’s Park, and after the match were entertained to dinner in the Derby Arms Hotel, in Irlam-road, Bootle.  The usual toasts were given, and the centre forward of Queen’s said it was like trying to knock a hole through Dumbarton Castle to knock our goalkeeper through the goal!  The goalkeeper (Jones), in answer, said he would like to see a Football Association formed in Liverpool; and he wrote a letter to the Liverpool papers to that effect.  A few days after another letter appeared signed by F. Buckle’ (Brettle?, blue correspondent) (who was Everton’s goalkeeper at that time), agreeing with the goalkeeper.  Then another letter, written by R.E. Lythgoe’ asking all those in favour of forming a Football Association to meet in the Tarleton Hotel, Tarleton-street; and that is where the A.F.C was formed.  Robert Sloane was first chairman and Bootle was the first winner of the cup.  I played in the game, and hold the medal for same.” 

A CYNIC AND EVERTON.
November 17 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
“If it takes Everton 244 minutes to score a goal,” writes a correspondent, “how long will it take them to win the championship again?” This pertinent and out-of-place query will receive what it deserves richly, the “cold shoulder,” as the writer of the column is not open to solve conundrums which factious readers care to pile on him. Still Sheffield United, despite the Everton changes are no great obstacle in the milky way of the Upper Regions, and it may well happen that a prompt reply to the cynical correspondent's wit may be given in the match at the City of Steel. Defeat for the champions is unlikely, even with the strangely constructed combination placed in the field by the Goodison park people. So there. The match begins at 2-30 and the teams are: - Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Martin, Weldon, and Troup. Sheffield United: - (probable); Wharton; Webster, Birks; Sampy, Matthews, Green; Gibson, Blair, Johnson, Boyle, Tunstall.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 November 1928
A VISIT TO SHEFFIELD U
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Martin, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield United; Wharton; Webster, Birks; Samoy, Matthews, Green; Gibson, Blair, Phillips, Boyle, Tunstall.  Referee; Mr. E. Bowie, Newcatsle. There was not a big crowd present at the start, and with Everton put to face a stiff wind, it was likely that they would find their task of controlling the ball a difficult one.  United opened with their left wing, but before it advanced very far, it was sent back.  The United were awarded a free-kick, and Tunstall, who usually places these gifts with rare precision, planted the ball on to Phillipson’s head, but the centre-forward was unable to get the right direction on it.
TUNSTALL’S PENALTY
Everton then took a hand, and Martin tried to find Ritchie with a long swinging pass, which unfortunately found its way to Birks.  But even then the United full-back was nearly caught napping and had to call in the assistance of a colleague to get him out of a dangerous situation.  So far the proceedings had been very tame.  When Gibson swept a ball right across the Everton goalmouth, White cleared with a strong kick, which hang in the air so that Tunstall was able to make a delicious scissors kick which almost put the ball into the Everton goalmouth.  Tunstall, Boyle, and Phillipson then joined hands in a little movement that looked extremely dangerous, until the United centre-forward made a bad pass with his head, and so spoiled Gibson of a possible scoring chance.  At the end of ten minutes a goal came to Sheffield United.  It was an unfortunate incident, too, which brought it about, for when Cresswell handled, I am perfectly certain he did so without intent, the ball striking his hand, rather than the striking the ball.  However, the referee decided against Everton and Tunstall –nobody else ever takes penalty kicks for Sheffield –scored with a fast drive.  Virr, with a free kick, forced Wharton to punch away, and when the ball came to the Everton half-back a second time, he made another good effort, which pulled away owing to the wind. 
ANOTHER CLAIM
The Sheffield team were very quick in their passing movements, and for some time the Everton defence was seriously harassed, and when Blair shot straight at Cresswell there was another claim for a penalty, but in this case it was quite an unjust one, for the ball was driven  straight at the Everton full back.  Tunstall then came into the centre, and stuck the crossbar with a ferocious drive only to find that the game had just been held up for a foul on Hart.  United’s second goal, which came at the eighteen minute, was of a sensational character, for when Tunstall slipped the ball through for Phillipson, Cresswell thought that the centre forward was offside and stood stock-still.  He had evidently not seen O’Donnell, who was standing between Phillipson and the goalkeeper. 
PHILLIPSON’S HOOK
Phillipson accepted the chance gladly, timing the ball well, he hooked it into the net before one could say “knife.”  There was an appeal from one or two Everton players, but there was, really no justification for it.  so far the United goalkeeper had little or nothing to do and when Ritchie ran close in and lobbed a ball into his hands, he showed not only confidence but wisdom in getting rid of the ball.  It was certainly a calamity for Everton to be two goals down at such an early point of the game through two such goals.  Still, it had to be admitted that the United were the better side as a body, although neither could claim great science.  The United were certainly the more dangerous side, although they might have had one or two more goals had their shooting been better.  Phillipson, for one, should have added to his crop, especially when was given a chance to make a drive, instead of which he made a simple-looking shot that Davies easily held. 
MARTIN NARROWED DOWN
Everton’s prospects brightened up a little when Dunn made a delicious pass to put Martin through clear of all opposition.  The Everton centre moved up a pace or two, but while he was doing so Wharton had advanced from his goal, and so narrowed Martin’s shooting angle, that all the latter could do was to drive the ball straight at the goalkeeper, who affected a save, much to the delight of the onlookers.  Gibson, who came from Nottingham Forest with a great reputation and had so far not justified it, made one effort that was worthy of mention.  It was scoop centre which offered Phillipson a wonderful chance of heading beyond Davies, but, as on previous occasions he got the wrong lie, and the ball went wide of the woodwork.  The Everton front line had not shown any punch.  It was too easily held up to be effective, while their close passing movement were just the kind that half-backs like Sampy, Matthews, and Green delight in and enjoy.
WHITE’S DIFICULT TASK
Virr and Hart were playing strongly, but young White found his task of holding Tunstall a very difficult one.  In fact, Tunstall had quite a nice afternoon, for his colleagues saw to it that he got plenty of the ball, and he made full use of it. Davies was winded in an effort to stop Phillipson.  Everton had found the wind a very trying proposition, but at the game time it could not be said that they had covered themselves with glory.  Half-time.- Sheffield U 2, Everton 0. 
SHEFFIELD UNITED WIN TWO TO ONE
TWO PENALTY KICKS
TUNSTALL, PHILLIPSON AND MARTINS SCORERS
Right from the restart Dunn and Martin made tracks for the Sheffield goal, the latter’s shot being safely fielded by Wharton.  Everton found things much easier to do with the aid of the wind, and for some time they attacked without having a pot at goal.  However, when Cresswell took a free kick and lobbed a ball into the penalty area Martin deliberately pushed in the back by Birks and the referee instantly awarded a penalty
MARTIN’S PENALTY GOAL
There were many groans round the ground at this decision, but to my mind it was the only one he could give in the circumstances.  Martin took the kick and scored.  This livened up matters somewhat and when next the Everton front line came down the field, there was a big shout, but nothing big done.  There was more excitement during the first fifteen minutes of the second half than there had been throughout the whole of the first, and each advance was followed with interest.  O’Donnell was hurt, but soon resumed, and when Sheffield gained a corner, Matthews, using his great height, was able to make a splendid header that Davies caught cleanly and well.  At this point of the game it started to rain, which made accurate ball control more difficult then it had been, and that is saying something.  Everton made a quick slash at the United goal, and a shot by Weldon was deflected by Birks, the ball going straight to the goalkeeper’s hands.  Cresswell was twice forced to concede a corner to Phillipson, Matthews again testing Davies with a header, Ritchie got in one of his fine centres, and Martin tried a header which was saved through Wharton springing high up and pulling the ball from under the crossbar.  Everton were now having more of the play, but it was only occasionally that Wharton was called upon.  Phillipson, who was full of dash, was once clean through but was chased by Cresswell and forced to take a quick shot, which passed wide.  Everton strove hard to wipe off the lead, and when they got a corner there was just a possibility and a hope that they would do so.  But there was not the height in the front line, for Matthews took upon himself to make himself handy when there were corners either for or against himself.  Dunn with two snapshots forced Wharton to save.  Final; Sheffield United 2, Everton 1. 

EVERTON RES V. WOLVES RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 November 1928
Despite a strong, gusty wind, the direction of which varied occasionally, both sides contrived to invest the game with a fair proportion of good combination.  The Wolves were quick movers, and at the twentieth minute Rhodes gave them the lead.  The visiting backs were inclined to work the offside trap rather frequently, and the Everton forwards line, which included a number of new locals fell into it too often.  Easton worked his way from right half to centre to make the scores level with a great shot, after which Stein gave Williams a great chance to give Everton the lead, but his final shot was nowhere near the goal.  The wind was a great factor in the Wolves’ many attacks, but, fortunately for Everton, Common, Kennedy, and Bain defended well.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, Wolves Res 1. 
After resumption, Hartill scored a second for Wolves and Easton again equalized. 

UNITED SLAY MORE GIANTS AT THE LANE
Star Green 'un - Saturday 17 November 1928
DESERVED TRIUMPED OVER EVERTON
PENALTY TO EACH SIDE
PHILLIPSON’S GOAL DECIDES THE ISSUE
SHEFFIELD UNITED 2, EVERTON 1
By Admiral
The call of the international match robbed to-day’s game at the Lane between United and Everton of its biggest attraction for the great “Dixie” Dean, who is such a drawing card all over the country, was playing for England.  Still, the visit of the stylish champions was expected to draw a big crowd to Bramell Lane, for there are other personalities in the side such as Cresswell, the former England back, and their expensive Scottish forwards.  Martin, formerly of Hull city, deputized for Dean and United also had a change at centre forward, for Phillipson took Johnson’s place.  Phillipson last played for the first team on October 13th, when he led the attack at Leicester.  A last-minute decision with regard to the right back resulted in Webster being retained, the teams, therefore being;
Sheffield United; Wharton; Webster, and Birks; Sampy, Matthews, and Green; Gibson, Blair, Phillipson, Boyle and Tunstall (Captain).  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (captain), and O’Donnell; White, Hart, and Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Martin, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. E. Bowie (Newcastle).  The 2.30 kick-off made a tremendous difference to the attendance at the start of the game, and there were not more than 12,000 present.  The ground had made a splendid recovery from the heavy rain during the last day or two, but it was naturally very soft on top.  Tunstall won the toss, and gave United the advantage of the breeze.  Everton soon gave us some examples of the way they play football, for the first three passes made by the men in blue jerseys were right along the ground.  White was rather unlucky to have a free-kick given against him just outside the penalty area, for he was preventing the ball hitting him between the eyes when he flung up his hands. 
BLAIR’S NEAT TOUCHES
Tunstall placed the kick beautifully, but Cresswell won the duel for the ball with Phillipson.  Boyle tried a good idea when he attempted to back-heel the ball to Tunstall, instead of turning round to make the pass; but White stepped in, Everton’s right half-back, by the way quickly showed that he did not intend to let Tunstall lose much of his company during the afternoon.  United made a sudden raid and went close to scoring.  Phillipson had the ball first and long pass on to Tunstall was flung back into the middle with the winger’s usual skill, and then, from a pass by the centre-forward Boyle shot without success.  Blair was twice applauded for neat touches once when he robbed Hart of the ball, and again when he lobbed it over O’Donnell’s lead, but Gibson wasted the opportunity.
TUNSTALL CONVERTS PENALTY.
At the eighth minute United were awarded a penalty for handling by Cresswell, but the Everton captain was rather unfortunate, for the incident was at least three-parts accidental.  Tunstall took the kick, “slammed” the ball past Davies, who hadn’t a “ghost” of a chance of saving.  Dunn showed that it is impossible to make a clean tackle from behind, for he chased Tunstall and put the ball into touch from the winger’s toes.  A free-kick was given against Matthews on the left of United’s penalty area for “grassing” Weldon, and Virr placed the kick right by the angle of the upright and crossbar, where Wharton saved.  Immediately afterwards Virr went very close with a long-range shot.  There was another appeal for a penalty against Cresswell, but this time the referee did not hesitate to wave play on, for the ball had obviously hit the defender’s shoulder.  Tunstall rouse the crowd with a fierce drive which rattled the crossbar, but the whistle had just previously gone for a free-kick.  Cresswell was made to look shaky by the United forwards, who kept close on top of him, and prevented him from getting good clearance. 
CRESSWELL’S COSTLY SLIP
Perhaps this was the explanation for Cresswell’s grave mistake, which led to United’s second goal after 18 minutes.  The Everton captain let the ball go past him, apparently under the impression that there was only O’Donnell between him and Davies.  When he turned round, it was to see Phillipson, who had been there all the time, bang the ball past Davies into the net.  Everton kept Wharton warm for the next two minutes or so, the United goalkeeper dodging rushes by the inside men and catching centres from Ritchie.  When at the other end Virr kicked clear when Davies had failed to gather a centre by Gibson.  Blair began to limp very badly and had to go off for a few minutes to be attended to by the trainer.  He came back quickly, but had a bandage round his knee, which shortly afterwards he removed. 
WHARTON’S GREAT SAVE
Matters looked very awkward for United when Webster let in Martin, who had so far been right out of the picture.  Wharton, however, came out, and flung up his arms to make a great save at point blank range.  Phillipson was keeping in touch with both wings and he took up position very cleverly.  He followed Gibson up once, and was able to make a header, which just passed inches wide of the upright.  Gibson also went close with a header a minute later.  Hart, the Everton centre half-back, who has only one eye, was playing a nice constructive game in the middle, and having a shot himself now and again.  One from 25 yards out, just skimmed the bar.  Birks was maintaining his improved form of the last few weeks, and so far Ritchie and Dunn had got very little change out of him.  Tunstall tried a lob, which Davies caught above his head.  Gibson and the Everton goalkeeper realized foolishness of not playing to the whistle when they went on after it had gone for a free-kick, for both got hurt.  Fortunately they were able to resume very soon.  Everton forced a corner in the last minute of the first half, but it was easily cleared.  Half-time; Sheffield United 2, Everton 0. 
Early in the second half Dunn, the Scottish International once missed his kick at the ball completely.  United had a great opportunity of making their lead three right away, for Phillipson gave Gibson a chance to come in on his own.  However, the right winger could only force a futile corner. 
ROUGHNESS DEVELOPS
In the ninth minute Everton were given a penalty for a deliberate piece of pushing in the back with his hands by Matthews, while waiting for a free kick to be taken.  Many of the spectators probably never saw the incident, and that was why there was so much fuss; but anyone who happened to have his eye on Matthews saw the incident quite plainly.  Martin took the kick and scored easily.  Following this, some feeling crept into the game, which was aggravated by the shouting of the crowd.  The roughness was maintained, and the game developed at one period into a series of free-kicks, Birk was laid out, and following the free-kick, taken by Webster, Tunstall shot over the bar.  Ten Phillipson, after eluding the backs, was unexpectedly robbed by Virr, and with United staying in the Everton quarters, there came another centre from Tunstall, which led to a struggle for the ball in the goalmouth and three men were injured, Phillipson and Davies soon recovered, but O’Donnell had to have the trainer’s attentions.  Rain, which had been threatening for some time, fell at this point, and the ball began to get very greasy. 
WHEN BLAIR FAILED TO FOLLOW.
Blair put a beautiful long pass up the middle for Phillipson, who struggled gamely against two men, and succeeded in pushing the ball towards Davies, Blair, however, had not followed up, and so the goalkeeper cleared easily.  Green took a free-kick with great power and accuracy, which Davies was glad to punch over the bar for a corner, which was cleared.  At the other end Wharton saved a long range from Weldon. 
PHILLIPSON’S THRILLING DASH.
From a corner-kick well taken by Gibson, Matthews gave Davis a ticklish handful with his head.  For the third time in the match there was a shout for a penalty against Cresswell, but this time the referee was again right in refusing it, for Phillipson had only slipped on the greasy surface.  Wharton saved from Martin, and then the ball was suddenly kicked up the field, Phillipson thrilling the crowd with a solo dash half the length of the field.  He had got right inside the penalty area, and was just about to shoot when he slipped up and finished on his back.  A moment or two later Phillipson and Gibson combined in an effort which took them clear of the other forward, but the Everton backs were playing very steadily now, and could not be passed.  United had no difficulty in keeping Everton out in the last few minutes.  Result; Sheffield United 2, Everton 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 November 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

SHEFFIELD UNITED 2 EVERTON 1
November 19 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CHAMPIONS' SCALPS ADDED TO SHEFFIELD UNITED BELT.
TWO PENALTY GOALS.
MARTIN AND TUNSTALL THE SCORERS AT SHEFFIELD.
Everton have given two really bad displays this season. The first was at Burnley a couple of weeks ago and the second was at Bramell-Lane Sheffield on Saturday when the United, having obtained the scalps of the League leaders and holders in successive home matches, defeated them by the odd goal of three. To add the Champions to their list of victims is no mean feat for the United, who are not by any means a brilliant team. The champions appeared to be nonpussed by the keenness of their rivals, and the attack, especially failed badly both as a collective force and individually. Neither wing could get going properly, and Martin in the centre was generally ploughing a lonely furrow, having to work for most of his opportunities himself. Hart, it is true, occasionally slipped a nice one up the middle, but the burly Matthews and the home backs were to nippy that it was they who received the ball.
NOT DEAN'S LOSS ALONE.
People might say that Everton are no good without Dean, and while “Dixie” absence is always a serious loss it was not only his being away which gave the United the victory. It was the general scheme of the side which was wrong and, in the circumstances, Dean would have received no more support than Martin did. In the first half the Everton forwards only delivered two shots which could honestly be given the name. Martin had the best chance when he went through unattended, but instead of slipping the ball quietly into the net he banged hard so that Wharton was able to divert the rising ball. Later on matters improved in this respect, and Dunn in particular levelled two or three excellent shots which needed clever anticipation on the part of Wharton. Even then it was not enough when compared with the amount of shooting the United indulged in. They fired away on every possible occasion, and Davies hardly had a moment he could call his own. Penalties played an important part in the game for each side scored from one. There is no doubt in the world that Cresswell handled after nine minutes when the ball came up from Phillipson, but some people considered that it was accidental. Well, it was a very debatable point, and the referee in the circumstances did right to give Tunstall the opportunity to face Davies. He did so with excellent results. Everton had a penalty in the second half, and there was no doubt about this one, for Matthews used both hands to push Martin in the back, and Martin had his revenge, by causing Wharton to retrieve the ball from the net.
PHILLIPSON'S “BEATY.”
Sandwiched in between these penalties –always unsatisfactory affairs –was a lovely goal from Phillipson who pick up a ball which Cresswell let go, thinking O'Donnell was behind him. He was not, and though this did not give a clear opening Phillipson shot out his left foot and beautiful rising drive completely outwitted Davies.
Davies was the best Evertonian performing many brilliant things in goal, and O'Donnell was the better of the backs. Cresswell opened shakily, and it was some time before he settled down to his usual form, and by that time the Blues were two goals in arrear. Teams: - Sheffield United: - Wharton, goal, Webster and Birks, backs, Sampy, Matthews, and Green half-backs, Gibson, Blair, Phillipson, Boyle, and Tunstaff. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, White, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Martin, Weldon and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS RESERVES 4
November 19 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 15)
Everton were unlucky in sustaining their first home defeat, as the woodwork-prevented goal on several occasions. In addition, the Wolves exploited the offside theory to perfection throughout the game. The Blues had an “A” right wing and a local centre-forward on view. Williams in the centre, displayed a fine turn of speed, and repeatedly harassed the opposing goalkeeper. Wolverhampton led at the interval through goals by Rhodes and Harthill against one by Easton. Afterwards Jones equalised and then gave Everton the lead, only for Rhodes and Harthill to net again for the Wolves. Everton: - Maher, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Easton, Bain and W. Curr, half-backs, Roscoe, Webster, Williams, Jones, and Stein, forwards.

CAPS FOR DEAN AND GRIFFITHS
October 19 th 1928 . The Daily Courier.
Dean helped England beat Wales 3-2 at Swansea on Saturday playing against his teammate Griffiths.

GIANT KILLERS
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 19 November 1928
SHEFFIELD UNITED ADD CHAMPIONS TO LIST
EVERTON MISS DEAN
On the face of things Sheffield United have done exceedingly well in their last three home matches, for in succession they have over-thrown Derby County, who came as leaders  of the Division, Blackburn Rovers, who were League leaders, at the time as well as the Cup holders, and now Everton, the expensive champions of last season, by 2-1 on Saturday.  It would be dangerous to the future of the club, however, to assume that because of these conquests all is well.  They found the champions only a ghost of their championship selves, sadly missing Dean, who was on international duty at Swansea and in addition were rather fortunate to obtain their first goal by the aid of a penalty, after the game had only been going eight minutes. Most people would have been inclined to give Cresswell, the Everton captain and right back, the benefit of the doubt when a spinning ball struck his arm.  Just before that the referee had given a free kick just outside the penalty area against Everton, when White flung up his hands to prevent a hard-driven ball hitting him between the eyes.  Tunstall smashed the penalty kick past Davies to give the United an early lead. 
PHILLIPSON ALWAYS ON THE SPOT
Ten minutes later Phillipson, who throughout the game kept well up the field, took up a position cleverly and was always in touch with both wings, was presented with a goal by Cresswell, who allowed the ball to pass him under the impression that only his colleague, O’Donnell, was between him and Davies.  The United centre-forward gave Davies no chance with a well-placed cross drive.  That goal decided the game, for, although Martin scored with a penalty kick for Everton six minutes after the start of the Everton half, the visitors failed to beat Wharton in the open play.  Many people failed to see the incident which led to Everton’s penalty.  It occurred when a free-kick was being taken just outside United’s penalty area.  Anyone who happened to have his eyes on the bunch of players instead of upon the taker of the kick would have seen Matthews deliberately pushing one of the Everton players in the back with his hands.  The referee saw it, and had no alternative but to award a penalty kick.  It caused some feeling between the players, and free kicks were far too numerous. 
STRONG HALF-BACKS
A high wind and a greasy surface did not help the men to play good football, and from the spectators’s point of view it was not a game which will stay long in their memories; there was so little combination and so few concerted attacks.  The United inside forwards persist in their old fault of hanging back.  Blair, who was troubled by a limp, following a knee injury sustained in the first half, made some delightful touches, but he was a negligible quantity when it came to shooting.  The only likely scoring attempts was made by Phillipson and Tunstall-the only men who played an attacking game.  Gibson had two excellent opportunities, but wasted them both.  Sampey and Green both obtained a grip on Everton’s Scottish wing pairs who were helpless without the considering link and driving force which Dean supplies.  Matthews spoilt an effective display by giving away too many free kicks, apart from the penalty.  Everton’s half-back play was also one of the best features of the game.  They kept the ball on the floor.  Birks had a good match and so did Wharton, who once made a great save at point blank range when Webster had let Martin through.  Webster seems to have an unhappy knack of spoiling sound displays by making just one or two serious errors.  Cresswell and O’Donnell recovered from a shaky start to give a fine display of defensive football.  The earlier start reduced the attendance to less than 20,000.  Teams;- Sheffield United; Wharton; Webster, and Birks; Sampy, Matthews, and Green; Gibson, Blair, Phillipson, Boyle, and Tunstall.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, and O’Donnell; White, Hart and Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Martin, Weldon and Troup.  Referee; Mr. R.R. Bowie (Newcastle). 

UNITED RISE
Sheffield Independent - Monday 19 November 1928
EARLY GOALS BEAT EVERTON AT BRAMALL LANE
SHEFFIELD UNITED 2 EVERTON 1
By W.H. Parton
In defeating the League Champions, whose forces were weakened by the calling up of Dean and Griffiths for the International match, Sheffield United, on Saturday, won their final successive victory at Bramall lane, by the score of 2-1.  By this victory they gained two points which enabled them to vacate the last place but one in the League table.  A fresh breeze and a surface made slippery by rain were conditions adverse to ball control and the game could not be considered a great one, but in the circumstances much of the football was good, especially that of the Sheffield men who were deservedly victorious, the score being a fair indication of their superiority.  United altered their attacking line as constituted in recent games by the introduction of Phillipson as leader.  The ex-Wolverhampton player acquitted himself with courage and skill and scored the best goal of the match, it is interesting to note that Johnson, whom he displaced, did the hat-trick for the Reserves in the Central League game on Manchester City’s ground. 
UNITED’S TWO GOALS
The Sheffield team, by winning the toss, had a decided advantage during the first half with the strong wind behind them and it was no great surprise that, sound as was the defence opposed to them, they should have penetrated it twice during the first half.  Everton scarcely utilized the breeze so well during the second half, much of which was played in a down-pour of rain, but succeeded in reducing the lead by means of a penalty goal.   United also had a penalty from which they opened the score nine minutes from the beginning of the game.  This was given against Cresswell for handling, Tunstall successfully taking the spot-kick.  Two other claims for “hands” by the Everton right-back in the penalty area came later in the game but these were answered in his favour.  Nine minutes later came a second goal as a reward for the Sheffielders’ greater speed and dash in attack.  Phillipson took up position well to receive an accurate pass along the ground from Matthews and, with a beautiful hook, instantly swept the ball past Davies into the net.
EVERTON’S RESPONSE
United had greatly to thank their goalkeeper that their lead of two goals was not reduced before half-time.  This was when Martin showed a clean pair of heels to the rest of the home defence.  Wharton advanced just as Martin was shooting and made a fine save from a strong shot dead on the mark.  Six minutes after change came a goal for the visitors.  The referee noticed something, which many spectators, who subsequently made their voices heard, must have failed to observe, and gave a penalty against Matthews for pushing Martin I the back, Martin scored.  United fought back, but Davies made two admirable saves of the Everton goal in stopping a beautifully taken free-kick by Green from long range and a sharp shot from Matthews.  The victors played a hard, determined game, and owed their success mainly to the fact that their forwards were quicker and more dashing in their attacks.  Tunstall and Phillipson excelled.  Blair, prior to an injury which handicapped him early in the game, was prominent.  In defence there was little to choose between the teams.  All four backs did much sound work, but Birks and O’Donnell were outstanding.  Ritchie and Troup at times did smart work on the extreme wing of Everton’s forward line, and Dunn was the most dangerous of their inside men.  No middle man played better than Green, of United.  The attendance may be estimated at about 18,000.  Teams; Sheffield United; Wharton; Webster, and Birks; Sampy, Matthews, and Green; Gibson, Blair, Phillipson, Boyle, and Tunstall.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, and O’Donnell; White, Hart and Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Martin, Weldon and Troup.  Referee; Mr. R.R. Bowie (Newcastle-on-Tyne). 

NOT LIKE CHAMPIONS
Athletic News - Monday 19 November 1928
EVERTON MISS SHOOTING STAR
VIRILE SHEFFIELD
SHEFFILED UNITED 2 EVERTON 1
By Nemo
Two famous leaders of attack and performers of hat-tricks were absent from the conflict at Bramall-lane –Dean, of Everton, who was playing for England, and Harry Johnson, of Sheffield United, who was relegated to his club’s reserve team in consequence of loss of form.  The champions did not find an adequate substitute as centre-forward, although the blame for an indifferent attack cannot be attributed wholly or mainly to Martin.  Sheffield United, however, benefitted by the introduction of Phillipson, the former leader of Wolverhampton whose energy and enterprise had much to do with the success of his side in winning by two goals to one.  The Sheffield men just had their deserts.  With a defence equally as sound as that of the visitors, the United had a much more virile attack desperately in need of points.  The whole team worked hard, and got the one goal of the match about which there was anything to admire the other two being obtained with penalty kicks.  Sheffield opened the score with one of these unsatisfactory affairs nine minutes from the start.  It is questionable whether Cresswell’s act of handling was really intentional, and perhaps this ruling of the referee against him upset the old International a little, for while he did not play badly, he certainly did not give one of his best displays. 
A REAL GOAL
Tunstall scored with the spot kick, driving the ball hard and well out of reach of Davies.  The Sheffield men just had their strong breeze, were very busy in attack during the first half, and it came as no surprise to see them get a second goal.  This was the best goal of the game.  Matthews with one of the swift and accurate passes along the ground at which he in adopt, sent the ball forward, Phillipson had to swing round to receive it, and with a clever left-foot shot he instantaneously swept it into the net before the goalkeeper had time to realise what was happening.  By these two goals United led at the interval.  Having regard to the aid they had received from the wind, which was still strong when they crossed over to face it, this lead seemed none too strong against opponents bearing the title of champions, but Everton did not play like champions on this occasion.  They lacked an attack with vim, and seldom gave Wharton, in the United goal, any real trouble.  True, they reduced the home club’s lead with a penalty kick but were unable to follow up that success.  The penalty appeared to be given against Matthews for pushing Martin, and the managainst who the offence was committee scored with a low shot, of which the speed was much too great for Wharton to have any chance.  For a brief period after scoring Everton’s attacks increased in vigour, and an equalizing goal might have been snatched had the United’s defence not been very sound, Birks playing particularly well.  Indeed, the United left back played admirably throughout the game, being cool, clever, and resourceful, and kicking with both precision and power. 
O’DONNELL STANDS OUT
Sheffield did not make the mistake of playing on the defensive while Everton were making their effort; on the contrary, they fought back and were the more aggressive team in the concluding stages.  In thwarting the energetic rushes of the home forwards throughout the match O’Donnell, the Everton let back, stood out as the heroic figure.  He usually had the better of the argument against the right wing of the Sheffield attack, although Blair played delightful football on the wing.  Before being hurt Tunstall was a skilful inspirer of many Sheffield attacks, and Green skillful and prominent among the home half-backs.  Everton had a capable middle line, but the forwards were disappointing.  Dunn was perhaps the most dangerous, and occasionally Ritchie put across some excellent centres.  Teams; Sheffield United; Wharton; Webster, and Birks; Sampy, Matthews, and Green; Gibson, Blair, Phillipson, Boyle, and Tunstall.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, and O’Donnell; White, Hart and Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Martin, Weldon and Troup.  Referee; Mr. R.R. Bowie (Newcastle-on-Tyne). 

HAVE EVERTON FOUN A GOALKEEPER?
Athletic News - Monday 19 November 1928
By Harricus
When Everton were spending thousands of pounds on players a local youth was begging for an engagement. Arthur Davies turned up at Goodison Park from his native Wallasey for a trial game.  He got it.  He did not get a chance on the first Saturday, but as both custodians were unavailable for the next practice game Davies was sent for, and his exhibition was so satisfactory that he became an Everton player.  He had previously been with a North Wales club, and was offered a reengagement for last season, but he was ambitions, and his self-confidence was so justified that he has deposed two such experts as Taylor, an International, and Hardy, and Inter-League player.  This was, indeed, a most creditable achievement for a mere novice who had only just reached manhood estate.  He only figured in ten league matches last season, ‘tis true, but that he had the nerve and did not let his side down is borne out in the fact that his club won the League championship.  Davies is a fine specimen of humanity, standing 6ft 1in, and weighing 21st. and on his form the season he should remain Everton’s goalkeeper for many seasons. 

THE PRICE OF FAME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 November 1928
By Stork
Everton can be likened to the theatrical “star” who has worked his or her way to the top of the hill, in that they are not allowed to offer the public an inferior article.  Only the best, the very best, is expected of them, and, if that is not forth-coming, there is a tremendous groan and a whole lot of criticism.  Any other club can have a poor day without bringing a ton of bricks on its head, but Everton, having set themselves such a high standard, are expected to maintain it, and if they do not do so are sure to become the butt of the critics and their followers.  Excuses are of no avail.  Such is the price of fame.  Everton have not been playing well, at least not surely so well as last season, but one hardly expected them to fall to such a low standard as they did at Bramall-lane.  It was inconceivable, but it is only a truth to say that it was their worst game for many a long day.  Even in their critical days they played superior football to that of Saturday, and against vastly superior opponents than Sheffield United, who are not considered of championship class nowadays.  True, the conditions were wretched, but they were just the same for the United, who, however, were not slaves to the short passing methods which is ingrained in the Everton team.  Close methods are all very well in some circumstances, but on Saturday the open game was the one to succeed, and this was made apparent by the United players, who had no use for finery, but took the quickest possible route to their opponents goal. 
A LACK OF HEIGHT
Even against the wind they were better than Everton had been, which was all very difficult to understand; while when it came to parting with a ball there was no comparison.  The Yorkshiremen could “find” one another with a simplicity that made Everton’s endeavours all the more tragic.  The Everton forwards could not get the ball away with the same accuracy, and consequently their few advances were cut short by the trio of half-backs, who had their task lightened by their rivals shortcoming.  The absence of Dean did not make all the difference; for it he had received the same support that was accorded to Martin, he would have had just as poor a day as did the former Hull player.  One thing Dean’s presence would have done, and that was give the line a bit of height and weight, and that would have been something, for Matthews swept both Dunn and Weldon out of his patch as if they were mere feathers. 
THOSE WHO DID WELL
Needless to say, this failure threw a lot of work on those in the rear.  White had a trying time against a player of Tunstall’s calibre, but did not do at all badly.  Hart and Virr were tenacious in their endeavours, and if Cresswell had to do a lot of chasing and conceded many corners, his power of anticipation was worth much to his side.  O’Donnell was a powerful ally, and Davies played another good game in goal.  The two goals which beat him were of the unstoppable kind, the first being a penalty taken by Tunstall, the United’s spot-kick king.  I am confident in my own mind that Cresswell’s handling was quite unintentional, but what was at the back of Cresswell’s mind when he stood stock still and let a ball go to him, and so give Phillipson his chance to score I don’t know.  Either he thought that Phillipson was off-side or did not know he was there.  Phillipson was certainly not offside, for he had O’Donnell standing between him and Davies. 

WHOLESALE CHANGES IN ATTACK.
November 21 st 1928. The Daily Courier.
OLDHAM VISIT.
The Champions' replay will take place at Goodison Park (kick off 2;15). There is nearly a wholesale reshuffle of the Everton forward line, as well as changes in the defence. Dean, of course resumes at centre-forward, in place of Martin, who changes to inside-left; Forshaw take's Dunn's place at inside right, and Stein is introduced at outside left vice Troup. Common, the reserve full-back deputises for Cresswell, and Griffiths fresh from his International triumph, resumes at right half-back for White. The teams for the Goodison Park match are: - Everton; Davies; Common, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Stein. Oldham Athletic (probable), Floyd; Grundy, Ivill; Adams, Armitage, Napier; King, Taylor, Ormston, Hargreaves, and Watson.

EVERTON 5 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 3
November 22 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP ROUND THREE REPLAY
RITCHIE FINE WING WORK.
BLUES' MARKSMEN GIVEN GOOD OPENINGS
DEAN'S FOUR FOR EVERTON.
Everton, playing an experimental forward line, won the replay of their Lancashire Senior Cup third round tie with Oldham Athletic at Goodison Park, yesterday with comparative ease. The score of five goals to three in their favour hardly represents their superiority, and had they thought to apply full steam from the start to finish they would have chalked up many more goals. Oldham, however, fought every inch of the way, but they were at a distinct disadvantage in the matter of football craft, and their enthusiastic and occasionally, clever forwards did not receive the same measure of support as the Blues' vanguard. Everton did seven-eights of the attacking, but it required a goal against them to make them cogniliant of the fact that in the Second Division team they had something to beat. Their opening play was akin to that of an exhibition match, but when Dyson headed in for the visitors, the Blues thought it was time they were up and going. Their thoughts were put into action, and in a short space of time they were a goal ahead, thanks to the efforts of Dean and Martin. Dean obtained another goal before the interval, and in the second half scored two other clever goals, while Taylor beat Davies twice with excellent shots. It is a fact that many more opportunities were missed than ever improve done. This was due to two things. First, the Oldham men waited too long on many occasions when favourable openings had been won, and secondly, the Everton forwards did not brother to force many attacks home to the bitter end, but made one bite at the cherry suffice. One of the most curious occurrences of the game was when Davies picked up a shot from Taylor, and gently punted it back to the feet of the forward thinking the whistle had gone for offside. Fortunately he was right in the path of Taylor's second effort. Hacking the visitor's goalkeeper fresh from his fine deeds in the International at Swansea, was the outside figure on the field, and the busiest. He negotiated scores of shots, which would have beaten many other custodians. Davies also did his work thoroughly, and the home international mediates were the men who really sealed the fate of the Athletic. Ritchie was the most prominent forward, his centring being better than anything seen in Liverpool for many weeks. Dean scored three of his goals from this Scot's crosses, and Martin also had to thank him for a peach of an opening. Dean constituted the essence of a penetrative leader, and Martin occasionally delighted with the manner in which he cut out opening for his colleagues. Teams: - Everton: - Davies goal, Common and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Stein, forwards. Oldham Athletic: - Hacking, goal, Ivill, and Porter, backs, Adams, Armitage, and Naylor, half-backs, Watson Dyson, Taylor, Hargreaves, and Asson, forwards.

EVERTON PLAYER FOR BRISTOL
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 22 November 1928
We understand that the Everton Football Club have been negotiating with Bristol City in connection with the signing of David Bain, the former Manchester player, who has been with Everton as a forward, half-back, and full-back some years.  We understand the negotiations are practically complete. 

TWO HAT-TRICKS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 22 November 1928
By Stork
Yesterday at Goodison Park, eight goals were piled up in the score, sheet, including two “hat-tricks,” one by Dean and one by Taylor the Oldham Athletic centre-forward.  The final score rather suggests that the “Latics” offered a stern front to the champions side, but to my mind they were only allowed to do so because Everton held such a commanding lead.  If Oldham had shown themselves capable in front of goal, and had pressed the Everton side more severely, I feel sure that the Goodison team would have risen to the occasion and clapped on just sufficient goals to have won th match, and the despite the good “keeping” of Hacking, the England custodian. 
HACKLING’S SAVES
Hacking is not a stylist as compared with Ted Taylor, Sam Hardy, Kenneth Campbell, as Elisha Scott; in fact he looks to be a big blunderlouss in goal, but as in other walks of life looks very often belie.  I was quite taken up with him on his display yesterday.  Hacking could not have stopped one of the goals which beat him.  Dean’s first goal was wondrous.  It left a lasting impression and even now, after hours of reflection, I cannot understand how Dean got the ball past the full backs standing almost on top of him and also Hacking.  Is was amazing.  Dean scored three others, but none of them stand out like his opening goal.  First time shots are almost a thing of the past nowadays, which is a pity for one saw the value of them when Martin hit out at a centre from Ritchie, and had planted the ball in the net before Hacking could move an inch to avert the disaster. 
CENTRES AND GOALS
Apart from the five goals which beat him, he was twice hit by Dean when he could know little or nothing of what was going on.  Ivill and Porter were variable in their kicking, and their half-backs were forced, by Everton’s maneuvers, to act on the defensive, so that their forwards got little help and had to work their own salvation.  Asson, who was making his debut, had a fair day, for although Griffiths played well he was inclined to over-elaboration.  Hart’s tackling was deadly.  He got the ball when it was odds on the other fellow, and he had one great drive saved by Hacking.  Taylor accepted three chances and missed at least three others; but Dean also had his misses too.  Martin passed well, and Forshaw also slipped them through so that Ritchie could offer goal laden centres, and the right-winger had one fierce drive deflected by Armitage, I thought it would knock the Oldman’s man’s head clean off- and it would have done so if he had taken it pluck instead of let it glance off his forehead.  Stein has the making of a fine winger.  He will “fight” for possession, and he knows how to place the ball into the middle; and once nearly scored off his own bat when the ball glanced along the face of the crossbar with hacking beaten.  Oh for a few of those goals last Saturday. 

DAVID BAIN TO BRISTOL CITY
November 23 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
David Bain, Everton's Reserve centre-half-back, was transferred last night to Bristol City. Bain, who had been with the Goodison Park side since the start of the season 1924-25, previously had two seasons with Manchester United, and had experience with Rutherglen Glencairn a Scottish junior side. He played behind “Dixie” Dean in 23 First Division games for Everton three seasons ago. Bain, who stands 5ft 9in; and weighs 11 st 7lb., will help his new club against Tottenham Hotspurs tomorrow.

BRISTOL CITY SIGH EVERTON HALF
Western Mail - Friday 23 November 1928
Bristol City have secured the transfer of D. Bain, the reserve centre-half, of Everton.  Bain, who had been with the Goodison Park side since the start of the season 1924-25, previously had two seasons with Manchester United, and had experience with Rutherglen Glencairn, a Scottish junior side. 

EVERTON PLAYER FOR BRISTOL
Dundee Courier - Friday 23 November 1928
Bristol City have secured the transfer of D. Bain the reserve centre-half of Everton.  Bain, who had been with the Goodison Park ide since the start of the season 1924-25, is a native of Glasgow and previously had two seasons with Manchester United; originally he was with Rutherglen Glencairn.  He played behind “Dixie” Dean in 23 First Division games for Everton three seasons ago.  Bain, who stands 5ft 9in, and weighs 11st 7lbs, will help his new club against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow. 

SMITH
Musselburgh News - Friday 23 November 1928
It is said that Everton would like to secure the services of Smith, the young centre-forward of East Stirlingshire.   

EVERTON HOME TEST
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 November 1928
Bee’s Notes
In League matters, tomorrow we have the visit of Bury to Goodison Park, and as I write the team for the home side has not been chosen.  It will doubtless bear a familiar ring, and, judging by the revival against England’s goalkeeper, Bury will go through the mill, especially as Tom Bradshaw is not yet fit. And thus Bury miss their captain and leader.  However, Bury, by beating Arsenal in a rainstorm, have shown the public that they are not going to languish down below.  Let me tell you a matter of public import, Bury are not a fashionable side, and cannot afford to spread themselves on fancy fees, but, through the agency of Percy Smith, they have gained a reserve team of extra-ordinary power.  They have won all but two of their last twenty-six Central League games.  That may strike you as remarkable as the season is still in its first half, but I am taking their last half of last season with the first half of this season, and by that means you find a consistency unequalled.  No wonder Bury draw on their reserve strength nowadays and find it does not let them down.  They won’t forget that Arsenal scalp in a hurry; consequently, Everton will have to fight hard to-morrow to break down the Bury enthusiasm and skill.  It is up to Everton to revive fallen or drooping hopes and beliefs.  The talent is there; perhaps there has been too much tackling and not sufficient concentration on practical football; whatever it is, it has bene a team-failing, for all the men seem to have slipped from their highest estate.  The revival meeting, I am told, starts tomorrow against Bury.  Everton?
GOODISON MUSIC
For the Everton v. Bury match, at Goodison Park, Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr. Harry Wearing) will give the following programme;-
March, “Nutgrove… Hawkins
Foxtrot, “Don’t do that to the poor pussycat.” ..Keith Prowse
Selection.  “A Souvenir of the Opera”
Foxtrot,  “Just like a melody out of the sky” ..Keith Prowse
Waltz,  “Was it a dream”..Lawrence Wright
Review,  “Patriotic”  Rimmer
March, “Kneller Hall”  Greenwood
McBAIN TRANSFERRED
Neil McBain, of Liverpool, formerly of Everton has been transferred to Watford

REVIVALISTS AT GOODISON.
November 24 th 192. The Daily Courier.
CHAMPIONS TO ATONE FOR RECENT LAPSES.
There will be a clash of “revivalists” at Goodison Park today when Everton, fearful of a thousand fingers pointed in scorn, and Bury fresh from doughty deeds, fare each other. The Champions have had some trouble owing to injuries, and the selection of their team had to be deferred. The choice, however, shows that they will be at full strength. Bury have had to make dips into the reserves lucky bag which has been proved to contain more than an atom of talent. The visitors' greatest misfortune, though, is the absence of their captain, counsellor and friend, Tom Bradshaw, the International half-back, who has some reputation as a long-range goal-scorer. Tom was recently associated quite wrongfully, with a £7,000 rumour, the Arsenal being the hawk's clied. There is no truth in it. Both teams will be out for the milk today, the Champions to rehabilitate themselves in the hearts of the “fans” and Bury to continue their escape from thralom. Hence, a “revival meeting “ of rich promise. The Champions will win, although perhaps Bury will be able to provide stiffer opposition than is expected. The kick off is at 2;30, and the teams are: - Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Bury; Harrison; G. Bradshaw, Adamson; Porter, Finney, Dutton; Gale, Bullock, JR Smith, Ball, and Amos.

THE GOODISON GAME
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 November 1928
BURY BAIT THE EVERTON SIDE
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffith, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Bury; Harrison; Bradshaw (G), Adamson; Porter, Finney, Dutton; Gale, Bullock, Smith (J.R), Ball, Amos.  Referee; T.G. Bryan (Willenhall).  It was a bad day for football, for there was a blustery wind which would make accurate play difficult.  The ground looked well, but would no doubt turn up a bit as play went on.  The crowd was only a small one, but there was every indication that it would increase as time went on, for the rain had stopped by kick-off time.  The early minutes were indeed exciting, for Bury might have had two goals in the first sixty seconds, whereas they were a goal down in two minutes.  It was the sort of day on which anything might happen, and when Bullock got a chance he let loose a long-distance drive that carried much pace.  Under ordinary conditions I don’t suppose it would have troubled Davies, but the wind got hold of the ball and turned it away from the Everton keeper, who saw the ball dodge under his arm and just wide of the upright.  Then followed Bury’s second opportunity.  Amos has a habit of centring squarely, and from one of these O’Donnell headed out.  J.R. Smith, however, was lying handy, and if he had not got underneath the ball, he would have opened the scoring, whereas the shot flashed over the crossbar.  The course of the play was very fast, and Everton, adopting a more open plan than usual, were soon in the enemy quarters.
DEAN PERSISTS
Dean found himself in the centre of several Bury defenders, but was able to overcome the handicap and get in his shot, which was partly saved.  Dean would not let it rest at that, and, following up, obtained possession a second time, and although tackled, shot into the empty Bury goal, the goalkeeper having left his goal to come to the assistance of his full-back, Bradshaw.  As a matter of fact, Dean’s shot hit Bradshaw en route into the net.  Bury were very dour in their methods, their position in the League no doubt causing them such anxiety that they were all out to do a little extra for the good of the cause, and it had to be admitted that they were extremely dangerous on occasions. Cresswell in stopping a Bury attack, did not trap the ball as he desired but he made such a fine recovery that his error could be lightly passed over.  The hang of the ball was a puzzle to them all.  One could not tell which way it would go, and this probably prevented Dean from getting in a full-blooded drive when he was inside the penalty area and just about to shoot. 
THE HAT-TRICK
Some amusement was caused when a spectator’s hat was seen rolling across the ground, but play was so intense that nobody could afford to take much notice of it, Dean tried a long, sweeping pass to Ritchie, which was a great move if it had come off for it would have left the winger with an open course of goal, and only Harrison to face.  Adamson, the Bury full-back, was the recipient of Dean’s pass, so there the matter ended.  Dunn had a good shot that went wide, and then Weldon also tried his luck, without success.  The Bury attack was quite capable of making an advance, but there was deadliness about their finish after the two early flashes already referred to.  Davies had to make one or two saves, but the Everton half-backs and full backs were mostly equal to the calls made upon them.  Bury suffered a severe blow when Ball and Griffiths went up for the ball together. 
BURY LOSE A MAN
The Bury forward received such a severe blow on the head that he had to be carried on a stretcher, with his head and eyes heavily bandaged.  During his absence Dunn delivered the best shot of the match so far, and was unfortunate to find the ball crash against the crossbar and rebound into play.  Ritchie, Dunn, and Dean participated in a movement which promised something and gave nothing, and Dean’s header travelled wide of the target.  Bury were still remiss in front of goal, for they had one or two chances to shoot, particularly when Amos centred. 
HARRISON’S SAVE
If it had not been for a good save by Harrison, Dean would have augmented the score, for he had run round his backs and was just preparing to shoot when the ball “kicked” away a trifle, and he had to edge over to the right of the goal.  Even then he put in a sound shot that Harrison dropped on to save.  Bury’s best efforts at scoring for some time was made by Porter, who shot when few expected him to do so, and it was fortunate that Davies was not one of those few, for he would surely have been beaten, because Porter’s shot was just passing under the cross-bar when the goalie tipped it over.  Dean was once waiting for a ball that never came, simply because it got into a wind pocket on its way.  O’Donnell was kicking strongly against the wind, and on one occasion was responsible for a sterling tackle when J.R. Smith was sent through with a fine cross-pass from his half-back.  Just before the interval a fanciful bit of work on the part of Dunn culminated in Weldon offering Dean a through-the-middle pass, which the Everton centrte-forward kicked with all his might, but unfortunately, he got underneath and it travelled over the bar.  Then Dean gave Ritchie a chance, and the winger returned the compliment with a good centre that Dean headed back to his inside colleague.  Dunn took it in his stride, but his shot was of poor direction.  Half-time; Everton 1, Bury 0. 
BURY’S GALLANT TEN MEN
DEAN’S DECIDER
DEPLETED SIDE’S GAME RESISTANCE
During the interval I learned that Ball had cut his eye so badly that he had to have three stitches put in it.  Bury’s prospect thus fell to zero, for with ten men battling against the severe wind they could hardly be expected to beat a complete team.  Hart showed the way to make use of the conditions by sending two passes up the middle that brought trouble to the Bury defenders but without bringing a shot, and it was left to O’Donnell to give Harrison his neat work.  He was well in his own half when he shot, but such was the power behind this shot that Harrison was unable to hold it, and it bounded out of his hands and over his head, but by turning round he was able to make a catch. 
HARRISON BUSY
For the next few minutes the spectators had the joy of watching Everton shooting in, and to my mind Troup scored a good goal, but was given offside.  Griffiths had a shot, and Troup had three more on the run, each being smartly saved by Harrison.  Then we had a view of Bury fighting against the odds and nearly netting an equalizer.  There had been a little laxity on the part of the Everton defence, and J.R. Smith went very close with a left-footed shot.  This gave the Bury side some encouragement, and for some time they worried the Everton defence, Amos, in particular, being a thorn in the side of Cresswell.  Gale, when right through, was given off-side when to my mind he was three yards onside.  That, to some extent, counter-balanced Troup’s offside goal.  Dean had little chance this half for he so rarely got the ball.  Ritchie when on the half-turn made a brilliant shot that Harrison punched away.  A little later the Bury goalkeeper had to handle from Weldon.  Bury had undoubtedly made a stubborn fight of it when least expected.  A lot of life had come back to the game, and Dean and Troup had good shots saved, and Gale seemed a certain scored when he got away from the opposition only to direct the ball right across the Everton goalmouth.  While Everton won, Bury are to be commended for their brave efforts, and had by their “fight” made an interesting game of one which promised to be one-sided. 
Final; Everton 1, Bury 0. 

BURY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 November 1928
AT Bury, before 4,000 spectators Everton battled against a strong gusty wind but displayed great defence against an uncertain attack, Maher doing remarkably on several occasions.  Williams and Critchley twice missed a great opening.  After thirty-two minutes Vernon headed through a long dropping shot by Robertson, Half-time; Bury Res 1, Everton Res 0
In the second half Everton were very aggressive, and Stein hit the crossbar with Richardson well beaten. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 November 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

VITAL GOAL BY DEAN
Athletic News - Monday 26 November 1928
NARROW BURY DEFEAT AT GOODISON PARK
EVERTON 1, BURY 0
By Junius
Although it was only by the odd goal that the Champions prevailed, the verdict in their favour would have bene more pronounced if the marksmanship had been up to an average standard.  Since the return of Bury to premier league football five seasons ago, the team had not been beaten at Goodison Park, and they looked like sharing the spoils again when, near the finish, Amos put a ball across the goal that asked for conversion.  The visitors were heavily handicapped when Ball, in collision with Griffiths, was severely cut, and several stitches had to be applied to his forehead. Bury are thus entitled to sympathy.  The depleted forces recognized the seriousness of the position, and spared no effort to get on terms of equality.  There could be no question as to Everton’s superiority in ball control, especially in the first half when playing against the wind, but their skilled footwork was conducted at a comparatively slow pace, enabling the Bury defence to finally cut in and clear. 
MODERATE MARKSMEN
The goal scored by Dean came after play had been in progress but three minutes.  He had been partly checked, but persistency prevailed, and on Harrison leaving his charge, the centre-forward was there first and shot into the tenantless goal, though the ball touched Bradshaw in its flight.  But Dean might have scored others had real assistance been available.  Generally, the ball was played awkwardly to him by his colleagues on either side, and his service for the greater part was wasted.  The remainder of the forwards were moderate marksmen and practically every shot went to hand, though in the second period, with the wind behind them, there was a driving force imparted which only served to indicate the ability of Harrison to keep his charge intact.  In the later stage Troup was prominent in scoring attempts and netted on one occasion, but his offside position was noted.  Such a day demanded that ball control was an essential adjunct to success when opposed to the elements and here, Everton were undoubtedly the better exponents.  But had Smith taken advantage of early chances that came his way, one before Everton had scored, possibly a different complexion might have been placed upon affairs.  He was guilty of passing when there was an opportunity of going through, and again failed when only a few yards from Davies.  However, he played well later on when tenacity became an outstanding feature in several attacks upon the Everton defence.
SUCCESSFUL HALF-BACKS
Numerous were the duels between Griffiths and Amos, and though height told its tale, the wing forward was not altogether crowded out in spite of the terrier-like tackling of his opponents.  Gale, in the first half, did some raiding that might have produced goals, and Bullock was a helpful colleague, but only occasionally could the forwards exact quarter from the Everton half-backs.  In this position Everton could claim an advantage, for Hart was untiring and successful in his watch on Smith, and while Griffiths was outstanding in both the tackle and pass, Virr was equal to most calls on his flank.  Finney made a big effort to hold Dean, and followed him about with but a moderate measure of success.  Porter put in some useful work against Troup and Weldon, and just before the interval sent in a ball that fully tested Davies.  In full-back play and in goal Bury were to be highly complimented, for they got through a huge amount of work with great credit.  Adamson and Bradshaw displayed grit and determination and gaining confidence as Everton displayed poor finishing power, their all-round exhibition became quite as effective as that of Cresswell and O’Donnell.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Bury; Harrison; Bradshaw (G), Adamson; Porter, Finney, Dutton; Gale, Bullock, Smith (J.R), Ball, and Amos.  Referee; T.G. Bryan, Willenhall. 

BURY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 0
November 26 th 1928. The Daily Courier
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 16)
Everton were beaten at Bury because they made poor use of their opportunities. Williams made a valiant leader, but finished indifferently, and Critchley the most enterprising winger had peculiar notions regarding the whereabouts of the goal. Forshaw played a splendidly and Common and Kennedy were sterling backs, while Maher defended superbly. Robertson Bury's Hartlepool United left-back signed during the week created a favourable impression. Bury were value for their success. Vernon and Hackett scored in each half.

EVERTON’S SINGLETON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 26 November 1928
BURY’S PLUCKY FIGHT
By Stork
There were two gales at Goodison Park, on Saturday, one doing its best to spoil the football, and the other almost preventing Everton from recording a victory- a victory that was not very convincing when it is recalled that Bury for three-quarters of the game had to tackle the champions with ten men, through Ball receiving a deep cut over the eye when he came into collision with Griffiths.  Having gained a goal in two minutes, Everton’s prospects of a big victory, seemed assured, particularly as they would have the help of the big wind in the second session; but it was then that Bury buckled on their belts and fought such a grim losing battle that they gained the sympathy of spectators, many of whom would have liked to have seem them score a goal and gain some reward for their bravery.  While Everton gained the points, Bury undoubtedly gained the honours of the game, for on several occasions they came near to pulling the game out of the fire, when one would have expected them to “give up the ghost” in the knowledge that the odds against them were too great to overcome.  It needed grit and determination to face the Everton team a goal to the good and themselves a man short; but Bury were not lacking in this respect, and if their inside forwards had but taken advantage of the chances that Amos and Gale offered them Dean’s goal, which I thought Harrison should have saved, might not have been allowed to win the game, for time and again Amos dropped balls into the middle, only to find that they were not utilized as they should have been.  J.R. Smith had a couple of shots-one on the mark, which Davies saved, the other side the upright; but the best shooting was done by Porter, Amos, and Bullock, the latter’s effort nearly being made to count through the wind altering its course so that it had the beating of Davies if it had not pulled a little more and passed outside the upright.  Davies, however, made the best save of the day when he caught a clever cross-shot by Amos and then had to juggle with the ball before he could get it away.
SHOOTING-IN
At one period of the game –ten minutes after the interval-Everton had a spell of shooting in, Troup, Ritchie, and Griffiths being the marksmen; and it is my form belief that Troup’s shot which found the net was a perfectly legitimate one, for he was on-side through the ball striking Adamson on its way to him.  There was an argument about it among the players, but the referee would not change his mind.  Gale also had the misfortunate to suffer through a doubtful off-side decision, for he was plainly on-side when he took the pass.  He went on and shot past Davies, but the ball did not pass over the goal-line because of the sticky turf just in front.  Everton had the chance to run up a big goal score, but there were weaknesses in the front line.  Dean did not have a good day through lack of support; I can recall but one occasion when he received a decent ball in the second half, yet it was only his tenacity which gave him his goal.  Ritchie and Troup did their level best for him, but Dunn and Weldon were much below pair.  The rest of the team was faultless, although Amos often beat Cresswell and Griffith, despite the latter’s fine game.  O’Donnell was sure in his kicking, and one of his long shots, taken from inside his own half, carried such power that it bumped out of Harrison’s hand, and was dropping over his head and into the net until he wheeled round and caught it.  Hart and Virr gave nothing away, although they found much work to do.
UP AGAINST IT
The Bury goalkeeper did not convince early on, but he settled down to play a confident game afterwards, while Bradshaw (G.) and Adamson, knowing they were “up against” it, were as solid as a rock, the former particularly so.  He was the one to look after Dean, and he did so with considerable credit.  Dutton, Finney, and Porter were ever on their toes, and were highly successful in getting the ball when they went after it.  Gale and Amos were the chief danger in the forward line, for Smith was variable, Bullock over anxious, and Ball- well, I won’t say anything about him only that I hope he will make a speedy recovery from his injury.  It was a nasty cut over the eye- so nasty, in fact, that it was thought necessary to send an ambulance man to the station with him in case of a return of the hemorrhage. 

A CHANGE OF ATTACK
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 27 November 1928
Bee’s Notes
Although a keen reader of your notes for many years, this is my first offence (writes “Blueite”) But I would like to say a few words about Everton’s –anything but- championship form in recent weeks.  In tonight’s notes “Stork” states that against Bury the inside forwards were below par.  Having seen all the home games, and also the away game at Burnley, I cannot say that this season I have seen them anything else.  As a solution, might I suggest the following;- Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin and Troup. 

EVERTON 1 BURY 0
November 28 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
BURY'S FIGHT AT GOODISON
BALL CARRIED OFF ON A STRECHER.
Psychologists say that it is a wise man, who knows when he alone is to blame, and the eleven Everton players opposed Bury the “wooden spoonists” of the First Division of the Football League, at Goodison Park on Saturday, must know that they have only themselves to reprimand for not winning by a score considerably larger than the solitary goal to nil. From a purely football point of view, the visitors were not to be compared with the champions and in addition, they laboured under the distinct disadvantage of having to play for three-parts of the game with only ten men, but yet they were able to run their doughty opponents to a single goal. Midway through the first half Ball, the Bury inside-left, in clearing a corner-kick, was in collision with Griffiths, and he was carried of the field on a stretcher with a wound in his forehead, which necessitated the insertion of three stitches, so that for the remainder of the game, the visitors struggled against their more adept rivals with only four forwards. It stands to their credit that they offered a stubborn resistance, but had the Evertonians displayed the same delicacy in front of goal as they did in midfield they would have retired winners by four goals instead of one.
A GRIM FIGHT.
It was a grim fight in the opening session with the home side claiming the advantage but later on it was the Blues, all the time and the Bury men only attacked in isolated raids. These always spelled danger, but the Champions went within an inch of scoring time out of number shots from all five forwards, only just missing the objective or being successfully dealt with by Harrison the Bury custodian. The fact that the Champions relied on Dean more than the extreme wingers accounted for the small score-sheet, and rarely has a match been seen at the Park when the wingers of the winning side have seen so little of the ball. The number of workable passes sent to Troup and Ritchie could have been counted on the fingers of a one armed man. Dean obtained the all-important goal, but had the other men realised that the quickest way to goal was via the wingers, he might have obtained more.
NOT ENOUGH STING.
It must not be imagined that the Champions played badly. They were infinitely superior to their opponents, but their methods were not incisive. The defence did excellently O'Donnell and Cresswell playing perfect football while the half-backs gave the Bury attackers no rope whatever. Griffiths was perhaps the most convincing. Dean and Dunn were the pick of the attackers, and they had very hard luck with many shots, which had the goalkeeper beaten to a frazzle. Harrison played a superb game in the Bury goal saving shots from all angles and Adamson was the better of the backs. The half-backs were tenacious tacklers, but fell below the standard line in the matter of feeding. Gale Amos, and John Smith were the most lively of the front division. The only goal came five minutes after the start when Dean and Dunn cleverly dribbled past Harrison who had left his goal to try and cut out a swift pass from Weldon, and Dean banged the ball home before Bradshaw could come over to baulk him. Team: - Everton: - Davies goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Bury: - Harrison, goal, G. Bradshaw and Adamson, backs, Porter, Finney and Dutton, half-backs, Gale Bullock, J.R Smith, Ball, and Amos, forwards.

EVERTON MAKE THE BIG SACRIFICE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 28 November 1928
RE-ENTER FORSHAW AND MARTIN
Bee’s Notes
It has taken Everton a long time to make the great sacrifice.  Naturally they would not move without careful thought and much consideration of men who had a stamp of play that could not be debated.  However, there was never any doubt about the fact that Everton this season, had, as a body, not played so keenly and well as a year ago.  At West Ham they gave us a fine touch of their best, and since them they have not revealed any further demonstration of their arts and ability.  I think the whole side has gone back a trifle and certainly the forward line has been below what is required of a side that should be in the first half dozen with the resources at their command. Perhaps they have had a bevy of talent that has not found the right blend.  To beat ten of the Bury side by a single goal has doubtless been the deciding factor in the matter of the Forshaw and Martin returning.  Martin did big things for Everton last March and April, and Forshaw has always bene known for his method of keeping the line together.  When he was hurt last season he was off for a long spell, and later when signing were being made he gently reminded me that he “was still in the land of the living, and very fit”  he has proved this in subsequent days, and now he gets, with Martin, a chance of taking the inner berth, and everyone will be keen to know what has happened at Villa Park, for this is a steep test. The Everton team will be;- Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. 
Both Everton and Liverpool F.C,’s have given permission for a collection to be taken at their grounds on behalf of the Goodfellow Fund. 

GOODISON PIVOT TRIAL
November 30 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Dixon, a North-Easten centre half-back will be in the Everton Reserves team against Oldham Athletic Reserves, at Goodison Park tomorrow when the home side will be Maher; Common, Kennedy; Kelly, Dixon, White; Critchley, Easton, Williams, Jones, Stein.

EVERTON CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 November 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everywhere there was surprise that Everton could or would drop Dunn and Weldon, one of whom has been here for two years and gone through the relegation and championship period, while Dunn was signed last March and could not play owing to the rule having reference to players signed late on by clubs in distress or in the top-reign.  And now both are out, and Martin and Forshaw take their chances as inside wingers.  The test is a big one, because Aston Villa have just touched their highest form and Waring is going strong- having gained his first hat trick in the victory the side obtained at Arsenal’s ground.  The trouble all through, according to what Billy Walker told me long ago, was half-back –and that is a key position.  Now the Villa have struck a winning patch, and remembering how Dean scored a hat-trick feat there last season, and how it is the first time I have seen him and his successor, Waring, in action.  I go to Brum believing that it should be great football.  Strange to say, I have only once seen Waring in action, in the last week of the season, and as he was injured it was hard to judge him.  I hope for a better outlook tomorrow-and for better weather and luck.
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. 
Aston Villa;- Olney; Smart, Bowen; Kingdon, Talbot, Tate; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Dorrell. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 1928