EVERTON 4 LIVERPOOL 2
October 1 st 1905. The Liverpool Courier
EVERTON'S TRUMPH.
LIVERPOOL AGAIN FAIL AT GOODISON PARK .
The first of the season's League encounters between our two great Association teams has come and gone. Everton were the favourites of fortune, and whatever may be argued about luck of hard lines the fact, remains that the honours fell to the Blues by four goals to two. For such an absorbingly interesting game more favourable weather could not have been desired, for while there was little advantage to be gained by winning the toss, the spectators were enabled to view the proceedings in comfort considering the tremendous crowd of enthusiasts. Taking about crowds, how busy it is to indulge in excessive estimates. If the Everton enclosure will accommodate 55,000 spectators, and may well be forgiven for having assessed the crowd at 50,000. Yet this turned out to be far beyond the mark. The official figure after allowing for sharholders, and complimentary tickets give the attendance at just 40,000-not a bad crowd by any means, but still not 50,000. The gate receipts worked out at a little over £1,189, which is a record for a League match at Goodison-park. Two points and a nice contribution to the exchequer-what more could the Everton club desire. Moreover had not the directors the distinction of entertaining in their handsome new offices, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.

THE GAME.
As for the game, it was by no means as one-sided as the final score would appear to indicate. The enforced ensence of Dunlop proved a terrific misfortune for Liverpool for Murray who filled the vacancy shaped in a most disappointing fashion. Except in the matter of defence Liverpool were quite equal if not superior to their rivals, and it was unfortunate for them that the splendid work of the forwards and half-backs should be neutralised by unaccountable weakness in the rear division. Liverpool started in very incisive style, and but for some fin goalkeeping on the part of Scott, they must have taken the lead in the first quarter of an hour. As it was a goal scored by Goddard, which was disallowed on account of offside, was in the opinion of many a perfectly legitimate point. The first real breakaway on the part of Everton was successful, Settle taking advantage of some hesitancy by the Liverpool full backs and opening the score by a really fine shot. The lead was increased owing to a most injudicious place of work on the part of Murray, who in kicking back, forced Doig to concede a corner. This led to Abbott registering the second point. Just before the interval Hewitt cleverly placed the ball pass Scott, and although Everton were leading by two goals to one at half-time, this was more than their play merited, and did not accurately represent the general run of the game. The second half produced an almost similar state of affairs, for Everton scored twice, through Hardman and Sharp, and though the latter deserved credit for his fine effort in running half the length of the field, the opportunity again arose through the culpability of the Liverpool left full back. There was considerable doubt about the legitimacy of the second goal awarded to the Anfielders, for Hewitt, off whom the ball glanced into the net from Goddard centre, was palpably offside. Whether the ball touched an Everton player in its transit or not is best known only to the referee, who turned a deaf ear to the appeals of the Everton players.
CRITICISMS OF THE PLAYERS.
Comparing the two lines of forwards, Liverpool were the more aggressive and dashing in their methods. The remarkable improvement demonstrated by Hewitt in the centre no doubt exercised a beneficial influence in the attack, and several well meant efforts near goal missed by the merest margin. On the left wing Raybould played a splendid game, furnishing Cox with numerous opportunities. Which were ably utilised by the extreme winger. Goddard was responsible for many fine runs, and the forward play all round left, no room for dissatisfaction. The Everton front rank also showed signs of improvement, and they made the most of the chance, which came their way. The left wing was the most prominent, Hardman especially causing the Liverpool defence much anxiety. There was not the same tendency to confine the play to the inside man though sharp, with the opportunities which Murray afforded him was not so much in evidence as he has been in these encounters, even when opposing Dunlop. Young was good and bad by turns, especially conspicuous. In the intermediate line Taylor gave a splendid exhibition, and like his vis-à-vis, Raiseback, got through a tremendous amount of work. Abbott and Makepeace shaped creditably though the former, as usual found Goddard a particularly warm handful. Bradley showed some of his best stoke form and Parry was seldom at fault despite the fact, than he had to face the most dangerous part of the Everton front line. Everton were immeasurably superior at full back, for Crelly gave one of his finest display, his tackling being wonderfully clever young Balmer did well although at times he was rather erratic. Mention has already been made of Murray, and even West seemed influenced by the weakness of his partner for his play was not so crip, as usual. Neither was Doig, seen at his best, though one save from Sharp, who had beaten the rest of the defence, was a sample of his old form. Scott once more demonstrated his worth, and when the attack of Liverpool was at its height, he came to the rescue repeatedly with some really brilliant clearances. Summing up the game Everton were fortunate to win by such a decisive margin, though they were clever enough to take full advantage of every opening. With Dunlop in the team, the probability is that Liverpool would have gained a share of the honours. As it is they have failed to record a League victory at Goodison-Park since September 1898.

EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Monday 02 October 1905
Quito the greatest assembly of this season was seen at Goodison Park, when 39,000 people watched the renewal of the struggles between Everton and Liverpool. The receipts, £1,169, and a victory by four goals to two, must have been exceedingly gratifying to the Everton executive. Everton could scarcely have had a stronger team, whereas Liverpool were without Dunlop, who must still be regarded as their best back, and Parkinson, who had the splints removed from his broken arm on Saturday. Still, a month must elapse before he can play. The Everton ground presented a fine spectacle. There is no better appointed in the whole country, and it something to know that had rain fallen 24,000 people could have been accommodated under cover. And yet some people talk about requiring indoor football!
As an illustration, of the art of football, the match was by no means an indifferent example, but Liverpool had a sorry time owing to the feebleness of their defence when the forwards rushed the position. Had the barks been reversed Liverpool would probably have won with ease, but as it was all the fine work of their speedy forwards, and the exertions of their tireless half-backs, were simply neutralized by sheer folly. Everton played so well that they took full advantage of this weakness, and kept hammering away at the spot whore the fault lay. This was strategy.

HAPPY MOMENTS FOR EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 02 October 1905
By Tityrus
Flushed with success over their friends the enemy from Anfield, gratified by a hugh assembly at Goodison Park, and proud in the possession of a penalled oak board-room, the directors of Everton were a happy family on Saturday.  They beamed a thousand benisons on creation –and truly the Evertonians had excelled, effervesced, and exalted themselves.  It is gratifying to prevail in such match by so ample a margin as 4-2, but when Liverpool are the slain the triumph is all the more calculated to appeal to a sense of vanity.  To be the most powerful combination in the City of Liverpool is in itself a distinction.  Everton were entitled to the honours of the day.  Primarily their defence was more reliable when subjected to severe pressure than that of the Anfielders, who simply lacked backbone.  I should not like to say that Everton presented an impregnable front to the rush of speedy and determined forwards.  But the difference between these antagonists was most marked when the backs were compared, for Liverpool had not a man of the resource of Robert Balmer, and Everton, happily for them, had not a back so liable to be flurried and outpaced as Murray.  It was most unfortunate that Parkinson, Liverpool’s centre, could not play, but the unavoidable absence of Dunlop was utterly and entirely irreparable, for Murray was not equal to the strain which the Evertonians took excellent care to concentrate on his wing.  At half-back it would be difficult to give a supremacy to either side, taking the players in groups, but at the same time the victors had not a man of the outstanding merit and unflagging energy of Raisebacks,I should think that eleven Raisebacks would be a tough team to tackle, but even Alexander, The Great centre half-back, could not turn this tide of battle.  And he worked as if he were Hercules engaged in one of his twelve tasks.  Nor was there much margin for comparison between the forwards, but there was one essential difference –the Evertonians did crown their work.  When backs waver and a goalkeeper does not know what to expect, of course the Everton sharp-shooters are certain to prevail.  The game was fought in a gallant spirit, despite a few lapses from the path of rectitude.  Interest might not have been maintained at fever heat, because the game was too one-sided, and because Liverpool gave the game away, but, nevertheless, on a the game away, but, nevertheless, on beautiful autumn day, for the conditions were ideal, we never saw any slackening of speed.  There was more mutual reliance about Everton, who at once bore down on Doig, but Hardman’s effort only served to call out the powers of Cox, who made a lovely centre, which travelled just wide of the far goal-post from where he shot.  But the Liverpool men experienced a fright when Murray headed towards his own goal, and Settle was trying to run round him.  He weaved his way past him, but Bradley came to the relief, and Cox darted away like a greyhound.  Dashing between the backs, and eluding a foot cunningly outstretched, Cox boded danger, but Balmer passed back to Scott, who threw the ball over the heads of the players.  It was a gentle, lady-like clearance, but it served.  Still Liverpool were not brushed away.  Robinson returned, and with a nice ground pass gave to Hewitt, who sent in a rocket which Scott with one hand turned over the bar.  Corner kicks followed, and both Parry and Goddard came near to reducing the goal.  But so near and yet so far is a phrase peculiarly applicable to sport.  Young, with a fine sweep to the wing, sent Sharp ahead.  Beating Murray, the outside right swung over to the other side of the field, and if Hardman could have controlled the ball he must have scored, but there was a rebound, and Doig dispelled all fear.  Still Liverpool were not brushed away, pool seemed the more likely to win, and Goddard did find the net, but he was adjudged offside-some said by a yard-when he took Robinson’s pass. There could not have been more in it than a yard.  But there was a transformation, for at the end of eighteen minutes Settle scored.  When he gained possession about the penalty kick parallelogram he was absolutely unmarked, and after a little maneuvering he crashed in a ground-drive which would have nipped off the tops of the daisies had these was left so free that he had nothing to do but shoot, and his effort was electrifying.  Goddard, Raybould, and Cox tried to reduce this lead, but failed, whereas Everton obtained a second goal at the close of 25 minutes.  Murray was not particularly harassed when he passed back to Doig, who missed the ball, and a corner kick ensued.  This was placed neatly, and Abbott scored with a smart shot, for Doig had run out to the loose scrimmage and the goal was untenanted when the leather was hurtled through space.  This goal was absolutely given to Everton by a series of mistakes.  The Liverpool position had more narrow escapes, but just before the interval the visitors had some consolation, for when Co crossed to Goddard there was danger toward.  At first I thought that Goddard was inclined to toy with the ball, to dally with fortune, but having drawn the defence he transferred to Hewitt, who promptly scored in splendid style.  So at breathing time Everton led by 2-1.  Possibly Liverpool had some hope of making a hard fight now that they had the stimulus of a goal, and they gave Scott cause for anxiety.  But just when the “Reds” seemed full of rally and were buzzing round Scott like flies round a meat-safe, Sharp proved true to his cognomen, and was away to the other extreme like a flash.  He centred, and Hardman, who was allowed every latitude by West, headed a most simply goal inside three minutes from reversing.  Cox was very aggressive and kept troubling the “Blues” with his long passes, and Scott must have been pleased to turn a shot from this thrilling left-winger outside the post and over the line.  Indeed, Liverpool attacked nobly on several occasions and both Bradley and Raisebeck took away some of the whitewash on the posts, while Robinson had a rare effort charged down.  Still, what profit was there?  It was all cry and no wool –especially when Murray allowed Sharp to slip past him just on the centre line.  Sharp had none to stay his speedy flight goalwards.  He rushed on with the ball at his toe, and when Doig advanced Sharp scored easily.  It was well done – and so with 25 minutes to play Everton were leading 4-1.  Truly all was over, but Liverpool never relaxed a muscle.  When the prospect was blackest, Cox, Goddard, and their comrades tried most bravely to make the score look better, but Abbott and Balmer were stalwarts.  Yet the Anfielders had some smoothing syrup when Goddard shot hard, and the ball striking Hewitt bounded at a tangent into the net.  This was the last of the goals, but one might be pardoned for thinking that Hewitt was off-side.  When so much happens in so little space it is difficult to tell, but there was a justifiable suspicious as to the validity of this goal.  So Everton won by 4-2.  Robert Balmer was the sheet-anchor of Everton’s defence.  Nothing was so pronounced in his exhibition as judgement and clean kicking of the ball to his own men.  The half-backs were a strong and steady line.  While I admired the dourness of Abbott for unceasing effort, for sheer hard and sustained tackling, I must give the palm to Makepeace.  When Cox is moving with winged feet it is not easy to keep pace with him and cope with him.  But Makepeace never flagged.  If beaten he came back.  It was a manly duel, and I took at Makepeace as one of the coming half-backs.  The home left was the strongest flank, for he was such a factor in plying Hardman and in bobbing up serenely in any situation.  Settle is a man who always seems to have time and the space to do what he wants.  Young was fond of finesse, but he is a great player, ever dangerous near goal, and always help his wings.  He now and again as way to temptation to keep hold of the ball too long, but Young is one of our best centre forwards and I say this was a great exhibition for Scotland, Sharp scintillated now and again, and at times most conspicuous and that he might have had much more from McDermott.  As I have already said, Liverpool had a flabby defence.  It was a jellyfish performance; thoroughly invertebrate, and nobody could have been more sorry than Murray, who was either unnerved by the occasion, or else he has a lot to learn.  Bradley, the ex-Stoke man, was ever on the alert to repair his mistakes, and he played a sound and untiring game.  But Raisebeck was a host in defence.  Like two single men rolled into one, the only fault I could find with him was that he so continually fed Cox on the left wing.  He never seemed to consider any other player.  The result was that Cox was always on the alert, and he had a fine partner in Raybould.  Hewitt can shoot and is a trier, but he does not pay sufficient attention to his wings.  Robinson works, but lacks methods.  Goddard was only fairly successful, but he is slow to shoot.  Everton; Scott; R. Balmer, Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman.  Liverpool; Doig; West, Murray; Parry, Raisebeck, Bradley; Goddard, Robinson, Hewitt, Raybould, and Cox.  Referee; A. Green, West Bromwich. 

The Battle of the Mersey.
London Daily News - Monday 02 October 1905
The meeting of Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park aroused tremendous amount of interest. Everton, after an exciting game gained somewhat easy victory at the finish. Everton were the first to press, but Liverpool retaliated, and for about a quarter of an hour they had the better of matters. Then Settle and Abbott scored for Everton, and Hewitt for Liverpool. Hardman and Sharp obtained further points for Everton soon after the resumption, and Goddard, for Liverpool, sent in a fine shot which rebounded from Hewitt into the net.

THE GREAT CONTEST AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury - Monday 02 October 1905
THE STRUGGLE AT GOODISON PARK
In America prize-fights are witnessed by thousands of spectators. Japan is a nation of scientific wrestlers. In sunny Spain ten thousand tongues acclaim the dauntless toreador, as in the days of Rome then plebian crowds hooted the fallen gladiator in the amphitheatre. We, in England, even with our national game of cricket, cannot claim to have shown anything like the enthusiasm of other nations until we became infatuated with football. On Saturday, at Goodison Park, 40,000 separate tongues gave out one mighty roar, showing how each individual was animated by exactly the same feelings. The meeting of Everton and Liverpool gives the opportunity for casting off all reserve, and abandoning oneself to the absolute enthusiasm of the sport; the struggle between the Reds and the Blues stimulates entirely different sentiments to those which other League encounters arouse. It is as if each spectator claims his individual share of gratifying responsibility for the perfections of the elevens and the skill which each player shows. In other words, they are our own exponents of the football art- reared and nurtured, as it were, by ourselves. Such, then, was very probably the attitude of the multitude who on Saturday by their numbers and enthusiasm demonstrated the amazing influence which football exercises over the British peoples. No doubt the feelings of the crowd were reciprocated by the players as they set to work without delay to give of their very best, and one and all were evidently excited. Scarcely a minute had elapsed before Sharp afforded the mammoth congregation an outlet for their pent-up enthusiasm. Out it came, like reverberant thunder-a mighty roar, as if loth to die away. No wonder such enthusiasm proved contagious to the players. They responded instantly, and the leather was swept from end to end with almost startling rapidity. It was the turn of the crowd now to be impressed by the players; they held their breath with suppressed excitement. The pace grew faster and faster, and the sphere of contention was whirled hither and thither with almost bewildering rapidity. So wound up were the players that any attempt at criticism by the crowd was quite out of the question. The crowd waited with almost painful expectation for the first sign of weakness on one side or the other. The pessimists thought it would surely be Murray who had filled the disabled Dunlop’s place, but he beat Sharp rather cleverly at the first time of asking. Suspicious at last fell on Cox, who palpably failed to improve a couple of opportunities. Still this was but a minor matter. Then Doig came through an ordeal well as the veteran dealt with a stinging shot from Abbott in his most accomplished style. At last the inevitable blunder came about, and from that time forward it became more and more evident that the lucky colour would not be red. Cox and Raybould had been combining together with marked cleverness, leading Makepeace and Taylor a merry dance. Cox suddenly swing in a grand centre, and the ball descended almost on the crossbar in most perplexing fashion; at any rate, Scott beat it down right front of Robinson and Goddard, and the Anfielders were thus presented with a rather unexpected open goal to shoot at. But they didn’t and that lost opportunity no doubt lost them the game. It was the first of a series of misfortunes with which the Anfielders were beset throughout. Almost immediately after this Murray headed the ball to the advantage of his opponents, and thus early on showed feebleness and bad judgement, which was one of the chief causes of the ultimate downfall of his side. The Liverpool left wing was for some time almost irresistible; never before have Cox and Raybould shown such perfect understanding and command of the ball. Raybould was much more clever and dashing even than his partner, and a magnificent shot must have netted the leather had not Balmer thrown himself bodily at the ball. This was a clear intimation to which side Dame Fortune intended bestowing her favours. The game was wonderfully quick, and the shooting of the Livers deserved success; there was plenty of power behind the ball, and their marksmanship was deadly in the extreme. When such grand all-round work is shown it strikes one that the mere netting of the leather is not a true criterion of the merits of either side. It is most exasperatingly so when brilliant tactics bring about a goal, and a yard one way or another decides the referee to disallow the scorer the reward of his cleverness. Such was the bitter portion of Goddard, who on Saturday bore his full share of his comrades’ ill-luck. As the game developed and the pace became even more terrific, one fact must have impressed everyone, and this was Scott’s wonderful luck. It did not detract in any way from the quality of his custodianship, which was superb throughout. But time after time he should have been beaten by the powerful shooting of the Anfielders, the shots rained about him striking both uprights and crossbar, but invariably rebounding out of danger. Settle has been showing wonderful form of late. Lilliputian he may be, but his merit is Brobdingnagian. He it was who opened the score in his own inimitable style. Two more opposite types of inside lefts than Settle and Robinson it would be difficult to find. Settle is full of tricks and bubbling over with resource, and has a wonderful command of the ball, which he seems to charm like a wizard. Give him half an opportunity, it is woe betide the unwary warden or the dilatory back. Fine though the day was, it is a wonder the rain did not come down with the mighty shout which rent the air when the little man put the sphere past Doig. The crowd might appreciate clever tactics, dashing play, and accurate shooting, but a goal was the only thing which could enable them to disburse some of the intense enthusiasm which animated each one. After the excitement had died down, no doubt the adherents of the Reds felt keenly the previous ill-luck of their side. Bad luck is one thing, but bad play is another, and worse disaster was in store for Liverpool. Murray had been displaying the white feather to the Everton right wing, and little wonder, for he was absolutely out-classed by the extremely clever open game which the Everton front were playing. He passed back recklessly to Doig, who, in trying to avert a corner, gave one. Never was corner more beautifully manipulated. It proved how extremely dangerous the corner kick really is if the ball is well placed, and not immediately cleared by the defenders. Doig’s case was hopeless from the first, and Abbott ultimately breasted through. It was no doubt very discouraging to Liverpool to be 2 goals in arrear after having a fair share of a finely contested game, but it was gratifying to the spectators to have such a tangible result- apart, of course, from any sentimental reason. In the ordinary course of events it would have been all over with Liverpool, but the adverse balance did not affect their play, although they must have been painfully conscious of Murray’s weakness. Hewitt continued to feed his wings with exemplary unselfishness, although he proved a laggard at receiving their centres. True enough he scored, and the preliminary operations which led up to this goal were of the highest possible order. More perfect combination in a forward line it would be impossible to imagine.
Two goals to one at the interval was, perhaps, after all, a very fair indication of the game, as the Evertonians were really not weak in any department, and their combination and method was superior to Liverpool’s. on restarting it was quite on the cards for the Reds to redeem themselves, but Murray went from bad to worse, and Doig was decidedly shaken when Hardman got the leather past him two minutes after the restart. A more impotent example of goal-keeping could not be seen than this, as Doig made no effort whatever, and he surely must have perceived how dangerously adjacent Hardman was.
No one could deceive themselves now- Liverpool were doomed. West might work like a Trojan, and Raisbeck be as ubiquitous as a sprite, but with a disheartened custodian and full back the game was up. The most refreshing feature of the closing stages was the unquestionable ardour of the Anfield forwards and halves. Bradley again proved himself an acquisition to his side, but Parry was not in the mighty form of the previous Saturday. Raisbeck very effectually took the sting out of Young, who was seldom allowed a leading part. Everton managed to increase their lead still further, and the manner in which they slipped the entire line of Liverpool halves was astonishing. Sharp gave Murray every opportunity of dispossessing him, but the full back seemed quite impotent, and though Doig rushed out it was only to emphasise his weakness. Four goals to one, and yet did the Livers struggle gamely on, until Goddard, often disappointed before, at last found reward, as a powerful drive made the ball cannon off Hewitt into the net.  This finished the scoring, and then ended perhaps the finest game these rivals clubs have ever though out-not a dull moment from start to finish. But well may the losers say, “Ah! Had Dunlop but been there!”

BEE
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 05 October 1905
Everton will make no change from last week’s side, even though Booth’s term of suspension is complete and he has resumed training.

HANLIN SIGNS FOR BRISTOL CITY
Octoberb 6 1905. The Liverpool Courier
A meeting was held at Nottingham yesterday, Mr.J.J.Bentley presiding, Bristol City has signed Hanlin late of Everton, and the fee was fixed at £50.

HONOURING MAKEPEACE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 06 October 1905
Bee
I am sure the Everton directors by their previous works and expenditure for the benefit of supporters wish to do all in their power to make the Goodison crowd comfortable. That is why I publish “Evertonian’s” not grumbling, but suggestive, note, which is as follows;-
Sir,- You might use your influence to have the iron gates leading to the goal stands at the Everton Football Ground removed, until, at least, there is another semi-final played at Goodison, as I understand they are only useful when a shilling is charged for the goal-stands and are the means of preventing a rush. At present they are a great hindrance to ingress and exit from the goal stands, especially at the North-end goal, which narrows the entrance to about six yards, and on Saturday prevented the people from coming out within half the time. They are a danger, as many were jammed against them and could not get out for them. The directors are doing all they can to make the most of the ground, and it seems strange that they should limit and narrow down the entrances to the goal stands in this way. Crowds like last Saturday take some time to get out, and they ought not to be hampered by useless barriers. I hope they will find a resting place where they will not be in the way- until, perhaps, next April. None will be sorry to see them  removed.
My correspondent can rely on the matter being discussed by the directors. They will be only too glad to assist, if possible.
  “No change,” is the report of the Everton selectors, and so the side which accounted for Liverpool will travel on the cutlery town with hopes of annexing two more points. I fear they will not succeed. Their form up to the present has not inspired us, although special credit must be dealt out to certain members. It is as an eleven that they have failed to come up to scratch. However, they come across Sheffield United with weakened forces, and the loss of such a stalwart as Needham, who year by year demonstrates that he is not a back number, is a matter of severity to them. The charity match this week led to his dislocating his shoulder, while another Blade, Johnson, is laud up with a sprained wrist, but may have sufficiently recovered to turn out in the a  success. He was capped for Scotland, Ireland, and Wales in 1899-00 and figured in three of the 1902 internationals. Should this hard-working half be absent, Foster will not as his deputy, and Parker has been chosen to take Needham’s place. The referee is Mr. Alf Green, of West Bromwich, who officiated last Saturday at Goodison, and made only one really bad mistake.
Everton Reserve will be at home to Atherton Church House, who have now the aid of Pennington, ex-Notts County goalkeeper.
Hanlin, late of Everton, has been signed by Bristol City, and the fee was fixed at £50.

TEAM ARRNAGEMENTS
 Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 06 October 1905
Sheffield United b Everton
League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Kick-off 3.30
Sheffield United;- Leivesley, goal; Groves and Benson, backs; Johnson, (or Forster), B. Wilkinson, and Parker, half-backs; Lang, Donelly, Brown, Drake, and Lipsham, forwards.
Everton.- Scott; R. Balmer, and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, half backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Atherton Church House
Lancashire Combiantion match at Goodison Park 3.30
Everton.- Collins, goal; Hill and Hannan, backs; Black, Chadwick and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, McLoughlin, Oliver, Cook, and Dilly, forwards.

ANOTHER FALL FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 07 October 1905
DISASTROUS VISIT TO SHEFFIELD
HARD GAME AND WIN FOR UNITED
EVERTON’S ILL-LUCK
The Evertonians travelled to Sheffield today in order to meet their first engagement of the season with the United club. The two organisations have always been the greatest rivals, and their encounters have invariably provided a fast and exciting exposition of the Association code. In view of Everton’s fine form last week an exceptionally interesting match was anticipated to-day, particularly in view of the fact that the Sheffielders were experimenting to some extent with their own eleven, no less than four changes being made. The Goodison Park brigade, on the other hand, was precisely the same as that which figured so well against Liverpool. The team left the Central Station at eleven o’clock, and was accompanied by Mr. George Mahon chairman of the directors, happily recovered from his recent indisposition; Dr. Whitford, and the secretary (Mr. Cuff).
The cutlery town was reached in good time, and the weather fortunately proving fine and mild, a large crowd put in an appearance at Bramall-lane to witness the encounter. The absentees from the Sheffield side were Needham, Johnson, Bisby, and Bluff, and at half-past three the contestants lined up as follows;
Sheffield United.- Livesley, goal; Groves and Benson, backs; Forster, Wilkinson (B.) (captain), and Parker, half-backs; Lang, Donnelly, Brown, Drake, and Lipsham, forwards.
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Referee, A. Green, West Bromwich.
The home captain won the toss, and Young set the ball in motion against a fairly stiff breeze. The visitors at once made play on the left, and Settle looked dangerous when Groves cleared. The ball was sent across to the Sheffield left wing, who raced down in grand style and Drake looked very like working his way in when Balmer nipped in very cleverly and cleared. For some minutes the homesters swarmed in front of Scott, but Crelley eventually gave relief, and Hardman and Settle took the leather along in capital fashion right to the neighbourhood of the corner flag when he was finely checked by Groves. Following upon this there was open play of an even character, but the Sheffielders gradually made ground on the right, and from a throw in Brown shot hard and straight. Scott, however, was alert, as usual, and he brought off a brilliant save. More open play followed, and it was early evident that both sides were trying to outdo each other in the matter of long passing. Step by step the Evertonians gained the mastery over their opponents, and Sharp sprinting down, put in a grand centre, which Settle headed into the goalmouth. The home custodian, however, by a great effort, got his hands to the ball and cleared. The Sheffielders breathed a sigh of relief at this escape, but the visitors still kept up the pressure, and it was only relieved by Makepeace shooting side. So far there had not been much to choose between the rivals, but at this point the home forwards worked down very cleverly, and the movement ended in brown giving Scott a very warm handful, which he cleared in characteristic fashion. More midfield work ensued and then Lang got clear away, and he had a very fine opportunity of scoring when he shot yards wide. The Evertonians again took up the running and some exceedingly clever footwork was shown by Settle, Young, and McDermott. The centre man was in a fine position when he allowed Wilkinson to dispossess him, and though he subsequently regained command of the ball, it was only to shoot wide of the mark. The United had the better of the play for the next few moments, the right wing proving very speedy, and Lang, after beating Abbott and Crelly, shot into Scott’s arms. This was succeeded by a further advance movement on the part of the Everton forwards, and this time their tactics met with success. Sharp after running the leather down, swung it nicely across to the other wing, where Hardman was in waiting and the amateur centring judiciously, Young was enabled to close up and score a smart goal. This success stirred the home side on to greater activity, and for some time they showed considerable dash and determination. The Everton halves and backs, however, were fully equal to the demands made upon them, and after a little spell of midfield work, the Blues once more took up an aggressive attitude. Sharp ran round Parker on one occasion, and had a clear goal in front of him, but he shot high over the bar. The game continued to be fought in the open, and the down the home left wing looked promising for Sheffield, but Balmer cleared just at the crucial moment from Lipsham. Up to this period the play showed that the home side were suffering from the absence of Needham and others, for apart from lack of dash in front of goal there was weakness in checking the Everton rushes. The visitors, on the other hand, were equal offenders, for they had several opportunities which absolutely went begging. The Sheffielders stirred themselves, and a fine break away on the right found fruition, for Donnelly running in scored a splendid goal after colliding with Scott. The Everton custodian was quite knocked out by the impact, and the game was delayed some moments. With the score one all the pace was considerably accelerated, and though at this time rain began to fall it did not interfere with the enthusiasm of both players and spectators. Still playing the long-passing game both goals were visited in turn, but without anything happening, and at one time Abbott headed clear from a long. Towards the interval the Blades put on great pressure, bit both Balmer and Young were on their best behaviour, and time after time they were sent to the right about. After making dangerous rushes a pretty bit of work by Abbott gave Hardman possession, and the little amateur ran right in, but he was scarcely a match for Groves. The Evertonians, however, returned again in combined order, and from a pass by the Blackpool man, Settle out in a straight shot which Levesley threw in clear. The visitors were now having much the better of the argument, and on at least two occasions they might have got through, but they allowed the backs to nip in and clear. A foul against Abbott let the Sheffielders in, and this proved disastrous to Everton. The ball was sent out to Lang, who in turn centred splendidly, and Drake, lying well up, breasted it into the net before Scott could interfere. The visitors made desperate efforts to counteract this reverse, and after Settle had failed to beat Wilkinson Sharp got possession and, racing past Parker, looked like scoring when he was robbed by Benson. Just before half-time the Blades attacked strongly on the left, but both Balmer and Makepeace played soundly, and when the interval came the score stood;- half-time score;- Sheffield United 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
During the interval the rain came down pretty heavily, and the conditions were the reverse of cheerful when play was resumed. As the players came on to the field it was seen that Scott was an absentee, and Crelly taking the gloves went between the sticks, Balmer being left alone at back. On restarting United went away at a great pace, and in the first minute Donnelly, working through, shot strongly, but the ball struck the upright and glanced outside. Another attack on the part of the home left was cleared by Balmer, and the visitors moved down in combined order, but the movement was totally spoiled by McDermott, when in a nice position, shooting high over the bar. The Evertonians, however, continued to exert pressure, and a shot by Young forced Benson to grant a corner, but this was safely disposed of, and there was play for a while near the centre line. The Evertonians came again, however, in grand fashion, and Sharp running round both Parker and Benson, lobbed the ball beautifully into the goalmouth, where McDermott got his head to it and propelled it into the net. It was altogether a clever and tricky goal, and naturally put the Evertonians on good terms with themselves. Nevertheless the home team after this exerted pressure and Lang had an open goal before him when he shot outside. After this the Blades attacked in strenuous fashion, and twice Crelley kept out clinking shots from Lang. the Everton full-back was keeping goal remarkably well, and was repeatedly applauded. Our representative learns that Scott had sustained a serious injury to the knee, and is quite unable reappear.
Final Result;- Sheffield United 3 goals Everton 2 goals.
F.E.H RUMINATES
Sheffield United were the fortune victors. Everton were the unlucky losers. It was through no fault of their own that the Blues dropped a couple of points this afternoon. This is not the finest time in Sheffield that Everton have suffered owing to injury to their custodian. I really call to mind that memorable match at Owlerton where, after Everton led at the interval by 5 goals to 1, they were at the end entitled only to share the honours. Scott on that occasion was the victim of misfortune. Curiously enough, history repeated itself at Bramell-lane. He was knocked out in trying to stop an overpowering rush on the part of Drake, and did not reappear after the interval. This was, indeed, cruel luck for Everton. Crelly filled the breach as well as could be expected from an emergency custodian, and the winning goal was in no way due to any laxity on the part of Scott’s sub. Had the full eleven been available throughout the whole ninety minutes I make bold to say that Everton would not have been behind. The Sheffielders, it is true, were without four of their tried players, but apart from this the visitors were always smarter and cleverer. At the same time when I call to mind the great battles between these two teams years ago I was somewhat painfully impressed with the lack of those beautiful touches which imparted so much interest to the games of yore. We are all inclined to think that all our early geese were swans, but in this case I really think the game showed a falling off from the older and sterner methods. In the first half the keynote of the game was the long passing method which both teams adopted. So far as Everton is concerned this was to me rather agreeably surprising. At the same time it was evident that through this change in tactics had been adopted more than one of the players failed to tumble to the new scheme of attack. This was rather a pity for the centres of the outside men, especially Sharp, often went wrong on account of lament, able failure to realise golden opportunities. Had the inside men dropped into the new order of things I venture to think the record of goals would have been very different. As it was they allowed the Sheffield backs to clear away the danger time after time, and this was particularly faulty with regard to Benson, who was never too quick on the ball. The first goal came to the visitors from Young but the centre forward would, I opine, be the last man in the world to take the real credit for it. As a matter of fact, Sharp and Hardman were the pioneers of the movement, and all Sandy had to do was to administer the coup de grace, so to speak. Like Gibert’s peers in good king George’s glorious days, “he did it very well.”
The second goal of the Evertonians was an even smarter bit of work, and it is only due to the Sheffield spectators to say that they applauded it. Sharp worked his way down on the wing to within a few inches of the corner flag, and then screwed the leather with splendid calculation right in front of the goalmouth, where McDermott got his bullet head to the ball and fired it just out of Lewesley’s reach. It was altogether a dainty effort, and showed what mention there are in the game. The second half was rather rougher, and certainly less scientific than the first. Singularly enough, the one back game, due of course to Scott’s absence, was not the cause of this; it was due primarily to the exciting position in which the game stood. The United, with a full team, naturally expected to obtain the upperhand, but Everton, weakened as they were, determined not to let them. Over and above this, the forwards on both sides seemed to be suffering from the violent attack of over-wrought enthusiasm. It was not until ten minutes of the finish that brown placed his side ahead with a shot that gave poor Crelley no chance to deal with. Indeed, under the circumstances, the Everton left back kept goal astonishingly well, and but for his watchfulness, and promptitude the margin against the Blues might have easily been much heavier. Balmer came through the most trying ordeal with flying colours, and there can be no doubt that he is gaining in resource every day. Though spare in frame, he evidently has the heart of a lion, and tackles his men with conspicuous courage.

EVERTON'S ILL LUCK
London Daily News - Monday 09 October 1905
At Sheffield the United beat Everton by three goals to two. Everton were the first to press, Young scoring in a quarter of an hour, but Donnelly equalized after three minutes' play. Drake gave the United the lead before the interval. Play was very fast following the resumption. After McDermott had made the scores level again, both sides adopted the one back game. Owing to injuries the Everton goalkeeper was unable to turn out in the second half.

UNFORTUNATE EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 09 October 1905
By Nemo
A rare game between Sheffield United and Everton was witnessed at Bramall-lane on Saturday by some 16,000 spectators.  Life and bustle pervaded the play from the first moment to the last, and of exciting incidents there were many.  Five goals were scored, and the Sheffielders getting three of them won a narrow victory, for which they worked skillfully and well.  But if the home side carried off the spoils the visitors had a fair share of the honours, and more than their share of misfortune.  I do not suppose for a moment that everyone will agree with me, but I think Everton did not deserve to be beaten.  At the end of the first quarter of an hour Sharp swung the ball gloriously over from the Everton right, Hardman, on the other wing, pulled it back almost off the line right in front of goal, where Young, well placed, had nothing to do but put it into the net, which he did.  When another quarter of an hour had gone Brown, darting down the centre, passed out to the right, and there was a great race between Donnelly and Scott, who rushed out of goal.  The pair crashed into each other, but the United forward got the ball into the net, and equalized.  It was several minutes, however, before the Everton custodian could rise from the ground, and he was quite lame in his right leg, and of no more use to his side-a dire misfortune.  Scott stayed on the field until half time, but it was with the greatest difficulty that he limped between the posts and was quite helpless to prevent the Sheffielders gaining the lead, when Lang put in a pretty square centre, and Drake directed the ball just inside the post, the damaged custodian being unable to make any ground.  So United led at the interval by two to one.  Crelley went between the Everton posts in the second half, the visitors with ten men playing the one-back game.  Very early the Lancastrains drew level, Sharp making a smart run on the right wing, and chasing the ball dragged it back almost from the line, and screwed into goal where McDermott put the finishing touch.  With the scores equal there was a stern struggle.  With a man short Everton fully held their own until about ten minutes from time, when one of many determined dashes by the United wing bore fruit, Lang centring, and Brown giving Crelley no chance at a neat header.  In this manner the Sheffielders won a capital game by three goals to two.  I have rarely seen a contest wherein the teams proved more evenly matched.  Both played with great skill and so much dash that at one period the referee had to be very keen on fouls to prevent play degenerating had terribly hard lines in losing so important a player as their goalkeeper, the Sheffielders for their part must be congratulated upon a very smart feat in beating so fine a side as the Goodison Park men, for be it remembered the Bramall-lane brigade were below strength with both Needham and Johnson on the injured list.  The places of these absentees were creditably filled by Parker and Forester, of the reserves, the latter especially playing a clever game against such a skilful foe as the speedy Hardman.  With Bernard Wilkinson back in his place in the centre and for the first time in his career filling the honourable positon of captain, the United half-back line was good.  So also was that of Everton, and even more so, for the visitors’ middle line had a share in the excellent combination which marked the aggressive movements of their side.  Makepeace, indeed, did particularly well against Lipsham, the brilliant left winger of the “Red and Whites” who has not met so difficult a foe at Bramall Lane this season.  There was some fine back play, with Benson adding still further to the good name he has worthily gained for himself in Sheffield during the few wees he has been here, and R. Balmer playing magnificently for Everton, especially in the second half, when he had no companion.  There was a difference in the play of the forwards of the two sides.  United did well by brilliant bursts, wherein Brown in the early of the game, and Lang and Donnelly later on greatly distinguished themselves.  Everton were the cleverer side in combination, and whenever Sharp got away with speedy runs and glorious centres the United defence had to look spry.  It seemed to me that Leivesley the United custodian had the more difficult task, and some of his saves in the  early part of the game, when the Everton front rank were going great guns, were very fine.  Scott did very well indeed before he was hurt.  Crelley, who kept Everton’s goal after Scott’s retirement, had not much to do, but twice he saved his citadel very cleverly.  It was one of the best games seen in Sheffield this season.  Sheffield United; Leivesley; Groves, Benson; Forster, Wilkinson, Parker; Lang, Donnelly, Brown, Drake, and Lipsham.  Everton; Scott; R. Balmer, Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman.  Referee; A. Green, West Bromwich. 

EVERTON AT SHEFFIELD
Athletic News - Monday 09 October 1905
Everton’s defeat at Bramall-lane will be noted amongst the Everton players for one curious occurrence.  Never before has young Robert Balmer been on the losing side when assisting the League team, and the United have thus broken a meritorious record.  Balmer had begun to consider himself a sort of mascot, and regarding the conditions under which he has at various times taken part in the defence, his run of successes is most creditable.  Next Saturday he will probably figure in the intermediate line, for Makepeace is chosen to assist the English League eleven against Ireland at Hyde-road.  It is pleasing to note that Makepeace’s authorities, and especially as he is a Liverpool born footballer.  He, Crelley and the two Balmers are notable examples of the native product in the Everton camp, for what is a team when the goalkeeper is injured? 

SHEFFIELD UNITED 3 EVERTON 2
October 9, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
SCOTT INJURED, J CRELLY GOES BETWEEN UPRIGHTS FOR SECOND HALF
Somehow of another Sheffield seems to be a place where Everton are bound to meet with misfortune. Last season there was a tremendous game at Owlerton-park, when in consequence of football of the most brilliant description, they gained a commanding lead at half-time of 5 goals to 1. At that period of the game everything pointed to a great victory for the Goodison-road organisation. Then Scott who was in goal was injured, Abbott was called upon to fill the breach, and just on time, Wednesday team managed to share the honours of a remarkable game. On Saturday last Scott was again in goal and was again unfortunate. This time he strained the muscle of his thigh, and although he remained at his post, until the interval, he was quite unable to do himself justice. It is morally certain that if he had been fit and well he would never have allowed Sheffield United a second goal to count. It was a simple shot, but Scott leg prevented him effecting a clearance, which under ordinary conditions would have been comparatively easy. During the second half, Crelly tried his hand at goalkeeping and did not do at all badly. He had no chance with the winning goal, and on one occasion at least he saved his charge in galliant style.
THE GAME.
It will be seen that Everton had all the worse of the luck. Up to the time of Scot's injury the Blues were unquestionably the superior team. They had more method about their plan of campaign, and inspired one with a feeling of confidence in their ability to annex a couple of points. As a matter of fact, they were a goal to the good at the end of fifteen minutes play. Young succeeding in an effort to convert one of Sharp's ideal centres, it was when the equalising goal came that Scott and Donnelly were in collision, with results disastrous to the Everton custodian. Although he kept manifully at his post he was obvious handicapped, and Drake with a header close in gave United the lead. Undoubtedly on the play Everton did not deserved to be in a minority of 2 goals to 1, for all round they were the cleverer side. In the absence of Scott they were compelled during the second portion to adopt the one-back game. With Crelly in goal young Balmer had considerable extra work thrust upon him, but he rose to the occasions in masterly fashion. The United forwards were respectably pulled up for offside, while the Evertonians whenever they had a chance made tracks for the Sheffield goal in commendable style, Quite early on in the second half a beautifully worked centre from Sharp enabled McDermott to place the sides on a level footing. For some time Everton although a man short, had quite as much of the game as their opponents, and it was unfortunate for them when ten minutes from time, Brown obtained what proved to be the winning goal.
THE PLAYERS.
Of course Scott's absence during the second half of the game had a deterrent effect upon the side. They started in a manner which was suggestive of victory, and the system of long passes which they adopted was disconcerting to the United defence which with the veteran Needham away was not too strong. Young Balmer gave one of his best exhibitions. Always resourceful, he was a tower of strength, and practically never made the slightest mistake. Crelly, as has been indicated rendered his side good service in both positions in which to figured. Makepeace was the most conspicuous in the half-back line, while the forwards were seen to greater advantage than has been the case this season. Young was tricky, and distributed the play with great judgement McDermott too was more like himself and with Settle always ready to seize in opening it will be understood that the Everton attack was effective, seeing that both Hardman and Sharp were in their happiest mood. The United though lucky to win, imparted any amount of determination into their play, but they are scarcely the team of old. Indeed it was quite disappointing to visit Bramell-lane, and miss the familiar figure and powerful influence of Ernest Needham.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 ATHERTON CHURCH HOUSE 0
October 9, 1905. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One. (Game 7)
Owing to many of the clubs being engaged in the qualifying competition for the English Cup there was only an attentunated programmes of matches in the Lancashire Combination. After the rest of the previous Saturday the Everton team appeared at home against Atherton Church House, and as they had previously beaten the Churchites it was not executed that they would have much trouble in improving their record. Such was the case, for at no time did Atherton cause their opponents defence any anxiety, and in the end Everton gained a very easy victory by five goals to nil. Birnie opened the scoring with a grand goal after half an hour's play, and it was from his centre that Oliver was able to add a second goal. This was the state of affairs at the interval, and after the change of ends Oliver, Cook, and McLoughlin put on further goals. Everton showed a decided improvement on recent displays, and after a somewhat uncertain start the forwards finished well. Birnie was always to the fore, and in this player, Everton have secured a promising winger. The halves were fully equal to the task of keeping the visitors forwards in check, and as a result the defenders had an easy task. The visitors showed plenty of vigour, but all round compared unfavourably with the home team . Everton: - Collins, goal, Hill, and Hannon backs Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson half-backs, Irving, McLoughlin Oliver, Cooke, and Dilly forwards.

EVERTON’S ILL-LUCK
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 09 October 1905
Everton are distinctly to be commiserated with a losing a couple of points at Brammall-lane on Saturday. Fate was absolutely unkind to them, and they did not deserve to go under. Still, the fortune of war is proverbially fickle and the right philosophy is that which takes the rough with the smooth. When the teams meet at Goodison Park the Evertonians will have a fine opportunity of taking full and ample revenge. The game was a curiously even one throughout and though the visitors could only muster ten men in the second half, they still managed to preserve cohesion and combination. The absentee was Scott, who was hurt in coming out to meet Donnelly. The pair collided with considerable force, and the Everton custodian was unfortunate in sustaining damage to his knee. He stuck to his post pluckily until the interval, and was then forced to rest. It was a curious coincidence- as was pointed out in Saturday’s “Football Echo” -that Scott should again have been placed hors de combat at Sheffield, for it will be remembered that last year he was bowled out at Owlerton Park, and as a result an almost certain victory was wrested from the Evertonians. After Saturday’s experience the Irish international will have good cause to remember the cutlery city. The opening stages of the game were altogether in favour of Everton, who played the long passing method to perfection. The half backs and forwards showed splendid form, and a really clever movement terminated in Young scoring. Having gained the lead, the Evertonians tried to put on further pressure, but they found themselves opposed to a team of rare tryers. The home eleven, it should be noted, had four new men in their ranks, and what they lacked in skill was amply compensated for in dash and determination. This was proved when Donnelly, after a brilliant sprint along the wing equalised. Being once again on level terms, the players went at it ding dong fashion, and both goalkeepers were given plenty of work. Time after time the Blues marshalled themselves in front of Livesley but there was the same old inaccuracy finishing and many golden opportunities of scoring were thrown away.  The Blades on the other hand made far better use of their chances, and before the interval arrived Drake placed them ahead with a fine goal- one which Scott was quite unable to successfully cope with. As will no doubt be gathered from the foregoing observations, the visitors did not deserve to be one down at the interval, for they had certainly had more of the game than the United. The second portion was not nearly so pretty to watch and at times there were evidences of undue roughness. We have never advocated parlour football, or suggested that modern exponents of the code should be carpet knights, btu unnecessary vigour is so much wasted energy. However, there was nothing very serious to complain of, and the game continued at an exciting pace. This was emphasised when McDermott from a beautiful centre by Sharp, headed the ball into the net. The contestants were once again on level terms, and there was now a desperate struggle for mastery. The ball was taken from goal to goal with extraordinary rapidity, but it was not until ten minutes from the close that Brown, taking a pass from Lang, scored what proved to be the winning goal of an altogether admirable game.
The Everton forward line showed its customary cleverness, and though Young mulled several chances he kept his wings together remarkably well. Sharp was undoubtedly the most brilliant of the quintet, his long dropping shots into the goalmouth showing that he remembers his early training in the Aston Villa days. Harold Hardman was as clever and plucky as usual, but he was not served quite so well as he might have been. McDermott was still on the slow side, but his goal atoned for much. The half back line as previously indicated played splendid football. Taylor showing all his pristine nimbleness and command of the ball. Abbott and Makepeace were also well in the picture, and helped to break up the combination of the home forwards. Nothing but praise can be accorded young Balmer and Crelly. The former played an extremely brillaint game, and given continued health and strength, he will make a great name for himself before many seasons are over. Crelly’s performance between the sticks was more than creditable. He dealt with a number of warm shots with quite masterly skill, and could really not be blamed for the one that passed him.

SHEFFIELD UNITED v.  EVERTON
Sheffield Independent - Monday 09 October 1905
UNITED JUST WIN
By “Centre-forward.”
The visit of the Everton team- who, win or lose, usually play bright, attractive football- to Bramall lane on Saturday to play Sheffield United drew together a large crowd of between 16,000 and 17,000 people, the actual number paying for admission being 15,306, and the receipts amounting to £434. 9s. 3d.  The contest proved a keen and interesting one with the team very evenly matched, United, however, coming to the front in the concluding stages and scoring a winning goal ten minutes from time, thereby raining a narrow but well worked for victory by 3 goals to 2. The defeated Evertonians for their part played quite as well as their conquerors, and were unfortunate in being beaten, inasmuch as during the greater part of the game they had Scott, their custodian, lame and unable to take his place in goal after change of ends. The visitors had the same side as had beaten Liverpool in the League game of the previous Saturday. United, owing to accidents to Johnson and Needham, had to make two changes from the side that drew with their local rivals, the Wednesday men, in last Monday’s charity match, Forester and Parker, of the reserves, however, very creditably filling the vacancies at half-back. Bernard Wilkinson, who had been absent from several League games, captained the Sheffield team. The ground was in splendid condition, and except for an occasional slight drizzle, the weather was fine. The interest of the spectators was kept alive from start to finish, for the pace was always lively and the result of the match always in doubt, until the final sound of the referee’s whistle. Immediately upon the game opening by Young kicking off for Everton in the direction of Bramall lane against a breeze so gentle as to have scarcely any effect on the play, the pace became a lively one. Incidents of interest were frequent. At first play was even. Then United bore down in dangerous fashion by clever forward play, but Scott skilfully saved a fast grounder from Brown and also a peculiar high shot from Lang. Everton were not slow in retaliation, and only a very fine save from Leivesley prevented Young heading a goal. When the game had been in progress 16 minutes the visitors, however, succeeded in scoring, a well-managed advance ending in Sharp centring squarely. Hardman from the other wing pulled the ball back almost from the line right in front of goal, where Young had no difficulty in putting the ball through; Leivesley at such close quarters being helpless. United claimed that the ball in its flight front Sharp’s centre had gone out of play in the air and curled in again, but the goal was allowed. Subsequent play was fairly even, but the Evertonians were the more dangerous in their attacks, and the United goal had a very narrow escape when Sharp, shooting in, Wilkinson mis-kicked in front of goal, Leivesley, however succeeding in saving. The United custodian also made a brilliant save in going out to meet a glorious centre from Hardman on the left. There was plenty of life and fire in the game, and with half an hour gone the Sheffielders equalised. Brown going down the centre, passed the ball out to the right as an effort was made to tackle him. Donelly and Scott both rushed for the ball and collided, but Scott went down on the ground as the United forward shot the ball into the net and equalised. In the collision the Everton custodian was hurt so badly that it was three or four minutes before the game could be resumed and he was then so lame in his right leg as to be practically useless in goal. The game proceeded at a lively rate with United now the more dangerous side. Four minutes before the interval the Sheffielders obtained the lead, Lang centring across the goal mouth and Drake rushing up, putting the ball just inside the post. Probably had the Everton custodian not been lame he might have got to the ball and cleared the centre- as it was he was helpless. Before half-time the Everton forwards made several dashes in efforts to equalise, Sharp and Hardman being conspicuous, but Leivesley twice saved, and at the interval United led by 2 to 1.
Scott did not reappear when play was resumed, Crelly going in goal, and Everton, with only 10 men, playing the one back game. Donnelly at once broke through the visitors’ defence and shot, but the ball passed between Crelly’s legs and rebounded from the post. Then at the other end there was a narrow escape, as Sharp with a grand centre gave Young a good opening, only to see the centre man lift the ball over the United bar. Next came an equalising goal for the visitors, Sharp making a good run on the right and centring almost off the line into front of goal, where McDermott put the ball through.  This was six minutes after the resumption. United’s right wing made dashes away, and with a clear course Donnelly looked certain to score when his long oblique shot passed just wide of the far post. On another occasion Crelly just managed to divert a good shot from Lang. several times the United players were rendered off-side by the one-back policy of their opponents. Although a man short Everton quite held their own, and their attacks usually spelled danger. Still the football played by both sides failed to reach the high level of the first half, and most of the play was of a scrambling disjointed character. There was also at times a tendency to roughness displayed upon which however, the referee kept a firm hand. As the game advanced towards its close the Sheffielders showed improved form, and amidst applause ten minutes from time they succeeded in  putting on what proved to be a winning goal, Brown giving Crelly no chance at a neat header when in a good position he received the ball from Donelly, who looked suspiciously like being offside. Determined attacks on each goal in turn kept the interest up to the end. Crelly once kicked away after Donelly had run through. Very near time Everton failed to improve upon a corner, and United ran out winners by 3 goals to 2.
There was very little to choose in the form displayed by the contending teams. The United attacks had perhaps the more go-ahead methods about them, but the home forwards did not give the Everton custodian as many really difficult shots as their own custodian, Leivesley, received from the clever forward division of the visitors. Leivesley indeed, in the early part of the game made several very fine saves indeed, which gained him the applause of the crowd, and on the whole kept goal admirably having no chance on either occasion when he was beaten. Scott did well before being injured, but was too lame to make any serious effort to save the second goal obtained by the Sheffielders. Indeed he would have been better off the field. Crelly, who kept goal in the second half, had little to do. In the matter of combination and accurate passing the visitors undoubtedly excelled. The halves on both sides did well. Parker and Forster quite justified their selection. Makepeace on the Everton right wing, allowed Lipsham to shine far less than in any other match at Bramall lane this season, though the United left winger at times got in his runs and centres. Brown played excellently in the early stages of the game, but was scarcely as prominent later, finding Taylor a skilful foe. The United right wing was very dangerous, Donnelly especially doing a lot of good work. Among a very skilful lit of forwards, Sharp, on the Everton right, played a brilliant game and Hardman did some smart things on the other wing, while Young was a useful centre. Balmer played a fine game at back for the Lancashiremen and both Benson and Groves did well for United. Result;-
Sheffield United 3 goals, Everton 2 goals
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Taylor (captain), Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Leivesley, goal; Groves , Benson, backs; Forster, Wilkinson (captain), Parker, half-backs; Lang, Donelly, brown, Drake, and Lipsham, forwards.
NOTES
EVERTON AT BRAMALL LANE
By Centre Forward
The first half of the game between Sheffield United and Everton was a very smart display of bright, attractive football, both teams playing with skill and dash, and although there was a deterioration in the second half, and one period of a scrambling character, the match on the whole was a good and interesting one, contested at a lively pace, with energy and determination, and prolific of exciting incidents. Having regard to the fact that United lacked the assistance of such famous half-backs as Johnson and Needham- though the reservists, Forster and Parker, both did very well- I think the Bramall lane brigade did very well indeed to win, even by the narrow majority of 3 goals to 2. Whilst congratulating the Sheffielders upon a victory well worked for, and cleverly won, one must not, however, forget that the Evertonians suffered from the vilest of luck in having their goalkeeper incapacitated for 60 minutes out of the 90, and away from the field altogether during the second half. Having scored first by means of some very skilful forward play the visitors had Scott lamed in a collision with Donelly as the latter shot the equalising goal, the two men going for the ball together. It seemed to me that the damaged custodian would probably have saved United’s second goal had be been able to move at all freely. As it was, however, a wonderfully even first half ended with the Sheffielders leading by 2 to 1. Of course, the one-back game which Everton adopted -as they were quite justified in doing after change of ends- did much to spoil the game as a spectacle. The visitors having equalised with another cleverly-got goal, promised well to make a draw, but United playing up admirably at the finish got a winning goal ten minutes from time. No one could fairly have grumbled had Everton succeeded in dividing the points. On the form of the players and the general character of the game the visitors were unlucky to be beaten.

EVERTON’S DOWNFALL
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 09 October 1905
Those people partial to United could not have said on Saturday that Everton deserved to lose their first match in Sheffield this season. The visitors to Bramall Lane were worth a draw, and may have brought about a win had not Scott, their Irish International goalkeeper, been an absentee in the second half. Although Everton had to place Crelley in goal, and Balmer had to form the second line of defence. United never obtained the upper hand till close upon time, and therefore may be considered fortunate in just snatching the victory. The one-back game was, for long time, more than United could cope with, though when they started moving properly against this obstacle it was clearly apparent that it is quite easy to avoid being off-side. Everton, lost because of the misfortune which attended Scott, for after being severely shaken in a collision with Donelly when the first equalising goal was scored he was helpless, and limped badly when Drake obtained a goal, which it is safe to say would not have come had Scott been able to move about with his usual alacrity. So far this season the Goodison. Park team have not won away from home, whilst their past victories at Sheffield have been few and far between. Twice within twelve months they have had victory within their grasp, but on each occasion was Scott rendered hors de combat, and a draw and a loss requited. The draw was the memorable-5—5 at Owlerton.
There was little or no excitement Saturday, a capitally contested first half being succeeded by 45 minutes of most uninteresting play. Although Everton lost, their attacks were far more penetrating than the home team’s, more shots being dealt with by Leivesley than by either Scott or Crelley, the latter keeping goal the second half. Leivesley kept exceedingly well, one save of his the first half receiving ample recognition at the hands the spectators, who cheered for many minutes after the effort. There was one man who stood head and shoulders above any other for continued hard work, coolness, and judgment. I refer R. Balmer, the Everton right-back, whose display from beginning to end was brilliant, his kicking always having plenty of strength, while was invariably the master when tackling an opponent. Taylor covered Brown well, and Makepeace spoilt many good efforts by Lipsham. The star of the forwards was Sharp, who, without getting the best help from McDermott—a sadly disappointing player this season—was often too good for Parker and Benson. Nevertheless, the two last mentioned did their share in defence, Benson being the better back, for Groves was rather erratic, and hardly good as the end last season. Wilkinson played hard game, filling role of captain right well; and Lang and Donelly formed the most successful United wing. Drake was disappointing, was often out touch with Lipsham, showed tendency to slowness, and spoiled good openings letting the ball to opponent.
SHEFFIELD UNITED V. EVEETON.
UNITED JUST WIN.
Last season : Sheffield United 1, Everton 0.
In weather which opened fine and became wet, about 17,000 people attended Bramall Lane on Saturday, the official return showing that 15,306 paid for admission, the receipts being £434- 9s. United were weak at half-back, Johnson and Needham being kept out through the injuries they sustained in the Wednesday match. Their places were taken Forster and Parker, while forward, Lang and Drake took the places of Bluff and Bisby. Everton, who were unchanged, commenced the attacking, but Scott had good shots from Brown and Lang to negotiate. The game was fast, and a goal came at the end of 15 minutes, when Young beat Leivesley. Following this, there were many good attacks, and the next to end successfully was made by United, Donnelly equalising, at the end of half an hour. At the same time collided with Scott, who was badly injured, and of little use subsequently. In fact, when Drake put United in front, just before the interval, he was unable to move properly.  In the second half did not appear, Crelley taking his place, and the one-back-game being adopted. Crelley was fortunate to be in the way of a shot from Donnelly, and this was the only dangerous United advance for some time. Six minutes saw McDermott head through centra from Sharp, and with Everton holding their own well, ten minutes only were left, when Donnelly centred to Brown, who headed through. Before the end, Settle went off, injured. Result; Sheffield United 3 goals Everton 2 goals

NOT DAUNTED
Liverpool Echo - Monday 09 October 1905
Bee
Scott and Sheffield do not agree. Last season the Everton ‘keeper was badly hurt at Sheffield Wednesday’s ground before half-time, when the score in the Blues’ favour was 5 goals to 1, and the final rendering was 5 each. This match was the cause of his losing his position in the senior ranks, for when the club found  themselves in a hole for a custodian they went Stokewards and got Roose to join them, Scott when well again, being crowded out. Saturday’s fixture at Bramall-lane resulted in Scott again leaving the field with a very bad knee. Crelly deputised for him, and kept a capital goal, and it is safe and quite fair to declare that Everton would have won but for the loss of their most able goalkeeper.
“Looker on,” of the Sheffield Telegraph,” is an impartial expert, and I cannot do better than give you his remarks;-
  Those people partial to United could not have said on Saturday that Everton deserved to lose their first match in Sheffield this season. The visitors to Bramell-lane were worth a draw, and may have brought about a win had not Scott been an absentee in the second half. Although Everton had to place Crelley in goal, and Balmer had to form the second line of defence, United never obtained the upper hand till close upon time, and therefore may be considered fortunate in just snatching the victory. The one back game was, for a long time, more than United could cope with, though when they started moving properly against this obstacle it was clearly apparent that it is quite easy to avoid being off-side. Everton lost because of the misfortune which attended Scott, for after being severely shaken in a collision with Donelly when the first equalising goal was scored he was helpless, and limped badly when Drake obtained a goal, which it is safe to say would not have come had Scott been able to move about with his usual alacrity.
So far this season the Goodison Park team have not won away from home, whilst their past victories at Sheffield have ben few and far between. Although Everton lost, their attacks were far more penetrating than the home team’s more shots being dealt with by Leivesley than by either Scott or Crelley. R. Balmer was brilliant his kicking always having plenty of strength, while he was invariably the master when tackling an opponent. Taylor covered Brown well, and Makepeace spoilt many good efforts by Lipsham. The star of the forwards was Sharp, who, without getting the best of help from McDermott-a sadly disappointing player this season -was often too good for Parker and Benson.
It was the first time that R. Balmer had been with the losing side- senior team-and it was the first time Bernard Wilkinson had captained United.

BEE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 11 October 1905
Everton played their annual match against Stonyhurst College yesterday, and won with ease by a dozen goals. The Collegians met the Blues’ first team, except that Collins kept foal, Oliver was at centre-forward, and McLoughlin at outside-left.
INQUIRY AGENCY
R.C.C -In brief, in 1878 there was a cricket club in connection with the Congregational Chapel of St. Domingo Vale, and they played football in the open space of Stanley Park. Next year they titled themselves St. Domingo F.C. the name was abandoned and in November 1879 the members met at the Queen’s Head Hotel, Village street, and resolved to title themselves Everton F.C. Next month they played their first match, and in February, 1880, met St. John’s Bootle, afterwards the Bootle Club. In 1880-81 Everton were elected members of the Lancashire F.A. in 1883-84 the club played at Anfield, and their first gate -off Priory-road- was 14s. The Liverpool Club was formed through the spoilt, and in 1892 the opposition team was in the Lancashire League, later in the Second Division of the League, and eventually in the top class.

EVERTON EXPERIMENTS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 12 October 1905
Bee
With Makepeace assisting the League eleven, Everton have given Tom Booth the vacant place, and in the forward line Oliver will appear for the first time. Scott’s injuries continue to improve satisfactorily, and he has been selected.

FOOTBALL NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 13 October 1905
With Makepeace assisting the English League eleven, Everton have given Tom Booth the vacant place in the team against Notts County tomorrow, and in the forward line Oliver will appear for the first time. Scott’s injuries continue to improve satisfactorily, and he has been selected.

EVERTON RESERVE v  ATHERTON CHURCH HOUSE
Leigh Chronicle and Weekly District Advertiser - Friday 13 October 1905
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION- DIVISION 1
EVERTON RESERVE 5 ATHERTON C.H. 0
This was a staggering result for the Athertonians on Saturday, when they visited Goodison Park, where, however, there was only a moderate attendance to witness the return shooting between the teams, who lined up as follows;-
Everton Reserve.- Collins, goal; Hill and Hannan, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, McLoughlin, Oliver, Cooke, and Dilly, forwards.
Atherton.- Martinscroft, goal; Jackson and Lucas, backs; Barlow, Davidson, and Hartley, half-backs; Owen, Short, Gettins, Boardman, and Dawson, forwards.
Leigh Rangers were resting on Saturday.
Gettins commenced for the visitors, and the initial exchanges were confined to midfield. Owen made ground on the Church right, and put in centre, which Hill cleared after Hannan had missed. The Blues advanced, and Dilley was prominent with a good run and centre, which Birnie almost turned to account. The next item of interest was a clever and effective move by Dilley and Cooke, the former having his final effort charged down. Birnie could always beat the opposing defence, but his colleagues were slow to profit from his good work. Dilley was yards out of his reckoning with a long shot. The Church forwards next came with a rush, and Hannan was in difficulties, the situation being saved by Everton being awarded a free kick. Black was responsible for an attempt to open the account with an effort which required all this best work of the Church keeper to frustrate. Oliver next sent high over the bar. The Blues were now having by far the best of the argument.  They monopolised the attack, and Everton's defence was a match for their opponents. The Church forwards were presented with a capital chance of drawing first blood, but their lackadaisical attitude in front of Collins completely nullified their good work in the open. Dilley got down on his own, and apparently with the intention of doing the trick unaided he took the leather to within few feet of the Church goalmouth, when Jackson, who had been calmly weighing up the position, darted across and took the leather from Dilley’s toes. From the resultant corner, however, Birnie notched the initial point for the Blues after thirty minutes' play. McLoughlin beat the opposing half and full back and finished by losing the leather. The Church forwards were repeatedly palled up for offside. Dilley had particular liking for finishing up his clever runs by shooting outside. Birnie put in a long and well-directed shot which completely nonplussed the Atherton custodian, and Oliver put the finishing touches to the effort by registering the second point for the Blues. The Evertonians next came with a rush, and Oliver was distinctly unlucky in lifting the leather over the bar from close range. Another long and well-directed shot came from the toe of Birnie, who was always ready to test the abilities of the custodian.
Half-time: Everton Reserve, 2 goals; Atherton, nil.
Everton had the best of tbs argument after the interval, and Oliver, Cooke, and McLoughlin scored for them.

EVERTON F.C WILL NOT MEET REILLY TO-MORROW
Liverpool Echo - Friday 13 October 1905
Bee
More of importance to Liverpool people is the match at Goodison Park, where the great band of spectators expected may see something startling. Which way the startler will go is impossible to say. Here we have Everton occupying a most unusually low position in the League table; and Notts County, their guests, recently feeling their feet, and using them, too, to advantage, coming along satisfactorily. Up to now the County’s record is good, and, thinking of the previous inability of the men, one might say “exceedingly good.” They will not have Reilly back in goal, and this may mean a lot to most likely, and this means such a lot to them. He is the old Artillery man who assisted Portsmouth, and who has such high praise that eh must be the County’s best custodian since the days of Toone. H.L. Mainman is captaining the side. This is his fifth season with them, and he has also played with Burton and Reading. He was born twenty-five years ago, in Liverpool. He is on the injured list, and unlikely to play. Everton must not for one moment think they have an apparently easy win in store for the asking of it, for what the County did at Sunderland they are liable (not likely, it is true) to do again. They are meeting a rather experimental side, which will naturally include the captain of the team, in the absence of Makepeace. Booth will reappear, and will find his friends even more numerous than before he served his month’s penance. He has only had one trial this season, and it was a minor one, too, for Stonyhurst College could not have taxed him severely. With Scott chosen it would appear that he has recovered sufficiently. Everton are grateful, no doubt. It is not with the defence- from goalie to half-back line-that one expresses fear, but in the attacking department. If the County obtain one goal I shall be surprised inasmuch as their forwards have got into the rut which leads to wasted opportunities. To-morrow we look to the blues to improve the figure standing to their credit in their goals for. The number stands now at a dozen after six matches-two of them provided four apiece. Now, Mr. Compositor, you might get the figure 15 ready to drop in its place.
Oliver has a capital chance of showing his worth; and yet a player of his years must be a brainy player to be able to take up so important a position among players of inimitable styles like Settle and McDermott. However, Oliver should make up his mind that goals are the essential adjuncts of football, and that his duty also includes the hampering of backs, who, through Young, have recently had many kicks, which have been taken by opponents as though they were free kicks. A good day, from a weather point of view, and the Blues should win before their regularly massive crowd, which will line up for an earlier kick-off than previously-3.15.
Everton and Liverpool have come to a new arrangement concerning the Unemployed Fund. Mr. Cuff suggested, and Liverpool agreed, that the net proceeds of the Liverpool Cup ties between the two clubs should be divided into three parts, the clubs taking a third each, and the fund the remaining third.

TEAM ARRNAGEMENTS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 14 October 1905
Everton v Notts County
League match at Goodison Park, kick-off at 3.15
Everton.- Scott, goal; R Balmer and Crelly, backs; Booth, Taylor, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Oliver, Settle and Hardman, forwards.
Notts County.- Iremonger, goal; Griffiths and Montgomery, backs; Emberton, Wilkinson, and Craythorne, half-backs; Dean, Humphries, Green, Tarplin, and Gee, forwards.

EVERTON v  NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 14 October 1905
FINE PLAY AND GOOD SHOOTING
NOTTS TEAM DISORGANISED
OLIVER’S “HAT TRICK”
There were three notable absentees from the Everton ranks to-day, Scott, Makepeace, and Young. The only one of the trio which could be regard as satisfactory was the right half, who, it was hoped, would distinguish himself to-day in the Inter-League match at Manchester. His place was filled by Tom Booth, and the gallant captain received a hearty welcome from the crowd on his return to premier company. Young’s health is not too good just now, and he stood down in favour of Oliver, who has made a reputation in the South. Scott had not recovered from the injuries sustained at Sheffield on Saturday last, and in consequence the “breach” was defended by Collins, who has already proved himself a very capable custodian. Despite the disarrangement of the team, the club’s supporters were very sanguine that  the lace men would be benefit in the matter of points as the result of to-day’s visit, as it was recognised last week at Sheffield that the Blues are getting into something like their best form. It will be remembered that Notts County were last year trounced when they visited Goodison Park, the Evertonians improving their goal average by 5 to 1.
Singularly enough there were also three alterations in the visitors’ team. The captain (Mainman) was an absentee, and his position at centre-half was filled by Wainwright. Harrison a local lad, made his first appearance. Iremonger took charge of the County citadel in place of Reilly. M. Whittaker superintended operations, and the teams turned out as follow;-
Everton.- Collins, goal; R. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Booth (captain), Taylor, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Oliver, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Notts County.- Iremonger, goal; Griffiths, and Montgomery (captain), backs; Emberton, Wainwright, and Leythom, half-backs; Atherton, Green, Dean, Lamplin, and Gee, forwards.
The morning was showery and miserable, but it was dry at the time of starting, and both goals had been well protected with tarpaulin.
There were not many more than 10,000 present when the teams advanced to the centre, although the people were steadily coming in. Everton won the toss, and the County men had to face the wind. The visitors went away into Everton territory, Dean forcing the ball over the line. Then Sharp gained a corner, in answer to which Iremonger fisted. After the goal-kick. Sharp and Settle did useful work until Craythorne checked and then a further raid was spoiled by Griffiths who sent well up the ground. The Notts right was travelling nicely, when Abbott checked neatly but he put the leather out in doing so, and Taylor had to step into the fray to assist Abbott to stop a stubborn advance. The Blues now advanced up the centre in struggling order, but found the defence opposed to them too strenuous and a stiff struggle ensued for position. Gee at last got possession, but Booth stopped his career. The Blues could not, however, get away at all, and the County left came once more. R. Balmer fell in checking Tarplin,  but he cleared beautifully when on the ground. A nice move now came from Hardman, Taylor and Sharp, but the cricketer failed to take Jock’s pass, and then followed free kicks to each team in turn. A free kick against Green landed the ball well in front of the Notts goal, where Montgomery was in waiting, and this player cleared handsomely. The ball then went up amongst the County forwards, who commenced to pass pretty from right to left, but when Tarplin came in possession Balmer hustled him off the ball. Abbott served Hardman and Settle, whose move was spoiled by Emberton, and then a free kick taken by Abbott went outside untouched. A dash down the wing, and a good centre then came from Sharpe, who followed up, and with a right smart shot tested Iremonger, who was equal to the occasion. The Everton forwards were now operating beautifully in front of Iremonger, who was fisting out valiantly, but conceded a corner to Taylor. The leather was splendidly placed right in the goal mouth, and Taylor hooked it in, but the Notts warden just got it out, but Settle and Abbott dashed at it together, and the little man, making no mistake, dashed the ball well past Iremonger after thirteen minutes play. There was no mistaking the superiority of the Everton lot now, and Sharp was putting in a sequence of fine runs, which led up to great pressure. Another corner came as Iremonger just saved his sticks as the ball came steering towards the corner of the net. Bustling play about the centre culminated in Everton having the better of the argument, and, gradually advancing, Settle at last gave the ball to Oliver, who showed no signs of hesitation, but sent a Sharp ground shot into the Notts goal and scored the second point, Iremonger appearing to have no chance of saving, this coming within five minutes of Everton’s first success. Restarting, play went even for a time, and then the County men commenced a somewhat slack attack, although at times Green appeared as though he would make inroads on the Everton defence. A loose attack now came from the home left. Oliver receiving from Settle, but he decided to test Iremonger with a long shot, and the result was the leather went high over the bar. Taylor initiated another grand forward move, in which Hardman, Settle, Taylor, and Sharp all took part, but the Notts custodian deflected the cricketer’s shot. This move was followed by another equally as good, and after Settle had missed Hardman’s pass, Taylor got the leather and put in a terrific drive, which was only a foot wide of the mark. After this the Lacemen got in some good work, and were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area, the shot grazing the bar. Soon after this Dean was injured and retired. Everton went down the right, but met with no success, and then the ball was crossed, Settle being roughly used, and Mr. Whittaker delivered a little lecture to his opponent. Abbott took the free kick, but the ball was shot over the line by Booth. Just afterwards Abbott had a lovely shot at goal, Iremonger bringing off a capital save. Everton still pressed their opponents, and Settle gave the ball to Oliver, who was sandwiched between the backs before he could shoot, settle and the centre-forward both missed passes and then Booth recovered and sent to Oliver, who tried a long shot, in answer to which Iremonger again saved well. Then followed some fine work between Hardman and Settle, and the little man at last finding an opening, sent in a real beauty which would have given Iremonger no chance but it just grazed the top bar. A minute after Oliver shot in, and the Notts warden cleared just as Hardman endeavoured to rush him into the net. The County men seldom got away now, and so keen was the pressure exerted by the Everton front rank that the visitors’ defence seemed perpetually busy. After Dean and Harrison had fairly beaten Crelly, Taylor saved the situation and assisted by Abbott, enabled the home right to quickly remove the venue. Operations now settled down adjacent to Iremonger, but somehow the Everton forwards could not get together, and Montgomery successfully spoiled their schemes. Try as they could, the Notts men seldom got over the half-way line, but one attack appeared to be about pushed home, when Balmer bored his way in and cleared. After some shots at the Notts goal by Oliver and McDermott, the County men had a clear kick and the ball went out to the left, from which point Gee succeeded in steering the ball into the Everton net, giving Collins very little chance of saving. This occurred about six minutes before half-time. Almost from the restart the Evertonians pressed their opponents back, and then Abbott tried one of his characteristic long shots, which, going at terrific speed, beat Iremonger all to pieces. The remainder of the play was much in favour of Everton. Half-time score; Everton 3 goals, Notts County 1 goal.
Dean turned out with his fellow players when the resumption was made, but also appearing to be rather lame. Soon after Oliver had kicked off the Notts right-wingers went down, but offside was given against one of them. Then from the free kick the Evertonians dashed away, and Oliver passed to his left, Hardman sending in a clever shot, which Iremonger saved at the corner of the goal. Passing between Taylor and Sharp ended in Oliver making a rush for goal, but he was fouled just outside the penalty line and with the free kick Booth compelled Iremonger to save. The Blues were now attacking with a great run when Taylor caught the referee’s eye, but the Notts’ right did not get far before Abbott robbed and once more the Evertonians were surrounding Iremonger, but the County defence came out on top. They could not, however, cross the half-way line. Oliver could not keep his wings well together and played a little too much for his own hand. In consequence the home attack lacked finishing touches. Notts had a rare chance after Balmer had missed badly, as the ball came right to Gee’s toe, but overbalanced at the critical moment and gave Crelly the chance to clear. Everton signalised this very lucky escape by turning on full steam. Suddenly play opened out, the ball going to McDermott, who passed to Sharp, and the outside men raced along the touch line, nipping round Claythorne and Montgomery, and then giving the ball to Oliver, who shot for goal, the custodian coming off best. Then the players closed in, and Hardman had a try, and finally Everton gained a corner, which was barren. Just afterwards Taylor tested Iremonger, who only cleared weakly, and Little was left with an easy chance which he failed to take. A number of attacks died away to nothing, but Sharp livened matters up by forcing a corner from which the ball came to him again, but after the centre the ball was cleared away. From the front of the goal Dean now slipped past Abbott cleverly, and the winger kicked the ball on to Crelly, and as it rebounded Dean dashed up and managed to circumvent Balmer, Collins rushed out and did all that could be done by flinging himself bodily on the ball, but Dean carried the ball into the net before he could be further intercepted. It was a case of the home defence being fairly and squarely beaten, and reflected great credit on the visitors, as their success was the direct result of dashing play and making the most of their opportunities. The Notts men now put in some really good work, their style being workmanlike to a degree. The ball went from Wainwright and passing in line enabled the County men to make a rare attack on the right, which was only at the last moment checked by Crelly. A dash on the left wing met with no success, and then Oliver slipped away and passed to Hardman, who send the ball over the goal line. Sharp tried several runs along the touchline, and with one managed to force a corner off Montgomery, but nothing further came from the effort. Then Everton had a free kick in front of goal, but Iremonger came out and cleared after Griffiths had been beaten. The Notts men made several attempts to break through the Everton defence, but failed, and the ball dropped out to Hardman, who provided Sharp with a lovely chance right in front of goal, but the right-winger dallied a moment and that was his undoing. Just afterwards Sharp came out with the ball, and on being pressed centred finely, McDermott taking possession, but was robbed. However, he again took the ball and passed to Oliver, who quickly had the ball in the net, and Everton had another goal to their credit, although some doubt existed as to whether he was not offside. The Notts men had only a little of the play to their credit before a splendid piece of work gave Everton another goal. Taylor passed to Sharp, and then McDermott had a few touches, after which improved the position, and put Oliver in possession, he netting in brilliant style. In another minute the Evertonians were back in front of the Notts goal, and Settle put in a great shot, which rebounded from the cross-bar. Everton’s sixth goal was the result of fine combination between Sharp, McDermott, Oliver, and Hardman dashing up at the finish and netting the leather.
Final Result Everton 6 goals, Notts County 2 goals.
Last season-Everton 5, Notts County 1
BEE SNAPSHOTS
On the ground the Blues have beaten Notts County nine times, and lost to them four times. The County, under ordinary circumstances, would have bene playing the Second Division clubs this season. The idea of extension saved them from this degradation; hence they appeared among the best try to-day. They didn’t bring the best weather with them. From a bright sunny morning the conditions graduated, till at the time of lining up it was bitterly cold and not at all hopeful looking.
The covered accommodation of the Everton club was first filled, and late comes had to stand in the open. Hence the early birds perched on the best nests. Few clubs boast so loyal a following as the Blues, and, considering the early kick-off-a sign of the times- and the conditions, the 12,000 people who gathered together must be writ down as a good crowd, and still the numbers increased as play went on. Scott was in the members’ stand, and Collins deputised for him in goal. Tom Booth captained the side for the first time this season. Notts have a heavy side, to say the least. Iremonger, their man in charge of the posts for them, is a brother of the county cricketer. Booth won the toss- a happy augury. A corner comes quickly, and the new centre-forward, Oliver, is indirectly the cause of it, aided by Sharp. Footballers do not improve on corner kicks as they should do. They have plenty of practice with them. Booth and R. Balmer were the outstanding lights of the first five minutes. McDermott did not like the way Craythorne “Loved” him, and promptly headed him in the face. Abbott is entrusted with any free kicks near opponents’ goal. The wind carried the first he took well outside. Iremonger was prominent with long arms and long legs, but these were of no use when Settle crashed one in from short range. There’s nothing half so sweet in life-football life- as an early goal. Stimulated by this success the Blues went off with determination to improve their “goals for” column. Settle received and tipped the ball on to Oliver, who hesitated not one moment, let fly, and with a ground shot beat the County goalkeeper all over. A beautifully-got goal and a feather in the cap of the young Southerner, who was making his debut in First League football. settle, Oliver, McDermott, and Sharp gave out a wonderful piece of passing work that could be wished for. The cricketer eventually put a trifle too high. Booth tried his luck with a shot which was not too high- too wide. At the other end, Wainwright emulated the home captain’s feat- a very weak effort considering how he was placed; in fact, the County were not doing anything to inspire confidence, and seemed unlikely to score at all. Up to half an hour Collins had not handled one shot. Abbott showed them how best to get goals. From long range he sent in a stringer which Iremonger handled with skill. Oliver was most interesting to watch. Even Settle was caught napping once when the centre drafted the ball to him unexpectedly. He gave the County ‘keeper much to do, and it was creditable the way he kept the ball well down each time. All the play was in the Aintree end half, and the County were out-played in every department; although it should be mentioned that Wainwright, with an injured ankle, had left the field. Big Montgomery stood with legs wide apart to tackle Sharp, who neatly put the ball between his legs and careered off- without effect, however, on the goal account. Gee got one by way of change, Collins having no chance with it. Abbott returned the compliment with a magnificent long shot. 3-1 was the state of the poll at half-time, and there was promise of more for Everton, who were irresistible.
The second half showed football of a scrambling nature, and in this class of game Everton were not the greater sinners. Goals were missed on the Everton side which should never have been-because they were three times in the goal mouth with no one to beat but Iremonger. This custodian played a magnificent game throughout and much the score was against him there was no fault to be found with him at all. Bloomer, Hampton, and Reid so far this season, have been credited with scoring three goals in one match. Now Oliver has added his name to the list as the result of following out the grand maxim of “Shoot hard and shoot often.” His play showed one that he had points to learn, but so long as he continues to demonstrate that he knows where the goal posts are situated that is ample and he has a bright future before him. I don’t thick that ever before a player has been credited with three goals in the one match when that match was his first in the leading league. All honour to Oliver; we hope he will give us more of his scoring displays. Crelly was at fault in allowing Wainwright to put on a second goal for the County, but taking the game all through there was really nothing radically wrong in any department. Notts County are in inferior team- that must be admitted, particularly is it noticeable in the half back and forward line. They will have to brighten up very much, or what they expected at the end of last season will be their due at the end of this, viz.; the Second Division.

EVERTON v  NOTTS
Football Post (Nottingham) - Saturday 14 October 1905
At Goodison Park with a greatly weakened eleven the “Magpies” score twice but are heavily beaten
NOT SURPRISING
(Last season; Everton 5 Notts 1)
Time was when Notts, frequently found Goodison Park a happy hunting ground, and Everton complacent yielders of points. On the current season’s form too the “'Magpies” would have been vastly encouraged for visit there to-day had it been possible to rely upon the team which performed so brilliantly at Sunderland and from last half-dozen matches had captured eight points.  The fate have been very unkind to old club how-ever and it was idea to deny that their chances of holding their own with Everton who by the way took all four points from the visitors last year, were seriously discounted by enforced changes in the eleven. The continued absenced Reilly was not so serious as at one time threatened in view of Iremonger's display the “Wolves” and Birmingham, but it was impossible to regard the inability of Mainman and Humphreys to turn out as other than sorely weakening the side.  Both have given of their best this year, and however pluckily Wainwright and Harrison might strive,  it was obvious that they could not hope to adequately replace the more experienced pair, apart altogether from risk attendant upon an imperative reshuffling of the forces. Everton had three changes from the previous week, Booth replacing Makepeace, who was playing for the English League, Oliver being tried in the centre in place of Young, and Collins superseding Scott in goal.  It was finally decided to play Harrison on the extreme right, with Dean as his partner. The afternoon was dull, cold, and showery, and there were 12000 spectators.  The Everton club have expended £3,000 on the erection of a commodious new stand wherein Press representatives are very comfortably housed. (Other clubs please note) Montgomery lost the toss, and Everton had the advantage of a stiff breeze. Green placed  the ball over the goal line in the first run down, and Oliver getting a swinging pass across to Sharp, the latter centred for Montgomery to concede a corner, wherefrom Iremonger fisted out. Dean, Harrison, and Green initiated a pretty run, but Crelly eventually outwitted the extreme wings with a thrusting clearance.
AN EVEN STRUGGLE
For some time play was singularly even, and when Notts did work down by dint of effective combination, Green was given off-side on a fine point. Sharp failed to gather a beautiful pass from Oliver, and then Harrison was quite wrongly pulled up for off-side as he centred in line to Dean. A moment later the Blues took a free kick just outside the penalty line, but Abbott’s oblique shot was perfectly harmless, and Hardman was checked by the referee when he raced up to take a forward pass from Settle. Neat work by Harrison was luckily frustrated, and then with Sharp showing a clean pair of heels to Craythorne and Montgomery, Iremonger saved with great difficulty at the cost of a corner. Danger there-from was quickly averted, but Balmer drove the ball back, and Iremonger caught a shot from Hardman. In throwing out, however, the ball rebounded from Taylor, and Settle easily scored with  the game thirteen minutes old. Another corner was speedily forced, and though Montgomery relieved the “Blues” returned, and Oliver, after a pretty run, scored a second goal. Notts promptly retaliated, and after Tarplin had failed to improve upon a centre from Gee. Dean had wretched luck with a shot which grazed the upright, with Collins well beaten.
EVERTON IN FINE FORM
Still Everton were showing better method, Notts., as was only to be expected, lacking effective understanding, but Hardman, Taylor, and Booth all shot wide. Badly fouled by Abbott, Dean made a flying attempt from the free kick and immediately afterwards was lamed in a struggle with Taylor and had to retire. Truly misfortunes never come singly. Doubly handicapped as they were Notts, made headway, and moreover they had to submit to some quaint official decisions, one of which, a free kick against Griffiths which brought from Settle a magnificent shot, certainly ought to have been given the other way. OIiver, who  was showing sound knowledge of the game and holding his wing together admirably, spoilt one movement by running off-side, and with Everton attacking again. Iremonger saved smartly from Settle, who directly after topped the bar with a fast rising ball. Montgomery checked Oliver very finely when the centre ha practically a clear course and interposed his head in timely fashion directly after, but Everton were aided by a free kick and still maintained the upper hand unmistakably. Once Harrison essayed to break away, but Emberton’s pass was ill-judged, and when the youngster tried again to give Green a delightful pass the ball went out to Craythorne, whose shot came back off Balmer. Iremonger effected a plucky clearance when hard pressed, but nothing came off for the visitors who struggled gamely against adversity and unkind fate until Balmer fouled Green, and then from the centre’s judicious pass Gee shot a brillaint goal. Less than a minute after Abbott shot a third magnificently from twenty yards for Everton, who pressed continuously to the interval, when the score stood;-
Everton 3 Notts 1
Dean resumed in the second half, still limping. Palpable infringements of the off-side rule negatived the initial visit to either goal. Everton were first to become dangerous, but Iremonger repelled Hardman’s short range shot, and the “Blues” became dangerous as the result of a couple of free kicks, the first of which ought never to have been allowed. However, Iremonger thrice saved cleverly, and the visitors moved down as the result of a bad trip by Taylor, but they made nothing of the concession, Collins easily disposing of a long dropping shot from Gee. Trickling Taylor cleverly, Green worked across a fine pass to Gee, and from the latter’s centre Dean and Green were luckily checked, while a likely shot by Craythorne rebounded from Balmer. Succeeding to these fortunate escapes, Everton swept down again, and Sharp gave Oliver a pass right in front, but Iremonger saved brilliantly, and again earned applause by turning aside a terrific shot by Hardman, who, though yards off-side, was allowed to tun in. By way of increasing the visitors’ difficulties the referee pulled Harrison up when there were five men in front of him, and a little later Harrison completely baffled Crelly and Balmer, and giving Dean a lovely pass the latter ran on and scored with the second half seventeen minutes old. A beautiful piece of work on the Notts, left followed, and under great difficulties Collins repelled Green’s header from Gee’s centre.
EVERTON FINISH STRONGLY
Taylor was winded in stopping a pass from Dean to Harrison, but soon resumed. Notts continued to hold their own fairly well, though still lacking some of the system and dash which have characterised their work this season. On the other hand, Sharp’s speed was a constant source of danger, and once Griffiths had to concede a corner to dispose of a beautifully-judged centre. The flag kick was safely frustrated and Notts had a turn from the free kick, but Balmer and Crelly remained steady, and play veered to the visitors’ quarters as the result of two free kicks. The “Blues” strove desperately to get further ahead, but Iremonger rushed out to take the ball from Oliver’s toe and Notts, moved down by easy stages for Dean to just fail in an attempt to reach a pass which would have left him with a clear course. The referee again allowed Hardman to run up when off-side, but luckily Sharp delayed his shot, and Emberton dashed in to the rescue. A fine shot by Craythorne unluckily rebounded from Balmer, and then with Everton in front Oliver was allowed to play the ball right under the bar and score, the referee, in spite of protests, permitting the goal to count. It was a bad decision, and practically settled the issue, though afterwards Oliver got a fifth from Sharp’s centre and Hardman a sixth.
Result;- Everton 6 Notts 2
Notts.- A. Iremonger (goal), A Griffiths, J. Montgomery (captain)(backs), F.P. Emberton, T. Wainwright, R. Craythorne (half-backs), J. Dean, A.W. Harrison (right wing), A.W. Green (centre), W. Tarplin, and E. Gee (left wing).
Everton.- Collins (goal), R. Balmer, J. Crelly (backs), T. Booth (captain), J. Taylor, A. Abbott (half-backs), J. Sharp, J. McDermott (right wing), J. Oliver (centre), J. Settle, and H.P. Hardman (left wing).
Referee; Mr. N. Whittaker, of London.
NOTES OF THE GAME
By “Little John.”
No one expected the side in its altered condition to win or even draw, but fewer still anticipated such a decisive defeat. Even the Everton crowd could not have dreamt of such a rout when ten minutes from time Notts, were only a goal to the bad and playing better football than their rivals. Indeed, at this juncture the “Blues” were to all intents and purposes done with, but that fourth goal, as flagrantly unjust a point as ever was scored, galvanised the side into new life.
Notts might well have given up the sponge in face of each decision, coming as it did as the last straw of a whole series of official blunders, and Everton must be reckoned supremely lucky that a presentation goal paved the way to such astounding success in the closing stages.  I do not for a moment deny Everton’s right to victory. In the nature of things. Notts were disorganised and sadly weakened, but I do claim that they were hampered all through the game by a persistent series of as curious decisions on the points of off-side as it has ever been my lot to witness. Time and again the visiting forwards were pulled up when in perfectly legitimate position, while the Everton forwards were allowed unreasonable liberty. Against weakened forces the “Blues” were bound to show up prominently, but everything went their way from first to last.” But for Iremonger’s brilliancy in goal, the defeat might have been still more severe. The defence, with Wainwright quite unable to fill Mainman’s shoes, was sorely handicapped. The wing halves had to concentrate attention on the inside forwards, and with such speedy extremes as Sharp and Hardman the consequences were fatal. The forwards played well at times, but lacked understanding, and young Harrison, who did good work whenever he had an opportunity, was unpardonably neglected.

EVERTON v NOTTS COUNTY
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 16 October 1905
This League match was played at Goodison Park before 12,000 spectators. Several changes on both sides were made. Collins and Oliver made their first appearance, and Booth resumed after his suspension. Notts were short of Reilly, Mainman, and Humphreys. Everton started, and in the first minute forced a corner, and after goals were scored by Settle, Oliver and Abbott, Gee scored for Notts. Interval score; Everton 3 goals, Notts County 1. In the first half Dean was injured, and was absent for the best part of the first 45 minutes. On resuming Everton held the advantage, Iremonger was prominent for the visitors. Dean scored for Notts through a mistake by Crelly. Oliver scored two more goals for Everton, who won easily, Hardman scoring another goal. Result; Everton 6 goals, Notts County 2.

EVERTON’S GREAT VICTORY
Athletic News - Monday 16 October 1905
By Junius
Last year Everton defeated Notts at Goodison by 5 goals 1, after a game in which the Midlanders were outplayed at all points.  The recent visit of the latter to Liverpool ended quite as disastrously, and there was again a margin of four goals between the teams.  Perhaps the most important feature from a local point of view was the substitution of Oliver for Young at centre forward in the Everton team.  The clever young Scot has not been in the best of health since he came to Liverpool, and every year he experience the same trouble in becoming acclimatized.  Collins made his first appearance for Everton in a League match, owing to Scott not having sufficiently recovered from the injury he sustained at Sheffield.  Oliver will doubtless be given another trial in the centre, after scoring three goals against Notts.  He is not as smart in taking the ball from every position as Young, but he is always brustling about the goal posts, and is the proper type of leader to work in accord with a couple of clever wings.  He has scored seven goals for the Combination team this season, so that the three he secured against Notts brings his record up to double figures.  If Oliver can find the net from the perfect chances which Sharp bottle, and Hardman send across he will maintain his post for some time 

NASTY KNOCK FOR NOTTS.
Athletic News - Monday 16 October 1905
By Junius.
A boisterous breeze kept many people from Goodison Park, and there would only be about 12,000 present to witness the downfall of Notts County. At the last minute Everton decided to play Collins in place of Scott, who had not completely recovered from his Injuries the previous week at Bramall lane, but the Notts team as originally chosen was altered in four particulars, though In one instance—that of goalkeeper—it is doubtful whether the customary keeper, Reilly, could have performed more efficiently than Iremonger. Strange though it may seem, judging from the final figures, Everton were only prevented by the Notts custodian from achieving a record victory.   Seldom have I seen so many easy opportunities of scoring mulled as in this match, and though Everton got the ball into the net six occasions, they might very readily have doubled their total. Oliver made his first appearance in League football,  and he certainly fulfilled the mission for which he was chosen, namely, that of turning to account the centres from those smart artists on the extreme wings, Sharp and Hardman. Three goals fell to him, and might just as easily have made the number into half dozen. Oliver is worth trying again. He goes for goal, and that It what Everton require. In the first half Everton practically monopolized the attack, and the game was very one-sided. Settle started the scoring after Iremonger had affected capital clearances from the inside left and Oliver, and shortly afterwards another judicious pass from the same player gave the new centre forward a chance which he cleverly utilised after brushing between the Notts full-backs. Half-an hour had elapsed ere Notts made any appreciable headway, but then Gee received a long pass from Green, and though apparently offside, went on and beat Collins with oblique drive. This stimulated Everton, for Abbott immediately gained possession, and working past the backs gave Iremonger no chance with his final shot, which the custodian scarcely saw. Thus Everton led at the interval by three goals one. For a time, Notts seemed likely to do better in the second half, and after a severe spell of defence during which Iremonger repeatedly saved his side, and Oliver missed the easiest of chances, Harrison got the better of a tussle with Crelley, and sending across to Dean the latter went clean through and made the scores almost level. Another capital attempt by Gee enabled Tarplin to head In, but Collins cleared at the expense of corner, and this was the end of the Notts attack. Sharp who had been running away from the Notts’ backs just as he pleased, raced down and centred to McDermott, who might easily have scored. He sent forward to Oliver, who was distinctly offside, and the centre scored. In my opinion this goal ought never to have been allowed. However it counted, and a few minutes later Sharp again ran down, and this time Oliver beautifully hooked the ball into the goal from the right winger’s centre. Green made a desperate effort to reduce the adverse margin, but close on time Sharp once more made headway, crossed to McDermott, who in turn placed Hardman in possession, and the latter coming into the goal mouth made no mistake in shooting. Thus Everton found themselves winners by double the half time figures. There no disputing their superiority, and, the form they displayed at Goodison, Notts are by no means a strong side. Their half-backs were terribly weak, and Emberton alone showed any capacity for keeping the Everton front rank under control. In fact, but for the excellent work of Iremonger, Notts would have received one of their most pronounced defeats. Everton, on the other hand, were able to break away almost often as they wished, for whenever Sharp obtained possession a  goal seemed almost certain to follow. This was the most incisive portion of the Everton attack, and Sharp enjoyed a regular field day. Four of the goals gained by the home team were directly due to his brilliancy. Oliver displayed any amount of dash In the centre, and though he missed one or two easy chances, he did remarkably well, taking his play all through. He kept the wings going, and was always ready to receive a centre, either from Sharp or Hardman. McDermott was weak, and Sharp, who was the finest forward on the field, received most of his openings from the halfbacks. His runs and centres were too much for the Notts defence, which simply could not hold him in check. Settle was also seen to great advantage, and the Everton forward display was distinctly exhilarating. The halfbacks were in fine trim, especially Taylor, and it is astonishing how the veteran displays such consistently good football every week. Abbott was likewise in one of his most aggressive moods, and the goal he scored was one of his best efforts. Booth made welcome reappearance, and while skilful as ever in midfield, he was just as remiss near goal. Robert Balmer played particularly fine game at full back, his kicking being clean, and his tackling effective. Collins had little to do in goal, and I should like to see him well tested before expressing an opinion of his abilities. Notts were never really in the running, and their defeat cannot be attributed to Iremonger. The wonder is that he was not beaten oftener. I should rather say that the heavy reverse was due to the half backs, who were of little use either to their own forwards or in tackling the Everton front line. They were easily baffled, and with Montgomery too slow to hold sharp, and Griffiths Inclined to be erratic in his returns, it will be easily understood what a trying ordeal Iremonger had to undergo. Neither were the forwards much more decisive in their movements, and Dean, despite his injury which kept him out of the game for fully twenty minutes in the first half was one of the most dangerous in this line. Gee performed well after the interval, but as a team Notts did not imbue one with any feeling of their greatness. Everton;- Collins; R. Balmer, Crelley; Booth, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Oliver, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Notts County; Iremonger; Griffths, Montgomery; Emberton, Wainwright, Craythorne; Harrison, Dean, Green, Tarplin, and Gee.  Referee; N. Whitaker, London. 

 J.T. ROBERTSON
Athletic News - Monday 16 October 1905
There are two Robertson with Chelsea, the new club whose palatial home is in the West of London.  I believe Jock of that Ilk, of whom I write, a little all corners man, with golden hair and a pale, sharp face, has come South to strike ile.  He certainly takes a cheery view of the morrow already, though we are on the very even of a new season, and talks of his club marching into the First League after the fashion of Woolwich Arsenal.  It seemed all very strange to hear this young man speak with boyish enthusiasm of the stormy voyage he and his fellows have embarked upon, for judged by appearances, he is a pronounced pessimist.  His clean shaven face has seriousness writ in every line; first impressions suggest that he is forever expecting some terrible happening.  Talk to him, however, and instead of an intensely severe persons you discover a bright, genial chap, with a big bump of humour.
A DIFFERENT AGE
A player like Robertson takes one back to a different age, and one cannot resist the temptation to compare the past with the present.  Professional football is all so very different now.  To the shrewd man of business it has immense possibilities.  If a player has just that necessary touch of commercialism to enable him to realise the opportunities which are offered, then he will never regret that he has joined the ranks of paid footballers.  Robertson has left Glasgow, where as one of the leading lights of the Ranger, he placed himself at the very top of the ladder, to build for Chelsea a team that will do credit to football generally and the great Metropolis in particular. His great national shrewdness has taught him that a successful team in London has unlimited scope, and though he knows full well that all new clubs must inevitably have a big fight before they can claim to justification, Robertson, essentially a “spot.” Is prepared to take all the bufferings to be encountered.  He has won as much success, if not more than usually falls to the lot of a player, but he is still the level-headed man he was when as a mere youth he left Greenock Morton to play for Everton in the 1895-6 campaign.  Here is the keynote of Robertson’s character.  His parents decreed that he should be a boiler-maker first and, if he had the leisure, a footballer afterwards.  Robertson, though early in life was one of the embryonic internationals who chased the big ball in the public parks around Dumbarton, where, by the way, he was born in 1877, recognized the wisdom of learning a trade, and reliqiously finished his apprenticeship.  From the day he first played for the Greenock Club he knew instinctively that he would drift into professional football, but he always insisted on having two strings to his bow. 

CHARACTERISTIC
This provision in case of accident is characteristic of most of the old Dumbarton players, and it is pleasant to know that the Chelsea manager upholds the best traditions of the famous school in which he was trained.  Of his abilities as a player little need to said.  One might almost little need be said.  One might almost speak of him as the Steve Bloomer of Scotland, for he has a house full of caps.  He has represented his country on sixteen occasions, and has appeared in six Inter-League games.  There is nothing thrilling about the style he affects.  There is no hustle or bustle about his methods.  He is cool and calculating; a half-back with an immense power of anticipating what his opponent is going to do.  In mufti he is not the man one would select for a hard, punishing game, but he is by no means the midget he appears to be.  He stands 5ft 8in, high, and weighs a little over 11st.  careful in his mode of living, but far from fastidious –he is neither a teetotaler nor a non-smoker-he is always fit.  He is just the type of man to have at the head of a young club.  Capable of great work, a man who must always be working, he unconsciously keeps enthusiasm alive.  Those who have never met the Real professional player at home would scarcely suspect Robertson of being a paid footballer.  He is intelligent and smart, and has a soul above football.  And, talking about those people who have a weaknesses for decrying the footballer, Robertson tells a good story.  In a match at Sheffield he was accidentally struck in the eye by an opponent, and left the field with a very blackened and much damaged optic.  The next day he was appearing in another match, and after he had dressed and was leaving the ground he was very much amused to hear one gentleman say to his friend,  “What a pity about that Scotch player with a black eye.  Worst of these bally footballers, you know.  That chap (indicating Robertson) got drunk last night and was run in.  He is out on bail.”  As Robertson put it, “Some folk regard footballers as so many barbarians.”  Let me conclude by saying that Robertson is quite a little gentleman, and an ornament of a great game.  B.B. 

EVERTON 6 NOTTS COUNTY 2
October 16, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
NOTTS COUNTY ROUTED
EVERTON'S HALF-DOZEN GOALS
It is many as long day since the Everton League team secured such an easy victory as was the case on Saturday. A score of 6 goals to 2 is formidable enough, but it by no means represents the superiority of the winners. As a matter of fact Notts County ought never to have been allowed to obtained either goals, and as for Everton, with the glorious openings which presented themselves there would have been nothing surprising if their harvest of goals had run into double figures at least. Although goals were prolific, the game was too one sided to excite the real interest of the football enthuistant. Doubtless it was exceedingly pleasant to the home supporters to find their favourites so successful in plotting the ball into the net. But the feebleness of the opposition detracted largely front the merit of the performance. On Saturday's form Notts County are a very weak team indeed. It is true that they were demoralised by the absence of three of being regular players, but except for a few minutes just after they had gained their second was they never seemed to possess the slightest heart. Certainly they never suggested in the remotest degrees the possibility of a repetition of their surprising performance at Roker-park.
ONE SIDED GAME.
As has been indicated, the game throughout resolved itself into practically a continuous onslaught from the part of the Evertonians. Just after starting the County forwards exhibited one of two pretty passing movements, but it was a mere flash in the pan. Everton's superiority was not marked, and it was only what was expected when Settle, after ten minutes play scored the first goal to be followed by a second from Everton's new centre forward Oliver, who added his name on his first appearance to the list of League scorers with a really capital shot. A little later Dean retired injuried, and the County position was worse than ever. Play was of a scrambling nature, and probably through taking matters too easily Everton allowed their opponents to credit themselves with a goal. Following a free kick against Balmer for handling the ball, went out to Gee, who found the net, while Everton were vainly appealing for offside. This had a rousing effect upon the Blues, the result being a brilliant goal from the foot of Abbott. Dean had sufficiently recovered to turn out after the interval, but there was no diminution in the bombardment of the Notts goal. Looseness on the part of Crelly was responsible for a soft goal, and then for a brief period the Lacemen looked liking making a fight of it. Once they were swept back they had a sorry experience. The Everton attack pressed home in irresistible fashion, and though splendid opportunities were thrown away, Oliver scored the fourth, and fifth goal. Hardman the sixth, and the rout of the County was complete. BRILLIANT FORWARD PLAY.
Everton pronounced triumph was associated with two first appearances in the League team, Collins who deputised Scott had so little to do that it would be unfair to form an estimate of his abilities, although one was not struck with his judgement in dealing with the two shots which beat him. Oliver, however, made an exceedingly satisfactory debut. He has a lot yet to learn, especially in the direction of attending to his wings, but there is one thing that can truly be said about him. He is full of dash, and eager to seize every opening for a shot at goal. This is the kind of centre forward that Everton requires seeing that the wingmen are quite clever enough to supply him, with opportunities. Anyhow he is to be congratulated upon his performance in accomplishing what is regarded as the hat trick in football. Tom Booth reappeared after a period of enforced ideaness, and naturally was rather overshadowed by his colleagues in the half-backs line. Neither Balmer and Crelly was greatly troubled on account of the feebleness of the Notts front line. Unquestionable the feature of the game was the grand display of Sharp, who was in his most versatile mood, and the manner in which he rounded his men and centred right into the goalmouth was a treat to witness. The left wing too, was responsible for many brilliant moves, McDermott alone in the front rank falling to attain his real form. Teams: - Everton: - Collins goal, R.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Booth (Captain), Taylor and Abbott half-backs Sharp, McDermott, Oliver, Settle and Hardman, forwards. Notts County: - Iremonger, goal, Griffiths, and Montgomery, backs, Emberton, Wainwright, and Leytham, half-backs, Athersmith, Green Dean, Tarplin and Gee, forwards. Referee M.Whittaker.

MAKEPEACE PLAYS FOR ENGLISH LEAGUE
October 16, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
The English League beat the Irish League by four goals to nil at Manchester on Saturday Makepeace Everton's right half, played a useful and consistent game in his first inter-League match.

ENGLISH LEAGUE v  IRISH LEAGUE
Athletic News - Monday 16 October 1905
FUTILE STRUGGLE BY THE SONS OF ERIN
By Tityrus
A QUICK sympathy for the weaker vessel, a genuine admiration for those who struggle manfully in the hour of defeat, and a chivalrous estimate of the foe are characteristics of every true sportsman. I thought, nay I was sure, that the spectators at the Manchester City ground on Saturday showed these sterling qualities towards the members of the Irish League who were beaten by 4—0 by The Leaguers of England.
The issue brought no variation in the monotonous list of disasters which has overtaken the Irish footballers in these annua! struggles. Yet I can emphatically say that it has not been my lot to see any team from Hibernia give evidence of finer skill. The figures which stare at us so coldly, so bodly, do not suggest that the Irishmen in any way distinguished themselves, and yet they were unlucky to be a goal behind at the interval. The other three goals were recorded in the last fifteen minutes, when the visitors were over- whelmed, penned in their quarters, and bombarded with shots.
But for Donald Sloan there would have been a surfeit of scoring. In the same way Maskrey was heroic in the first half, and kept the brisk and battering Irishmen at bay. The rival goalkeepers were great men entirely. And, indeed, the match afforded a series of thrills for an hour and a quarter. Then “Paddy” was slain, but he just died fighting.
In the first half the Englishmen were as disappointing as the Hibernians were surprising, for the simple reason that the home team lacked that smooth working which characterises the perfect machine. Something was generally out of gear, and somebody was generally not in the place where he was expected to be. On the other hand, the sons of Erin went swinging swiftly along with rhythmic rush which deserved goals.
That these did not come was due to the never-say-die qualities of the English half- backs, the precision of full-backs who seldom allowed themselves to be bustled, and to a goalkeeper like Maskrey, whose guardianship was simply glorious. The English partisan was fearful of the consequences, but his sentiment compelled him to shower praise on the men wearing the green. Sloan had first to field from his own side, as Wright and Darling both miskicked the ball, which was, perhaps, a trifle treacherous after the rain, and then Hampton, with a sprint on his own, threatened danger, but he missed his kick when he wanted to shoot. Veitch, Makepeace, Rouse, and Dorsett showed some clever play, which was crowned by Dorsett with a whizzing ball, which Sloan intercepted at the base of the post. But these were mere flashes of brilliance, for the Irishmen, with the breeze, became by far the more aggressive, and Young, who was industriously fed, proved a fast outside left. He continuously centred on the ground—a plan which helped his brethren to shoot. And they did shoot, for Blair struck the post, and that sturdy dasher, Donaghy, the man with the twinkling feet, forced the ball straight and swift to its billet Only Maskrey, with his strong hand, happened to fill the goal-mouth. Indeed, Donaghy’s dazzling drives and Maskrey’s masterful manipulation were the features of the football. Young was a rare pioneer, and once the English position had a marvellous escape. Following a free-kick, Val Harris evidently thought to rush between the backs. But one man generally finds himself in difficulties against two, and so he passed to Young, who centred like an artist. Blair darted up to the goal, and had the misfortune to fall down just as the ball flitted past him. I suspect that he slipped on the turf, or a goal must have been scored.
Again Young middled. This time in the air, and Burgess headed behind his line. The corner-kick was well placed, but Murray sent over the bar. ‘Twas well meant, and well done. England became more assertive, and Hampton tested Sloan with a surprise shot, while Rouse, receiving from Dorsett, made an excellent attempt to score considering his difficult position. But the ball away over the bar.
Again Ireland attacked, and even Ledwidge gave Maskrey some anxiety with a long, bouncing ball. However, just as half- time approached Dorsett was cheered for a beautiful run and cross to the left, but Veitch lofted over the bar. But it was not ever so, for Veitch ended a ramble by a lovely pass to Dorsett, who showed his heels to all opponents, and made such a fine centre that Hampton could easily steer the ball into the net. So the first half ended, the point being just on the interval. One felt that the Irishmen ought not to have had a lee way to face. But they never recovered from this blow, for in the greater portion of the struggle the Englishmen showed that they could work in harmony. At the cut-set Sloan had simply to hurl his whole body and fall on the ball. In fact, Sloan was the monumental man of the moment. Veitch, Rouse, Bradshaw, and Lipsham eternally worried him. They swarmed on him like flies round the eyes of an Arab child, but Sloan brushed them away. ‘Twas good for Sloan. Following a free kick for a foul by Veitch the Irishman ought to have equalised, but the relief to the visitors was but a brief interlude. Dorsett was given the ball with more frequency, and while on the run be crashed in some terrible oblique shots which Sloan repelled. After a corner kick Sloan gathered the ball right on his goal- line. He became a submerged custodian, with his opponents climbing over him. But Sloan squirmed and wriggled until he pushed the leather away round the post for another corner kick. Sloan was like Barnaby Rudge’s raven. Metaphorically he screamed :—“ I’m a devil. I'm a devil. Never say die.” ‘Twas many a time like one man against half a dozen.
One of the best movements by the English was begun by Bradshaw, who became a sixth forward, and co-operated with Lipsham, who crossed to Dorsett. The Manchester City wing-man shot, but Sloan saved again at the expense of a corner-kick. Indeed there were more “corners,” but some beautiful manoeuvring by Dorsett was crowned by Hampton scoring a second goal with a superb shot.
There was then only a quarter of an hour to play, and in that time the Irishmen were utterly confounded. They were worn down, and some fine work by Rouse brought a goal. His shot was only partially parried by Sloan. It was a tremendous short-range ball which Sloan turned to his left on the goal-line, and Veitch had nothing to do but walk it into the net. Still the end was not yet, for Dorsett came once again, and his shot rebounding from the cross-bar, Veitch for a fourth goal with a splendid ball which Sloan just touched, but could not hold, as it flew past the right side of his head.
Thus England won, as I have said, by a decisive margin in a fast and interesting course of which has been Maskrey kept his charge brilliantly  the first half, but afterwards his post was a sinecure. While both backs played with considerable steadiness and skill, Glover had the more opportunities, and took them. His facility in taking the ball either on the volley or half-volley was enviable. Indeed his headwork to bring the leather to his toes, with forwards clinging to him, stamped him as a back of the first brand.
The English half-backs were more polished than their foes. Percy Sands was sometimes at fault, but his breaking-up tactics were invaluable. Makepeace and Bradshaw were extremely clever, especially in placing on the ground to the forwards. Their work was delightful, both in defence and attack.
In the first half the English front rank did themselves scant justice, but they redeemed their reputation. Judiciously plied by Rouse, George Dorsett was the deciding factor in the issue during the second period. His runs and telling centres while on the move always boded danger. Ever in the thick of the fray, Hampton was a darting, thrusting, quick-firing centre, but he does not make those long, slanting passes to the wing men he did when he first came out. Veitch was versatile and very smart, but still not quite at his best. Lipsham was a long time finding his form, and often seemed just a fraction slow. He dwelt on the ball, and was only playing his game towards the close.
My opinion of Sloan has run through these jottings. He is a Bank of England custodian. The Irish backs were strong. Both acquitted themselves well, but I preferred Darling, even if he did not show such uniform power as McCourt. Darling generally came to the relief when has partner was in difficulties. For a man in his seventeenth season Milne is a big, burly, and active centre-half. Ledwidge was prominent in the first half.
Among the forwards, a capable set by the way, Young and Donaghy were head and shoulders above their comrades. Quite a stripling, Young gives promise of developing into a great player, for he has command of the ball and centres on the ground like Lipsham at Bramall-lane. Donaghy is a cure shot. Val Harris worked untiringly. The team, although beaten, deserve every praise for their plucky and skilful exhibition.
English League.—Maskrey (Derby County; Glover (Birmingham), Burgess (Manchester City); Makepeace (Everton), P. Sande (Woolwich Arsenal)| (capt.), Bradshaw (Blackburn Rovers) Dorsett (Manchester City), Rouse (Stoke), (Aston Villa), Veitch (Newcastle United), and Lipsham (Sheffield United).
Irish League—Sloan Distillery ; Darling (Linfield), McCourt (Glentoran); Wright (Cliftonville), Milne (Linfield), Ledwidge (Shelbourne); Blair (Cliftonville), Donaghy (Derry Celtic), Harris (Shelbourne), Murray (Distillery), and Young (Linfield).
Referee: B. T. Murray, Stenhousemuir.

EVERTON’S HARVEST
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 16 October 1905
Although the scoring on Saturday ‘twixt Everton and Notts County was prolific, it must not for a moment be surmised that Iremonger was deficient; on the contrary, he gave a very fine exhibition of custodianship, otherwise the Blues might have put up a record score. The Everton forwards are fully entitled to the credit of the six goals they scored, but at the same time it was only on occasions that there was play of high class, and for the greater portion of the game there was distinct slackness, want of understanding, and easy opportunities not taken fill advantage of. In their best vein, however, the forward line treated the spectators to really delightful combination and sharp-shooting which could not be excelled. Sharp very early on forced a corner, and thus showed promise of greater things to come. In the following stages the cricketer was a leading instrument in nearly every attack of importance, and after fifteen minutes’ play Oliver showed ho9w cleverly he could judge Sharp’s swinging centres. Although the bulk of the work which led up to the scoring was done by the right wing, Hardman had the honour of initiating the opening goal, which his dapper little partner succeeded in scoring with one of his characteristically deadly shots. No complaints could be made about the matter of scoring, as it was sheer persistency which broke through the Notts defence. After this Oliver showed fine appreciation of his right wing’s tactics, and with Sharp led Montgomery a merry dance. Abbott joined forces with the right wing, which continued to make and havoc of the Lambs’ redoubts. Notts received such a battering from the Everton right that they weakened perceptibly, and Settle gaining possession saw Oliver with a clean opening, which the new centre forward turned to account in workman like style. Prior to his success Oliver had made a number of mistakes, and was rather uncertain in his passing, without, however, being weak or unreliable. At any rate he rapidly developed abilities of the highest order, and not only passed out to his wings judiciously, but showed rare judgment in measuring Sharp’s centres. In this respect he was seldom at fault, and in consequence Iremonger had a lengthy sequence of smart direct shots at close quarters to deal with. One of Oliver’s chief virtues is that he never keeps the ball too long, and he parts with it so rapidly that the opposing backs have little chance of anticipating its destination. Everton were going so strong after the second goal that a runaway victory seemed more than likely. Over weeping confidence led the backs to take liberties, and then we had an instance of the danger which may arise from a free kick if the ball is not cleared immediately. Gee got the leather and netted, and Everton’s position did not at the moment look half so rosy. Scarcely three minutes had elapsed, however, before Abbott beat Iremonger with one of those brilliant individual efforts which at times come with deadly effect from Everton’s left half. Everton started the latter half of the game on excellent terms with themselves, but they went about their work in a very free and easy style. The Lacemen seemed much more in earnest  and a spell of capital wing work found plenty of occupation for Collins, whose position in the first half was a sinecure. At last some clever passing between the visitors’ right wing and centre resulted in the trio fairly slipping the Everton half backs. Harrison dashed along with the ball at his toe, and Crelley made a feeble effort to rout the intruder. Balmer also failed to sum up the situation correctly, and the spectators under-went the humiliation of seeing Harrison and Dean run clean through the home defence and defeat Collins ignominiously at the finish. It looked now as if the County might scramble home with a point to the good. The reverse however, gave the Blues a very necessary stimulus, and from that point the visitors were absolutely outplayed. Taylor and Booth monopolised the leather, and placed so judiciously that the home forwards had every opportunity of showing their prowess; and they did. Sharp put in a sequence of glorious runs, and the positions he opened up were improved upon by McDermott and Oliver. Montgomery could not hold Sharp at all, and the subtle passing and combination of the home forwards seemed to mystify Griffiths. Sharp and Oliver deserved full credit for the last three goals which were scored. The debut of the new centre forward was the most important feature of the game, and seldom has a debutant been so signally successful. Judging from the latter stages of Saturday’s game, Everton forward line is likely to be even more effective in the future than it has been in the past.

YOUNG EVERTON FOOTBALLER THE STAR OF HIS SIDE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 16 October 1905
Bee
Your hand, Oliver! You have performed as no other player has done before you- scored three goals at your first appearance in the premier league of the county. Thereby you have set yourself a high standard to look up to each time you play. Keep you mental balance under the deserved eulogy of the Press; keep your wings going; and keep on shooting hard and often. By making these three keeps foremost in your mind you will gain an advantageous “keep,” for you will keep your place in the first team.
The foregoing is a note to the player himself. Any man who performs the hat-trick in goals as well as wickets deserves special encomiums, and in all sincerity I offer these to Oliver, with the addition of a warning lest- well, we hope it will be unnecessary in his case. He has much to learn, has Oliver; and the peculiarity of his inaugural address to the Everton directors was his striking brilliance and inability in turn. He led off with a good cross to Sharp. This was a good omen. Better followed, for his drafting of the ball on to the right and left was worthy of a Settle. The climax was reached when he received and drove in a ground shot from long distance, and added one to Settle’s opening point. It was splendidly obtained, and was in itself a feather in his cap, for Iremonger was in his very finest trim- what a length he is, to be sure!- and saved the County from the most unwholesome swamping. Oliver got two more before the finish, the third of which was the best. It came from a centre from Sharp, and he judiciously tapped the ball in with his foot high in the air. Oliver mulled three chances unaccountably, just as he did one glaring opening early in the season when I saw him. Yet, what harm? A pivot who makes his aim of the afternoon “shoot at every opportunity” must not be blamed for shots going wide. Better to have shot and failed than never to have shot at all. I care not how many he may out outside, so long as a couple gain the mark. One could not wish for a nicer point than that which Abbott scored. How would he fare at centre, one wonders. He would not easily be put off the ball, and his shooting and heading are powerful. Sharp was plied with persistency, and the little man kept up his pace all through. John was very dangerous, and he and Booth stood out as mighty men. Settle, too, was in a lively humour, and his partner would have done better had he been fairly treated by the opposition. How the linesman failed to see a couple of stray kicks which were dealt out is inconceivable. He appeared lax throughout. How do these linesmen quality? Why, they have friends at court. McDermott, save for a roving life on occasion, improved on former display. He alone is one forward who has not scored a goal by the boot. An inside right in most other teams is the man looked to; to get goals. Mac deserves credit for so accurately plying his man, however. The halves were in their most glorious mood. What will be done now Booth has shown himself of such mettle?
A forward line such as Notts presented ought not to have been allowed to get one goal, let alone two. Crelley was glaringly at fault once. Both he and Balmer were variable. However, all’s well that ends well. The points are most welcome, and the goal average (18-15) looks a little brighter Blue now.

FRANK BRETTELL
Bournemouth Daily Echo - Tuesday 17 October 1905
I hear that Frank Brettell, until recently manager of Plymouth Argyle team has become converted to Rugby, and is an enthusiastic follower of the local Rugby team
Frank Oliver
Oliver, the young Southamptonian, who went from Brentford to Everton made an auspicious debut for the Merseysiders League eleven on Saturday. He scored three goals and kept his wings together excellently.
Thomas McDermott
McDermott, the Everton forward, has been transferred to Chelsea.  "Mac" played a brilliant game against the Saints, when the latter met Everton in the cup ties last season. 

McDERMOTT TRANSFERRED
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 17 October 1905
Bee
Three weeks ago I chanced to see some of the Bury directors at the Everton-Liverpool encounter, and the report having gone about that McDermott was on the transfer list, I drew conclusions. However, nothing was officially reported until to-day, when it was announced that Mr. John Robertson, who is managing the new Chelsea club so ably that they look like hearing Woolwich Arsenal company as the Southern representatives of the League Division 1 next season, had obtained McDermott’s signature. Everything has been settled in doubly quick time, and already the player has been told that he has been selected to play against Chesterfield on Saturday next. The Everton crowd will not part with McDermott without regret, for there was an undoubted fascination in the way he dribbled. We shall miss his plump figure, his regularly headed elbows, and his undoubted command over the ball, and wish him the best of fortune in his new sphere. He leaves Liverpool on Wednesday.
Thomas McDermott is, as enthusiasts are fully aware, a Scotsman to the finger-tips. He was born in Glasgow twenty-six years ago, and was in his seventeenth year when he joined the Cambuslang Hibernians, who were then members of the Scottish Junior League. Frequently he filled the centre-forward position, but more often than not he played inside right or inside left. In these positions he early gave capable judges of the game the impression that he had the making of a clever footballer by reason of his wonderful control of the ball. Consequently he quickly attracted the attention of the senior Scottish organisations, and after a stay with the Hibernians of three years, he threw in his lot with the Dundee club, and when comparatively young -he was only twenty -a place at inside left was given to him in the first team. He remained with Dundee for two seasons, and during that time he showed the previous confidence in his ability was not misplaced. He took part in nearly all his club’s First League matches and was not a little instrumental in their winning the East of Scotland League without being defeated. He was also selected to take part in the match between England and Scotland, organised by the Players’ Union but the fixture fell through.
Leaving Dundee, “Mac” migrated to Glasgow and the Celtic Club, playing for the latter at either inside right or inside left. He was chosen to represented Glasgow in the inter-city match, and in March, 1902 reached the zenith of his career by obtaining his cap for his native country against Ireland. Near the end of the season he came under the notice of the Everton executive, and was secured by them. As all are aware, in the early practice games his exhibition delighted the committee and supporters so much that his position in the first team was practically assured. He played against the Rovers alongside Sharp in the opening match, and on the following Saturday scored against Notts County.
A friend who takes a deep interest in local football sends me the following interesting suggestion;-
   “As the Everton Club have decided to give rare ‘Jock’ Taylor another benefit, I think it an opportune time to suggest that a public testimonial be organised for so faithful a servant to the local football patrons as the present Everton centre half has been. There must be thousands who, like myself would welcome the opportunity of subscribing a mite to a public fund, as a mark of their appreciation to a man who has always done his best for his club and for them, and who certainly has throughout his lengthy service in Liverpool acted as a gentleman and a sportsman.
“I venture to suggest that you should open your columns to a Shilling Testimonial Fund,’ and if you will do so I shall be pleased to send you a guinea towards the fund. Please do not mention my name in connection with the matter. I have never had one word from anyone about the scheme, which is simply an idea which chanced to cross my mind when thinking of Bloomer’s fund. Of course, you will know I am not even a football acquaintance of Taylor, so if you do not approve of the contents of this letter please consign same to the waste-paper basket without further consideration.”

EVERTON PLAYER TRANSFERRED
October 18, 1905. The Liverpool Courier.
Thomas McDermott, the well known and clever inside right of Everton, has been transfer to the Chelsea club. Mr.Jack Robertson, the manager of the club, and one of the directors, came down to Liverpool on Monday evening, and made all the necessary arrangement, with the Everton officials, and McDermott will now sport the colours of Chelsea. He ought to prove a great capture for his new masters. McDermott first team was Cambuslang Hibs, from which team he was from transfer to Dundee, he has played many fine games for Everton, and at his best is undoubtedly one of the finest exponents of the dribbling code.

EVERTON PLAYER’S CHANGE
Liverpool Daily Post – Wednesday 18 October 1905
McDermott, the Everton F.C inside right, has bene transferred to the Chelsea club. He was born in Glasgow twenty six years ago, and was in his seventeen year when he joined the Cambuslang Hibernians, who were then members of the Scottish Junior League. After playing with Dundee for two seasons “Mac” migrated to Glasgow and the Celtic Club, playing for the latter at either inside right or inside left. He was chosen to represent Glasgow in the inter-city match, and in March 1902, reached the zenith of his career by obtaining his cap for his native country against Ireland. Near the end of the season he came under the notice of the Everton executive, and was secured by them. As all are aware, in the early practice games his exhibition delighted the committee and supporters so much that his position in the first team was practically assured. He played against the Rovers along side Sharp in the opening match, and on the following Saturday secured against Notts County.

EVERTOR PLAYER TRANSFERRED.
Staffordshire Sentinel - Wednesday 18 October 1905
Thomas McDermott, the well-known and clever inside right of Everton, has been transferred to the Chelsea club. Mr, Jack Robertson, the manager of the new club, and one of its directors, came down to Liverpool on Monday evening, and made all the necessary arrangements with the Everton officials, and McDermott will now sport the colours of Chelsea. He ought to prove a great capture for his new masters. McDermott's first team of note was Cambislang Hibs, from which team he was transferred to Dundee, thence to the Celtic, and from the latter club to Everton. He has played many tine games for Everton, and at his best is undoubtedly one of the finest exponents of the dribbling code.

ALREADY THREE GUINEAS FOR THE DUAL TESTIMONIAL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 18 October 1905
Bee
I have only space for a passing reference to the suggested dual testimonial to Booth and Taylor, the Everton stalwarts. The correspondent whose letter was inserted yesterday quite agrees with the coupling of Booth’s name with Taylor; it was through an oversight that he omitted it in his original suggestion. He has duly sent his promised guinea, and has been followed up by an Everton director, who has been good enough to promise two guineas. I hope that tomorrow-when further details of arrangements will be given- sportsmen will swell the contests of an iron safe, in which the inaugural cheque from “A.B.C.” is lying. A big safe a nice send-off with a guinea-everything promises well for the admirable cause.
The transfer of McDermott to Chelsea has set Everton people wondering what the Everton directors will do with the constitution of their team to play against Stoke. The interest in the matter is shown by the unusually large hatch of letters received on the subject. “Everton for Ever” asks’-
“Have Everton discovered the ‘star’ that has been missing for some time? May I suggest that Young should be put at inside right? His beautiful placing of the ball to Oliver’s toe would lead, I think to many goals, and he would feed Sharp well.” He is followed by another, who favours the inclusion of Abbott as inside right. Here is his letter;-
  “Dear sir,- Seeing how well the Everton forwards did on Saturday last it seems a pity to leave out Oliver after his first game, which I think everyone will agree was most creditable. Then the trouble arises, we have too many good half-backs. You cannot leave out Taylor or Makepeace on form, and Booth was as good as either on Saturday. Mr. Bee, do you not think the team below would be a decided improvement. The weak spot now seems to be the inside right, and as Abbott came to Everton as a forward, why not try him in that position? We know he can shoot. For instance, look at his goal on Saturday. The following team could them be put on the field without leaving out any of the half-backs which are the backbone of the team. If you will kindly insert the following suggested team in your valuable paper, it will oblige.- Yours, &c., Evertonian.- Team;
Scott; Crelley, and R. Balmer; Makepeace, Booth, and Taylor; Hardman, Settle, Oliver, Abbott, Sharp.”
It is a very convenient trouble for directors to have to face! Oliver has, by his first showing warranted another trial, and he will be put on his mettle to get goals past the one and only Leigh Richmond Roose. To my mind, the strongest team the directors can reply on is that which “Transfer” sends in his opinion;-
  “Dear Bee,- I think the strongest team Everton could put out against Stoke next Saturday would be the following;- Scott; R. Balmer, and Crelley; Makepeace, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle and H. Hardman- Yours &c., Transfer.”
It is a downright pity that Taylor may have to be moved forward. Has he not performed wonderfully throughout the time he has figured in this all-important post? By introducing his weight and bustle into the small-built Blue line he would, I fancy, just add what has been the lacking force of the attackers, whose quick passing and dashes may be nonplussed by a worrying half-back line such as Stoke present. It will be a capital match whoever the selectors bring out, Stoke having improving to such an extent and Everton having failed as yet to show the form that enabled them to beat the Potters by 4-0 in this year’s cup tie. It was in this match that McDermott shot so well and was the hero of the day.
Apropos of Oliver’s hat-trick at his first appearance in senior football, it is discovered that Arnold Whittaker was credited with such a performance, and, as coincidence would have it, on the very same date, October 14. On this day of 1899 Whittaker figured at inside right for the Rovers against Preston, and before half-time had netted the ball three times. He was partnered by Anderson then. This season, be it noted, he has not yet scored.

EVERTON v  STOKE
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 19 October 1905
For Saturday, Everton have decided to fill the vacancy caused by McDermott’s removal to Chelsea by Taylor, whose place at centre half will be filled by the captain of the side, Booth. Makepeace returns to the side after a week’s absence caused by his appearing with the English League side, and Scott has overcome his injury. The team, therefore will line up thus;- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Booth, and Abbott, half backs; Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.

EVERTON FORWARDS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 19 October 1905
Bee
The result of the letter from “A.B.C” is that the suggested testimonial to Thomas Booth and John D. Taylor, respectively captain and sub-captain of the Everton team, is brought to something definite. There is a note from the correspondent, which runs as follows;-
  “Thanks for considering my suggestion re a shilling testimonial fund for ‘Jock’ Taylor. As you surmise, I had overlooked the fact that Taylor was taking a joint benefit with Tom Booth. If I may say so, I agree that the proposed fund should be a joint fund for the two beneficiaries, for Tom Booth is also a most worthy exponent of our favourite winter pastime. In any event I send you my cheque for a guinea, and I hope that the Liverpool public will show that they are quite as keen as the thousands in other football centres to do slight honour to those who have served them well. They now have the opportunity of doing so by subscribing their shillings to the fund, which I trust will be as successful as your column in the ‘Echo,”
Now I am going to substitute the word six-pence for shilling in order that all; classes may if they are so disposed, bear testimony to the enjoyment which they have derived from the two sterling players. From sixpence up to any figure a reader may care will be welcomed. Address your letter, which may be handed in at the “Echo” head or branch offices or sent by post to “Bee,” “Echo” newspaper, Victoria-street, Liverpool.
The suggestion that such a testimonial should be instituted would not have been taken up had not many enthusiasts written heartily supporting the idea. Don’t delay; send at once, and let the iron safe find many newcomers. The opening guinea looked cold, as an orphan . it is now joined by two other friends.
BOOTH -TAYLOR TESIMONIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Bee- 100 sixpences
Anonymous -84 sixpences
A.B.C -42 sixpences
At Stoke, Everton will be represented by Oliver, at centre-forward, by Taylor at inside right (in lieu of McDermott), and Booth, at centre-half; while Scott and Makepeace return to the fold to fill the goal and right half positions respectively. In reality the changes are only reshuffling of players and positions, and were looked forward to. Taylor will doubtless require time to settle down to the new place he has been apportioned, for he has so long been operating at centre half that he has perchance lost in a degree some idea of shooting and combination with the forward as now constituted.
I came across a most interesting pamphlet which concerned old-time football. It was printed at 33, Everton-terrace, an industrial depot over which Mr. Barclay presided. This gentleman will be remembered as an old official of local clubs. The pamphlet told how Everton would meet Bolton Wanderers on May 26, the year is unknown, though it must have been before 1892 when playing in the close season was not restricted. The match was in aid of the Stanley Hospital, and the Wanderers included in their team Struthers, Davenport, Bob Roberts, Seth Powell, and Davis Wir. The constitution of the home team conjures up in one’s mind many reminiscence. It was as follows; Lindsay; Marriott and Dobson; Pickering, Higgins, and Finlay; Whittle, Douglas, (who was purloined from Blackburn Rovers for the day), Scowcroft, Farmer, and Gibson.
As a benefit to the wife and children of the late George Farmer, the Everton Football Club, whose crowd has so often been delighted by Farmer’s wonderous displays, sent a cheque for £10 and are handling over the receipts of the Everton Reserve-Stockport County match played at Goodison Park on Saturday. So deserving a cause must bring forward a good sum. 

TOMAN TO OLDHAM
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Friday 20 October 1905
Toman, the ex-Stockport County, Everton and Burnley centre forward, who broke a leg while assisting the Goodison park club a few seasons ago, has signed for Oldham Athletic.

H, COLLINS EVERTON
St. Pancras Chronicle, People's Advertiser, Sale and Exchange Gazette - Friday 20 October 1905
It is rather curious to note that the County and Everton, who met last Saturday with disastrous results for the Midlanders, are both feeling a bit anxious about a goalkeeper. “Gunner” Reilly, as he was known in the South, was compelled to stand down from the Nottingham team, and young Iremonger, representative of a famous family, took his place. As for Everton, they fully expected to have the assistance of Roose, but the amateur went back top his old live, Stoke. Everton then saw Kitchen depart for West Ham, and they only had Scott to fall back upon. Another goalie was wanted, and they had to looked round. Collins, who kept for Queen’s Park Rangers lasts season, was available, and promptly engaged. He appeared last Saturday against the County, and did fairly well. Everton next receive Bolton Wanderers. who are down on their luck.

FOOTBALL FEATURES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 20 October 1905
Bee
Stoke successes have surprised even their own regular followers. Yet the club do not appear to be reaping much of an advantage in its gates. Sunderland helped to draw £260 into their coffers, and Everton’s visit to the Potteries will provide a bigger sum. Their popularity with the Staffordshire people is very marked. There is the additional curiosity to them to see how Roose fares before his former club mates, a matter in which all Liverpool supporters will evince equal curiosity. That the display of the Potters have been eminently satisfactory to the selection committee is demonstrated by the fact that only once this season have they made an alteration in the constitution of the side, and then it was through the call made upon Roose by the English League. The men opened the season with defeating Notts County 3-0, which showed that their forward line had early found goal-getting form. By a similar score they overcame the erratic Rovers of Blackburn. Then at Wolverhampton they won 2-1, followed by wins at home over Woolwich, Bolton, and Sunderland-each by a bare goal. Their defeats are put down to Birmingham (nearly all the game they were without their outside left) and Blackburn. Without in the slightest belittling their performances, I would point out that their home victories have been obtained by the barest possible margin against undoubtedly weak opposition; and with Everton at full strength, Scott and Makepeace returning, that is the main reason why I expect the Blues to win their first away match. Stoke may have to make a change in their forward line. Holdcroft is a doubtful starter in consequence of an injured ankle. Should he be unable to turn out Hall will take his place at inside left, and Gallimore will go centre.

STOKE CITY 2 EVERTON 2
October 21, 1905. The Liverpool Football Club
The Everton team journeyed to Stoke today in order to meet the Potters on their native. Two games between these keen rivals are always fast and exciting, and the present meeting was invested with exceptional interest by reason of the fact that last season's Everton goalkeeper L.R.Rouse, was once again appearing with the Staffordshire club. The journey to Stoke was made in excellent style, and a tremendous crowd put in an appearance to witness this match. Everton evidently being prime favourites in this part of the county. The weather was beautifully line, and there was every promise of an exciting tussle, when the teams turned out. There were two changes in the Everton ranks from last week. Scott going back in goal, and Taylor partnered Jack Sharp, in place of McDerrmott, who is well known gone to Chelsea. Under these circumstances Booth took centre half. There was only one change in the home ranks. Holcroft being replaced by Hall. There were 12,000 spectators present when Stoke having lost the toss, kicked off with their backs to the sun, and against a slight breeze. The teams line up in the following order . Everton: - Scott, goal, R.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Makepeace, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle, Hardman, forwards. Stoke: - L.R.Roose, goal, Sturgess, and Benson, backs, Baddeley, Holford, and Burgess, half-backs, Fielding, Rouse, Gallimore, Hall, and Miller forwards. Referee J.H.Smith . After the opening exchanges, the Evertonians ran-down magnificent on the left, and a corner was forced off Sturgess. Hardman lobbed the ball right into the goalmouth, and an exciting bully ended in another terrific bombardment, and after the goalkeeper had cleared two capital shots a third corner accured to the Evertonians. The could not however, succeed in piercing the home defence, and at length Holford gave relief with a timely punt that but his forwards in possession. They raced away in fine style, on the right and from a pass by Fielding, Gallimore had an open goal in front of him, but he shot over the bar. So far the play had been very even and exciting, and though Everton opened strongly, they were now being pressed by there opponents. Both young Balmer and Crelly, however, behaved excellently and a spell of midfield play was succeeded by the three Everton inside men getting away and Settle making his way through, was just about to shoot, when Sturgess cleared his line with a magnificent kick. Open by followed for a time, and both sides were visited in turn without anything-material happening. In the course of one advance on the part of Stoke, the referee was struck full in the face by the ball, but the crowd only laughed at his discomfiture. Even play ensued, but gradually Everton by superior tactics got down into the Stoke territory, only to see the movement spoil by Abbott shooting high over the bar. On another occasion Jack Sharp got away in excellent fashion, but Taylor was just too late to meet the pass, and Benson, who a moment before had been badly hurt, was able to clear. After this some exceptionally fine footwork on the part of the visitors' halves and forwards was witnessed and Oliver had an open goal, before him, when he shot yards wide of the mark. The pace at this time was not quite as fast as at the commencement, but it was exceedingly bright and entertaining. Sturgess making a miskick gave Taylor a fine opportunity, but “the old war horse failed” to take advantage of it. The game at this period was going altogether in favour of the visitors, but the Stoke defence though a trifle shaky at times was not to be beaten, and at length the long spell of pressure was relieved by Baddeley who gave the right possession, but Crelly pulled him up, Sharp then go away in splendid style, and centred well, but Oliver was too late to finish the movement. Another breakaway on the part of the left wing ended in Hardman sending in a swift ground shot, which Rouse got down to very cleverly. After this the Stoke took up the running on a most determined fashion, and on one occasion Taylor broke up a particularly dangerous combination. Still they pressed, and from a centre by Millar, Rouse headed into the goalmouth, Scott partially cleared, but the Stoke man got the return and shot again. The Everton custodian was completely beaten, when Crelly stepping in very luckily, and kicking the ball away. Still the danger was not over for Gallimore rushed up and shot strongly but the ball travelled over the crossbar. Midfield work followed and Sharp got down in his most characteristic fashion, but he was pulled up at the last moment by Benson and the movement ended in the ball eventually going over the line. Play at this time was rather on the slow side, but some excellent work by Makepeace put the Evertonians once more in possession. A series of throws in spoiled their advance, however, and Hardman was distinctly at fault in allowing Burgess to rob him when he was in a good position More play near the centre line ensued and then the home lot progressed on the left, but they were spoiled by Miller coming into collision with Balmer, the result being that he was rather badly winded, and as a consequence the game was delayed for some time. On resuming there was almost immediately. Another delay caused through Rouse and Abbott coming in contact, and the Stoke players received such a injury to his mouth that he was compelled to leave the field, for a time. At this period of the game the home lot were enjoyed rather the better of the argument, but their combination was very crude, and as a consequence many excellent chances went a begging. Still they kept desperately near Scott's charge looked like scoring when Baddeley shot high over the bar. Everton attacked in turn, and Oliver put in a shot, which Rouse fisted clear. The Evertonians returned to the attack, and Settle when close in was badly tripped but nothing came of the free kick, which was granted. A brilliant run down the wing on the part of Sharp, who had completely beaten, when Burgess rushed across and cleared magnificently, succeeded even play. Give and take play followed, but Everton were always smarter than their opponents, and at times some superb football was seen on the part of the three inside men, and one smart movement ended Settle dropping the ball right into Roose's arms. The little international shortly afterwards came into antagonism with Holford, and the crowd showed district hostility to Settle, but after all it was only a storm in a teacup. Even half back and forward play gave Everton the upperhand, and Hardman, after beating Burgess shot strongly, but Roose was not to be caught napping, and he cleared in his usual masterly style. Just before the interval, the Evertonians put on pressure, and a fine movement of the home forward line looked like ending in something tangible, when Oliver was pulled up for offside. Settle was prominent with a brilliant individual run but Holford intercepted his final shot at the expense of a fruitless corner. Still the visitors kept pegging away, and Booth tried to give Everton the lead with a long shot, which passed only an inch on the wrong side of the crossbar. Just before half-time Balmer in making a return, struck Makepeace violently, in the face with the ball, but the plucky little half back was soon all right. Sharp was then prominent with a magnificent sprint along the wing, and Sturgess was beaten, when Benson nipped in and cleared. Half-time Stoke nil; Everton nil.
On crossing over the game was continued at the same ding-dong pace, and though it was rather loose in character it was always fast. The next moment of importance was a breakaway on the part of Sharp, who passed to Oliver, but the Everton centre was far too slow to take advantage of it, the result being that Roose was able to clear. Again the Lancashire captain ran down the field at top speed, and this being his initiatory movements led to success, he swinging the ball right across to the left, where Settle very cleverly screwed it back again to Oliver, who beat Roose, with a short swift shot, the famous amateur custodian being apparently taken by surprise. After this reverse the home team played with great streniouness, but they found themselves opposed to a splendid trio of halves, always watchful and alert. The home side consequently began to try pot shots, and Sturgess once sent one from long range skimming the crossbar. An attempt on the part of the Everton left ended in Hardman being left in a capital position, but he dallied too long, and Burgess was able to clear. In the subsequent stages of the game the Potters had rather more of the play than before, but there was the same lack of cohesion and after Baddeley had put the ball high up in front of Scott, Rouse rushed in and ought to have scored, when he shot wide. Play after this was rather of a desultory character, but at length Stoke attacked strongly on the left and Fielding headed in a warm shot, which Scott dealt with very cleverly. There was more play in the open, and then an advance movement on the part of Everton ended in Abbott putting in a magnificent long shot which literally scraped the top side of the crossbar. End to end play was again the order and a neat movement on the part of the Stoke left wing terminated in Miller putting in a splendid shot which seemed to bother Scott, but the Irish international succeeded in throwing clear. Everton were next in evidence on the right and a free kick close in looked ominous for Stoke. The Everton captain saving at the expense of a corner. This however, was safely disposed of. The breakaway on the part of Everton left ought certainly to have ended in a second goal for Taylor had the net absolutely at his mercy when he shot ridiculously wide. Then Stoke took up the attack in the same dogged and persistent fashion, and one movement was exceedingly dangerous, but Makepeace finely saved the situation at the expense of a corner. This led to a tremendous bombardment of the Everton goal. Half a dozen were put in quick succession, but at length the pressure was relieved. This, however, was only temporary, for the home forwards returned again in fine fashion. The ball was cleverly put back to Halford, who put in a long shot that scored a really magnificent goal. The excitement was now increase and the enthusiasm of the crowd grow when the Potters again advanced against their opponents. They were quicker and more deadly in their shooting now than ever, an onslaught ended in hall notching a second goal a few minutes from the end. Immediately before the finish the Evertonians made super efforts to make equalising goal, and so determined were they that twenty seconds before the final sounding of the whistle, Hardman succeeded in notching the ball, and a most exciting game concluded in a draw of two goals each.

TEAM ARRANAGEMENTS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 21 October 1905
Stoke v Everton
League match Stoke; team leaves Lime street at 12.
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer, and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Stoke L.R Roose, goal; Burgess and Benson, backs; Baddeley, Holford, and Sturgess, half-backs; Fielding, Rouse, Gallimore, Hall or Holdcroft, and Milelr, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Stockport County
George Farmer Benefit
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison; 3.15
Everton.- Collins, goal; Wildman and Hannan, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, McLoughlin, Dilly, Cooke, and Grundy (Chirk), forwards.

EVERTON v  STOCKPORT COUNTY
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 21 October 1905
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION -DIV 1
There was a good crowd of spectators present when the teams appeared. The Everton directors, with their customary generosity, decided to devote the proceeds to help the widow and children of the late George Farmer. The Blues turned out a particularly strong eleven. Teams;-
Everton; Collins, goal; Wildman and Hannan, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Birnie, McLoughlin, Dilly, Cook, and Grundy, forwards.
Stockport; Worsley, goal; Bostock and Hegarty, backs; Crosser, Butterworth, and Hegarty, half-backs; Goodwin, Parker, Pass, Brittleton, and Roberts, forwards.
Dilly commenced for the Blues, who monopolised the attack during the opening stages. The visitors at length relieved the pressure, but Collins was not seriously troubled. Dilly, with the ball at his toe, found himself in a splendid position for opening the account, but he failed to make the most of a timely centre by Birnie. Then Parker momentarily improved matters for the County, but without any tangible result accruing. Grundy and Cook moved along with mathematical accuracy and all went well until Cooke essayed to put the finishing touches to the movement, when the ball travelled harmlessly over the line. The sustained pressure on the County goal caused the Stockport defenders many anxious moments. McLoughlin on one occasion being only inches out of his reckoning after a brilliant effort. Donaldson topped the bar. The persistent and practical manner in which the Everton forwards tested Worsley was sure to bring its due reward, and Dilly culminated a fine forward movement by sending in a hot handful to Worsley who respondent but feebly and McLoughlin headed into the net. A moment later Birnie shaved the upright with a rasping shot. After Dilly had forced Worsley to his knees in saving from very short range, play opened out considerably, and Pass put in a beauty from a difficult position, which Collins saved in masterly fashion. There was no mistaking the superiority of the Blues over their opponents. In every department was the contrast marked. It was more by luck than good management that the County were only one goal to the bad. Corner after corner fell to the lot of the Blues, but they failed to profit to by real extent from any of them. Then Dilly scored No 2 with a shot which gave Worsley no possible chance. Everton were attacking when the interval arrived, with the score;- Everton 2 goals, Stockport County nil.
Final.- Everton 3, Stockport County 2.

STOKE v  EVERTON
Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 21 October 1905
POTTERS’ FIRST DRAW
AN EXCITING FINISH
STOKE 2 EVERTON 2
Possibly no League team has taken away so many points from the Stoke ground as Everton. To-day’s visitors at the Victoria Grounds had a remarkable record of successes against the Potters at Stoke, for up to this afternoon they had appeared in sixteen League games and had obtained points in no fewer than twelve of them. In nine games the Evertonians secured the full complement of points, while in three others they shared them with Stoke. It seems almost incredible that the Potters have won only four games out of 16 even on their own ground, against Everton, but this is the fact. The Toffees have scored 24 League goals on the Stoke enclosure, while the Potters have only obtained 20 at the expense of Everton. The first meeting of the two teams, in the first season of the League, ended in a goalless draw, but the Everton team won thrice in succession after that, and it was not until the season of 1893-4 that Stoke could obtain a victory over the Lancashire club. The visitors had yet to win their first away match, but they were not without hopes of success on what they have come to regard as a happy hunting ground. They have suffered defeat from Aston Villa at Aston, when they were beaten by 4-0 and at Bramall-lane, where Sheffield United beat them 3-2. At Preston Everton drew on September 23rd, a goal being scored on each side. The Everton directors had brought Scott back into goal in place of Collins. Booth went from left-half to centre-half, and Taylor was removed from his accustomed position on the half-back line to inside-right, in order to fill the vacancy created by the transfer of McDermott to the Chelsea Club. Oliver retained his position at centre-forward, as indeed he deserved to do on last week’s form. From the Stoke team Holdcroft was an absentee, for although he had made a capital recovery from his injury, received at Birmingham last week, it was not thought wise to play him, and run unnecessary risks. Gallimore was therefore selected to play centre forward, and Hall partnered him at inside left.
The teams were;-
Stoke.- L.R. Roose, goal; Burgess, right back, Benson, left back; Baddley, right half-back, Holford (captain), centre half-back, Sturgess, left half-back; Fielding, Outside right, Rouse, Inside right, Gallimore, centre, Hall, Inside left, Miller, outside left.
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer, right back, Crelly, left back; Makepeace, right half-back, Booth, (captain) centre half-back, Abbott, left half-back; Sharp, outside right, Taylor, inside right, Oliver, centre, Settle, inside left, H.P. Hardman, outside left.
Referee; Mr. J.H. Smith, Doncaster.
The morning was fine, and at the time of the kick-off there was a bright sun shining, and there was every prospect of a big crowd being in attendance.
THE GAME
There was a crowd of about 9,000 present when the two captains tossed. Holford lost, and the Stoke team had to face a slight breeze blowing from the Stoke end. At the start, following an ineffective pass from Gallimore to Miller, the Everton forwards attacked, and Hardman, receiving a pretty pass from Taylor, forced a corner off Burgess. The flag-kick came straight across the goal mouth, and although Roose struck at it, he missed the ball, yet the referee improperly gave a corner. Hardman put this in straight on the goal, but Holford headed away, and gave another corner at the other side of the goal. From this Settle shot over. Having dealt successfully with this initiatory attack, Stoke began to force the game for then selves, and good work by Holford and Rouse resulted in Gallimore getting nicely through the Everton half-back line, and trying a shot. He lifted the ball about three inches too high above the cross-bar. The visitors then made a sudden rush, and Benson was exceedingly smart in taking a quick ball from Taylor’s toe, and a moment later Stoke’s left back cleared from Oliver after a throw-in. in the ensuing play Burgess relived finely in the teeth of Oliver, when the Everton centre was on the point of receiving a neat pass from Taylor. A goal kick was awarded to Stoke, but when the ball had gone behind off Baddeley’s foot, Roose kicked well down the field, and Hall put a fine pass to Miller, but Makepeace cleverly interposed, and prevented damage. In the next moment, Benson was kicked whilst clearing from Taylor, but quickly recovered. Hardman’s  clean work on the left wing led up to a strong attack by the Everton inside men, and Abbott, picking up a clearance by Benson, seemed to have a chance, but he shot badly. On the other wing, Sharp was busy, and brought Holford and Benson out before putting in a square centre. This gave Settle a chance of shooting, which he did not fail to take advantage of, but the ball was very cleverly hooked out of the goal by Burgess. Good half-back play by the Stoke men helped to change the scene of action to a point in front of the Everton goal. Miller, put in possession by Sturgess, sent in a fine curling shot which Scott only partially saved, and the ball dropping at his feet was apparently at the mercy of Rouse and Hall, who were close up, but in an instant Crelly had dropped back and a couple of shots by Rouse and Hall rebounded from his knees and body, and the ball finally went across to Fielding who responded with a splendid oblique shot which grazed the whitewash on the Everton crossbar. Hall had rushed up, and he received a nasty kick which put him out of action for a time. The game came out to midfield, and a stiff battle was waged for a minute or so by the centre line. Sturgess kept a watchful eye on the Everton clever right winger, and was very successful in all his clearances. Holford, too, spoilt the outside right very cleverly. Miller and Rouse were hurt slightly, and Rouse had to leave the field with a bleeding chin. While he was away the Potters’ front rank attacked briskly in a group, but their efforts were short lived, for Baddeley, with a long shot, put the ball behind. In the next minutes Abbott and Booth outwitted the Stoke right wingers, and sent Settle away. After Burgess had cleared from the inside left Makepeace found an opening for Sharp, but Burgess once more came across finely and cleared in magnificent fashion, the Everton man turning a flying somersault and falling a few yards away. The game was fast, and the passing of both attacking parties was very neat, although the Evertonians were slightly superior in combination. A free kick in Stoke’s favour was given just outside the penalty area, and the home team followed this up by a very strong attack, during which shots were put in by Sturgess and Gallimore. By this time Rouse had returned, with plaster on his face; and once, after a pass by Baddeley, he skipped along, and Scott was lucky in preventing a well-meant pass from Rouse going to Hall, who was exceptionally well placed, Stoke continued to attack in most promising fashion, and a little more cohesion on the part of the inside men would certainly have resulted in damage to the Everton goal. The half-backs were playing exceedingly well, and on one occasion Baddley and Holford looked like spoiling one another’s work in their eagerness to prevent Oliver breaking through the Potters’ defence. Soon after this Holford was toppled over by Settle, and the crowd manifested strong disapproval of the tactics of the Everton inside left. The visitors were at last enabled by neat play by Booth to get out of their own half, and the left wing inaugurated a spirited attack, which ended by Roose saving a smart shot from Settle. The Stoke back play gave the visitors’ forwards little opportunity for distinguishing themselves, for up to now neither Burgess nor Benson had played the ball with any unsteadiness. Benson sent the ball along to Miller, who put in a couple of good centres, but the inside men were comfortably checked by Booth, and from the centre half’s pass. Sharp raced with the ball over the touch line for twenty yards, and although the linesman frantically waved his flag, the referee took no notice of the signal. The attack of the visitors was maintained largely through the efforts of Hardman on the left wing, who once closed in after receiving a pass from Oliver, and although at his first attempt to shoot Hardman missed the ball completely, with his second he brought Roose out of his goal, and after the two amateurs had knocked one another about a little bit on the goal line, the referee gave a free kick to Stoke for the obstruction of the goalkeeper. On one occasion Baddeley cleared from Settle, but the inside made such a good recovery that Holford had to step in and concede a corner, which was easily cleared. Keeping up the pressure, the Everton men looked like scoring, and a shot by Booth travelled over the bar, and the Stoke custodian clung to the crossbar as the ball cleared it. After a throw-in from the Everton right, Balmer volleyed the ball into Makepeace’s face, and dazed the right half for a short time. Just before the interval, the Stoke right pressed. Rouse, after tackling Abbott well, found an opening for Fielding, but the outside right shot badly.
Half-time;- Stoke 0 Everton 0
The game during the first half had been interesting throughout, and the more striking features of the play were the work of the half-backs of both teams, and the particularly fine defensive tactics of Burgess and Benson. There seemed a want of proper understanding between Stoke’s inside men, and Fielding had bene rather prone to selfishness, yet this could not be said of Miller. The two wing men on the Everton side were probably the most conspicuous in the visitors’ attack, but Booth and Makepeace had played an invincible game, and Balmer was the better of the two backs. Scott had nothing of any moment to contend with.
The crowd had increased to about 12,000 during the first half. After the resumption play was for some time uninteresting, and was only relieved by two shots from Settle that went behind. Holford recovered the ball when Burgess had failed to get it away from Hardman, and the Stoke captain, preventing a corner, gave to Fielding, but when the latter passed inside to Rouse off-side was given against the Stoke inside right. The half-backs of the Potters’ side continued to hold the visitors’ forwards fairly well in check. Sturgess set Miller and Hall going, but Balmer robbed the Stoke inside left, and put back to Scott, who gathered the ball cleanly. After this Everton got the lead. Sharp had eluded Sturgess and had got in a square pass to Settle, who gave the ball back to Oliver, and the latter scored with a smart uppercut. This success came at the end of nine minutes’ play in the second half. It apparently had a temporarily depressing effect upon the home side, who had to lament the lack of encouragement from their supporters. Though the Potters attacked at once, it was in a somewhat disjointed fashion, and there was need for greater persistency on the part of Rouse, Gallimore, and Hall. On one occasion Sturgess was ill advised enough to try a shot, with the usual unsuccessful result. Baddeley was the one man to stick to his work with promise and persistence, and he repeatedly tried to get the home forwards going well. The result of his work was very disappointing, for both Rouse and Hall had an unhappy knack of frequently tumbling over the ball. Hall and Gallimore gradually came to close quarters with Scott, and the latter cleared the ball off Hall’s toe. When Settle tried to clear down the field, Burgess came forward and robbed him cleverly. The right back followed this movement up with a smart shot which was deflected by Crelly to Rouse. Without taking the slightest aim Rouse shot, and was wildly wide of the mark. Once or twice after this the Everton defenders resorted to kicking into touch in order to keep the Stoke forwards from getting in too close proximity to the goal. Abbott had a capital shot which skimmed the Stoke goal by a few inches. Scott had also been called upon by Baddeley to save a very likely shot. About this time Hall went centre, and Gallimore operated at inside left. Stoke at last showed signs of removing, and a capital run by Miller ended in Scott having a tricky oblique shot from the ex-Wanderer. Rouse recovered possession from the goal-keeper’s clearance, and made a desperate effort to break through, but had hard luck. On Everton attacking once more, they were given a free kick just outside Stoke’s penalty area. The kick was taken by Booth, and travelled just outside the post. Although Roose did not touch the ball as it passed by, a corner was given against the Stoke goalkeeper, which was cleared. The Toffees came again, and Taylor missed an open goal by shooting over. The Potters livened up considerably, and succeeded in securing for themselves a lengthy tenure of their opponents’ territory. Scott was called upon to save a ticklish shot from Gallimore, and Balmer saved from Miller at the expense of a corner. Shots were put in at the Everton goal by Baddeley and Holford, and the latter once more gave Scott a tremendous handful. At last ten minutes from the finish Stoke drew level. The half-backs of the Potters had been working like trojans with this object in view, and it was fit that one of them should score. Baddeley had a big shot returned by Scott, and Holford immediately got possession, and with a low, hard drive sent the ball down an avenue of players and placed it in the left angle of the net. The goal was greeted with tremendous cheering. But soon after the game had been re-started, Hardman raced away down his wing, and finished up with a beautiful shot, which Roose saved magnificently. Stoke kept pegging away, their forwards showing wonderfully improved dash and life, and only three minutes from the finish, Hall, who had received the ball from Miller, scored a beautiful goal which gave Stoke the lead. A spirited effort to recover their lost ground was made by the Evertonians, who inside forwards made a tremendous onslaught on the home goal. Good back play, assisted by Baddeley and Sturgess, kept them out. Holford was hurt during a warm attack by Oliver and Settle, and during his absence the ball was put in by Sharp and Hardman in the last minute of the game, thus making the scores equal. It was indeed hard lines after the smart recovery Stoke had made that the Potters should be robbed of victory, and one of the points of the game just as the finish; but they ought to have made victory certain much earlier in the match.
THE RECEIPTS
The receipts of the match to-day at Stoke amounted to £309 16s.

SENSATIONAL STRUGGLE AT STOKE.
Athletic News - Monday 23 October 1905
By Onward.
It does often fall to the lot of the average football spectator to witness so thrilling a contest as that served up by Everton and Stoke at the Victoria Ground on Saturday. By almost the last kick Everton snatched a draw after looking certain losers, as they had only ten minutes previously appeared certain winners. With bright autumn weather 12,000 people lined the enclosure, accounting for gate receipts to the amount £306. Rarely during a long experience of League football have I seen play more sternly contested. Everton, who had a stiff breeze at their backs, showed the neater and more skillful footwork at the outset, but lacked the necessary incisiveness, On a good many occasions they had the Stoke defenders in trouble, well within shooting range, but, as a matter of fact Roose was not more than twice seriously troubled before the interval, and on these two occasions the talented Welshman acquitted himself cleverly in saving shots from Settle and Hardman. One of the most thrilling incidents was when Sharp raced away with a clean field and Charles Burgess flashed across from the other wing and cleared both ball and man. The Stoke forwards, who were not by any means idle, had chances of scoring, and Gallimore, Rouse, and Hall all missed possible openings.   Everton were seen at their best in the opening part the second half. We had several prettily executed forward movements, and at the end of nine minutes Sharp outmaneuvered and outpaced Benson to finish with a fine centre, which allowed Oliver to enhance his reputation as a goal getter. The ex-Brentford man shot hard and true, and Roose had no chance.  For a long time play was very equal In character, each goal being attacked in quick succession, and so fiercely fought was the game that there were quite a number of stoppages owing to minor injuries. Fred Rouse had a glorious chance of putting his side on equal terms, but missed with only Scott to beat. Stoke were labouring hard against the collar, but so stubborn was the Everton defence that it was not until nine minutes from the finish that Holford scored an equalizing goal amidst a storm of cheering.  Stoke had rearranged their attacking forces about the middle of this half, Hall going centre and Gallimore inside left, and this change was quickly operative for good. After they had equalized Stoke attacked so fiercely that the Everton defence was heavily taxed, and three minutes from the finish some brilliant work by Miller and Hall culminated in the latter shooting a grand goal. There was an extraordinary scene of enthusiasm, but Everton declined to be beaten, and Hardman scored from a corner, with Holford a temporary absentee, in the last half-minute of the game. There was only just time for Stoke to return the ball to the centre when the whistle blew.  The players on both sides were extremely keen, and they are to be congratulated on the pluck and determination they exhibited. Stoke delighted their followers by their recovery in the final stages, while that whole-hearted final effort by Everton in the last half minute is deserving of the highest commendation. On the Stoke side, Roose was at his best. All his saves were impressed with the hall mark of class.  Charles Burgess was an outstanding figure in the Stoke defence, his fine clearances and resolute tackling commanding admiration. His partner, Benson, who has not been in the best of health recently suffered by comparison, and Sharp frequently had him in difficulties. Amongst the half-backs, Holford was preeminent, and set a rare example of untiring energy when defeat appeared certain. His equalizing goal was a fitting reward for the sterling efforts he had put forth. The forwards were, on the whole, disappointing, but they atoned for many shortcomings by their efforts in the last quarter of an hour. Miller was greatly neglected until the second half was well in progress, but when plied with passes the old ”Wolf” middled with unfailing judgment, and Stoke’s second goal was the outcome of his effective wing work. Hall was happier when moved to his accustomed position, and Gallimore seemed more at home after changing places. There was a lack of understanding on the right wing when Fielding and Rouse were frequently out of position. In fact, it was at times difficult to tell who was the inside and who was the outside man. In awarding praise to Everton, pride of place must be given to a superb half-back line. I most congratulate Booth on playing so fine a game on his return to his old position. He was always a commanding figure, and he was flanked by a couple of sterling players in Makepeace and Abbott.   Scott did many smart things in goal, and was ably supported by Balmer and Crelley. I have rarely seen the latter play better. The star performer in the forward line was Sharp, whose sparkling runs and clean cut centres were always a source of danger. Harold Hardman was not as noticeable as usual, and although the footwork of the whole line was skillful, the efforts in front of goal left something to be desired. It was great struggle. Stoke;- L. R. Roose; Burgess, Benson; Baddeley, Holford, Sturgress; Fielding, Rouse, Gallimore, Hall, and Miller.  Everton; Scott; R. Balmer, Crelley; Makepeace, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; J.H. Smith, Doncaster. 

Sensational Scoring at Stoke.
London Daily News - Monday 23 October 1905
Everton opened strongly at Stoke, obtaining three corners in succession. Stoke retaliated, and Rouse nearly scored, that player just afterwards retiring hurt. Everton then took up the attack, Roose saving from Hardman. After the interval a brief attack by Stoke was followed a goal for Everton by Oliver. Stoke then dashed to the other end, but House missed. Holford equalized with a fine low shot about nine minutes before the finish, and Holford gave Stoke the load. However. Hardman from a corner kick, got a second goal for Everton.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 STOCKPORT COUNTY RESERVES 2
October 23, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination Division One.
BENEFIT MATCH AT GOODISON-PARK.
The match between Everton and Stockport County had been set apart by the Everton directors for the benefit of the widow, and eight children of the late George Farmer who, as one of the members of the team in the old days, did much towards bringing Everton to the front. It was gratifying to see a larger attendance than usual, and it is to be hoped that the funds will benefit considerably. Those who did not attend the game may still send their contribution to the fund. The game was a keenly contested one, but Everton always had a bit in hand, and finally won by three goals to two. During the first half Everton showed a marked superiority forward, and McLoughlin and Dilly each scored a fine goal. Collins effected brilliant save, but he had little to do in comparison with Worsley. The home side crossed over with a lead of two goals, and McLoughlin augumented the total with a magnificent goal. The visitors however, finished better this half, and succeeded in scoring twice, with the result that Everton gained the points by a narrow margin. McLoughlin gave a fine display for Everton, and was always dangerous. Dilly also led many raids, and his goal was a beauty. Black was the best of the halves, while Wildman was a sound defender. The visitors proved a capable side all round. Everton: - Collins, goal, Wildman, and Hannan, backs, Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson half-backs, Bernie, McLoughlin, Oliver, Cooke, and Dilly forwards.

EVERTON’S NARROW SQUEAK
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 23 October 1905
The meeting of Everton and Stoke at the Victoria Grounds on Saturday provided one of the most sensational finishes ever seen on the football field. Never was the old-time saying that a game is never lost till it’s won more strikingly demonstrated. The first half was pointless, though the visitors ought to have been one up at the least. On crossing over, however, the Evertonians took the lead through a fine bit of work on the part of Sharp and Settle, which enabled Oliver to score. This advantage they looked like holding to the end, for though the Stoke forwards were constantly worrying the Everton defence they could not get through, and ten minutes from time it looked any odds on the visitors. A minute afterwards and hey presto! Holford had placed his side on level terms with a long, low, raking shot that gave Scott no earthly chance to cope with. There were now nine minutes to run, and seven of these had passed beyond recall when Hall sent the Stoke supporters well nigh delirious with delight by beating Scott a second time. A victory for the visitors was now turned into almost certain defeat but the end was not yet. A few sands still remained in the hour-glass, and ere these had run Hardman had equalised. Thus honours were even, and the match concluded in a wave of great excitement and enthusiasm. Those last ten minutes formed the redeeming feature of the game for it cannot honestly be said that the exhibition of football as a whole was of the highest order. In the first half both sets of forwards were scrambling and choppy, and there appeared to be very little attempt at real combination. At the same time the individual footwork of the Evertonians was extremely clever and pretty to watch and they certainly were cleverer than their opponents. As already indicated, it was not until the visitors scored, early on in the second half, that the character of the game improved. The home forwards “backed up” in really surprising fashion and both the half backs and backs had all their work cut out in holding Gallimore and his wings in check. It was from the half back line, however, that they eventually got on terms with their opponents. And here it may be said that Holford was undoubtedly the best man on the home side, his play throughout being marked by fine command of the ball and nimble dexterity. On more than one occasion he came to the rescue of both Burgess and Benson though the former, generally speaking played a sound and vigorous game. While dealing with the Stoke team one may mention that Roose showed all his wonted brilliance, but at times he appeared to take unnecessary risks in coming out of his charge to clear. However, he invariably does this with such cool confidence that the means justify the end. There is little doubt that in failing to stop Hardman’s timely goal the Welsh international was hampered by the proximity of the two full backs.
There is every reason to feel satisfied with Everton’s display though it would be idle to suggest that McDermott’s absence was not felt. Taylor, wonderful player as he was rather at sea, which is scarcely to be wondered at after his long spell of half back work. Nevertheless he was always in the thick of the fray, and shot frequently. Sharp was on his best behaviours and in addition to making any number of brilliant sprints along the wing, he showed much greater confidence in tackling the full back. Settle played one of his best games, and treated the spectators to a delightful exhibition of clever and brainy football. Oliver cannot yet be reckoned a really class centre forward, but it is only fair to acknowledge that he made up for a number of deficiencies by scoring the first goal. Hardman was as quick and smart as ever, and to him belongs the honour of pulling the game out of the fire. Tom Booth showed that he had forgotten none of his skill in the centre half position, and both Abbott and Makepeace proved themselves admirable foils to the opposing forward line. Crelly and young Balmer were safe and sound, and Scott again did well in goal. In the second half he had more to do than his vis-à-vis and he did it very well.

STOKE’S DRAW WITH EVERTON
Staffordshire Sentinel - Monday 23 October 1905
It was rather strange that history should in so large a measure be repeated at Stoke on Saturday. Last season when the Everton team were at the Victoria Grounds the game was snatched out of the fire by the Potters in the closing moments of play; on Saturday it was the Evertonians who by a goal gained during the final stages of the game drew level on the finishing post. A further coincidence was that the score was the same as when the teams met in the League match at Stoke last season. Saturday’s match was easily the most interesting and the fastest that has yet been witnessed during this season at Stoke, but the Toffees have a remarkable knack of putting up one of their best games when they visit the Potteries. With better refereeing the game might have reached an even higher level, for the occasional mistakes of Mr. Smith irritated both players and spectators as well. It is to be regretted that instead of an improvement there is a serious falling away in the refereeing which obtains in the league.
The first half of the game produced the more polished football, while the second was creative of singular sensationalism which is far from common. Interest was maintained at a high point up to the very last moment of the game, for each of the three goals which were scored during the closing minutes of the match turned, for the moment the fortunes of the teams. With more steam behind them the Stoke forwards might have made victory certain early in the first half, but though they played well in the field they seemed to lack the ability to get to close quarters, and on the whole they were somewhat disappointing, a fine example of how to play the game was set by the Stoke half-backs, who played brilliant football throughout under peculiarly trying circumstances, for the Everton front rank occasionally resorted to methods which are not in the written code of the game, Settle being, as usual, a conspicuous offender. Hardman, Taylor, and Sharp were towards whose methods were at the same time crisper and cleaner, and their work was accurate and exceedingly interesting. It was perhaps unlucky for the Toffee forwards that Stoke’s defence was so sound, and Burgess played the best back game that has been seen at Stoke for many a day. Roose was clever and cool, and the presence of a custodian who is always calm and who has as yet been beaten only with shots which no goalkeeper could stop, exerts a good influence on the main body of the team, which was clearly evident. Again Miller played a splendid game for the Potters, and one could only regret that he was not given more to do. The match was a grand struggle, and although only one point was secured by the Potters their supporters were compensated for the loss of the other by the enjoyment which they derived during each of the ninety minutes.

EVERTON STEAL A POINT ON TIME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 23 October 1905
Bee
Everton and Stoke gave the 12,000 Pottery enthusiasts something they dearly love to see. Excitement! Why, that’s a mild term for it. Here is a time table of events;-
Half-time, no goals.
53 minutes-Oliver scored
82 minutes.- Holford drew the score level
84 minutes -Hall gains the lead
89 ½ minutes -Hardman equalised.
Final.- A point apiece.
It was a good performance on the part of the Blues, yet their supporters looked for a win outright with a measure of confidence. It would seem that neither of our teams is going to make a strong bid for the championship. The first half denoted that subsequent play would be of an even character. However, the second half produced a fund of unexpected incidents, with the result that excitement was brought to the highest pitch. The enjoyment of the play was marred by the fact that an element of roughness was imparted to it. Although the game was not scientific, it was full of vigour, and the players one and all went for all they were worth. On the Everton side R. Balmer stood out conspicuously, while Booth was the best half-back. Burgess played a grand game, his tackling and kicking being equally satisfactory. Holford was also most valuable at half-back, but the forwards were not at their best. Roose showed all his wonted brilliance, but took unnecessary risks in coming out of his charge to clear. Taylor, wonderful player as he is, was rather at sea, which is scarcely to be wondered at after his long spell of half-back work. Nevertheless, he was always in the tick of the fray, and shot frequently. Sharp once more treated the spectators to a great game, and Settle was a very able second to him. So long as Oliver continues to get goals no one will cavil at his displays. He will improve with service.

EVERTON'S OFFER FOR AN IRISH FORWARD.
October 24, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
No less than seven directors cross the channel to visited Belfast on Saturday, to witness the performance of Donaghy, Derry Celtic forward from Edinburgh, Hibernians, and Young of Linfield club's. The club were represented were, Everton, Fulham. Everton immediately offered Linfield £300 for his service. The latter declined negotiations. Tom Robertson confirm Young as a greatest player he has ever seen.

EVERTON SEEKING NEW BLOOD
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 24 October 1905
No less than seven football directors crossed the Channel and visited Belfast on Saturday to witness the performance of Donaghy (Derry Celtic, late Edinburgh Hibernians) and Young (of Linfield). The clubs represented were Everton and Fulham. Donaghy’s display was not considered satisfactory, but Young’s exhibition was such that the Everton representatives immediately offered Linfield £300 for his transfer. The latter, however, declined to negotiate at this figure. Tom Robertson considers Young one of the finest wingers he has seen.

ALL SORTS OF SPORTS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 24 October 1905
Bee
The gate receipts at Goodison (including tickets given up), amounted to £26 9s. To this sum has to be added £10, the gif of the Everton directors, and money received from a ballot; while many may have boughs tickets who did not attend the match. Hence Mrs. George Farmer will not a nice sum as the result of the energies of the committee of the “Farmer Fund.”
In “C.B. Fry’s Magazine” there is am article on “City Fathers of Football,” by J. J. Bentley, from which I quote the following;
“Everton still possess some of the gentlemen who had to leave Anfield and find a new resting place. This they discovered in a mud- heap, which has been made into one of the best- if not the best- purely football grounds in the country. A late chairman and a present member of the board is Dr. Baxter, who also occupies a seat on the League Management Committee. He has been officially associated with the Everton Club for sixteen years, for four of which he occupied the chair. Dr. Baxter holds very sound views on football. For years he has represented Kirkdale on the West Derby Guardians. He and his colleagues work hard for the club, and soe of them are quite content to see half the match- the other half being devoted to the personal superintendence of the financial arrangements. And they are all men holding good positions.”

EVERTON v  BOLTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 25 October 1905
For their match with Bolton Wanderers at Goodison-road, on Saturday next, Everton will rely on the same eleven which shared the points with the Stoke team on Saturday last, at Stoke. The following is the team;-
Everton.- Scott, goals; R. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.

EVERTON NO CHANGE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 25 October 1905
Bee
For their match with Bolton Wanderers at Goodison-road, on Saturday next, Everton will rely on the same eleven which shared the points with the Stoke team on Saturday last, at Stoke. The following is the team;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Bolton are having bad luck owing to accidents to their players. Shaw, one of the Reserve man, has been placed on the injured list, in consequence of a damaged knee sustained in the match with Stockport County yesterday. It is not expected that he will be fit to play for several weeks. Broomfield their tall goalkeeper, who was so badly hurt at Sunderland, will not play; Davis, formerly a follower of the Rugby code, will take his place. Greenhalgh has been laid aside with a damaged ankle for a month. His return will be appreciated by the visitors. The spectators will be certain to look forward to another big score against the weak opposition, and Saturday should be made a very opportune time for the Blues to make the record score of the tournament so far.

HAVE EVERTON UNEARTHED A REALLY GOOD ONE?
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 26 October 1905
Bee
Grundy, who had a trial with the reserves on Saturday last at outside left, is a native of Neston, and he has now been transferred from Chester to Everton. His play against Stockport gave promise of his becoming a more than useful reserve. Standing 5ft 9in, in height and weighing 11st, he is said to be strong with his centres and also accurate. He has only just attained his majority, so that with careful nursing he may come on to a great length in years to come. Then there is Birnie. He has been consistently prominent at outside right, and his career will be watched with keen interest, especially by his former Kent club, Sittingbourne.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 27 October 1905
Everton are at home to Bolton Wanderers. The Blues have chosen the same side as drew with Stoke and this must commend itself to all who support the club. As eleven cannot succeed when there are repeated changes, and now that the men have an opportunity of settling down to each other’s style and peculiarity they should work smoothly together.
Grundy, who had a trial with the reserves on Saturday last at outside left, is a native of Neston, and he has now been transferred from Chester to Everton. His play against Stockport gave promise of his becoming a more than useful reserve. Standing 5ft 9in, in height and weighing 11st, he is said to be strong with his centres and also accurate.

HOME TEAMS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 27 October 1905
Bee
The local crowd will go Goodison way to see prime old favourites in Bolton Wanderers. On behalf of the directors of the visitors on Monday, Mr. George Harwood, M.P for Bolton, will present the players with medals in commemoration of their return to the upper circle. The captain of the eleven is Struthers, the Kirkdale young fellow, who has worked valiantly for the club at all times. He still resides in Liverpool. Then the appearance of McEwan will occasion interest. This player was with Everton when they had four or five outside lefts, and so he had little opportunity of showing his worth. Hence his leave for Blackpool, which club he left at the end of the last season, if my memory serves me well, Bolton are well satisfied with their purchase. Strange that McEwan left Everton for Blackpool and hardman deserted the seaside town for the Mersey organisation. It is unfortunate that the Wanderers will have to call upon their reserve forces. Broomfield is a custodian they can ill afford to lose. Davies takes the vacant post. Other doubtful starters are mentioned, and I hope Shepherd is not one of the number, as I have formed a good opinion of his work at centre forward. Of a fine build, he thrusts his way through the opposition, and a back usually is forced to admit that Shepherd hustles and hinders repeatedly. Greenhalgh reappears and this humourist will strengthen the half back line. Withal Everton should win handsomely if they play up to their proper form. The team chosen is the strongest possible, and all the men are reported well. Statisticians will wade through the result of the previous meetings with interest. Here they are, Everton’s score being mentioned first;- 3-1 and 3-1, 3-1 and 1-0, 0-1 and 2-3, 4-2, and 1-0, 0-1, and 2-1, 0-2, and 2-3, 1-3, and 1-1, 3-1 and 3-1, 1-0, and 3-2, 1-4, and 3-0, 0-1, and 2-5, 5-0, and 2-0, 3-0 and 4-3, 2-6, and 2-1.
From these the said statistician will draw the figure 3 often occurs and the score 3-1 has six times been recorded. The figures are but a memory of the past. To-morrow Everton will be watched by many thousand pairs of critical eyes, and if they do not mount up the goals-for column appreciably it will surprise them.

EVERTON 3 BOLTON WANDERERS 1
October 28, 1905. The Liverpool Football Echo
The pilgrims from Bolton are not looked upon by Liverpool supporters of League fixtures as a recherché district the same way that several other clubs are in fact, their want of success so far in discharge engagements would at first glance lead their student of form to conclude that Everton had “an easy thing” on this afternoon in entertaining Bolton Wanderers. As a rule the partisans' of the Blues do not support by their presence foregone conclusion. As a matter of fact the Trotters have one match lost four and divided points three. Last Saturday they lost to Birmingham after playing a resolute game, though their shooting was mediocre. The Wanderers are one of the original clubs, which constituted the League, but they have had their experiences of second Division Company from which they emerged at the termination of last season. Their defence now is however, but a faint reflection of the palmy days of Sutcliffe, Somerville and Jones. Past form pointed distinctly to the Goodison-park improving their goal average this afternoon, as the teams have met in Liverpool on fourteen occasions. Everton winning ten, losing three and drawing one. The weather was fine, but somewhat gloomy, and about 10,000 spectators were present. The Lord Mayor Mr. John Lea, was also an interested spectator. The following were the teams : - Everton: - Scott, goal, W.Balmer, and R.Balmer, backs, Makepeace, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Davies, goals, Taverstock, and Struther, backs, Robertson, Freebairn, and Boyd, half-backs, Stokes, Marsh, Sheppard, White, and McEwan, forwards. R.G.Young, referee. The Everton skipper was unfortunate in endeavouring to guess the spin of the coin, and Oliver had to kick against the wind. An attack soon came from the homesters, Sharp getting away and centring, but White got the ball way at the second attempt. Then the Wanderers set to work with extraordinary determination, and after a passage down the left and centre the ball went to the right wing from whence Stoke called upon Scott to clear. A corner was gained by Bolton, but this having been disposed of the Blues made a passage up the field, and as long pass went to Sharp who dashed along the touch line, but was at the last moment shouldered off the ball, and a corner which for towed was safely negotiated by the visitors. After Abbott and Hardman had tried in effectually to break through the Trotters guard. Stokes received from Fairbairn, and the insider, initiated a hot attack, which very nearly proved successful as Sheppard and Marsh joined in the fray, and both the Balmers were within an ace of being beaten several times. The Trotters resumed the attack with great persistency, and W. Balmer only just cleared. After this the Blues made a feeble effort to break through and a corner resulted, but Oliver could not convert. Away went the Bolton right in grand style, and Scott saved a stringer from Marsh. But the Trotters were not driven out, and their energy was so unabated that reward came at last, when White beat Scott with a glorious shot. After the restart Abbott put in a tremendous shot, which missed by a trifle. Long kicking by the brothers Balmer put Sharp on the run, but he was pronounced offside, and a further free kick against the Evertonians gave the Trotters no particular advantage. From the kick out the Everton forwards broke away a line, and went sweeping up the field in grand style, and when close in Settle received the last pass, and judging the situation beautifully placed the ball in the corner of the goal' giving no chance whatever. Restarting Oliver received a pass from Sharp, and being tackled by Freebairn passed back to Abbott, who tried another of the expresses, but found Baverstock in the way. Play was suspended for a few minutes while White was undergoing repairs Baverstock took the free kick for Bolton, but Makepeace prevented any further intrusion. The visiting got the best of the throw in, and were making progress when Abbott checked them. Then followed a foul against Makepeace but Bolton did not gain any advantage, and an ineffective advance followed by the Blues. Resolute tacking by Bolton had led up to the home attack, but Struthers cleared and thus opened up another was from the Wanderers front. The home defence was distinctly shaky and had all a long offered poor opposition on the Bolton rushes. Both Balmers were now well beaten by the Bolton right and centre, but were a clear course Stokes shot with terrific force only to put the leather outside. A nice clearance by R.Balmer and a pretty serve by Booth and then Settle, and Hardman were engaged in an attempt to work their way through the opposing line, but Hardman was too age, and ran the ball out. Another forward move by Settle and Oliver was spoiled just outside the penalty line owing to a foul against Bavenstock, and from this Abbott endeavoured to drive the ball through a crowd of opponents, but failed. Just afterwards Oliver broke away grandly, and was sailing onwards for goal in beautiful fashion when he was tackled by Struther, which was passed out to the left, but there was no comrade up in time to receive his pass. The spectators were much surprise to see the Blues so frequently held up by the despised, Trotters, but there was no gainsaying the determination and energy infused into their attack, and unfortunately, the Everton backs always seemed in difficulties under pressure. At last Sharp looked like improving the Everton account put in a well judged centre, but Oliver got too far down in receiving. However, immediately after the cricketer forced a corner, very cleverly of Struther and although the goal was packed, Davies cleared smartly, but after a little finessing the leather come to Bootle and the gallant skipper sent the leather towards the Bolton citadel with uninistalable power Davies never saw which way the leather went until it was netted, but Booth was afterwards given offside, when the ball was set in motion again play came from the home left, which point the ball went to Oliver, was missed a chance in front of goal. Their a lovely spell of passing was given by Settle and Hardman, but so strong was Baverstock's defence that they failed to pierce their way through. The ball went back to Abbott who plied the left wingers again and on this occasion Oliver join in, but neither of the trio could get in a shot at goal. Eventually Baverstock got the ball away, and Stokes made a dash down his wing, overcoming at opposition with the exception at the goalkeeper, Scott responding gallantly when called upon. The home forwards broke away, put this was of short duration, and Bolton pressed forwards again. The Wanderers were making strenuous efforts to equalise before the interval, and Sheppard, Marsh, and Stoker combined in line style, so that again was the Everton defence severely tested. On the occasion they came, out of the ordeal with credit though they could not prevent pressure being brought to bear on Scott, who had to leave his charge to cope successfully with the energetic Marsh. A free kick against Bolton for tripping Scott, led to a dash away, but it did not lead to anything of a tangible nature, and the same was being contested in the centre when the whistle announced the interval. Half-time score Everton 1, goal, Bolton Wanderers 1. Sheppard commenced the second half, and Bolton's right soon got to work. After one repulse they went down strongly, and Marsh shot for goal, R.Balmer clearing. A couple of free kick in favour of Everton caused the Bolton territory to be invaded, and Oliver received the ball in a good position. but fell. However, he quickly received himself and passed to Taylor, who tested the goalkeeper, but not very strongly. Scrummaging play followed a throw in by Abbott, but Hardman, getting the best of matters, shot across to Sharp, but the Bolton centres paid the cricketer too much attention, and he did not improve matters. Scott after W.Balmer saved a smart' advance of the “Trotters” left with a punt, and a minute after Davies fell full length in dealing with a grand drive from Booth. The Wanderers then turned on full steam, and for some time the pressure with difficult to deal with; but Makepeace played a great game, and his tackling was most effective. Stokes came with a rush, and beating Makepeace and Balmer, passed smartly to Marsh, who did not take the pass properly, and made a mull of it. The Bolton rights wingers were making a bold bid for goal when a foul was given against Marsh, and then for a short time each end was visited, in turn, owing to free kicks to either side. Sharp was making his way for possession in Bolton quarters when he was pronounced offside, but a corner soon came from the same wing, although this produced nothing better than a scrambled in front of goal, however, better matters prevailed in the course of further attacks on the Bolton goal, the forwards working grandly together and being kept well at work by the half-backs, one pass from Booth to Settle enabling the latter to shake the crossbar with a grand shot. A grand piece of work between Booth, Settle, Oliver, and Taylor led to the Trotters custodian rushing out to save, but he was rather severely handled, and temporarily knocked out. A shot from Settle forced a corner from Davies, which was cleared, and Sharp afterwards kicked over the bar. Oliver them missed a fine chance of gaining the lead by allowing Davies to nip out, and take the leather from his toe as he was entering the goalmouth. This palpable miss did not lessen the grim determination of the Blues, and they kept up a dogged attack, which ultimately resulted in Taylor giving his side the much deserved lead. Stakes broke away and beat W.Balmer, but Booth fell back and cleared. This led the way to a shot, from Oliver, which was saved by Davies, after very fine work in the centre, Hardman crashed the ball in, and Davies only saved at the expense of a corner, from which Sharp dropped the ball over the bar. Their Settle passed to Oliver who failed to score after which Booth, had a free kick, and Taylor passed to Settle, who missed by a foot. Better things however, were in store for the home side, and Settle received the ball from the right, and being practically uncovered had no difficulty in finding the net, registering Everton third goal with a beautiful shot, with a quarter of an hour to play and a lead of two goals the Evertonians did not relax their efforts for a moment, and took every opportunity of harassing their opponents defence, one centre of Hardman's causing consternation in the Bolton camp as Oliver dashed up to try to score, but the backs closed in and smithers got the ball away. Following this a strong attack, by the visitors who had rather hard lines at this time. The homesters were soon back at the other end where Davies had to save several times from Sharp, who shot grandly. The closing stages witnessed several rushes by the Bolton men, but were resolved by the Everrton defence although the home goal had a narrow escape after Stokes, following a free kick had centred the ball. final Result Everton 3, goals, Bolton Wanderers 1.

TEAM ARRANAGEMENTS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 28 October 1905
Everton v Bolton Wanderers
League match at Goodison Park; kick-off at 3.15
Everton.- Scott, goal; R. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Bolton Wanderers.- Davis, goal; Baverstock, and Struthers, backs; Robertson, Freebairn, and Boyd, half-backs; Stokes, Marsh, Shepherd, White, and McEwan, forwards.
Bolton Reserve v Everton Reserve
Lancashire Combination-Div 1, at Bolton

BOLTON WANDERERS v  EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, October 28 1905
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV 1
On the former’s ground, which seemed in good condition, 2,000 spectators watching. Everton started, and Albert Cook tested Kilburn. The Wanderers had previously found the net, but from offside position. Then followed a desultory spell about the centre, and Cook tested Kilburn again, but was off side. The home goal escaped from a scramble at close quarters and the left wing rushed away and centred well, Dannan clearing. Everton hit the post twice. Half-time; No score.

EVERTON v. BOLTON WANDERERS.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 30 October 1905
Played at Goodison Park, before 15,000 spectators. Bolton opened well, and after ten minutes White scored for them. The visitors were, however, not in possession of their lead long, as Settle equalized for Everton a few minutes later. Crelly was absent from the home team, the Brother’s Balmer playing backs. Interval; Everton 1 goal, Bolton 1. Everton had the best of matters in the second half, but it was not until nearing the finish that Taylor put them ahead after a fine dribble. Settle shortly afterwards put on a third goal for the home team, who had the best of matters to the finish. Result; Everton 3 goals, Bolton Wanderers 1 goal.

FRANK OLIVER
Athletic News - Monday 30 October 1905
Everton’s Ponderous Pivot.
The Wanderers of Bolton have won one match in two months—form which suggests the possibility of trouble next spring. Everton beat them on Saturday by exactly the same score as when they last appeared at Goodison Park. The Wanderers showed good football for a time, but Everton were smart all the time, the Balmers and Booth being in such a humour that goals were very difficult to get. White was the first to find the net, but Hardman equalised, and in the second half the two inside men, Taylor and Settle, added goals. For the first time since his introduction Oliver did not penetrate the goal, but he showed many clever touches. Frank Oliver, who for the past three weeks has filled the position of centre forward in the Everton team, was born at Southampton 1885. He will only be 21 years of age next January, so that he possesses the inestimable advantage of youth, and has thus ample time to develop his powers. When a lad of 12 be played centre forward for Bevistown School during two or three winters, but it was six years later ere he became attached to a club of any note. Then he joined a Southampton Junior League team named Bassett, and as centre forward gave evidence of possessing goal-scoring proclivities. In representative League fixture with Bournemouth he was chosen leader of the front rank, and scored two of the four goals gained by his side The following year he became connected with Southampton, and played in the reserve team practically during the whole of that season, which further enhanced his reputation in the art shooting.  When not quite twenty years old he was persuaded to join Brentford, and assisted the Southern Leaguers’ first team throughout the greater part of last winter.  At the close of the season he was recommended to Everton, and started the present campaign at Goodison Park. In trial games he showed fair form, exhibiting plenty of dash, and when Young found himself unable to continue playing owing to the state of his health, a month ago, Oliver was given the opportunity of displaying his worth in first-class company. His initial appearance against Notts County at Goodison on the 14th inst. Was a success in one respect, for he scored three goals, and although one of these was an offside point, such a performance ensured for him another trial. At Stoke, a week later, he opened the scoring, and it was not surprising therefore that he was selected to play against Bolton on Saturday. He has much to learn, and lacks the polish of a clever pivot, but he knows where the goal posts are, and may prove a useful man amongst the expert performers in the Everton front rank. He stands 5ft. 11in., and weighs 11st, 1lb. 

EVERTON’S STEADY PROGRESS
Athletic News - Monday 30 October 1905
By Junius
Three years have elapsed since Everton met Bolton Wanderers in a League match at Goodison Park, and by a curious coincidence that prevailed over their visitors by precisely the same score as on the previous occasion.  Only five of the men who played on December 27, 1902, were in the team on Saturday.  Crelley was unable to turn out owing to an attack of sickness, and the brothers Balmer constituted the defence in the full-back division for the first time this season.  I cannot say that the Everton forwards were effective, and Oliver failed to justify the good opinions expressed about him on his first appearance.  Neither is Taylor proving the ideal inside right.  Taylor is willing enough, but Anno Domini must be considered, and this will, I fancy be too much for the veteran. 

BOLTON BEATEN AT EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 30 October 1905
By Junius
Despite the fact that Bolton hare fared very moderately since their readmittance to the First Division, a goodly number of their followers invaded Liverpool, and made their presence felt amongst the 15,000 people who witnessed the success of Everton by 3 goals to 1. At the last minute Crelley was compelled to stand down owing to sudden indisposition, and the brothers Balmer constituted the Everton full back division. Bolton were at full strength, and they opened in such fine style that defeat seemed out of the question. Their attack was whirled against the Everton defence with the force of a tornado, and the splendid dash of the forwards was rewarded by a fine goal from White, after McEwan had cleverly worked for the opportunity.  Bolton were seen at their best during the first half hour, and well was it for Everton that their backs and custodian proved cool and reliable under such pressure. After the fury of the Wanderers’ onslaught had spent itself, then came the turn of Everton, and Abbott placing wide to Hardman enabled the latter to cross to Settle, who ran in and equalised. The Bolton players had set themselves too severe a task. They were gradually worn down, and their attack became less effective as the game progressed. Near the interval Booth missed the netting by inches, and Everton were just beginning to assert their superiority when breathing time arrived.  They resumed just as if no break, had occurred, and after twenty-five minutes some clever work by Hardman gave Settle possession, and the inside left transferred to Taylor, who beat a couple of opponents and scored. Settle added a third shortly afterwards, though he seemed suspiciously offside, but the referee had no doubt on the point. Everton should have placed two more goals to their credit, but Oliver was awkward in dealing with the centres from either wing, and easy chances of increasing the lead were lost. Near the finish Bolton came again, and McEwan shot over the bar from close range, but nothing further of a tangible nature resulted. Everton did not play one of their best games, and especially was this the case in the forward line, where signs of weakness were chiefly noticeable. Oliver exhibited a tendency to indulge in trickiness instead of making straight for the goal, with the result that he was unable to accomplish what he has done in his recent matches—that is, score freely. Neither was Taylor seen to advantage at inside right; but it can hardly be expected that the veteran will prove a suitable partner for Sharp. He strove with determination and persistency, but he was not a success. Hardman was the most prominent of the forwards, some of his crosses to the inside men being very clever. Sharp, on the other extremity of the line, ran and centred finely, and better use should have been made of the chances he afforded his comrades. Settle played capitally, and his two goals were excellent efforts, giving the custodian no opportunity of clearing. Everton’s strength lay at half-back, where Booth gave a splendid display, tackling finely, and infusing any amount of life into the forward movements. Both Makepeace and Abbott performed ably, the speed of the right winger being frequently in evidence. He and McEwan had some rare tussles, and there was little to choose between them. The brothers Balmer were never at fault, both kicking cleanly, and rarely allowing their opponents to get in a shot at Scott The custodian's hardest task was during the early stages of the contest and one clearance from Marsh at point blank range was a grand effort.  All his difficulties came together, and in the second half he was rarely tested. Had Bolton been capable of maintaining the form that they showed in the early stages they could not have lost. M'Ewan gave a clever performance on the extreme left, and Stokes indulged in some brilliant footwork, but after the change of ends, the extreme right winger was seldom in evidence. I admired the way Bolton entered into the fray, for they seemed possessed of an energy born of desperation, but it did not last. White and Marsh were responsible for several fine efforts, and against a shaky defence must have prevailed.  Of the half-backs, Boyd was most in evidence, but Freebairn played surprisingly well, and had the measure of Oliver. The full backs kicked sturdily, but were Inclined to be erratic under pressure, and Bavenstock gave the impression of being the more reliable defender. At times Struthers returned most judiciously, and couple of long drives into the Everton goal nearly gave Stokes a chance of placing his side ahead. Davies was in no way to blame for the defeat; in fact he had far more to do than Scott, and several of his saves were smartly achieved.  Everton; Scott; W. Balmer, R. Balmer; Makepeace, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Oliver, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Bolton Wanderers;- Davies; Baverstock, Struthers; Robertson, Freebairn, Boyd; Stokes, Marsh, Shepherd, White, and McEwans.  Referee; Mr. R.T. Johns, Hanley. 

BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
October 30 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 9)
The match between Bolton Wanderers and Everton proved a tame affair for the greater part of the game, and to give a record of the match we should have to enumerate a long list of missed opportunities. In the first half the visitors could claim an advantage so far as midfield play went, but when near goal they failed badly. Much of this was due to Cook who frequently failed to keep on side, with the result that several good movements were thus spoiled. He managed to hit the upright, and the crossbar, but was offside on each occasion. In the second half the Trotters had rather the better of the exchanges, but they finished as badly as Everton, and in the end neither side could secure a legitimate point and the game was drawn. Both goalkeepers had very little to do. Hannan played well at back for Everton, while Black was always conspicuous among the halves. Dilly and McLoughlin were the better of the forwards, who were however, good and bad in turn. Bolton like the visitors, were weak on front of goal. The halves were good, and the back sound and sturdy defenders. Everton are now making progress in the competition, and their record has improved considerably of late. Everton: - Collins, goal, Wildman, and Hannan, backs, Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs, Bernie, McLoughlin, Dilly, Cook, and Grundy, forwards.

EVERTON NET TWO POINTS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 30 October 1905
Bee
That Everton have not yet settled down to smooth working was apparent to the 15,000 spectators who gathered at Goodison on Saturday. There was a raggedness in the forward lines which is very distinct, and until they improve on their recent displays one cannot place much confidence in their goal-getting powers. That rare dash shown by the Wanderers surprised players and spectators alike. Scott had a most awkward time for twenty minutes and there was no denying the Wanderers the first blood. They had earned it. If only by their persistency and dash, besides which the goal was led up to by McEwan and White, and was smartly executed. After that point there was a great rally by the Blues, and it became a case of wearing down the Trotters. They were hot trotters for half an hour; then they became colder and colder. The visitors had hardly a kick in them towards the finish, and Scott paraded from post to post on guard. He hardly ever was heard to appeal, “Who goes there?” To the end the Blues kept up the attack, not on the part of the forwards so particularly as it was the half-back line that caused the Bolton line to look so simple. Both the Liverpool clubs have a magnificent intermediate line. It is certain that there is nothing between either of them.
Booth must, however, be singled out as the finest player on the field. Seldom does one see a centre half thrust his way through his own forward line and worm into the opposition’s backs. Booth did this, and a delightful individualistic effort it was, worthy of the old-time single-headed efforts on the part of the dribbling forwards. Without such brilliance as Booth, who at one time shot in with terrific force but a trifle wide-not as stated, “put in the net, and was pulled up for offside”- Abbott, and Makepeace showed us I should be inclined to think Bolton would have been among the list of teams winning away from home. That is conjecture. The reality is found in fact that Settle got an equalising point through the instrumentality of Abbott and Hardman, and then Jock Taylor “happened” to get the lead- I say happened because his shooting started everyone; it was so poor -and subsequently Settle beat Davies for the third time.
Taking of Taylor, one must not rush into abuse. Taylor has been so long in the rear division that it is an extremely difficult task for him to groove himself into the forward play. He needs must improve in shooting and passing. These will come about very shortly. Unless the reader has played for any length of time in any position, and been transferred to other quarters, he can have no conception of the difficulty of filling the second position. Force of habit with Taylor must be strong; he has not yet given up the “half’s” manner of kicking the ball for the forwards. Still, it will be seen yet. The improvement in Harold Hardman’s play was very gratifying, and that Settle is again among the goal-getters is a matter for congratulation. Oliver was weak. He seemed full of nerves. There is no need for him to be discouraged-rather let him take courage. He appeared to desire to dribble when surrounded by players, and instead should have planted the ball to Sharp or Hardman. They will do the sprinting and centring, and when the latter is in operation then Oliver must make up his mind that that is the moment he must shoot hard and straight. Sharp, badly supported, made the most of his opportunities, and how accurately and loftily do his centres swing in, Robert Balmer outshone his erratic brother. Struthers, always troublesome in those local encounters, did something at the outset to try Taylor’s temper, and afterwards it was a duel between the two. The Kirkdale man was undoubtedly the aggressor. His other work was splendidly executed, and his long punts were most advantageous. Davies kept a good deal, and Freebairn, the eldest of the team, was the best of a never-tiring half line. Stokes made one good dribble-only one- and White was easily the best of the forwards McEwan and Shepherd were serviceable, without being startling. The ex-Evertonian and Makepeace had some electrifying sprints, and usually the half won by a short head. Shepherd is of remarkable build-short body, well-knit and long legs-and was disappointing on the day’s play.
McDermott scored against Southend United in the Cup Tie. ‘Twas the only goal
John Goodall is down with typhoid fever.

McDERMOTT’S JOKE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 31 October 1905
Bee
A correspondent sends me the following characteristic McDermott story;- One day, when playing for Dundee against St. Mirren at paisley, Tommy McDermott played such a brilliant game that Dundee looked like beating the Paisley men for the first time in their career, but a faulty save by the goalkeeper allowed St. Mirren to draw level in the last minute, thus depriving his side of a handsome bonus-which had been promised for a victory. The loss of the bonus was a sore point with McDermott and on reaching the pavilion he snappishly asked the goalkeeper why he didn’t save the shot. “Man, Tommy, I couldna stop it,” was the apologetic reply. “Stop it be-,” said the irate McDermott. “Ye couldna stop a clock.”
McDermott is the Jonah of the Chelsea team apparently. The club unexpectedly fell at the Burslem fence yesterday, and sustained an awkward strain which will take some time to heal up; in fact, it may not recoup this season at all. Chelsea are not going to become of the first order if they cannot beat the Port Vale class, even admitting that the Staffordshire club is improving. Chelsea had Kirwan at outside left, and Foulke (who has lively recollections of the famous cup tie at Burslem when Sheffield United were beaten by the Vale) was back in goal. Burslem found room at centre half for Sam Ashworth. It is said by a writer who was there that McDermott was inclined to selfishness and weak in target shooting.
 “Veritas” writes to say that the goal Bolton scored should not have been allowed, as the man who scored knocked the ball down with his hand the moment before he shot. He thinks W. Balmer will agree with what he says. From where I sat I could see nothing of such occurrence, and the referee must have been similarly badly placed.
The referee at Goodison was a Mr. R.G. Young, and on the fouls he had a keen eye. With a brushing up of his ideas of offside he would make a very able official indeed.
The players “overlooked” the rule about the time allowed for the interval. This might have caused an abandonment. “Jock” Taylor ius suffering from the attentions of a Bolton Wanderer who, it appears very early on in the game, kicked him hard on the leg. He will be all right for Saturday and so well Crelley. The back was temporarily ill on the morning of the match.