Everton Independent Research Data

 

JAMES YARWOOD-Left-Back
Derby Daily Telegraph- Saturday 1 September 1923
An ex-Everton player, he commenced his career at Goodison in 1920, and stayed there until May, 1922, without having won a place in Everton League side. Had previously played as an amateur for Bury. Is still in the early twenties, and is a big, bustling type of defender, whose motto is “Safety first.”
TOM FLEETWOOD- Centre-Half
Another ex-Everton stalwart, who was secured by Oldham just prior to the commencement of this season. Considered a veteran, but is just 30 years old, so should have some years of good football before him. Can take any half-back position, and has played centre-forward. A class half-back in every phase of the game.

MEERS
Gloucestershire Echo- Saturday September 1 1923
Cheltenham have signed on Meers, of whom much is expected. He has a fine reputation, having played for Bury Reserves, while he holds a medal for Everton Reserves when they won the Central League. He has a fine physique, similar to that of Morrish, the Old Cheltenham back, and he will be watched with great interest.

STUB MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 1 1923
By Louis T. Kelly

THE NEW EVERTON ATTACK
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 1 1923
HOW IT SHAPED AT THE OLD FOREST GROUND
NOTTINGHAM HOPES
F.E.H’S DESCRIPTION OF THE RUN OF THE GAME
FOREST WIN 1-0
Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, Troup. Nottingham Forest; Dexter; Bulling, Jones; Wallace, Parker, Burton; Gibson, Flood, Walker, Tinsley, Martin. Referee; Mr. Mason, of Birmingham.
Everton, at Nottingham, believed they had a chance of either winning or drawing, the reason being that the Forest have already been disappointing, even though they shook Everton at Goodison Park. The Forest have shuffled in a way that would startle those who saw the Goodison game. Hardy came back, and Morgan and Spaven, two good ones, were left out, and the changes in the attack did not promise too well. On the other hand, Everton came to the decision to bring some height and weight into the side and, therefore, Chadwick was moved to centre forward to accommodate Williams’s return to inside left. Thanks no doubt to the holiday traffic the long journey to Nottingham was behind schedule time, but there was some compensation of the smiling landscape, with its broad acres of cut grain and wooded slopes. It had been raining in the Lace capital most of the morning, and the outlook was very dull when it began to drizzle again just before the teams appeared. The turf looked in perfect condition and there was a crowd of 15,000 spectators present when operations began. The alterations in the two teams were alluded to in our columns yesterday.
HARDY AN ABSENTEE
It will be noticed that Sam Hardy was an absentee. The famous goalkeeper was suffering from an attack of rheumatism, his place was taken by Dexter, a very promising young local player who is making his initial appearance in first-class company. The youthful goalkeeper got a cheer all to himself when he took up his position between the sticks. The Forest won the toss, but there was no wind to consider, and after a breakaway on the part of the Notts right, Hart put the ball forward to Troup, who got off the mark like greased lightning, completely baffling Bullings, and put in a glorious centre to Irvine, who sent the ball behind.
WALKER SCORES FOR FOREST
Forest made excellent play through their inside forwards, and Walker was distinctly dangerous when he was dispossessed just in the nick of time. Everton soon returned the compliment with a solo effort on the part of Irvine, but the latter was again unsuccessful in the final finishing touch. The home vanguard then swooped down on the left. Martin and Tinsley showed clever combination. Walker cut in, and, steadying himself, netted with a swift low shot from short range which completely beat Fern. A further fierce attack by the Foresters was well checked by Raitt, and the visitors made ground on the right, where Chedgzoy finished rather tamely. Notts were again busy, and Martin, making a clever run, put the ball across to Gibson, who was splendidly placed, when he skied it over the bar. Everton in turn were aggressive and Chadwick looked all over like equalising when he drove the leather just over the crossbar. For some time after this the Everton full backs were given plenty to think about, but Raitt twice averted danger by means of clever headwork, and Brown pushed the ball forward to Chadwick, who worked his way through prettily, but when he gave the ball to Troup the latter was at a difficult angle and put wide.
A NARROW SQUEAK
The visitors were now having rather the better of the argument, and both Chadwick and Troup tried to get through, Jones, however, stood in the way, and the Forest once more attempted to increase the lead. In this they were nearly successful, for McDonald slipped when tackling Gibson, and the ball was put into the goalmouth when Walker should have scored when Fern cleared. By this time the rain had cleared off, and the conditions were pleasant. Everton, developing their attack, proceeded to play extremely pretty football, and Chadwick tested Dexter with a long drive which the keeper fumbled, but eventually cleared. A few minutes later the Everton centre had another pop at the home goal, but the leather was intercepted, and Irvine tried to mend matters with a puzzling shot, but Dexter met it, and when Troup tried to outpace Bulling the ball was sent into touch. Chadwick was next on the job with a long shot, but once more he was unlucky in failing to find the target, and Troup followed suit with a lively sprint, which proved ineffective.
ATTENTION TO FERN
Forest forwards were again paying attention to Fern. McBain once failed to stop Walker, but the latter nullified his chance. Just before this Chedgzoy went off the field, but he returned after a few minutes. Meanwhile, Troup had sent in a beauty, but Chadwick was not up time, and though the effort yielded a corner, this was safely accounted for. With the approach of the interval, Everton made desperate efforts to get on level terms with their opponents, and there was some pretty useful half-back play, in which Hart and McBain figured. Just on time the home attackers came away at a great pace, and a rising shot from Tinsley caused Fern to grant a corner, which was well accounted for. Everton rallied strongly, but Jones saved the situation, and at the other end Raitt tried a dangerous experiment when he put the ball back to Fern, who only just gathered it.
Half-time; Forest 1, Everton 0
In the first half, all thing considered, there had not been particularly good football, but it had been enjoyable enough, and both sets of forwards lacked the necessary combination or the score would certainly have been bigger than on solitary goal. Chadwick would have made more of his openings if he had been speedier. As it was Dexter, who, by the way, only 18, was frequently allowed the run and clear. The ground was well filled when the second half was entered upon. Irvine at once flashed through, but his shot was dealt with, and when Chedgzoy put in a characteristic effort from long range Dexter got at the ball smartly. The Forest were active on both wings, especially the right, but they were well held and the contest proceeded on much the same lines is in the first half. The visitors’ centre-forward had a nice opening when he allowed the home keeper to forestall him, and at the other end Martin, from an oblique angle, scaped the top of the cross-bar. Bulling was rather badly hurt in collision with Chadwick. The Forest forwards made a sudden rally, and the three inside men all tried shots from close range, but Fern brought off a couple of brilliant saves amid great excitement. Final; Notts Forest 1, Everton 0

EVERTON RES V. PRESTON NORTH END RES
The Liverpool Football echo- Saturday, September 1, 1923
CENTRAL LEAGUE
This return fixture took place at Goodison Park to-day. At Preston last Saturday Everton were defeated by 3 goals to nil. For to-day’s encounter Everton had Forbes and Miller. Preston also made three changes, Hall for Williamson and Ferris in the centre in place of Marquis. Preston kicked off and in the first few minutes Scott, the N.E custodian, had to save a header from Forbes, from a free kick taken by Grenyer. In the early stages play ruled even without either keeper being seriously tested. The first team of interest was a corner to Preston, which Downs cleverly headed out, only for Hall to receive again and Ferris shot high over when well placed. Everton were going for goal, and Forbes was splendidly foiled by Mercer when within shooting distance, and later Virr sent in a beauty which was well fielded by Scott. Parry also tried a shot which looked like curling into the net. The custodian, however, saved by conceding a corner. During this period of pressure by Everton, Mercer, the Preston centre half, stood out prominently in the defence, and he received splendid assistance from Gilchrist, who had a warm handful to contend with in Virr and Harrison. For a long time Everton held the balance of play, the Preston forwards being unable to get going through being well held by the Everton halves. One nice run by Hall took the ball well into the Everton goal, and Livingstone had some difficulty in clearing his lines. After thirty-five minutes play the first goal came to Everton, which originated from a corner taken by Harrison, Miller hitting very smartly by taking the ball from O’Reawe’s feet. Twenty minutes later a corner taken by Parry was so well placed that Virr had little difficulty in registering the second point. Three minutes from the interval, Harrison scored a third from a penalty. Half-time;- Everton Res 3, Preston N.E Res nil.

BURCOUGH RES v.  EVERTON A
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday September 1, 1923
At Burscough. Johnston scored for the homesters after five minutes’ play, after Lawson had made a very clever save from Rawlins. Green drew he score level with a splendid shot in the top corner of the net. Barlow tried a long shot, and Johnson, rushing up put the ball in the net with Lawson on the ground. Green once again drew the score level, a very fine individual effort placing the ball over Kemp’s head well out of his reach. Half-time Burcough Res 2, Everton A 2.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1 EVERTON 0
September 3, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post ands Mercury
BEATEN BY A GOAL.
EVERTON'S DEATED AT NOTTINGHAM.
It was generally anticipated that Everton would at least share the honours with Notts Forest at Trent Bridage on Saturday, and as a matter of fact there was not a great deal to choose between the opposing sides. The Foresters, however, having scored in the first five minutes, succeeded in retaining the lead; and a pleasant, if not particularly clever, contest concluded in their favour, by the only goal scored. The keynote of the encounter was lack of finish on the part of the forwards. Chances after chances in both sides permitted to go begging, though it is only fair to say that Fern was at times exceedingly busy. His performance, indeed was of the reeling features of the closing stages of the game. The Everton forwards proved to be almost quite lacking in combination, and when this much-to-be-desired quality did emerge it was nullified by lack of judgement in applying the essential touch. The Forest vanguard was much more hustling and dangerous.
THE STORY OF THE GOAL.
The playing pitch after the rain that had fellen looked like a green carpet, and it played splendidly. This seemed all the more reason why so many shots should not have been misdirected, though' the ball perhaps may have been a little greasy. The home side took up the running in strong fashion from the start, and the game had not been in progress very many minutes before Martin, backed up by Burton, took the ball along in very clever fashion. It was put to Walker, who cut in and scored with a swift low shot that appeared to take Fern completely by surprise. The visitors replied by one or two rushes down the left wing, and Chadwick was given several fine opportunities of showing his worth as a centre. Unfortunately, he seemed to lack just that necessary amount of speed with the result that when his shot were sent in Dexter was able to get to them and clear. Williams put in a tremendous amount of constructive work, but much of it was lost for the reason to which allusion has just been made, and the Foresters led at the turn by a goal to nothing. In the second period the Everton attack was much more brisk, and Chedgzoy, who had been rather out of the picture, taxed the home keeper with a couple of fine shots. Irvine also tried to break though on his own account, but he was well held, and in the later stages of the contest the Nottingham team again dominated the play. Fortunately Fern, as we have said, was in the happiest vein and the Everton defence was not again pierced.
THE PLAYERS.
Troup did one or two clever things, and Williams was a regular hard worker, Chadwick while persevering was just a little less speedy than one expects and the right wing pair, were occasionally clever, if ineffective. McBain put in a tremendous amount of hard graft in keeping Walker and his wings in check, while the two backs showed resource and courage, if not always correct judgement. Teams : - Nottingham Forest: - Dexter, goal, Bulling, and Jones, backs, Wallace, Parker, and Burton, half-backs, Gibson, Blood, Walker, Tinsley, and Martin, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, and Troup, forwards. Referee –Mr. Mason, of Birmingham.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 PRESTON NORTN END RESERVES 0
September 3 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 3)
In the return fixture Everton revenged the score of the previous week at Preston, and also recorded their first win. The play of Preston are disappointing with very little combination amongst the forwards. Harland certainly had to save one or two awkward shots chiefly from Hammond and Ferris, but most of the play was in the Preston half. All three goals were scored before the interval, the first from a corner taken by Harrison, which Miller netted when O'Roswe ought to have cleared. Virr got the second goal from a corner taken by Parry, and three minutes from the interval Forbes was badly fouled in the penalty area, and Harrison made no mistake. When the second half began Everton immediately took up the running, and it was only on rare occasions that Harland was troubled. Play was so one-sided that Downs was often seen amongst the forwards and trying a shot. Scott, the Preston keeper, kept a wonderful goal, and it was due entirely to his effort that Everton failed to increase their score. Everton : - Harland, goal, Downs, and Livingstone, backs, McCrea, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Virr, Forbes, and Harrison, forwards.

BURSCOUGH RANGERS 4 EVERTON “A” 4
September 3, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
It was a rousing game at Burscough, Everton equalising in the last minute from a penalty taken by Green, who accomplished the “hat-trick.” The homesters made several very effective changes, the outstanding one being cooper on the rightwing whose display was very good. Johnson and Jones scored for Burscough in the first half, and Rawlins and Cooper in the second, while Everton's goals were got by Green (3) and Torley. Burscough had two penalties, the second one being saved by Lawson, who kept a fine goal for Everton.

FOREST ORPHAN GOAL ENOUGH
September 3, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Everton Front Line Lacks Thrust
By Adams
Notts Forest 1, Everton 0
The second half rally of Nott Forest at Goodison had prepared Everton for a hard tussle in the return game and it would, therefore, create no surprise locally that they were defeated by the only goal scored. They contributed to the defeat, however because the forwards seemed incapable of forcing themselves within reasonable shooting range. They would surely have gained a point had they done so, for the Forest took a risk by playing an eighteen-year-old local boy in goal as deputy for Sam Hardy, who cried off because of an attack of flu. Passing over the reserve goalkeeper the home directors call upon Dexter a six foot slim built boy who had made less than half-a-dozen experiences with their junior tea, and was making his debut in senior circles. Naturally he was nervous and several times met the ball, only to drop it, but the visiting forwards were not in a position to take advantage of these gifts. The boy had not enough to do really to indicate his merits but Hardy thinks he is a coming international.
Cool Centres
The home backs were steady and their ball control better then at Goodison, while Fred Parker stiffened the middle line which fed the forward in fine style. The attack was as last season, and the Martino Tinsley wing was ever a source of danger, some of their cool dropping centres bothering Everton to a great degree while the heading of Flood was also a noticeable feature is a line which generally showed more rim then that of the opposition. Williams made his first appearance of the season for the Blues and he kept well on top of the back but the remainder of his forward colleagues gave them too much scope. Chadwick shot often but was not on the mark, and while Troup improved on pervious games this season, Chedgzoy developed an early limp, and little in the way of pressure cane from the right wing. McBain was again the outstanding half, Hart not distributing the ball with his usual skill, while Brown was up against very hot opposition. The backs had a grueling task, and Fern made some smart saves.
Fateful Goal
The only goal came at the end of six minutes’ play. The Forest pressed on the left, Martin feeding Tinsley who in turn whipped the ball to Walker. The latter ran close and made sure that the leather travelled well out of Fern’s reach. Subsequently in this half Everton rallied and their midfield man curving was superior to that of Notts, but they could not finish. In the second half there came a period it seemed the home eleven had shot their bolt, but Everton could not get going, and there was a lot of scrappy play. The Forest however, came again and pressed in lively fashion during the last few minutes. Fern making one great punch clearance after Raitt had headed out off the line. Team;- Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, Troup. Notts Forest; Dexter; Bulling, Jones; Wallace, Parker, Burton; Gibson, Flood, Walker, Tinsley, Martin.

POOR SHOOTING
Athletic News- Monday, September 3, 1923
CLEVER FORWARDS BUT FEW GOALS
A USEFUL LEFT WING
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1 EVERTON 0
By Trentsider
There was merit in. the performance of Nottingham Forest in defeating Everton. Several rearrangements from the previous week were made in the side, and in the case of the Forest they answered admirably. The forwards played well together, their advances were made quickly and with skill, and they attacked with resolution, though they did not finish their work any too well. No exceptional shooting ability was displayed, and after a goal had been obtained in five minutes there never appeared any likelihood of any increase in the score. During one exciting episode in the Everton goal shots were made by Tinsley, Martin, Walker, and Burton, but they were not out the ordinary, and Fern and the backs were easily able to cope with them. And it was throughout the game, there being scarcely which deserved: a point.
Forest Team Strengthened.
The Forest received a considerable accession of strength from the reintroduction of their old left wing. Martin and Tinsley were in admirable form, and got through a great deal of valuable leading work. Martin especially was clever. His speed often took him clear to the front, and put across fine centres. In only the one instance, however, did his work prove productive. This was when he and Burton forced their way ahead at the commencement. Burton carried on the effort after Martin had finished and placed right into the goalmouth, and Walker had an easy task put through. There were several occasions when a similar outcome might have been looked for from Martin’s centres, for they were made with great precision. Once he sent right across to Gibson, who was in a capital position, but his shot was a poor one over the bar. Walker and Tinsley both endeavoured turn to account other efforts of the left-winger with their heads, and Marlin himself tried a shot which was trifle too high. The right wing was not as effective, though Gibson made runs at great speed. He, however, often finished, by placing much too near to Fern, who was able to clear unmolested. The general work of Walker, Flood, and Tinsley was of a useful character, but their shooting powers were not of a high order. The Everton forwards played delightful football. Their ball control was admirable, and they carried out movement with method and yet in attractive style. They were not so fast as Forest, but it frequently happened that when they started a movement there was no stopping them until they had got well in front.
Helpless Forwards.
There they were practically helpless, for their shooting was of the weakest description, Chadwick was a fine leader. He was skilful, made passes with beautiful judgment, and was indefatigable. His efforts in conjunction with Williams and Irvine were executed in masterly fashion, but as soon any of the three endeavoured to turn a position of advantage to account they were lost. Chadwick did most of the shooting, but he got no force into his efforts, and Dexter in the Forest goal was not seriously troubled. Probably what could be reckoned as his best attempt, that is the one into which he put most power, was a trifle too high. Williams could do no better, and Irvine was generally wide of the mark. A centre by Troup threatened danger, for he ran close in, and keeping the bail low put right across, but there was no one near enough to apply the finishing touch. Finding matters going so badly in the shooting line, Chedgzoy appeared on the scene as a marksman in the second half, but met with no better success than the others. The Forest defence was splendid. Dexter, a Nottingham youth, who is not yet eighteen years old, made his debut in goal, and acquitted himself with every credit. He was not tested by anything of a difficult nature, but he shaped like a workman, and did all that was required of him. Hardy has a very high opinion him. Jones and Bulling played a steady game. The latter was badly knocked out, but resumed and continued to do well. The half-back line was strong. Parker played a sterling game, and Burton, who was every ready to dash forward, was in form, while there is no doubt that Wallace is an acquisition to the side. The Everton defence was also excellent. Fern had a little more to do than Dexter, but he was always at ease. Raitt and McDonald were capital backs, and a clever display was given by McBain, Brown, and Hart. Nottingham Forest.—Dexter; Bulling, Jones; Wallace, Parker (F.), Burton; Gibson, Flood, Walker, Tinsley, and Martin. Everton.—Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, and Troup. Referee: H. Mason, Birmingham.

CENTRAL LEAGUE.
Lancashire Evening Post- Monday 3 September 1923
EVERTON TURN THE TABLES.
North End Reserve made three change for the Goodison Park match, and they did not turn out well. The whole side opened their game in a way which inspired confidence, yet apparently they set a pace that they could not keep up. The result was that the strong Everton side got into smooth working order, and although the Preston backs worker, the offside trick time and again, and tended to cut up the game, the fact remained that Everton were always on top. They scored three goals in the last ten minutes of the first half. Such men as Downs, Forbes, Livingstone, anal Harrison were too good for Preston, whose chief man was Mercer at centre half, who played good football from first to last. Hall was rather weak at outside right.

VICTORY FOR REDS!
Nottingham Journal, Monday 3 September 1923
GOODISON PARK TEAM BEATEN AT THE CITY GROUND
WALKER’S GOAL
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1 EVERTON 0
Forest have got on the winning track. Their victory over Everton at the City Ground on Saturday was well-deserved, indeed, had they won by four clear goals instead of one it would have been no more than they merited. Opinion different at all times in regard to the composition of a football team, but there could be no doubt about the fact on Saturday that Forest’s altered forces served up decidedly better fare from both effective and scientific points of view. For one thing the changes in the forward line brought about smooth working between wing and wing, and Duncan Walker their Scottish leader, was more at home than in the two previous matches. Again there was a more sympathetic touch between the half-backs and the forward line, and the half-backs and the defence
DEXTER’S DEBUT
It was a bold experiment to place Young Dexter between the posts in the absence of Sam Hardy, who was still suffering from a chill, and while their eighteen-year-old Nottingham lad acquitted himself splendidly he had to thank the sound guard that Bulling and Jones set up that the Everton sharpshooters were not allowed to get to close quarters. It was a hard, keenly-fought game, and one that produced many thrills and much clever football, but the Reds were always confident masters of the situation. To Tom Fern, the Worsop-born goalkeeper stands the credit that Everton were not beaten on two more occasions, and to McBain in another instance for preventing a certain goal when all seemed over. The improvement in the Forest side was undoubtedly brought about by the reorganisation of the half back line. Wallace was more at home for example on the right flank than on the left, and Fred Parker brought weight and sturdiness to bear that was more than useful, while Burton provided that speed and cunning which are so essential to the holding in check of fleet-footed opposition.
THE KEY TO SUCCESS
In my judgement the re-installation of the Basford-born player in the middle line was the means of strengthened both attack and defence. In front of him Martin and Tinsley returned to play “class” football, and they proved themselves to be a very effective left wing. Martin’s centres were always charged with danger, and more was seen of Walker by reason of the fact that Tinsley and Flood provided him with better passes than he has previously received. The all-important goal, which came at the end of five minutes’ play, was directly due to Burton’s initiative behind Tinsley and Martin, and the trio carried out a movement which had the visiting defence in a tangle. Walker’s shot was a touch of the Scottish master, for he placed the ball in the most adroit fashion out of the reach of Fern. Quite as easily he could have got an other goal had Gibson given him the ball after running round McDonald, but the winger preferred to make a shot, which Fern get to and cleared. Walker was unfortunate with two great shots which just missed the mark, but they served to show his admirers there is danger in his boots! Everton are a nicely-balanced side, Raitt and McDonald displayed more confidence than at Goodison Park, and their half-back line, in which McBain was a giant, suffered little in consequence of Peacock’s absence.
TRICKY TROUP
Hart was perhaps more prominent than brown, who had a clever wing to meet in Tinsley and Martin. Forward, they were well served by Chedgzoy and Troup, whose tricks kept Bulling and Jones extremely vigilant. Irvine and Williams also had many tricks and were enterprising, but they were carefully watched by Wallace and Burton, and Chadwick was seldom allowed to break through. Nevertheless the centre-forward was a good leader and he played clever football, while he never missed a chance to shoot. It was a very pleasant match to watch, and Mr. Mason, the referee, told the writer that it had been a real pleasure to him to have charge of two such fine games. The players, he said, were real sports. Now that Forest have struck the winning path it is to be hoped they will stick to it, and they will if they reproduce Saturday’s form. Nottingham Forest- Dexter; Bulling, Jones; Wallace, Parker (F.), Burton; Gibson, Flood, Walker, Tinsley, and Martin. Everton;- Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, and Troup. Referee; Mr. H. Mason (Birmingham). -J.R.S.

EVERTON CREATE A SURPRISE
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, September 3, 1923
EVERTON FALL AT NOTTINGHAM
By F.E.H
There is an old French proverb to the effect that “It is the first step which counts.” Now, in football, it is the last step that scores the goal. Had the Everton forwards minded their terminal stride at Nottingham on Saturday they would not have retired from the field a beaten team. You have, doubtless, read all about the game, and there is not much use in the re-telling of a disappointing story. Briefly, it was one of lost opportunities. If half the openings had been turned to account the result might well have been reversed. Everton’s lack of combination in the forward division allowed the Forest defence ample breathing space, with the result that the backs were able to cover young Dexter, and so save any threatening invasion. Had the Everton quintet “rushed” this promising and obviously nervously nervous lad- he is only eighteen they must inevitably have got through. As it was they hesitated-and as is the case in other walks of life- lost! Dexter is a local boy, of whom the Nottingham critics speak very highly. Sam Hardy, who has a touch of rheumatism, was on the ground, and in the course of a personal that he sent greetings to all Liverpool friends. The Everton forward line was, on the whole, very disappointing, much of their work being scrappy, and much below concert pitch. Chadwick suggested “prancing” rather than “racing” in the matter of pace, but he was by no means wholly to blame. There were others. The Forest are not a class side, but they possess many of the attributes that go to make one. In my humble judgement they will go further.

PLENTY OF GOALS AT GOODISON
September 4, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Everton Flatter But to Deceive
By Jocke
Everton 3, Burnley 3
Everton display, disappointed 21,000 supporters at Goodison Park last evening, when hey concerned a point to Burnley after establishing a two goal lead when fifteen minutes had gone in the second half. To be candid however as the game finished they were a trifle lucky even to retain the one point, for in the last five minutes Fern only just managed to smother the ball on the line, and it was worked away from the melee. Altogether it was a game of contrasts, but one side and then the other appearing to be top dog. It was not a good exhibition of football if we except the respective tight wings, for there was too much aimless kicking on both sides. Burnley in this respect being the worst offenders. To an extent Everton are to be towminerated, with for it was only when Williams got a rap on the old injury o his ankle, which made him a passenger for the best part of the second half, that the Burnley revived.
First Minute Goal
The game opened in sensational fashion, Chedgzoy putting the Blues one up in the first minute with a fine drive from 20 yards range as a result of a nice cross from Williams. Everton continued to be faster on the ball and once Dawson had to be quite in negotiating a great centre from Chedgzoy under difficulty. The Burnley forwards hereabout were giving a very ragged display, and it seemed only a matter of time when the homsters lead would be increased but their finishing tactics were weak. The equalizer came about ten minutes from the interval, and was indirectly the result of a weak clearance by McDonald from a throw-in. The ball went to Wilson who put it well into the goalmouth. Anderson just reached the ball before McBain and the centre seized with a ground drive, Fern being partly unsighted by the centre-half. The only other incident was the injury to Williams the inside left going off for repairs. In the second half the Blues opened in dashing style, and with thirteen minuets were two goals up, Chadwick in each case being the artist. First McBain gave the centre forward a pass, and the latter sent in a drive which beat Dawson all the way. Two minutes later Hart was going through when he was brought down in the penalty area and Chadwick taking the kick, beat Dawson with a hard ground shot.
A Transformation
It was about this time that Williams, who it was plain was handicapped, went outside left, and hereafter Everton had to play second fiddle. Burnley concentrated their efforts on their right wing and quite well did Kelly and Rennie rejoice. Once McDonald did well to rob Kelly ten yards out, but after 2 minutes the international got in a shot which gave Fern no chance. A minute later Anderson equalized from a centre to Rennie. Ten minutes from time Williams again had his injured ankle sapped and was carried off.

EVERTON 3 BURNLEY 3
September 4, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
THRILLING FGAME AT GOODISON PARK.
EVERTON YIELD POINT AFTER LEADING 3-1.
By Bees.
It would seem that Everton this season have unaccountably come to the conclusion that one goal against is fatal and they have to belief in themselves. “They win who believe they can,” Everton this season have belief in that maxim, but no belief in themselves. It was seen in the Nottingham Forest game, when, after leading nicely by a satisfying margin, they collapsed when their defence was pierced on one occasion.
AMAZING FOOTBALL.
Something similar occurred last evening before nearly 30,000 spectators when Everton fielded the side that were beaten at Nottingham, and took the lead in two minutes, lost it before half-time, gained a two goals lead within a short time after half-timer, Yet drew the game 3-3 with Burnley. It was amazing thrilling, and fluctuating football, and to their everlasting credit, may it be said that the men played in a sporting manner, and although they could have contested with the referee some decisions they made their protests and then went on with their work, which is uncommon in these days of extreme protests in sport. Let us study the goals as they came. In two minutes Chedgzoy had received a pass from Troup, thanks to Irvine allowing the ball to travel to him. He hit a glorious drive and put his side one up. This was a hearty beginning and yet Burnley, who brought Anderson and his overweight at centre-forward, and made other very vital changes, leaving out such men as David Taylor and Weaver, came so very near to eqaualising that it must be confessed Everton were lucky to escape a goal until late in the half. There were times when it was sheer good fortune that the Everton defence did not give way, and during this period Fern and McDonald, as in the second half, were utterly unblameworthy. Raitt certainly save done goal, and McBain another, when hopes was lost, but Fern had done wonderful things, and had, like Dawson, used the one-handed punch to edge the ball over the bar with shots that were full of danger. Before halt time Anderson scored by driving the ball into the goal after Fern had made a clearance. Thus at the interval there was a cry of “All square. And “45” to come.”
A TEMPERAMENTAL SIDE.
No sooner had the second half started its mission than McBain gave what is a rarity in these days, a straight forward pass up the middle to his centre-forward. It was something like the days when Taylor and Coleman used to make openings for Freeman, and Chadwick, tall, strong, and willing to shoot, wasted no times about driving the ball along the turf. It was a shot such as Chadwick alone could produce, and Dawson saw the ball bound into the left hand corner. This was good football, and when the tall, awkward to pass Hill pushed Hart in the back as the home captain was dribbling his way through a penalty kick was only just, and Chadwick took the spot-kick and scored, so that Chadwick had completed his double and justified himself. A lead of 3-1 should have been sufficient for Everton. It was not nearly sufficient, for allowing for Anderson's misses through uneasy tread, the fact remains that Burnley were dangerous and fested the equilibrium of the home defenders. Thus Kelly, in front of goal drove hard into the net. Such a goal showed Everton as a tempernmented side, for they went clean out of the attacking line, and within a moment they had not only lost their lead though Anderson taking a centre from Bennie, but they came near to losing the game.
TURN OF THE TIDE.
Such a starting turn round in football is rarely seen. Time had nearly flown before Burnley awoke to their chances, and it must be conceded that Williams having been hurt at half-time was a passenger in the second half, and changed places with Troup, who had played his best game of the season thus far. But even so that does not excuse Everton their incapacity for keeping out the opposition when they held a nice lead. The game ended with six goals divided, and one must give points to certain outstanding pierce of play that crowded themselves into the game. Thus in the first half Williams drove, Irvine headed, Dawson made many saves. Hart made a solo run and got no support from his forwards, who should have been better placed when he centred. Anderson was intently weak, Kelly made a drive, and Fern handled, and some imagine Fern's hand was over the line when he propelled the ball. Freeman headed against the upright, which was lucky for Everton, and Hill made chance shots from too far out. Raitt saved Fern from Freeman and Bennie. This was further luck. Chedgzoy sent in delightful centres from the wing, and a shot from the touchline that tested Dawson, to the full. Troup passed to Chadwick, whose overhead kick had enormous pace in it, so much so that Dawson fell on all four after he had saved it, McBain and Irvine were slightly over with drives. In the second half, Chedgzoy shot with left and right, which is another uncommon feature in these days of one footed players Brown was unlucky to have a drive blocked and McBain gave Chadwick his first goal. Then came the penalty. Freeman then showed himself quite a clever controller, but unlucky in his finishes. After Kelly goal, and Anderson's goal a further Kelly effort was smothered by Fern, and Williams being hurt again was carried off by the trainer.
PRAISE FOR PLAYERS.
Speaking personally, one could give praise to Fern, McDonald, McBain, Chedgzoy, the last two in particular, and in minor key to Hart, Brown, Irvine, Chadwick, and Troup. Burnley are an improving side, and they made changes for the better. They have to do something, but there are not many selectors who would leave out their captain. The right flank of the side was left untouched, but all along the left wing there were experiments, and they did not come out at all badly, even though Anderson is slow. Freeman, Morgan and Evans justified themselves, and one imagines that Cross, the Birkenhead can become quite a useful outside left. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, and Troup, forwards. Burnley, goal, Dawson, goal, Smelt, and Evans, backs, Watson, Hill, and Morgan, half-backs, Bennie, Kelly, Anderson, Freeman, and Cross, forwards.

REMARKABLE EVERTON HAPPENINGS
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, September 4, 1923
Bee’s Notes
People have been asking what comes over Everton in the second half. Some have bethought themselves that the team doesn’t stay. Don’t you believe it. Some believe the men strain at effect rather than get through with the practical business. Others believe that the side is straying from the paths of confidence. There I do feel inclined to agree, for one could not have wished to see a side so comfortably placed as was Everton when they led 3-1. That they should lead 3-1 was a surprise that ought to have heartened them to victory. At half-time they could not have grumbled had they been down 3-1. That is a big thing to say, but it bears evidence by the markings on my notebook. I am sorry I cannot offer them to you-you could not read them anyway, so I am reminded of the black man who said, “The one thing you ain’t been doing nothing else, but.” So there! What is deeply impressed in my mind is that Everton for the second time have been “windy” after holding the reins tight goal seems to put them off their balance, and while one must note the fact that unlucky Williams was a passenger and went outside left, finally to be carried off the field, one must state that Everton released their grip on the game in a very aggravating manner, and I think the looseness of defence and the failure of Raitt to get back to recover lost ground had something to do with the result.
CHEDGZOY, YOUR HAND!
I think Chedgzoy’s two home games have shown us real international form. He had his moody periods last season, but so far has been thrilling, skilled, fast and sure. Imagine him driving shots from the touch-line and making Dawson jump to save them. Imagine his run up to a point parallel to the goal-line and a centre curling in sure and true to make one of the most awkward of business for the goalkeeper. Imagine further that you cast your mind back to 1920. Ah, those were the days. And Chedgzoy is reviving those days by his gorgeous football of this season. May he long go on. Irvine was skilled, and Chadwick once made an overhead kick that was ery strong, and Dawson had all sorts and sizes of shots to put up with. One was delighted with Troup’s first half display. Burnley made flagrant changes and they were satisfied with them, too. It is not many clubs who would risk taking out men like Emerson, Dave Taylor, Weaver, and company. Burnley brought in Freeman, a bonny dribbler, after the Kelly type, at inside left and pushed the Birkenhead boy, Cross, but to outside left, where he shaped fairly well. Freeman is going to make a name for dainty work. Kelly was a very live wire, and has plainly got his torch aflame through little Bennie’s excellent assistance. Bennie is smaller than Fanny Walden and is a shade more direct in his methods. He goes up all the time! Walden waltzes round and about the mulberry bush of Hougheyian song!” (not Hawaian, but pronounced the same). Hill is an awful customer to encompass, his awkwardness and length of leg being a barrier. He’ll come on, too. Smelt played better than usual, and Evans, the Welsh international, at back, and Morgan, a local, did themselves well.
FORM AND FACTS
It was good to see Fern making some fine handing-out punches, just as Dawson had done, too. McDonald played a hearty and good game, though one could fault him now and again when he “plugged” at the ball. At half back I thought McBain played a storming game, even if we allow that big Anderson, tried at centre, was “over-weighted.” It is an odd thing that Anderson, at his own request, is still on the transfer list, and has only just got his game through accident to Beal. One Burnley player is to be seen sitting on the stand and drawing the dole!  The wing half-backs were good, and with Troup playing like his old true self and once-shooting at outrageous range, you may ask me how was it the side came to draw. Ask me another! I will say this- Burnley played uncommonly good football in part, and much of their work was the sort that entranced; in fact, I don’t remember a game that fled from pillar to post so readily, and throughout gave one unstinted joy. The players were a sporty lot, and the sport would improve if we had more of these excellent displays. The man who could grumble at last night’s fare would grumble at his own funeral arrangement!
THOSE MID-WEEK MATCHES
It would seen that profiting by their experience of a year ago, the Liverpool and Everton football clubs are resolved upon a mid-week campaign so far as the reserve teams’ Central League are concerned. It has been a fruitful point of discussion, and the Wednesday games have now mainly come to stay.

THE McCOLGAN MYSTERY
September 5, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Everton To See Him Play After All
McGolgan, the scot Everton were after, has come to the surface again. It was announced that he had given up the idea of playing any more football, and had gone back to work in the pits. However, our Scottish correspondent writes that McGolan has resigned for Albion Rovers, which will give Everton the opportunity of seeing him in action after his accident. By the way, the price asked for this player is £1,000.

SPLENDID RECOVERIES
The Burnley News- Wednesday, September 5, 1923
BURNLEY’S UP-HILL BATTLE AT GOODISON PARK
ANDERSON’S TWO GOALS
MORGAN GIVES A GOOD DISPLAY AT HALF-BACK
EVERTON N3 BURNLEY 3
By Kestrel
It is not often one sees two magnificent recoveries in one game, but that was what a weakened Burnley team provided the crowd with at Goodison Park on Monday. After being in arrear in the first- half they drew level, and though they lost other two goals and appeared to be hopelessly beaten in the secondhalf, they rallied wonderfully and drew level. It was an epic struggle, a tale of dour defence and downright courage, and no one could complain that sufficient, was not provided to maintain the interest in the game. It was contest which pulsated with brilliant spectacular movements, and in which every man on the field did great things at one period or another. Unfortunately, at the opening Burnley again demonstrated their unhappy knack of allowing themselves to be taken by surprise, and it meant a lot well-conceived work before they levelled matters.
SENSATIONAL START
The opening was not only sensational; it was extremely startling to the Burnley supporters, of whom there were not a few. Three minutes from the start Williams swung the ball right across the field to where CHEDGZOY was standing unmarked, and like a flash the winger was away. Before Evans could reach him he had fired in terrific drive from a long distance, and though Dawson managed to touch the ball, he could not deflect its course for goal. It was not until 26 minutes later that Burnley, after valiant efforts, got the equaliser. The ball was passed across from the right to Cross, who tried a shot which lacked power, and it passed to the middle ANDERSON threw himself at the ball, though McBaindid his best to prevent the Burnley leader, and the ball passed over the line, Fern being powerless. After the interval Everton took matters completely into their own hands, and in nine minutes McBain sent, a pretty through pass which CHADWICK collected, and finding the backs spread-eagled he ran clean through and shot from 20 yards range, the ball rattling the rigging. Three minutes later Hill was adjudged to have fouled Williams in the area, though there did not seem any justification for any punishment, and from the spot-kick CHADWICK gave Dawson no chance. The crowd were satisfied that Everton had won, and indeed it looked so, as in the first half-hour after the interval Burnley were hardly in the picture. But with a quarter of an hour to go Morgan put the ball across, and McDonald, who was well away from the line, miskicked in Bennie's direction. Immediately the little winger fastened on to the ball, and he put in a lovely centre which Anderson tried to drive home, and as the ball was pushed out KELLY shot hard and had the satisfaction of beating Fern. Three minutes later Hill again found Bennie unmarked, and the latter, trickily taking the ball, passed to Kelly, who in turn gave to ANDERSON, and the latter sent a crashing drive into the net.
KELLY UNLUCKY
The turn was so sudden and dramatic that the crowd could hardly realise what had taken place. It was distinctly creditable to Burnley that after fighting such an uphill battle they were able, by superior stamina and lasting power, to take a share in the spoils. True, they were slow to get off the mark. Perhaps the consistency with which the spin of the coin has gone against them had something to with it, but there was no doubt their early work lacked snap, and for a time they were outpaced. When, however, they began to move together, they met with heart-breaking luck. Perhaps they played too closely, but the fact remained that they seemed to unable to do anything right. Well-intentioned passes were diverted by the merest luck on many occasions. Coherent moves were checked luckily when they appeared to be fructifying and though the front line as a whole were more deadly as marksmen, they were not favoured with fortune Kelly especially had a galling experience before the first equaliser came, in twice having good drives diverted by the merest fraction, whilst Freeman headed against the upright with Fern beaten. Needless to say, Everton were having a full share of the work, though at this period, Burnley had got the upper hand. There was one thing about their play and that was the speed at which they carried out direct moves and the frequency with which they shot. In fact first-time shooting appeared to be their fetish and no one did this oftener than Chedgzoy, who was almost as much a thorn in Dawson’s flesh as Dawson must have been in his. For “Jerry” was in topping form and the saves he made were absolutely wonderful. One especially stands out, and that was when Chadwick, standing with his back to the Burnley goal, lifted the ball over his head and as the leather dropped immediately in front of the bar, Dawson lept and put it behind. He said afterwards it was one of the most awkward shots he had ever had to deal with, and he knocked his thumb up in doing it.
A RELAPSE AND RECOVERY.
The home halves for a good portion of this half gave Burnley little opportunity to think out plans. The open play of the Goodison side tended to keep the Burnley defence on a run until the forwards could develop attacks.  Chances were undoubtedly missed by the Burnley inside men when they began to get a grip of matters, but they showed a persistency and a cohesion which were very promising and they provided any amount of thrills. It was a keenly fought half, carried out at a great pace by both sides and on the craft shown and the amount of attack put in, Burnley deserved to have held a lead at the interval. But over the first half hour in the second period one would almost prefer to draw a veil, were it not that it proved the grit of the Burnley players. Very rarely have I seen Burnley so completely obliterated. Everton simply ran riot. They outpaced the Clarets by their great burst of speed, they bamboozled them till the defence, overworked and hardly ever having relief, hardly knew which way to turn. There were long periods of almost continual bombardment, as Everton expended their fire and their forwards, Chedgzoy, Chadwick and Williams especially, backed McBain, showed any amount of skill and resource. Their second lead was obtained by really brilliant football and the wonder was that they did not obtain more goads. Burnley were simply nowhere except in defence and that was where Smelt shone. He played a storming game, doing three men's work it appeared to be, spending of unfathomed vitality in heroic style. During the half hour, the Burnley forwards hardly ever saw the ball, the defence was so busily engaged as to be unable give any assistance to the front rank. There seemed to be no end to Everton's possibilities, and the team simply ran riot, driven forward as they were by a powerful half back line. Burnley supporters began to "lap up," Pressmen sent away messages announcing the overwhelming defeat of Burnley. Then came the dramatic turn of events which rounded off a thrilling contest. During that half-hour the Burnley half backs had been kept on continual chase of the ball, Hill frequently being puzzled at the extreme pace of the opposing attack. But in three minutes the whole situation was changed, and it came about through the fact that McDonald erred just as Evans had erred, in keeping to the middle of the field and not covering the outside winger. On both occasions Bennie was found unmarked by the Burnley men, and he got across such lovely centres as to lead to securing the equaliser. It was a storming wind-up, one which gave the greatest satisfaction to the Burnley supporters.
FEATURES IN BURNLEY'S PLAY.
The great features of the game from a Burnley point of view were the magnificent defensive work of Smelt, who was without doubt the best back on the field, and the clever and tricky work of Bennie, a wonderful artist in craft and ball control. In company with Kelly he played with rare judgment, and never has Kelly been seen to better advantage this season. He not only shot well, but combined wonderfully with the rest of the forwards, and was a great driving force when opportunities to do so came his way. Nor can one forget the admirable manner in which Dawson kept goal against such great odds. His judgement was well-nigh perfect, and some of the saves he made bordered on the miraculous. Anderson was a revelation in attack, for he welded the wings together in masterly fashion, giving hosts of delighted ground passes to the wings and rounding off attacks in a manner which inspired confidence. Freeman played well, as also did Cross in his unaccustomed position. Morgan was of great services in the half back line, and had the rest of the halves copied his example in changing the point of attack frequently, a victory might have accrued. He was a glutton for work, and against; such a clever right wing as Chedgzoy and Irvine he thoroughly held his own. Indeed, for their great uphill fight, which led to such a dramatic climax, the whole team deserves every praise. The teams were;- Burnley; Dawson; Smelt, and Evans; Watson, Hill and Morgan; Bennie, Kelly, Anderson, Freeman and Cross. Everton; Fern; Raitt and McDonald; Brown, McBain, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, and Troup. Referee, Mr. F. Hall, of Darlington.

BEE’S SPORTS NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, September 5, 1923
Everton have dropped Raitt and McDonald to the reserve side to-day, and bring back Downs, Livingstone, Forbes and Peacock. These are startling changes, and will be much debated, I cannot afford space to them to-day, for many reasons. More anon.
Teams; (v. Blackburn, at home, 3.15); Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, Troup.
Reserves, at Bradford, to-day; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; McCrae, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Virr, Wall, and Harrison.
Seats on the Goodison stands can be booked, without extra fee, from Sharp’s, Whitechapel, for any first team match

DRASTIC CHANGES BY EVERTON
September 6, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Both Backs Dropped For Saturday
Everton directors, who apparently share the uneasiness of Goodison frequenters regarding the defence, have dropped Raitt and McDonald at full back for the match with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, and have selected Downs and Livingstone. Peacock happily fit resumes at half, but Williams whose ankle was hurt on Monday will be absent. Chadwick takes to inside-left berth, and Forbes reappears at centre. The side is, therefore; Fern; Downs and Livingstone; Peacock, McBain and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick and Troup.

CENTRAL LEAGUE. BRADFORD CITY RESERVES BEAT EVERTON RESERVES.
Thursday 6 September 1923 Yorkshire Post
Leeds Harehills player, J. Smith, made his first, appearance with Bradford City Reserves at inside left, in their return match the Central League, with Everton Reserves, at Bradford, last night. Everton had matters much their own way in the first half, and should have crossed over with a bigger lead than a goal, scored by McGrae from long shot. The second half City showed greatly improved form. Cant took a forward pass, and running between the Everton backs, scored at short range. City continued to press, and in melee which followed, miskick by Rigby. When he had only the goalkeeper to beat. Everton were penalised for hands, and Cheetham gave City Reserves the lead. Result—Bradford City Reserves 2 goals Everton Reserves 1 goal.

BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
September 6, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Although represented by a strong side, including Harland, Raitt, and McDonald, Everton Reserves were beaten by Bradford City Reserves. In the first half the visitors dominated the game, Miller, Virr, and Wall all making good attempts, before McGrae scored 20 minutes before the interval. Everton quite outplayed the home team, however, made splendid recovery in the second half, Cant equalising after 20 minutes and Cheethan scoring the winning goal from a penalty kick given against Raitt, ten minutes later. Everton afterwards made strong efforts to equalise, but the forwards finished weakly, and Bradford despite inferior injuries to three players held out to the end. The strongest department of the Everton team was in defence, Raitt, and McDonald forming a powerful rare guard, while Grenyer was the best of the half-backs, and Harrison the chief figure in a moderate attack. Everton: - Harland, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, McCrae, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Virr, Wall, and Harrison, forwards.

EVERTON CHANGES.
September 6, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The Everton team to meet Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park on Saturday, will include Downs and Livingstone at back in place of Raitt and McDonald. Peacock returns to half-back to the exclusion of Brown, while with Williams injured, Forbes returns to centre-forward, with Chadwick at inside left. The team will be: - Fern, Downs, Livingstone, Peacock, McBain, Hart, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup.

ROVERS AT GOODISON
The Liverpool Echo-Thursday, September 6, 1923
Bee’s Notes
It is now likely that McKay, Blackburn Rovers clever inside right, will be able to resume his position in the team at Goodison Park on Saturday. He sustained an injury to his shoulder at Newcastle, and was unable to play at Chelsea. On Monday the shoulder was put under X-rays, and this showed no bones were broken or dislocated. Subject to his fitness the side to meet Everton will be;- Sewell; Rollo, Wylie; Headless, Dixon, McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, and Byers.
EVERTON A
At the Townsend-lane ground, on Saturday, Everton A (after their draw at Burscough) play Frodsham. Team; Lawson; Caddick, Helsby; Oliver, Weir, Rooney; Torley, Barton, Duphie, Forest.

A RUNNING RULE OVER EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, September 7, 1923
Bee’s Notes
The Everton side to face Blackburn Rovers is plainly picked in the belief that Downs will produce that “confidence” and stern resistance that has been lacking for a few weeks. I have doubts whether McDonald should have been dropped on this season’s form. However, the club have seemingly settled upon a pair that work together, and we shall see whether they make that all-roundedness for ninety minutes that led Everton to lose a point on Monday against Burnley. Blackburn are a new side these days. Dixon, of Newcastle, has gone to half-back after “righting it” in the forward line, and Crisp seems to have become a heaven-sent shooter, which was not his forte at the Albion ground. Sewell has always found Goodison a grand spot for him; and yet I have no doubts about the Rovers’ defence. Williams is out of luck, and therefore Forbes comes back to centre, and Chadwick moves to the left. Forbes will not this time have a giant to contend with. I hope he has some up-the-middle passes too. My own view is that Everton will win handsomely to-morrow. Teams;-
Everton; Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, Troup. Blackburn Rovers; Sewell; Rollo, Wyllie; Healless, Dixon, McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, Byers.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday September 8, 1923
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON AGAIN START WELL BUT LACK FINISH
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 8, 1923
SEWELL ONCE AGAIN DEMONSTRATES HIS POWERS IN THE PINCHING-OUT DEPARTMENT FOR THE ROVERS
EVERTON 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
Everton; Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, Troup. Blackburn Rovers; Sewell; Rollo (Captain), Wyllie; Healless, Williamson, McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, Byers. Everton at Goodison Park, today, had good friends from Blackburn, and for the occasion they brought in Downs and Livingstone vice McDonald and Raitt- a rather sweeping movement from the boardroom, but dictated by recent cracking processes in the rear-guard. A fine day, my sirs, and the prospect of a capital game, Forbes, at centre, allowed Chadwick to go to his usual place. I wonder whether they would inter-change places with advantage?
GETTING BETTER
I saw Jack Cock this week. He is not yet “plus four,” but he is progressing nicely and will be fit for service in a week or so. It was ideal weather for cricket, and when the ball went high in the air all the players had to shield their eyes because of the intense sun. when Mr. Sharp, of Lichfield, lined up the players there were about 35,000 people present, and Everton had to face the sun and what little wind there was. Troup began by wasting a ball, and Rollo by being uncertain in timing the ball. The first call on a goalkeeper arose when the referee, for some unaccountable reason, decided that Livingstone had foully charged Crisp. It was from this point that Fern had to punch away.
A CHAPTER OF CASUALTIES
It was perfectly clean football, but all in a moment the casualty list grew all of a lump. First of all Peacock, having tripped up, had to dribble cannily to make sure that he recovered a dangerous situation, and when he parted to McBain the latter set Irvine going, and he in turn passed along to Chedgzoy. The latter centred rather strongly to the middle of the goal, and as Chadwick ran in (to head the ball over the bar) Sewell apparently caught him in the face with his arm, whilst in addition Chadwick was also hurt on the leg. No sooner had Chadwick recovered than Sewell made one of his old-fashioned punches, such as he used when he played for Burnley against Sheffield United in a semi-final tie here, and the ball went to the far end, where Downs, in attempting to keep his man off the ball, received in is body the full force of an attempted centre on the part of Crisp. As usual, Downs was soon up and doing, and Everton then made much progress by means of free kicks, Chedgzoy hitting one to the left-hand side.
OF THE CLASSIC ORDER
McBain was grand in the way he opened up a way for Irvine by ground passes. His scheming was infectious, for Everton then had about ten minutes in which their passing was quite of the Corinthian fashion and craft like in its movements. It was a joy to see such football, and with Wyllie unable to cope with Chedgzoy’s dodgery and his centres, the Rovers’ goal looked like falling any moment. However, Sewell fell to save a dropping shot, and Chedgzoy three times plopped across centres that cried aloud for conversion. Sewell, the man with the mighty hands, alone stood between Everton and goal, while at the other end Downs and Livingstone covered Fern till he had what is known as a cushy job.
CRAB CRAWL BY DOWNS
Blackburn showed many signs of weakness, and although McKay was a clever dribbler, Byers made a wild shot from long range, and at another point Downs had to do a “crab crawl” to get the ball between his knees, a little diversion that pleased the crowd, because it was uncommon, and also because it showed that Downs has as much enthusiasm as an eighteen-year-old. He must enjoy his football just as much as we who look on. Rollo added to the mistakes made by Blackburn, and let in Troup, it was near the centre position, and the little fellow made a lovely drive, the ball soaring up the more the longer it went. It was an unstoppable shot, and passed a mere inch over the crossbar. Everton attacked once again on then right through a special endeavour on the part of Irvine and a centre by Chedgzoy. This time, however, Chedgzoy pulled the ball too close to goal- it is odds on the man who can use his hands, as against the forward, when the ball comes close to the goal.
FATAL HESITATION
McKay finished badly with a right foot shot and Harper drove against the cross bar after the whistle had sounded for off side. Crisp was virtually unemployed, and at this point each outside-left showed a fatal hesitancy to take a chance. Myers for instance, hung on and pondered until his own men ran up and got offside. In the case of Troup I reckoned that the ball must have “kicked” just as he went to take a gift, for he seemed to have to change his step. This latter point arose through Chedgzoy taking a free kick for a foul committed on himself. McKay was the brains of the attack, with McIntyre a second best, and on the home side Troup wanted so much watching that one of the Rovers’ men decided it was time to trip. Chedgzoy put outside after Hart had run along the touch line in Troup’s steps, and Hart and Chedgzoy made cross drives that sent the ball spinning to the right hand side. Blackburn were most dangerous when Livingstone thoroughly missed the ball through being blinded by the sun, but Harper could not master Downs. Right on half-time McIntyre missed a gift goal.
Half-time;- Everton 0, Blackburn 0
THE SUN AS A BARRIER
The second half opened with McBain making an effort of royal strength, and the ball passing very narrowly over the bar. The Rovers found that the sun was a great barrier in this half and when they attacked on the left Downs made another spectacular clearance. He was in the act of falling when turning back on his own goal, yet he headed the ball away. Hart was fouled a yard outside the penalty area, and after the free kick had been manoeuvred Troup went quite close in an endeavour to drift the ball beyond Sewell. The sun bothered the referee as well as Blackburn, and there was a time when he had his hands up to his eyes, yet could not possibly see that the Rovers were off-side. There was still a lack of punch in the home side-in both sides for that matter. Some thought that Forbes was charged in the back in the penalty area, but no penalty was awarded. There was not much between the teams now, except that Peacock and Downs between them stalled off Harper.
POOR SECOND HALF
Blackburn came with a wet sail when Crisp got busy with a feint, followed by a determined onward and upward attack, in which the ex-Albion man always looked extremely dangerous. Downs nipped in at the crucial moment, as is his habit. Then followed an unusual position; a foul for dangerous play, the free kick being given against Williamson, who got his foot up dangerously near Chadwick’s head. Play went rather tame, but anyone who remembered the conditions of sun and heat made allowances for the somewhat poor second half. The referee had plenty of offside work to attend to, and made one error, which he admitted, in that he threw the ball down around the penalty spot. Hart, who got a penalty on Wednesday which was much debated, now got a free kick for bumping, and although Everton had much play they failed to make a real sustained effort when it came to the shooting area. Blackburn were the more dangerous when they got on the move, and this was notable when crisp, chased by Livingstone, edged in centre, and three Blackburn men ran up to try to head the ball but failed. Crisp hurt his ribs in the process, but while he was recovering he looked on and saw McIntyre finish badly. Although he was in the penalty area, and also saw Forbes make two efforts, the first a header that swung just outside the post and the second a first-time hit from a Chedgzoy centre. Sewell caught an awkward ball. Final; Everton 0 Blackburn 0

EVERTON v  FRODSHAM
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday September 8, 1923
The visitors kicked off, and Lawson was soon called upon to save from Kendrick. At the other end Torley sent in a hot shot which just went over. The home team kept up the pressure for some time, Gibson bringing off good saves. Moody had an excellent chance of giving the visitors the lead, but his shot went wide. Gibson next saved splendidly from Lawson, but in the next minute the latter player gave Everton the lead. Duphie next worked his way through the visitors defence, and netted, but was adjudged offside. The same player, in the next minute, struck the crossbar. The rebound was cleared. After thirty minutes’ play Everton were leading 1-0.

ALL GLITTER –NOTHING GOALED
September 10, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Gifts Go Begging At Goodison
Everton 0, Blackburn R 0
By Adam
Saturday was an ideal day for sea-bathing soda fountains, and alfresco slumber –in fact, for almost anything outdoor except football. The 40,000 spectators at Goodison went home sun burnt but unsatisfied. The players ended the game in perspiration and the emission of sighs of relief. There was too much sun altogether; it bothered, blistered, and blinded 22 performers and one referee, and that is a feasible excuse for many mistakes and no goals. Everton began at a rare bat, and both sides evidenced cleverness under difficulties. In a perfectly clean game, it was strange that first Chadwick and then Downs should be laid out before the match had gone half an hour. In this period Chedgzoy was inimitable. Four times he beat Wyllie, and sent across perfect centres but there was nobody at home. Troup, who by the way, is developing far too much individualism, had hard luck with a terrific bar-grazer, later on being beaten by a light bouncing ball when it looked odds on his scoring. The Rovers unfamiliar in red shirts, were no slovens, McKay, Byers and Crisp each moving dangerously and once Harper hit the crossbar after a whistle for offside. There was a gasp when Livingstone was dazzled by the sun, and let the Rovers centre through, but Downs stopped his man all right.
Ups and Downs
“Dicky” was ubiquitous. He was here, there and everywhere, and his acrobatic heading was a continual source of joy and wonderment. Time and again he bobbed up serenely when the Blackburn forwards were in aligament and all out for shooting, and that the crowd recognized his worth was evident by his reception at the interval and the finish. There were plenty of offside decisions from Mr. Shape, but what is a referee to do when he is running about shading his eyes in self defence. Once there were cries for a penalty when Forbes fell in the area, but official vision was obscured. Again when the Rovers’ five were right in front of Fern, and all onside, the whistle went for an infringement. Having recovered his eyesight, Mr. Shape realized his mistake and ordered a throw-down on to the whitewashed spot. This was hard luck for the visitors but it was all in the game, and if Everton had the better of the first half the Rovers held the reins in the second. The match actually was lost by poor shooting by the inside forward but as I have said, physical conditions were to a great extent responsible. Next to Downs, Chedgzoy was Everton’s best man. Irvine was uncertain; Forbes was occasionally a yard too slow in making up, passes a remark which equally apples to Chadwick and Troup elusive as ever, tried to do too much, the halves played steadily and sometimes brilliantly, while Livingstone was sound if overshadowed by his versatile partner. Fern was safe.
Crisp Runs
Blackburn were best served by their intermediate trio. Williamson, deputizing for Dixon have a promising display, albeit he kicked somewhat recklessly now and then. Crisp and Byers were flesh outsiders, the old Thristles sprints giving Livingstone a good deal of trouble. Harper was rarely in the picture, but the two Macs –McKay and McIntyre –dogged in whole heartenedly. Of the rearguard Swell was the pick and some of his punches were things at which to marvel. A pleasant legitimately played match in which the honours were deservedly shared. Everton; Fern; Downs and Livingstone; Peacock, McBain and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irivine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Blackburn Rovers; Sewell; Rolle, and Wylle; Healless, Williamson, McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, and Bynre.

EVERTON 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
September 10, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
ROVERS GET A POINT FROM EVERTON.
A GOALLES DRAW.
A share of the points was as much as Everton deserved as the result of their game with Blackburn Rovers, at Goodison Park, for, on the general run of the play, the sides were fairly evenly matched. No goals were scored, but 40,000 spectators saw much clever work by Everton in the first half, which was counter-balanced by the Rovers after the change of ends. For the best part of the first half the Rovers defence had to stand much hard pressure, and Everton's forward play was always pretty to watch, but it was not pushed home with the precision necessary to beat even as moderate defence. Sewell was kept busy, but in the main he was occupied in dealing with cross centres rather than direct shots. It was the lack of shooting that robbed Everton attack of its value as a match winning forces. The Rovers came more into the scheme, after the interval, and chiefly through Crisp's fine runs were frequently dangerous, yet Everton defence was steady enough to avert defeat. Everton's display, however, was hardly quite satisfactory, for the Rovers are by no means a great side, and having regard to the chances Everton had they lost a splendid opportunity of gaining both points.
EVERTON'S FINE START.
Everton started well, and there was more than a suggestion of superiority in their early movements. The forwards combined cleverly, and sound work by McBain helped to develop many nice openings. Excellent centres came from both Chedgzoy and Troup, which, however, only served to emphasize Sewell's ability to deal with cross-drivers. Early on Chadwick was temporarily knocked out when he got the full force of Swell's punch as he attempted to head the ball through from a centre by Chedgzoy. Then Sewell fell to take a ground shot by Troup, shortly afterwards, Troup was let in by Rollo, and a terrific shot went just over the bar. The Rovers next had a turn at attacking, and McKay shot very wide after getting close to the Everton goal, while Byers with one of the best chances so far venged to goal, but Hart blocked the shot near the goalline. Troup did not take their opportunity when it occurred, and the turn of the ball eventually prevented him doing justice to a fine opening. Livingstone failed to clear and let in McKay, who went on, but was challenged by downs, and between them the Everton backs got out of a bad position without loss. Although the Rovers were obviously the inferior side in this half, Crisp with a splendid run, opened out the best chance of the game. McIntyre should have scored, but he only shot across the face of the goal. The Everton forwards had difficulty in keeping on side and the brilliant run was a source of trouble to both teams. After the interval McBain went forward with a glorious drive that sailed narrowly over the bay. The Everton forwards then seemed to fade out, and the Rovers came more into the picture. Crisp was the mainspring of the attack, and during the last half hour, he was the most dangerous forward on the field, but he was not supported as he should have been, and the Everton defence survived an anxious time. One of Everton's best efforts came from Forbes, who with a close range shot almost surprised Sewell.
EVERTON'S STRENGTH.
The strongest part of the Everton side, was the half-back line. McBain did many clever things. His passing was true and judicious, and he kept a tight hold on the Rovers inside trio. Downs and Livingstone were moderate, and while they held the Rovers attack with a fair amount of ease their work did not touch a high level. The forwards started well, and their cleverness in the open was beyond question, but they hesitated to shoot often enough. Fern kept a good goal, and so, too did Sewell, while the Rovers' backs made few mistakes and kicked well. Crisp was easily the best of the Rovers' forwards although McKay frequently delighted with clever footwork.
Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Down, and Livingstone, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Sewell, goal, Rollo (captain) and Wylie, backs, Healless, Williamson, and McKennell, half-backs, Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, and Byers, forwards.

EVERTON “A” 2 FRODSHAM 1
September 10, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
An evenly contested game was witnessed at Townsend-Lane, the home team winning by the odd goal in three. Barton scored first, and Duphie immediately afterwards added a second, but was given offside. From a corner taken by Moody the ball was sent into the Everton goalmouth, and after a metee Moody put the visitors on level terms. In the second half Rooney put Everton in front after good work by Duphie and Forrest. A feature of the game was the excellent keeping by Gibson, the visiting custodian.

SPLENDID SEWELL
Athletic News- Monday September 10, 1923
HOW ROVERS’ KEEPER DEFIED EVERTON FORWARDS
McBAIN’S SKILL
EVERTON 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
By Junius
DRASTIC changes were made in the Everton team to oppose the Rovers at Goodison Park. Raitt and McDonald were displaced by Downs and Livingstone, who had accomplished much good work with the Reserves, and Peacock was preferred to Brown at right half-back. Generally, the position was not affected thereby, and the occasion simply served to demonstrate that the club is fortunate in being able to duplicate these important positions when necessary. On the Rovers side McKay resumed after his recent injury, but Dixon was unable to turn out owing to having contracted a severe cold, and Williamson, of the Reserves, occupied the centre-half berth.
Everton Open Well.
From the manner in which the game opened and progressed during the first half-hour, it appeared as though the Everton team would achieve their purpose in no uncertain fashion. The forwards, Chedgzoy especially, were most incisive in their advances, so much so that the Rovers’ inside forwards were frequently back among their half-backs, and time and again the wing players alone were in forward formation. As a general rule the men from Ewood concentrated upon defence in the first half of the game, but they were more business-like in the second portion, coming more into the game, harassing the Everton defence to some purpose, and in the closing minutes might easily have secured full points. As I have indicated, the Everton forwards bounded into brilliant form from the start, and it was Chedgzoy primarily who was responsible for the severe pressure on Sewell’s charge. He was a greater raider, beating both McKinnell and Wylie for speed and in cleverness. Direct in his methods, he kept Sewell thoroughly extended, and in addition sent across accurate centres that begged for conversion. There was not the response from the left wing pair that might be expected, but with the defence in a tangle the Rovers situation was only saved by the mastery of the keeper, who probably has not had a busier opening half for many seasons.
Brilliant McBain.
Troup and Chadwick occasionally came Into prominence, though, as a rule, they found stern opponents in Healless and Rollo. Still the outside man was successful with several elusive movements and, like Chedgzoy, sent in shots of more than average merit. All that was lacking during these early stages was a really dangerous centre-forward, and Forbes could certainly not claim distinction in this respect, for he was checked and embarrassed practically at every turn. On the run of the play up to the interval the Rovers were completely outclassed. The Blackburn attack was so feeble that the Everton half-back line scintillated in comparison. McBain was brilliant, and made the best shot of the game just after the resumption After being outplayed, outclassed, and outpointed up to ten minutes of the second half, the Rovers suddenly placed quite a different complexion upon affairs. Perhaps a marvellous save by Sewell from Troup, who pounced upon a pass from the head of Forbes, when but a few yards out, provided the tonic. At any rate the Rovers got a grip of the game and pressed the home defence severely.
Crisp at Work.
McKay made passes out to Byers, beating Peacock, only to find Downs anticipate final moves to a nicety. It was, however, on the other extreme where the most finished work was accomplished. If Crisp had been somewhat inactive earlier on, he was now a bundle of energy, and twice came near to beating Fern with shots that were but inches wide of the mark. Everton rallied and Sewell did well to field a terrific drive by Chadwick from a free kick. The most exciting movements of the game were crowded into the last five minutes, when both sides were playing at top pressure. Downs and Livingstone were an efficient pair defenders, though the Scot occasionally found the speed of Crisp more than he could combat. McBain was the outstanding half-back on the field. Forbes, I thought, lacked the extra ounce of nerve which is required from the man in the centre. McKinnell in the first portion and Healless in the second were capable half-backs, but the work of Sewell was the outstanding feature of the Rovers display. Everton; Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Blackburn Rovers; Sewell; Rollo, Wyllie; Healless, Williamson, McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, and Byers. Referee; R. W. Sharp, Blackpool.

EVERTON’S CURIOUS TURN ROUND IN FORM
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, September 10, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton, against the Villa, on Wednesday, at Aston, try Peacock at centre forward, and bring back Brown. Teams; Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Peacock, Chadwick, Troup. Peacock two years ago had a spell at centre forward, and scored three goals. Later, however, he did not get support, and he was removed to his old spot at half-back.
BLACKBURN WORTH A DRAW
First of all, let us ponder over the Goodison game. All was not sunshine with Everton. They certainly head to “brave it” in the first half, and I wonder Downs and Livingstone did not mishit the ball more often. The pair came out of the game well, and for once Everton’s goals against record stood easy. That was something to be thankful for, albeit we must remember Fern had nothing to do in the first half, and Blackburn in each half missed sitters. Then at half back I thought Peacock had not quite warmed to his work, whereas McBain played in international form. Such a display should get him a sure capping. Hart worked like a trojan, and did much graft in his own inimitable way. Now to the attack. One could not wish for livelier forwards than the opening half showed us. There was a lack of direction and punch about them in the close quarters area, but for twenty minutes the side were combining well, and Chedgzoy, Troup, and others were making the game a joy to the eye. Sewell stopped them- and also stopped Chadwick with a collision. Then, after a while, the forward line began to fade out, and Wyllie improved out of all recognition. Chedgzoy wasn’t sufficiently worked, any more than Crisp had been; crisp was most consistent, except for one blunder. It was all very awkward to explain. The inner trio were held up by the strong-kicking Rollo, but one could not say the Rovers’ half back line was playing well. How, then, did Everton fall from their high pinnacle? Ask me another!
BLACKBURN UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
Sewell bore off the main honours. He headed out Chedgzoy inviting centres, and altogether had a field day-as he generally has at Everton. Rollo has gone shower, and Wylie was not too well. Then at half-back I must say I didn’t like any one of them. Forward McKay is a schemer de luze, and McIntyre has lost all that deadliness of shot that used to possess him at Hillsborough. At centre Harper is rightly built and is a trim sort. He will come on. Byers, ex-Huddersfield, was crowded out by Downs, whose dives at the deep end were a feature of the game. Blackburn are not a good side, and they lack inches and weight in vital parts. Therefore, we must agree that Everton disappointed us by not winning. Blackburn were really good value for the draw.

VILLA’S SIDE v. EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, September 11, 1923
VILLA RESERVES’ GOALKEEPER
Bee’s Notes
THE Villa, in their home match with Everton, tomorrow, have had a troublous time picking the team. They have had three or four men down, and the goalkeeper, Spiers, cannot play. Jackson takes his place. Mort and Blackburn are expected back, so that the side will read;- Jackson; Smart, Mort; Moss, Hall, Blackburn; Yorks, Kirton, Walker, Capewell, Dorrell.
I shall expect Everton to beat this lot, as the Villa are not going too strong. The fellow team, Birmingham, after beating Liverpool, proceeded to two home defeats-Sunderland, on Saturday, and Bolton, yesterday. In the game yesterday they suffered some hard knocks, the goalkeeper was accidentally kicked in the eye, and others of the team had to retire. Arsenal got their first win in the competition, but as it was against West Ham it rather makes out both London sides to be a poor class. We shall see later on whether this is a correct diagnosis.

PRACTICE MAKERS PERFECT
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, September 12, 1923
Bee’s Notes
The receipts for the Everton practice games make the capital total of £665 16s and the directors have allotted this sum out as follows. So all ye good people who attended the games have helped to gladden the hearts of many a suffering soul. Football is responsible for may good things;-
Stanley Hospital £251 11 s 10d.
Liverpool Hospital Saturday Fund £51 11s 9d
National Institutes for the Blind £22 12s 6d
Liverpool Child Welfare Association £22 12s 6d
Liverpool Home for Incurables £22 12s 6d
Bootle Borough Hospital £22 12 s 5d
Lying in Hospital, Shaw Street £15 10s
New Maternity Hospital £15 10s
National Lifeboat Institution £1012s 4d
St. John Ambulance £10 10s
Liverpool F.A Benevolence Fund £10
Lancashire F.A Benevolence Fund £10
Total £665 15s
BLACKBURN -NO CHANGE
Dixon not having recovered from his indisposition, Blackburn Rovers are not making any changes in their team for the return match with Everton at Ewood Park on Saturday, and as the forward resumed scoring on Monday in the East Lancashire Charity Cup, after playing four and a half hours without a goal, the club is hopeful that the second win of the season will be obtained at the expense of the Goodison Park side. The selected team is; Sewell; Rollo; Wylie; Healless, Williamson, McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, and Byers.

EVERTON SHARE THE HONOURS
September 13, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Backs In Good Form at Villa Park
Aston Villa 1, Everton 1
It was a fast, interesting game at Villa Park, the backs on both sides taking the honours, the respective sets of forwards, although indulging in many skilful movements, finishing very weakly. Everton particularly spoiled promising movements by their failure to shoot with sting and accuracy. Otherwise the team played splendidly, and the half-backs were really fine, McBain playing one of his most skilful games, while Brown has never done better since he has been at Goodison Park. Hart also worked manfully, and Livingstone and Downs were a fine pair of backs. Chedgzoy was the best forward but his finishing left a lot to be desired. Peacock was dashing and clever at times, but I found Ball a rare handful. Both goals were rather luckily obtained but a draw was a fair reflex. For the Villa Jones and Smart were a fine pair of backs, Moss the best half, and Walker leading the forwards.
Smart Combination
Some delightful combination on the part of the Everton forwards was witnessed straight from the kick off, when Peacock dribbled clear past several opponents, the ball eventually going to Irvine who paced over the bar. It was pretty pay spoiled. Walker gave taste of his mettle when he fired a foot wide, whilst later Troup just missed with a great drive. Everton opened the score as a result of a centre from Irvine, Peacock beating Jackson with a capital close range shot after ten minutes play. The keeper failed badly in trying to get at the ball. Everton were decidedly nippy and contested the issue in fine style, play generally being of a high standard. Downs saved what appeared t be a certain score, when he got a ball full in the face from a terrific drive by Kirsopp, the full-back being dazed but was able to resume the resulting corner leading to a series of attacks on the visitors goal, both Walker and Kirton missing narrowly. The Villa put on further pressure, Hart once baulking York when he appeared certain to go through after Kirton had made the opening by skilful dribbling. Play continued to rivet attention, the halves and backs being very fine. Peacock dashed away down the centre on occasion, but in the latter part of the initial half the Villa did the bulk of the pressing. Kirton once shot hard the ball being turned over the bar by Hart. Just before the interval Everton had another spell, Chedgzoy getting sesy on the right, but his centre with Peacock unmarked was very weak. At the other end Capewell shot weakly with a good opening. It was excellent football apart from the forwards’ weakness in front of goal, but Everton deserved their lead at the interval.
The Equaliser
Chedgzoy was remiss in his centres on resuming but Peacock headed one down, which Jackson cleared. Then the referee gave a free kick to Villa just outside the penalty area for so obvious reason and from this Moss sent in a long shot which entered the net off McBain’s head, the equalizer coming after 64 minutes. Having got on terms the Villa improved wonderfully, Fern making a great save from Capewell. The home forwards were playing much better, and they gave Everton’s back a trying time. Walker narrowly missed in the last minute, whilst Irvine missed a regular sitter from Chedgzoy’s centre. Attendance 18,000.

ASTON VILLA 1 EVERTON 1
SEPTEMBER 13, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON DRAW WITH THE VILLA.
By Bees.
Everton experimented at the Villa ground, last night by bringing in Peacock as centre-forward, vice Forbes, Brown reappearing at half-back. Peacock certainly started all right, as he scored within four minutes' of his side kicking off. He scored a peculiar goal through following up. Peacock certainly had the good sense to watch the opposition and keep onside, but o though him at faulty when he was due for a second goal, thanks to Jones miskicking, not for the first time. This early Peacock, in his generally, offered a sweet chance to a comrade, but Peacock had left the propelling so late that the ball was covered, and in the circumstances it would have served him and his side better had he made a first time shot. The Villa were unusually weak at full back, whereas Everton were strong, and Downs and Livingstone kept Fern from danger. All this time Chadwick was opening the game with sensible passes over to the right, and also with overheaded kicks that sent the ball to his partner.
VERY PRETTY FOOTBALL.
In fact, it was very pretty football, and made the old Villa players, now directors of the club, pass remarks' about the old style football artistry. Walker, the newly found centre for Villa, who used to play inside forward, relieved the Villa by making two drives that went nearer than a first-time drive on the part of Troup, the force of the shot causing the ball to swing outside the angle of the bar. Downs was greatly in the picture early on, and if he had a fault it was his over length clearances. He made one save in an accidental manner, Capewell's shot hitting him in the face. This movement by the Villa forwards was the signal for some activity on the part of the home side, but York ruined Kirton's brilliant initiation. Capewell was let in by Brown overdribbling, and the Villa forward made a wretched effort to scorers after which Peacock got through on the half-way line and shot, only to find a full back cover the ball luckily. Thus at half time Everton led by one goal, and were worth their lead.
DECREASE IN THE PACE.
The second half showed a decreased in the pace, and it was plain that the heart of the day had been taking its toll. The players became jumbled in their positions, and at one point Peacock was to be seen acting at half-back, and Hart moved up to the forward line, leaving Chedgzoy a nice pass, and a centre going near. The Villa were again easily held, yet, the inside forwards of the visiting side failed to combine. It amounted to this, that Everton were sitting tight on a lead, because they could not help themselves. It was only Everton's friability that kept them from taking a larger lead. Neither side on this showing could be compared with the teams of 1896. Certainly Chadwick made one first time drive all along the ground which was inches out, and Fern dived out to edge away a dangerous ball, prior to York going off the field, but these were but relieving incidents in a lot of bad play. The referee gave a free kick outside the penalty area against an Everton player without cause, so far as I could see, and I had a perfect view so far as position was concerned. Moss took the free kick, and scored with a fierce shot that cannoned off another player before finding its mark. Thus the scores were level after 69 minutes. Yet again the referee gave a free kick for imaginary hands, and from this error of judgement Walker nearly gained this lead, and Moss also went close. Peacock had chances, which he attempted to make solo-handed, instead of helping comrades, and by degrees the Villa began to assert themselves more confidently, and Troup got a little more work than he had been accustomed to.
FERN'S SAVE.
It seemed that a dispute and save followed each other closely, as Everton stopped play in view of an alleged handling case, and Capewell went on to make a shot of intense power, Fern's save being one of the features of the evening. Moss, not for the first time, committed a foul on Chedgzoy which escaped the notice of the referee and Chedgzoy after making a grand dribble essayed a shot, instead of passing inwards. With the last kick Irvine missed a golden chance. On the Everton side the defence was excellent, McBain being again the star of the half-backs, in which Brown shaped well. Chedgzoy was overfed, and none of the three inside forwards was impressive. Troup was not made use of in the second half. On the Villa side the goalkeeper Walker, and Kirton were outstanding players, but the side all round was of poor quality, and Everton should have won without considerable difficulty. Teams: - Aston Villa: - Smart, goal, Jones and Johnstone, backs, Ball, Moss, and York, half-backs, Kirton, Walker, Capewell, and Dorrell, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Peacock, Chadwick, and Troup forwards.

INTERESTING BUT IRRITATING
Birmingham Gazette, Thursday, September 13, 1923
MISSED CHANGES MAR GAME AT ASTON
VILLA THE OFFENDERS
ASTON VILLA 1, EVERTON 1
By Touchstone
After struggling hard, and at times extremely well, against Everton at Villa Park last evening, Aston Villa had to be content with a division of the spoils. It was another of those interesting yet irritating games; interesting because at times the football was tip-top; irritating because glaring opening were sadly neglected. In this latter respect Villa were the offenders. Walker was certainly given more scope than at London on Saturday, yet there were two instances when, had he been given possession, he could have earned either the plaudits or the hostile criticisms of the 15,000 spectators. There would have been no excuse for him. In both cases he was unmarked and splendidly placed, facts which in themselves reflect the intelligence with which he played for position. But each time he was left to stand there, watching a colleague struggle with the opposition and finally make a mess of things.
JACKSON’S FATAL MISTAKE
Apart from all this, however, Villa should never have been forced, as they were forced, to fight so desperately for the goal which gave them their point. That goal should-and would-have been sufficient to win them the match but for a sorry mishandling of the ball by Jackson, deputising for Spiers in goal. Irvine, from an acute angle, had lobbed the ball high into the centre. It dropped just in front of the crossbar, where Jackson was standing unmolested. He got two hands to it, but let it slip through, and Peacock, running a few yards, had only to touch it into the net. That was after six minutes’ play, and it took Villa nearly an hour to get on level terms, in that time occurred one of the two openings when Walker might have scored, while in addition good shots went to right and left of the posts, all well laden with power, but lacking just a trifle in direction. One other miraculous escape did the Everton goal have. Walker, finding himself too closely guarded, deftly placed the ball to Kirton, who, turning swiftly, hooked the ball goal-wards. Unfortunately, Downs was standing immediately in its path, and his face deflected the ball outside for a useless corner. Moss was responsible for the goal which ultimately put the game all square. Brown was pulled up for tapping Dorrell’s ankles just outside the penalty area and the winger himself took the kick. He put the ball back to Moss, who, favoured with a capital angle, crashed in a terrific long-range shot.
SHOT DEFLECTED?
 In the course of its flight over the heads of several players Downs jumped up, but the ball grazed his head and finished up in the corner of the net. Whether Downs impeded Fern it would be hard to say, but the goalkeeper had previously taken up a position to deal with the shot and seemed very surprised when he found it out of his reach. There were times when the work of both sides was convincing; there were times when it was quite the reverse. The defensive forces came in for a severe testing, and of the two Everton’s came out on top. They were sound without reaching brilliance, each half and full back taking his full share of the responsibilities. In villa’s defence Johnstone improved on Saturday’s play, but still seemed inclined to wander, and Jones did not figure conspicuously against Chedgzoy. Smart, Ball and Moss, however, made up for these deficiencies, although they left Jackson more than one chance to retrieve his reputation, chances he was quick to seize upon.
CLEVER FORWARDS
In planning attacks and in footwork, Villa forwards were clever. Kirton was a host in himself, but he and Walker were strongly guarded, and rarely got to close grips. The two wingers, too, often distinguished themselves. in the early stages of the game Everton forwards promised well. they were quick in conception, and fast on the move. Chedgzoy displayed no signs of advancing years, except that his ripe experience enabled him to make situations which a younger man would never have thought about. His speed, his cutting in, and his shooting are still powerful features. The rest of the line hardly maintained the high standard they set, and Peacock, sent off on many a single-handed errand, raised many hopes which opposing defenders dashed without any very great difficulty. Aston Villa; Jackson; Smart, Jones; Johnstone, Ball, Moss; York, Kirton, Walker, Capewell, Dorrell. Everton; Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Peacock, Chadwick, Troup. Referee Mr. J.G.A. Sharpe (Newcastle-on-Tyne).

EVERTON EXPERIMENT AND NOW IT FARED
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, September 13, 1923
Bee’s Notes
A new phase of ruling has come into existence, if we are to judge by last night’s game at the palatial Villa Park. Downs, who stood out as a daring, acrobatic, and capable defender, did many of his driving acts, and gathered the ball between his knees and swirled round. His idea was to carry the ball, gripped in this way, over the touch-line. An official decreed that it was not lawful to do such a thing, and gave a free kick! Referee sharp allowed Moss to hack his way through without saying a word to him. The goal that Villa gained was due to a foul that no one from the stand could see. I was perfectly placed to see, and I fear there must have been an optical delusion that led the referee to grant a free-kick. What happened was this- there was the debated free kick, Moss took it and the ball cannoned off another player and scored.
FAULTINESS IN FRONT
The fact was that Everton got a goal too early. Irvine centred a ball that the goalkeeper and others thought was going out; but the ball “hung” a bit, as it often does at Aston, in the “swirl” created by the stands, and after the deputy goalkeeper had handled, Peacock, following up scored at the exact spot that I once had the pleasure of netting-only in my case I had to travel from the one end of the field to the other, and suffer palpitation! Everton, I say, got a goal too early. It gave them excess of confidence, and led them to pass and repass when they might have delivered a strong shot. Time and again a forward had only a back and goalkeeper to encounter. Once Peacock very unselfishly passed inward and the ball was “crushed” by the only defender present, otherwise the left wing would have gotten a gift goal. Troup showed the right way early on when he hit a slamming ball that spun outside- a grand first-time effort.
VARIABLE PERIODS
Troup and Chadwick had a merry first half, but later on the little winger was unemployed, and Chedgzoy was employed almost to the point of exhaustion, yet he never tried of escaping Moss’s outstretched leg and never tired of trying to score on his own. I thought he might have done better than he did- and he played another splendid game- if he had centred near the finish. Right on time he did put the ball inward. It was the last kick of the match, and Irvine missed through the ball bumping awkwardly, and a man he knew not being right at the side of him. But Everton should have won long before that if their inside three had shot hard and often. Chadwick was the best of the three, and his long and short passes and his overhead “deliverance” show him to be a better footballer most folk think. McBain was ideal, the wing half-backs hearty, and Brown must surely have “settled his claims.” In the past he has been dropped out all too readily. Each  half-back made openings for forwards-that’s football. Downs, Fern, and Livingstone could look after the other part of the business.
THE CENTRE PROBLEM
Everyone will want to know how Peacock fared at centre-forward. He is not new to the position, and he must, after winning it at half-back, find it a trifle awkward to be surrounded by a host of enemies. He certainly did not tear up any trees, yet it was good to notice that he kept onside, that he was well and truly placed and not “shifty,” and, moreover, that he could work the ball. He is not too strong, and it would not be fair to judge him on this one game. I should leave the team alone. They’ll come.
EVERTON F.C. RESERVE TEAM
To-night, at Stoke, the Everton side will appear thus;- Harland; Raitt, McDonald; McCrae, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Green, Forbes, and Harrison.

STOKE CITY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
September 14, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
The Reserves of Stoke and Everton met in a Central League match at the Victoria ground, Stoke, last evening, the Potteries side winning by 3 goals to 1. The visitors were outplayed in the first half, and Stoke held a lead of three clear goals at the interval. Richardson, the former Plymouth Argyle centre-forward, who has lost his place in the Stoke first eleven, scored twice, and Edwards, the Stoke outside left, added the third goal. The Everton attackers were soon to greater advantage in the second half, and Harrison reduced the arrears. It was not a great game, and in the closing stages a great deal of unnecessary vigours was introduced into the play. Raitt, Mcdonald and McGrae were prominent in defence for Everton, but the half-back play was only moderate. Harrison was the best of the forwards, and he swung across a number of useful centres, but the attackers generally were not well together. Everton: - Harland, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, McGrae, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Green, Wall, and Harrison, forwards.

STOKE’S SECOND CENTRAL LEAGUE SUCCESS
The Staffordshire Sentinel, Friday, September 14, 1923
EVERTON DEFEATED AT THE VICTORIA GROUND
STOKE RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
The opening phases of the genie were decidedly in Stoke's favour, and they ought to have obtained a substantial lead early on having regard to the opportunities which were provided. However, it was only nine minutes after the start when Richardson put the Potters in front with a fine goal after a movement between Jordan Ralphs and Kelly. Everton replied strongly, McGrory pulling up Miller and Dixson saving from Harrison Following this Richardson was cheered for some smart work, particularly for a smart run and shot. The Potters continued to dominate the game, and at the end of thirty minutes Higgins put them further ahead, while two minutes later Richardson put on a third goal. A minute later the home side came within an ace of a fourth goat, Harland saving the situation. After Green had been checkedby Lennon and Forbes' shot had been saved by Dixon, the visiting custodian made a marvellous save from Edwards Half-time:— Stoke, 3; Everton, 0.
The second half was more evenly contested, and at the end of ten minutes Harrison reduced the arrears. It was a capital goal. Towards the end Higgins and Richardson were hurt and Stoke finished with nine men. The teamswere;- Stoke; Dixon goal; McGrory and Lennon, backs; Jordan, Depledge and Maddison, half-backs; Ralphs, Kelly, Richardson, Higgins, and Edwards, forwards. Everton; Harland, goal; Raitt and McDonald, backs; McCrae, Reid and Grenyer, half-backs; Parry, Miller, Green, Forbes, and Harrison, forwards. Referee, Mr. S. Allchurch, Birmingham.

BEE’S SPORT NOTES
The Liverpool Echo -Friday, September 14, 1923
Everton at Blackburn, have a capital chance of doing what they could not do at home. I do not know the team at the time of writing, but I imagine there will be no change from the side that visited Aston; and I have sufficient belief in that side, as against the Blackburn side, to put on record my start selection to be Everton to win away. Both games will reveal to us opposition that is desperate, but after steadying down and up both Mersey sides should get through with a victory. Everton (probable); Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Peacock, Chadwick, Troup. Blackburn Rovers; Sewell; Rollo, Wyllie; Healless, Williamson, McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, Byers.
POOR DEFENCE
Space did not permit a full “show” from Aston. Here is an addition idea;- while Everton’s trinity was excellent at Aston, the Villa rear-guard was the poorest I have ever seen representing the club. Jones was a very uncertain deputy for Mort, and Smart went off his game for long spells. Then the half-back line of the home side was not a patch on what we remember in the days gone by, while in attack there is a smallness and lack of weight about the Villa that makes their side all-round poor quality. Walker is still the able shooter as of yore, Kirton is still clever, but the wing-men I don’t fancy. Dorrell has not come on, and York is all too uncertain, and relies mainly on speed- which when you don’t take the ball along with you is a negligible quantity. If Villa were so poor, you may wonder how Everton could only draw with them. I wonder! They had their chances to win right out in the first quarter and did not take them.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 15, 1923
By Louis T. Kelly

THE NO CHANGE SIDES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday September 15, 1923
EVERTON’S FAILURE AT EWOOD PARK
FERN BRILLIANT GOALKEEPING
F.E.H REPORTS A FATS GAME WITH ROVERS
BLACKBURN WIN 2-0
Everton and Blackburn drew a week ago, when each side had good chances of winning. To-day, when the return engagement was played at Ewood, Everton selected the same side that appeared at the Villa ground on Wednesday, Peacock being persevered with at centre forward. Rovers also had a confidence in their side that was not common with last year’s experiences, when they made multitudinous changes. Everton; Fern; Down, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Peacock, Chadwick, Troup. Blackburn Rovers;- Sewell; Rollo (captain), Wyllie; Healless, Williamson, McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, Byers. Referee.- Mr. R.W. Sharp, of Blackpool.
The comparatively start journey to Blackburn occupied just two hours, a remarkable performance for any self-respecting railway company, Jack Cock, who has now practically recovered, travelled with the team as reserve, and Mr. W.C. Cuff the chairman, headed the little band of directors. The weather was delightfully fine and sunny during the tedious journey, but the outlook at Blackburn was rather cloudy. The turf at Ewood Park never looked better, and there was a capital crowd when the players appeared.
A FLASH IN THE PAN
Hart gained the verdict in the spin of the coin with Rollo, and the Rovers started against a slight cross breeze. They immediately went away on the left, where the veteran Downs effected a fine clearance. Everton at once replied with a brillaint movement led by Peacock, who gave the right wing pair a chance to get off at top speed, and Irvine put the ball smartly to Chadwick, who missed by a matter of inches. The game speedily developed in point of pace, and from a throw-in Blackburn might easily have opened the scoring. McKinnell gave the ball to Byers, and the latter had beaten Downs when from close range he propelled the leather against the outside of the net. After this exciting episode there was a temporary lull, but it was not for long. The Rovers came through twice in rapid succession, and were very dangerous when Livingstone booted clear. A few seconds later Crisp raced along the wing like a greyhound, but he was stopped by Chadwick, who in some mysterious way had dropped back to the assistance of Hart. The visitors then advanced in really brilliant order, and a glorious centre by Chedgzoy passed right across the goalmouth to Troup the latter tricked Rollo and passed to Irvine, who fired in a magnificent shot which was saved in miraculous fashion by Sewell, who was cheered to the echo.
GREAT GOAL BY McINTYRE
Blackburn now took up the running, and this time their efforts were crowned with success. McKay, rounding Downs, put McIntyre in possession, and the inside right, steadying himself, drove the ball in with tremendous force, Fern failing to stop it with a flying leap. This achievement occurred after just over a quarter of an hour’s play, and it naturally gave the home side added confidence. Everton, however, played up with rare spirit, and from a swinging pass Troup put the ball just outside. Another bit of individual play on the part of Chedgzoy promised well, but Peacock missed the pass, and Troup was again wide of the target.
HARPER SCORES THE SECOND
At the other end the home quintet were busy, and Harper looked like sailing through when Downs literally took the ball from his toes. The Rovers centre-forward, however, speedily enjoyed the sweets of revenge, crisp showing a clean pair of heels to Hart, and Livingstone swung the leather in, and Harper pouncing upon it scored with a shot that gave Fern no possible chance. Even the second reverse did not alter Evertonians from pursuing an aggressive policy. Good work by McBain put the forwards in possession. Chadwick only just failed with a clever and tricky shot.
FERN SAVES FROM PENALTY
Then occurred one of the sensations of the afternoon. Harper was racing through on his own account, when Livingstone pushed him, and then tripped him just inside the penalty area. The Rovers fell rather heavily, and the referee at once granted a penalty kick. This was taken by Rollo, but the Blackburn skipper made the mistake of shooting straight at Fern, who brought off a most meritorious save, much to the disappointment of the bulk of the crowd. Ten minutes from the interval Everton made another rally through the right wing pair, but Wyllie proved a stumbling-block on two occasions. Then Irvine took up the argument, and Peacock flashed the ball just past the post.
GOAL DISALLOWED
The Rovers made a raid, which was well checked by McBain and Chadwick. A miskick on the part of Wyllie was well retrieved by Rollo, and then the Rovers made another desperate effort. Harper got through, but appeared to knock the ball down, and when McIntyre netted the point was promptly disallowed. Just before half-time Byers got through, and finished with a beauty that hit the upright. The first half, witnessed by about 20,000 people, had provided some interesting if rather ragged football. The Blackburn attack was better organised than that of the Evertonians, who were clever in patches, but lacking in combination. Peacock did his best  to keep the wings going, but without success. Irvine and Chadwick were both unlucky in failing to find the net. The halves did a lot of good work and Downs was generally safe, though there were times when both he and Livingstone found themselves in difficulties. The second period opened with a vigorous attack on the Everton goal which nearly fell for a third time when McKay sent in a stinging shot which passed outside the far post. Everton showed some good midfield work, and Hart coming through on his own account put in a swift, long drive that only just missed its objective. For some time after this the home forwards were busy, but they were fairly well held by the Everton defenders, and play ruled evenly.
HEALLESS PENALISED
Healless was penalised for putting, but no advantage accrued, and Blackburn were again in the picture with a brisk movement in which both wings took part, but Downs cleared. Chedgzoy got through nicely and lobbed the leather out to Troup, but the latter was unable to turn the chance offered to advantage. Further desultory work followed, but there was a spasm of excitement when McIntyre scraped the top of the bar with a fats travelling shot. Downs made a couple of wonderful clearances when hard pressed and this was followed by Chadwick forcing a corner on the right. This was at once succeeded by another on the left, but neither came to anything, and the contest continued for the most part uneventful.
FERN AGAIN IN PICTURE
There was a tremendous thrill when Harper got through and finished with a terrific shot, which seemed to be going right away from Fern when the Everton ‘keeper flung himself at it, and cleared. It was a great piece of custodianship. After this there was some delay through Chadwick being hurt, and he limped badly for some time afterwards. The concluding stages may best be described as much running about but very little good football. Final; Blackburn 2 Everton 0

EVERTON RES v.  BIRMINGHAM RESERVES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 15, 1923
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Goodison Park. Teams;- Everton; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; McCrae, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Green, Forbes, Harrison. Birmingham- Sampson; Dixon, Hunter; White, Liddell, Strang; Field, Walters, Chilton, Phoenix, Lindley. Referee- Mr. Bycroft, Burnley. Everton kicked off and immediately took up the running, a foul against Forbes relieving the pressure for Birmingham. The game was evenly fought and each keeper had many calls. One fine effort by Phoenix, was well fielded by Harland, and at the other end a shot by Harrison was luckily charged down by Dixon. Forbes also shaved the bar with a well-meant effort. Play ran very quiet for a time, but livened up after Parry had placed a perfect centre for Forbes to head in. but the ‘keeper made a great save, and within two minutes Miller had a goal disallowed through an infringement. It was rather hard luck on Sampson, the Birmingham custodian, that he should have been beaten by Green one minute from the interval.
Half-time; Everton Res 1, Birmingham Res 0
Everton opened the second half very briskly, and within eight minutes were 2 up, Miller putting the ball into the net from Harrison’s centre.

BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 0
September 17, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON FAIL AT BLACKBURN.
THE ROVERS IN FORM.
FERN SAVED A PENALTY.
As the result of a rather disappointing display Everton were beaten at Ewood Park by two goals to nothing on Saturday. The defeat was made none the less palatable by the uncomfortable feeling that the score against the visitors might have been much heavier. They threw away many chances while the shots that came to hand –including a penalty kick –were brilliant dealt with by Fern. The Everton forwards never appeared to establish or carry out a proper plan of campaign. At times there were glimpse of their real cleverness, but, speaking generally, combination was conspicuous by it s absence. The Rovers on the other hand showed an admirable understanding in all departments. Their forwards worked in harmony with the half-backs, while the last lines of defence got through their work with coolness and confidence. In short, the Rovers were very good value for their couple of goals.
HOW THE GOALS WERE GOT.
The weather was beautifully fine, and when the second half, was entered upon the attendance numbered 28,000. Play opened promingsly, for the home attack at once set a merry pace, which gave Downs a chance of showing his powers of tackling and clearing. The visitors' attempt at retaliation were not successful, though Chadwick once missed the mark by the narrowest of shares. Play had been in progress a quarter of an hour when the Rovers drew first blood. The movement was begun by McKay, who worked through and put the ball to McIntyre. The latter made no mistake, for he sent in a fast shot, which completely beat the Everton keeper. For some little time after this there was an improvement in the work of the Everton vanguard, though the three inside men seemed to fade away just when they ought to have rammed their shots home. Taking advantage of this weakness the home side paid keen attention to the Everton defenders, and Crisp, with a brilliant sprint, gave Harper possession, with the result that the centre forward notched a second point. A little later Blackburn were again dangerous, and Harper was pulled down in the penalty area by Livingstone. Rollo took the penalty kick , but shot straight at Fern, who brought off an effective clearance. In the second half play deteriorated considerably on both sides, though the Rovers almost invariably held the whip hand of their opponents who were temporarily weakened though minor injuries to Chadwick and Downs. Both men, however, stayed on, and as we have said, a disappointing display ended in Everton's defeat.
THE PLAYERS.
Appreciation has already been expressed as to Fern part in the game. At back Downs showed all his old dash and fearlessness, but Livingstone was frequently in trouble. The half-backs left little to complaint about, McBain getting through a tremendous amount of work. Chedgzoy at times showed his wonderful command of the ball, but Troup was very mediocre on the other wing. Chadwick did quite a lot of smart work and Irvine also shot occasionally with force. Peacock did his best to lead the line, but it cannot truthfully he said that he proved a conspicuous success. Teams : - Blackburn Rovers: - Sewell, goal, Rollo (captain), and Wylie, backs, Healless, Williamson, and McKinnell, half-backs, Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, and Byers, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Peacock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 0
September 17 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
For the first meeting between these teams this season at Goodison Park, Everton opened promisingly, their smart passing causing great danger. Had it not been for the clever goalkeeping of Samson, the home side would have had a comfortable lead at the interval. On the other hand, they were rather fortunate to score the only goal through Green, the keeper running out to clear gathered the ball, but failed to hold properly, and the Everton centre had no difficulty in netting when Green lay prone on the ground. The second half opened with Birmingham playing man short, as Hunter who had left the field prior to the interval, did not return. Consequently the visitors resorted to the one-back game, which greatly upset the Everton vanguard. Dixon had a handful to contend with in Harrison, who was the best forward on the field, and time after time the latter beat his man, Dixon's methods at times were very rough and the referee had to caution him severely on one occasion. Miller scored the second goal, and Harrison a third from a penalty. Towards the end Grenyer handled in the penalty area, but Dixon from the spot kick sent high over. The Birmingham forwards were well held by the strong Everton defenders, and Harland was rarely called upon to save a difficult shot. Samson, on the Birmingham keeper was the hero of the day. Mcdonald, Reid, Miller, and Harrison were most prominent for Everton, and Samson, Liddell, Linley, and Chilton for Birmingham. Everton: - Harland, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, McGrae, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Green, Forbes, and Harrison, forwards.

ELLESMERE PORT 4 EVERTON “A” 2
September 17 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
The Port team made their debut on their new ground by securing a clever victory in spite of the presence in the visitor's team of Wall (inside-right) Virr (centre-forward) and Caddick (back). Councilor Pertival chairman of the Council kicked off and set up a merry pace at once. Forshaw opening the scoring in a few minutes. Still playing clever football the Port worried the defence, which held, and Virr equalised by shooting from close range. Ten minutes later the Port were three more goals up though Rale, Forshaw and Woods. Two more goals to the Port were ruled offside. In the second half Everton had more of the play, but were kept out until Virr scored a minute from the end.

EVERTON FALL TO A BETTER TEAM
September 17, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Fern Saves His Side From Heavier Defeat
By Adams
Blackburn Rovers 2, Everton 0
Everton lost by two goals to none at Blackburn, on Saturday and those of their most fervid supporters who were present will be ready to admit that the score might have been four or five without injustice to either side. Fern saved his team from a larger numerical extinction. Blackburn richly-deserved their win, which was achieved by clever opportunism and team cohesion sadly lacking in the visitors’ ranks. Their forwards were thrusting, active, speedy, and models of positional preparedness. Time and again the inside men took the ball on the bounce, and were through the opposing halves before the latter could turn in their tracks. The outside men sprinted and centred with accuracy, and on Saturday’s form Crisp and Byers are not far removed from the highest class. With these characteristics continually exploited, it was small wonder that both Downs and Livingstone were frequently flustered although the former made many fine clearances from apparently hopeless positions. It was Livingstone’s bad day. McIntyre and Crisp were much too fast for him, and although the legitimacy of the Rovers first goal was rather debatable, he was responsible for allowing McIntyre the necessary room in which to maneuver a shooting stance. Again, when Healless engineered the second goal it was Livingstone’s lack of pace which gave Harper an absolutely gift.
Too Robust
A note on the Rovers programme stresses the proud record of Ewood Park for clean play, but there were several incidents which rather depreciated its value, Healless was penalized for no less than eight fouls, one of which evoked retaliation from Hunter Hart, who was warned by the referee. Williamson the young Scottish centre-half, deputizing for Dixon was also reckless in his tackles and none too scrupulous and he also came under official ban. These incidents tended to upset the Everton attack, and it was ironical that on one of the few occasions upon which the visitors lapsed from the cannons of good sportsmanship a penalty should have been awarded. Both Downs and Chadwick were off the field for injuries, the back’s accidental, the forward’s inflicted by Williamson in a tackle.
Great Keeping
The outstanding feature of the game was the goalkeeping. Pride of place must be given to Fern, who not only saved a penalty from Rollo, but effected thrilling clearance from Harper and McInyre at short range. Sewell playing behind confident backs, also gave a good exhibition and one save of his from Irvine was a marvel. His lengthy kicking, too was an asset, and one lunge actually reached Fern with only one interception, that of Byers. Summing-up, Everton lost through the inability of their front line to work together. It was heart-breaking to see Chedgzoy’s centres going begging in the way they did although Irvine improved on his Goodison display. To be candid, Peacock is not an ideal centre-forward. John cook travelled as reserve and will in all probability play against Huddersfield on Saturday. Chadwick disappointed and Troup has not yet struck his best form. He is inclined to overdo the long acute shot, a futile scheme against good goalkeepers. Hart worked heroically and once nearly scored on his own, but neither McBain nor Brown were more than spasmodically effective. Apart from their forceful five, the Rovers were well served by Healless and McKinnell, who were first-rate spoilers if none too gentle. Rollo and Wylie were sound and cool, Teams;- Blackburn Rovers; Sewell; Rollo and Wylle; Healless, Williamson, and McKinnell; Crisp, McIntyre, Harper, McKay, and Byers. Everton; Fern; Downs, and Livingstone; Brown, McBain, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Peacock, Chadwick, and Troup.

FITFUL FORWARDS
The Athletic News- Monday, September 17, 1923
BLACKBURN ROVBERS’ THIRD POINT FROM EVERTON
FERN’S GREATNESS
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 0
By Icarus
Although Everton did not concede five goals to Blackburn Rovers as they did in the corresponding game at Ewood Park last season, the men from Merseyside were a thoroughly beatenteam when they left the field on Saturday after losing three points to the Rovers in the two matches. Only twice was their defence penetrated, but the Blackburn forwards missed more than they accepted; and, moreover, Thomas Fern was beneath the Everton crossbar. True, Fern had two strong, stern full-backs before him, but he averted goals when both Downs and Livingstone were beaten, and among his feats was the repelling of a penalty shot delivered by Rollo in the first half, when his side were two goals in arrears. Besides saving his charge Fern doubtless gave encouragement to his clubmates at a critical stage in the contest. There were some interesting passages in the game, and the movements which culminated in the goals were well carried out, but only in flashes was good football shown, and altogether the encounter was lacking in spirit. In the early stages Everton made promising raids, and before Fern had been called upon Irvine made a thrilling drive from close range which enabled Sewell to make an equally dramatic save. Before this Everton’s inside-right had provided Chadwick with a splendid opportunity, while after the incident recorded McKay wove his way up the centre, rounded Downs, to gain a comfortable shooting position—and drove the ball into the side netting. But when fifteen minutes had gone McKay atoned somewhat by playing his part in the attack which resulted in the Rovers’ first goal. The ball was swung across from the Blackburn right wing, and as Downs could not make a clearance McKay flicked the ball to Harper, who gave McINTYRE a chance which the Soot turned to account. Fern being beaten a fine, low drive.
A HEALESS MOVE
Ten minutes after McIntyre’s success the Rovers again scored, Healless, their right half-back, being the initiator of the movement. He thrust his way past Hart and although he had little space in which to work he placed the ball to Crisp. The wing man turned inwards as if to shoot, but merely passed across the goalmouth. Harper completing the raid before Fern could advance grasp the ball. Later, as Harper going through with the ball at his feet, Livingstone made two attempts to tackle him from behind, and although the Everton full-back probably tried to hook the ball away Harper was brought down within the area. Rollo came up and took the kick, but Fern punched out the Irishman’s shot and Downs was glad to concede a corner kick. Before Hie interval the Rovers again got the ball beyond the Everton goalkeeper, but Harper handled Byers’ centre, which Fern failed to reach, and McIntyre’s shot was of no account. There was little incident of note in the second half, but more goals might have accrued. Once Harper ran between the Everton backs, and when it seemed that he had lost control of the ball he delivered a high shot with great power, but again Fern made a magnificent save. Undoubtedly were Blackburn Rovers the better team, and especially were they superior to Everton in the forward division. Harper, the Rovers’ leader, was like Peacock in that he was slow in front of goal and made passes which were obvious to his opponents. Of course, Harper is young and inexperienced and Peacock is a transposed half-back who has done well in the centre on occasion, but neither was a success in this match.
Forward Contrasts.
Troup and Chedgzoy, on the Everton wings, were fitful, and the former, though in undoubtedly master of the ball, did not make best useof it. Besides Peacock, neither Irvine nor Chadwick accomplished much except for some shots in the first half. I have seen Crisp in happier mood, but he responded well to the promptings of McIntyre and Healless. McKay plied Byers nicely, but some of his swerves and sidesteps appeared to bewilder his partner and Harper as much as the opposition. In Healless Blackburn Rovers have raised a fine half-back, who combines strong defence with discretion in placing the ball. A great worker, he showed the pace necessary to cope with Troup, and he let the wing man dance and manoeuvre until a chance of clearing presented itself. McKinnell, in an unobtrusive fashion,was effective, and Williamson, the young Scotsman in the centre of the Blackburn middle line, was a vigorous tackler and useful in attack. Without being brilliant the trio were honest workers. The Everton half-backs were always extended. All three commenced well, but in defence and in planning attacks Brown and Hart were the best, as McBain did not always judiciously position himself. For neat, calculated kicking, no full-back excelled Rollo, who also showed fine powers of recovery. Wylie offered a contrast in style, but was a hardy tackler and helped to subdue the Everton right wing. Livingstone was not so successful as Downs, who was difficult to beat and kicked with fine precision and with an eye for the men in front. The goalkeeping on both sides was splendid, and no man did more for Everton than Fern. Blackburn Rovers.—Sewell; Rollo, Wylie; Healless. Williamson, McKinnell; Crisp, McKay, Harper, McIntyre, and Byers Everton.—Fern; Downs. Livingstone; Brown. McBain, Hart(Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Peacock, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee; E. W. Sharp, Blackpool.

BEE’S SPORTS NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, September 17, 1923
Everton, against Villa on Wednesday, at Goodison Park, 3.15 play Cock at centre vice Peacock. Otherwise no change.
EVERTON WOBBLES
By F.E.H
After having played good enough for a win at Aston, and bad enough for a loss at home to Blackburn, Everton proceeded to Blackburn, and got the bird to the extent of 2-0. It takes a lot of understanding. They play the Villa on Wednesday, and about 35,000 “doctors” will go to see what they can prescribe for them. Never mind! The season is yet young, and it is a long time that has no turning. Yet most people thought -before the match -that Everton would at least have shared the honours with the Rovers on Saturday I have never seen Ewood Park looking fresher or brighter, and the big crowd was in high good humour after the opening goal. Frankly, Everton’s exhibition was the reverse to satisfying, and there will certainly have to be an improvement in the attack if points are to be gleaned. It may, and probably will, be urged that the rate of scoring all through the League is woefully weak just as present; but the fact remains that no club can afford to make a habit of dropping them. However, I have no desire to pose as a Jeremiah, for remember that “when the night’s darkest the dawn’s nighest.” Both Blackburn’s goals were good ones, the half-backs paving the way by judicious forward passing, and Fern could not in any way be blamed. The Everton ‘keeper was perhaps the outstanding figure on the field, and he had the satisfaction of saving a penalty that came straight to him from the foot of the Rovers’ captain. Chedgzoy did some of his characteristic runs and centres at times, and frequently left both McKinnell and Wyllie guessing, but Peacock was unlucky in failing to get the leather, though once he drove in desperately. Chadwick and Irvine both showed occasional skill, the latter also being unfortunate. Troup, who seems to have struck a bad patch, was very rarely in the picture. I liked some of the work of the halves, who were certainly assiduous and untiring, and “Dicky” Downs showed what an old war horse is capable of. On Saturday’s form Blackburn Rovers will certainly go further.

EVERTON’S LEADER TO REAPPEAR
September 18, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Cock To Play Tomorrow Vice Peacock
Everton will have the assistance of John Cock against Aston Villa at Goodison Park, tomorrow afternoon. Peacock drops out, otherwise the team is the same that lost at Blackburn, this;- Everton; Fern; Downs, and Livingstone; Brown, McBain, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup.

EVERTON'S MATCH AGAINST ASTON VILLA
September 18, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
In the return League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park, tomorrow, Everton will have the assistance of Cock, their centre-forward, for the first time this season. Cock, who has been laid up through influenza, will take the place of Peacock, this being the only change from the side that played at Blackburn on Saturday. The team will be: - fern, Downs, Livingston, Brown McBain, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. The kick off takes place at 3.15. On Monday next Everton meet Bury at Goodison Park in the Lancashire Cup competition.

RUNCORN v  EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, September 18, 1923
Runcorn have been compelled to postpone their League engagement with Wallasey United, who are engaged in the England Cup ties on Saturday. Arrangements have been completed with Whitechurch to visit Runcorn in their stead. Tomorrow Runcorn have a visit from Everton (five o’clock) team; Hughes; Coleman, Shepherd; Johnston, Spencer, Whitley; Foot, Tasker, Jeffs, Johnstone, Riley. Everton; Harland; Caddick, Weller; McCrae, Reid, Rooney; Parry, Miller, Green, Forbes, Harrison.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, September 18, 1923
Aston Villa, with the rather famous Dr. Milne at centre-half, come to the Everton ground to-morrow. The teams, I learn, are as follow;- Everton; Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa; Jackson; Smart, Mort; Moss, Dr. Milne, Blackburn; Stephenson, Kirton, Walker, Capewell, Dorrell.

VILLA AT GOODISON PARK TODAY
September 19, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
By Jocke
Everton have a First League fixture with Aston Villa at Goodison Park this afternoon (3.15), and given fine weather there should be a good gate. For the visitors are a popular attraction of long standing. They won the corresponding match last season 2-1 and last week drew with the Blues at Villa Park and the relative records of the two clubs are “much of a muchness.” Interest will centre in the return of J.G. Cock to lead the Everton attack after an illness which has prevented his playing this season. His presence should strengthen the front line immensely, for he is of just the type to rattle an unsettled defence like the Villa’s. The Villa make several changes from the side which shared points at Aston. Mort, Milne, Blackburn, and Stepheson being included. Milne, is a doctor, but plays as a professional, surprised his detreactors on Saturday by a great display at centre-half against Chelsea, so that the duel between him and Cock should be worth going a long way to see. The teams, therefore are;-
Everton; Fern; Downs, and Livingstone; Brown, McBain, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Aston Villa; Jackson; Smart and Mort; Moss, Milne, and Blackburn; Stephenson, Kirton, Walker, Capewell, and Dorrell.

BEES NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, September 19, 1923
Pinkney, an outside right, late of Everton, Accrington, and Halifax, has signed for West Stanley (North-Eastern League).
Ellis Rimmer (Everton last season) and Birkenhead Schoolboys two seasons, has now been secured by Whitechurch. As he is not yet 17 years of age, and 5ft 10 ½ in., 10st 7 ½ ib., Whitchurch think he is an asset to the club.
THIS DAY’S TEAM-SHEET
In order to save new-page I want to give you here the team-sheet for Goodison Park, to-day. Everton; Fern; Downs, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa; Jackson; Smart, Mort; Moss, Dr. Milne, Blackburn; Stephenson, Kirton, Walker, Capewell, Dorrell.

THE VILLA’S VISIT
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, September 19, 1923
RAIN MARS ATTENDANCE AT GOODISON
COCK BACK AT CENTRE
By Bee
Everton drew at Aston, and with J. Cock back at centre for the first time this season, hoped to do better still. Goodison Park would have been well filled, but for the bad weather. Teams- see “Bee’s Notes” other page.
Villa won the toss and kicked towards the Aintree end. Early on Villa snapped up Everton efforts by adopting the one-back game, and Blackburn was not only good in defence, but his passing was of a wise order. McDonald, appearing for Downs, who has injured his ankle, opened with a very good clearance, but instantly afterwards in trying to clear he kicked the ball against Capewell, who had therefore a nice chance of goaling. The Villa man hit the wet ball rather awkwardly and Fern, in trying to save, allowed the slippery leather to fall over for a corner kick. Altogether this was a startling opening. Chedgzoy did not have Moss to face this week, and he once manoeuvred nicely for Irvine, and when he centred square Jackson, like Fern before him, did not get the ball away the first time.
A FREE KICK
Hart meandered over to the right wing, and a free kick for a foul charge in the middle of the back on Chedgzoy by Blackburn led to Everton making assaults, notably when Troup feinted to shoot and then pushed across a nice centre that was not taken. Chedgzoy, with a corner kick and a centre, was wonderfully accurate and Cock headed not more than six inches over the bar. Chadwick made a drive that passed a yard outside, and another corner, taken by Chedgzoy, spelled more than usual danger. This evidence showed that Everton were attacking with more resolution than usual, and in reply to it Kirton headed over the bar, and Moss drove in a very useful ball that Fern caught.
MERIT EQUAL
There was nothing between the sides on the score of merit, and Stephenson made one nice solo dribble that was worthy of special remark. Mort, for Jones, made all the difference between the defence of the Villa this week and last. Dorrell wasted one nice chance when all the Villa men were ready and willing to score, and later, when the whistle had sounded, he decided to shoot and the result was a sorry mess for a boy spectator who was sitting on the barrier. The boy received the ball in his face, and was knocked clean over. The best drive of the game came from Walker, and Fern did well to tip the lightning ball over the bar. As against this, there came a nice header from Cock, Blackburn, Walker, and Moss were troubled with minor injuries but none of them went off the field. Cock made a fine run on his own, and was baulked by the goalkeeper picking up and clearing, a moment later Irvine headed away, when Cock was beautifully placed for scoring also by means of the head. There was much pretty play, and the Villa introduced some of their well-known tricks, such as back-heeling and so forth. Mort kicked his goalkeeper on the wrist when both were frying to clear, and when Chadwick had been hurt on the thigh again Kirton made a header from Dorrell’s centre, when another player had run from an off-side position to an on-side position. It was a narrow squeak for the home side. Troup, from seven yards out, hit a swirling ball which went sailing along towards the corner flag. It was an angular effort from the start, but there was no other option for the Scotsman but to shoot. Fern dropped to the ground to make a catch when all seemed lost, Capewell having been nicely placed and having parted company to the old Leeds player. Fern had certainly had more to do than Jackson, and stiffer stuff, too; but the Everton forwards had been a shade unlucky in front of goal. Play was quite good, and in three minutes Dorrell tested Fern, Kirton went close after Walker had drifted to the wing, and then came a pretty round of combination between McBain, Cock and Irvine. The last named shot a beautiful ground shot that Jackson by some means contrived to edge out.
Half-time.- Everton nil, Villa nil
The second half had no sooner started than Chedgzoy was up the way and found four defenders waiting for his ball and no Everton player. However, within one minute Troup had scored, and the joy of the players was such that they seemed for a moment to forget that Cock had been the main instrument in the goal accruing, even though Troup had hit a fierce ball. Cock had followed up with such heart that he could only see half a yard of space and yet he kicked the ball from the goal-line, the result being that Troup was offered a nice chance. Cock may not get a bundle of goals, but he does the shoulder work for others. Fifty minutes; Everton 1, Villa 0.

EVERTON BEAT VILLA IN STYLE
September 20, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Clean keen Game With No Regrets
Fern and Moss
By Adam
A Mantalini afternoon –dull, moist and unpleasant- but the game was worth watching and the spoils of victory went to the better side, so the 20,000 spectators departed humid but happy. The wet turf and slippery ball did little to detract from the pace of a contest which was played in a fine spirit. The way Villa’s left wing began suggested great things to come, but Capewell soon fizzled out, and Dorsell’s delightful centres were either missed or mulled by the other inside men. Kirton was a great offender in this respect, and although Walker is a thruster and a worker, he is out of position at centre forward. One of his first-timers, however, gave Fern a nasty ten seconds, and later in the game he brought the keeper full length to save another. The goalless first-half just about represents the run of the play for each side had their share of chances, and in the Everton case also it was the inside forwards who were a fault. Chedgzoy’s middles were many and dangerous, but something always seemed to go wrong. Sometimes it was Cock who headed over, and other times Troup would receive the ball, tip-tap is practically out of range and then take a pot shot at the six inches of goal space he could see.
Two Good Goals
The second half was another affair entirely. In four minutes Cock had retrieved a seemingly lost ball, hooked it to Troup, who was unmarked and the ball was past Jackson –a perfectly good goal. It took Everton nearly forty minutes to get the second –a pile driver per Chadwick and Troup. There were other occasions when the Villa citadel appeared likely to fall, and Chedgzoy, Cock, and Irvine had hard lines. There was one period, however when the visitors bombarded Fern with equal lack of result. For the winners, Fern was splendid, the backs sound if not brilliant. Brown was the best of the halves and Chedgzoy the star of the forwards. Cock reappeared with success and his smart following up rather rattled the Villa back on occasions. Irvine and Chadwick put in some hot shots, but Troup the tricky, should remember his colleagues are waiting for passes.
Moss In Form
Moss played a great game for his side and was the shinning light of a hefty middle line, Milne whose first away match this was for his new club did quite well. He is big and methodical, if not particularly speedy, and tried a couple of shots at goal. Mort and Smart were safe and Jackson brought off some clever anticipatory clearance. Dorrell was the pick of a front line which is, alas! But a shadow of the old Villa vanguard. Teams; Everton; Fern; McDonald, and Livingstone; Brown, McBain, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Villa; Jackson; Smart, and Mort; Moss, Milne, and Blackburn; Stephenson, Kilton, Walker, Capewell, and Dorrell.
Everton are satisfied with the side that won yesterday at Goodison, and will make no alterations against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

EVERTON 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
September 20, 1923. The Liverpool daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON BEAT THE ASTON VILLA.
By Bees.
It used to be a habit for Aston Villa to visit Goodison Park and take away points, but that habit has lately discontinued. Yesterday, however, there must have been many among the 10,000 spectators who wondered whether Everton could hold out against such useful attacks as Villa made in spite of Dorrell and Stephenson being weak. Everton, in the first half, were perhaps lucky to get off without a goal against them. They had to thank Fern for a superb display, and after his initial faulty pick-up, he got a solid grip on things and his methods of edging Walker's drive over the bar and his manner of clutching Moss's drive showed him at his best. Aston Villa were distinctly dangerous, and it may be that remembrance caused the onlookers to be nervy about Everton, even when they had taken a goal two minutes after the interval. The fact is that this season Everton have not stayed right through the second half, and opposition that had been in arrears came near winning after the game had seemed to have gone the way of the Goodison side. Yesterday Everton finished fresher and brighter than at any other point of the season, and it was, therefore, a pity they did not test the Villa goalkeeper to more tune. Jackson had a comfortable afternoon if one excepts the period when Irvine rounded off a beautiful bit of combination with a low drive, which Jackson attended to smartly.
FERN'S ENJOYMENT.
The real reason for Jackson's easy afternoon was the fact that in the first half the Everton wingers kept centring, and the inner forwards had to head the ball. There is not a great deal of sling arising from a header unless it comes at an acute angle and at some pace. Therefore, the Everton forwards kept getting near with headers and did not impressed, as they would have impressed had one of them stolen, beyond Jackson. On the other hand, the Villa were pretty frequent marksmen with the boot, and Fern had a joyous day and a clean sheet. That there was a goal even so far on as 47 minutes can be attributed to the return of Cock. Cock was playing his first game of the season, thanks to the frailty caused by an attack of the ‘flu, and he controlled the younger forwards in nice style. He tells then what to do, when he will pass and how he will pass, and then encourages then to go on with the good work. His generalship counts for something. Moreover, he always follows up when there is a reasonable chance. Thus it came about that when a back was trying to kick clear from a line just outside the goalkeeper's area, Cock, from behind stretched out his leg and oushed the ball up into play with such force that it went to Troup, who drove in a capital ball. It took Everton nearly 40 minutes in the second half before they could drive home their advantage to the point of security. Then Troup offered a pass to Chadwick, and the latter hit one of his best “downs-the-middle” drives which are unstoppable. Chadwick is a better footballer and a better shot than has been given credit for, and he has shown more genuine football, this season than has been generally recognised. His shots are always so forceful that he should be left severely alone in the matter of tactics and speed. He is gaining experience every day and he is reaping a rich harvest through playing alongside Troup, even though the latter has had a poor season so far.
THE VILLA'S WEAKNESS.
The feature of the game, other than Fern's sure fielding, was the appearance of Dr. Milne, of Aberdeen, who vied with McBain in doing canny things in quiet but effective manner. Milne has come to stay in football. He has a sure touch with his forwards, and has a timely tackle, while his heading is above normal. He headed out one fast paced shot as if he enjoyed it, but he took good care to get the ball on the right part of the forehead. All the Everton half backs were good, and Hart stopped Stephenson, but found a tougher task in Kirton, who, like Walker, is the brains of the Villa attack. Capewell is hardly good enough, and Dorrell was most wasteful in shot and centre, though once he hit a ball that served out and knocked a boy over the adjoining rails. Goals don't come that way –only ambulance vans. The Villa's great weakness was that they had no height and weight, and that Walker, at centre, could not keep Dorrell primed with passes as was his wont last season. Most returned to the Villa defence and was not sure with the greasy ball, but Smart played better than a week ago. On the other hand, McDonald who many thought was not worth dropping some weeks ago, returned vice Downs (damaged) and gave a very good display. In the home attack Chedgzoy did much useful work. Irvine saved his best till the second half and the left wing was hard to keep in subjection. Troup showing a further step towards his last season's form. It seems a contradiction to say Everton deserved to win in view of Fern's display, but it is an indisputable fact. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, McDonald, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Aston Villa: - Jackson, goal, Smart, and Mort, backs, Moss, Milne, and Blackburne, half-backs, Stephenson, Kirton, Walker, Capewell, and Dorrell .
Everton play Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park on Saturday, and the team will be the same as against Aston Villa yesterday.

MILNE PLAYS WELL
Birmingham Daily Gazette-Thursday September 20, 1923
BUT VILLA LOSE TO EVERTON AT GOODISON PARK
WEAK FINISHING
EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 0
Up in Liverpool yesterday a knowledgeable man said “The Villa won’t do any good till they get busy with the Asquith motto ‘weight and see.” He means that the Villa side, in attack and defence, is too frail in regard to inches and avoirdupois. Perhaps he is right. Certainly the Villa have a nip that does them’ well against stocky Scottish half-back lines, but the men were pretty easily brushed off yesterday when they were beaten by two goals to nil at Everton’s ground in a sloppy weather condition. Despite the rain the attendance was pretty good and the people had plenty of sport, and clean sport at that.
EARLY PROMISE NOT FULFILLED.
It seemed that the Villa were going to create a surprise, for in the first half they shaped well, and they made the home goalkeeper rouse himself to a brilliant exhibition. He started by mishandling, which was exactly what Jackson did, but after that Jackson had only one real hot shot to save from Irvine and also a kick on the hand from Mort, who, with his goalkeeper, tried to clear at one and the same time. Now, in spite of the Mort miskicks and Jackson's easy time and Fern's extra heavy day's work against pile drivers sent in by Walker. Moss and Kirton, the fact remains that the Villa were weaklings when it came to the finishing touches, and Everton were in the end good winners. Yet for practically the whole of the game they feared a goal lead would not suffice. You see, Troup hadscored two minutes after the interval and Everton have a reputation for failing to stay. The Everton players know it and feel it, so when the Villa began to march upward by concerted movements, Everton got windy. However, Dorrell wasted some nice chances of centring and shooting, and with Stephenson well held by Hart, the Villa side lacked balance.
BRAINS OF THE ATTACK.
Thiswas just where Everton succeeded. They had Cock back for the first time this season after a courtship with "'flu," and he controlled the line in such a way that the youngsters in it came out of their shell. Cock was not keen to work hard. He was just content to arrange and organise attacks. He did shoot, but only once. He preferred to make openings, and therein he did a good day's work. He it was who made the first goal. He persisted in following up, and from the goal-line, and from behind the full back who was going to clear, he pushed his foot forward and put the ball for Troup to score. Eventhis goal did not suffice to shake the Villa's confidence in their ability, and if Walker's hard work and Kirton's canniness had backed up there would have been a goal or two. However, Capewell was below his normal form, and Dorrell seems to miss the feeding of Walker, while the latter player ran up against a tip-top half-back in McBain.
VILLA'S BEST MAN.
Best of all on the Villa side was Dr. Milne, who played anice quiet game. His heading was abnormal, for he headed out one swift shot asthough he had a head of iron. His generalship was good, and he placed himself aright as well as used his reach and height. He had a task in watching Cock and Co., but he succeeded. So did Smart, who was steadier with Mort by his side than he had been with Jones, yet Mort made almost as many mistakes as Jones made last. week. The Everton left wing had a hand in both goals, for five minutes from the finish Troup centred and Chadwick hit a ferocious shot that ricocheted against the bar and turned over the line.
MISSED CHANCES.
Everton on such form, will prove masters of many sides, but in this ease the Villa should have made good when they had the chance. Capewell, right on time, made a telling shot that Fern edged round the corner, but the damage had been done by that time, the leeway being too much to make up in the short time available. Dorrell by the way, once made a shot after the whistle had sounded for offside, and he hit a boy sitting around the goal, the force of the shot turning the boy clean over into the valley below. — Everton; Fern; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Aston Villa.—Jackson; Smart, Mort; Moss, Milne, Blackburn; Stephenson, Kirton, Walker, Capewell, Dorrell.

EVERTON WIN AND UNDERLYING CAUSE
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, September 20, 1923
Bee’s Notes
It would seen a contradictory statement to say how well Fern played yesterday at Goodison and then nominate Everton as the better side against the Villa. Yet that is exactly the statement of the case. Jackson, the Villa goalkeeper, had a mere nothing to do as compared with Fern, even if we cannot forget his incomparable save from Irvine’s great drive, which rounded off a spontaneous burst of passing that is not often seen in these drab days. There was, indeed, quite a lot of nice football yesterday, and Everton’s win should lead the side to recover their back-end-season confidence, and not only justify our statement that they are well worth watching, but also justify the belief that the side was well built. Undoubtedly Cock returned to bring life, wisdom, and novelty to the forward line. Really it has only been at inside forward that Everton have been failing, for, as I said when he was dropped, McDonald had thus far played very well, and yesterday he confirmed this by playing a good game and doing nothing wrong and plenty of things in good style. However, the main point was that Cock came back to direct the inside forwards. He is a personality, and his method of organising attacks is worthy of special mention. He has a good quick mind, and he not only makes a pass, but orders the ball’s going and tells his partners when, where, and how to expect it. Moreover, his following up is an object-lesson, especially when he is offside and refuses to let the referee “cut up” the game. This was made evident when he walked away and Chedgzoy, taking in the situation, just moved up and came near scoring.
BREAKING A HABIT
It used to be a habit for Aston Villa to visit Goodison Park and take away points, but the habit has lately been discontinued. Yesterday, however, there must have been many among the 10,000 spectators who wondered whether Everton could hold out against such useful attacks as Villa made, in spite of Dorrell and Stephenson being weak. Everton, in the first half, were perhaps lucky to get off without a goal against them. They had to thank Fern for a superb display, and after his initial faulty pick-up he got a solid grip on things and his method of edging Walker’s drive over the bar and his manner of clutching Moss’s drive showed him at his best. Everton finished fresher and brighter than at any other point of the season, and it was therefore a pity they did not test the Villa goalkeeper to more time. The real reason for Jackson’s easy afternoon was the fact that in the first half the Everton wingers kept centring, and the inner forwards had to head the ball. There is not a great deal of sting arising from a header unless it comes at an acute angle and at some pace. Therefore, the Everton forwards kept getting near with headers and did not impress as they would have impressed had one of them stolen beyond Jackson. On the other hand, the Villa were pretty frequent marksmen with the boot, and Fern had a joyous day and a clean sheet. Cock, from behind, stretched out his leg and pushed the ball up into play with such force that it went to Troup, who drove in a capital ball. It took Everton nearly 40 minutes in the second half before they could drive home their advantage to the point of security. Then Troup offered a pass to Chadwick, and the latter hit one of his best “down-the-middle” drives, which are unstoppable, Chadwick is a better footballer and a better shot than he has been given credit for, and he has shown more genuine football this season than has been generally recognised. His shots are always so forceful that he should be left severely alone in the matter of tactics and speed. He is gaining experience every day, and is reaping a rich harvest through playing alongside Troup, even though the latter has had a poor season so far.
THE VILLA’S WEAKNESS
Dr. Milne, of Aberdeen, vied with McBain in doing canny things in quiet but effective manner. Milne has come to stay in football. He has a sure touch with his forwards, and has a timely tackle while his heading is above normal. He headed out one fast-paced shot as if he enjoyed it, but he took good care to get the ball on the right part of the forehead. All the Everton half backs were good, and Hart stopped Stephenson, but found a tougher task in Kirton, who, like Walker, is the brains of the Villa attack. Capewell is hardly good enough and Dorrell was most wasteful in shot and centre, though once he hit a ball that swerved out and knocked a boy over the adjoining rails. Goals don’t come that way- only ambulance vans. The Villa’s great weakness was that they had no height and weight, and that Walker, at centre, could not keep Dorrell primed with passes as was his wont last season. Mort returned to the Villa defence and was not sure with the greasy ball, but Smart played better than a week ago. Everton play Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park on Saturday, and the team will be the same as against Aston Villa yesterday.

RUNCORN v  EVERTON
Runcorn Weekly News- Friday, September 21, 1923
These teams met at Canal street on Wednesday evening when there was a capital " gate." perhaps drawn chiefly by curiosity as to how Runcorn shape in better company. As one outcome of the game both Tasker and Jeffs can pride themselves upon the fact that they scored against an international goalkeeper, and what is more, had him hopelessly beaten. The Runcorn team showed two changes compared with that which duty last Saturday, Ormerod playing in place of Johnson and Shepherd in place of Travis. The visitors included Harland, the Irish international custodian; Reid, an Irish League player: Forbes, a Scottish centre-forward; and Harrison, an English international. With such a galaxy of talent against them it was not anticipated that Runcorn would be able to make a show.  In the first few minutes Miller opened the Everton score, for Reid to increase it from a penalty. The visitors' style gave the impression that they were not really exerting themselves, but truth to tell they were playing, their ordinary match game. They visited the Runcorn end very frequently, but found that Coleman and Shepherd were staunch defenders. Spencer gave a glimpse of his best form when, after a tricky run, he gave to Tasker who sent in a hard drive which easily beat Harland. Subsequently Parry added a third goal for Everton and shortly afterward, Jeffs got his head to a beautiful centre front Johnstone and gave Harland no chance to save. Everton seemed to be past masters in the art of tiring an attack by sending them on fruitless chases after the ball.  Long back passes were frequent, and proved that a resourceful defence can find safety and comfort by adopting this method. In the second half Runcorn emulated some of the Everton tactics and found them profitable. Riley put up a good show and although he was not allowed much latitude was quite able to more than hold his own. Some of his centres were perfect and his footwork on the line was worthy of commendation. Johnstone was constantly showing good drib, bling qualities and Jeffs,Tasker, and Foot were not one whit behind. The home back division was mystified on occasions but even Everton could not do what they liked all the time, for although they certainly tried to score they could only add one more to their total. Result: Everton. 4: Runcorn. 2.

HUDDERSFIELD’S CRACK SIDE AT THE EVERTON GROUND
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, September 21, 1923
Bee’s Notes
We shall see at Goodison Park tomorrow whether the Everton form against the smallest-built Villa side is the to be relied upon. Everyone recognises in Huddersfield one of the hottest sides of the land. There is the international coupling in goal by reason of Ted Taylor’s appearance, and Sam Wadsworth stands before him. Then there is the artist Clem Stephenson, who, doesn’t get goals, but is just a wonderful worker of the ball, and a joy to the man who goes to see football as well as zest. Unfortunately, the Yorkshire side has been badly handicapped recently by injuries, and the team may not be at full strength. That matters little; we know these boys who strive to get their nose in and won’t be pushed out. They are often more trouble than Mr. Sober-sides First-teamer. Certainly, I think Everton will be tested, and equally sure am I that they will conquer -if they play as they did against the Villa. Huddersfield are in a bad way through their centre forward, Wilson, being ill, and Islip having two ribs damaged. Cook, ex-Rotherham, will be keenly watched. This was the man over whom there was a lot of arguing. Everton;- Fern; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Huddersfield; E. Taylor; Barkas, S. Wadsworth; AW Smith, Wilson, Watson; Walter, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, WH Smith.
THE INCOMING DERBY GAME
Everton and Liverpool meet at Goodison Park on October 6, and the reserved tickets have “gone” so well that there are precious few left. Sharp’s Whitechapel, have the selling.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 22 1923
By Louis T. Kelly

GOOD FOOTBALL BY EVERTON AND HUDDERSFIELD
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday September 22, 1923
“BEE” DESCRIBES A GOAL TO CHADWICK AND TO VISITORS’ RESERVE CENTRE
AN INTERESTING CONTEST
EVERTON DRAW 1-1
Everton; Fern; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Huddersfield; E. Taylor; Barkas, S. Wadsworth; AW Smith, Wilson, Watson; Walter, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, WH Smith. Everton made no change from the side that won against Villa during the week. Goodison Park had one of its best attendances, because Huddersfield are a very popular side, and one does not forget their personalities, nor yet their rise from death to life soon after the war. Unfortunately, Huddersfield had a weak side to-day, through Islip having damaged ribs and centre Wilson being indisposed. Everton kicked off, and Cock at once made a strong raid, which was finished off by a feint and a try-on shot by Chadwick, the ball swinging outside. Still, it was good to see that early on the Everton players had realised that against the Yorkshiremen they must shoot if they would win. Wadsworth and McDonald were quickly in the limelight, and Barkas, a strong-limbed fellow, did useful work, while Wadsworth showed considerable skill in keeping the ball in play when he was angled to clear. Barkas had to run across to clear the lines when Wadsworth was in difficulty with Chedgzoy, and Troup, following up, forced Barkas to make a hasty clearance, the ball very nearly cannoning against the Everton winger.
FERN GIVES A CORNER
The game was closely contested and after Irvine had made a strong drive at the foot of the post, W. H. Smith ran away from Brown and McDonald, and taking the ball well in, shot so close that although the ball was going outside, Fern decided he had better handle. Thus a corner kick came after which Hart, Troup and Cock made fine combination, till the centre forward was covered. Chedgzoy had a chance, but delayed his shot, and then Huddersfield, through Brown close in, had a golden chance, which ended through McDonald getting busy, Chedgzoy forced a corner in the best sense of the word “forced,” and for this A. Smith miskicked badly, and Troup was able to shoot so hard that Taylor was quite content to save at the expense of a corner. Wadsworth also mis-kicked, and it seemed that there was more wind down below than the spectators could realise. C. Stephenson was very tricky, and all round there was a cleanliness and confidence that made the game most enjoyable. The Everton defence was awkwardly place when Walter got going, and for a time each of three men left a clearance to the other.
FLASHES BEFORE GOAL
Wilson and A. Smith mis-kicked without Troup being able to make full use of the slight errors, and W.H. Smith, who had been hard to keep in check, was now suffering from a slight toe injury. Huddersfield were most dangerous when they passed and repassed in front of goal, Fern having to edge the ball over the bar from a lobbing centre, and McDonald had to be sure if placing himself and in his kicks to prevent damage arising. The Yorkshire right wing was at this point very clever in spite of Hart, and the way Walter ran on and moved the ball when his right left was behind his left leg was uncommon and quite to the liking of the crowd of 35,000. Cock offered Irvine a capital chance to open the day’s account, but the Irishman kicked the ball some yards out of reckoning. Chedgzoy forced Taylor to catch the ball, and Cock charged the local man off possession. McDonald and Brown did well against W.H. Smith, but Stephenson was a different proposition. The Yorkshire goal was in grave danger when Chadwick wisely passed the ball over to the right wing, a pass that practically went from one side of the ground to the other, and Irvine could not quite get in his shot. Taylor saved twice, once from Chedgzoy after Troup had made a fine centre, and later when Irvine headed in and tried to place the ball beyond the old Balmoral goalkeeper.
CHADWICK’S CRAFTY GOAL
The Chadwick-Troup combine shaped successfully, and when Troup centred merrily, Cock, in heading the ball, was temporarily knocked out and fell all of a heap. The next incident was a goal, McDonald made a clearance, and the ball was diverted a trifle towards Chadwick, who, although he had a man either side of him, was able to get in his shot- a low ball with some pace behind it, as y=usual, and the glad hand duly arrived for this fast improving young player. Irvine nearly made the score into 2, but when McBain came out of his shell with a lovely dribble half a yard at every move, Chadwick made a strong charge and McBain drove in a purler that hit the goal-net supports. Everton were now playing superior football, even though Stephenson again broke away and made an opening for Smith that was snapped up by McDonald. The football on the left flank was a sheer delight, and Hart joined in it by making a tip-top header to Troup, who simply flicked the ball to his partner. Half-time; Everton 1, Huddersfield 0
CHEERING THE “EXILE.”
The interval was prolonged to ten minutes, and when it was over Taylor going to the Stanley Park goal got a special reception from the crowd, who, doubtless, marvelled that a son of Liverpool should be unable to get his place in a local team, yet was clever enough to be chosen for England. Brown made a header that let in Chedgzoy, and the latter shot with considerable force, and was perhaps unlucky to find the ball sent over the far angle of the post. Huddersfield were let in within a moment through Chadwick trying to help the defence. McBain stopped Brown’s shot, and then Fern stopped first smith and then Wilson, both half-backs, thus having had more to do in the first five minutes of the second half than he had all through the first half. The centre forward, Brown, was not a Charlie Wilson, but he came into the fore-front through a nice upward run, which was checked by McDonald.
HOW FERN WAS BEATEN
McDonald cleverly intercepted a goal intended for Stephenson, but the damage was soon redeemed as Brown scored in fifty-seven minutes. He got his chance through McDonald in clearing finding the ball cannon against a player. Fern left his goal to the extent of two or three yards, and was unable to do more than barely touch the ball as it spun into the net. Chedgzoy tried hard to bring the lead, and was too closely covered by the centre half-back, Wilson. Irvine had a free-kick for an offence by Stephenson. Chedgzoy took the spot, and McBain made a first time drive, and sent the ball very high over the bar. Still it was evidence of some fore-thought, and anything like that in football should be encouraged, even though a bell does occasionally go astray. Chadwick tried to repeat his opening goal and was just as much crowded out as when he scored, and his shot failed in its mission. Smith broke away without getting more for his trouble than a corner kick against McDonald. However, the corner kick took a lot of clearing and when it was cleared, Stephenson was to be found alongside his full back helping them out of trouble. Walter, who had been very quiet this half, now came out with a rush, and when he shot Fern was in a bad position, and was only saved through the ball hitting the crossbar. Chedgzoy afterwards tried an angled shot, and the ball went outside, but in any case he would not have scored, because Taylor was down on the knee ready for emergency. Cock, Chedgzoy, and Chadwick (C 3’s) combined together, and the last named tried a header that was going away from Taylor. He made a catch, and followed it up with a save from Brown.
JACK AS GOOD AS MASTER
Huddersfield were just as good as their rivals in the second half, even allowing for a sort of overhead effort on the part of Chadwick that sent the ball over the bar. A near escape for Huddersfield came when Taylor had to dribble the ball to prevent Cock scoring. Final; Everton 1, Huddersfield 1.

FOOTBALL AT ITS BEST AT GOODISON
September 24, 1923. The Liverpool Courier
Everton Share Points With Huddersfield
Honours Even
By Adam
Everton 1, Huddersfield Town 1
The best football of the season was served up at Goodison Park, when after leading Huddersfield Town by a goal at the interval. Everton had to be content to share the honours –their fifth draw in nine matches. It was an equitable result, for there was never any great disparity between two fast-moving clever sides. The first half pace was a cracker. Hefty kicking by the backs usually culminated in thrusting forward work, and there were countless shots, speculative and considered. Chadwick and Irvine each put over in the first two minutes, and Smith had Fern at full length in the third. Chedgzoy’s due is with Wadsworth were frequent and free, and the back often miskicked or placed the ball, an awkwardly bouncing one, out of play. The winger and Troup were always sending over delectable centres, and in the first half hour the Huddersfield halves and rearguard were full of work.
A Great Goal
At thirty-six minutes, Chadwick scored a plucky and determined goal. He received some distance out, and appeared hopelessly sandwiched, but going on he let fly with a fast daisy-cutter, which had Taylor guessing all the way. There was no stopping Everton after this and Troup and Irvine reached top form. McDonald and Livingstone worked heroically, and although the visitors always looked dangerous with long swinging passes it is a striking commentary on the excellence of the defence that in this half Fern only handled the ball twice, once unnecessarily. The start of the second half saw Brown, the Huddersfield centre forward, miss a absolute sitter, and then Fern had to save rapidly in succession. It was Brown, however, who equalized for his side, but it was a happy go luck sort of affair, McDonald had tackled the forward, and kicked apparently clear. The ball, however, struck somebody and Brown fifteen yards out, fired a high dropping shot. Fern had come out a yard or two, and this proved his undoing, for he just managed to touch the ball before it entered the net behind him. It was hard going from now onwards. Once Walter sent in a beauty which hit the underside of the bar and came back into play and both goalkeepers made brilliant saves, not only from forwards but half-backs. A.W. Smith was carried off injured five minutes from time, and the finish was fought out amidst intense excitement.
Praise Al Round
Where so much clean, clever, robust football was exhibited, it would be cavalier to apportion blame or praise. There was not “a passenger” on the field. Both defences were splendid, albeit the Huddersfield backs were rather prone to kick out. The halves were tireless and their constructive work of the first rank. McBain played one of his best games. The understanding of each set of forwards was immense, and Huddersfield’s left wing were models, Troup showed a welcome return to the form he displayed last April, but Chedgzoy was better in the first 45 minutes than the last. Cock’s following-up was a feature, one chase of Taylor evoking great applause and laughter. A fine clean game, with no favours asked or granted. Teams; Everton; Fern; McDonald and Livingstone; Brown, McBain, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Huddersfield T;- Taylor; Barkass, and Wadsworth; Smith (A.W) , Wilson and Watson; Walter, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, and Smith (W.H.).

EVERTON 1 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1
September 24, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON DRAW
PLEASING DISPLAY AT GOODISON PARK.
There was much good football in the game between Everton and Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park, and if the result –a draw of one goal each –fell below the anticipation of the Everton contingent, there was satisfaction in the knowledge that both sides played well, and that the score was a fair indication of the play. The best of the game was seen in the first half, when Everton reached, something like their true form. There was steadiness in defence, and the towards shot, with greater frequency than in some of their earlier games. It could not be said however, that the improvement extended –throughout the game, for the forwards were not near, so effective after the interval and this in spite of the fact that they were well supported by the half-backs. True, the Huddersfield defenders played sprandly after a rather shaky first half, and taking the game throughout, the side were fairly evenly matched.
CHADWICK'S GOAL.
Everton led off in sparkling fashion, but the first dangerous movements came from the visitors, a fine run by Smith resuling in a corner. Early on the Huddersfield goal had a narrow escape, as A. Smith missed his kick, and the shakiness of the visitors' defence was revealed when Wadsworth turned the ball over his own goal. Gradually the Town forwards came into view and they made excellent progress with long swinging passes. Walter was plied with takeable passes and he made good use of them. The Everton backs, however never faltered, and the football thus early was of the exhilarating type and highly creditable to both sides. Brown went through from a clever pass by Stephenson and the Town right wing continued to be a source of anxiety to the Everton defence, although Fern was rarely in action. Chadwick started a movement when he put Chedgzoy in possession, which was only cleared with difficulty, and Taylor had to catch a hard drive by Chedgzoy. The Huddersfield halves played very soundly and had a fine understanding with their forwards. Still, the Everton forwards looked the more likely scorers, and Chadwick got his opportunity at the thirty-seven minute. He took it without hesitation, and his rapid movements quite surprised and confused the Town backs. Although hampered, Chadwick drive the ball into the corner of the net quite out of Taylor's reach. The success had a tonic effect upon Everton, and they played on to become a much-improved side, McBain hitting the post with a tremendous shot.
HUDDERSFIELD EQUALISE.
Fern had very little to do in the first half, but he stopped two fine efforts early in the second stage. Then Chedgzoy got in a glorious drive, and McBain's clever anticipation saved an almost certain goal, when Cook was sent forward with a pass by Walter. Twelve minutes of the second half had gone when Brown made the score equal. It was a rather lucky opening that gave Brown his chance, as a half clearances by McDonald caused the ball to cannon against an opponent, and Brown lofted it into the net as Fern attempt to anticipate the attack by leaving his goal. Everton worked hard to regain the lead and Taylor was forced to make several capital saves. Just before the end, A. Smith was carried off with a damaged knee, and Taylor revealed himself as an artistic dribbler by the way the dribble the ball around Cock, who vainly sought to dispossess him. Everton without being brilliant gave a pleasing display. The defence was sound, and McDonald did a deal of good work. He never appeared slow, even against the dashing Smith. The middle line held a nice balance between the opposing forwards and their own attacks. Troup and Chadwick made a capital wing, especially in the first half, but there was not the same understanding on the right wing, Irvine being slow. Taylor played a splendid game, and the backs improved considerably in the second half. Then half-backs were very strong, and the forwards compared favourably with the Everton line. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, McDonald, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Huddersfield Town: - Taylor, goal, Bates, and Wadsworth, backs, A. Smith, Wilson, and Watson, half-backs, Walter, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, and W. H. Smith, forwards.

EVERTON MOODY
Athletic News- Monday, September 24, 1923
A WELL EARNED POINT FOR HUDDERSFIELD
A.W. SMITH’S MISHAP
EVERTON 1 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1
By Junius
The visit of Huddersfield Town to Goodison Park produced a game which was brimful of interest from start to finish. The teams were evenly matched and they played good football. Unfortunately, seven minutes from the close, A. W. Smith met with a knee injury and when being led off the field completely collapsed and had to be borne on a stretcher the dressing-room. It was a pure accident which, it is feared, will keep him out the side for a few weeks. Generally, there was more method in the movements of the Huddersfield players. They were business-like, energetic without being vigorous, and created the impression, the forwards and half backs especially, that they understood each-others requirements, and were playing to plan. The play was fairly well distributed and this was in marked contrast to that on the Everton side, where most attention was directed to the right wing, in spite of the fact that Wadsworth successfully challenged every advance on his flank. Everton's left, wing was neglected in the second half particularly, and as Troup generally had the better of his duels with Barkas, it was strange that more of the play was not directed towards quarter.
Fern's Clever Save.
There were possibilities the scoring being opened quite early in the game, and in the first few minutes. Smith, after eluding Brown and McDonald, apparently had the Everton goal at his mercy, when Fern scooped the ball round the post. At the other end Taylor saved twice from Troup and Chadwick when prone, and it was not until the game had been in progress thirty-seven minutes that Chadwick pounced upon a ball that McBain pushed forward and, though harassed the backs, drove in strong ground shot to the right Taylor. Everton retained the lead up the interval but ten minutes after resuming, Brown, who led the forward line owing to Wilson being laid aside with a severe cold, levelled matters. It was rather lucky point, for McDonald, in attempting clear, had the misfortune to drive against opponent. Fern anticipated the danger and stepped forward, but, in a trice, the ball was returned, and the keeper, with outstretched arm, could only partially arrest its progress. On the run the play, this success was well deserved. Towards the finish both sides  tired perceptibly. Everton, I thought, the more so. Much good footwork was seen, and the defences were equal to most the demands made upon them. There were times when the Evertonbacks lacked both direction and pace, but they were great defenders all the same. The Huddersfield pair generally had an eye to the location a colleague, and rarely indeed was there any over-kicking of the forwards. Wadsworth was cool and unperturbed, accomplishing much clever work with an apparently small expenditure of energy, and in one period of the first half he stood between Everton and what might easily have been a crop of goals. Though Huddersfield were the more incisive in their advances it was Taylor and not Fern who was the more frequently called upon. He made no mistake, and several saves from Chedgzoy disclosed the master hand.
The Value of Combination.
I was much impressed with the positional play of the visitors’ forward and half-back lines. They conserved energy as a result thereof, and it required the fullest efforts of the Everton middlemen to checkmate their moves. The Everton forwards rarely moved as a line, though McBain worked and schemed to get them together. Troup was not utilised as he should have been, and as the leader Cock was variable. It was not that displayed weakness, but, after had drawn his opponents, his colleague failed to appreciate his subtle passes. Stephenson was a clever and hard worker, combining well with Smith, and these were the players who caused most trouble, especially in the early stages. Wilson was the strong man in Huddersfield's middle line, for he rarely placed a ball faultily, and he kept keen eye on the Everton leader. Brown, Everton s right half-back, played a greatly improved game against a clever wing; indeed, I considered him the most successful half-back on view. Everton.—Fern: McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Huddersfield Town. Taylor:Wadsworth; Smith (A. W.), Wilson (T.), Watson: Walter, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, and Smith (W. H.). Referee: S. Brearley. Accrington.

A LOCAL STUDY
The Liverpool Echo- Monday September 24, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Let us pay attention to our own affairs for the moment. Take Everton. Their left wing was excellent in manipulation and combination, and was not altogether lacking in shooting force. Those who decried Chadwick as being too big and too slow will eat their words. As I have said from the start, to force him out just now would be to put his experience back a couple of seasons and to damage his chance of recovery. He is learning and doing a lot of good work, and anyone who wanted prettier and more effective work than he performed with Troup’s aid is the sort of man who wants to draw his own insurance money after his death! Chadwick got an all-important goal-from the centre-forward position, don’t forget, and despite the shouldering of a player on either side of him. It was a well-earned goal. But unfortunately it looked as though the stamina of Cock had been taken from him by the mid-week match, for he did not look as at well, while the right wing was not its own pristine self. Thus, having got the defending lines right and the half-back line as ever above normal, Everton had to face a forward faultiness that could not be mistaken.
HALF-BACK STRENGTH
All through I keep saying what a strong half-back line Everton field, and undoubtedly Brown’s continued presence (I don’t forget he was dropped when he played the best game of the three that day, and that may not be saying much, but it suggests that he was rather hurriedly dropped) has done much to give him the confidence of selection. His was the best game of the half-back line on Saturday, which is saying much, because Hart played so well and earnestly, even though McBain was a trifle below his usual standard, save for one special dribble and shot. Then at full back McDonald’s come-back has been emphatic. His heading of intended goals for the right or left wing was masterly, and if he did kick the ball a shade too hard at times, I still count his game one of the best he was given us, while Livingstone went on with the good work he has offered up ever since he got back to the first team. With Fern not too seriously troubled, and with the half-back and full back line good, Everton should have done better than draw.
THE OTHER SIDE
Of course, Huddersfield had a say in the matter. They are possibly the stockiest side I have seen since the days of old, when Notts County used to sign on plump fellows. Huddersfield have weight and ability. Clem Stephenson provides much of the latter, and is still a grand schemer-one of the real old-style of ball-jugglers. Huddersfield, weakly represented, were doubtless content with a draw, for they were out-played in the first half when Wadsworth and Barkas were kicking anything like a good length of direction. The half-back line is a trim one, and Wilson has sobered down from excess of enthusiasm to a real good provider-thus saving himself a lot of work. A ball well passed by a half-back may save that half-back a fund of energy. I liked A.W. Smith, who unfortunately had to be carried off on a stretcher through a simple accident which occurred while he was placing a ball for a free kick. In goal Ted Taylor played his own confident game, and though he put the wind up some people by twice doing a dribbling act, his comrades knew he knew exactly how far he could go. Taylor stands for size, sense an surely. In fact, Huddersfield at full strength must be a good side. They weren’t at full strength; therefore am I disappointed at the half-loaf that Everton offered their supporters-probably 35,000 strong.

EVERTON 4 BURY 1
September 25, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LANCASHIRE CUP
EVERTON BEAT BURY IN CUP-TIE
TROUP DISLOCATES HIS SHOULDER.
Alec Troup the Scottish International winger, dislocated his shoulder yesterday when engaged in a Lancashire Senior Cup-tie, that was won by Everton by 4-1, Chadwick scoring two goals, Cock, one, and Richardson, the Bury goalkeeper helping a ball from Troup over the line. Bury scored first through Woodhouse, but Everton soon recovered from the blew, and afterwards a rather dull game was enlivened by flashes of humout on the part of Cock and the opposing goalkeeper, who seemed to be doing a due-act that appealed to be crowd. Unfortunately, near the finish there was an outburst on the part of Livingstone, who kicked a Bury player, the centre forward, but whether it was in retaliation one could not –say –certainly, it was a blot on the game. Everton tried a new right wing from the reserve side, parry and Miller giving a sprightly display, even if they were not over-successful against a half-back who was not too clever. The pair showed their best form in the late stages of the game.
TAKING LIBERTIES.
Of the other home men it is only necessary to state that the half-back line was as deadly as ever, and Chadwick with shots and passes to the centre and also to the outside right, showed a marching forward in tactics that is great delight to those who sponsored him. When he does break through he is a very deadly. Bury were disappointing and outclassed by a side that took many liberties, having the feeling that they could win at any time. Certainly the Second Division club has a good pair of centres, Norman Bullock, tried by England, was not present, but Ball made a capital understudy, in spite of the absence of help from their left flank, Finney did well as a pivot, and at full back none did better than Smith, and both goalkeepers stopped some hot shots. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, McDonald, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, McBain and Hart (captain), half-backs, Parry, Miller, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Bury: - Richardson, goal, Smith, and Heap, backs, Brookes, Finney, and Cooper, half-backs, Butler, Stage, Hall, Woodhouse, and Burkeshaw, forwards.

TROUP'S MISHAP.
September 25 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The dislocation of his shoulder in the cup-tie at Goodison Park yesterday has not put Troup, the Everton outside left, out of the team for Saturday's return match with Huddersfield Town. The shoulder was set in the dressing room. The only change from the team, which defeated Bury, is that Irvine is brought into the inside right forward position in place of Miller. The team therefore will be: - Fern, McDonald, and Livingstone, Brown McBain, and Hart; Parry, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup.

FOOTBALLER TROUP DAMAGED
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, September 25, 1923
DISCLOSED SHOULDER IN CUP GAME WITH BURY
“Bee” say that there was another of the ever-recurring mid-week matches today, when the Lancashire Senior Cup-tie between Everton and Bury took place at Goodison Park. Bury are rare visitors to the city nowadays, but we do not forget Settle once played for them, afterwards joining Everton. Teams;- Everton; Fern; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Parry, Miller, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Bury; Richardson; Smith, Heap; Brookes, Finney, Cooper; Butler, Stage, Ball, Woodhouse, Burkenshaw.  The spectators were sorry that Norman Bullock was not playing. Bury started with the wind in their favour, but were quickly on the defensive, and found Heap miskicking.
BURY LEAD SOON EQUALISED
Cock got the full back guessing, and when he made a half chance for Parry, the latter squeezed in his centre, and Cock with the shot was a yard out. Proceedings were very quiet for a long time, even though Cooper, a tall half-back did liven matters with a charge that brought a foul against him. In six minutes Bury had scored through Woodhouse taking a chance right in front of goal, Woodhouse had to thank McDonald and Fern for his chance, because it was in trying to ward off a corner kick that the Everton defence let in the right wing. Everton were surprised by this, and also by the liveliness of the Bury left wing, Stage was also very nippy. Everton equalised in ten minutes thanks to Chadwick making up his mind that there had been enough pit-pat, and that a first-time shot was needed. Miller had been dribbling about, but had not been able to get across an intended pass to the left, and the ball eventually reached Chadwick. The latter sailed in with a first-time and swerving ball that deceived the goalkeeper to such an extent that he went a yard the wrong way for it. On the other hand, Fern made a fine catch from Finney.
GOALKEEPER SCORES
Woodhouse shot over and Parry played resolutely against the full back, who fell and scrambled along on all fours, and was glad to see Cock handle the centre, McDonald stopped Ball when he was close in, and 25 minutes later Troup in an off-side berth centred the ball so awkwardly that the goalkeeper, Richardson, in attempting to thump it out, put the ball against the upright, from whence it rebounded over the line. Chadwick followed this leading goal with a terrific shot that crashed against the upright. Cock lent some amusement to the game by knocking the goalkeeper’s hat off and picking it up and offering it to him solemnly. Troup now had to leave the field, and it is feared he has dislocated his shoulder. Bury started the second half as they had finished the first, and after Burkinshaw had done well, Cock broke right through and stumbled when about to shoot, as he had been felled in the penalty area. Later he received Finney’s boot on the side of the head, but both players shook hands in token that it was an accident. Cock again broke away, but his shot was smothered by the goalkeeper. Finney made one drive that Fern caught, and now, although Everton were a man short, the home side was more than holding its own.

TROUP’S INJURY DOES NOT LAY HIM UP
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, September 26, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton won their way through the Lancashire Senior Cup round yesterday at Goodison Park, and Bury revealed to us a boy who should make good at centre forward. He was deputising for the well-thought-of Norman Bullock, and his name is Ball. He is a Bradford type- big, strong, and not too clever just now. He is just the sort of lad we should expect to go forward. Finney came to light at centre half-back, and Bury, though big, were not altogether impressive. Richardson, the goalkeeper, who, with Jack Cock, made plenty of “light refreshment” for the onlookers-especially those upstairs -went yards away from one Chadwick shot that swerved possibly through the wind, and the fact that he does not always hit a ball full in the face. Chadwick keeps getting goals, and proving that those who sponsored him (write others cried out against him) were on good grounds. A correspondent this day has asked me whether Chambers or Chadwick is the faster shot. Who can say? Goalkeeper, I know, say they are glad to get out of the way of Chambers. They don’t at the moment know sufficiently of Chadwick; but I noticed yesterday when a free kick was being taken by Chadwick that the defence left a clear view to the goalkeeper and the full back who stood by his side. They came from Lancashire, you see, and knew Chadwick’s power- so there was no lining up and making a well against the shot. On Saturday at Burnley Taylor headed out a marvellous shot from a free by Donald Mackinlay. Altogether in this city we have some striking shots, and we would that other players would try and copy their principle of fats driving. I am sure of this; Troup (the unlucky fellow who went off with a disclosed shoulder, but is expected to play at the week-end) and Chadwick make a bonny wing, and one that fascinates by its footwork -PLUS ITS SHOTS! If you notice Chadwick when he fails to hit the ball truly, you will find that his ball drags along the turf, bumping its way along. He will get out of that failing in time, and then his goal crop will be big. There is only one other matter for reference. No means, no pack drill! One player was lucky to find himself on the field at the finish of the game. Let that blot be the last on his escutcheon! Otherwise we shall have to give name, dates, and suspensions.
TROUP TO PLAY
The dislocation of his shoulder in the cup tie at Goodison Park yesterday has not put Troup, the Everton outside left, out of the team for Saturday’s return match with Huddersfield. The shoulder was set in the dressing-room. The only change from the team which defeated Bury is that Irvine is brought into the inside right forward position in place of Miller. The team, therefore, will be;- Fern; McDonald, and Livingstone; Brown, McBain, and Hart; Parry, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, September 27, 1923
Troup, who is new to shoulder blade troubles, was chosen for Everton’s match on Saturday, but there is still a grave doubt as to whether he will be able to play. Parry takes Chedgzoy’s place, Sam being in Ireland with the English League. 

DOCK BOARD AND THE TUNNEL
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, September 27, 1923
NO REPRESENTATIVES ASKED TO THE MEETING
Mr. Thomas Rome, chairman of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, at to-day’s meeting of that body, said;- “I think it only right to call the attentions of members to the scheme unfolded at the meeting of the Mersey Co-ordination Committee, which recommends the building of a tunnel under the Mersey connecting the boroughs of Birkenhead and Wallasey with the city of Liverpool. “The Board will be interested to know that no representatives of the board were summoned to that meeting. “Certain remarks were said to be made at the meeting which convey an impression that the board are antagonistic to the scheme. They have not had an opportunity of seeing the plans or considering them. It is quite unwarranted to say that we would hinder any development which was for the benefit of the port.”

TUNNEL FINANCE THE GREAT PROBLEMS
The Liverpool Echo, Thursday, September 27, 1923
MUST A BIG LOSS BE FACED?
AN ACCOUNTANT’S FEAR
MR. SIDNEY DAWSON ON THE PROPOSALS
LOCAL LEADERS CAUTIONS
NOT INCLINED TO GIVE VIEWS YET
WALLASEY SURPRISE
THE “WON’T-WAIT” FERRY SCHEME ADVOCATES
Wallasey Ferries Committee, despite the unfortunates results of precipitancy in the past, which has played sad havoc with its ferry finances -though the membership then and now is considerably different- has decided, without waiting for the tunnel report, to recommend the Council to proceed with the huge new ferry scheme! Result-four members of the committee (including the leader of the council) have resigned from it. The tunnel may look prohibitively costly-Mr. Sidney S. Dawson is inclined to think so- but at least it might have been extended the courtesy of consideration, one would have thought. The news of this Ferries’ decision, unfortunately, reached us too late for comment in our leading article. Local leaders are not eager to offer opinions on the £6,400,000 Mersey Tunnel project until the pros and cons. Have been weighed.
Briefly, the scheme outlined by the famous engineering experts -Sir M. Fitzmaurice and Mr. Basil Mott- is this;-
A main 44 feet tunnel, under the river, would begin near the Dock Offices and run to the Birkenhead side, to a point south of the Wallasey Landing-stage.
AT LIVERPOOL this tunnel would be entered from TWO BRANCHES- one for light, fast traffic and tramcars, with an open approach to Whitechapel (in a proposed new wide street), and the other for heavy dock traffic, with an open approach at New Quay (Chapel-street).
ACROSS THE RIVER the two branches would run –(1) for BIRKENHEAD to an open approach neat woodside hotel; and (2) FOR WALLASEY, to an open approach at Victoria-place, near Seacombe Ferry. The scheme provides for tramways in both the branch tunnels on the Cheshire side; but on the Liverpool side this provision is only considered necessary for the Whitechapel branch. The tunnel will form a continuation of the main thoroughfares on both sides of the river, and will not be inferior to these either in capacity for traffic, surface of roadway, or gradients. It will be lighted and ventilated at all times, so that it can be continuously used with comfort and safety for both ordinary road traffic and tramways. Considerable speed can be attained, as the usual street obstruction will be non-existent. The sub-committee consisting of two members from the four towns concerned is to go into the financial and other aspects and report to the Mersey Co- ordination Committee (which represents the Merseyside boroughs) as soon as possible.
WILL FINANCE DOOM IT?
AN EX-FERRIES AND FINACE CHIEF’S VIEWS
The “Echo” asked Mr. Sidney Dawson, who is at once an accountancy expert and an ex-chairman of Ferries and Finance at Wallasey, to consider the scheme as outlined in the official summary by the engineers, and the speech of Sir Archibald Salridge. He was called to London on business last evening, and wires from there;-
The carefully guarded secret is out at last. And disappointing it has proved. It carries us no further.
The man in the street know all of it years ago. Significantly, the report contains the obituary notices of some half-dozen previous proposals during the last sixty years. No doubt the next scheme, when reported upon, say, twenty years, hence, will contain reverent references to the present one. But the chief point, as previously stated by me, is finance. Who is to provide the annual deficiencies, and in what proportions? This is one of a dozen questions I propose to submit in a few days. The capital cost is only useful as an indication of what the annual loan charges will be. If the Government grant one-half of the loan charges, the loss cannot be less than £100,000 per annum. If the Government make no grant-in-aid, the annual loss will be a quarter of a million sterling. A grant of less than one-half the loan charges will leave an annual deficit somewhat between the two huge figures just mentioned. The report and the “discussion” thereon afford no inkling of this-the all important point. The first thing the committee will need to do is assume the tunnel completed, at the estimated cost; compute the annual deficit as nearly as can be gauged, and then attempt to apportion this as between the Government and the four Merseyside boroughs. Then the wigs will be on the mean. I will accept your invitation, and deal with the report in detail in a few days.- SIDNEY S. DAWSON
WALLASEY FERRY HUSTLE
ASTONISHING DECISION BY A COMMITTEE
After a stormy meeting of the Wallasey Ferries Committee last night, the leader of the Council, Alderman E.G. Parkinson, and three other members, Councillors H.A. Thomas (Lab.) W.E. Gordon (Lib), and W.H. T Brown (Con.) announced their resignation from the committee as a protest against a recommendation to go forward with the £140,000 Seacombe Ferry improvement before receiving details of the Mersey tunnel scheme. By recommending the Council to embark on the whole ferry scheme, Wallasey is practically flouting the whole of the other Merseyside boroughs, said Counc. Thomas. “Such action is positively indecent, and not only jeopardises Merseyside co-ordination on the tunnel scheme, but makes a direct hit at co-operation between us and the neighbouring towns in regard to health, education, and in various other spheres proposed. “we have associated ourselves with the Merseyside Co-ordination Committee from its inception, have appointed representatives, and will have to shoulder our share of the expenses involved by that body; yet, before receiving the expects’ report, some members think fit to dispose of the financial practicability of the tunnel, and recommend the Council to embark on the whole of the Seacombe Ferry scheme-new stage and floating bridge. “We might just as well have made our decision without waiting for even the preliminary report on the tunnel scheme.” Dr. McMillan, chairman of the Finance Committee, on whose recommendation the majority of the Ferries Committee decided in favour of the big scheme, does not view the tunnel proposal as a practical financial proposition for Wallasey; but the minority, including the four members who resigned, and did not vote, consider that in any case the tunnel scheme should receive full consideration first.
BIRKENHEAD’S NEED
CLOSER TOUCH WITH INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
Mr. R. p. Fletcher, a member of the Birkenhead Town Council and of the Merseyside Co-ordination Committee, interviewed by the “Echo,” said;-
  “So far as Birkenhead is concerned, I have constantly contended that until there is a closer link between the two sides of the Mersey the schemes of developing the borough will be more or less held up. It is this closer and more rapid connection with the large manufacturing districts of Lancashire, the West Riding of Yorkshire, and North Midlands that Birkenhead needs if it is to develop its natural resource to their fullest extent. The construction of a tunnel would go far, not only in the development of Birkenhead, but equally in the development of Wallasey and the Wirral Peninsula generally.” “I do not think that the tunnel would materially damage the ferry facilities now provided, for the reason that throughout Great Britain to-day both Birkenhead and Liverpool are regarded by users of motor vehicles as cul-de-sacs and places difficult to get out of Tens of thousands of commercial forms, who now leave this distinct severely alone, would be induced to use the great national highway which the tunnel would provide, and it had to be remembered that traffic meant trade. “The opinions I have expressed, although they may be slightly varied when the full report is published, are those I have held since I became intimately connected with the transport problem which so vitally affects the prosperity of Merseyside.”
BIGGER GOVERNMENT GRANTS
Alderman R.J. Russell, who is also one of Birkenhead’s representatives on the Co-ordination Committee, expressed the opinion to a “Daily Post” representative last night that a tunnel would provide the best means of communication between the two sides of the river. “I think, however, that a larger proportion of the cost than even 50 per cent, should be provided from national source.”
FAME OF THE ENGINEERS
We give below some references to the two engineers who have -evolved the tunnel scheme.
Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice, F.R.S is a member of the firm of Coode, Fitzmaurice, Wilson and Mitchell, consulting engineers, who, among other import appointments, hold the position of consulting engineers for harbours to the Crown Agents for the Colonies and chief engineers of the national harbours at Dover and Peterhead. Sir Maurice, who is 62 years of age, was chief engineer to the London County Council from 1910 to 1912. He has filled many high positions on important engineering committee and is engineer of the Rotherhithe tunnel, new Vauxhall bridge, Kingsway, and tramways subway below street, the electric tramways in London, and the duplication and extension of the London main drainage system at a cost of £4,000,000. In 1913 he visited Australia, at the invitation of the Commonwealth Government, to advice on naval harbours and works. He was engaged also on the Forth Bridge, railways and docks in Canada, the Blackwall Tunnel and Nile Reservoir Dam, Assuan, Egypt. During the war his services were sought by the Government, and he visited the British front in Flanders in 1915 and 1918, at the request of the War Office, to advise on questions of drainage. Holds Telford and Watts gold medals of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and has written several works on engineering subjects. Mr. Basil Mott, consulting engineer, was a partner with the late Sir Benjamin Baker, with whom he was responsible for the construction of the central London Railway and other important public works. He has acted as mining engineer for several collieries, and was associated with the late J.H. Greathead in the construction of the City and South London Electric Railway. Mr. Mott is sixty four years of age.

EVERTON’S HARD TASK
Liverpool Echo-Friday, September 28, 1923
OFF TO YORK
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Huddersfield without Chedgzoy, for whom Parry makes appearance and if Troup is not ready for service through his damaged shoulder there will be a competent deputy in Harrison. Everton will find Huddersfield very awkward, yet there is some hope in view of the fact that the Yorks, side is not at full strength and is likely to find a deputy for A.W. Smith, who is more than useful at right half, and was last week crocked after giving a very good exhibition. For my part, I can again see, with optimistic glasses, a chance of a surprise win for Everton, but this can only come if the inside forwards continue to hit hard and often. The rest of the team can be depended upon to carry on. It is up to the forwards to justify themselves, and to hit a ball first time rather than wheel around to gain a fresh place on which to plant the ball ere the shot is delivered. The paper which will give you the full reports of the whole of the big matches is the “Football Echo.” Everton; Fern; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Parry, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Huddersfield; E. Taylor; Barkas, S. Wadsworth; AW Smith, Wilson, Watson; Walter, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, WH Smith.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday September 29, 1923
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON WITHOUT TROUP
The Liverpool Echo- Saturday, September 29, 1923
HARRISON RESUMES ON LEFT WING
HUDDERSFIELD’S SUCCESS
F.E.H’S REPORT AND COMMENT SCRAPPY GAME
Everton; Fern; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Parry, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Harrison. Huddersfield Town; E. Taylor; Barkas, S. Wadsworth; Cawthorne, Wilson, Watson; Walter, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, WH Smith. Referee; Mr. W.N. Brearley, of Accrington. Everton, for the visit to Huddersfield, were without Troup, who disclosed his shoulder during the Bury cup-tie game. Troup has had trouble in this way before, but he hoped to be able to play until a test yesterday decided him otherwise. Harrison, of course, took the vacancy. Parry deputised for Chedgzoy (in Ireland), and Huddersfield played Cawthorne, as A.W. Smith had damaged his ankle in the first game at Goodison. We rattled through the countryside half enveloped with Scotch mist, but found the sun shinning at Huddersfield at one o’clock. Later in the afternoon the sky clouded over, and the heat was abnormal when the players faced each other. Huddersfield won the toss, and Everton started in the face of the sun, and they immediately made play on the right, and from a centre by Irvine, Chadwick made an unsuccessful attempt to reduce Taylor’s charge.
SMART FEAT BY McDONALD
Further work by the Everton right wing pair promised well, but Wadsworth proved equal to the occasion. The first thrill of the game came when Smith dashed down the wing, and he was just about to shoot when McDonald made a marvellous recovery and cleared. The first quarter of an hour had proved fairly even, though the home forwards were occasionally quicker on the ball than their opponents.
BROWN SCORES AT CLOSE RANGE
Harrison and Chadwick raised some alarm when they got clean through, but the inside man’s shot lacked sting. Then Parry burst away on his own account, and was only stopped at the cost of a corner. This was safely attended to, but the visitors again came down in combined order, and Cock was only just beaten at the critical moment by Wadsworth. The home vanguard once again took up the running, and this time their efforts were awarded with a goal. Following upon a corner kick, there was some considerable “fiddling” in front of the Everton goal, and Brown, seizing on the ball, scored a good goal at close range. After this there was a little delay owing to an injury to Hart, and for a time play ruled in a rather desultory fashion in midfield. Another corner on the Huddersfield left looked threatening, and, although it was saved, a second speedily followed, from which Stephenson shot just past the foot of the post. Everton retaliated with a swift movement initiated by McBain, and this ended in Chadwick putting the ball over the bar with a very meritorious effort. There was a further spell of rather dull play, and then the Huddersfield forwards electrified the spectators with a brilliant movement.
FERN OUTWITTED
Cook got the ball, and nipping between the backs put it to Stephenson, who beat Fern with a beauty. The home forwards were now going great guns, and from a free kick on the line Cock netted the ball, but a second before the whistle had gone for a foul, and so the point counted for nothing. The home quintet continued to be most aggressive in their tactics, Stephenson and Brown both essaying shots which were only inches wide of the target. Towards the interval Everton bucked up on the right, where Parry put in a clever centre, but it was completely lost by Irvine. McBain put the ball forward with discretion, but Cock failed to take advantage of the chance offered. Another raid on the part of the home forwards found both the Evertonbacks in jeopardy, when Hart rushed back to their assistance, and a minute later Livingstone was penalised for hands. This led to an exciting time in front of Fern, but McDonald eventually cleared the Everton lines with a timely punt. Irvine ext had a nice opening but he was pulled up for being offside. Parry took up the good work and centred from the corner flag, but to no purpose, and Huddersfield led at the turn.
Half-time; Huddersfield 2 Everton 0
The first period had afforded some interesting and lively football without being over clever, shall we say. Everton after opening in promising fashion  allowed Huddersfield gradually to beat them down, and the Yorkshire club was good value for the comfortable lead at half-time.
HUDDERSFIELD DOMINANT
The enclosure was comfortably filled when operations were resumed. The Town forwards were the first to get moving, but thee over-stepped the mark with a foul, and midfield play of a rather rough-and ready order ensued. The visitors made ground bystages on the left, where Harrison found more than his match in Barkas, and the home forwardswere soon on the aggressive, Walter, after a very pretty movement, hitting the side of the net. At this particular point Huddersfield were all aver their opponents, who were forced back on thedefensive, and after Smith had shot over, Fern saved a hot one from Browns. Everton at length rallied strongly, and from a timely centre by Harrison, both Cock and Irvine were given an opportunity to distinguish themselves, but they failed rather lamentably. At the other end Smith showed a clean pair of heel, to both Brown and McDonald, and he finished with a fast screw shot which Fern saved by throwing himself full length at the flying ball.
A NUDGEBY BARKAS.
The visitors once more took up the runningand from a well-judged centre by Parry, Chadwick was just in the act of trying to head the ball when he was nudged in the back by Barkas. To most people it looked like a penalty, but the referee apparently failed to see it. In the later stages of the contest the game became rather scrappy and the visitors made desperate efforts to reduce the lead. Chadwick took a free kick at moderate range and drove the ball with great force just over. Subsequently Huddersfield enjoyed the bulk of the pressure. Final; Huddersfiled 2, Everton 0

MANCHESTER CITY RES v  EVERTON RES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 29, 1923
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton started, pretty play taking them into Manchester territory, but Rooney failed to get his centre in. Etherington got away on the wing, Downs making one of his acrobatic clearances. Downs also headed away a strong shot from Doran, and in the next minute Allen cleared. Finlay next went wide of the Everton goal, and the inside left lost a fine chance in the next minute when in a good position for scoring. Peacock and Hicks were cheered for pretty work, the young wing man being good to see. McCrae scored for Everton and Warner scored twice for City.
Half-time; Manchester City Res 2, Everton Res 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1923