Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON 4 DERBY COUNTY 0 (Game 1521 over-all)-(Div 1 1479)

September 2, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Miller's Craft at Goodison.

How He Helped Everton To Win.

Derby County's Failing.

By Stork.

Few who attended Goodison Park expected Everton to win so easily as they did, for the Derby County team nowadays are among the bigwigs of the football world as far as names are concerned. The County were so much out of joint, however, that Everton, went on comfortably to a 4-0 victory. Was such a big win flattering? Not in my opinion for Derby were never playing like a team likely to prevent Everton scoring. Only for about 15 minutes at the start of the first half did they show any cleverness, and one enjoyed the craft, the skill and the combined efforts of both sides. But for some unknown reason Derby faded away and with Everton playing well within themselves the game became somewhat dull because of its onesideness. Such men as Duncan, Crooks and Gallacher are names to conjure with but the two wing man, usually a source of worry to opposing defence, were never happy, and the most recent signing, Napier did nothing to justify all that has been said about him. I understand it was not until the last moment that Napier was elected to play. He had foot trouble. He played as if something was troubling him for I did not see one movement of note from the Scot, while he missed the chance of the game when Gallacher “placed” him for a “sitter.” It was a tragic miss and that may have upset him for the rest of the game.

Gallacher Lacks Support.

I felt sorry for Gallacher in the middle, for he had not the support one expected from such a line of colleagues and no centre forward can expect to beat down single handed a defence, particularly a defence of the calibre of Everton's, for the work of Cook and Williams, and White Britton and Thomson was of high class. He was treading a lonesome trail from start to finish, and good though he is, it would be unfair to level adverse criticism against him for it was up top others to see that he got the right ball. He made two or three heft drives, but, in the main, was in a hopeless position against a relentless tackler in White and an equally sure defender like Williams. I do not blame Gallacher one bit, the rest of the line must accept the responsibility for the County's ineptitude in front of goal. When Gallacher pulled back a pass to Napier one could only see but one thing –a goal. It was there for the taking. A mere novice would not have missed with such a chance; but here was the expert failing in an unaccountable manner. All this would seem that Everton's victory was not so full of merit as the score would indicate. Agreed, the opposition was not strong, but Everton could do no more than win, and that handsomely and well. The first 15 minutes was a joy, for both sides played scintillating football. Nothing rash was attempted, and when a man was beaten it was by pure and skilful footcraft or a cute pass. A goal scored by Dean in 12 minutes had a dampening effect on Derby, and only on occasion were they a menace to Sagar and his merry men. Just after Napier's miss the County seemed to buckle up their belts and show more determination and for a time the Everton defence was severely pressed, but the attack was not prolonged, and so Everton came through unscathed.

Miller's Skill.

Miller, Everton's capture from Partick Thistle made an impressive debut. There is little he does not know about football. He is possessed of every move in the game, and the nonchalant manner in which he does his work was prone to leave the thought in one's mind that he is slow. True, he is not fast, but his command of the ball was excellent and his ideas sound and effective. I would like to see him sped up a little, and he must remember that half-backs do not allow forwards to hold the ball too long on the side of the border. Yet Miller was the big man in Everton's attack, which, like Derby's was not well served on the wings, for Geldard and Leyfield were not at their best. Their centring was at fault, yet both obtained a goal, but the goal of the match was Dean's. Miller's part in the point was a principal one, for he “deadened” the ball stood still and then suddenly pushed the ball forward, Dean had “sensed” the move, and rushing forward, he cracked home a great shot. Miller had a hand in Stevenson's and Geldard's goals, while Leyfield's point went in off a Derby man, so that Kirby was helpless. Kirby had done good work in the County goal, and Sagar confident catching of the balls which came from the wings prevented Gallacher from nodding a goal or two.

Cook's Injury.

Fifteen minutes from the close Cook, who had been limping for some time, left the field. The injury is not serous. He received a blow on the leg, which was injured last season, but no damage has been done, and it was only because of the doctor's advice that he stayed off. Everton's defence was too good for Derby's attack. Cook and Williams were always in command, and in front of them was a half-back line strong enough for anything. White, who has thinned down a lot, played a magnificent game. His tackling was well timed and as sure as a rock, while Britton supplied the classical touch. Thomson was also at his best; in fact the only frail points in Everton's team were on the wings. Derby's defence could be faulted, for Reid was not secure, so that Keen had perforce to pull out that little extra. Keen was the best of the middle line, but not until the Derby County forward line find a marksman or two will they win matches. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Derby County: - Kirby, goal; Udall and Reid, backs; Nicholls, Barker and Kean, half-backs; Crooks, Napier, Gallacher, Ramage, and Duncan, forwards. Referee Mr. J. E. Mellor, Bradford.

 

ELLESMERE PORT TOWN 3 EVERTON “A” 5

September 2, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Friendly Match.

Everton F.C. sent a professional team to play Ellemere Port Town a friendly match in aid of the club funds, but the gate was not a good one. The Town tried several extra players in the second half. For Everton Dickinson (3), Webster and Hampson scored while for the Town, Dorrington, Jones and Hatton scored.

 

CRESSWELL TO PLAY FOR COOK AGAINST PORTSMOUTH.

September 2, 1935. Evening Express.

Everton Enforced Team Change

Miller Shows His Worth

By the Watcher.

Warney Cresswell, Everton's international star, will take the place of Cook at left full back for the Goodison club's match against Portsmouth, at Fratton Park, on Wednesday. This change –a forced one –is the only alteration in the team that performed so brilliantly in defeating Derby County by four goals in the season's opening game at Goodison Park on Saturday. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.

Cook, Everton's international back, received a knock on his left leg, in the closing stages of Saturday's game, and he is being rested for a few days. It was Cook's left leg, which was broken last season. Not since the historic cup-tie classic with Sunderland have Everton been seen to better advantage. Every department dovetailed perfectly, and apart from occasional slowness on the extreme wings the side was one it would be impossible to better. What a perfect combination. But let us start at the beginning. That means starting with Miller, of course. What a star! He was never afraid to drop back and lend the halves a hand, and yet was always on hand when either Dean or Geldard were going through. He had a big say in at least three of the goals. His happy knack of spread-eagling the defence before pushing the ball through to a colleague often put the Blues in good position. Miller also seemed to have a beneficial effect on Dean. Everton's captain gave a display reminiscent of his best days. The manner, in which Stevenson fitted in also, made the trio a most dangerous one. Not a weak link in the intermediate line and the defence was rock-like in its steadiness.

 

EVERTON'S SOLID WIN OVER STARS.

September 2, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Everton Well On Top.

By “Bee.”

Derby County have been named as one of the teams of the coming season, and if names are anything to go by the County should be testing the Arsenal for their title. A meeting of Gallacher and his boys and Everton was considered one of the “tit-bits” of the day, a game which would supply a feast of good football, and a great test to both teams. Well, it was just no test at all for Everton, for the County failed to live up to their big nameplates. Everton were their superior in every department, and I do not exclude the wingmen. Neither Geldard nor Leyfield covered themselves with glory, yet were ahead in prowess of Crooks still Duncan, two names, which have appeared in international matches many, many times. Then there was Napier, angled after by a score of clubs, and the great little Gallacher. Well, of this quarter only Hughes showed any penetrative power, but he was left to do too much through the inability of his colleagues to give him the right support (writes Stock). Derby have usually given Everton a good game on Goodison's green turf, but on Saturday they disappointed sadly. Perhaps we were expecting too much; at all events the one opinion was that the County had failed to play up to their normal standard. Naturally their had to be a comparison between Napier and Everton's new Scot, Miller. Comparisons, I know are odious, but this just had to be made, and Miller came out with full marks, whereas Napier did nothing any ordinary player could not have done, I hear he had some teeth out during the week and that he had suffered through wearing a new pair of boots in training –his heels were sore. That as it may be it cannot be used as an excuse for his moderate display.

Derby Flop.

Having stated that Derby were much below par, would appear to take the cream out of Everton's coffer, I have no more than win, and that they did in a convincing manner, spite the poor showing of Geldard and Leyfield. For fifteen minutes the game promised well, but after Dean's goal at 12 minutes, and Napier's failing with a gift goal, Derby simply petered out to nothing, so that Everton could tread their way to a comfortable victory. The bright combination, the tricky footwork, and the ability to frame a staunch enough attack to trouble Everton, soon went out of the game, partly due to the strong Everton defence and the fact that the County forward line was never really a combined force. Both Duncan and Crooks wasted centres, just as Geldard and Leyfield did, but the difference was that Everton had inside forwards who could collaborate one with the other. Derby's front line was made up of Gallacher, and although he tried tremendously hard, he had no chance against White and Williams. He “made” a goal for Napier, which was despised, and then had a fling at Sagar himself, but found the goalkeeper equal to anything he could produce, with no others to help his was a futile mission, for White was on the top of his game. I dealt fully with the goals in the Football Echo on Saturday, but Dean's goal is well worth giving again, for the making of it was high class. Miller “Killed” the ball perfectly, stood and looked around and then pushed the ball forward. Dean bounded forth as if shot from a catapult. He looked off-side, but was well onside when Miller put the foot to ball, and Dean sailed along to open his season's account with a grand shot. The other three goals were scratchy affairs, after Miller had made the final touches, which produced them. Miller is a grand footballer. His control of the ball was perfect, and his ideals full of canniness and thought. He was prone to hold the ball a shade too long –this is not allowed in English football, but he is going to prove a valuable acquisition to Everton because of his constructive plan. Slow, yes but he can afford to dawdle so long as he give others such chances as those he made on Saturday. Everton's defence was as solid as a rock. That remark cannot be applied to Derby, for Reid was rather easily beaten so that Keen had a double duty to perform. A lot of Everton's strength lay in its half-back line. Tommy White, who has had a course of slimming during the close season, was excellent at centre-half. Rarely did he make a tackle without coming through with the ball and his interventions were timed to the second. He had a big part in watching Gallacher, and if the Scot got the better of him at times there stood Williams ready and willing to challenge any man. Cook's kickings was confident and there need be no fear about his leg. He received a knock on it and left the field, but I hear the injury is not serious, and he only stayed off because of doctor's orders and the fact that Everton had the match in safe keeping. Britton was the artist of the middle line, but Thomson played his part in subduing the Derby attack, which had not played so poorly for many a long day. Sagar, surprised Gallacher by the manner in which he caught high centres.

 

EVERTON AT PORTSMOUTH.

September 4, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

Everton's opening display suggests that they have another good season. They are due at Portsmouth this evening (kick-off 5.45), when Cresswell will take the place of Cook, whom it is deemed necessary to rest after the knock he sustained on Saturday. Portsmouth expect to play the same side as on Saturday. Team: - Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Portsmouth: - Gilfillan; Rochford, Smith (W.); Nichol, Salmond, Thackeray; Worrall, Bagley, Weddle, Easson, Rutherford.

 

EVERTON'S FIRST AWAY TEST.

September 4, 1935. Evening Express.

Blues' Favourite Ground.

They Usually Do Well At Fratton Park.

By the Pilot.

Ask any Everton player to name a ground he likes to play on and he will reply, “Fratton Park, Portsmouth,” The Pompey ground has generally yielded points to the Blues. Last season was an exception, for the Blues went down with a bang by 5-1. On that day Dean played at inside left! In previous seasons, however, the Blues have always put up a fine show in Hampshire and I recall a grand 3-0 victory in which Tommy White, playing at centre forward, did the hat-trick. From what the score sheets have shown so far, the Blues have a fine opportunity of keeping up the good work and avenging last season's fall. While Everton were trouncing Derby County to the tune of 4-0 Portsmouth were going under at Middlesbrough 3-2 – a result which created something of a surprise. The “form book” reveals Everton as capable of gaining a point at least, if Saturday's form is repeated.

Miller –“Maker” of Goals.

Miller appears to have brought even more guile to the attack. He is a born goal-maker, and in Dean, Leyfield, Stevenson and Geldard Everton have forwards who can make the most of provided opportunities. White has settled down again at centre –half, and the middle line compares favourably with any in the league, while there is no loophole in defence. Yes, Everton look good for another happy trip to Fratton Park. Warney Cresswell, the evergreen, makes his first appearance. He plays at left back in place of Cook, who received a nasty, but not serious, bump on his leg against Derby County. This is the only change as compared with last Saturday's side. Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Portsmouth: - Gilfillan; Rochford, Smith (W.); Nichol, Salmond, Thackeray; Worrall, Bagley, Weddle, Easson, Rutherford.

 

PATROL GOAL LINES.

September 4 1935. Liverpool Echo.

By Bee.

“Everport” of Southport, says: - Why is it Everton advocate so strongly the introduction of two referees? Surely one would have though that having seen the Everton v. Sunderland Cup-tie so admirably controlled by one referee (Mr. E. Pinckston), the club would be convinced the present system, properly exploited, is still the best. Would it not be more profitable to take steps to improve the present method than to introduce a new one? If one man is unable to do his job properly, getting another such man to help him is hardly making for improvement. As for the supporters judging by what they, as at other places, call the referee during and after a match they have quite enough with one though perhaps a few might derive satisfaction, inasmuch as they would have two targets instead of one for their bottles, bad eggs etc! Why not have the linesmen patrol the goal-lines instead of the touch-lines. In this way they would be in a good position to see any incidents affecting the scoring; and, after all, it is these incidents which give rise to disputes on and off the field.

Entertaining by Everton.

The opening game of the season at Goodison Park must have afforded great satisfaction to the majority of the 44,000 odd spectators of the game (writes “Chimming Bells”). The new inside forward William Miller, is certainly a master dribbler and tactician and it seemed to me that his work materially relived the pressure usually, borne by Dean and enabled the latter to be freer in his movements, and so much the more effective than for some time. The inside trio, Miller, Dean and Stevenson, exploited the short-pass game to an extent that bewildered the county defenders in the same degree that it delighted the spectators and towards the end, in conjunction with Britton, had Barker Udall and Reid so dizzy and exhausted with running the wrong way that they must have been glad when so hot and toilsome a day ended. A brilliant example of the method was witnessed when Miller, with a crafty pass of no more than six yards, so “placed” his captain that the defence was surprised and utterly confounded and Dean, with two strides and a sharp shot was able to place the ball behind Kirby for the first gaol. No other movement was ever quite so good as this, but it is pleasing to know that such intelligent use of the ball is available. It is doubtful if Geldard would share the enthusiasm, for there was a faint suspicion, that internal scheme deprived him of some share in the work and, ironically enough, whatever an opening came to either of the wingers it was not made full use of even the goal each scored being tinged with good fortune, although fully earned by the team approached work. The defence was faultless, and some of Sagar'' aerial catches appeared to surprise even the experienced Hughie Gallacher. The Rams great little centre forward was ill-supported by his colleagues, of he might have put a different complexion on the game. A comparison –between Napier and Miller was inevitable and this would not justify any flowers for the ex-Celt. Everton are all set to delight us with a season of entertaining football, but care will have to be exercised to guard against a weakness on the wings.

YOUNG RAMS BEATEN

Thursday 5 September 1935 Derby Daily Telegraph

Like Derby County Reserves, Everton Reserves fielded a very strong team for the Central League match at Goodison Park last night, when the home team won by 4—l. The teams were:— Everton Reserves: King; Jackson, Jones: Mercer, Gee, Archer; Hughes, Cunliffe, Hartill. Hannon and Sandham. Derby County: Pearson; Webb, Reid; Bell, Jessop, Harm; Boyd, Summers, Gallacher, Napier and Halford. It was a very hard game, and so vigorous did play become that Gallacher was injured twice in the second half, and had to leave the field. On the first, occasion he was knocked out. Derby County had as much of the play as their opponents, but mistakes in goal by Pearson gave the home team a 3—o lead at the interval. They added a fourth in the second half, and Halford scored for Derby just before the finish. Napier and Gallacher played some brilliant football. Hartill. Cunliffe and Sandham (2) scored for the winners.

PORTSMOUTH 2 EVERTON 0 (Game 1522 over-all)-(Div 1 1480)

September 5, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury.

Weddle's Early Goals.

How Everton Were Beaten.

Good Display After Defensive Errors.

Everton were beaten by a had start against Portsmouth last night at Fratton Park. Snappy work by the nome forwards caught the defence napping, and in eight minutes Portsmouth scored the only two goals of the game. Both were examples of clever opportunism and although there were times when Everton equally deserved to score the luck did not run their way. Worrall, the Portsmouth right winger, was one of the liveliest forwards on the field, and he was a perpetual source of worry to Cresswell, who turned out at left back in place of Cook. He and Williams had hardly settled down to an understanding when Worrall and Weddle between them compelled White to concede a corner, and the ball was nicely placed in the centre from the flag kick, and Easson sent it forward for Weddle to side pass it into the net. This was in the first minute, and five minutes later Williams made a rather poor show of a free kick, the ball going direct to Bagley, who sent Worrall speeding back again. Cresswell was cleverly drawn by the winger who then lobbed the ball over him for Weddle to gain the second goal.

The Recovery.

Everton were nearly a quarter of an hour finding their feet after the initial reverses, but Leyfield and Dean put life into the line, and Gilfilan twice only beat the Everton centre forward by spilt seconds in reaching the ball. Dean was particularly clever with his head, and although Salmond dogged his footsteps he could not prevent him giving Gilfilan a rather anxious time. Dean's efforts would have beaten most goalkeepers, but time and again Gilfilan just managed to put the ball over the top or round the post. Leyfield was the better of the two extreme wingers, for Geldard seemed to have difficulty in keeping his feet at times on the slippery turf.

Miller's Skill.

Miller revealed many deft touches, but he was too well watched to be really effective. The home defence having made up their minds that he and Dean were the main danger spots in the line, as a result was never allowed much room in which to develop initiative. It was unfortunate for Everton that two comparatively minor slips in defence should have let the side down, for Cresswell's sound judgement and sense of position afterwards played a great part in preventing the Portsmouth attack again bearing fruit. Later in the game there were many interesting tussles between individuals, and probably than their opponents. Both goalleepers did excellent work, but Everton were unlucky not to score. Teams: - Portsmouth: - Gilfilan, goal; Rockford and Smith (W.), backs; Nichols, Salmond, and Thackeray half-backs; Worrall, Bagrey, Weddle, Easson, and Rutherford forwards.

 

EVERTON RESERVES 4 DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 1

September 5 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Central league (Game 2)

Gallacher and Napier Fail to Save Derby County.

Everton opened at Goodison Park with a 4-1 victory that was really more convincing than the score suggests. Considering that Derby included such stars as Gallacher Napier, Reid and Hann, this makes the Everton success all the more praiseworthy, but the predominating feature in achieving the win was the swift sharp and enterprising craft of the home side with the halves, Mercer Gee, and Archer outstanding. Derby were never allowed to get going, and for the most part their attack lacked consistency, while their goalkeeper was uncertain, and it was only in the last quarter that they really seriously troubled the Everton defence. Gallacher was rarely conspicuous, yet he made one great run and shot, King saving and later gave Boyd a chance that was foiled by the goalkeeper. Napier's chief contribution was to score Derby's goal after King had saved Jessop's free kick. It was a deserved Everton victory, with goals from Hannon (2), Hartill and Cunliffe. The outlook for the season looks good on this form. Everton: - King, goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Mercer, Gee (captain), and Archer, half-backs; Hughes, Cunliffe, Hartill, Hannon, and Sandham, forwards.

 

EVERTON'S DEFEAT.

September 5, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

Everton went down at Portsmouth as the result of two early goals scored by Weddle, who gained his success in the first seven minutes. Everton combined excellently and maintained much pressure on the Portsmouth goal without result. They played great football after a shaky start. Dean led an excellent front line, and when the centre went through in great style Gilfillan saved his shots at point-blank range. Dean deserved to score with a fine header. Britton was a fine constructive half while both goalkeepers made fine saves.

 

EVERTON UNCHANGED FOR ANFIELD “DERBY” GAME

September 5, 1935. Evening Express.

Blues Carry Cleverness to Excess at Pompey.

By the Pilot.

Everton, undaunted by the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth, will field an unchanged eleven against Liverpool in the great Merseyside “Derby” at Anfield, on Saturday. Cook is fit enough to play, but the directors are taking no chance. I have had an opportunity of discussing Cook's injury with Trainer Harry Cooke. Here is the fact. Cook received a bump on his leg, which created a pulled muscle in the game against Derby. Cook has been nursing a broken leg during the close season. The medical advice was to rest him. Cook's leg which was broken is sound, yet the muscle needs treating. So Cooke rests, and Everton will line up against Liverpool's as follows; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.

Over-Elaboration.

This side played delightful football against Portsmouth last night. The accuracy of their ultra elaborate manoceurve thrilled the crowd. Yet it was elaboration to excess. Everton's play lacked that trustfulness which brings goals. In midfield Everton would have beaten any team. In front of goal they were below standard. Dean and Leyfield were the only potential scorers, but when they got in their shots they found Gilfillan in unbeatable mood. Gilfillan won the game for Portsmouth. His was a mighty exhibition. Pompey stormed Everton in the opening quarter and defensive lapses on the left and a carelessly-taken free kick enabled the Southern to rattle on two goals in the space of seven minutes. I came to the conclusion that Everton can be too clever. Miller and Stevenson were all too anxious to gamble on the extra move, and Geldard had an off day. Leyfield, and Dean were excellent. Britton “fiddled” too long, but White and Thomson were sound half backs. Williams was a fine back, but Cresswell was completely outpaced and out-maneuvered in the early passages. Sagar played faultlessly. Everton enjoyed fully 60 per cent of the play, but Portsmouth never wasted a chance for a shot.

Everton Set A Fashion.

Everton trainers in future are to wear special clothes when on “match duty.” The new “unforms” will consist of flannel trousers and jackets with blue pullovers underneath.

•  Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Anfield, Liverpool v. Everton, on Saturday next 7 th inst., kick-off 3.15 p.m. Admission 1/- Boys 4d Stands 2/- and 3/6 (incl tax). No Stand Seats reserved. All Pay at turnstiles. Accommodation for 65,000 spectators.

 

EVERTON'S FIRST DEFEAT.

September 5, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Gilfillan Wins A Duel Against Dean.

Gift Goals To Pompey.

Bee's Notes.

Dixie Dean was the unluckiest forward on the field, last night at Fratton Park. In spite of Everton's unfortunate start, which gave Portsmouth two goals lead in eight minutes, no other forward had Dean's chances but he simply could not get the ball past Gilfillan. This was not Dean's fault, it was simply that the home goalkeeper was in his best form. Dean was clever, and once Everton had pulled themselves together he led the line in great style. Salmond, Pompey's Scottish farmer centre-half certainly clung to him closer than a brother, but Dean used his head as well as his feet and deserved a crop of goals. But Gilfillan, when most keepers would have been well beaten. Just managed to push the ball over the top or round the corner. Leyfield did well in the left wing and hid centring was really admirable, but Geldard seemed to have a little trouble with his boots, and on one or two occasions failed to keep his foothold on the slippery turf when well placed to whip the ball into the goalmouth. Possibly this also reacted on Miller, for the inside right was never allowed to become really dangerous. He delighted the 23,000 spectators with some pretty football, and displayed many fine touches, but Thackeray and his colleagues never allowed him a great deal of room in which to operate.

Defensive Slips.

Both the Pompey goals were scored by Weddle, who, although alive to his chances, was never really in Dean's class. The slips by Cresswell and Williams, a late tackle against Worrall and a badly placed free kick were both really minor affairs, but the Pompey fact that should victory just slip through their grasp they could always apply their prerogative in these days of tariffs and demand a 20 per cent increase in their goal average.

Everton “A” Team.

Everton “A” open the season with a visit from the much improved Earlestown Bohemians on Saturday. Everton “A” are expecting to have a very successfully season, and will field the following: - White; Allen, Morris; Lambert, Walkden, Watson; Patterson, Bentham, Dickinson, Webster, Heath.

•  Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. League Match at Anfield, Liverpool v. Everton, on Saturday next 7 th inst., kick-off 3.15 p.m. Admission 1/- Boys 4d Stands 2/- and 3/6 (incl tax). No Stand Seats reserved. All Pay at turnstiles. Accommodation for 65,000 spectators.

 

EVERTON'S TEAM FOR DERBY GAME.

September 6, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

The local “Derby” comes round early this season before the rivals have settled down, but the meeting at Anfield tomorrow will be none the less interesting on that account. Everton have decided to rely on the team which did duty at Portsmouth, it having been decided not to play Cook, who is resting his injured leg. The team to face Liverpool is; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. The Reserves team to meet Liverpool in a Central League game at Goodison Park is: - King; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Gee, Archer; Hughes, Cunliffe, Hartill, H. Hampton, Sandham. Hampson is the brother of J. Hampson, the Blackpool and England centre forward.

 

RECORD CROWD TO SEE BEST-EVER “DERBY”

September 6, 1935. Evening Express.

Great L'Pool-Everton Duel Tomorrow

Forcefulness Versus Craft.

Can Bradshaw Hold Dean?

By the Pilot.

Tremendous interest is centred on the great Merseyside “Derby” match between Liverpool and Everton which takes place at Anfield tomorrow. More than 65,000 are expected to witness this match, the 69 th of the series. Special arrangements have been made to cope with a record crowd –the highest attendance at Anfield was on the occasion of the F.A. Cup-tie between the Reds and Tranmere Rovers when 61,036 passed through the turnstiles –and the gates will open at 1.30 p.m. No Seats are bookable, and the ordinary League prices operate. Everton will play the team that lost at Portsmouth. Liverpool defered the selection of their team until today. Althroughout the years that Liverpool and Everton have been engaged in their friendly rivalry no match has ever been staged earlier in the season than the one tomorrow. The earliest game was in 1929 when the clubs met at Anfield on September 7 –to-tomorrow is September 7 –and Everton triumphed by 3-0. So the two clubs will meet while still in the settling down stage, and with each smarting from a 2-0 defeat suffered only three days previously. Liverpool went under to Manchester City at Anfield, while Everton were losing at Portsmouth. It is strange that Everton have always contrived to do well at Anfield. They have won more matches there than Liverpool –in the “Derby” series . Heres is a table of the matches;

 

At Anfield

At Goodison Park

Everton

Liverpool

Drawn

14

11

9

Everton

Liverpool

Drawn

16

10

8

There was a time when Everton could depended on to win, or at least draw, at Anfield; but Liverpool put an end to that run by smashing 7-4 victory on February 11 1932, and since then the Reds have won 3-2, and 2-1. The “bogy” has been laid. Can the Reds keep up the winning sequence tomorrow? It is a difficulty problem. Man for man, the teams appear to be as evenly matched, as it could be possible to find. Both clubs have combined skill and individual ability. The winners are hard to spot.

Liverpool More Forceful.

I would describe Liverpool as the more forceful side, and take Everton as the superior combination as regards football craft. Will forcefulness profit at the expense of craft? If is my considered opinion, that the result will be a draw. I can hardly see a pin to choose between the sides. In defence both posses men of experience and calculated cunning. In Cooper and Williams there are backs who do not stand on ceremony, but the combine sturdy, first time intervention with good positional play and accurate kicking. Blenkinsopp and Cresswell are more Deliberate in their tactics and each has to compensate for lack of speed by studied anticipation and perfect positioning. Behind them will be two of the finest goalkeepers in the land –Riley (Liverpool) and Sagar (Everton). Defences then look to be all-square. Everton play three internationals at half-back, and though I consider their line superior in construction to that of Liverpool, they do not seem so quick in nipping in to snatch up well-placed passes or so smart in the close tackle as the Liverpool intermediates. Again, all-square. Now for the attacks, Liverpool posses one of the finest right-wing combinations in the country –that of Wright and Nieuwenhuys –and they have men who are quick to move to that vital “open space” and level a shot.

Super-Craftmen.

Everton's attackers are super-crafts –men; men who play with the careful thought of a chess player. There is daintiness and delicacy in all their machinations, but yet they do not come up to Liverpool's standard as penetrative factors. Here again, we can regard the teams as all square. There is one big menace to Liverpool. That is Billy Dean, the Everton captain and centre forward. Dean always contrives to show his best form in these Mereseyside “derbies.” He has scored more goals in the series than any other player. If Liverpool are to succeed then they must make a point of harnessing Dean. The task falls on the strong shoulders of Tom Bradshaw and no one seems better equipped to cross swords with Dean than this tall Scot. The duels between the pair should constitute one of the outstanding features of the day. Everton will play two players new to “derby” matches 0Billy Miller, the astute, cunning Scot, and Charlie Leyfield, the young Chester outside left. It is curious that each club will play at outside-left, a player who previously was with the opposition. Hanson first played for Everton and now for Liverpool, and Leyfield played for Liverpool before joining Everton. Everything is set for a grand exhibition embelished by local favour. There will be a wealth of brilliant talent, and afterwards I hope all can say “That was the best-ever Derby match.” Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.

•  Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Anfield, Liverpool v. Everton, Tomorrow, Saturday. kick-off 3.15 p.m. Admission 1/- Boys 4d Stands 2/- and 3/6 (incl tax). No Stand Seats reserved. All Pay at turnstiles. Accommodation for 65,000 spectators.

•  Central League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton Res v. Liverpool Res Kick-off 3.15 p.m. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands Extra (Including Tax).

 

CLASH OF LOCAL RIVALS.

September 7, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

Merseyside stages one of the chief meetings of the afternoon. Liverpool and Everton playing the first of the Derby game at Anfield. This early clash between the rivals has stirred their supporters, and they expert an other great battle for supremacy. The sides have had rather a mixed experience so far. Everton having won one of their two matches and lost the other, while Liverpool drew at Chelsea and lost at home during the week. Of late years Liverpool have enjoyed considerable success at Anfield when meetings rivals from across the park, three victories on the run rewarding their efforts, while since the war Liverpool have won nine of the games but on the whole Everton have enjoyed much success at Anfield. These matches, however, are not altogether a guide to individual games and the present form must be taken into consideration, but whatever happens today, I am sure the play will be worthy of the occasion. With the players intent on doing their best, the big crowd expected should get the worth of their money, and I should not be surprised to see another draw added to the records.

The Teams.

Everton are still without Cook, but the team otherwise is the same as that which lost at Portsmouth. Dean seems to have recovered a lot of his old form, while another view of Miller, the new man, will be welcomed. Liverpool have made changes, Hodgeson and Carr coming in on the left in place of Hanson and Johnson. Thus, Hodgson takes up a new berth, as he has usually been in the centre or at inside right. The kick-off is at 3.15, and the teams are: - Liverpool: - Riley; Copper, Blenkinsopp; Savage, Bradshaw, McDougall; Nieuwenhuys, Wright, Howe, Hodgson, Carr. Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.

 

LIVERPOOL'S STORM TACTICS ROUT EVERTON

September 7, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.

Reds Pile On Six Goals.

Howe Has A Field Day –Hodgson's “Double.”

Dean Plays Pluckily With Broken Toe.

Liverpool gained a smashing 6-0 victory over Everton at Anfield today in the 69 th Merseyside “Derby” game. The Reds by dint of storming tactics put on four goals in the first half, Howe and Hodgson, who each scored two, being the marksmen. Howe added a fifth for Liverpool after 85 minutes, Howe scored a sixth goal after 89 minutes. Liverpool taught Everton a lesson by terrific power and quickly developed attacks. The Blues were content to provide dainty football, which was carried to excess. Everton were handicapped in the second half owing to injuries to Williams and Dean. Dean broke a toe in his right foot, but pluckily returned to the field. He went off again 15 minutes from the end. The official attendance was 48,000, and the receipts £2,810.

By the Pilot.

The crowd was marshalled easily and effectively and there was the usual show of favour. The ambulance men had an easy time. Carr and Hodgson made their first appearance of the season for the Reds. Teams: - Liverpool: - Riley, goal; Cooper and Blenkinsop, backs; Savage, Bradshaw and McDougall (captain), half-backs; Niewenhuys, Wright, Howe, Hodgson and Carr, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Britton, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Thompson, (Leamington). Forty-eight thousand people saw Everton kick-off facing the sun and saw White come through to drive wide of the post. Miller tried a first-time pass, which sent Geldard on good ground. Geldard rounded Blenkinsop. A question of speed this, and Geldard's choice centre was going to Dean's head when Riley came out and fisted away. A glorious combined movement by Everton saw Geldard sweep through again, but Riley's first came to the rescue, it was a fine start by Everton, who were playing with speed and skill. Leyfield forced a corner. Before this was taken Bradshaw had to receive attention. When the ball came over Dean got his head too far under the ball and McDougall cleared. Miller had a shot charged down, Howe got away, but was pulled up for offside. Hodgson saw a shot charged down before Wright dribbled delightfully, only to see his pass go to Cresswell's feet. Blenkinsop sliced the ball for a corner. Then Stevenson took Leyfield's centre in brilliant manner before, bringing Riley to his knees.

Howe On The Mark.

Miller, with the Liverpool defence standing still, middled a ball, which Dean failed to reach. Following a shot by White “Nivvy” the electric, doubled back the field, dispossessed White and had the way to the opening goal in 8 minutes. “Nivvy” banged the ball out to Carr, who quickly got control, worked in towards the penalty box and middled a choice centre. Howe had to leap high to reach the ball, but he got his head to it and steered it into the net, Sagar trying in vain to keep out the ball. For eight minutes Liverpool had been penned in, and it was only their second attack of the day that brought then the first goal. This inspired Liverpool, the right wing getting going in great style, but “Nivvy” unfortunately centred behind. Liverpool's first corner came in 12 ½ minutes. Dean headed across a free kick in choice position for Stevenson, but the Irishman lofted the ball, which dropped over the top. Stevenson had a shot turned aside by Bradshaw then again "“ivvy"”came across to feed Carr whose centre was missed by the willing Howe.

Quick Tackling Liverpool.

Dean and Stevenson sent headers outside, but Liverpool's quick tackling stop many well-laid Everton schemes in a game fought out at astonishing pace and productive of good football. Sagar had difficulty in handling a terrific cross-shot from Wright. Then Geldard again outpaced Blenkinsop and cut in to force Riley to fist away. McDougall was injured in a scramble but was able to resume. Then almost another goal to Liverpool. Hodgson headed back across goal and Britton dallied enabling Howe to send in a drive labelled goal, but the ball struck Williams and bounced away for a corner. Another flag kick followed and from this Leyfield swept through to put across the goal. Dean's ankle seemed to be troubling him, and he went off. During his absence, Hodgson scored a mighty goal. Again it was Carr who sowed the seeds. Carr slipped by Britton and pushed the ball back along the floor, so that Hodgson, taking a first-time drive, hit the ball to back of the net before Sagar had a chance of saving. Liverpool's goal had been brilliant, but they were fortunate to be two goals up as Everton had the better of the game. Everton, however, were inclined to over-elaborate, whilst the Reds were quick to tackle and dynamic in their shooting. Dean was absent only a few minutes.

Hodgson Again.

In 36 minutes Liverpool almost made it a day with a wonderful goal by Hodgson. The Everton defenders dallied and Howe put the ball through for Hodgson to go on practically unmarked and crash the ball into the roof of the net. Sagar had not the slightest chance. Williams left the field immediately after and Everton must have realised that over elaboration cannot win matches without plenty of shooting. Liverpool with few chances, had certainly shown the Blues the way to score goals. Williams came back after four minutes, but like other Everton defenders laboured when Howe forged ahead. Cresswell managed to get across in the nick of time to deflect for a corner. Goal scoring was like shelling peas to Liverpool, and three minutes before the interval Howe made it four. The young leader picked up a pass from Hodgson and whipped the ball into the roof of the net. Liverpool had been in supreme command since their second goal and the Everton defence completely collapsed. Dean left the field again, his ankle troubling him, and Sagar gathered a mighty drive from Hodgson.

Half-Time Liverpool 4, Everton 0.

During the interval it was revealed that Dean had broken a toe in his right foot. This happened when he was trying a shot and appeared to have been kicked by a Liverpool player. Dean pluckily resumed top lead Everton's reorganised forces, Williams being at outside right. Geldard had a spell at centre forward Everton tried to right their wrongs of the first half when although they had opened on a bright note they had been outpaced by the sprightliest Liverpool side which has appeared in a “Derby” game for years. Quick, first-time football was Liverpool's motto and it brought grist to the mill. Everton dillied and dallied and paid the penalty. The Blues showed in a good light without being able to employ Riley. Liverpool remained content to apply shock tactics and profit by Everton's expected had positioning, and now Hodgson went through on his own to rattle the upright with another glorious drive, which, had it been on the mark, would have given Sagar not the slightest chance. At the other end Miller followed suit, sending a left-foot drive against the post. The ball rebounded to Stevenson, who hooked it over the top, when it appeared a simple matter to place the ball into the net. Sagar made a fine fine-length save from Wright after three shots had been charged down, but a fine hook shot from Wright went inches inside the post into the net, a second after the whistle sounded for offside. Riley was the next casualty. He came into collision with Dean, but was able to resume. Everton rarely looked like reducing the lead, but Liverpool always looked as though further goals were within their power. Hodgson tried to prove it with a glorious drive, which Sagar tipped over the top.

Save of the Day.

Then Sagar made the save of the day in leaping in the air to gather with his two hands a hook drive by Wright. “Nivvy” got through with Everton appealing for offside, but the South African shot his foot far under the ball. At the other end Dean headed Leyfield's centre against the bar. Then he tried a useful back-header, which Riley saved.

Dean Off Again.

Dean left the field for a third time 15 minutes from the end. There was a thrill when Riley came out and lost possession, but recovered in time to save Miller's shot. This was the first time that Riley had been called on to handle a real shot during the game. Sagar then came out to fling himself at a terrific shot from Wright. Dean went home in a taxi as soon as he had changed and after ambulance men had treated his injury. Liverpool were taking matters easily near the end when Sagar was the hero. They scored a fifth goal five minutes from the end. “Nivvy” swept down on the right and put across. Although Sagar beat down Howe's header Howe followed up with Hodgson's help and pushed the ball over the line. Howe headed home a centre from “Nivvy” to make it six in the last minute. Williams is suffering from an injured groin. Final; Liverpool 6, Everton 0.

 

EVERTON RESERVES EARLY LEAD.

September 7, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.

2 goals Against Liverpool.

The reserve sides in the Central League “Derby” at Goodison Park were of more than average strength, and a large crowd turned up to witnessed what promised to be an excellent game. The early play fluctuated, and although both goals were in danger, the nearest approach to the goal came through a fine drive by Archer, the ball curling just wide of the upright. Another Everton attack brought further danger on the Liverpool goal. Kane fisting away a centre, after which Cunliffe let go a drive, which narrowly escaped the goal. Liverpool were not idle, and Hanson and Palmer between then combined beautifully. Jackson, however, intervened before any damage could be done. At the 18 minute Everton took the lead. Cunliffe, who had momentarily drifted into the inside left position, offered Hartill a perfect pass and the ex-Wolves player made no mistake with his drive. Liverpool strove desperately for an equaliser and came close to achieving their aim when Neal was left with only King to Beat. The Everton keeper, however, timed his advance to a nicety and smothered the player's shot. The excellence of the Everton defence kept Liverpool at bay when they were dangerous. Hanson sent across some good centres without King being troubled and at length Everton went away to score a second goal. A free kick by Archer was driven into the goalmouth and it appeared that Hartill just touched the ball with his head to apply sufficient direction to beat Kane. Hartill was prominent in the Everton attack. An interesting half, with Everton the more dangerous side. Half-time Everton Res 2, Liverpool Res 0. Early in the second half Hanson Liverpool's most dangerous attacker, swept across a perfect centre and only a brilliant save by King prevented the ball entering the net. The ball was finally cleared by Jones, and shortly afterwards Everton scored a third goal. Hampson, who was making his first appearance for Everton clevely turned a ball from Cunliffe into the net. King was in great form in the Everton goal, one save from Taylor being particularly fine. Everton were well on top, however, and Hartill scored a fourth and Cunliffe a fifth goal. Final Everton Res 5 Liverpool Res 0.

•  Tennant Liverpool's full back, was taken ill after Reserves “Derby” at Goodison. Believed to be suffering from appendicitis.

 

A BIG WIN FOR LIVERPOOL.

September 7 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

Gordon Hodgson Gets Two Goals From Experimental Left Wing.

Howe's Four Anfield Derby Points

Dean and Williams of Everton Injured in Game

Of Remarkable Turn-Round.

By Bee.

Liverpool swamped Everton at Anfield before 45,000 spectators. In a quarter of an hour it was ten to one on Everton, but immediately the Liverpool guns were fired the side gave Everton an object lesson in the matter, and first class practical football in front of goal. There was a goal riot when Hodgson and Carr the experimental left wing pair, got on the move, and the ferocity of Hodgson's shot was only equalled by the greatness and completeness of Howe's headed goal, which opened the day's score sheet. Everton lost Dean and Williams injured, and both were off the field a while. Dean had chipped, or broken his toe and Dr, Baxter informed me that Williams had groin trouble. At half-time Liverpool were in excalsis, and being four up had revived memories of their 7-4 victory against the same team three years ago. Allowing for Everton's misfortune, Liverpool had before the casualties made good in a remarkable turn-around of form. In an hour Riley did not have one save, although he was aided by the post on one occasion. Teams: - Liverpool: - Riley, goal; Cooper and Blenkinsop, backs; Savage, Bradshaw and McDougall (captain), half-backs; Niewenhuys, Wright, Howe, Hodgson and Carr, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Britton, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Thompson, (Leamington). Anfield housed 45,000 spectators in perfect comfort. There was but one ambulance case, which was the first “record” of the day for the meeting of Everton and Liverpool. The turf was so beautiful that it would have served for a cricket pitch or a golf green. Everton were unchanged from their Portsmouth visit, and Liverpool played Hodgson at inside left for the first time in his life, Carr becoming his partner to the omission of Hanson. The gates were closed early, but the “Kop” and paddock did not appear to be packed to full capacity, yet daring young lads climbed the giddy heights of the Kemlyn-road stand and perched themselves underneath the archers.

Along The Carpet Passing.

Everton were cunning in their use of the ball. They kept it along the carpet and wen a break arose through Liverpool taking up the attack Jock Thomson made a superlative tackle on Vic Wright and Everton resumed their pressure forthwith. The all-along-the-line passing was finding a hole in Liverpool's defence. Play was stopped because Bradshaw was unable to continue through a damaged boot. The trainer went on with his sponge, but once these miracle workers – the sponge and the trainer, of course –were not needed. Howe had no knowledge that he had been declared offside, therefore one had to judge his shot at its recognised value, and it was a miss from easy range, within only Sagar in view. Hodgson's first drive was a studied affair that was stopped marking a mark by striking the leg of Williams. Blenkinsop mis-cued, and Stevenson's shot to Riley's hands was a mere detail, lacking in the Post Office order “urgent, express.” Savage stopped another Stevenson raid and Geldard got an opening by fortuitous method. The wingers fluffed a centre, and this led to another attack by Everton, in which Miller, from the goal-line, swung across a centre worthy of an extreme wingman. The sequel was extra-ordinary. First Dean, headed wide, which is an uncommon feature for him, which is an uncommon feature for him, and there from Cooper cleared at all costs and the ball went to the left wing, where the newcomer. Lance Carr, was the inspiration of the opening goal. He had time to shoot though Sagar had prepared himself for such an eventuality. Sagar's second thoughts were best, and a nice not-too-fast centre was taken in a fashion Dean would have been delighted to own by Howe, the young Hyde centre forward; whose gliding header swung into the right-hand corner of the net. It was a goal made perfect and perfectly made, and really was Liverpool's first attack after lumps of defence. Howe thought a lot of it, and ran forward to thank Carr for his part in making presentation. Again Carr offered a wise length centre, and it was only cleared when Hodgson shot and the ball travelled on for a corner, which “Nivvy” jumped to head and put the ball half a yard outside. Wright tricked Stevenson with one of his own (Stevenson's) dribbling notions and the Anfielders roared their pleasure. White, as a centre half, surprised everyone by going to his old original spot of outside left and becoming a forward for a moment. McDougall tried a shot, Sagar picking up gingerly and Stevenson acting as centre for a moment, lobbed the ball rather than shot from so close in that the Liverpool defence must have been unnerved. A priceless back-header by Cresswell went without applause, because he does these things with infinite grace and ease. Britton weaved in and out under the eyes of the directors, and his cup-final specially (a hanging centre with the ball swerving in the air) was duty headed by Dean, but this time the ball swung outside. Still it was a magnificent place of duel-control. Everton were inclined to go forward by the pass back. They were over-indulgent in the matter, and Liverpool were now having a little more of the play and Sagar had to make a sharp catch and Bradshaw used his full measures of height to stop Miller equalising. Savage collared the out of place Britton, serving him with some of his own medicine, and so the game went on its pleasant way – full of punch and determination, with severe tackling and Sagar now taking honours with a magnificent catch and clearance against Victor Wright, and Nivvy had centred, Cresswell being unable to make play through the glare of the sunshine.

Geldard's Run.

Everton want to the fore by means of Geldard's fast and goalwards run. It looked as though a goal must come if the Everton forwards were not unduly hasty. Cooper rushed in where many an angel would fear to tread. Dean trod up awkwardly as he was about to melee, but Liverpool kept the ball out of the net. McDougall was soon back to his task. Dean became an outside right in a tete-a-tete with Blenkinsop, which the Everton man was plainly aiming at making a corner and being content with it. Dean had a moment before given what he would most like himself –namely, a forward pass. Stevenson could not get to it before Bradshaw had ruined the idea. Everton escaped, as they could never have expected when, from the right wing, there was a centre and Sagar and his backs were lax in picking up a simple offering. Howe, no more than five yards from goal, let out a strong shot and Everton were saved solely by the accidental striking of the full back's body. This was sheer good fortune for the Goodison Park club. However, Leyfield recovered some of Everton's lost confidence by a run full of speed and a satisfying shot-centre which flashed along the goal area out of play out to Riley's reach and clear of the goal register.

Hodgson Makes It Two.

Dean, at this moment went off for a trifling injury, and while he was away, at the 28 th minute, Carr, unmarked, delivered yet another of his supremely inviting centres, and this time Hodgson struck the ball with such venom that it fied to the top of the net, and if the goalkeeper saw it would be surprising. Certainly it was the most astonishing strength-shot I have seen for some years. Let it be said to the credit of one of the losing side's directors that he clapped his hands, either in astonishment or giving value to the scorer for a truly remarkable shot. Nivvy on two occasions was a danger to goal, and Everton must have found this half-awkward, because the sun was shining brightly in their eyes. There could no mistake about the punishing finishing touch of Liverpool when contrasted with Everton's over-elaborate efforts of the early portions of play. Geldard, provided a lovely notion against the old-timer Blenkinsop, who collard the ball, and Hodgson joined in to make the third goal in thirty-five minutes. It was blazing trail by the big man in the new position, and it was noteworthy that he took this goal with his left foot. Sagar, again never saw the ball, and to my mind, the picture of that will always remain the same. Hodgson wanted to give the ball to Howe. Howe did not realise this, but was able to come up late on and put a through pass for Hodgson a sort of thanksoffering. In short, it was the result of two forwards with a single mind regarding the forward pass. The Anfield team and crowd were wild with delight, and their chances of increasing the score rose through Ben Williams leaving the field, immediately after the third goal had been scored Williams, however returned in two minutes. While Riley had not had a single shot throughout the half, McDougall punched the ball far and straight for Howe to make what must have been a goal if Cresswell had not retrieved and conversed but there was no pace for the Everton defence, and the inspired Liverpool side made the fourth goal three minutes from half-time. Carr used a throw-in, which he had forced on Britton, without delay and Hodgson edged the ball for Howe to make another winner –a drive that Sagar could not hope to stem. At this point Dean left the field through his damaged ankle.

Half-Time Liverpool 4, Everton 0

Dean's Broke Toe.

Dean was absent when the game restarted, owing to a broken toe, and Everton had to face an uphill task with ten men. As Ben Williams had also suffered thigh trouble the Everton side had to remodel their forces, and we had the uncommon spectacle of Miller being centre half, Williams outside right, Geldard centre forward, and White right full back. Dean arrived in two minutes, limping and plainly unable to do himself justice. Indeed, the beauty of the match had left us, altogether Everton made a rallying effort to resume and hoped the Liverpool side would repeat the second half faltering of a week ago and Wednesday last. Liverpool were not in that mood. They held a remarkable lead. One that recalled their famous 7-4 victory on this ground against the same team. Cooper stubbed his toe preventing a goal after Riley had half-patted away, the goalkeeper having been bothered by the sun's ray. Sagar made a first class grasp, and clearance after Carr had been prominent once more. It was ironic that the South African, should have been in the forefront of play and goals because he was the try-on forward, whereas Nivvy, the match-winner had a strangely quiet day, although nearly scoring on two occasions. Cresswell must be given full marks for his method and stylish display against a fast right wing pair. Everton were now unsettled. Geldard as a defender gave a corner, which was productive of lots of trouble. Wright went forward with his bandaged right hand to take up the stray pass from Nivvy where everyone imagine there must be the customary slavish centre from outside right, and if Hodgson had realized he was on-side a further goal would have arisen. Miller kicked right over the ball, and the crowd just roared their surprise, while the boys in the pen chanted their chorus of “One two, three, four, five.” Hodgson hit the upright, Geldard followed suit, and Riley was damaged in making a clearance. Sagar was now a stray. He saved from Hodgson. A corner became a goal kick in error, and when Wright tried to place a goal he failed because Sagar, although on one knee, made a praiseworthy catch. It was all Sagar at this stage, and naturally the handicapped defence was finding it difficult to keep time with the speedy Liverpool forwards.

 

Everton had one grit of off-side when Hodgson was well primed for a goal but what was one among so many Everton still played White at full back, Miller at centre half, and Geldard at inside right. Bradshaw nearly presented with a consolation goal, and Nivvy smacked in one beauty, and with another, after being allowed to go on from an off-side position, he failed to get hold of the ball with proper balance.

Dean Leaves The Field.

Dean left the field a quarter of an hour from the finish. Bradshaw, Cresswell, Hodgson, and the Liverpool half-backs as a line had been the impressive personalities of play, and it is remarkable to relate that Riley, within ten minutes of the finish, had not had one shot of strength to tackle. Sagar made a save at the peril, of his life. He threw himself at the feet of the Liverpool forwards when all seemed lost. His great daring undoubtedly saved another goal. The attendance was given as approximately 48,000, and the receipts £2,810.

How Scores Fifth and Sixth.

With four minutes remaining Hodgson made a fine header which Sagar got away, but not so safely, for the ball went out to Howe, who promptly headed it back into the net. Then, with about a minute to go Howe increased Liverpool's total to six by heading a Nivvy centre past Sagar at express speed. Final Liverpool 6 Everton 0.

 

EVERTON RES V LIVERPOOL RES

September 7, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

This early season meeting of the local rivals at Goodison Park was full of possibilities for neither team had really got going yet a good crowd saw Hanson in the early minutes swing across a centre, but Everton escaped trouble. After Sandham had forced a corner Kane had punched clear a long-distance effort, Liverpool again went away on the left, and this time Jackson prevented danger, but the next time the Anfielders attacked King had to catch a fine effort from Taylor, and it was fortunate that he did because Balmer was right on the spot to accept the offering. In 18 minutes the Goodison attack flashed ahead, and when Cunliffe, from inside left, passed forwards. Hartill showed a fine sense of direction, and with a swift shot that rocked the top of the net opened Everton's score. Hanson shot just wide, and the home side facing the strong sunlight again took up the attack chiefly through the solid work of Cunliffe. Hampson hereabouts had the hardest of lines with a fine effort that swung just wide. It was exhilarating football, with Liverpool just not able to overcome the sound Everton defence. Archer taking a free kick, drove the ball well into the goal, where Hartill apparently appeared to connect with it justly sufficiently to deciflect beyond Kane for Everton's second goal. Despite Keen Liverpool endeavours Everton had been a shade the more convincing and Kane did well to save from Hartill. A good half. Half-time Everton Res 2 Liverpool Res 0.

In the second half King made a great save from a header by Hanson, and later literally dived across his goal to keep out a shot from Taylor. Everton's footcraft this half was of a brilliant character with Archer, Gee and Mercer excelling. Hampson adroifty directed the ball into the net. Hartill scored Everton's fourth and later Cunliffe added a fifth. Final Everton Res 5 Liverpool Res 0.

 

STUDMARKS.

September 7 1935. Liverpool football Echo.

By Louis T. Kelly.

•  Hannon, Everton's promising 18-year-old inside left, is the son of a Liverpool fruit merchant and ere long may prove ripe for promotion. He joined the Goodison club from a South of England boarding school.

•  The Wanderers expect to turn out against Everton next week in brand new jerseys with a handsome badge adornment.

•  Everton's jolly Miller by no means pretends to live to himself. Against Derby he was fairly among the goals, although not on the score sheet. Believes in keeping the ball on the floor, where it was organically intended to be. Tommy White is fairly fighting fit this term you should see him clearing a five-barred gate.

•  Everton's catering was good on Saturday both in front and behind the scenes. The new penny programmes, we hear also sold like hot cakes. Therein the Everton chairman had an interesting foreword and also something fresh to say on the proposed new two-referee system. The Everton programme is also to feature a club-glossop corner giving chatty inside news of general interest. The directors' determination says Mr. Cuff, is to purpose diligently the policy of providing super-excellent football. therefore maintaining the highest traditions of the club. Regarding the inner man, the Everton Board comptemplate the development of this interesting feature on the lines of offering dinning facilities of the most up-to-date character.

•  Jimmy Stein is making steady progress towards recovery, and was an interested onlooker last week as was Louis Weller Everton's former useful defender.

•  Everton have not opened the season with a home defeat since 1919, when, however, they were largely in a transition stage following the war.

•  The Blues have entered upon their 44 th season at Goodison Park.

•  The gate at Everton on Saturday, was the biggest in the history of then club for an opening match.

•  Referring to the refreshing problem the other day the Everton chairman remarked that the modern game has developed such speed it is now physically impossible for a single individual to keep pace with it. And that to do so he would need the fleetness of a greyhound the eye of an eagle, and the endurance of a camel.

•  Not only have Everton a dozen internationals on their books but they would like to see all their “man-in-the-crowd” spectators wearing caps. It isn't nice for the little man to go home with that nasty giraffe sensation. Feelings are apt to be strained.

 

SOCCER HINTS FOR SCHOOLBOYS

September 7 1935. Liverpool Echo

By Albert Geldard, Everton and England.

Although it is possible to obtain much fun and pleasure from a casual game of football whenever the occasion arises those who wish to become expert players must give the matter serious though and preparation just as is required in any other worth-while activity. For such persons the term “close season” refers merely to the cessation of formal games, for their activities continue almost unabated, and this practice out of hours' is essential if a player desires to improve his game. Every good player of Association football possesses two important characteristics, ball control and a sound sense of positional play, and whilst the former can be cultivated by constant practice the latter more or less comes from experience only. Speaking from experience I know that from certain methods I adopted as a schoolboy my play improved a great deal, and I am still reaping the reward from the assiduous practice I put in soon after I received my place in our school eleven. Practice need not necessarily become irksome, for when there are several together, sides can be taken and competitions arranged. If you are not allowed to practice in your main ball at school, as I was it is just as convenient to take a ball into the schoolyard or recreation ground and go through your training there. In fact, it would be impossible to practice at least one of my hints indoors. Now that the new season is rapidly approaching this is the time to prepare the way towards a successful period of play, and I am convinced that all schoolboys desirous of improving their game and eager to do well from the first match can do nothing better than to practice the following hints, not only now but also during the season itself. All these methods I have performed, some of them since becoming a professional player, and there is not the slightest doubt that my plan has benefited by them.

•  Places half-a-drown stools in line and dribble the ball in. Stools should be about a yard apart. When practising outside sticks can be driven into the ground to take the place of the stools. Practise this often and you will soon find you dribbling and ball control improving.

•  To improve passing. Four or six boys stand in line about three yards apart and then another four or six boys stand similarly facing the first group a distance of about six yards separating each line of boys. Pass the ball to each keeping the ball on the move and on the floor all the time. Whenever possible pass with the inside of the foot. After passing in one direction for a time reverse the process thus obtaining practice with either foot.

•  After practicing the above, practice passing while on the run. Three or four players run alongside each other about five yards apart and pass the ball one to the other. This will help to gave direction and proper control when passing. Pass with the inside of the foot.

•  To improve length of kick. players stand a distance of 25 yards apart and make marks on the ground to keep correct distance. Practise kicking in turn with a dead ball and endeavour to clear first bounce the mark on the ground 25 yards away. When this can be done increase to 30 yards. Full backs and wingers should practice this especially.

•  A final hint. At every opportunity practise kicking with both feet. A good way is to kick the ball against a wall and without stopping the rebound return it first time. Keep this up until efficient and until you can kick confidently with both feet in a match a two-footed player always has the advantage over a single-footed one.

 

LIVERPOOL 6 EVERTON 0 (Game 1523 over-all)-(Div 1 1481)

September 9, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.

Big Shots Win The Day.

How Liverpool Turn the Tide

Six Goals Win Well Deserved.

By “Stork.”

Liverpool, ever known for their penchant for providing something sensational, brought off one of the most unexpected victories in their long list of Derby matches at Anfield on Saturday, when they defeated Everton by 6-0, and the result was fully justified. I readily recall their 7-4 win a few seasons ago, and one or two 5-0 scores on their card, but 6-0 is the biggest and most brilliant victory ever recorded over Everton at Anfield. The “form book” did not suggest that such a thing could really happen, for earlier in the week Liverpool had suffered defeat, and played in a manner which was not encouraging for their big meeting on Saturday. Team changes had to be made, but what would they be? That was the question asked on all sides. The directors rather started everyone by bringing in an entirely new wing. They played Hodgson at inside left –something fresh for the big South African. Many did not like the move. It was too experimental, they said, for such a big game, but Liverpool have a habit of doing something unusual. The move solved a difficulty on Saturday, and the line is likely to remain intact for some time. Everton were not only beaten, but beaten by a much superior team on the day's play, and I go so far as to say that if the score had run into double figures Liverpool would not have been flattered for they were that much the better side. Even Evertonians of long standing had to admit that Everton had met their masters, and that the result was fully justified. How could they say anything else with such a score leveled against their side? It was starting, no doubt, and not even injuries to Dean and Williams can rob Liverpool of the merit of their victory for 4 goals had been obtained while Williams and Dean were on the field of play.

Flash of Brilliance.

Only for ten minutes did Everton give their supporters something to shout about, for in through first ten minutes Dean and his colleagues produced some fine football; but it was soon to fade away and give way to an endeavour to curb this fiery Liverpool side, who were more go-ahead in their methods than their adversaries. Quick and judicious tackling was the ‘undoing of Everton. Their machine-like combination was cut into with a vengeance, and when Liverpool opened the day's scoring at 9 minutes they never looked back. They went from strength to strength, whereas Everton almost went out of the picture. The one great factor in Liverpool's victory was that there was a unity of purpose in the side, and their every more was made with quick precision, and when the goal area was reached there was the big shot; no matter who delivered it so long as it was delivered. Sagar was a buy man, throughout. He never could be sure when the Liverpool forwards were anywhere at hand for he soon gained the knowledge that there was a shot in every boot, and that every one of Liverpool's five was keen to show his prowess in the matter of shooting. As it turned out, it was Hodgson and Howe he had to fear most, particularly the former, who was in one of his most determined shooting moods. Sagar will not easily forget those two drives of Hodgson's, who sent the ball crashing into the net. They were two terrible shots, and all Sagar could do was hold a watching brief, for he was helpless to do anything else. Against Manchester City Liverpool had appeared slow. On Saturday it was Everton who lagged behind in the matter of pace. They just could not cope with Liverpool's dashing methods. By that I do not wish to imply that there was no skill in the Anfield side, for that would be a libel. There was any amount of skill in their play, but it was accomplished at greater speed, there being no desire to cut fancy figures, but go the shortest way to goal, and then hit hard and often.

Great Shots Decide.

What a comparison of style! Everton wanted to coax and cuddle the ball, and there were times a promising movement came tumbling down through that great fault of making three moves where one would have done. Forward should have been their watchword just as it was Liverpool's but no, they passed and passed again in an annoying manner which was a help to the Liverpool half-backs and not a hindrance. It enabled them to get into close touch with the man on the ball, so that very often a pass had to be made rapidly, and at a consequence did not go where intended. The greatest disparity between the teams, however, was in shooting. Riley had a comfortable afternoon. The one and only real shot made by the Everton forwards was the one by Miller, which rattled against the upright. Riley had some catches to make, but it is my belief that he was never so surely troubled in his mind as Sagar must have been when Liverpool men were gathered about him. Riley knows his Dean. His decision to be first to the ball served him well for during the early moments of the game he time and time again, advanced to punch away a centre which had only to contact with Dean's head to turn it into a goal.

Dean's Chipped Toe.

In the second half Everton were undoubtedly severely handicapped, for Dean was suffering with a chipped tow, and Williams had pulled a muscle in the groin, so could do little to help along Everton's cause. But one cannot smooth over the defeat on that score, for Liverpool had practically sealed the match in the first half by scoring four goals. Everton could not wipe away such a score at least not judged on the way they were playing. The second half was not nearly so good as had been the first, for some of the “fire” had gone out of Liverpool. Were they content with their magnificent lead? Were they confident that Everton could not catch up with them? It appeared like it, for a few minutes from the end they set the place alive again by scoring two further goals through Howe, who thus brought his tally up to four including a “hat-trick.” Dean, after being off the field a few times, eventually left for good 15 minutes from the end, but Williams gallantly stayed on until the finish. The crowd –48000 who paid £2,810 (much below the usual for Derby games) – gave Liverpool a grand reception as they left the field. I do not intend to individualize, for it was a team that Liverpool reached the heights. One naturally has to pay tribute to Howe on his four goals; the great shooting of Hodgson; and the smart wing play by Carr. It was the last-named who provided the centre, which enabled Howe to score the first goal, a cleverly headed glide, which turned the ball right away from Sagar. It was Liverpool at their best. Every man played his part, and played it well, so well, in fact that Everton never looked like marking a match of it after their one bright spell early on. Bradshaw closed down the middle of the ground to Dean, and with that an accomplished fact, the rest of the Everton front rank simply weaved and worked without producing anything tangible to offer Riley. It was a poor Everton we saw, and an enthralling Liverpool. Cresswell, White, Sagar (who made many daring saves withoutstanding that he was beaten six times, and nearly a seventh when Hodgson crashed a shot up against the upright for the ball to come back into play), Britton and Leyfield were Everton's best, but there must be more shooting if matches are to be won. Classical movement alone will not bring victory. Teams: - Liverpool: - Riley, goal; Cooper and Blenkinsop, backs; Savage, Bradshaw and McDougall (captain), half-backs; Niewenhuys, Wright, Howe, Hodgson and Carr, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Britton, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Thompson, (Leamington).

 

EVERTON RESERVES 5 LIVERPOOL RESEVRES 0

September 9 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Central League (Game 3)

Three For Hartill.

Everton Win Reserves Derby

The Reserves “Derby” at Goodison Park. Proved a most exhilarating encounter, with Everton winning by 6-0. Everton played football of the best quality, and the expert manner in which each unit worked in alliance resulted in a united understanding that led to many arduous moments for the Liverpool defence. Nevertheless, the Anfielders enjoyed a fair proposition of the pressure, but good approach work generally faded out through lack of understanding. Liverpool's chief danger points were the wingers. Hanson and Taylor and to their credit must be given some excellent shooting that would have yielded goals but for King's brilliant goalkeeping. The winners' main strength was in the intermediate line, where Gee, in particular, played well, and in the forward line Hartill led the line with skill and craft and revealed a pleasing penchant for sharp shooting –as the result of which he scored two goals and headed one. Cunliffe was a sterling worker in brilliant form, and Hampson (brother of the Blackpool centre forward) created a fine impression with his display. Of the Anfield men Dabbs and Tennant worked strenuously, Kane had no chance with the scoring shots, but saved others, while the halves could not counteract Everton's finely balance understanding. The Everton scorers were: - Hartill (3), Cunliffe and Hampson. Teams: - Everton: - King goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, Gee (captain), and Archer, half-backs; Hughes, Cunliffe, Hartill, Hampson (H.), and Sandham, forwards. Liverpool: - Kane, goal; Dabbs, and Tennant, backs; Browing, Bush, and Rogers, half-backs; Taylor, Neal, Balmer (J.), Glassey, and Hanson, forwards.

•  Tennant, the Liverpool left full back, who was taken to a nursing home on Saturday, after playing in the Central league game against Everton t Goodison Park, was operated on about nine O'clock in the evening for appendicitis. The operation was successful, and Tennant's condition yesterday was reported to be very satisfactory. Tennant played in 26 league matches for Liverpool last season and proved a fine defender after Blenkinsop, the captain, had been injured at Derby in November.

Everton “A” 3 Earlestown Bohemians 2

Liverpool County Combination.

At Crosby. Percival saved splendid shots from Bentham and Dickinson and White did well with good efforts from Hooligan and Farelly. Five minutes from the interval Paterson scored for Everton, who had exerted great pressure. The home side dominated the play after resuming. Dickinson adding two goals. The visitors responded bravely, Swift shot into the empty net, a point which Earlestown fully deserved. Good play by Percival in the visitors' goal kept the score down. In the last few minutes Swift again netted.

 

LIVERPOOL SHOW EVERTON HOWE!

September 9, 1935. Evening Express.

The Perfect Football Combination.

Dean Unable to Play for Some Weeks

By the Pilot.

Billy Dean Everton's international centre-forward and captain, will not be able to play for three or four weeks following the injury received in Saturday's local “Derby” match at Anfield when Liverpool smashed their way to a grand 6-0 triumph. Dean left the field 15 minutes before the end, and an X-ray examination, held yesterday, revealed that Dixie had played for more than 45 minutes with a completely broken toe. The toe has now been placed in splints and for some days Dean will have to use crutches. The injurys was received in a goalmouth scramble when apparently, Dean was kicked. Williams, the right back who played outside-right during the second half, is to receive medical attention for a groin injury, and may not be available for some time. Everton's troubles are added to in that Cook, their Irish international back who was injured in the match against Derby County, may not be fit for Wednesday's game with Portsmouth at Goodison Park. Everton's greatest trouble on Saturday was the power of shot demonstrated by Liverpool. The Reds by dint of flashing attacks and ultra-rapid firing recorded the greatest-ever win the “Derby” series. Everton were smitten hip and thigh. The victory was as sensational as it was complete, for in the opening 20 minutes Everton were the clever side. However, when the Reds set about their business it was a case of “One way traffic.” The skill and speed with which Liverpool developed and culminated their attacks dimmed the brilliance of the Liverpool work when Everton were beaten 7-4 at Anfield three years ago.

Reds might have been greater but for heroic on the part of Sagar. Tremendous satisfaction was felt in

Perfect Football Machine.

Liverpool's side was a devastating football machine, working with oil-like precision, and sweeping the Blues off their feet. The margin in favour of the Reds might have been greater but for heroics on the part of Sagar. Tremendous satisfaction was felt in the Liverpool camp at the introduction of Carr and Hodgson on the left wing. The pair outshone the Wright-Nieuwenhuys combination, while in the centre young Freddie Howe, who was playing in Cheshire League circles in March, equalled the record of Barton in scoring four goals. This in his “Derby” debut. It was a mightily attack, with each man dovetailing and accepting every shooting chance. And what shots! Sagar never had a chance. With Everton it was a different story. In the opening passenges they played delightful football, and re-passing with ease and grace, yet never a shot did Riley have to handle. Everton had Liverpool on the run yet could not press home their advantage and once the Liverpool half-backs –with Bradshaw again the super-breaker up and feeder –got a grip of the game it was all over bar the shouting. Bradshaw Cooper and Riley were excellent in defence, but it was Liverpool's glorious team-work and dynamic shooting which took them to their victory rather than individual brilliance. Only four Everton players played up to standard. They were Sagar –still one of England's best goalkeepers –White, the versatile, Stevenson, a bonny dribbler, and Dean who laboured along with never a pass on the ground. Everton could be faulted in regard to positional play, but the completeness of Liverpool's attack was sufficient to make any team lose position, especially when coupled with team reorganisation

•  Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park, Wednesday next Sept 11, Everton v. Portsmouth. Kick-off 6 p.m. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands extra (including tax). Booked Seats Sharps Whitechapel.

 

“L” STANDS FOR LIVERPOOL AND LEARNING.

September 9, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Howe's Four-Ball And Hodgson's Two Ball Game Against The Luckless Everton.

Everton's School of Sigh-ence.

The Hive, Monday

Bee's Notes.

Tennant the Liverpool full back had to be rushed to hospital for an operation for appendicitis on Saturday night. Dean suffered a chipped bone in the ankle –he has had little trouble in the injuries depot save with his ankles; Ben Williams had groin trouble; and with two such big men out of the side (to all intents and purposes they were passengers from the half-hour) we must hand Everton sincere sympathies. But that does not allow the criticism of the side as a whole to pass out of print; their first quarter was good enough to produce goals, yet it did not bring a shot. The good joke about Liverpool wearing an L on the back of their jerseys did not misfire; it simply meant L stood for “learning” Everton how to act to the goal range. Everton had danced their way through for 15 minutes, Liverpool then showed them how to hit out at the half chance, how to make progress, how to curl a centre such as Carr offered. It was grand football to watch till the damaged men came along. Dean was accidentally trodden on by McDougall, who was also injured in the process of this melee. Apart from that there was nothing but fine spirited play by Liverpool, and the joy of directorial life that Hodgson had been brought back and been put as an inside left. I noted the possibility of this experiment on Friday morning and knew that Carr was a possible for outside left, although Hanson had hardly had a run of sufficient length and sufficient linking with his partner to cause his outgoing. Carr came to Liverpool with “Nivvy” and with the reputation of being a harder shot than “Nivvy.” Nivvy” got in, Carr seemed to smart under the time, he took to get into the first team. When he was in he did not last long. Now he has gained a confidence nothing should shake. His centring was the acme of neatness and strength, but I would warn the fatuous partisan that Carr was often left unmarked as if the Everton team had bethought the way of all evil would come via the right wing star. “Nivvy,” who, on the contrary, had quite an ordinary innings, albeit he was strong and fast he got the chance.

Howe's That?

Howe was the striking success of five in the Anfield attack, and behind them came the grand half-back work notably Bradshaw's. True, Everton played into the hands of men like McDougall and Savage, but that doesn't alter my belief that Liverpool's half-backs had a lot to do with the victory. Howe, of course, takes pride of place with his four goals; he emulates Boy Barton in this respect. Rosy-face did the four some act one year against Everton, and also in a Cup-tie at Chesterfield; but the result of 5-0 is the biggest clear-cut Derby blow Everton have suffered. The nearest approach was when Everton lost at home 5-1 in September, 1925 before 53,000 spectators. I will give you the teams, so that you picturise the match: - Everton: - Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy Troup. Liverpool- Scott; Lucas, McKinlay; Macnab, Cockburn Bromilow, Rawings, Walsh Forshaw, Chambers, Hopkins. Scorers Forshaw (3), Chambers Walsh and Kennedy.

Howe, Johnson's boy, has often shown a special aptitude for heading centres, and if sufficient had come across at Chelsea he would have revealed more of his form. Now the ball was crossed in a manner asking for convertion, and it was the way Howe got his head to the ball that stammed him as a tip-top centre. It is said he has hurt one foot; so had some of Barnum's best exhibits. Few footballers have two feet for football usage. Rather let us encourage Howe and believe he is the centre so long looked for. We have started into the past 25 years for a leader. Here is the Hyde boy, willing to take knocks, willing to learn, anxious to rival, Dean in heading a ball, and going strong. It would ill become us to forget the absentees in the Everton side, even though the game had gone out of Everton's keeping in half an hour, nor would it be fair to let comment pass without making mention of Cresswell's cool and calculating display, or Sagar's greatest work at three-quarter time, or the endeavour of White. Everton became disorganised, but never disgruntled. The game was a great sporting event, and it was a pity some of the crowd made derisive cheering when Dean left the field. The players had not acted in that unsporting manner. Stevenson's and in a minor degree Leyfield played their parts well.

Letter.

“Kesington” complains; There were no bookings for stands seats for the local “Derby” –First come first served. This means that stand patrons must be there at least one hour before the kick-off staring at nothing, waiting for the show to start like kids at a magic lantern entertainment. This shows lack of consideration on the part of the management towards the public. Surely it is not too much trouble for them to reserve stands seats for League matches. It is done for Cup-ties, so why not League matches? Everton do book about 200 seats for League matches, but I think I am correct in stating that Liverpool and Everton were the only clubs that did not reserve all stands seats for the visit of the Arsenal last Season. At other grounds all stand accommodation was sold out for the visit of Arsenal long before the day of the match. Now then, Messrs Patterson and McIntosh, what about it?

 

“L” IVERPOOL “L” AUGHS “L” AST

September 7, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

And At The Expanse of Evertonians!

The correspondent who asked “Bee” on Friday, if it were true that Liverpool were turning out against Everton in white jerseys with the letter “L” on them has got his answer. Liverpool passed the test. Even before half-time they had put a little stroke through the lower part of the letter “L” and converted it into a 4. Now an Anfield “wag” suggests that the demonstrators on the film –of how Football should be played are to be taken to the pictures next week. “Spion Kop” adds to the correspondence. He says; Referring to the suggestion put forward by a correspondent prior to the Merseyside football “Derby” that the Liverpool players should have “L” labelled on their backs, I noticed one or two of the Liverpool forwards driving to the danger on Saturday.

W.J.D. says: - I enclose (with due apology to our clever friend, George Green) a sequel to the joke of the season. Carry on with the good work. “Bee.” These things certainly brighten our existence.

The Last Word.

Stan Elliott writes: - Would you kindly publish the following reply to the “L” joke in Friday's Echo ? The “Reds” acting on the hint in Friday nights Echo duly were the letter “L” on their jerseys, but inside the latter. It was only that disallowed goal that robbed them of the opportunity of parading the letter to the Everton supporters -upside down however! Sorry, “Bee” but don't we deserve the last word now? By the way, Howe wouldn't have needed to reverse his L; he merely required to add a little down-stroke in the middle of the horizontal part to show what he had done.

‘Pro-Gordon” says: I agree entirely with “Hodgson Fan,” and in my opinion Gordon is the greatest ever. Surely there has never been one greater! Unsolicited Harry Hibbs England's goalkeeper last season described him as the greatest shooter he had ever known, and he should know. You have had jokes sent to you by Evertonians (Presumably) and have printed them I mean the Abyssinian and the letter “L” jokes at Liverpool F.C.'s expense. Here is one at Everton's expense. Can you tell me if it is true that after the 6-0 defeat at Anfield the Everton X1 tried to enlist for the Abyssinian Army but were turned down because they could not shoot?

“Reg Kay” finishes his letter: - “Here to the next time –and Howe!” Another correspondent suggest that Liverpool should have played on until they won the set 6-0, 6-0, 6-0. There seems no end to “L” iverpool “L” augh. A red hot Red phoned to say that he understood Everton's new ‘Phone number was 6074.

 

EVERTON'S GAME.

September 11 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

Everton entertain Portsmouth at Goodison Park with a greatly altered side, there being four changes from the eleven beaten at Anfield. Jackson comes in for Williams who will not be able to play for some weeks while Gee resumes at centre half in place of White who is injured, and Hartill, as expected will deputise for Dean, whose toe injury will keep him out of the field for some time. Another rather unexpected change is that of Cunliffe for Stevenson at inside left, the Irish international having received a knock on Saturday's match. This will be Hartill's first appearance in the senior side, and as the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player has already shown he is in shooting form –he scored three goals in the reserve game on Saturday –his chance of success seems bright.

The Teams.

When Everton were at Portsmouth last Wednesday they were beaten 2-0, but played good football and it was only the skill of Gilfillan in goal that foiled Dean and his colleagues. It is apparent, however, the southern team is one to be respected, and there is sure to be a large attendance, when the game starts at six o'clock tonight. Portsmouth will be without Thackeray, and Symon, the former Dundee captain, who made a promising debut on Saturday, will continue at left half. The teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cresswell; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Miller Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Portsmouth: - Gilfillan; Rochford, Smith (W.J.), Nichol, Salmond, Symons, Worrall, Bagley, Weddle, Easson, Rutherford.

 

EVERTON TEAM CHANGES.

September 11 1935. Evening Express.

Hartill's Debut Against Portsmouth at Goodison

Everton Must Wear Their “Shooting Boots.”

By the Pilot.

Everton team changes are caused by a large crop of injurie. Dean, Williams, White, and Stevenson are now on the injured list. White damaged am ankle in the “Derby” game and Stevenson has developed a boil on the back of his neck. Hartill, the quick shooting leader from the Wolves, takes over the leadership from Dean and his debut with the Blues will be watched with interest. Charlie Gee the international centre half, who has been playing excellent football in the Central League, team, appears for White and Cunliffe the inside-left of last season, comes back in Stevenson's place at inside-left. Despite the toll of injuries one cannot see that Everton are greatly weakened. Their side denotes power in all departments, and I think the Blues have an excellent chance of wiping out some of the bitterness of their two successive defeats. One thing is certain; if Everton are to beat Portsmouth there must be greater willingness to shoot on the part of the forwards. This has been a bad fault in the last two games. Not since the opening day of the season, when the Blues defeated Derby County 4-0, gave the forwards claimed a single goal.

Sprightly Portsmouth.

Portsmouth have already proved themselves sound team, as witness their win at Fratton Park last Wednesday and their defeat of Aston Villa. They are a sprightly, quick-moving combination with plenty of “fire” in the final thrust. Weddle, in particular is playing excellent football in the leadership of the attack while Salmond is proving one of the best pivots in the League. Also keep an eye on “Boy” Rochford, the 19 years-old defender. In the opinion of Mr. Jack Tinn, Portsmouth manager Rochford is his finest discovery since he unearthed Warney Cresswell on the north-east coast. Rochford certainly the finest young back I have seen for years. This should prove a grand game for both clubs can play accurate football, but Everton must make up their minds to shoot on each and every occasion. If they do so I think they will win. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cresswell; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Miller Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Portsmouth: - Gilfillan; Rochford, Smith (W.J.), Nichol, Salmond, Symons, Worrall, Bagley, Weddle, Easson, Rutherford.

 

PORTSMOUTH'S GOODISON RECORD.

September 11 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Bee's Notes.

When Everton were at Portsmouth last Wednesday they were beaten 2-0, but played good football, and it was only the skill of Gilfilan in goal that foiled Dean and his colleagues. It is apparent, however, that the southern team is one to be respected and there is sure to be a large attendance when the game starts at six o'clock tonight. Portsmouth will be without Thackeray, and Symon, the former Dundee captain who made a promising debut on Saturday, will continue at left half. The teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cresswell; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Portsmouth: - Gilfillan; Rochford, Smith (W.J.), Nichol, Salmond, Symons, Worrall, Bagley, Weddle, Easson, Rutherford.

Portsmouth have an excellent record for League games they have played at Goodison Park, for from their half-dozen previous visits they have claimed five points. These have been obtained by means of a victory three seasons ago and three drawn games while they have scored five goals against nine. The Results of these meetings have been: - 0-0, 4-0, 1-1, 0-1, 1-1 and 3-2. So far this season the southern club has secured four points from the three games played. They opened the season by being defeated by the odd goal in five at Middlesbrough after which they defeated Everton 2-0, and Aston Villa 3-0 at Fratton Park.

 

EVERTON 3 PORTSMOUTH 0 (Game 1524 over-all)-(Div 1 1482)

September 12 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury.

Everton Return to Their Best

Victory Over Portsmouth.

By “Bee.”

Everton won by three goals without response from Portsmouth, so their revenge for a 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth was complete. There was no doubt about the latest victory; true play started in a manner known as common-place where night matches are concerned. The real atmosphere was not there, but the degrees Everton got on top, and with a much changed side, through injuries sustained in the game with Liverpool, they won cleverly and well, and the score was far from being an exaggeration of their merit. Dean was absent though a broken toe, and his deputy Hartill, of Wolverhampton, was making his first appearance as a leader of Everton's first team. He was overshadowed by the outstanding man of the field –Salmond, and this display would have prevented most centre forwards from having a show, Hartill, however, never stopped trying and much of his endeavour to make combination was praiseworthy. White was absent and Gee played one of his best games.

Jackson's Enthusiasm.

Stevenson was damaged and his deputy was Cunliffe, who was appearing on the left flank instead of his customary right wing endeavours. Cunliffe scored a goal and was generally one of the leading factors of the attack. At full back, Williams, out through a strained groin was “covered” by the enthusiastic local Jackson, who by the side of the consistently class defender. Cresswell was one of the enlivening features of play. So change did not bring decay, indeed, Everton, after a rather insipid start, got to their work with virility and ability and Portsmouth would have been shattered except for the late-on saves by Gilfillan and the unending work of Salmond and that great young back Rochford.

Unusual Goals.

The scoring consisted of unusual goals. The first came to Cunliffe through his roving to his old position of inside right and through another novel effort –he kept the ball very low, which is not exactly his style of shot. The second came to Geldard because Leyfield worried through and made a most praiseworthy centre from an angled position. Hartill tried to head a goal, and the ball travlled towards goal, but Geldard ran on to make sure the goal was notched. Finally Hartill scored when there was no one in goal –Gilfillan and his backs had become muddled with a centre, and when Gilfillan mishandled the ball Hartill;'s chance was easy. A back tried to run back and punch out, and the 17,000 spectators were probably glad he failed in his ungallant mission. That was the end of the scoring, and the lethargic period of play ended when Everton set up a resolute measure of attack in which melee followed melee and the enthusiasm of the crowd was raised to a high point.

Salmond's Defence

Portsmouth were rather disappointing. They had magnificent wing work from Worrall, the danger and menace throughout and Rutherford in a minor way helped to keep them as possible scorers, but the inner trio were not competent against the efforts of Gee, Cresswell and Jackson, with Sagar at times intervening very neatly and surely. At half back Symon had his good points, but no one could live in the same avenue as Salmond, who was the complete stopper at third back Rochford is a delightful back, but was not well supported, Gilfillan giving his best when the game had gone out of Portsmouth's way. Everton played well together, and Miller of Patrick, after a quiet opening made subtle use of the ball, and this was the beginning of the crack in Portsmouth's armour. Geldard and Britton were inclined to hold the ball too long and too tightly, but the side in every link had its redeeming points, and Cunliffe in a new post was quite a success. Gee was also good, and Hartill will not meet a similar stumbling block again. Everton can be termed all-round interesting and effective. Everton's reserve strength has been given its chance and has continued the good work shown in the Central League games. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar goal; Jackson and Cresswell, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Hartill, Cunliffe, and Leyfield, forwards. Portsmouth: - Gilfillan, goal; Rockford and Smith (W.J.), backs; Nichol, Salmond, Symon half-backs; Worrall, Bagely, Weddle, Easson, and Rutherford forwards. Referee Mr. W. Lawington of Croyden.

 

CRESSWELL'S MATCH.

September 12, 1935. Evening Express.

Veteran Puts Everton On Victory Path.

Blues' Home Record.

By the Pilot.

Everton have a curious record. They claimed a 100 per cent home record, not having conceded a goal, and yet they are pointless and goalless away from home. Everton maintained their home record at the expense of Portsmouth last night, winning by three goals to none –a score which rather flattered their superity. Everton were far from being the perfect football combination, but they owed their victory to the oldest player on the side –Warneford Cresswell, the evergreen. It was Cresswell's match from the first kick to the last. During the early periods when Everton were all at sixes and sevens with their wing half-backs, Britton and Thomson, out of touch, Cresswell stood up against the sprightly Portsmouth attack. Thinking twice as quickly as anyone else, and moving to position with grace and cunning Cresswell never played a foot wrongly. He was always in such ideal tactical position that it appeared at times as if the Portsmouth forwards were presenting the ball to Cresswell. In addition, Cresswell used the ball with the utmost discretion. He never wasted a ball.

Recovery From Shaky Start.

Yes; it was Cresswell who made the Everton victory possible for after Warney ably backed up by the go-ahead courageous Jackson, the Blues recovered from a shaky start and went to their triumph. Cunliffe gave them the lead with a fine individual effort and Geldard added a second before the interval. Hartill scored his first goal for the Everton seniors after an hour –a fine example of direct and quick shooting. I was pleased to note greater shooting power about the Everton attack, but there was an absence of smooth combination. Everton, part from the defence rarely revealed collective skill. Miller was inclined to play an exaggerated “w” plan, so that Geldard was often away on his own. The left wing of Cunliffe and Leyfield was a much more potent force. Hartill had a worrying time in the centre, for Salmond proved an unceremonious if complete pivot. Salmond setout to stop Hartill and did it well. Gee came back to play an excellent game at centre half in a match which failed to quicken the pulses, and Sagar was again brilliant in goal. Portsmouth were well served by Worrall, Weddle, Rochford and Gilfillan, but Pompey impressed more as a team than as individuals. A happy result for Everton even if not convincing, and the same team will journey to Burnden Park on Saturday to oppose Bolton Wanderers. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cresswell; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield.

BARRCKED BY THE PARTISANS.

September 12, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Everton Reserves Introductions succeed

The 6-0 Joke of the Season.

The Hive, Thursday.

Bees Notes.

Just thirty-two years this month I dared to enter Liverpool newspapers life. From the start to this moment, I have declared my colours –Brum –but the rabid partisans of either side will not believe me. The limit was reached last night when amongst some hundreds of spectators who stayed behind at Everton to hear the result of Liverpool a number of spectators barracked me after the game. This impossibility of trying to hold football scales where bitter partnership is concerned is proved by two incidents. I entered the Everton boardroom and offering the 6-0 verdict of Manchester City over Liverpool, it appears some thought I was joking and others said it was not in good taste. I should deliver such a message. They thought I was sufficiently insane as to “toy with results” after Saturday's big margin! They really should know me better. But mark what follows, I arrive back at the office, and “Always Red” tells me, “You always like to get a dig at Liverpool. You never mention anything detrimental to Everton.” I will cease work tomorrow if any evidence can be produced to prove I have unfairly learned either to Anfield or Goodison Park. Partisanship grows through the chivvying spectators serve out to each because their particular side has won. It must always come with a rebound. So soon as I had written Tuesday's notes about Everton I was charged with belittling Liverpool's win. Will these rabid spectators please use some sense of proportion, and acquit me once and for all of being either Red or Blue? I ask you if there were a vestige of truth in the accusation of the Liverpoolians or Evertonians I would hold out my hand, but neither side seems to be able to convince the other side! Meantime my ears are deaf to the cat-calls of one-eyed spectators who imagine no one but themselves can see straight where a football game is concerned. Their conduct doesn't suggest they know how to spell the word “Sportsman.”

And now let us congratulate Everton and their reserve introductions upon their part in a good solid victory over Portsmouth by 3-0. Gee a centre half Cunliffe as new-made left winger, Jackson as full back –these three were really excellent. Cunliffe shot a goal by the low-down process, which has not been exactly common to his shooting in the past; Gee was a model throughout against a dangerous centre forward; Jackson was a fine foil for Cresswell's continued excellence. Then Hartill had the mortifying experience of being pitted against one of the toughest pieces of granite has –a farmer of 22 years of age, tall, massive, never tiring, never tried. The crowd at times booed him, but there were others who cheered him – as he deserved. Portsmouth was not exactly satisfying, but one could not miss the beautify of Worrall's work or Rochford's and I proclaim them as most likely candidates for the team of the Football league against the Irish League at Blackpool. Rutherford was also a danger mark and Symon, another of Dundee's stock, showed some neatness and some virility. It was a good win with argument or debate, and with much fiery attacking periods when Everton got the atmosphere and the “hand” of the night match, and made Portsmouth go into retreat time and time again. A little too close at times on the right flank, yet Everton's inside right was in the main responsible for Portsmouth getting knotted in the second half. Miller needs to be closely watched for the value of his work to be estimated at its fulliest. Well done Everton, and especially well done the introduction made through the accidents to the first team stars.

Correspondence.

Mr. George Gotham, of Mulliner-street, Edge Hill, has seen every meeting of Everton-Liverpool. He adds. About two years ago, I wrote to Mr. Cuff and he complimented me on my record, but he could not give me any definite proof as to weather my record could be equalled, and her mentioned about refereeing this matter to you. I may state that last Saturday's match was one of the most thrilling and exciting displays I have had the pleasant of witnessing, perhaps not too elaborate as in the days of yore, but for real, honest endeavour, endurances and good spirit. Saturday's match between our local teams would be hard to beat. Liverpool's form was a revelation. We ought be proud to have such fare served up to by our locals.

A Sweeping Victory.

S.H. Writes; Being an ardent supporter of Everton for fifty years, my opinion of them is still the same, after last Saturday's defeat by our esteemed neighbours. They are a great team and always have been, since the days of Jardine, Hannah, Doyle, Chadwick, Milward. Ar, and I personally have always enjoyed their football win or less. I can assure you we have had many great setbacks and some glorious victories, but last Saturday's game was for me one of the best things Everton have done, and I sincerely thank and congratulate our one and only “Dixie” and all the boys. Jolly good luck to them still. Five goals against would not do. I wanted six –I had Liverpool in the sweep.

Everton's Charity Games.

Everton are distributing £607 7s 2d among local charities as the result of the receipts at the two practice matches. This allocation are as follows: - Stanley Hospital 60 guineas, Royal Infirmary 60 guineas, Northern hospital 60 guineas, Southern hospital 60 guineas, Blue coat hospital 60 guineas, Bootle hospital 40 guineas, Cancer hospital 40 guineas.

Ten guineas each, S. Paul's eye hospital, Wallsey central hospital, Liverpool Child welfare, Liverpool Maternity hospital, Liverpool eye hospital, Royal Children's hospital, St. John Ambulance Bridage, National Institute for the Blind, the Manager and secretaries Association.

Five guineas each to; Royal Lifeboat Instuition, Liverpool Orphanage Dental hospital, Liverpool Branch of the R.S.P. C.C. Liverpool Prisoners Aid Society, Liverpool Referee Association, British Legion, Liverpool Police-aided Clothing Society Walton Nursing Association, Liverpool Playing Fields Association Lancashire Referees Association Women's Hospital, St. Dunstan's Home for Incurables.

Three guineas each to Liverpool Heart hospital Liverpool's Foot Hospital, Liverpool Aged Poor Mersey Mission to Seamen Bootle Police aided Clothing Society Liverpool's Boy Association Women services Burean Waterloo and District Hospital, Mercantle Marine Association, Birkenhead Hospital.

 

GOODLESS AND POINTLESS

September 13 1935. Evening Express.

But Everton May Break Away Spell Tomorrow.

By the Pilot.

Not a goal, not a point. This is Everton's unenviable record away from home. Will they break the spell tomorrow against the newly promoted Bolton Wanderers, at Burnden Park? It is the Blues's third away game –they lost at Portsmouth and Liverpool – and they have yet to give their followers the chance of seeing them score a goal outside Goodison Park. Last season Everton were an indifferent combination in away games. There is hope, however, of a break tomorrow, for the Wanderers are finding the First Division path rather a stony one. Bolton have lost at home to Brentford, drawn twice with Sheffield Wednesday, and been beaten at Derby. Two points out of eight is not what the Wanderers anticipated.

Bolton's Bold Move.

The Bolton directors have taken a bold plunge in displacing the clever Eastham with the former Accrington player, Walton, but the move has proved a success, for the Wanderers played fine football at Hillsbrough last Monday when they drew 2-2 after being two goals behind. This match with Everton conjures up memories of the great F.A. Cup battle between the clubs last season when the Wanderers dashed Everton's Wembley hopes. Everton will be anxious to square accounts, and they may do so if the wing half-backs side down to their work quicker than they did against Portsmouth, and if the forwards will keep up their “shoot hard and often” resolve. Everton should at least come away from Bolton with a point. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cresswell; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Bolton Wanderers: - Jones; Smith, Finney; Gosling, Atkinson, Taylor (G.), Taylor (G.T) Walton, Milsom, Westwood, Cook.

•  Advertisement in Evening Express. Central league Match at Goodison Park tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Bolton Wanderers, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. Stands extra including tax.

 

EVERTON AT BOLTON.

September 14, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

Everton renew acquaintance with Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park. The promotion side did not make a good start, but I have no doubt they will be a difficult side to beat today. The Goodison park team recovered finely, after their disheartening experience at Anfield, to turn the tables on Portsmouth, and the same side will do duty at Bolton. The Wanderers have yet to win a match, and I fancy Everton will hold their own this afternoon. The teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cresswell; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Bolton Wanderers: - Jones; Smith, Finney; Gosling, Atkinson, Taylor (G.), Taylor (G.T) Walton, Milsom, Westwood, Cook.

 

EVERTON FAIL TO BREAK AWAY SPELL.

September 14, 1935. Evening Express Football Edition.

Goalless and Pointless at Burnden

Remarkable Second Goal

By the Pilot.

Everton failed by 2-0 against Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park in a game which produced some brilliant half back play. The Wanderers deserved their win, for they were the nipper side though their goals, were of the unconvincing type. Everton's forwards did not work smoothly, and the ball was in the air too much. A goodly number of supporters rolled along by excursion, in the hope of seeing Everton break their goal and points “duck” away from home. Bolton preservered with Walton at inside right and had Goldsmith the former Hull and Spurs player, at right back. Teams: - Bolton Wanderers: - Jones, goal; Goldsmith and Finney backs; Goslin, Atkinson, and Taylor (G.) half-backs; Taylor (G.T), Walton, Milsom, Westwood, and Cook, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cresswell, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Hartill, Cunliffe, and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. H. Dedman (Blackpool).

The Everton right wing showed the way in the early moments. Delicate football followed up a sinuous run. Cook next showed up with a quick inward thrust, which was snapped up by Westwood, who swung a beauty inches wide of the post. There was some fierce, quick football, with Bolton's left wing a potent factor, but Britton and Jackson showed good anticipation. Everton were never afraid of pushing the ball back to Sagar when danger threatened –a wise move against sprightly forwards. Everton gained the first corner, but Bolton the first goal. It came from Milson in 11 minutes. Bolton swept away from a throw-in in their own half, and a loose harmless-looking ball was passed up to Milsom.

Milsom Nips In.

Milson was faced by Cresswell, who backed away, so narrowing Milsom's angle. Milsom then nipped by and scored with a bouncing shot which just slipped past Sagar and entered the net by the par post. Gee's persistence alone held up Milsom when the International was daring through to goal. Everton's first shot came after 19 minutes from Leyfield's foot, a back right-footer which went over the bar. Hartill several times fell a victim to Finney's offside trap, and Everton's “danger” man was Geldard, who was being adroitly fed by Britton. It was hard interesting football though rather lacking in incident. Jones had to spring out and up to handle a goal-laden centre from Leyfield, then Sagar ran almost to the touch line to hold up the rampant Milson.

Nearly –

Everton almost drew level when Hartill raced ahead to Cunliffe's pass but he was tapped on the knee when about to shoot. Cunliffe seized the ball and sent in a terrific shot to the far corner, Jones flung himself out to make a great save and completed matters when Hartill, who had been lying prone, suddenly came to life and tried a quick hook shot. There was a frantic appeal for a penalty when Taylor (G.T.) centred against Cresswell's hand, but there was not the slightest intention to infringe. Away swept Everton, only to Leyfield to ruin everything with a weak centre to Atkinson's feet.

Britton's Artistry.

Britton “tied up” four men right on the touch line. It was the most joyous piece of work in the game so far. The 30000 spectators rose to Britton, who was the outstanding player on view. The strength of the half-back lines kept the forwards in check, but the Wanderers attack gave more indication of “bite.” Geldard was allowed to go when offside and when Jones failed to catch his centre Leyfield came along with a first-timer only to see the ball strike Atkinson's foot and bound behind for a corner. Leyfield and Cunliffe paved the way for a Geldard shot, which Jones saved.

Half-Time Bolton W 1. Everton 0.

The Wanderers increased their lead with a remarkable goal four minutes after the interval. Jackson came across to tackle Taylor (G.T.) and pushed to touch by the corner flag. Goslin took the throw-in and surprised Everton to adopting the tactics made famous by Weaver, of Newcastle United, and flinging to the goalmouth.. The ball was too high for Gee to head, and it bounced down to the ground and up and over Sagar's outstretched arms. Then it bounced again and Cook, running in, nodded the goal.

Not This Time!

Immediately afterwards Goslin tried exactly the same move, but this time Sagar got the ball at the first bounce, though by no means easily. Sagar came with a punch save to deal with an effort by Taylor (G.T.) and stopped a pointblank shot from Milsom.

Bolton Goal Under Fire.

The Wanderers had a happy spell before Hartill made a good run –spoiled because Cunliffe got offside –and a fine shot, taken on the turn, landed safe in the grip of Jones. There was more shooting to come, Miller taking the ball on the drop to further employ Jones. Final Bolton Wanderers 2, Everton 0.

 

EVERTON RES V BOLTON RES.

September 14, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.

Everton Reserves who have been displaying brilliant form, met Bolton Wanderers Reserves at Goodison Park. The Blues were quickly on the attack and after three minutes play Hughes, the ex-Derby County winger, gave them the lead. A second goal followed shortly afterwards, Dickinson being the scorer. Bolton were frustrated by Everton's fine defence although on one occasion Woods went through for King to run out and clear. A third goal went to the home side, Sandham netting from a pass by Clarke, although the Everton winger appeared to be in an offside position when receiving possession. Although Swift made a good save from Dickinson he could not prevent a later effort by the Everton centre from finding the net. Hughes was a dangerous winger, and when he passed across the goal Dickinson came close to increasing the score. Half-Time Everton Res 4 Bolton Res 0.

 

BLUES' USUAL AWAY FAILURE.

September 14, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

Bolton's Anniversary Victory.

A Throw-In Goal.

Everton Lack Fire and Shot at Goal.

By Bee.

Everton played their first League match at Bolton's ground exactly forty years ago today, September 14, 1895. Bolton won that match 3-1. The score would have been repeated today if a Bolton back had not three times kicked the ball off the goal-line. Everton were not convincing in attack, the absence of shot being marked, and the defence was caught out by a long throw from a half-back. Teams: - Bolton Wanderers: - Jones, goal; Goldsmith and Finney backs; Goslin, Atkinson, and Taylor (G.) half-backs; Taylor (G.T), Walton, Milsom, Westwood, and Cook, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cresswell, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Hartill, Cunliffe, and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. H. Dedman (Blackpool).

A lot of Evertonians followed their side to Bolton where Finney was starting his fourteen season with the Wanderers, and Everton much-changed side, successful against Portsmouth was given a further chance. Bolton won the toss, and then had the unconscious humour to try and take the honour, namely the kick-starter. Geldard opened in a glorious fashion with Britton as good in attack as defence, and always using the ball to advantage. The 20,000 spectators seemed to find as much joy in the opposition as the home side's work. Gee gave a foul, and back-headed the ball to goal –quite a clever move –to get rid of the free kick. Cook was born to be a dribbler, and he fell into the clutches of Britton and the sturdy Jackson. In fact there were splashes of over-individualistic effort, notably when Goldsmith the full back, took the ball high up the field, and then made a wasteful pass. The most definite work of the early stages was a magnificent shot by Westwood that fied beyond the posts. Jackson was knocked out by a blow from Milsom, and a shot from Milson struck Cresswell's body. Hartill best three men, and was duly closed out. Geldard was tripped near “home” and got a corner instead of a free kick near the penalty area.

Westwood's Clever Move.

A throw-in, and the ball became Westwood's property, which is always dangerous because this young lad does uncommon things. He now flung the ball straight up the middle path. There was one man in defence apart from the goalkeeper, and the long legged Milsom strode half a yard beyond the full back, and shot across the goalmouth, to make Bolton's second goal of the season. Time 12 minutes and the home folk in fine jubilant mood. There might have been another had Gee not stopped Milsom close to goal. Geldard's push along surprised the defence who imagined the ball must pass out. Yet he not only caught up to the ball, but also delivered a fine centre just too far for Leyfield to nod down to goal. Everton were having a good innings and were playing in a constructive manner, Leyfield shooting over, and on being tripped the same player was allowed to pass on by a wise referee who, however, missed the pushing that went against Thomson. Milsom was always dangerous, and when he became outside right and back-headed no one had arrived at centre to accept his grit. The former Everton goalkeeper, Jones made his best catch with a high ball from Leyfield, who is a goal-getter when close in. But even more remarkable was the Hartill chance spoiled as it seemed to men, through a trip from behind when the player was eight yards out. Hartill lay on the ground, the ball came back to him, and the former Wolves player, though limping was able to get to the ball with a shot which Jones very wonderfully turned away, although he was still on the ground when he made the save.

Britton's Swerves.

Britton, under the shade of the grandstand, was a slave to dribbles and swerves no more than a foot –extremely clever yet not quite productive of the culminating effort of Goslin, the other right half. There was a woeful absence of shot, although Finney, damaged and lying on the penalty spot, was able to look on at a nine catch made by his goalkepeer, Jones. It had been interesting football to watch, but lacked finality. Right on half-time Geldard centred. Jones half-handled the ball, and if Bolton had not packed their goal they could not have enjoyed the luck of scarping a draw by half-time. Gee had assiduously fed the left wing, but Geldard at centre forward, found his one shot save by Jones.

Half-time Bolton Wanderers 1, Everton 0

Goal From Throw-In.

The second half had an extraordinary opening, a goal being scored from a throw in by Goslin. Goslin throws in at long range and when the ball came over Milsom the Goalkeeper and the backs all misjudged the flight of the throw and the ball travelled on, little Cook closing in and being able to head in without a leap, one of the most uncommon goals ever registered. This was in four minutes and a minute later the same process was adopted in every particular except that this time Sagar was able to pick up the ball on the goal-line and Cook did not deem it wise to deliver a charge. Not so when a corner was taken by Cook everyone seeming to charge Cresswell and Sagar, each of whom received a blow to the mouth. Sagar kept the game reasonably normal by making two thunderous saves from Taylor (G.T.) and Milsom. At last Everton forwards began to shoot, or, to be more accurate, Miller decided to try a shot. His first was grappled by Jones, the second was a fumbling save by the Bolton goalkeeper. The standard of play was not improving, although Britton fired his side by offering a fast shot that fled over the bar. This should have given Everton forwards some idea of the call upon their football business. The Bolton forwards were more dangerous in spite of the prompting of the Everton half back line.

A “Gift” Missed.

Everton had an enthusiastic ten minutes, and were baulked of a goal by Goldsmith kicking off the line against Cunliffe's shot, and Finney repeating the dose. Bolton netted what seemed to me a perfect goal, and offside was the official verdict. Jackson and Cresswell were doing strong work in the back division, and Cunliffe and Miller tried to bring back the game, but a great deal of Everton's combination ended nowhere, and Hartill had a poor show against another 6ft 2in pivot. For the third time in the match a full back kicked off the goal-line with the goalkeeper beaten but lucky. The chance came to Leyfield through Goldsmith and a half back being at cross-purpose as to who should take the ball. Everton did not accept this presentation opening. The official attendance was 24,710, which was 3,000 ticket holders, made the gate about 28,000. The closing stages were enthusiastic Milsom tried to score with an overhead kick. Thomson was officially cautioned and Jackson was an heroic figure facing the clever Westwood-Cook wing with stubbornness and success. Final: - Bolton Wanderers 2, Everton 0.

 

STUD MARKS

September 14 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

By Louis T. Kelly.

•  Liverpool have three times performed the “double” against Everton since the war. So too, have Everton three times in a season taken full points from the Anfielders. Now the latter have a chance of bringing off the “rubber.”

•  It was Arthur Riley's ninth appearance v. Everton on Saturday but the fist time for him to keep his lines intact.

•  It was a case of “In Darkest Africa” with Everton supporters after Hodgson and Co had slipped it across their favourities. Reds sparkled; Blues fused.

•  Wonder what Bob Jones has had to say to his former club this afternoon? Nearly eleven years have flown by since this old Ferndale boy had his first and only League team run with Everton at Goodison Park. And it was against the mighty Arsenal too.

•  Howe is the seventeenth player to be called upon to fill the centre forward role v. Everton since the war. Everton have tried a dozen men v. Liverpool in the same position during this period.

•  In all 133 players have participated in these post-war “Derby” games -85 for Everton and 68 for Liverpool. Someone asks “What is there about Anfield that Everton do not like?” Echo answer “Liverpool.”

•  Everton people were hoping that the dawn of 1935-36 would mean the end of the bad luck that tripped up their players so glaringly last season. Yet here we have Cook, Stevenson, White, Williams, and Dean all crocked in the first few days. Apparently that imp, mischief is hot on the trail once more.

 

BOLTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 0 (Game 1525 over-all)-(Div 1 1483)

September 16, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Everton Failings At Bolton. Disappointing Display.

By “Bee.”

Everton continued to fare ill away from home, and their latest effort was such that one feels radical changes must be made if the side is to return to a winning way at their visitations. They were not impressive. At times there was an endeavour to play pretty football; the lack of imagination and finality on the part of the forward line did not help this scheme, and while 28,000 spectators often praised the display of the losers' half-back line, or a Cresswellian mode and the majestic defence of young Jackson, they could see Everton did not look like getting a goal. This was strange because the prompting of Britton, Gee, and Thomson should have encouraged the forwards to shoot. Moreover, they were operating against a veteran back in Finney, who had been stunned by a blow to the head, and a partner named Goldsmith who, though a full back, became a roving commissioner and left wide open spaces for the left flank.

Westwood's Unexpected Passes.

Goldsmith kicked strongly and generally inaccurately, and Everton through the game saw the ball kicked from the goal-line three times –this sounds like an excess of attack, but it is wrong in that respect, and in any case full backs in modern football are supposed to take up a goal-keeper position in the stress of defence. Bolton Wanderers newly promoted, have found the First Division awkward; the absence of Eastham has been the cause of more practical football being introduced by their forward line and Westwood continues to be the chief purveyor of unexpected passes, but the line as a whole was not good, and in front of goal missed some prime chances, while scoring one goal that seemed quite legitimate. As Hartill was brought down with a back-back without a penalty kick there is nothing in the balance on the score of control per Dedman of Blackpool. Bolton started shakily after the Everton right flank had done its best work. Then Westwood turned the game out of Everton's keeping by sending the middle a perfect pass for the long-striding Milsom. Cresswell was the only man left to withstand the challenger, and the latter's quick stride carried the ball a yard beyond the back's leg. Milsom did not make a pretty job of the short shot, the ball striking the far post before entering the net. However, just after half-time a quaint case of a throw-in puzzled spectators forwards and the defence. Goslin threw in with all his might and the ball escaped various defenders and Milsom but was to the outside left Cook to head in. After that came a smiliar episode, which Everton gripped with good result, but it might easily have been otherwise. Hence, Bolton were two up, and Sagar had to make grand saves to keep the score to normal proportions. All this time Everton were working to no purpose in attack.

Miller's Shot.

Miller certainly had three shots of sting, but they were delivered in rather tardy manner so the defence had closed up the avenue. Leyfield had been the possible match saver with stirring runs and shots, but he had little fortune. Hartill toiled in the middle with Atkinson towering over him, so the Everton forwards line became more and more ragged. They promised to develop a combination scheme, but it was all promise and there was no fulfillment, and this line must take the discredit of the rather surprising defeat from a side not going well and having scored but one goal till they met Everton the anniversary of the day the ground was opened by Everton 40 years ago, Bolton than winning by 3-1. It was a most disappointing display on the part of the Everton attack. Jackson was heroically brilliant fast and resourceful; Cresswell had an ovation at the end of the game and the half-back line did its part well. Bolton have a splendid left wing, almost too tricky in some of its meandering and the opportunist Milsom returned to get his first goal of the season. Goslin was the complete half-backs in attack and defence, and the defending trio were variable, so that Everton could not complain they had much to beat in that department. Teams: - Bolton Wanderers: - Jones, goal; Goldsmith and Finney backs; Goslin, Atkinson, and Taylor (G.) half-backs; Taylor (G.T), Walton, Milsom, Westwood, and Cook, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cresswell, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Hartill, Cunliffe, and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. H. Dedman (Blackpool).

 

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVE 1

September 16 18935. Liverpool Post and Mercury

Central League (Game 4)

Brilliance in the first half-hour a period in which they recorded no fewer than 4 goals without response was largely responsible for Everton having a rather easy passing at Goodison Park. It was the strength of the Everton middle line –Mercer Clark, and Archer –that the eye, the first named making one inspiring run that carried him past four opponents. S. Dickinson, a new comer on trial from the North-East, made one or two pleasing moves and elsewhere King Jones and Hughes and Dickinson put in much good work, Everton's goal came in the following order. Hughes Dickinson, Sandham, and Dickinson Storey (who, along with Woods and Howe was Bolton's best) reducing the lead 10 minutes from the end.

Everton “A” 5 South Liverpool Reserves 0

Liverpool County Combination.

Everton owed their victory not to the lack of football craft on the part of their opponents, but to the clever custodianship of their goalkeeper, White, who was ever ready during the South Liverpool attacks Ullet was outstanding in the Everton centre scoring 4 goals in succession, and Bentham added a fifth just before the end.

 

EVERTON'S NEED IN ATTACK.

September 16 1935. Evening Express.

Cohesive Skill is Vital

By the Pilot.

Faults in attack, particularly in a matter of cohesive skill, led to Everton figuring in another away defeat when Bolton Wanderers won 2-0. The Everton front line was a disjointed combination with some useful units. The outstanding player of the five was Cunliffe –a quick, dangerous forceful raider –while Geldard and Leyfield were good in approach work with Geldard revealing touches of the form which brought him international honours. The return to form of Geldard was gratifying, but the two newcomers Hartill and Miller, failed to impress. Hartill was against a brilliant centre half in Atkinson –a coming England player without a doubt –but he relied far too much on his feet and was generally crowded out. Miller did not maintain the promise shown in the match against Derby. For the remainder Everton had no cause to grumble. Britton was the “star” of a purposeful adroit intermediary division, which did all in its power to get the forward machine working while paying heed to defence.

Ideal Combination.

At back Jackson and Cresswell made an ideal combination. Jackson was a back of the “neverbeaten” type. Outwitted once, or even twice, Jackson was back again with a third tackle while he showed keen anticipation and kicked with confidence. Remember that Jackson was up against the wily Cook; Westwood wing, and you will appreciate the merit of his performance. Behind the pair was Sagar, who did well despite the fact that he was beaten when Goslin's long throw-in bounced over Sagar's head and Cook nodded home the second goal. The Everton players assert that the ball was already over the line when Cook headed it. Everton enjoyed plenty of the attack, but never looked so dangerous as the Wanderers. The Blues were doing their best work near the end, when Bolton had set themselves well on the victory road. This was not a defeat to cause panic in the Everton ranks, but certainly better forward play is a necessity.

 

EVERTON ARE SUPRISINGLY WEAK IN THEIR ATTACKS.

September 16, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Bee's Notes.

Still working! Not resigned yet! And in the football world the craze for crazy scores continues. Such violent eruptions in form send to make us very human and to prevent us being dogmatic. I wonder what the old-timers who talked together at Bolton thought of the display there? Billy Meredith could not understand why wingers will not do their acknowledged job, namely, cutting ahead and keeping to their place, swinging the ball over without fail for the others to take a header or shot. He doesn't like the man, who cuts in any more than a motorist like that cutting in process. Lewis, the old-timer at Bolton, looked on at the same game, and a former Everton goalkeeper Harland, turned up with wish the side well. Forty years to the day Everton had opened the ground. It was a suitable date for good wished, but Everton needed something more. They needed some more patently football tacticians, with speed and purpose to break down a poor Bolton defence –Jones was inclined to fumble Goldsmith took all manner of risks not suited to First Division football, and old man Finney, great fellow was probably stunned out of real action by a shot on the head. Yet Everton's attack laboured heavily and promised nothing except excitement. It might and could be said that backs kicked the ball from the goalline three times. Those incidents more than is warranted, modern backs are supposed to take up such positions. What bothered the big Evertonians crowd present was the absence of promise for the forward who had been so well prompted by the half back line. There was no fire; combination's sake was valueless if the forward tied himself up in knots. True some stars were not in the Everton side, and Cunliffe and Leyfield kept making ground and showing endeavour with spirit attached. Hartill had a poor day against the massive Atkinson, but the line as a whole was not at all satisfying and the club will need to re-sturdy its team selection for the oncoming matches. If Bolton had been brilliant one could have understood such poverty of play. Bolton were serviceable, and on this showing better than their rivals, but Bolton will pull up on trees with a continuation of this form. Everton have to thank young Jackson for a masterly display back strength and full-blooded defensive determination. His was a good display, and while I would not dream of curbing his enthusiasm for length I would counsel him to keep the ball on the island if at all possible. The crowd gave Cresswell a special roar when he left the field, and this was a sporting gesture on their part to a man who had graced the proceedings and was not to be blamed for the opening goal to Milsom. Backs are not allowed to make one mistake in a game, but attackers seem to have the monopoly of escape when they fail with the simple chance Everton have not settled down; the win against Portsmouth was helpful, but not convincing; and now Bolton have made the side look cheaper. However, there is a wealth of talent in the reserve team ranks, where they have taken every Central league point except one. So there is some reserve helping due for promotion. The attacking line as framed on Saturday must be changed.

 

BURNLEY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 1

September 17 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Central League (Game 4)

Burnley Reserves lost their unbeaten Central league record last night when Everton Reserves through Hampson scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes from the end when it was almost dark. The game, which was played throughout in rain and in the dusk for a least half an hour went on without an interval. It looked as if there would be no score, so well the defence hold command and had the game so ended it would have been a fair reflex of the play. If Everton had more of the play before the interval, it was the other way round after wards, and King had a lot more to do than Scott. In fact, it was King's fine judgement in dealing with shots by the Burnley wingers that prevented Burnley going ahead. Everton's attack was inclined to menceurves too much near goal, and it could be said that Clark, their centre half, put in their best shots.

 

WHAT NOW, MR. EVERTONIAN?

September 17 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Bee's Notes.

If you had a team depended on the services of Dean, White, Cook Williams, Coulter, Stein, to name just a few that come to my mind what would you do to remedy the matter? It is not every First Division team that has half a dozen members recognised first team members, out of its side within a fortnight of the season opening. I do not envy the Everton officials their task. They have to build up for the strong reserve side, but they have also to remember that the form shown at Portsmouth, Anfield, and Bolton was not good enough. The game v. Preston North End tomorrow is one that would brother any Everton side, because Preston have not kicked off as well as expected and they feel they “have to win home games” to ensure their continued appearance in the First Division. On the other hand, you know quite well that the visits of Everton in the last two years there have brought few victories. At the time I write the Goodison team has not been chosen but I am confident there will be a change of the side that played at Bolton. The need for snap and pace in attack has been too patent for words.

Central League

Everton Res, to the top of the Central league through the overnight victory over Burnley who suffered their first defeat of the season. Sandham struck the woodwork and J. Hampson ran in to convert the only goal of the wet night.

Correspondence.

Mr. T. W. Brennan, of Roby says: - I see by your report on Wednesday's match. Everton v. Portsmouth that you consider it a “good sound win.” Now I am only 24 years of age, but I have watched and supported the “Blues” since the days of Harrison, Brewater Fern etc, and I thought, and so did my father and brother and also many supporters, that Everton were just the better of two poor teams. Further, it was the poorest Everton for a good time. Now I know they have a number of first-class men injured but surely, out of the players they have they could pick a good first team. I think they forgot Leyfield was playing. Again, why do they put the ball up the middle in the air, with a 6ft 2in pivot against their own 5ft 10in, centre forwards. You know what a glutton for work Cunliffe is? Don't you think he would make a splendid left half? Don't take any notice of the rotten, letters you receive, as I think the writers think that you favour whichever team you are reporting 0n-namely, Blue one week, and Red the next. They are in the great minority, and the rest of us appreciate your fair-minded reports.

Mr. James's Coltart writes: -

A correspondent with the aid of a mass of statistics –which, by the way, are nothing new, being published in the echo before most “Derby” games –attempts in a feeble way to wipe out the inglorious defeat at Anfield on September? This argument smacks of the nursery. Everton beat Liverpool in 1894, so no matter what the latter accomplish Everton are still the better team. Heaven help us. Past results bring up memories. Some very unhappy for certain people. For instance, if one wanted to be nasty, one could mention that a certain Crystal Palace thrashed a team of this city. Don't make pathetic excuses.

 

STEVENSON AT INSIDE RIGHT.

September 18, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.

By John Peel.

Everton's form has not been such as to inspire the confidence of their supporters. True, they have won their two home games, but have lost three matches on the grounds of opponents. For tonight's game at Deepdale drastic changes, which will cause some surprise, have been made. Stevenson, the Irish international inside left, has been chosen to partner Geldard on the right wing in place if Miller, the Scottish international. Cunliffe is retained on the left, while White is to lead the attack, in place of Hartill. Jones is to partner Jackson, instead of Cresswell. Thus compared with the side that lost at Bolton, there are three alterations. Preston North End have gained but two points from five League games and in fact have scored only two goals. The selection of the team have been deferred until today; in the hope that a forward of repute will be signed in time to play against Everton. The man in view is an inside right. The kick-off is at six o'clock, and the Everton team is : Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, White, Cunliffe, Leyfield.

 

EVERTON TRY A NORTH-EAST FORWARD.

September 18, 1935. Liverpool Echo

Bee's Notes.

Everton Reserves, who have done extremely well so far (five points out of six possible), and at home tomorrow to Bolton Reserves, and in their team is young Hampson, the seventeen-year-old brother of the Blackpool pro, who did so well last week and S. Dickinson an amateur highly recommended by a scout. He comes from the Craw Crook region, which has provided many good footballers. The full team therefore shows two of the same name, but different spelling. Team; King; Allen, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer, Hughes; S. Dickinson, Dickinson, H, Hampson, and Sandham.

Cheers Wanted.

“Watcher” says: - “Dixie” Dean is the most popular player Merseyside has produced, yet on Saturday he was booed each time he went off the field –some say because Everton were losing, but he went off just prior to a goal. For any player, who plays one hour with a broken toe deserves the cheers of 60,000 and not the booes and jeers of 40,000. In the programme it is noticed that the Liverpool directors appeal for sportsmanship from their supporters are an occurrence in the Central league match. I think Dean's position should able be put into the programme.

“Evertonian 22” gives us something for the Anfield fans to laugh off: - With due and respectful reference to your notes in the Echo of 9 th inst, I noticed that you remarked that Everton lost at home in September, 12925, to the tune of 5-1. Allow me to point out that according to my records of the local “Derby” since 1894-95, that Everton have not lost at home by a bigger margin than 4-2 October 8 season 1907-08. Although Everton beat Liverpool at Liverpool's ground 5-0 on October 3, season 1914-15, on September 26, season 1925-26, Everton lost to Liverpool 5-1, and on February 11 season 1932-33 Everton lost away 7-3, which is the highest score on either ground in local “Derby” I also notice in “Liverpool laughs last” that several of your correspondents are joking at Everton. Enclosed is a compiled record of local “Derby” which will give the Liverpoolians something to “laugh off,” I am an Everton supporter, but not to the extent of arguing –but rights, every time. Hoping that you will see eye to eye with me.

 

 

At Goodison

 

At Anfield

 

 

1894-95

 

 

Oct 13

 

E L

3-0

 

 

Nov 17

 

E L

2-2

1894-95

Did Not Meet

1896-97

1897-98

1898-99

1899-00

1900-01

1901-02

1902-03

1903-04

Oct 3

Oct 16

Sept 24

Jan 20

Sept 22

Jan 11

Sept 27

April 1

2-1

3-0

1-2

3-1

1-1

4-0

3-1

5-2

Nov 21

Sept 28

Jan 21

Sept 23

Jan 19

Sept 14

Apr 10

Oct 10

0-0

1-3

0-2

2-1

2-1

2-2

0-0

2-2

1904-05

Did Not Meet

1905-06

1906-07

Sept 30

Mar 29

4-2

0-0

Apr 13

Sept 29

1-1

2-1

1907-08

1908-09

1909-10

1910-11

1911-12

1912-13

1913-14

1914-15

Oct 5

Apr 9

Oct 2

Dec 27

Sept 16

Feb 8

Sept 20

Feb 6

2-4

5-0

2-3

0-1

2-1

0-2

1-2

1-3

Apr 17

Oct 3

Feb 12

Oct 1

Jan 20

Oct 3

Jan 17

Oct 8

0-0

1-0

1-0

2-0

3-1

2-0

2-1

2-0

1915-16 to 1918-19 League games suspended.

1919-20

1920-21

1921-22

1922-23

1923-24

1924-25

1925-26

1926-27

1927-28

1928-29

1929-30

Dec 10

Oct 30

Nov 5

Oct 14

Oct 6

Oct 4

Feb 6

Sept 25

Oct 15

Sept 29

Jan 4

0-0

0-3

1-1

0-1

1-0

0-1

3-3

1-0

1-1

1-0

3-3

Dec 27

Oct 23

Nov 17

Oct 7

Oct 13

Feb 7

Sept 26

Feb 12

Feb 25

Feb 9

Sept 7

1-3

0-1

1-1

1-5

2-1

1-3

1-3

0-1

3-3

2-1

3-0

1930-31

Did not Meet

1931-32

1932-33

1933-34

1934-35

1935-36

Jan 30

Oct 1

Feb 10

Sept 15

2-1

3-1

0-0

1-0

Sept 19

Feb 11

Sept 20

Mar 20

Sept 7

3-1

4-7

2-3

1-2

0-6

Total Goals

59-42

55-60

Local “Derby” from 1894-95 to 1935-36

Home

Everton

Liverpool

 

Away

Everton

Liverpool

P

34

34

 

35

35

W

16

10

 

14

12

D

8

8

 

9

9

L

10

16

 

12

14

F

59

41

 

55

60

A

41

59

 

60

54

Pts

40

28

 

37

33

Total Points –Everton 77 Liverpool 61

As you will notice from the above that Liverpool up to date have the advantage of one home match over Everton, but their showing is very poor in comparison Everton appear to be an all round better team when it comes to local “Derby”s “Don't you think?

“An old Blue” writes; I know where Everton is weak –in defence, as after long periods of pressure by the forwards breakaway count goals –one of his greatest instances being the Cup-tie against Bolton. The defence has for a long time not been speedy or combined enough, and has displayed a lack of ability in covering up I do not know if the Everton players study the art of successful defence, but for over twelve months there has been weakness in this direction.

Mr. George Ellam, of Melville-place, says: - I admit the Blues were soundly beaten and reckon it is one of the best game I have seen the Reds play but in fairness to one of the best centre forwards who has played the game I think the booing of Dixie, especially when he had to go off injured, is a disgrace. Dixie is not one for equesling. Give Dixie fair play.

 

EVERTON'S SENSATIONAL TEAM CHANGES.

September 18, 1935. Evening Express.

New Stars Left Out of Eleven For Preston.

White As Leader Tonight.

By the Pilot.

Everton have made two sensational team changes for their match against Preston North End at Deepdale tonight. Their new forward stars –Billy Miller and Billy Hartill –have been left out and the forward line has been reshuffled in an attempt to find an effective combination.

Everton Seek First Away Win.

Jackson-Jones Partnership Again.

Everton directors have shown, by the team changes for the visit to Preston, that they are far from satisfied with the recent form of the team. The injury to Billy Dean is proving a severe handicap, but Everton rejoice in the fact that they have on their books a player who willingly shoulders any task and rarely plays a poor game. Tommy White. T falls to White to once again lead the attack. White opened the season at centre-half, and then damaged an ankle. Now he returns to the position from which he has scored many goals in the past. Stevenson, having recovered from the boil on the neck, returns at inside right in order that the successful Cunliffe-Leyfield partnership shall not be disturbed –a wise move.

Cunliffe's Brilliant Form.

Cunliffe has been showing brilliant form since his inclusion against Portsmouth. The intermediary division remains the same at that against Bolton Wanderers. Jones, the Ellemere Port player, resumes his partnership with George Jackson, which proved such a power not only in the Central league, but in the first team last season. I think the new Everton line will be characterized by greater virility and the Blues if they settle down to their game quickly, have an opportunity of not only scoring their first away goal this term, but snatching their first away goal this term, but snatching their first away goal this term, but snatching their first away point. Preston also are aiming a greater effectiveness in attack and have secured Beresford –a clever scheming, forward with plenty of power in either foot. The Deepdale folk will not select their side until just before the match. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, White, Cunliffe, Leyfield.

 

PRESTON NORTH END 2 EVERTON 2 (Game 1526-over-all)-(Div 1 1484)

September 19, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Improved Form of Everton.

Sharper Forwards Secure A Draw.

Preston's Bad Fortune And Big Miss.

By “Bee.”

Everton have not been renowned for their work away from home, but last night they took a point from Preston after looking like winners for a long stretch. The improvement in the team was most marked in the forward positions, where White became centre and Stevenson took the uncommon role of inside-right, with Cunliffe still in Stevenson's former position. It was an unusual picking but it succeeded because both inner forward changes led to a smartness that had been missing at Bolton on Saturday, and White's energy and heading ability kept Tremeling, who played really well, on the go the whole game through. Where Everton were fortunate was Preston lost Beresford, the former Aston Villa player, early in the game, though a collision, and he went outside for most of the game; and still more fortune was Everton's escape when in the last three minutes O'Donnell worked his way clean through, refused to shoot at once, drifted towards the left, and then tamely shot into Sagar's hands –the miss of the match and a chance which if taken, would have led Everton to another fruitless journey.

Holdcroft's Saves.

Thousands followed Everton to the ground, thanks to the cheap trip, and it was in a measure, like a cup-tie meeting at the new and greatly improved Preston ground. Play had many features, but the two most important have already been mentioned. Yet I would not say Everton were unworthy of a drawn game. They were much the more certain attackers and shooters –Holdcroft was in high feather against his old clubmates –and Preston could not be compared with the Everton attack when combination or subtlety was considered. Preston were too florid in defence, and notably at half-back, and too cumbersome in attack. Everton's half-backs were inclined to hold the ball a shade too long, and fruitless meandering on the part of some of the forwards gained them nothing; but at least Everton were the more attractive side. Play began with Thomson leading his men so far up the field that he offered a goal by a pass or centre from the goal-line – which is not a common sight from a wing half-back.

Beresford's Injury.

Beresford got his eye injury in two minutes, and Gee got a foul in the area of a linesman and referee, neither of whom saw anything. Dougal opened the score after a free kick for a trip on the big O'Donnell, whose lackadaisical and stately style make him look to be tripped when nothing of the sort has been attempted. Geldard ran round a linesman in his endeavour to make an equalising goal, and Preston's quickness in the use of a throw-in or free kick was only equalled by their goalkeeper's long throw –half the length of the field. Crawley was easily trapped by offside tactics, and Sagar escaped luckily when the centre was off his balance to a simple grit. White's fleet heading from Britton's in-swinger was a feature of the play till Stevenson equalised the scores from a fine piece of following up by Cunliffe. Stevenson's task was easy. Britton risked a goal through the overhead kicking way and Shankly came near scoring with a free kick. White offered Leyfield a delicious pass, but the winger could not accept. Stevenson scored again in the half-hour period with a grand shot to the top of the net, to which Dougal tried to make his double with a placed header, only to find Sagar safe. White's best drive was saved, and the referee wrongly said “Goal-kick.” Hetherington made the score level, following up his own intervention against a muddled defence. Finally O'Donnell worked his own opening, and cast it to the winds, so the game ended in a draw. Everton did much better than formerly; there was pace and enthusiasm for attack, allied to strong shots. The forward line advanced, although neither winger was too quick getting his centre. The changes were for the better. The introduction of Jones and Jackson was without fault albeit they lie far part. Gee and Britton were strong half-backs. Preston were a solid defending side, but the size of two of their forwards made them cumbersome and slow moving. They have the football wit but not the pace to carry them through against modern League backs. Holdcroft was expert, and Lowe and his fellow-back were hardly ever at fault. It was hard going in the rain, and perhaps a draw was the best decision, Everton must not again expect to escape as they did in the closing minutes. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, White, Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Preston North End: - Holdscroft goal; Gallimore and Lowe backs; Shankley, Tremelling, Milne, Dougal, Beresford, Crawley, O'Donnell, Hetherington, forwards. Referee Mr. J.E. Williams, (of Bolton).

 

JONES IS THE NAME!

September 19, 1935. Evening Express.

Young Star Helps Blues To Gain A Point.

By the Watcher.

An Ellesmere Port footballing family is feeling proud today. One of its young members played a big part in Everton's obtaining their first away point of the season, at Preston, and, incidentally, breaking a goalless spell. His name? Yes, you have guessed right –Jones. Everton drew 2-2, and Jones playing at left full-back in his third game in five days, came through with flying colours. Jones was as steady as a rock and he and Jackson held up the speedy Preston raids time after time. Everton are not yet the perfect combination, but with more thrust in attack the present side should soon climb higher up the league chart. The Blues' reshuffled attack played with more “fire.” Everton had the better of the first half play but their attack was not such a potent force in the later exchanges. Geldard opened brilliantly and was a source of constant trouble to the Preston defence. White was a good leader, and in Cunliffe and Stevenson he had partners who although they occasionally displayed a weakness for moving backward when engineering attacks, were always on the spot when wanted. Stevenson was a “live Wire” and his two goals were well earned. The Everton halves had only one weakness. Now and again they centrated either wing, leaving a passenge down the middle for Preston's inside men. Taken all round, Everton displayed marked improvement on their recent displays. Everton will be unchanged for the match with Huddersfield Town, at Goodison Park, on Saturday. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, White, Cunliffe, Leyfield.

•  Jack Balmer, the young Liverpool Centre forward and nephew of the noted brothers Balmer, the former Everton backs, has been signed as a professional by the Anfield club. Balmer previously played with Collegiate Old Boys, and last season was on the books of Everton as an amateur.

•  Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park on Saturday. Next September 21 st . Everton v. Huddersfield Town, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands Extra including tax. Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.

 

EVERTON'S SPEEDING UP.

September 19, 1935. Liverpool Echo

Preston A Curious Blend.

Bee's Notes.

The Hive Thursday.

Everton showed much improvement on what had gone before at Bolton, at the new home of Preston, where you have a season ticket for six guineas which carries garage fees and refreshment before, during and after the game! And also guarantees you your own special ear-marked seat. At least Preston have shown enterprise, and Everton have shown courage tackling a problem that had come to them through so many injuries, and through certain factors being nominated for other than first team inclusion. Let me come straight to the point about the changes. Stevenson inside right Cunliffe continuing in Stevenson's old place. That looked like Barnet's fully till we learned that both had appearance in those berths, and on his showing the line was smarter and quicker to decisive action than in former games. The two men named were excellent. The next move was Tom White at centre forward. Well, you can picture what sort of game he would have. He was speedier than of yore, headed with rare effect, and was generally a great trouble to the excellent Tremelling. White was all satisfactory, but he and his kind happened to meet Holdcroft, the former Everton goalkeeper in his best form –and some say there is nothing to equal this from any goalkeeping den. He throws a ball to the half-way line –remember that you half backs who throw in. The third and final experiment was not an experiment at all. Jones had been with Jackson many a time before in first, Second and third team efforts. He now got into his work with his customary will, and the pair of them did well, although they appear to me to be too far to be quite convincing against forwards other than the curious mixture Preston have to serve them just now. A year ago Preston had clever forwards all of very small status. Now they have got big uns, but they are cumbersome in the movements and slow to move. Everton need not expect to escape a goal again this season in the manner O'Donnell let them off three minutes from the end. This was a sloppy finish to a run that had gained a way through all except Sagar, and he should have had no chance in such circumstances, whereas the softish shot was driven right at him. It was the miss of the night; the hit was Stevenson's. He got two one easily, thanks to Cunliffe's chase up and square pass, and the other by a beautifully timed action-shot, Gee played remarkably well, and Thomson very decently did not hammer out the right wing pair owing to Beresford of the Villa getting a heavy blow to his cheekbone in three minutes –an unfortunate start, for a newcomer. It was hard football with a wet ball, and there was much to interest. Everton need not let the memory of O'Donnell's final miss beat them down, Football is made up of such triftings with late in the penalty zone. However, the visitors who took thousands with them from Exchange (price 1s 3d) came back with a point –a welcome change in the result column. And now for Huddersfield! Everton make no change for the home game v. Huddersfield.

Nomads At Crosby.

Everton “A” have a most attractive fixture on Saturday at Crosby, where they meet the improved Northern Nomads. With Everton playing good football and having won the two league matches, the outcome should be a splendid game. Everton “A” team is as follows: - White; Allen, Morris; Lambert, Walkden, Watson; Paterson, Bentham, Hullett, Webster, Heath.

•  Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. League Match at Goodison Park on Saturday. Next September 21 st . Everton v. Huddersfield Town, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands Extra including tax. Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.

 

EVERTON FACE THE TOP SIDE IN THE LEAGUE.

September 20 1935. Liverpool Echo.

No Fear of Changes in, The Side.

Bee's Notes.

The wet weather has made a difference to the grounds. The turf is not heavy, but the ball will skid along at a terrific pace on the true summery turf. So we may expect turmoil in the football land tomorrow. Everton receive the top-notchers Huddersfield. Everton will not make any change from the eleven that showed a speed at Preston. A victory against Huddersfield would be marked extras good, and a continuation of the form shown against Derby would be appreciated. Huddersfield have had shocking knocks, in broke legs, just like Everton, and their grand young athletic back Roughton, has been laid aside. However, the Yorkshire side have done sufficiently well to take them to the top of the chart as far as the season has gone –and in this whirligig of football up and mostly down that is no mean performance for a side quaking all last season about relegation till they descended upon Liverpool and swamped them by 8-0. The work of J.M. Richardson is at its best just now. The former Newcastle man is doing especially well in the shooting depot, and Clem Stephenson in between puffs of torrid smoke, says his half-back line is one of the greatest he has ever known. We shall see tomorrow at Goodison Park and make out own deductions. Everton are not perfectly satisfied with their work, but there has come into the side the necessary shot and the fire of attack without which no side can hope to and well-knit defence trios. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, White, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Huddersfield Town: - Turner; Craig, Mountford; Willingham, Young Wightman; Luke, Butt, Lythgoe, Richardson, Lang. Manager Clem Stephenson tells me that this will be the probable team although actually it is not yet chosen. Lythgoe is an attractive forward –said to be the best who ever came out of Division Three –and for his age and size he is astoundingly nippy.

•  Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow. September 21 st . Everton v. Huddersfield Town, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands Extra including tax. Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.

 

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN'S VISIT.

September 21, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

Hudderfield Town have dropped by 2 points out of a possible 12 so far and it would seen that thee Yorkshire club possess a stronger team than for some years past. At the zenith of their power Huddersfield Town won many honours, and the present combination is such as to test the most sprightly tem. Today's visit to Goodison Park, therefore, promises a first rate attraction, especially as Everton have shown more power in attack the promise of the new line at Preston giving rise to the hope of better things. A more searching test of the strength of the team, however, can be looked for today, and if Everton can beat Huddersfield there cannot be a great deal wrong with the side. The loss of Dean is undoubtedly a great handicap, but White made a fine effort to make up for the deficiency at Preston and he will again lead the line today in an unchanged team. Huddersfield will have the side that defeated Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. We can look for a very fine game. The kick-off is at 3.15, and the team are: - Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, White, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Huddersfield Town: - Turner; Craig, Mountford; Willingham, Young Wightman; Luke, Butt, Lythgoe, Richardson, Lang.

 

VERSATILE TAYLOR.

September 21, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.

Ted Taylor must have been positioned of monumental patience. As long ago as January, 1912, he played in an amateur international trial. He failed to get a cap but did well enough to attract the attention of Oldham Athletic, for whom he signed professional forms one month later. There, he had to be content to understudy that most consistent player Howard Matthews for a long time; in fact during eight seasons Taylor made only 42 League appearance. By 1921-22, however he had become Oldham's first choice, and Huddersfield paid close on £2,000 for his services the following summer. He was chosen to represented England two months after making his initial appearance in the Town's goal. Ted Taylor is a Liverpool man and finished his First Division career with Everton.

Jack Cock.

The Fortunes of the Huddersfield Town club were founded on the departure of one of their players. Soon after the War, when Huddersfield were in the second Division, they found themselves faced with extinction, unless they could raise a large sum of money in a short space of time. The quickest way to start upon this tremendous task was to transfer their centre forward Jack Cock, who had played for England and was greatly coveted. Chelsea made a substantial offer, and Jack Cock expressed his willingness to join the club. The deal went through, and Huddersfield were able to appeal to the townsfolk to rally round and subscribe the balance. The team played heroic football gaining promotion and reaching the Cup Final, and so the situation was saved. From the dark shadows, Huddersfield passed into the sunshine of success. But the real turning point can be tranced to the departure of Jack Cock, as fine a centre forward as ever played for the club. He had been obtained from Brentford, then a much less distinguished side than they are today, while stationed at Aldershot during the War, Jack and several more famous players used to travel to West London whenever military duties would allow, and it was that time of turmoil that his great talent came to be recognized. He played a gallant part “over there” and returned with the Military Medal, after having been wrongly reported killed. A well-built handsome fellow, Jack Cock had a baritone voice above the average and, after joining Chelsea fulfilled regular engagements on the music hall stage. He can be put down as one of the first of Huddersfield Town's many great players. But not the very first.

 

HUDDERSFIELD RES V EVERTON RES.

September 21, 1935. Evening Express. Football Edition.

At Huddersfield. A penalty goal put Huddersfield ahead. Hayes taking the Kick. Miller equalised with a shot, which the home keeper should have saved. Issacs brought Town's second and 12 minutes from the interval Anderson increased the home lead and the same player added a fourth five minutes later. Half-Time Huddersfield T. Res 4, Everton Res 1.

 

EVERTON LOSE AT HOME.

September 21 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

Huddersfield Rally; Sagar's Penalty Save

By Stork.

Huddersfield have yet to be beaten. Everton held a goal lead over them for just under the hour, but from their point the Town improved after suffering the disappointment of a saved penalty. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Britton, Gee, Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, White, Cunliffe, and Leyfield, forward. Huddersfield Town: - Turner, goal; Craig and Mountford, backs; Willingham, Young, and Wighman, half-backs; Luke, Butt, Lythgoe, Richardson, and Lang, forwards. Referee Mr. E.V. Gough, Stoke-on-Trent . The rain came at a bad time for what promised to be a great match at Goodison Park today, and as a consequence the attendance was not so good. Everton played the same team as that which drew at Preston, and Huddersfield, the League leaders also stood by the team which had served them so well and was as yet, unbeaten. The Town soon demonstrated their power, and in the first minute they put the Everton goal in danger. It was a smart movement too, which carried the Town into the Everton goal area, and how the Everton defence did not capitulate was a source of wonderful to all. Sagar seemed to be surrounded by Huddersfield's forwards, but by a sheer determination the Everton defence got themselves out of what was undoubtedly a difficult situation. Lythgoe was hurt in this action. Sagar running out to a ball and punching away accidentally trod on Lythgoe's face. Lythgoe at first seemed to be badly hurt, but he soon recovered and returned to the field, and it was not long before he showed what a smart centre forward he is. Clem Stepheson, the Town manager, says he is one of the best to come out of the Third Division and Lythgoe undoubtedly tried to live up to it when he took a pass 40 yards out of goal, and then beat two Everton men en rout.

Penalty Kick Turner Away.

Sagar was Everton's last hope. He had two alternatives. He could stay at home or he could come out in a fine effort to another the Town leader. He elected to do the latter, and tackled Lythgoe unfairly, so that the only award was a penalty kick. Mountford, the full back, was brought up to take the “gift.” And although he hit a fine ball, Sagar sprang forward and turned the ball away over the bar for a corner. It was a magnificent save, and was loudly applauded. Two corners quickly followed and it was from the second clearance that Everton made their first real attack and it produced a goal. Geldard was “found” and taking the ball almost to the goal line he made a square centre. Cunliffe met the ball with his head and turned it into the net at nine minutes. Craig made a brave effort to save, but was unsuccessful. This set Everton slight and for some minutes they were complete masters of Huddersfield and but for weakness in front of goal they should have had one if not more goals they should have had one if not more goals to their credit, for the chance were there for the taking. Turner, who seems to have been with Huddersfield all his life, made two saves, but it had to be admitted that neither Britton a long shot or the one by Leyfield was likely to beat him. The Football was of good quality, particularly by Everton for the Town were mainly concerned in the defence of their goal. Lythgoe, however, was a live centre, forward, and once he got round the Everton defence and stood still with the ball at his feet awaiting a tackle, which came so that the ball did not remain at Leythgoe's feet any longer. One could not help but admire the first time tackling of both Jackson and Jones. Quite the best shot of the match during the first half hour's play was the one made by Richardson. It travelled from well outside the penalty area like a rocket, and Sagar should rare judgement in edging the ball over the bar. Such a shot was worthy of a goal if it did not take away the brilliant save of a goalkeeper.

Half-Time Everton 1, Huddersfield Town nil.

Huddersfield in the second half showed more combination and skill than they had done in the first half, but they were still ultra clever, so much so that they missed chances. Time and again they went forward by classical football –football full of promise –but nine times out of ten the attack broke down just as it reached. The goal area.

Huddersfield Take The Lead.

The teams were much more evenly balanced the half and Richardson opened up a movement which ultimately brought him a goal in 54 minutes, Lang had a hand in the making of it, but it was Richardson's goal almost from start to finish, and when he shot he had not a lot of space in which to place the ball. Jones and Jackson had defended confidently, and Young was one of the shining lights in the visiting ranks. Leyfield nearly smacked a goal through the misunderstanding of Mountford and Turner. At 76 minutes Bott slipped the ball in front of the Everton goal, and Lythgoe drove the ball swiftly beyond Sagar. It looked as if Huddersfield would retain their unbeaten record, but one had to admire the way in which Everton set about their task of pulling the game out of the fire. Leyfield did get the ball into the net, but was offside. White with a free kick slashed the ball a foot wide of the mark. Lythgoe was through for another goal, but preferred a pass, and then Turner had to save from Cunliffe. He dropped the ball, but was so quick in his recovery that there was no danger. The cleverest goal of the match came two minutes from the end. Lythgoe gave Richardson a pass of three yards length. Sagar came out but Richardson with the side of his foot directed the ball away from the goalkeeper, and it rolled into the far side of the net. Final Everton 1 Huddersfield Town 3.

 

EVERTON “A” V NORTHERN NOMADS.

September 21, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

Webster scored for Everton after ten minutes in the County Combination match. Both sides displayed clever midfield combination. Parry missed an easy chance. Moore later put through his own net, and Heath scored Everton's third goal. Half-time Everton “A” 3, Northern Nomads 0.

 

EVERTON 1 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3 (Game 1527 over-all)-(Div 1 1485)

September 23, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.

High Class Play.

How Sagar's Save Delayed Defeat.

Huddersfield Worthy Winners

Sagar's Penalty Save.

By “Stork.”

It took Huddersfield Town a long time to defeat Everton at Goodison Park, and the reason for their delayed victory can be placed to the fact that Sagar saved a penalty shot at five minutes. Huddersfield had opened as if they would sweep Everton right out of their path, but when Sagar stopped Mountford's spot kick it seemed to upset every man of the Huddersfield team. Gradually, however, they forgot the incident and run out good winners. I am ready to admit that such a save as Sagar made when Mountford sent the ball close to the upright was enough to dishearten any forward line, but it should never have affected the Town for so long a period; affected them to the extent that Everton, whose goal had escaped miraculously in the first five minutes, dictated the run of the game for a long spell and made their opponents centre on defence, which is foreign to their style of play. A goal by Cunliffe scored in nine minutes, with the first attack they made was held for nearly an hour but looking closely into Huddersfield's methods one could readily see that it only needed a goal to set this clever side alight with the determination to retain their unbeaten certificate. When it came, at the 55 th minute. Huddersfield were dead set on victory, and their play from then onward was a joy to watch.

Young's Power.

The game produced some high class football. It would have been enjoyable even if there had been no goals, for there was sufficient cleverness in the craft of the 22 players, to keep the interest. There was one man afield who could do little to help his side, and that was White. Young refused to let him have a look at the ball. Just note the difference; Lythgoe was not “policed” by Gee, so that Lythgoe was able to help his colleagues and at the same mark up a goal for himself. White got no such chance, and I pay tribute to Young for his scrupulously fair methods against the Everton centre forward. Young did his work in a quiet sort of way, yet it was just as effective, probably more so than would have been the case if he had bustled in and scattered all before him, for there is always the danger of conceding a penalty.

The Penalty Kick.

Goalkeepers are not usually concerned in penalty kicks –at least only saving side of them. Lythgoe a sparkling dribble, had beaten two Everton men, and found himself face to face with the Everton goalkeeper, He tried to dribble round Sagar and nearly did it until the latter tripped him up. Mountford came up to take the shot, and what a shot it was. It went to the right of Sagar, who leapt across and turned the ball over for a corner. It was immediately after the save that Everton opened their score. Geldard, from a yard or so inside the goal line swept the ball over to the far side of the goalmouth Cunliffe and Leyfield were standing shoulder to shoulder, and I feared that one would baulk the other. Cunliffe, however, rose over Leyfield's shoulder and nodded the ball into the net despite the frantic endeavours of Turner and Craig. For the next 10 minutes or more Everton commanded the play, and with a little more steadiness and not so much elaboration, might have consolidated Cunliffe's goal. Later Sharp attacks were made, and although Jackson and Jones, the two young Everton full backs gave a sterling display, three goals landed in their net. The first one was practically a one-man-made goal, for although Lang linked up with Richardson, both the ground work and finishing touch were performed by Richardson. He was left with a little space to shoot, but he found the right spot to beat Sagar. That goal came at 55 minutes, and 11 minutes later Lythgoe swiftly into the Everton net.

Making A Fight Of It.

Everton made a fight of it, so much so that Turner had plenty of work mainly from Cunliffe, who was Everton's chief marksman, but Turner is still the alert, clear-eyed Turner, notwithstanding his long service with Huddersfield. There was still time for Everton to get on terms, but they found the Town defenders particularly strong. With two minutes to play. Lythgoe and Richardson made the nearest goal of the day. Lythgoe's pass to Richardson was not more than three yards. Richardson moved up, Sagar came forward, but Richardson cleverly slipped the ball aside and into the net. Huddersfield's unbeaten record had remained intact, but they had their anxious moments. Everton: - Teams: - Sagar goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Britton, Gee, Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, White, Cunliffe, and Leyfield, forward. Huddersfield Town: - Turner, goal; Craig and Mountford, backs; Willingham, Young, and Wighman, half-backs; Luke, Butt, Lythgoe, Richardson, and Lang, forwards. Referee Mr. E.V. Gough, Stoke-on-Trent.

 

HUDDERSFIELD TWON RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 2

September 23 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Central league (Game 6)

Everton had the trickier, but less effective forwards in a high-scoring game. Invariably their clever midfield approach work was spoiled by over-elaboration at close quarters, and few of the attack tried a shot, even when a possible chance was afforded. The goal which Miller scored in the first half was as much a surprise to him as it was to the spectators, for he shot tamely from well out. The Huddersfield goalkeeper fell before the shot reached him and the ball ran over him into the net. In the second half Cresswell, the outstanding Everton player, repeatedly threw the Town forwards offside, but could not stop the addition of another goal. Hullett, at centre forward scored Everton's second goal and the Town's goals came from Anderson (3) Yull, and Hayes (Penalty ). Everton:- King, goal; Allen and Jones, backs; Mercer Clark and Archer, half-backs; Hughes, S. Dickinson, Dickinson, H. Hampton, and Sandham, forwards.

Everton “A” 7 Northern Nomads Reserves 1

Liverpool County Combination.

At Crosby. Everton opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes through Webster. For some little time midfield play, in which the exchanges were evenly contested, followed Parry later failed with an easy chance to put the Nomads on equal terms. Moore, in attempting to clear during an Everton attack, put through his own goal. Towards the interval Heath added a third goal. Higgins netted for the visitors, and Parry struck the crossbar. Bentham (Penalty) and Webster obtained goals for Everton all within a space of 5 minutes early in the second half. Nomads' forwards strove hard, but could make little impression against a sound defence. Patterson and Bentham registered further goals near the finish.

 

EVERTON'S FORWARD FAILING.

September 23 1935. Evening Express.

They Played Too Close Against Huddersfield

By the Pilot.

Everton must set out to remodel their attack if they are to improve on their indifferent start in the First Division. It was mainly through forward short-comings that the Blues suffered defeat by Huddersfield Town 3-1 at Goodison Park on Saturday. That there was willingness about the forwards there is no doubt, but it was a line without true understanding and one which too often pursued the close passing order, instead of keeping the ball moving in free fashion. Had the Blues been opposed to a strong defence there would have been some excuse for them, but they were not. Both Craig and Mountford, the Town backs, were unsteady under pressure. White was willing deputy for Dean, and often beat Young with the ball in the air, but White, Stevenson and Cunliffe rarely worked well together, and Cunliffe was the pick of the attack. Stevenson had a poor day and rarely got accuracy on his passes. Geldard and Leyfield played well without securing the support wingers require and demand.

Classic Save.

The outstanding successes of the Everton team were Sagar, Jackson, Jones and Gee. Sagar's penalty save was a classic and Jackson and Jones were strong, willing, fearless backs of the never-beaten type. Gee put in some brilliant tackling and keen intervention while he always contrived to make good use of the ball. Throughout Everton tackled with greater power than the Town. Britton played a fine attacking game, but Thomson had a day on which nothing would go right. The Town excelled in attack where Richardson was magnificent, and Lythgoe a cool, shred but rather over-elaborate leader. Young held the defence together –had he not been in such great form the Town may not have won –while Willingham and Wigtman completed a sound intermediary line. Turner played a great game in goal, especially in defying the Blues during a grand late rally. Cunliffe scored for Everton in the first half, and Richardson (2), and Lythgoe scored for the Town.

 

SAVE UPSETS HUDDERSFIELD.

September 23, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Bee's Notes.

Just as I was about to leave Goodison Park on Saturday a schoolboy came to see me, and said; “ Put it in the newspaper that the best team lost” Would that I could, but I just can't, even to oblige him, unless I do so against my better judgement, for looking at the match from every point of view, I cannot help but give Huddersfield the verdict for a victory well earned, well got, and welcomed by a team which has yet to suffer the pangs of defeat. True, it took them a long time to accomplish the feat, and the reason for their delayed success was a penalty incident. When Sagar turned over the bar Mountford's spot kick it curbed the “Town's “ enthusiasm. It knocked the spirit out of them, and what spirit they had shown in those first five minutes! They opened like a whirlwind, severely tested the Everton defence and made one wonder how many goals they would score if they kept on at that rate (writes “Stork,”). Huddersfield undoubtedly suffered a “jar” by that penalty save. From a racy, clever, and dangerous eleven they became just a normal side – a side affected by the slightest setback, which is not uncommon among football teams nowadays. Sagar had upset their balance. He had robbed them of what should have been a certain goal. He had done a thing little expected of him. He had done more than save that penalty; he had knocked Huddersfield off their game. They ultimately got over it, but anything might have happened during the process of re-establishment. Don't be so easily upset, Huddersfield ! You have a grand side in every way. It would be a pity if you let every little incident unnerve you.

Great Penalty Save.

It must have been disappointing, especially so as Lythgoe was almost certain to score if Sagar had not tripped him. It was one of the best penalty saves I have seen, for the shot went in like a whizbang and to Sagar's right hand side, but the goalkeeper brought off what appeared to be the impossible. A few minutes later Cunliffe had scored, and that did not help Huddersfield to regain their confidence, but one could see that it was only a matter of time, before Huddersfield got back to the normal, and then Everton would feel the full brunt of their power. It was slow process, but it was sure, and gradually they got their machine into proper working order, and goals were the natural order of things. For an hour Everton held their slender lead, but it was only by their magnificent fighting quality, for Huddersfield pestered their defence, even though they were not getting home with many shots. They were too clever – so clever that they missed the salient point of football goals. One could see danger whenever they moved forward yet it took them an hour to wipe out Everton's lead. Everton did not shoot quite so often as they might have done, for they too, could get to grips with the Huddersfield defence, only to throw away “possible” by over-passing. There were four good backs on the field. Don't let us forget that when we are criticizing the forwards, Jackson and Jones did uncommonly well; and Mountford and Craig were not easily beaten. But Huddersfield's great strength was at centre half backs, where Young played magnificently. He shut down every avenue to White, who had a thankless task against this cool; clean and solid defender. I say defender, for Young did not attempt to attack, unless it was an oncoming forward. He had wing halves who could do the purveying what a difference White was blotted out by the “shadow” Lythgoe was not “policed” by Gee, who does not favour the third back game. I too, do not like it, but it is adopted by all the successful teams nowadays.

A Sharp Leader.

Lythgoe was a sharp leader, but the man of the forward line was Richardson, who made openings by adroit passes and was responsible for some good shooting. He scored two goals and Lythgoe one, to help them save their unbeaten record. Everton, however, had given them plenty to do –in fact, there was one period in the second half when Everton simply swarmed round the “Town” goal and it was then that we saw the best of Turner, his backs, and Young. They simply would not be crushed out of the game, no matter what pressure Everton brought to bear, and then came Huddersfield's final goal a neat and quickly made affair, which put an end to Everton's fight. With such a half-back line as Wigtman Young; and Willingham, the Yorkshire side possess one of the best middle lines in the country and that a their strong point. The Everton forwards found this out to their cost-and, although they had put up a strong challenge to Huddersfield, they had to be content with second place to their opponents in the end. Jackson and Jones, still the half-back line had done so well in the earlier moments of the game that it was small wonder they faded out a little later on when Huddersfield were giving of their best. White I have told you about Cunliffe was the best man in the Everton attack and the one man to trouble Turner Thomson, Gee, and Britton were not so dominating as the “Town” trio – in fact, Huddersfield stamped themselves as a good all round side a side to be feared no matter where they play. I wonder what Mr. Maxwell Fryer K.C. M.P, though of this fine game.

 

WING HALF-BACKS DROPPED.

September 25, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post

By John Peel.

Everton too, have gone in for changes, more surprising than those of the Anfield club. They are due to face Middlesbrough, at Arysome Park, one of the fastest and most forceful attacking sides in the League, and Britton and Thomson, the wing half-backs, who have for several seasons held their places in the team, drop out in favour of Mercer, and Archer. Thomson did not miss a match last season and Britton played in 36 matches, and no doubt they will later recover their form, which they have temporarily lost. Mercer played in eight League games last season. Archer did not appear last term, but he played in six League games the previous season. In addition to these changes Hartill resumes at centre forward in place of White, and the team is: Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, gee, Archer; Geldard, Stevenson, Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield.

 

WHERE THEY GO WRONG.

September 25, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Bee's Notes.

“Everton Blue” writes: After Saturday's match the directors will surely see that White is not a centre forward. I thought that last season had proved this. They are spoiling a real good centre half. Their poor record this season is due in my opinion to tactics, not the ability, or lack of it, of the various players concerned, in most cases. If the Everton players would adopt a more open style of play they would get much better results. What is the good of passing the ball to a centre who is covered by a centre half and as often as not the ball is passed up in the air. They sign a good centre forward from a team that plays as open a game as any team in the country, play him in two games among players whose close passing tie-in-a-knot game, must be absolutely foreign to him then drop him –not quite fair to the player. The sooner Everton realise that the easiest way down the middle is along the wing the sooner their points column will begin to rise, and Hartill will be able to show us his stuff for under the present third back business the defence must be opened up for the centre forward, and the wing do this. The up-the-middle pass then becomes of value when the defence is spread to watch the wingers. The half-backs should also realise that they are half backs not half forwards, and by getting so much on top of the forwards they are not giving the forwards much chance to find the open spaces. I have tried to be constructive in my criticism and think that a change in tactics will be change for the good. Wishing you the very best.

 

EVERTON'S CHANGES.

September 25, 1935. Evening Express.

By the Pilot.

Everton have caused a sensation by leaving out three internationals for their visit to Middlesbrough on Saturday. Britton the England right half-back, is omitted for the first time since he took over the position, and Thomson, the Scottish international and vice-captain also drops out. Their places will be taken by Mercer, the young Ellesmere Port player, and Archer, the former Walsall player, respectively. The third change is at centre forward, where Hartill, the former Wolves player, returns in place of the English international, White. Consequently, although Everton have played but seven matches only three players claim the distinction of being “ever-presents” – Sagar, Geldard and Leyfield. In view of the injury to Dean and the omission of Thomson, it will be necessary for Everton top appoint a new captain for the match. This will be done later. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, gee, Archer; Geldard, Stevenson, Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield.

 

MIDDLESBROUGH ELEVEN.

September 26, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

When Middlesbrough Football Clubs directors met last night they were hopeful of having some definite news regarding a new left winger, but the deal had not materialized, and the side to entertain Everton shows one change from that defeated by Derby County. Warren, the Welsh international, who was injured in the second match of the season is again fit, and he will play on the left wing to the exclusion of Chadwick. The team is; Gibson; Griffiths, Stuart; Brown, Baxter, Martin; Birkett, Yorston, Camsell, Coleman, Warren.

Football Fashion.

It appears that the Burnley club has taken a leaf out of Everton's book in regard to the playing kit of their players. Some seasons ago the Everton club adopted white shorts with a blue stripe down the sides. Now, with Turf Moor players, who met Everton in a Central League game at Goodison Park yesterday, played in black shorts with a broad white stripe down the sides, while they wore white shirts with black collars and cuffs, and black and white hooped stockings.

 

EVERTON RESERVES 0 BURNLEY RESERVES 1

September 26 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Central League (Game 7).

Everton Beaten by The Only Goal.

Everton lost by the only goal in the Central League game with Burnley at Goodison Park yesterday, when the play never reached a high standard, though the winners were worthy of the points, for they were the more dangerous when on the move. On the other hand, Everton's forwards were at sixes and sevens and only Sandham and Dickinson did anything worthy of mention, though late on in the second half, Hughes put across a ball that only wanted touching for the equaliser, but no one was up. Burnley got their goal in ten minutes, when Nesbit, the right half, hit a post and Taylor netted the rebound. Several times they looked like increasing the lead, and with King out of position Hornby hit the bar. On the Everton side, White and Watson were good half-backs and Allen and Morris did nothing wrong in defence, but Hannon and Miller were weak inside forwards and there was never smooth working of the line. For Burnley Hubbick and Hartley defended well, while Johnson was an excellent pivot. Scott who once guarded the Anfield goal, was safe, one save from Sandham in particular being excellent. Teams: - Everton Reserves: - King, goal; Allen and Morris, backs; Kavangh, White and Watson, half-backs; Hughes, Miller Dickinson, Hannon, Sandham, forwards. Burnley Reserves: - Scott, goal; Hartley and Hubbick, backs Nesbit, Johnson, and Blackett, half-backs; Readdy, Rayner, Taylor, Hornby, Weale, forwards.

 

EVERTON CHANCES OF CREATING A SURSPRISE.

September 27, 1935. Liverpool Echo

By Bee's Notes

Those Mottoes.

Football mottoes can make lairs of us all. Those who used the patented phrases. “Making the ball do the work,” “Taking the outside man” “Staying put at third back” can fit those football terms into victorious sides, and next week, eat their own words. Take the case of the morrow, which I propose to witness. Everton go to Middlesbrough to face what was known as Tom Griffiths' side – a year ago. I told you, at that tome, of the fatuity of the Borough spectators, who cheered Griffiths when he came out, when he tossed the coin, when he headed – and you know how often that would be – and when he moved to right or left. As he retired at half-time he was greeted like a Dictator of a struggling side he had pulled together. Now the crowd are doing the pulling; they are pulling him to piece, and the voice of the bird-rake is heard in the Middlesbro' neighborhood, Griffiths is now wanted as pivot. He doesn't want to stay; so there is a mutual something between them both! They are, at least, agreed on one point. But there is another point at issue. For Griffiths was the accepted third back. And some teams won't live without one. Leeds left out a brilliant pivot like Ernest Hart because he would not stay as third back – he wanted to be up and doing, believing attack is the best defence –another football phrase beloved of us all when things are going wrong! They brought in the stopper. McDougall, whereas Middlesbrough said: “Forr'd, Baxter,” who had been a forward in his day, and was always partial to wing half-back. Baxter played marvelously against us last season, and today he is the accepted central vein of the Borough side. He doesn't stay defending his lines with his back to the wall –we are keen on phraseology to-day. Middlesbrough have done better than ever before in their early season play, but if Brentford could hold them to a draw I think Everton can win tomorrow, always providing there is much more practical football from the Everton forwards and half-backs then they have offered in recent matches. Everton's desire to do the thing nicely has led them into traps. They have made their own trappings and suffered accordingly. A straightforward bit of attack, with the pass made at the first reasonable moment, the ball kept low, and the wingers forging ahead and thus eating up the Borough's defensive spaces will show Everton in a winning vein. I hope to see that tomorrow, and your Football echo will tell you just what happened –just like that, as the phrase has it –and with that last quotation I propose to drop phrases till we get something upon which we can be lyrical. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones, Mercer, Gee Archer; Geldard, Stevenson, Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield.

•  Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. Central league Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Sat) Everton Res v. Newcastle United Res. Kick-off 3.15 p.m. Admission 6d, Boys 2d Stands extra (incl tax).

 

EVERTON'S BOLD MOVES

September 28, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury

By John Peel.

Everton have made a bold move in their effort to speed up and bring about an improvement in the play of the tem. Archer and Mercer have been called on to take up the wing half-back positions in place of Britton and Thomson, while Hartill resumes as leader of the attack. In tackling Middlesbrough at Arysome Park they have a big task as the North-Eastern side has proved one of the best sides of the season. The Borough, however, were checked by Derby County, a side Everton have beaten, and the visitors may hold their own. The teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones, Mercer, Gee Archer; Geldard, Stevenson, Hartill, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Middlesbrough: - Gibson; Griffiths, Stuart; Brown, Baxter, Martin; Birkett, Yorston, Camsell, Coleman, Warren.

 

SUPER FOOTBALL ROUTS BLUES.

September 28, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.

Camsell The Boro Genius

Paves Way To 6-1 Win.

Three Goals By Birkett

By the Pilot.

The greatest exhibition of centre forward play seen for many a day laid the foundation for Middlesbrough's 6-1 victory over Everton at Arysome Park. Camsell the Boro' centre forward, was in “England” form, and his co-forwards responded in glorious style in a game productive of fine attacking, particularly by Mniddlesbrough. Everton played well, but not well enough. Cunliffe was their outstanding player. The Boro' forwards would have routed any defence today. Birkett scored three goals, Camsell two and Yorston one. Gee, Everton's centre-half captained the first team for the first time since he joined the club, Dean and Thomson the regular captain and vice-captain, being absent. Thomson and Britton accompanied Everton's party. These players are being rested, not dropped. Dean is still on the injured list . Teams: - Middlesbrough: - Gibson, goal; Griffiths (captain) and Stuart, backs; Brown, Baxter, and Martin, half-backs; Birkett, Yorkston, Camsell, Coleman and Warren, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs, Mercer, Gee (captain), and Archer, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Hartill, Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. W. J. Jennings (York.). Gee won the toss and gained the benefit of the breeze. Everton were first away Geldard making ground from a quick throw in, and a clever hook shot by Cunliffe forced Gibson to turn the ball over the top. Mercer swerved his centre in Stein style and then kicked over. Sagar leapt out to gather a Birkett lob cross, and the Borough forwards developed nicely to gain a corner, from which Coleman headed over. The Borough played the more exact football, Everton being faulty with their final passing.

Everton's New Plan.

I noticed that Everton were adopting a new plan. Gee acted as third back, and even remained back for corner kicks. In 14 minutes Borough took the lead, Baxter slipped out a free kick to Yorston, following a foul by Mercer, and Yorston pushed the ball straight forward. Birkett ran on, and he and Sagar came in collision. The ball slipped away, but Birkett got his foot to it and sent it into the net, as Jackson charged into the goalmouth with a belated effort to save. Everton almost levelled matters when Leyfield got away. Cutting in on goal, he placed low across the goalmouth, but there was no one up to take advantage, except Stuart, who had to be careful not to put through his own goal, as he did last term.

Everton-Improve.

Everton showed tremendous improvement and did everything but score. In a bright spell they had the 20,000 spectators on tenterhooks. Five times in the space of a minute short centres were delivered, but the Boro' packed so well that shots by Leyfield, Cunliffe, Geldard and Hartill were crowded out. The Boro' served up some delightful passing movements, but the Blues were giving as much as they took without having the vital thrust.

England's Best.

Camsell, the natural footballer, was a constant menace. On today's form he is England's best at the moment. When next Camsell got through Jackson had to employ a good shoulder charge to check him. Everton drew level after 38 minutes, Cunliffe scoring a spectacular goal. Mercer pulled the ball down and slipped it in for Stevenson to take possession and draw the defence. Stevenson quickly pushed the ball through the middle to Cunliffe, who, running ahead scored with a cool shot from just inside the penalty area as Gibson advanced. Right on the interval the Boro' launched a terrific attack in which Camsell was fouled. The referee was about to signal a penalty when Birkett, who had fallen down managed to retrieve the ball. Birkett show low into the net to restore Middlesbro's advantage. It was a scrambling goal, but even had not Birkett scored, the referee must have given a penalty.

Half-Time Middlesbrough 2, Everton 1.

Hartill forged down the middle on resuming but the ball was turned away to Leyfield, who ran in a few yards and leg go a great shot which Gibson just managed to turn around the post. Camsell put Birkett through for that player to graze the post. It was superfootball in the best game I have seen this season. The Boro' increased their lead in 64 minutes with a surprise goal against the run of the play. It was the “magic” of Camsell, which laid the foundation. His wide pass found Everton out of position, and Birkett raced ahead to middle a fast ball. Yorston raced in and headed into the net. A minute later Birkett had made it four with a goal of the “gift” variety. Coleman had a shot from the edge of the penalty area, the ball struck Gee on the heel and bounded away to the unmarked Birkett, who had only to run in and scorer. Camsell thoroughly deserved a goal and he got it in 80 minutes with a fast shot to the corner, after perfect passing between Yorston, Birkett and Camsell. It was soon six for four minutes from the end Sagar allowed a Warren shot to rebound from his chest, and Camsell shot in from the rebound. Final Middlesbrough 6 Everton 1.

 

EVERTON R' V. NEWCASTLE R.

September 28, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.

A lapse on the part of the Everton defence enable Connolly to gave Newcastle an early lead. The United were the more constructive and more dangerous side. After 30 minutes, however Dickinson cleverly glided the ball out to Hughes for the winger to run in and score a capital equaliser. Subsequently Everton crowded on pressure, but both Dickinson and Hughes in quick succession missed easy chances. Half-time Everton Res 1 Newcastle Res 1.

 

EVERTON AGAIN HIT FOR SIX.

September 28, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

Camsell's Skill In Great Side.

By Bee.

Everton lost through not taking early chances. Their changes made for sharpness, but today they met a very entertaining side. Camsell being well nigh perfect. Teams: - Middlesbrough: - Gibson, goal; Griffiths (captain) and Stuart, backs; Brown, Baxter, and Martin, half-backs; Birkett, Yorkston, Camsell, Coleman and Warren, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs, Mercer, Gee (captain), and Archer, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Hartill, Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. W. J. Jennings

Everton stayed at Harrogate overnight for the game at Middlesbrough against their old comrade, Tom Griffiths. Everton brought in Mercer and Archer, with Hartill back in the centre forward position. Gee was made captain of the side. The crowd was unusually big for our Middlesbrough visits, the home side having done so well this season. The day was dull, there would be a crowd of about 15,000, and the turf was in perfect condition. After gee had won the toss, Archer made the opening advances, and he cleverly swept the ball to the right wing.

Yorston's Wise Move.

Geldard made his debut here, and now shaped like a goalmaker, Hartill going up to the centre, and Gibson punching away with much good fortune against the former Wolves' player. Yorston, however, made the first goal for Birkett's benefit. He feigned to pass to the wing, instead of which he put the ball straight up –a wise, old move. Birkett had to race on and Sagar to race out, but the ball, after clogging against Sagar, was shot into the right side of the net, an Everton defender helping it there in an effort to kick the ball away. The reply to this 14 th minute goal was made by Leyfield, who crossed the ball and found no one there to accept it, and Stuart, running up, had the greatest difficulty getting out of the way of the ball which if he had touched it, must have meant putting through his own goal. Leyfield did well hereabouts, and Cunliffe had a nice swinging shot just outside. A grand through-pass from Gee should have been a goal. Hartill got the ball and it appeared to be making a goal when Stuart slipped down, but as he lay on the ground he stretched out his leg and happened to connect – very good fortune. Leyfield had further bad luck when he shot close in off Geldard's swinging centre, and the ball struck the goalkeeper. Archer showed he could shoot, and so far the game had been kind to Middlesbrough. Cunliffe was about to shoot when he was edged off his balance by an arm so the Boro' defence eased their minds.

Cunliffe's Amazing Run.

Cunliffe beat five men by the most amazing run I have ever seen him make, but the goal was charmed and after the defence had become knotted Stevenson wound up with a Rugby goal. Gibson was damaged by one of his own men in trying to stop what should have been a goal. Seven minutes from the interval Stevenson sent in an alluring ball he had received from Mercer to the middle. Cunliffe ran on, and taking the ball as it ran on towards goal he gave it fine impetus and scored a neat goal. The scorer had played so well he had earned a goal badge. Birkett scored again just on half-time – the last kick –and in the tough melee I think a penalty must have been given to Camsell if Birkett had not got the pass, and shot into the empty goal.

Half-Time Middlesbrough 2 Everton 1.

Andy Cunningham was an onlooker paying high tribute to Camsell and Cunliffe, with Yorston well up in the prominent people. Griffiths stopped Hartill's best run, and Leyfield delivered the best surprise shot, Gibson's save being masterly. Everton were sharper than usual, and fought back. Hartill was twice spoken to by the referee. His reply to the referee was to make a fine solo run, and when hindered by two defenders he delivered a fast shot just too high.

Hartill In The News.

Hartill was in the news in the back of the net, without the ball and without injury Camsell was magnificent and Birkett gained the benefit of his pass. He shot across the goal –an escape for Everton. Not a good deal had been seen of Stevenson till now when he put the ball through opposing legs, and Hartill completely missed his kick. Yorston made it 3-1 when he flew at a cross centre by Birkett – a headlong fling and an impossible situation for Sagar, Camsell started this move, as all his side's goals. Yorston next delivered a toway shot, Sagar catching the ball low down. Birkett made it 4-1 through the ball coming to him from a cannon back from an Everton defender. Camsell crowned his day's fine work with a goal after crisis-cross passing on the right –5. It was Camsell's 291 st goal in league football. Camsell made it 292 for his record when he took a rebound from Sagar 6-1. Middlesbrough were very convincing. Mercer saved the seventh point. Final Middlesbrough 6, Everton 1.

 

PRESCOT CABLES V EVERTON “A”

September 28, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

White in the Everton goal was at fault when he fumbled a shot from Wood, which entered the net. One terrific drive by Bentham struck the crossbar. Paterson equalised two minutes from the interval. Half-time Prescot Cables 1, Everton “A” 1.

 

MIDDLESBROUGH 6 EVERTON 1 (Game 1528 over-all)-(Div 1 1486)

September 30, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury

Fine Display By Camsell.

Everton Swamped Late On.

Curious Twist In The Game.

By “Bee.”

Everton's position is not so bad as it seems owing to their having played more away games than home, but the position is bad enough. They promise to do much and fulfil little. They had never known really bad times at Middlesbrough and the experiment of playing the reserve half-backs, Archer and Mercer, in place of Britton and Thomson, promised to bring more life into the attacking vein because both the newcomers are sharp to their stride and are known as good users of the ball. In addition, Hartill came back to lead the forwards. The result was the worst feature' never had there been anything like a 6-1 defeat at Middlesbrough and only those 22,000 spectators present know the quaint way the game travelled. Only the spectators could realise what a capital first half had been fought, with Everton slightly superior and only in a deficit for the second time right on half-time. Everton went off with the plaudits of the crowd in their ears. They had troubled the newly revived Middlesbrough side and it was really a toss-up whether Everton well off in the lead or the Borough. The fortune of play went with Middlesbrough and they took their breather safe in the knowledge that they would start, one up after the interval. In the second half the opening of the play was all favorable to Everton. Middlesbrough had played a jaunty type of forward play. Yorston had been in his dandyish mood. Camsell had dared to dribble in and out; the forward pass instead of the slavish pass to the winger had been very successful. Yet Everton still troubled Middlesbrough.

The Turning Point.

Then a goal came, and Everton crumbled and created. The game suddenly went right out of its of its even trait into a one-sided Channel. The turning point came when the right winger, Birkett scored through a ball striking an Everton defender and presenting him with a beautiful square pass, which meant a goal . All was over, Middlesborough now swept through with wave after wave of attack, and Mercer kept the game from becoming 7-1. It was a splendid win on the part of a very smart side, but, on what I saw I should term it a thoroughly false guide to future events and a margin not warranted by this season –them stout challengers and more promising than for some weeks, and the Middlesbrough people voted the visitors neatness and fleetness as one of the pleasures of the day. It was excellent sport to watch, because until late on there was nothing between the sides, and much pleasant football was produced in a same without squails and without malice. True, Mercer apologised to the crowd for kicking the ball so hard into touch; true, Birkett was spoken to about wasting time; true, Hartill often on the ground was in close touch with the referee on two occasions, yet there was real sporting effort and delightful football in this game. Nothing excelled the sure touch of Leyfield, or the magnificent scheming and solo work of Cunliffe, or the fine effort of Gee to withstand the best display of centre forward work seen this season –by Camsell, who has every attribute to make him intensely dangerous. Camsell was the outstanding player of the field with his right flank Yorston and Birkett, helpmates or no mean order. The left was not so good and the half-back line was steady and resolute, with Baxter playing the forward pivotal position whereas Gee acting captain, played to orders and stayed with his backs. Camsell got two goals and had a hand in the first four. Birkett got three –a rather lucky day's work for him –and Yorston got one by the flying trapeze method –he leaped forward and he and the ball went to the back of the net. No goal was neater than that of Cunliffe's, which had made the score one-all. Most readers will want to know my opinion of the changed Everton side, which looked unfamiliar without its Dean, Thomson, Cook, Cresswell, Coulter, Stein, &c, To be frank, I should say Mercer was promising, because he is so helpful to the defence and is also able to stride up to an attack, but not by the circuitous route –he prefers to make his pass and let the forward get on with his appointed task. Not so Britton.

The Defence.

On the other hand, Archer fell short of First Division standard, and it was on his wing the great damaged was done. The young backs faced well, as did Gee and the great Sagar, but in the attack there was still a casting away of the shadows of goal. Early on Everton should have stabbed Middlesbrough's newfound confidence taking easy goals Leyfield is their most dangerous player in this respect, whereas Geldard has gone back, and after a bright start became slow and easily crowded out. Stevenson was also below his normal, and Hartill had one or two flourishes, but would appear to be trying to play an Everton style after being brought up on the Wiolverhampton “pack” which is not at all his best conception of “doubling parts. Everton have now won but two of their last 26 away games. Camsell reached his 292 nd goal in the game under review – a fine game in which Camsell was outstanding as a worker and a very able completer of his self-appointed tasks. Teams: - Middlesbrough: - Gibson, goal; Griffiths (captain) and Stuart, backs; Brown, Baxter, and Martin, half-backs; Birkett, Yorkston, Camsell, Coleman and Warren, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs, Mercer, Gee (captain), and Archer, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Hartill, Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. W. J. Jennings.

 

EVERTON RESERVES 2 NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES 1

September 30, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury

Central league (Game 8)

Everton had to work tremendously hard for this victory, and the United could rightly consider that their consistent good football and sharp finishing had at least made them worthy of a draw. Nevertheless, Everton snapped the scoring chances in an encounter that was of good class and plentiful of incident, for with each attack finding the value of first time shooting, there was in consequence plenty of work for the respective keepers –King and Burns. Each dealt admirably with many shots, but whereas King had them from many angles, the Newcastle keeper found that Hughes was Everton's most persistent shooter. Connolly snapped a chance to open Newcastle's score, Hughes, however, equalised, but Dickinson and Hughes both missed great opportunities of giving Everton the interval lead. The second half was of an even character, with a goal from Dickinson giving Everton the victory. Everton: - King goal; Allen and Cresswell, backs; Kavangh, White and Watson, half-backs; Hughes, Miller, Dickinson, Hampson, and Heath, forwards.

Prescot Cables 1 Everton “A” 5

Liverpool County Combination.

In the game, at Prescot. Everton's fast-moving attack, supported by a strong half-back line, proved too much for the home defenders. The full backs - Reed and Whittaker –were both weak in tackling, and as a result Maycox in goal, could not be blamed for the defeat. Wood and Paterson scored for their respective sides in the first half. Paterson, Hannon, Webster and Bentham (Penalty) scored further goals for Everton.

 

MIDDLESBROUGH PRAISE EVERTON

September 30 1935. Liverpool Echo

After “Waving” To Them; In The Second Half.

Bee's Notes.

A result such as 6-1 can hardly be argued in favour of the losing side. I would not attempt to mininise Middlesbrough's win over Everton. But readers might be interested to know that Middlesbrough paper gave great praise to Everton and said they deserved to be in front at half-time instead of a last minute goal in arrear. That was not only kind of the critic, it was quite a fitting survey of the first half. Andy Cunningham, the former Scottish international, and Newcastle manager said: “This is the best game I have seen for years. The amount of real football in it was delightful and the margin is unfair to the losers. So much for the home critic and the expert adviser Mr. Cunningham. Now for a modest contribution to the fund of criticism that is sure to arise over Everton's further loss of six goals. Let us get this straight; Middlesbrough were superb. Camsell was the ideal centre, the three forwards, Camsell, Yorston, and Birkett would have smashed any defence on such form, always providing the wing pair had no more obstruction than was given them on Saturday. Maybe the right flank was looking too clever because of the absence of touch by the half-back. The future can tell, but certainly Middlesbrough were a charming team, and showed us how a centre forward can feed his wing man by a forward pass, instead of the customary swung to the right or the left flank. And, mark this, sirs, the wing man was on the look out for such a move, and was on the move before Camsell had made his pass. The through pass undid the Everton game, it got the defence angled and sizzling; yet Sagar, Jackson, and Jones were really masterful, and Gee adopting by order, a third-back role, did a great day's work against the outstanding man of the field –George Camsell. We used to have arguments about Dean and Camsell.

Camsell The Best.

On this form Camsell is unquestionably the best centre forward of the season. He does his own work, makes openings for others, is enterprising and unusual in his swerving movements, and has a good shot. Gee, therefore must have done well in his new role of captaincy. Maybe you're asking me where Everton went wrong and came to lose heavily? The answer is simple. To half-time they were the better side and Cunliffe was carrying the forwards with Leyfield making a number of marks without getting a goal. In the second half Leyfield alone of the forwards, was in bright mood; he is extremely sharp and clever and his shot carries “punch” but at the hour the game ran well for Middlesbrough, notably when one goal came to Birkett through the simple accident of a ball cannon which turned the ball to the right in the most perfect “passing” manner. Sheer good fortune. Middlesbrough then swept down in waves of attacks, and the appearance of Mercer in front of goal stopped further goals, Sagar, too, being in the way of other efforts. It would be easy to blame. I prefer to see in this game a sharper Everton and a better Everton with promise for the near future – say against Aston Villa next Saturday. The Goodison side isn't nearly right; it lacks finality and unlike Middlesbrough takes three strides of three dribbles to do what the other fellow does in one precise and constructive pass. Middlesbrough eat up space; Everton go through a pironeting process. Nevertheless, Cunliffe was magnificent. Leyfield delicious and mercer was not only a strong up-going half-back, but a great helper in defence. For the rest there is need to say little. Hartill, when he kept his feet (which was rare) rallied into a wolf –a fighting, forcing game, is his true type, he does not help himself when he tries to go the way of Stevenson or Cunliffe. They finesse Hartill has been used to the foraging and forging raid, and he should not change his style to suit other forwards; indeed he loses his chance by so doing. Geldard started as though ready to recapture his initial bow at this ground, but he has not the confident tone, and after flinging across some fine centres, he faded back if not out. It was a fine match to watch and Middlesbrough will shock many more sides. Everton, however, should have learned valuable lessons from this game, notably in attack.

 

EVERTON ADOPT THIRD BACK PLAIN

September 30 1935. Evening Express.

It Was A Success Against Wonder Team

By the Pilot.

Everton have fallen into line with the modern trend of football and adopted the third-back policy, which has been a feature during the past three or four seasons. For a long time Everton have adhered to their policy of playing a constructive rather than a defensive pivot, but the directors have decided that, in future, the centre half shall act as a third back and leave the attacking phase to the wing halves. The plan was tried for the first time in the match at Middlesbrough on Saturday, when the Borough won 6-1. The score does not speak well for the innovation, but paradoxical though it may appear, the new idea was a success. Gee played between his full backs and was responsible for breaking up numerous attacks launched by the best forward line I have seen this season. Had not Gee played a purely defensive game the score against Everton might easily have doubled. Everton were not defeated because of their own ineptitude, but simply by the super-brilliance of Middlesbrough –unquestionably the finest football combination I have watched for a long time.

Great Precision.

The forward work of the Borough was precision personified. They played artistically yet effectively, and the combination and understanding was well-nigh perfect in a thrilling, enjoyable game in which interest never wanted. Camsell gave a perfect exhibition of centre-forward play, and remember that he was opposed to the third back. Camsell played himself into the England team. Birkett, Yorston and Warren were the men who responded so galliantly to the delicious promptings of Camsell, and set the seal of defeat on a useful Everton side. Everton played fine football at times, but there was a lack of finish about the attack, and only Cunliffe, the best man on the side, and Leyfield appeared likely to score goals. Mercer had a good game, but Archer made the mistake of playing too far up the field and leaving Yorston and Birkett yards in which to work. Jackson, Jones and Sagar constituted a fine defence, which was not disgraced by the magnitude of the score. There is not a defence in the county, which could have stood up to the scintillating ‘Borough forwards on Saturday's form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1935