NOVEMBER 1899
SUNDERLAND 1 EVERTON 0 (Game 316)
November 6 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton team, accompanied by Messrs Bainbridge, Davies, and Keates, directors of the club, and Mr. Molyneux secretary, made the journey to Sunderland on Friday. The game, the first of the season between the clubs, created more than ordinary interest for McNeil, who has been identified with the Wearsiders for six seasons, was to received a benefit and coupled with the fact that the Evertonians had never yet won in the far North there was a gathering of quite 20,000. A change was made on both side, Taylor and Settle crossing over while Leslie and Fulton stood down from the Sunderland team. At three o'clock the sides faced as follows: - Everton: - Muir goal, Eccles and Balmer, backs Wolstenholmes, Boyle, and Blythe, halfbacks Sharp, Taylor (captain) Toman, Settle, and Gee, forwards. Sunderland: - Doig, goals, McCombie and McNeill, backs, Raisebeck, McAllister, and Jackson halfbacks Crawford, Farquhar, Hogg, Becton, and McLathie, forwards. Everton won the toss, and had the assistance of a fair breeze. At the outset the home forwards forced the pace and during the first few minutes the ball was at both ends in rapid succession. Farquhar had an opportunity of putting through but was faulty, and after a further fruitless attempt to get through by Crawford, the Everton van with a beautifully concerted actions, made their way down the field, and Settle forced a corner, another immediately afterwards following with no tangible results. For some time there was no withholding the Everton forwards, and eventually the ball was put to Taylor, who with a very weak shot enabled Doig to clear with ease. Crawford at length removed danger with a clever sprint along the right, and centring McLatchie put through, but was palpably offside, and the point was disallowed. Doig running out, but returning Taylor again missed, and the home side profiting from their escape, got well within reach of Muir checked an effort by Toman. A capital sprint by Gee was the next item, and following some clever work Settle finished up badly when everyone was prepared for a goal. Close on the interval Muir saved cleverly on his knees from Fraquhar and nothing was scored up to the change of ends. Shortly after resuming Doig got away a splendid shot from Settle, and as the game progressed much feeling was shown, both sides frequently having free kicks against them. However played settled down again and interesting passages was frequent. On one occasion the Everton custodian was lucky as in clearing from a mis kick on the part of Wolstenholmes the ball cannoned off Hogg, who was within a few yards of the goalmouth, and fortunately went behind Stubborn tussles followed in the Everton half where Balmer and Eccles were kept badly employed and on the venue being removed one of the Sunderland backs handled the ball when well within the penalty line, but Everton a appeal was not sustained. Everton for some time had the best of matters and Sharp sent in a fine shot a corner fell to them late on. Toman raced clean between the backs, and should certainly not have allowed Doig to handle the ball. At the other end a capital shot from Farquhar was just wide of the mark, and a further one from McLatchie caused Muir to get well down in order to bring off a very clever save. The Wearsiders kept up a pressure and three minutes from time Farquhar again shot across, and McLatchie racing up scored, the only goal of the match. Nothing further was done, and Sunderland won a splendid game by one goal to nil.
EVERTON RESERVES 1 TURTON 1
November 6 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park. The visitors were early put on the defensive, Roche almost scoring. Turton played up and from a feeble return by Kitchen just missed scoring. Several corners fell to Everton, but had shooting spoiled a good chance however Murphy scored before half time. In the second half play was of a give and take character and after 20 minutes play Turton eqaulised. Resulted Everton 1 Turton 1. (Game 12) Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Crelly, and Molyneux backs, Murphy Gordon, and Abbott halfbacks, Roche Dawson, Oldham, Creighton and Schofield, forwards.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 6 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The game between Everton and Sunderland at Roker Park, on Saturday was productive of really excellent sport. Indeed from start to finish the contest was brimful of interesting passages, the pace was fully strung and the only drawback to an almost perfect game was an occasional weakness displayed in front of goal. Both sides shared their defect, though the Evertonians were somewhat the greater delinquents for had they accepted the chances that were opened out for them they must have held a lead of two goals at the interval. On the actual play a drawn game would have prefitted the occasion and it was unfortunate that the visitors should have had a goal registered against them after stoutly defending their charge under trying conditions. That the Everton executive have a really first team cannot be disputed after their latest display and had the eleven infused, but one half the dash and exhibited even a modicum of the cleverness of previous Satuday's at Glossop and Stoke, they must have made their opponents appear to be very small fry. The Wearsides were ready to admit that the full resources of the team were kept extended to their utmost limit, and the contest is likely to stand as a record on the new ground for a fast game in which the keen spirit under which it was contested did not distract from the exposition of the nicer points. Particularly in the second portion was the tension the more highly strung and the 20,000 spectators that lined the ground fairly bubbled with excitement which culminated in a tremendous burst of applause when the Everton custodian was beaten in the closing stages. Taking into consideration the relative position of the teams on the League list, and the disadvantage under which a club is placed when playing on a foreign ground against a team which was admitted on all hands to have played their finest games for many a long day, the Everton team accomplished a very smart performance indeed in running their opponents to a goal. There was a rearrangement of the Everton front rank, Settle and Taylor crossing over and on the whole the change did not work at all badly. Settle played his finest game so far for Everton, and though he failed to take advantage early on of an easy chance of scoring, he afterwards put in shots that Doig was somewhat lucky in getting away. He was the most dangerous of the quintet though the others generally accomplished what came their way in a fashion to which none could take exception. Sharp was not however, over assiduously attended to and this was much to be regretted, especially in the later stages, when he was showing a fine turn of speed, and was not far wide of the mark, when putting in a finishing touch. Taylor, as is always the case, was a thorough trier. Although he failed to take advantage of chances to score early on in the game, the value of his services on Saturday cannot be over estimated. He was concerned in almost all the dangerous movements towards the Sunderland goal, and when at times his side were having too much of the game, he was frequently among the backs rendering assistance, which exercised no small bearing on the ultimate result of the game. Gee put in many fine sprints, and centred well, and on the whole the line with the one defect referred to gave a very satisfactory account of themselves. The game was really a battle of halfbacks. The home trio were in close attention to the Everton quintet, all though the game, notably Jackson, who hung to Sharp in such a manner as to required the utmost adroitness on the part of the winger to take any liberties. The visitings halves were none the less proficient in the respect, and the speedy Crawford, Sunderland's outside right found his level in Blythe during the second portion of the game. Farquhar, who had been brought into the team completed a strong right wing, and it was the result of a sharp shot at Muir that enabled McLathie to score the only goal of the match. They are a go-head lot of forwards and are ably supported by Raisebeck McAllister, and Jackson. Wolstenholmes, Boyle and Blythe were equally efficient and no fault whatever could be found with the respective defence. Muir had more difficult shots to deal with than had his vis-a-vis but like the rest of his confreres; he was well up to concert pitch and achieved everything that was possible with capital judgement. Doig was lucky for on one occasion the Everton centre might have walked through his charge after racing between the backs, but preferred to shoot, and as frequently happens, straight at the keeper, while early on in the second half; there appeared to be a distinct breach within the Sunderland penalty line, but for some cause that was not clear, the referee ruled favourably to Sunderland. It was a great game, worthy the prestige of both clubs, and if the Evertonians can but maintain their latest form they are bound to enjoy a long run of success.
EVERTON 1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 3 (Game 317)
Novemeber 13 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The uniaviurable conditions that prevailed on Saturday had a market effect upon the attendance at Goodison Park, for at the commencement of the game, there would be more than 8,000 spectators present. The services of Settle and Williams are required by the League for the match at Bolton, but otherwise the sides were well represented, and at 3 o'clock faced as follows; - Everton: - Muir, goal, Eccles, and Balmer backs, Wolstenholomes, Boyle, and Blythe, halfbacks Sharp, Toman, Oldham, Taylor (captain), and Gee forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Reader, goal, Adams, and Jones Perry, Dunn and Bamks, Paddock, Simmonds, Richards, Walker, and Garfield forwards. The Albion had the better of the play at the opening and one shot from Walker hit the crossbar, then the Everton forwards took up the running but their movements were without method, and several times the Albion defenders were enabled to clear with ease, and place their side in good position. The high wind was altogether against accurate play and it became a matter of the teams adopting themselves to the existing conditions. In this respect the Albion were the cleverer, especially when in the vicinity of goal, Eventually Taylor passed out smartly to Sharp, who raced in, and with a beautiful shot registered the first goal of the match. Play had scarely been resumed when Richards sent across to Paddock, who raced round Blythe and Balmer with the greatest of ease, and then defeated Muir. This came somewhat as a surprise, and during the next few minutes the Everton forwards were holding a string position in the Albion half. Reader cleared a clever shot from Oldham, but finishing touches in general were faulty. Not so the attack of the Albion for keen on the ball, their forwards were always dangerous, and one shot from Simmonds was only got away with the greatest difficulty. Another fine sprint and shot by Sharp was dealt with at the expense of an unproductive corner and following a return to the Everton end Richards had no difficulty in scoring from a free kick against Blythe. The second reverse was followed by a determined attack on the Albion goal, one of the best efforts to score coming from Taylor. Reader again brings off a smart save. Oldham also tried hard to get through but close upon the interval Richards took advantage of a weak defence and added a third, the score at half time was Everton 1 goals West Bromwich 3. The second half opened with a strong attack on the visitors goal but there was no deatening Reader, who was playing in a most confident game, it was only on odd occasions that the Albion forwards were in possession, though then their movements were always dangerous and on one occasion, Richards only narrowly missed the mark with a capital shot. Play for some time was of the dullest description but eventually the visitors assorted themselves and fairly penned their opponents, Muir at the juncture being called upon frequently by the right wing pair. At the other end Toman had a clear course but shot against Reader, and with the Albion again pressing, time was called and Albion winning by 3 goals to 1.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 13 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The reappearance of the Everton eleven in a League match at Goodison Park after a month's absence was marked by one of the most surprising results of the day, a weakened and considerably rebuffed West Bromwich team trouncing them by three goals to one. Never before this season had the Everton defence been pierced three times in one match, so that on this account alone the visitors are deserving of credit, when however, it is stated that they outplayed the home team and that their victory was achieved by superior all round ability it will be admitted that there was abundant evidentence to furnish the Everton supporters with surprise and alarm. The game was of a very uneven character, period of dull monotony and bright exchanges alternating but whatever Everton achieved the Albion went a step further, and by dint of dogged perseverance and ready dash, combined with some down right clever play secured for themselves a well won victory. The first half found Everton who were added by an erratic breeze which blew in strong gusted, monopolising the bulk of the play, but with one exception instance Reader, ably assistance by his backs, succeeded in repelling many clever movements and the custodian, who had far more to accomplished than Muir, kept his charge in splendid style. The fierce rushes of Albion were always more difficult to restrain and the Everton backs failed altogether in their endeavors to keep back their nimble opponents. When Everton scored the first goal of the match, matters looked rosy, for them, but the next minute a rousing rush brushed away the Everton defence, which collapsed like a pack of cards. This was followed by a second again, chiefly owing to loose work among the backs, but the issue was scarely considered as being in danger. However, when more feebleness let in Richards for the third time the game assumed a serious aspect. Not before this season has the Everton team given such a weak display, and coming as it does after the clever performances at Sunderland, makes the result all the more astonishing. The forwards began fairly well, and Oldham in the centre introspect any amount of dash into his play but Toman was of no use on the right wing while the left wing also carried a passage on the outside. There was far more danger generated by the determined attempts of Oldham and Taylor in the centre, who did not hesitate to dash forward, and obtain the ball under even distinct conditions, than by the pottering efforts of some of the others. On the Albion side, a marked contrast was noticed, for though the style of their play could not be classed asgood, there was no mistaking their determination, and then were altogether smarter on the ball, and more energetic in their attempts to score. They were all genuine triers throughout the game, working well together for the much-needed acquisition of goals. Everton did not act like a well balance team and some utter rubbed was witnessed at times, play that would not have enhanced the reputation of a third rate combination. The most conspicuous failure in the front rank was Gee, who was simply unable to make any headway whatever, and at half, Blythe was equally culpable; whilst as if to preserve the wretched continuity on the left wing, Balmer gave about his worst display of the season. From end to end the left wing was feeble in the extreme, and no wonder the lop sided attack of the Everton eleven failed to bring about the visitors downfall. Muir had not a goal deal of work to accomplish, and the three shots, which beat him, were from very short ranges and practically he was in a hopeless position on each occasion. Reader, on the other hand, executed some splendid saves, but had the Everton forwards line been well combined, and supported by the halfbacks division, the result might have been vastly different, despite his cleverness with hand and more particularly foot. At full back Jones, who usually operates at half, filled the sturdy Williams position most creditably, and what is more played a perfectly, clean game throughout. The halves were an untiring trio, and the forwards, chief of whom Paddock and Simmons, were full of spirit and clever withal, and wasted no time in useless dallying with the ball. The result was a sore disappointment to the majority of the crowd, but what is required in the Everton front rank is a considerable infusion of dash, and the adoption of go-ahead methods. Not yet this season has the team scored more than two goals in any match and with the forces employed it cannot be said that the Everton team has exactly covered itself with glory up to the present.
EVERTON RESERVES 11 ASTLEY BRIDGE WANDERERS 0
November 20 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park Everton won the toss, and had all the best of the opening work. Toman scoring from a corner in ten minutes. Everton continued to have the bulk of the play, and after Briscoe had saved several shots, Roche scored from a corner, the same player added another, soon afterwards the Wanderers were hard pressed but prevented further disiaster. Half time Everton 3 goals Wanderers nil. After the restarted Astley Bridge cracked up altogether, Everton adding goal after gaol, Roche, Toman and Gordon each scored while subsequently Toman added four more in brilliant fashion. The Wanderers were completely outclassed. (Game 13) Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Sharp, and Crelly backs Murphy, Gordon and Abbott, halfbacks, Roche, Dawson, Toman, Gray, and Schofield, forwards.
BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 EVERTON 1 (Game 318)
November 27 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The first of the season's engagements between these clubs took place at Blackburn, but the event did not call for much enthusiasm for at the start of the proceedings there would not be more than 6,000 spectators present. The Everton directed again decided upon including Oldham and at 2-40 the sides lined up as follows: - Everton: - Muir goal, Eccles and Balmer backs, Wolstenholmes, Boyle, and Taylor (captain), halfbacks, Sharp, Proudfoot, Oldham, Settle and Gee, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Knowles, goal, Brandon, and Crompton backs Swift, Booth, and Howarth, halfbacks, Briercliffe, Hulse, Dewhurst, Blackburn, and Hurst forwards. The game opened in rather surprising fashion, for directly from the kick off a free kick led up to Hurst putting on the first goal of the match, though the shot should never have found its billet as the Everton custodian made little of no effort to prevent downhill. Directly afterwards the Everton forwards were seen to great advantage, and nothing but faulty finishing touches prevented them from taking the lead. Oldham was unlucky with a shot that struck the upright, but eventually the Everton centre equalised from a corner kick. For some little time the visitors made the running, nut there was no finish to their movements, and the home backs were afforded every opportunity of clearing their lines. At length the Rovers took the lead-a result that was directly the outcome of dash-and at the interval the score stood Blackburn Rovers 2 goals Everton 1. Immediately after resuming the visitors narrowly missed getting upon equal terms, as Gee shot against the upright, and Oldham was only a trifle wide with a cleverly directed shot. The Rovers were now peened but on breaking away Eccles was at fault though Muir saved under difficult conditions and following a raid upon the home goal. Sharp missed an easy opening. The right wing of the Rovers was now putting in good work, and from a corner kick Hulse headed the ball past Muir 20 minutes from the resumption. Everton struggled hard to reduced the lead, and on one occasion Settle was only a trife faulty after successfully threatening his way between the backs. Nothing further was however forthcoming and Blackburn won by 3 goals to 1.
EVERTON RESERVES 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 1
November 27 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison Park, in fine though dull weather. Toman started play, and after Abbott had shot wide the Rovers showed smart forward work, and Kitchen twice kicked clear. The Rovers had the better of the opening play, but failed to beat the home defence. Everton improved, and after 15 minutes play Toman met a centre from Roche and headed the first goal. Coupe having no chance of saving. After this Everton made attack after attack, but shot chiefly from long ranges, and Coupes was not caught napping. The Rovers raided Everton's quarters occasionally, but gave Kitchen little trouble. Nearing the interval Everton got through again Dawson scoring with a long shot. Fast play followed, both ends being visited in turn, half time Everton 2 goals Rovers nil. Five minutes after the change of ends Gray scored a third goal. Everton pressed continuously but Coupe saved splendidly. Eventually the Rovers broke away, and scored from a rush. Kitchen being hurt. Result Everton 3 goals Rovers 1. (Game 14) Everton: - Kitchen goal, Sharp, and Molyneux, backs, Murphy, Gordon, and Abbott, halfbacks Roche, Dawson Toman, Gray, and Schofield, forwards.
EVERTON REVIEW
November 27 1899. The Liverpool Mercury
The position of the Everton club at the present time is one, which calls for very serious consideration. In the football would out local club is looked upon as being the provider of football players second to none in the county. No fault whatever can be found with the policy adopted by the direction of players which they made during the summer months, but the position of the club in the League table at the present time calls for more than ordinary notice. Out of twelve matches played only nine points have been obtained. The selection committee must have credit gave them for affording the selected players every opportunity of showing their true work, but unfortunately with little success. The time certainly has arrived when the public should demand from the club some changes in the personal of the team. It is quite apparent that the players of the Everton club who have not yet participated in League football could not do worse than those who have taken part in the game up to now, and the public naturally inquires after the result of the match on Saturday week against Astley Bridge when the Everton Reserves won by 11 goals to nil, and succeeding that their victory against Blackburn Rovers by three goals to one, in which team they had much opponents as Anderson Houlker, Williams and Whittaker, and others known to League football, whether they have hit upon the proper disposition of the players. As things are they are not of the happiest, and at any rate some of the reserves players might be requisition into the services of the League team, and these players will without doubt for a trial be anxious to do their utmost to retain their position. Not a few good judges are of the opinion that Gray should have an opportunity of showing his ability, and with Toman in his accustomed place one could at any rate anticipate some attempts at Combination. With regard to the defence it is quite apparent to even the most ordinary observer that captain Taylor should vacate his position at halfback and when one considers that this player was ungaged on account of his abilities as a forward on the outside right, it is only right that his services should be utilised in this position. The executive have at hand aspiring players in Abbott, Gordon, and Bert Sharp in the defence, and scarely the goal record against could not suffer more by the incusion of any those just mentioned. It would be as well perhaps to deal generally with the match against the Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Those who witnessed the display will readily admit that up to the period of the Rovers securing their second goal the Everton team was complete masters of the situation. After this a thorough change came over the whole proceedings, and with perhaps, but two occasions viz; Balmer and Boyle, the Everton team was not a vestige of itself. With a team such as the club to represent them at Blackburn, one would have a pected that they would not have thrown down the graunlet so readily when it was only a question of one goal. The inclusion of Oldham to occupy the cenre forward position was not any drawback to the other members of the team, not was that of Proudfoot who played inside right; but the second half of the game showed conclusively that the players representing the Everton club were either capable to rise to the occasion, or had not the ability, and, consequently, the inclusion of the players whose names have already referred to could not be sacrificing the position of the club in the slightest degrees, but might very probably have the effect of raising them in the League table, and also in what is of perhaps more vital importance to the club, the estimation of the public.