Everton Independent Research Data
SUNDERLAND SMASH EVERTON’S CONFIDENCE
December 2, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
If Sunderland had Arsenal’s defence who would beat them? Sunderland know their weakness, and are trying to remedy it, but while they are searching round, the forwards continue to win matches off their own bat. With Davis back –Duns was not a great success against Everton –the Roker team is possessed of the finest forward line in the country, and that goes for Derby County, and the Arsenal (writes “Stork”). It was forwards strength which enabled them to defeat Everton, for in other departments, Everton were quite the equal, if not better, than their adversaries but as forwards win matches, and defences only save them, I think Sunderland are distinctly fortunate in possessing a line second to none in Great Britain. Less than twelve months ago Everton and Sunderland put up the greatest display in years, one which will be talked about and discussed for many years to come, but Saturday’s game will be forgotten ere the week is out if I am any judge, for it did not reach a classic height rather was it just an ordinary game, with the last half hour petering out to nothing. Everton were well and truly beaten by a side whose defence could have been riddled, despite the great display of Thorpe in goal, if the right tactics had been employed. Against a fast-moving side like the Northerners it required speed to meet speed, but Everton instead of going for the ball waited its coming, what time the Sunderland defence cut in and took the ball away. This was most noticeable in the second half, which was uncommon in that Everton did most of the pressing without getting them anywhere, because of their hesitancy, and their desire to walk the ball into the net. This played right into the hands of defence which was anything but solid. But let us forget the second half, it was too tame to keep the interest, if exception is made of Cunliffe’s great shot so admirably saved by Thorpe, and Gurney’s goal in the last minute.
Grand Innings.
Why did Sunderland go so quiet after their fine exhibition in the opening half? A change had to be made forward through Gallagher being injured, and changing places with Connor. That affected the left wing, which had previously had a grand innings, and was responsible for two of the three goals scored. I killed the first half, for there was action in it, sometimes to bold and attract, I liked the way the Sunderland forward moved off in battle array “found their man” with choice passes, and then a shot to test Sagar. Everton’s play seemed to be laboured, there was no easy flow about their combination, and it was fitful aye, and by far too lose. Then there was the absence of a shot, for apart from the two I have referred to, and a header by Leyfield, Thorpe had little enough to worry about. The Sunderland goal had a remarkable escape in the last few minutes of the first half, and it was only good fortune which prevented Thorpe from picking the ball from out of the back of the net. When Geldard headed onto the crossbar, Thorpe was beaten, and from the rebound Bentham made a hefty drive, which struck the upright. That was the one bright patch in Everton’s game. I think Everton were entitled to two penalty awards, one in each half. Cunliffe was treading a certain path to goal when he was unpended by Morrison, yet all he got was a free kick outside the penalty area. Now if this was a free kick it could be nothing else but a penalty, for Cunliffe was well inside the area when the incident took place. Later Morrison was alleged to have handled the ball in the same region, but again he appeal was unheard.
Everton Not Together.
I doubt, however, if they would have made any great difference, for Everton did not shape like a successful team, for the reasons, have explained above, and Sunderland were well worthy their victory. The Northerner’s away record is one of the best in the league, and once they can get a more settled defence few sides would be capable of beating them either t home or away. The forwards I have told you about. Carter, Gallagher, Connor, and Gurney, a quartet capable of extending any defence, and with Clarke, Hastings, and Thomson in the middle line, there is not much fault. Sagar, Cook, and Jones were sound, in fact, Jones was one of the best players on the field, and White also served his side well in a defensive manner. Britton was an artist in the first half, but like the others faded away, I can say little good about the forward line. Dean had no chance for Clarke stuck to him like glue, and Cunliffe was perhaps the most effective forward of them all, and that is not saying a great deal.
EVERTON’S FAULT IS IN ATTACK.
December 2, 1935. Evening Express.
Forwards Lack Cohesion And Speed.
By the Watcher.
Lack of cohesion and speed in attack were the main reasons why Everton lost 3-0 to Sunderland at Goodison Park on Saturday. Little or no fault could be found with the Blues defence or intermiary division, but the forwards were slow to develop, the inside men were deficient in thrust, and the wingers were not quick enough to snap up chances. I thought the ball was pushed through to Dean many times when it might have been given to others with greater advantage. I am not decrying Dean’s work for a second. He always impressed with his judicious distribution and watchfulness for an opening. When the Sunderland halves spotted the move, however, it was a mistake giving every ball to Dean, for he was more often crowded out of the picture by sheer force of numbers. Sunderland are truly a great side on Saturday’s showing. They were a team and not one man was out of place. Every man dovetailed in a great machine. Yet, if the Blues had more speed and combination in attack, they would quickly weld themselves into an eleven more representative of the famous Goodison traditions. Everton had one bright spell just before the interval, when they battled back like hero’s, but Thorpe fine goalkeeping –and the woodwork –frustrated them. Sagar had no chance with the shots which beat him, and Cook and Jones were excellent backs. White played finely in the defensive phases and Britton was the leading constructionist. The scorers for Sunderland were Carter, Connor, and Gurney.
LETTERS
December 4, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Mr. M.Gibson and Lady Loo, are responsible for the following expressions. May I draw your attention to a A.W.Ledbrooke’s report to Sunderland and Everton? It’s just it, Re the former’s play, and Everton’s forwards also, re the penalty –Cunliffe being bowled over, and shall I include Dean being shoved and rushed about, especially in the penalty box? The occasion was too great for Bentham. Geldard cannot give his best with so many changes in partners. I claim that Miller should be given a longer trial, and Archer as outside left until Coulter is fit. Everton’s defence was good and young Jones the best back. Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Archer.
EVERTON SIDE TO MEET WEST BROMWICH
December 6, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton visit West Bromwich Albion tomorrow when the team which lost at home to Sunderland last week will again take the field. The Midland side have, like Everton, had a poor season so far. Albion have secured 14poits against Everton’s 13, both having played 17 matches. Everton’s only away victory so far was that at Grimsby a fortnight ago. The Everton team is: Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. In the Reserve team against Blackburn Rovers at Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park, Gee turns at right half. The side is: King; Jackson, Cresswell; Gee, Clark, Thomson; Hughes, Miller, Webster, Stevenson, Archer.
UNCHANGED BLUES FOR LUCKY HAWTHORNS.
December 6, 1935. Evening Express.
By the Pilot.
Everton directors have decided to make no team changes for the visit to West Bromwich Albion tomorrow despite the home defeat at the hands of Sunderland. This is a wise-policy, which proves that the club is determined to give us youngsters every opportunity to make good. The Blues will be visiting one of their lucky grounds; in fact, West Bromwich Albion have not defeated Everton since 1933. It was at the Hawthorns last season that Everton recorded their first away victory. They won 1-0. The previous season Everton were losing 3-0 at half-time, but drew 3-3 in a grand rally. The Everton team is: Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield.
Everton Reserves
Everton Reserves field a particularly strong side for the Central League match against Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park, with a first-class half-back line. Gee, being experimented with at right half. The side is: King; Jackson, Cresswell; Gee, Clark, Thomson; Hughes, Miller, Webster, Stevenson, Archer.
EVERTON VISIT THE WEST BROMWICH ALBION ELEVEN
December 6, 1935. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton are at West Bromwich, a place they once visited in a long, successful weekend of work which brought the championship much nearer to fact. For a time these teams, for no reason at all, got at each other as if there were deadly enemies. True, there had been a meeting in the Cup semi-final, but that should not have borne subsequent temper. Fortunately, in the last season the old-time ring came over the two sporting sides, and tomorrow I have no doubt the cleanliness of the tussle. West Bromwich have been very in and out. Everton have won their first away game of the season and followed it with a defeat at home –but to an admittedly better side than ours. No one can pretend there was disgrace in defeat from Sunderland, but some people have lost the value of the win at Grimsby in the home failure. For my part I content myself, with the statement I made after Grimsby. Everton continue to get better and better, and it will not surprise me if they surprise West Bromwich Albion tomorrow with the side. Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield.
EVERTON AND THE ALBION
December 7, 1935, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton must necessarily improve their shooting if they are to succeed at West Bromwich. The Albion are almost as badly placed as their rivals of today and that fact suggests that the match is likely to be one of the hardest of the season. Everton are relying on the side that did duty last Saturday. The kick-off is at 2.20 and the teams are: - Everton; Sagar; Cook, and Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. West Bromwich Albion: Pearson; Shaw, Trentham; Sankey, Richardson (W.), Rix; Mahon, Carter, Richardson (W.G.), Sandford, Wood.
EVERTON’S 6-1 CRASH AT THE HAWTHORNS.
December 7, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Score-As-You Pleasure Albion.
Many Loopholes In Blues Defence.
By the Pilot.
Everton’s defence fell before the might of West Bromwich Albion’s attack at the Hawthorns. Albion took advantage of many loopholes and won 6-1. Albion made goal scoring look easy, Sagar alone of the Everton defenders played well. This was the third time this season Everton had conceded six goals in a match. Teams: - West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goal; Shaw, and Trentham, backs; Sankley, Richardson (W.), and Rix, half-backs; Mahon, Carter, Richardson (W.G.), Sandford, and Wood, forwards. Everton:- Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Wood (Sheffield). In the first minute Richardson (W.G.) missed a “sitter” Wood’s centre had been headed away to Sandford, whose slow shot was trapped by the centre-forward. Richardson, from six yards, placed wide. That you cannot afford to waste chances was proved when Everton went straight away with a grand attack to take a goal in two minutes. Young Bentham began it all, and Cunliffe finished it. Bentham opened up the play with a cross field pass to Leyfield. The wing man dragged the ball back and crossed a perfect ball to Dean. Dean deceived the defence, for instead of trying a header he gently nodded the ball down, and Cunliffe came through to drive low into the corner.
Lighting Goals.
There were further sensations, for after Sagar had held a header from Carter, a neat attack on the Albion right saw Carter push a quick, low pass to Richardson (W.G.), who crashed a fast, rising ball into the top of the net. Two goals in two minutes, and now three in five! Shaw had held up Leyfield and pushed the ball through for Sankey, who went forward and fed Mahon. Jones and Mahon kicked at the ball at the same time. Mahon got there and a fast, low shot struck the far post and rebound into goal. It was Albion who did the effective work, for in 14 minutes they were winning 3-1. Hite had dribbled into the Albion territory when Carter robbed Mercer, and after making plenty of ground put the ball up the middle in a manner rarely seen these days. It was hopeless, even when Sagar ran out, for Richardson (W.G.) had yards in hand, and he drove low into the left-hand corner of the net. Well, well. Everton were leaving spaces in defence, but the forward work on both side was good, and Bentham levelled one terrific shot which Pearson saved.
Dean’s Bad Miss
Everton forced four corners, and from the last Dean received bang in front of goal, yet placed outside. A miss in a thousand! Sagar failed to field Wood’s centre, and leapt like a cat to save Sandford’s swift low shot. The next goal was long delayed, for Sandford scored Albion’s fourth in 35 minutes. He dribbled through, White stood still, and Sandford, withstanding Sagar’s intervention, tapped the ball home – a simple goal which should have been prevented. With four minutes to go to half-time Carter joined in the ranks of scorers. A sharp attack had been partially cleared when the ball struck an Everton player and dropped down nicely for carter to score at ease. Everton nearly reduced the lead, but after when Cunliffe went through from Dean’s pass, but shot across goal.
Half-Time West Bromwich Albion 5, Everton 1.
Everton did practically all the attacking, and Pearson had to fling himself out to save from Cunliffe. Bentham had two good efforts charged down. Then away raced the Albion for Wood to centre to Richardson. Sagar made a mighty full length save off the header, Sagar then performed brilliantly in putting away a flashing drive from Sandford.
Albion Six Up.
Eight minutes after the interval, however, the enterprise of Mahon led to goal No. 6. Following a corner kick there was a brief scramble and Mahon nipped through with keen anticipation, picked up the ball in a trice, and placed low into the net. Partly because the Albion eased up, Everton had more of the play, but Pearson was rarely troubled, and the Blues failed to profit by two free kicks close up. Bentham made Everton’s best effort when he stepped in to Geldard’s back pas, and made a high drive, which Pearson saved. Jones almost put through his own goal in placing back to Sagar, who twice saved well from Wood. At the other end Leyfield drove over from a sharp angle. Final.
West Bromwich Albion 6, Everton 1.
Everton Big Signing Imminent.
Everton today hope to make an important signing which will demand the highest transfer fee ever paid by the Goodison park club. The announcement of the “capture” if there is no last-minute hitch, should be made tonight.
EVERTON “A” V CHESHIRE LINES
December 7,1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Everton were easily the superior side in the Liverpool Challenge Cup at Crosby. All the Everton forwards tested Capstick but it was 30 minutes before they penetrated the Cheshire Lines defence. Lambert was the scorer and the same played neatly headed a second goal before the interval. Half-time Everton “A” 2, Cheshire Lines 0. Lambert completed his hat-trick immediately after the changeover.
STUD MARKS.
December 7, 1935, Liverpool Football Echo.
By Louis. T. Kelly.
• Jock Taylor, Everton captain of their 1906, Cup-winning team, still takes a keen interest in the doings of his old club, frequently calls to have a chat with trainer Cooke. Here was a man who had the true fighting spirit. No mere pattern weaver was he. In fact, eleven Taylors would put the top hat on any opposition.
• Everton and Preston have yet had no half back goals.
• Everton have been beaten pointless at home by Arsenal and Sunderland after having 75 per cent of the game.
• Dean is still fifteen goals behind Steve Bloomer’s grand aggregate. Camsell is now but three short of his 300 mark.
• Everton all hot, and bothered; Sunderland calm and calculating. One man, however came through the ordeal with honours –young Jack Jones.
• By the way, the Jones family is “going strong” in senior football these days, and a powerful “family” team could be chosen, beginning with Bob Jones, the Bolton Keeper.
EVERTON WILL SIGN???
December 7, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.
Remarkable Capture In The Offing.
Famous Forward.
A Valuable Aid To The Attack.
A Throstle Nest Smash.
By Bee.
Teams: - West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goal; Shaw, and Trentham, backs; Sankley, Richardson (W.), and Rix, half-backs; Mahon, Carter, Richardson (W.G.), Sandford, and Wood, forwards. Everton:- Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Wood (Sheffield).
Everton are in a far of land, and they are on a very important mission. They have gone to bring back a live and very famous forward –the fee very nearly a record for Everton, not quite, but very nearly, and it is no use Everton arguing about a hundred or two, the selling club will not budge a peeny. They have no head to sell; they need the player, but I can promise you if the player is landed tonight he will be a tip-top sensational signing. The new player has played for “his country.” In view of today’s crash at West Bromwich, new and undoubted talent became essential. Today, the defences was without cover, and collapsed before a side with a number of reserves, but still fast enough to carry this easy victory. Everton visited our good friends at West Bromwich. White held up for quite a time and when Richardson shot from a rebound off Sandford’s drive a great chance was pitched away by the home side. Everton were in white jerseys, and soon put the cat among the pigeons. Leyfield, who had gone to defence to help his side, got a pass from Bentham, and the winger’s centre was headed down in typical Dean fashion, Cunliffe running up to take a grit shot well out of Pearson’s reach. A prime surprise and a welcome turn of the game. More startling news! West Bromwich equalled in one minutes. Carter made the cross pass for Richardson to score, and two minutes Mahon scored from the outside right berth, a fast low ball that struck the far post as its base, yet spun over the line. Three goals in five minutes! The crowd came slowly to hand through the early kick off, and thousands saw not the three goals. This was saucy football and definite shooting ability. The Albion back, Shaw was treated for repairs, and was limping badly when he kept the successful left flank in check for a few moments. It was a peppering time for Sagar. Trentham drove one from full back, a very awkward ball to touch, and Richardson (W.G.) should have scored, Wood, too, was in driving order, although a shade wide of the upright. Tom White with is face to his own goal, neatly forced the ball from Richardson (W.G.) grip. Goals were cheap? Carter, the old-timer, made a cunning through pass when White had gone forward and Richardson (W.G.) did the rest. Racing forward he scored in a confident manner -3-1 in fourteen minutes. Bentham made a nice shot, and Leyfield tried to bore holes through a stocky defence. Pearson made a similar save to Bentham’s when he caught a topping shot by Cunliffe. Mercer joined in the shooting, and Everton responded with some biting work. Bentham gave Geldard a woulding grit –well, hardly a grit, but Geldard tried hard to make it into a goal, a splendid low shot, and Pearson’s answer was “No.” Cunliffe was best whereas Dean missed a sitter –unusual for him. Sagar missed a Wood cross, and recovered in brilliant fashion when the ball was lobbed towards the empty goal. Sandford ploughed through all ranks, and scored the fourth after 33 minutes, Everton’s defence went to pieces, and Carter scored the home sides fifth after 41 minutes.
Half-time West Bromwich Albion 5, Everton 1.
In the second half Cunliffe made Pearson save and Bentham had some shots, also Mercer. But the best save was by Sagar who fell and saved a great drive –by Wood and later another “hot pot,” Sankey, Mahon made it six when Sagar was unsighted. The game became farcing and Albion treated as a joking manner. Final West Bromwich Albion 6, Everton 1.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 6 EVERTON 1 (Game 1538 over-all)-(Div 1 1496)
December 9, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s Eclipse.
Rapid Fire By the Albion.
Defence Riddled.
By “Bee.”
For the third time this season the Everton defence had had to admit six goals against. The latest was perhaps the worst case of its kind, because the team had all the encouragement a goal in one minute can offer. After that West Bromwich hit back hard and with good fast football; they beat Everton “to it,” and by degrees the game became a rout. By half-time the game was virtually over because West Bromwich had lost all remembrance of the neat work by which Cunliffe chalked the opening goal –it was a Leyfield centre, a Dean helper per head and a first time shot. After that the deluge and Everton got steadily worse in defence. In the second half, with a big margin against them, Everton were made to look more dangerous because West Bromwich did not take that half too seriously and were content to amble along. It was then revealed what a poor side Everton were fielding, yet, it was that eleven which won at Grimsby Town, a fortnight ago by a big margin. Truely, football form has no value and points are the only assessment today.
Sandford’s Enterprise.
To West Bromwich must be given the credit of rapid fire. There was no hesitation about their effort; if the defence charged in the forward continued his run in and tried to force a goal; Sandford’s goal was one of this kind; a follow-up and follow through with splendid enterprise and energy, Everton, on the other hand, were limp and indecisive. Dean missed one of the easiest chances, and when Bentham and Cunliffe were shooting their hardest and best, Pearson came out in his best colours- safe confident catch each time. Wood, of the home forwards, was the only attacker not to score, and the goals came in this order; Cunliffe, 1 minute; W.G. Richardson 4 minutes; Mahon 6 minutes; W.G. Richardson 14 minutes; Sandford 36 minutes; Carter 41 minutes; and Mahon 54 minutes. It was a complete rout and the disturbing feature of play was the cracking up of the visitor’s defence. It had been thought the strengthening of the defence by the addition of White as a third back left only the forward frailties. Now White fell into the same poor sampling of football as his comrades. Cook has lost touch with is form, and at half-back Britton has lost his sting and his prettiness is not allied to advantage, because he is rather easily disposed of the ball, and in the tackle he is not getting the ball at a fair average number of attempts. Mercer was rousing and strong, perhaps the best of the trio, even if he turned the ball “loose” on occasions through sheer endeavour to do something really big.
Cunliffe’s Shots.
Of the forwards it must be said Cunliffe made some good shots and Leyfield was unnecessarily hurt, but for the best feature we had to go to the youngest member of the line, Bentham, who had the speed, and enthusiasm for a dribble and a shot. As a line, the Everton forwards were hardly ever together, and the times when a winger’s ball was centred to goal was fewer than four. How then could Dean hope to carry any guns against the able W. Richardson, who was Albion’s outstanding player, even through Sandford, W.G. Richardson, and veteran Carter showed some splendid nicetics in touch and a fine notion of combination? West Bromwich were not fielding their best side through injuries and illnesses to half a dozen players, but this side was quite good enough to make Everton look awfully common by comparison. The backs, Shaw and Trentham lolled through this game, and on such form West Bromwich will make League points and a Cup noise. Everton? But then, one fears, nothing can be righted until the club gets the famous forward for which their directors went to Scotland at the week-end. Teams: - West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goal; Shaw, and Trentham, backs; Sankley, Richardson (W.), and Rix, half-backs; Mahon, Carter, Richardson (W.G.), Sandford, and Wood, forwards. Everton:- Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Wood (Sheffield).
EVERTON RESERVES 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 1
December 9, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 18)
Everton gained a deserved victory, but it was a near thing, for Archer, who had been the Goodison side’s most forceful attacker, scored the winning goal only five minutes from time. Everton were somewhat handicapped because Stevenson twisted a knee and changed positions with Archer, who went inside left. Still, both sides missed, chances, and it was only after Benson had opened, the Rovers, score that a lively spirit was infused. Miller scored Everton’s equaliser, and the closing thrill was Archer’s winning goal after a fine run.
Everton “A” 4, Cheshire Lines 1.
Liverpool Challenge Cup
The Railwaymen provided proved moderate opposition, and Everton had an easy task. The home side were the more enterprising during the early stages, but the visiting defence remained sound. Allister being prominent. Hughes the prolific scoring centre forward of the visitors, was well held by Walkden and could make headway. Lambert scored twice for Everton before the interval. Soon after the change over the same player competed the hat-trick. Only good work by Capstick, in the visitor’s goal, and the woodwork (hit four times) saved a rout. Morrison, however, reduced the lead from a penalty. Hannon completed the scoring. Allister, Hackett, and Whitham were the best of a moderate side.
EVERTON BACKS HAVE AN OFF DAY.
December 9, 1935. Evening Express.
Why West Brom Won So Well.
By the Pilot.
Fortune in football runs in curious grooves. Everton are finding that out t the present time. In many matches this season the blame for non-sucess has been laid at the door of the attackers, but on Saturday, when the Blues lost 6-1 at West Bromwich Albion, the forwards played reasonably well only to ind the defence having an “off-day.” Everton have dropped back to the 20th position in the League table. This is due not much to individual shortcomings, but because in successive matches, one department of the team fails to produce its true form. The Everton defenders were the first to admit that they were out of touch against the Albion on a day when the brilliance of the Albion of the Albion attack would have conquered any side in the league. Everton were the first to score, but were losing 3-1 in 14 minutes. Then Dean failed with an easy chance t a vital stage of the game. The Albion had the game won by the interval, and eased up somewhat afterwards, so that Everton did 75 per cent of the attacking. Then, however, the forwards failed in the consummation of effort. They approached well, but lacked the finishing shot. The defence left hoop holes and it was as well that Sagar, in goal was at the top of his form. Everton’s chief fault was at full back where Cook and Jones could not cope with the fast moving Throstles and too often delayed the first-time tackle which usually, is a feature of their play. White was effected by this, and frequently lost position at centre-half. Neither did he intercept with his customary power. Britton and Mercer in the wing-half positions were outpaced and were too easily drawn out of position. The forwards put in much good work, but Bentham was left to bear too much of the shooting. He did it willingly, and I deemed him the best player of the line. Cunliffe had a good first-half, and Dean was always as astute leader though he should have shot with greater frequency. The wingers made ground well but lacked direction with their finishing. It was more as a line than as units that the Blues’ forwards troubled the home defence. Cunliffe scored for Everton, and Richardson (W.G.) (2), Mahon (2), Carter and Sandford for Albion.
WHAT NOW, EVERTON?
December 9, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Call Of Combination and Trust Is Still Unheard By Goodison Players.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton scored in one minute at West Brom through the old-fashioned means of combination. A pass to the wing man, a centre, a nod down and Cunliffe drove in first pop. It is all so simple. After that there was no more centring; only moaning at the Mersey bar. The team good enough to beat Grimsby away by a big margin was mercilessly beaten –no not quite mercilessly, because West Brom, always sports and friends, showed a disinclination to make mincemeat of the Everton side. Albion’s officials, Messrs, Everises, Billy Bassett, and his son, showed us the valuable “new sites” at the ground which has its priceless Cup final pictures; they showed us the ball with which they won the Cup, the ball with which they won the League, and another in which they took promotion. The cup ball was picked up by a Brum player, auctioned for £130 for charity’s cause, and the winner of the lottery said to West Bromwich, “What about it?” They replied, “Five pounds,” and so it came to rest at its proper home. And why must I go into these away details? Merely because the story of Everton’s match did not warrant comment at any length. We were smitten in every department by a team which has had its ranks smeared by cartilages “flu, and other things till six first teamers are not available for play. It suggests West Bromwich are a great side and Everton a mediocre side. I will admit the latter, and may see the first claim made good. West Bromwich was the third side this season that had hit Everton for a six, and the latest case was the worst because the losers lacked pace and precision; they did things by the circuitous route; West Bromwich did them just as prettily and with better result through the linking up of the forward line. There were no cuff-links in the Everton attack; the connections have been severed, and after believing White had stiffened the side by going third back, one is faced with the fact that the Everton forward line, as present constituted is not a line –the “n” is knocked out of it. It is patchy over-anxious, does not overbear defence, and shows signs of slowness. Cunliffe and Bentham tried shots, but for the rest I would rather not name players individually. The whole side failed to make its mark against a side built upon the best Albion traditions. Everton are a curiously mixed grill just now; the backs have gone back; the half backs are not good, and the best stylist gets no special value from their work. Absence of wing strength and Dean (“close of play” applied by W. Richardson) labours with little help.
Compare These.
Compare West Brom’s Sandford or Richardson with any of our; compare the studious confident selves of Trentham and Shaw; add the veteran Carter’s control; notice the intertwining among the forwards, and look at Everton –the comparison is odious. And so on as Everton get the attack right they may have to study the half back and back line, Mercer certainly put life into his line, and if erratic in his final delivery he showed what Everton were most needing in every department. The player must go to the ball, not wait for its coming; go to the attack, and make your effort, and let the forwards aim at the plain path to goal rather than the roundabouts which so often end in the sloustering of forwards in among the well-packed West Brom defence. The value of a first-minute goal seemed to be nil; although one must say Pearson was in his brightest mood. All these things and more, but –well, let us hark to the past for inspiration. I saw the telegram sent from the Oval showing Albion 3, Villa 0, in the final tie at Kennington Oval, and on its “wiring” had been stuck the famous letter from a fan to a local paper suggesting it was folly to play such a game as this in view of Villa’s superiority. You never know in football today, and in past years. There was also the famous Cup photograph taken against Preston’s famous side, when Preston asked to be allowed to have the cup for photographic purposes before the final tie, and were told by Major Mendarin to “first win the Cup.” They were second that day! All this shows we can live and laugh in the past, and can hope only for Everton’s future, when some first-class new talent has been sighed – at the moment the team will not get them anywhere, least of all out of relegation zones.
EX-FOOTBALLER'S DEATH AT MORECAMBE
December 10, 1935. The Lancashire Evening Post
A former professional footballer with Everton, Mr. John Walker, of 33 Harwood-avenue, Morecambe died yesterday, after an illness of three months. He came to Morecambe 30 years ago on retiring from football, and until 12 months ago was a foreman at Heysham Harbour.
EX-FOOTBALLER DEATH AT MORCAMBE
Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 10 December 1935
A former professional footballer with Everton Mr. John Walker, of 33 Harowwd avenue, Morcambe died yesterday, after an illness of three months. He came to Morcambe 30 years ago on retiring from football, and until 12 months ago was a foreman at Heysham Harbour.
Ex-Footballer’s Death at Morecambe
Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 10 December 1935
A former professional footballer with Everton, Mr. John Walker, of 33, Harwood avenue. Morecambe died yesterday, after an illness of three months. He came to Morecambe 30 years ago on retiring from football, and until 12 months ago was a foreman at Heysham Harbour.
EVERTON’S NEW PLAYER
December 10, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
Gillick From Glasgow Rangers.
By John Peel.
Everton have set out to secure new players likely to strengthen their team in the fight to get away from the present dangerous position in the League, and they took the first step yesterday when the club signed T. Gillick, a versatile exponent of Glasgow Rangers, who is at present attached to the outside left position. Gillick will turn out for his new club at Goodison Park on Saturday against Leeds United. It is stated that the fee paid is nearly £8,000 a record for the club.
Gillick’s Career.
Torrance Gillick can fill any position in the attack and has done so with success. The Everton club was represented at Perth on Saturday when the Rangers were playing St. Johnstone, and Gillick scored the winning goal, the Rangers being successful by two goals to one. Gillick was in his second season with the Rangers. He went to the Rangers from Petershill, a Glasgow junior club, and played in two Scottish League games in the 1933-34 season. Last season he took part in seventeen League games and scored seventeen goals. He helped the Rangers to win the Scottish cup and the League championship last season. Hamilton Academicals being beaten in the final by two goals to one.
Gillick is only 20 years of age, stands 5ft 7 ¼ ins, and weighs 10st 12lbs. I understand the Aston Villa club had a representative at the St. Johnstone-Rangers game on Saturday. After that game Everton made an offer or Gillick, terms were agreed upon the clubs, and yesterday Mr. Theo Kelly, the acting secretary of the Everton club, went to Glasgow to complete the deal. I believe it is correct to state that until yesterday Gillick did not know that Everton desired his transfer. Both Everton, and Rangers agreed that there should be no mention of the club or the player until, the transfer was completed.
EVERTON’S NEW PLAYER IN MOTOR SMASH.
December 10, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
But Gillick Says He Will Play For New Club On Saturday.
Very Slight Cut, That’s All.
Bee’s Notes.
Let us get this straight: Gillick Everton’s new star forward, will play for Everton against Leeds on Saturday. He was very slightly hut last night when returning home in a motor. His car skidded, and the accident was ‘very, very slight; the wind screen caused a cut or two on the hand, but it is nothing” – these are Torrance Gillick’s on words. Clubs are not allowed to state transfer fees, and all the talk of £8,000 is as much guesswork as the suggestion of papers at the week-end that the new man would be a Brum. Some said it was Grosvenor, of Birmingham, others Westwood of Eastham. As I was able to state last night, the deal was completed yesterday, and in view of the conflicting stories published thus early about the facts, I must state the actualities:
1 –He is 19 years old, and those who make him 5-9 and 11st, should take the Ranger’s ‘official verdict which puts him at 5ft 7ins, and 10st 10lbs.
2 – Gillick made his debut for Glasgow Rangers as partner to Alex Stevenson, the present Everton forward.
3 – He was signed from Petershill as a centre-forward, began as an outside left, and, in his words of a Scot. “Has been knocked about a bit by the selectors, who have put him in every forward position.”
I saw him play at Manchester, and readers may remember a remark made on that occasion; That Gillick was the most promising of all the Rangers’ attackers. He is a wiry type of player, not a giant, but certainly a clever worker and swift to seize a chance.
I believe Everton will make other signings in due course. Their difficulty has been to find the men they went. They want the goods, not the commoners. Torrance Gillick is one of the brightest of the younger school of Rangers players. He has been with Ibrox club for three seasons, and during that time has gained for himself considerable fame, being a member of the side which last season won the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League championship. When Gillick joined the Rangers from Petershill, a Glasgow junior club, he was a centre forward who had a great collection of goals to his credit. As, however, Rangers had already a first class leader in James Smith, there was not much chance of getting into the side in that position. Gillick then showed his versatility by adapting himself to their forward positions, and during his spell at Ibrox he has played right along the attack. At the moment he is filling the outside left berth, not because this is where he plays best, but because Rangers are without a regular man in his position. In my opinion of many good judges Gillick is at his best in his original position of centre forward, where his powerful shooting and clever distributive play made him valuable asset. Gillick is exceedingly popular with the Rangers followers, and is an attractive player to watch. He forced himself into prominence last new Year’s Day when playing at outside right against Celtic. On that form he was strongly tipped for an international cap, but Rangers needed him for another place in their attack before the team to meet England was selected and Gillick lost his chance of opening his international career. This season Gillick has switched about from right to left wing, and has also played in the centre.
Mr. J. Evans, of Daisy-grove, Wallasey, sends me a letter from his friends in Australia, I quote one part of it to show how far-reaching Everton’s follower’s stretch, and how they follow the team’s fortunes although they are thousands of miles away. The letter, after asking that Chapman shall be sent to Australia as captain of England’s nest team, adds; “Give Everton team a slight smack for me. They are most erratic these days.”
EVERTON’S NEW 19-YEAR-OLD WONDER FORWARD.
December 10, 1935. Evening Express.
The Secret History Of Gillick Transfer.
Goodison Club Pay Their Biggest Fee.
By the Pilot.
Two years ago an unknown junior; today the holder of Scottish League championship and Scottish Cup medals and by general agreement the most versatile forward in Scottish football. This is Torrance Gillick, the 19-year-old wonder of Glasgow Rangers, whose signing by Everton has created a sensation in the football world. The deal has cost Everton a transfer fee which is a record for the club and a record for a 19-year-old player. The figure is believed to be in the region of £8,000. The story of Gillick’s signing is one of great determination and persistence on the part of the Everton officials. Since the opening day of the present campaign Everton have had their eyes on him. Week after week representatives of the club have been making notes of Gillick’s play. People in Scotland saw the Everton representatives, but no one imagined for one moment that they were seeking Gillick. The names of many other noted players were connected with Everton, but only the Everton people knew the truth. A couple of weeks ago Everton had become so impressed by this game little forward –he is only 5ft 7 ¼ ins –that they decided to get him. Negotiations were opened with Mr. Struth, the manager of the Rangers, and last Saturday four Everton officials journeyed to Scotland to settle the question of terms. The Rangers named a price –the biggest Everton had ever considered –and refused to cut a penny piece off it. Everton keen to secure Gillick in time for the rush of Christmas matches, said “Yes” but.... Gillick knew nothing of it!
Clinching The Deal.
The Everton people came home without the transfer player completed, but yesterday Mr. Theo Kelly, the acting secretary of Everton, went to Glasgow to clinch the deal. Gillick was summoned to attend a conference, and not until then was he informed that his transfer was under consideration. The case was explained to Gillick and the boy who two years ago was playing for Petershill, a Glasgow junior club, decided to throw in his lot with Everton. Papers were produced, signed and sealed and Scotland’s utility forward became a member of the famous Goodison Park club. Gillick is only “little’un,” but he is a terrier for work, shrewd schemer, a dangerous raider, two-footed, and a rare shot. He can play in every forward position, and has done so for the Rangers. Last season Gillick scored 17 goals in 17 league matches. Gillick is not an international, but he played for Glasgow in the annual match between Glasgow and Sheffield. He began his football career as a centre-forward and was a prolific scorer for Petershill. Gillick is due to arrive in Liverpool on Thursday, and is expected to make his debut for the Blues against Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday. Gillick was in a motor-car accident in Glasgow last night, and received a slight hand injury. He will, however, be fit for Saturday.
GILLICK AT OUTIDE RIGHT.
December 11, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
Everton’s Three Changes.
By John Peel.
Everton’s new forward, Gillick, from Glasgow Rangers, is, as expected, to play for his new club on Saturday against Leeds United at Goodison Park, but it will be a surprise to many that he is to fill the outside right perth, as he has been playing on the other wing for the Rangers. Still, Gillick is at home anywhere and he was played at outside right on more than one occasion; indeed, one of his most dazzling displays as a Ranger was in this position, so that he is familiar with the requirements of the berth. The new Scot is to have another countryman, Miller, as his partner, the Partick Thistle man resuming in place of Bentham. Thus Everton will have a fresh right wing compared with that of last week. There is another change, Cook dropping out in favour of Jackson. The team therefore is: Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Gillick, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield.
Geldard, Cook, and Bentham are due to play in the Central league side at Stoke where the following eleven will do duty; King; Cook, Cresswell; E. Tunney, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Bentham, Dickinson, H. Hampson, Archer.
PASSING FOR PROGRESS IS EVERTON’S NEED.
December 11, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Home Truths –Says He.
“Everton” Blues” sends what he terms home truths” –Everton’s big weakness is half and wingers. How is it the players concerned (Britton, Mercer, Geldard, and Leyfield) always get a good press from you, even when they are playing shocking stuff? A little bit of fancy ball-chewing seems to
Go a long way with you and the Everton directors. I am not blaming you for Everton’s a position –their play warrants that –but I do think you shows a distinct leaning to certain players, with Britton No 1 on your lost. When Everton get two wing half’s who will help the backs with some good honest tackling, and when they get the ball give it to the forwards on the floor (not lob it) the forwards will have a much better chance of opening up. If you think such half-backs do not exist have a look at Crayston and Copping of the Arsenal, Hastings, of Sunderland, and one here next week Willie Edwards. To blame the “third back,” for this is ridiculous. All the successful teams play it. The trouble is Everton at wing half. I thank the gentleman for his county and outspoken criticism. Yes, I can take it. I plead not guilty to favouritism of any one footballer, however. I judge each game as I see it, and without venom towards anyone, it is so easy to say. Don’t lob a ball to the middle.” But goals have some that way, and if there has been little response from passes delivered to other forwards what is a half back to do with the ball? If you ask what is wrong with Everton the answer is:
First, the club had a lot of misfortune with players being damaged –Stein, Coulter, Cook &c. At the present moment Stevenson is croacked –probably for a fortnight –and we all know the loss of Coulter had its effect upon the line in general, and on Stevenson in particular. Add the lack of combination, and the disorganisation of Everton’s attack is too patent for words Geldard has had a mixture of partners, and he has had far too many long spells of unemployment to “keep him warm” when the pass has come along.
Second –The playing of White as third back had a storming send-off, but later goals came space. The principle cannot be blamed for this change of “front.” But Everton certainly slumped in defence last week-end. Thirdly-combination, combination, combination, and young fellows who will shoot. Todays wingers must take their goals, and solo dribbles will never get the effect of a precise pass which means progress. Only this morning I have a very important note from a trusty friend, who played for his county and helped to win a cup final medal. He had been to see Everton Res, and said; from what I saw I suggest they have the players but progressive play is out of their armour. The inside forwards were continually passing back to the half back. This is all very well when the inside forward is crowded out, but when the forwards have plenty of time to move forward the proper policy is to make ground. I think the phrase “make ground” has been the subject of my criticism of the present side over a long period of matches. Passing for passing’s sake is valueless; passing for progress is my desire and Everton’s need.
EVERTON’S BIG CAPTURE AT OUTSIDE RIGHT.
December 11, 1935. Evening Express.
Miller and Gillick Partner Against Leeds.
Full Back Change.
By the Pilot.
Two of Everton’s biggest Scottish captures will form the right wing of the attack to oppose Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday. They are Torrance Gillick, the new star from Glasgow Rangers who was signed on Monday, and Billy Miller, the former Partick Thistle and Scottish international.
There was much speculation regarding where Everton would decide to play Gillick who has, this season, operated in all five forwards positions for the Rangers. There is wisdom behind selection in linking up the 19 years old. Airdie boy with Miller, for Miller is one of the cleverest constructive forwards in the game and just the man to exploit the dash and enterprise of Gillick. These men from the Scottish “school” once they have settled down to working understanding may prove one of the best wings in the country. The diligent exploitation of Gillick by Miller and Britton, who will be behind the pair, should provide Gillick with every possible opportunity of setting down to English football right away.
Displaces Geldard.
Gillick takes the place of the English international Geldard. Miller returns to the side for the first time since November 9, when he played against Manchester City, at Maine-road. He displaces Bentham. A third change is made in the side which was swamped at West Bromwich Albion. Cook, the Irish international right back, gives way to Jackson, the former Mariners player, who has played several matches with the first team and who was born within a stone’s throw of Goodison Park. Geldard, Bentham and Cook will all play for the Central League side at Stoke. The half-back line is undisturbed, and Leyfield and Cunliffe, the gradulate from the Everton “A” team from the left wing of attack, with Dean in the leadership. Everton have won only one of the last five engagements and Leeds have taken eight of the last ten points. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Gillick, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Everton Res; (v. Stoke City); King; Cook, Cresswell; E. Tunney, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Benthan, Dickinson, H.Hampson, Archer.
GILLICK-AND OTHER GOOD FELLOW NOTIONS
December 13, 1935, Liverpool Echo.
Furope Over New Everton Players
His Best Game –At Outside Right.
Bee’s Notes.
Let us talk of Gillick and Goodfellow Fund. If everyone does his best for the fund it will touch a record figure. Be grateful, be handsome in your gifts to the collectors remember every penny you give goes, without expense, to a desiring cause. Record your offering and create a record collection for the ground. And now to the new players at Goodison Park. Nothing in the way of transfer lines has made such appeal as the Gillick signing of this week. Tomorrow the young man, still a mere boy in years, but with a fund of experience in the highest class of football, will make his English League debut. It would be a trying test to most lads, but this young man has assurance, is a great header of a ball and can play anywhere in the attack. Some people would like Everton to set their machinery in order and let it run. It is suggested that we do not want someone who plays in any position, but rather a specialist in a certain position to have that position and hold it. It is suggested that the test of Stevenson and Cunliffe has been in differing positions, and Everton’s attack has been too huffy, promising a lot, and fulfilling little. Well, the club have acted wisely in putting Gillick, of Glasgow Rangers, as outside right, because that is his favourite position, and it is his best position, says my scout in Scotland. He points out that Torrance Gillick gave his greatest displays when he faced Celtic on Christmas Day a year ago, and went into battle with McGonagie, giving that back a rare run, for his money. Everton forwards will find a new confidence, no doubt, and it will be necessary for them to improve on past efforts at home, because in meeting men of the type of Sproston and Milburn they will be tackling two of the stoutest hearts in the game. Leeds have never done so well; as the season; they are taking new places of rest in London. They are at the moment at Cleveley’s, and they tell me “the usual” team will be playing against Everton. It is anything but a usual team; it is a very unusual Leeds eleven. True, Everton will be tested by the defence and their own defence will be tested by the supposed veteran George Brown, who after all was playing for Huddersfield’s first team when he was 17, and today is still the quick mover into his stride –a secret of his success Willie Edwards will also make appeal and Jim McDougall’s upstanding brother- so high –will also be on view. With Partrick Miller as Gillick’s partner and Jackson, the dour, at full back. Everton will be a combination of ruggedness and ability. The transfer deal had “made” this match, everybody will be there. It is not an easy match to win, but if Miller can get up and moving as he did against Derby in the opening game, there are many possibilities and the most certain is that there will be an outstanding forward football display. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Gillick, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield.
WOMEN FOOTBALL “FANS”
December 13 1935. Evening Express.
Football, will i fear, seriously interfere with mid-day Christmas dinner in hundreds of Liverpool homes this year. Personally I am not a football fan, but I do know that literally thousands of my sex are keen, followers of this popular game. On Christmas morning the Liverpool team is to meet the Arsenal on the Liverpool ground, and I know that nothing short of an earthquake will prevent many local women from attending this exciting fixture. This is the first time that a morning match has been arranged for Christmas Day in Liverpool since the war. Women, by the way, are being catered for my football clubs to an extent hitherto unheard of. The Everton club, for instance, has a big rest room reserved for women where refreshments are served. West Bromwich Albion, I hear have recently built oak panelled room and furnished it with easy chairs and here women supporters may have tea. Thirty years ago women were not considered by the rulers of football. Times have changed and todays clubs are forced to realise that women have taken a definite place in football circles.
EVERTON’S £10,000 RIGHT WING.
December 13, 1935. Evening Express.
Gillick-Miller Partnership Against Leeds
Debut Of New Scottish Star.
By the Pilot.
All eyes on Everton’s £10,000 Scottish right wing against Leeds United at Goodison Park tomorrow! First, because Torrance Gillick, the new star forward secured from Glasgow Rangers during the week at a record fee for the Goodison club, makes his debut for the Blues; secondly, because Gillick will be partnered by Miller, another expense Scottish acquisition, with whom he played in Scotland three years ago. Everton’s lowly position in the league is causing some concern in the board room, but the directors have not sat back looking on. They have gone out with their cheque book and returned with a product who is regarded as the best young forward in Scotland. Gillick can play anywhere in attack, but he is happier when playing on the right flank, for lthough “Torry” –as he is familiarly known –possesses that virtue of having two football feet, he is stronger with his right. If Gillick succeeds then many of the clouds which are darkening the Everton horizon will disappear. Personally, I think he will, for Gillick is the type of Scot who should settle down quickly to the faster, more open English style of football. It is wise that Gillick is given a typical Scottish prompter in Miller, who has taken a long time to settle down in England. Miller is a consummate footballer who operates with though and judgement and who is a past-master in the creative art.
Miller Has Speeded Up.
From what Miller has been showing in the Central League side he has speeded up considerably. He was not quick enough in action when last I saw him in the first team, but if his mind works in unison with his feet, then Gillick is going to have all the support necessary. Everton, who have won only one match in the last five, oppose one of the most-improved teams in the competition in Leeds. Early in the season it seemed that Leeds were going to be among the strugglers, but they have enjoyed a remarkable run since securing George Brown, the England, Huddersfield and Aston Villa player, from Burnley. The United have picked up eight out of the last ten points played for. Brown is proving the inspiration of the attack, besides figuring prominently among the goal scorers; and McDougall, brother of Liverpool’s McDougall is, on current form one of the best pivot’s in the land. Everton generally manage to do well against Leeds, although last season they had to be content with only one point. A general tightening up in defence and more direct shooting by the forwards, however should enable Everton to gain the points. Apart from the two forwards changes, Everon bring back Jackson to right back in place of Cook, but Leeds are unchanged. Teams:- Everton; Sagar, Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Gillick, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Leeds United; McInroy; Spronston, Milburn (J.); Edwards, McDougall, Browne; Duggan, Brown, Kelly, Furness, Cochrane.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park tomorrow (Saturday), Everton v. Leeds United, Kick-off 2.15, Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands Extra (Unc Tax). Boys under 11 and half-time to goal double-deckerstand, Bullens-road -1/- Booked seats, Sharp’s Whitechapel.
LEEDS UNITED AT GOODISON.
December 14, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton are in trouble at the lower end of the table, and it is essential that a special effort, should be made to recover a safer place. The acquisition of Gillick, the Glasgow Rangers forward, is the first step in the effort to improve the side, and today his first appearance in the Everton colours against Leeds United, I awaited with keen interest. It is always difficult to blend a side, but it is felt that Gillick will add more thrust to the wing play. Leeds United are an improving team, and indeed, they have done very well since the opening matches, although they have not enjoyed success away from home. The Yorkshire team, however, will require a deal of beating today. In addition to Gillick, Miller returns to the Everton team in place of Bentham, while Jackson supersedes Cook. Spectators will have an opportunity in contribute to the Goodfellow Fund, and I hope all will give generously to make a record collection for the ground. The kick-off is at 2.15, and the teams are: - Everton; Sagar, Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Gillick, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Leeds United; McInroy; Spronston, Milburn (J.); Edwards, McDougall, Browne; Duggan, Brown, Kelly, Furness, Cochrane.
LEEDS HOLD EVERTON TO GOODLESS DRAW.
December 14, 1935, Evening Express, Football Edition.
Jones Full-Back Hero Of Tame Game.
Gillick Has Few Chances
By the Watchers.
Jones, the young full back from Ellesmere Port, was the hero of Everton’s drawn match with Leeds United at Goodison. The game produced no goals, but Everton had to thanks the brilliant play of Jones for not being in arrears Jones, in fact, was the best man on the field. Little was seen of Gillick, Everton’s new Scottish star, who had few chances to shine. Teams:- Everton:- Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Miller, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Leeds United:- McInroy, goal; Sproston and Milburn (J.), backs; Edwards, McDougall, and Browne, half-backs; Duggan, Brown (G.), Hyde, Furness, and Cochrane, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Walden (Nottingham). Leeds moved well at the start, but the ball bounced awkwardly on the hard turf, which has been liberally sprinkled with sand. Dean was prominent in the Blue’s first real threat, but his backward pas to Mercer came to nothing. The next moment, however, a neat transference by Leyfield saw the ball shoot goalwards, but Cunluffe, when presented with a good opportunity, threw away his chances of giving Everton an early lead. Leyfield, who so far was being given plenty of room in which to work, brought Gillick into action by cutting in and lobbing the ball over the upright, but Gillick’s return ball came back “on the floor” and Milburn promptly stepped in.
Everton Attack.
Everton spent a period on attack, but when the Yorkshiremen took play to the other end, Hyde slipped through at the last minute only to mistimed his kick with Sagar dancing in front of him. It was a let-off for Everton. The home halves hesitated and Milburn surprised everyone by coming up and hitting a long ball, but he had to advance his steps immediately, for Everton then took the upper hand; good work by Dean and Gillick ending in a Cunliffe header being punched out by McInroy. Gillick slipped in putting on speed to take over a pass from Miller, and indeed it was evident that the speed at which the ball was coming off the turf was likely to put an end to many moves. Cochran earned a round of applause by a line run, during which he beat Jackson, and then sent over a lovely ball, but not to be outdone, Leyfield took up the challenge on Everton’s behalf. He sold the “dummy” to Sproston and cut in goalwards before losing the ball by a last minute endeavour. Cunliffe went over to the right to bring the ball up and place inward for Gillick to attempt a short centre. The next move saw Dean lob a perfect overhead ball to Leyfield.
Miller And Jones Shine.
Jones was playing great stuff under pressure, but so far Miller had impressed most of all. Everton’s new winger, however, was not yet enjoying the best of fortune. George Brown showed us a touch of his old Huddersfield genius in worming his way through and then trying to draw White while Hyde was waiting on good ground, but the Everton pivot would have none of it. Everton warmed us on this cold afternoon by laying siege to the Leeds goals. All the forwards took part in a concerned attack, and the ball bounced about dangerously in the goalmouth, eventually being pushed out to Britton, who crashed in a fast ball that whizzed over the top. Brown sent the ball flying into the net after it had rebounded from underneath the crossbar, but the referee had been whistling frantically for offside, even before Brown took the ball round Sagar. The evergreen Edwards was a strength in the United Intermediate line, and although not much had been seen of Duggan that was due principally to Jones –the United’s forwards were never averse to having “a go.” Cunliffe showed up strongly by running forward to take a return header from Leyfield after two others had also taken an active part, but his effort fizzled out.
Half-time Everton 0 Leeds United 0
Dean provided the first thrill on the resumption when he leaped up to head into McInroy’s hands. Generally speaking the game had not yet reached a high standard in fact, so far it was the poorest game seen in Liverpool this season. Dean was not shooting well, but when occasion demanded it his head was ever ready. Once he raced headlong into the net in an effort to head the ball over McInroy’s shoulder. An advance, instigated by Miller, gave Cunliffe a chance which he utilised by heading forward in brilliant fashion, but McInroy came out to make a great one-handed save.
Not-So-Jolly Miller!
When Everton went back to the attack, Miller should have had a “grand and glorious feeling,’ for McInroy had run out of goal when the ball; fell at the Everton’s man’s feet, but Miller crashed the all high over the top with everyone ready to cheer for a goal. Gillick did the best piece of work when he came up in quick style to take over a squared ball and crashed it low towards goal. McInroy jumped sideways and took it near the foot of the post. Everton were the more dangerous side in this half and Sagar was only once brought into action in the first 20 minutes of the second half. A decision that lost Everton a possible goal was hotly contested by Dean and his colleagues. McInroy had run out of goal and Cunliffe lobbed a nice ball goalward. It was falling in the direction of the vacant net, when Sporston dashed across with his hands outstretched. From the Press box he appeared to touch it with his finger-ends and a divert is part the far post, but the referee after consultation with one of the linesmen awarded a goal kick. It looked any odds on Leeds going ahead when Hyde slipped through, but his final effort shot away from the top of the bar. The crowd was roused when Dean put Gillick through on a clear run, but after closing in, the winter shot straight at the advancing McInroy. In the closing minutes Dean dashed in to take a ball coming from the wing, but McInroy dived forward in great style to smother the shot. Final Everton 0, Leeds United 0.
STOKE C. RES V EVERTON RES
December 14, 1935. Evening Express.
Stoke City Res, showing more thrust than in recent games, took the lead in five minutes through Peppitt. The same player’s effort led to the next goal, his shot being lifted over the bar, and Robson headed in from the resultant corner. The home half-back line was very sound. Geldard was well held, but at length he got past Moores and Taylor, and centred to Bentham, who scored. Half-time Stoke Res 2, Everton Res 1.
GOALLESS DRAW AT GOODISON
December 14, 1935. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Gillick’s Promising Show.
By Stork.
A bad day for a debutants, yet Gillick showed enough to satisfy most people. He had not a lot of support yet McInroy had to make one smart save from him, but I would like to see more of Gillick before I passed a more definite opinion. It was a poor game, but of course one had to make allowances for the conditions –wind, hard ground, and lively ball. Teams:- Everton:- Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Miller, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Leeds United:- McInroy, goal; Sproston and Milburn (J.), backs; Edwards, McDougall, and Browne, half-backs; Duggan, Brown (G.), Hyde, Furness, and Cochrane, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Walden (Nottingham). Naturally there was a big crowd to see Everton’s new man, Gillick, and also, perhaps, to get a view of this Leeds United team, which has done so well in recent weeks. The crowd was a good one, which was fortunate for the Goodfellows collection. It was some time before we saw Gillick in action. The ground was hard, and there was a nasty cross wind yet United, who played in a peculiar combination of colours, tangerine and black quarters, produced so much good class football without, however, calling upon Sagar. Willis Edwards, whose hair is very thin these days, was responsible for one good run, and a neat pass which was not taken up. Then Everton, by some clever play on their left wing, put the Leeds goal in danger. With such a chance Everton should have taken the lead for even though Dean was unable to accept the offering, the ball went on to Miller, and then Gillick, who, however, in tapping the ball put it a shade too far forward, and as he was tackled by Sproston he never really got the opening which would have been his had the ball not run so far forward. Miller made a good shot, and for a time Everton got on top, and Gillick made n astute header in his effort to provide an opportunity for an opening goal. But a defence such as Leeds posses does not allow any frivolities in front of its own goal. Miller made another sound effort to gain an opening goal to his side, and the margin against him was only a foot. Gillick was again in the picture when he made a drag pass, intended no doubt for Miller, who, unfortunately for Everton, was not up for the occasion.
Gillick’s Play.
Miller was inclined to push the ball too far forward for Gillick, yet, one could not help but see football brain in some of Gillick’s movements. He tried one shot which lacked string, but once he gets a better understanding with the play of his colleagues I have no doubt that he will have a good innings with the club. Cochrane made one of the best runs of the game thus far. Cleverly tricking Jackson he sent along a centre which travelled over the angle of the Everton woodwork. Leyfield wasted a ball after Dean had given him a fine chances to do something great. In fact, at this point some of the spectators were calling on Everton to “pull up their socks.” There was a spot of brother in the stands and the proceedings were so tame on the field of play that the spectators did not know whether to watch the game or the row. Browne, the former Villa player, tried to barge his way through, but the Everton defence was well able to stop him getting to within distance of Sagar. Naturally on such a day and in such conditions, one had to overlook errors of judgement, but at the same time one had to pay credit to the work of Cochrane on the Leeds left wing for he was full of tricks, but the inside men were not go ahead, a remark which could be applied in some respects to Everton’s insides.
White’s Solid Work.
Offside spoiled a promising Leeds attempt, and the Browne had not heard the whistle, he went on to complete the attack and put the ball into the net, but of course, the point did not count. White’s work down the middle was solid so much so that Kelly had practically no chance to show his worth. White was also responsible for some good passes which on a better day might easily have set the Everton machine in motion. The players must have found great difficulty in keeping a foothold. Quite a number of them slipped up at critical moments. Duggan for one missed an opportunity through this sort of thing and Gillick, too, was held up through his losing his grip. There was little good combination in the game, but one could hardly overlook the miss by Miller when he had a ball put right to his toe when he was not more than eight yards out. Mercer made a long shot which was turned into a corner, and then Cunliffe went close with a gliding header.
Half-time Everton 0, Leeds United 0.
There was much more life in the first 15 minutes of the second half than was the case throughout the whole of the first session, Everton were undoubtedly the superior force now, and McInroy had to make one or two, really clever saves. Leeds were mainly strictly on the defensive, and when a ball did get pushed up to where the forwards should have been, there were only Kelly and Cochrane handy. Everton were always heading for a goal, yet the Leeds defence barred their way. All eyes were on Gillick, and he greatly pleased when he took a pass from Dean, cut in and deli evened a low shot which McInroy turned round the foot of his post. McInroy also cut out a header from Dean from the resultant corner kick. The Leeds goalkeeper was a busy man during this half, although the shots that he had to retrieve were not of the calibre likely to beat so capable a custodian. Gillick once delayed his centre until the last fraction of the second, and when he put it over it was a really boony effort. McInroy went out to punch it away but missed the fight of the ball, and when Cunliffe headed in to what was an empty goal it looked as though Sproston had turned the ball round the pot with his hand. The referee deemed it necessary to discuss the matter with the linesman and upon his giving his version of the incident gave a goal kick, to Leeds. There was still a lack of “bite” in the game, and Leeds attacks were so few that it came as a surprise to find Sagar having to flick over the bar a worthy effort by Kelly, who had so few opportunities because of White’s dominance. Gillick was very quick to seize a possible opening when a stray ball came bounding down the middle. He bounded forward like a greyhound and then made a shot of power, but it was negative by the fact that McInroy had advanced out of his goal to close down the shooter’s angle. The corner which Gillick’s effort produced was soon cleared and Sagar had to run out to prevent Kelly from getting his head to a ball. McInroy had an escape, for when the Everton left flank swept across a long centre, McInroy was so intent on watching Dean that the ball passed him by and had not Milburn stepped in and kicked clear a goal would have been a certainly. Gillick’s centre was met by Dean and McInroy at the same moment, which meant that the Leeds goal was saved. Final Everton 0, Leeds United 0.
EVERTON 0 LEEDS UNITED 0 (Game 1539 over-all)-(Div 1 1497)
December 16, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
How Gillick Fared.
Scot’s Second Half Promise.
Defence Prevail at Goodison.
By “Stork.”
Saturday was not a good day for football, for there was a biting cold wind, a hard ground, and a flighty ball, and one had to make allowances on all sides. Everton and Leeds United played a goalless draw. Attention was centred upon Gillick, Everton’s £8,000 forward from Glasgow Rangers. Every movement of his was followed with interest, and I should imagine that most of the Everton supporters were satisfied with what they saw, for although Gillick did not set the place on fire he showed that under better conditions he could play superior football. One must go warily where a new man is concerned, but I must admit that Gillick satisfied me.
Passes Too Far Forward.
Gillick had not a lot of support, for Miller’s passes were usually put too far forward, and this enabled the Leeds defenders to take the ball. Gillick however, once he had made ground, did not waste a ball. Perhaps he should have scored early on after the ball passed Dean and Miller, but I think he was so surprised to find the ball in front of him that he was slow to make up his mind. That slight hesitancy cost him dearly. Gillick’s best was saved until the second half. Perhaps it would be well to skip over the first session, for there was so little in it of moment that the spectators were calling upon their men to “pull up their socks” and when a spot of bother took place in one of the stands the people actually had time to turn round, see what it was all about, and not miss much. Gillick’s coming has undoubtedly solved one of Everton’s troubles, but there are others which will have to be attended to before they can get themselves out of the wood. The forward line had no penetration. Although McInroy made one or two saves the occasions on which he was really tested were few. Admitting that Leeds packed their goal under the slightest provtion, and that they do not stand on ceremony, preferring to make the quick and determined tackle to send their opponents about their business, there were occasions when a more progressive plan would have carried the Everton attack through to success. Twice they had the ball in front of the Leeds goal, and although there were five forwards thereabout no one could land it in the net. Dean could do little against the tall McDougall, brother to James, of Liverpool, and his lack of speed undoubtedly prevented him taking a goal in the fleeting minutes of the game. If he could have found half a yard, less, he would have beaten McInroy when Gillick had put the ball nicely through for him. As it was, the two boots met the ball together and the great chance was lost. Miller’s glides to Gillick were sent too far forward, for it was impossible to get off with a flying start on the treacherous ground, and hen the new man did collect the ball and return it, Miller was not to be found. True, Miller did try with a couple of shots of note, but he was not an ideal partner for Gillick. Cunliffe worked hard with little recompense, and Leyfield found Sporston fearless and grim, just as Gillick had found J. Milburn a proposition.
White’s Dominance.
No fault could be found with the defence White was one of the best men on the field, for he “blotted out” Hydes, the centre forward who most times had to work his way down the middle entirely on his own, for Brown, the ex-Villa, and Furness were too far in his rear to be of any help. Cochrane was the United’s best forward, and he could, and did, best Jackson, who should curb his rushes. If he got the ball all was well, but there were times when he failed to collect it, and it was then Cochrane had a clear run through. The Leeds attack was composed of three players, who had little or no chance against four defenders. Mercer is coming on, and Britton by his promptings helped Gillick to have a reasonably good second half. Jones was class from start to finish. He rarely put a foot wrong and his positional play was of a high order. Sagar was sure. Ewards is still a fine footballer. He used the ball, and with a five-point attack his beautifully forward passes should have spelt goals. McDougall was effective near goal, and Browne put in a lot of useful work, Sproston and Milburn were a fearless pair. First time tactics, whether kicking or tackling, were the secret of their success, McInroy had a calm manner in goal. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Miller, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Leeds United: - McInroy, goal; Sproston and Milburn (J.), backs; Edwards, McDougall, and Browne, half-backs; Duggan, Brown (G.), Hyde, Furness, and Cochrane, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Walden (Nottingham).
• Football Result Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 7, Drake scoring all seven goals for Arsenal
STOKE CITY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 16, 1935, Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 19)
Everton made a great fight at Stoke, but the home men were more thrustful. The goals for Stoke were scored by Peppit and Robson (2), Bentham and Gee netting for Everton. The visitors failed to make the best of their chances in front of goal. Everton:- King, goal; Cook, and Cresswell, backs; E. Tunney, Gee, and Thomson (captain) Half-backs; Geldard, Benthan, Dickinson, H.Hampson, and Archer, forwards.
Prescot Cables 3, Everton “A” 2
County Combination.
At Prescot. The appointed referee failing to arrive it was decided to play the game as a friendly. Everton did most of the attacking in the first half, but the Cables were the first to score, a goal by S. Brown gave them an interval lead. Rivers (Penalty) and Houghton scored further goals for Cables. Lambert and Hilton (own goal) scored for Everton. McNeil, Cables and White Everton both played their part well in goal.
HOW GILLICK FARED.
December 16, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
A goalless game has to be particularly good to satisfy the average onlooker. Well, let me tell you the game between Everton and Leeds United was anything but good, and had it not been for the interest displayed in Gillick, it would have dropped to mediocre. Admitting the conditions were all against accurate football –there was a disturbing wind, a hard ground, and a fightly ball-that does not account entirely for the lack of combined effort (writes “Stork.”) Neither forward line could lay claim to being a progressive line, for it gave way to superior defensive ability, hence the goalless draw. Everton undoubtedly had the better chances of opening their score, but there was a fragility about their shooting, what little there was, and the United’s effort could be easily counted on the fingers of one hand. The first half was dull and dismal, so much so that people round about took more interest in a bother in the stand than what was going on the field –that alone tells its own tale. But I am sure your great concern is to know how Gillick, the new wingers from Glasgow Rangers fared in his debut match. Naturally, he was some little time in settling down. That was to be expected, and it is not my intention to look too critically into his display, for was he not alongside new friends, new conditions, a difficult ground, and a “live” ball and another thing, a defence which does not give anything away. Still, I think the majority of the Everton supporters were satisfied, for Gillick showed possibilities, and I am going to wait until conditions are better before I give my final vote about his ability.
Gillick’s Tricks.
He should have had a goal in the first half; missed it through the ball running too far away from his toe, yet there were things he did later on which told that there is football; in this boy –for boy he is. He pulled a trick or two which stamped him as a thinking footballer, and the longer he played the better he became. He was undoubtedly strengthened one section of the side, but the scouts work is not yet complete, for there are other points in the attacking needing their immediately attention. The forwards need more incisiveness near goal, shots are not ending in the back of the net often enough. Miller was brought in the hope that he would pair off with Gillick, but the Patrick man’s passes were too far forward for his comrade. Miller had a couple of shots, but was otherwise just an ordinary forward instead of the missing link in the Everton front line. It was a dreary business following the play in the first half for there was nothing in it to excile, nor anything likely to bring about a goal point. The defences triumphed, for the Leeds attack was just as feeable in its progress as Everton’s so you must now have some idea of the sort of game put before us for our delectation. Of goal thrills there were few, and although most of them took place in front of the Leeds citadel, never a ball found its way into the net-wait a moment, Brown scored an offside goal. Generally speaking, the goalkeeper had an easy time; Sagar was never tested to the full, and McInroy had perhaps, three real saves to make. Sagar’s greatest work was taking the ball as it flew across his own face.
Defences Triumph.
Of combination there was little; of snap there was none; in fact, there was little in the game to keep the blood warm, and it was bitterly cold up on the stand. And good thing one can say about the game concerns the rival defence, for neither attack produced anything which enabled the critics to go into rhapsody. Dean, Leyfield, Miller and Cunliffe were well held down by the Leeds attack, just as the United forwards were held up by the Everton defence, of which White was outstanding. He was mainly responsible for the subjection of the inside forwards, and Duggan had no chance against Jones, selfish defender. Jackson was useful, but most times his rushes correctly. When his rushes failed it left Cochrane an open path to goal, and the outside left was undoubtedly the danger man of the line. Britton gave Gillick every assistance and Mercer has come on apace. McInroy had the more difficult task, yet even he would consider he had an easy match. Sporston and Milburn (J.) were powerful defenders, but the man on the Leeds side was the veteran Edwards.
GILLICK SHOULD DO WELL
December 16, 1935. Evening Express.
When He Settles Down.
By the Watcher.
Gillick, Everton’s new Scottish star, should do well when he has had more experience of English football. This is my opinion after watching him in action on Saturday, when the Blues and Leeds United played a goalless draw at Goodison Park. In the first place Gillick had few chances to shine, and secondly, the ball was so often sent up for him at such a pace that he would have needed the speed of a greyhound to take the passes and, thirdly, the light ball often deceived him by the manner in which it bounced on the frozen turf. He had an uninspiring first half, but later showed touches that promise well when he has become accustomed to the game on this side of the border. The Everton attack lacked pep on Saturday, although it must be remembered that the ball often ran unkindly. Dean did not show his true form and when he tried to open out the game the United’s pivot usually proved a barrier too strong to get past. Leyfield opened well, putting across many choice centres, but faded out in the later stages, at which period Gillick was the strongest of the extreme wingers. Cunliffe and Miller worked hard without achieving much success. White was again a third back, that scheme leaving the Blues with only two attacking halves, not sufficient to put the home front-line past a defence that stood on little or no ceremony. The man of the day was Jones, the former Ellemeres Port junior. His positional play was good to watch. Time and again he held up the United attack.
OLD-TIME STYLE.
December 17, 1935. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
“Very Old Evertonian” writes: - The lowly positional of Everton is disturbing, and it I not my intention to start a correspondence about the reasons. Every thoughtful person, must realise the extremely difficult position of the board from the start through accidents. For some reason all the critics lay most, if not all the troubles, at the feet of the forwards. A brief study of the League table will show that they have scored as many, if not more goals than half the clubs, whilst the defence have forfeited more goals than 18 clubs. It has been said you can make figures prove anything you can make figures prove anything, but they cannot lie in this case, they point to the defence. I am not alone of the opinion that whilst the players at the disposal of the board are not quite strong enough all round to win a championship, they are quite equal to figuring in the top half of the table. They won all their honours by the traditional Everton style “attack is the best defence,” and I am sure that if the board instruct the players to revert to that style we shall see them rise in the table. Let Everton get back to their own style with zest and the stock will soon rise.
“Annoyed Blue” Writes:-The team selectors are very much to blame for the disappointment of Everton’s loyal followers. I suggest the following: Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Gillick, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Archer.
SUPRISE EVERTON MOVES
December 18, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
Forward Line Reshuffle.
By John Peel.
The Everton directors at their meeting last night made further changes in the team to play against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s on Saturday. The changes will cause some surprise. They are all in the forward line, which has undergone reshuffle. Gillick, the new forward from Glasgow Rangers, who made his debut for Everton against Leeds United, goes from outside right to outside left, and Miller, who partnered him on Saturday will be inside left, Cunliffe moves from inside left to centre-forward in place of Dean, while Geldard and Bentham are recalled to the right wing. The other positions in the team are unchanged, and the side is: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick. The reserves X1 to meet Blackpool at Goodison Park will include Leyfield at outside right, and Cook and Cresswell at full back. The side is: King; Cook, Cresswell; E. Tunney, Gee, Thomson; Leyfield, Hannon, Dickinson, Webster, J. Baldwin.
EVERTON’S TURN-ROUND GILLICK AND MILLER GO THE LEFT
December 18, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
The DeposaL OF Dixie Dean.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton F.C. have made a great turn around, but whether it will be for the better only time can tell. They have left out Dean, who has been out of form for some weeks, and has been working in a line that lacked combination –so that any centre forward would have appeared to be lacking in form. But more remarkable is their swap of the right wing to the left. Gillick signed at (according to repute) £8,000, has had just one innings at outside right with Miller as his partner. We were told he liked outside right best of all forward positions. One run there and he has now been “transferred” with Miller to the left. In view of the awkward conditions of play last week, many may think this juggling with £8,000 is unusual and rather hasty. Geldard and Bentham return to the attack after one week’s absence from the top team. The team v. Birmingham is: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick.
The Reserves X1 to meet Blackpool at Goodison park will include Leyfield at outside right, with Cook and Cresswell at full back. The side is: - King; Cook, Cresswell; E. Tunney, Gee, Thomson; Leyfield, Hannon, Dickinson, Webster, J. Baldwin.
EVERTON’S “ALL CHANGE” ATTACK.
December 18, 1935. Evening Express.
Cunliffe To Lead It.
Gillick And Miller Move To The Left.
Geldard And Bentham Return.
By the Pilot.
Every position in the attack changed! This was the decision of the Everton directors at their meeting last night for the club’s visit to Birmingham on Saturday. The changes involve the omission of Billy Dean, the international captain and centre-forward, for the first time this season. The object of the changes is to secure greater penetrative power in the attack. The great cry has gone up,” We want goals,” and everything is being done to get them. The task of leading the attack falls on Jimmy Cunliffe, who has played in all the inside forward positions for the Blues. Cunliffe led the attack in the match at Birmingham last season, when Everton won 3-2. Billy Miller and Torry Gillick, who formed the right wing of attack against Leeds United, are changed over to the left wing. It will be the first time Miller has played inside left for Everton, while Gillick will be occupying the position favoured when with Glasgow Rangers. This move means the displacement of Leyfield, who has been chosen to play for the reserves. On the right will Albert Geldard and Stanley Bentham, who were in the first team for three successive matches prior to the Leeds game. There seems little doubt that Gillick will prove a success on the left, and Miller is such a skilful manipulator and opening-creator that he should not feel out of place on that wing. Geldard has not been revealing his best form this season, but if he is correctly exploited and will make straight for goals more often, he will succeed. Bentham has proved himself a keen forager and willing shot. Cunliffe has had plenty of experience in leadership, and seeing that he is the leading scorer of the club this season he should not lack in shooting power. Everton have picked up only one point out of the last six played for. Everton team: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick.
Everton Reserves will be at home to Blackpool in a Central league match. Everton Reserves; King; Cook, Cresswell; E. Tunney, Gee, Thomson; Leyfield, Hannon, Dickinson, Webster, J. Baldwin.
BRITTON TO CAPTAIN EVERTON AT ST. ANDREWS
December 19, 1935. Evening Express.
First Time As Leader Of Blues.
Team To Rest At Buxton.
By the Pilot.
Clifford Britton, Everton’s international right half-back, will captain Everton for the first time on Saturday, in the game against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s. With Dean and Thomson, the captain and vice-captain, out of the side, it was necessary for another appointment to be made. The players had a talk today in the dressing room at Goodison Park, and they agreed that Britton should be given the honour. Britton joined Everton from Bristol Rovers in 1930, but did not secure a regular place in the first team until 1932. He has proved himself the finest attacking right half in the country. The Everton directors have decided that, in view of the rush of Christmas tide matches, some of the players shall be given a tonic at Buxton Spa over the week-end. Everton, for the past few years, have always favoured Buxton for special cup-tie training, and on Sunday morning a party of 14 players, in the charge of Mr. Theo Kelly, the acting-secretary, and Mr. Harry Cooke, the trainer, will leave Liverpool for a short rest. The party go on to Sheffield on Tuesday in preparation for the game at Hillsbrough against Sheffield on Tuesday evening preparation for the game at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday on Christmas morning, and will then return to Liverpool for the return game with the Wednesday on Boxing Day. Everton have not yet made any decision regarding special training for the F.A. Cup match with Preston.
Here Come The “All Whites!”
All About Everton Cup Rivals.
Preston North End, one of the daintiest sides in the First Division, will visit Goodison Park.
Preston and Everton joined the Football League at its start, and there have been many important transfer deals between the clubs. In December, 1932, Everton transferred to North End Holdcroft, the goalkeeper, and Lowe, the left back, both of whom constitute vital links in Preston’s defensive scheme today. Some time later Everton also allowed Common, the present Chester back, to go to Deepdale, while other names which spring to mind in the connection are George Harrison, Jasper Kerr, Jack Kendall, Frank Jefferis, and Duke Hamilton. Preston have had some wonder teams in the past, but this year’s side is, perhaps, one of the neatest they have ever possessed. They have a grand defence in Holdcroft, Gallimore and Lowe. The careers of Holdcroft and Lowe are somewhat romatic. Holdcroft, for instance, was signed by Everton n August 1931, from Darlington, but up to that time he left –December, 1932-he did not play a single game for Everton’s first team and only 15 for the Central League side. He figured for the remaining time in the “A” team.
One Of The Best Goalkeepers.
Today Holdcroft ranks as one of the finest goalkeepers in the country. Lowe was discovered by Southport playing with Skelmersdale, and he came to Everton in June, 1930. Lowe never turned out for Everton “A” team, yet made only four appearances in the first team –during Everton’s one season in the Second Division. Lowe played 78 Central league matches, and left for Preston with Holdcroft. Lowe is a thoughtful defender, Gallimore is rather more inclined to dash and intrepid intervention. They are a well-balanced pair. Tremelling, the centre half and captain did wonderful service for Blackpool before going to Deepdale, and his experience is proving invaluable. Shankly is a grand right half, whom Preston secured from Carlise United, and Milne, on the other intermediary flank, is a young Scot with a flair for construction. Week after week those six players are found in Preston’s first team. They are also so good that, metaphorically, they choose themselves. The Preston changes have been made in attack, but now that Maxwell, the dashing and alert Scottish centre forward, has settled down to real form, their troubles are ended. Maxwell is being exploited judiciously by the brothers Frank and Hugh O’Donnell, the ex-Glasgow Celtic players, who continue the left wing –one of the best wings in the First Division. Beresford, the inside right, is the English International who went to Deepdale this season from Aston Villa, and Dougal the outside right, is a clever young forward with an aptitude for cutting in on goal and snatching a point.
• Advertisement in Evening Express.
• F.A. Cup, 3rd Round _Everton v. Preston North End, January 11, 1936. Kick-off 2.30. Shareholders and members stands, Bullens Road and Block “F” Goodison road 5/- North and South end, Bullens-road, and Blocks “D” and “E” Goodison-road 3/6. Tickets obtainable at Goodison Park only from Monday next, December 23. All postal applications should include stamped addressed envoples with remittance.
DEATH OF AN OLD TIME EVERTON PLAYER
ST DOMINGO OLD-TIMER
December 19, 1935. Liverpool ECHO.
Bee’s Notes.
MR. WILL Eyton, the former Everton enthusiast, tells me Harry Williams was buried at Anfield Cemetery this week. He was one of the original six forwards playing for the Everton club 1878, in Stanley Park, and dressing in the small sweet shop under the terrace in Walton-Lane. They paid subscription of 2s 6d per season. It was on the advice of Mr. McAdam (Supt St. Domingo Chapel) that he left the Rose Football Club with myself to help the club. There are not many of the old members left. Mr. Williams was aged 87 years.
“Loyal Blue.” Says –Everton brought Hughes from Derby. Geldard began the season very badly but just as he was improving he was dropped and Gillick brought in. This is fair neither for Geldard nor Hughes. I am a regular attender at the reserve matches and can vouch for the fact that Hughes has played magnificent games. The combination between Miller and Hughes in the reserve team reminded me of Coulter and Stevenson at their best. Another fault at present is the third =-back system.
“Bluebird” writes: - why not give this a trail? Sagar; Gee, Thomson; Britton, White, Mercer; Gillick, Miller, Dean, Hartill, and Cunliffe? Big forwards are essential in the three-back game, hence the Hartill –Cunliffe suggestion.
A Correspondent Steps On it.
J.F.L writes; - I appeal for fair play to an Everton forward. Surely Hartill is the type of forward likely to be dangerous alongside Dean, yet he has been left out. Why? Years ago you paid your “bob” and viewed a game at Anfield from the Kop. Well, as a favour. “Bees,” do the same at Goodison and then take your courage in both hands and tell them what you think of the steps under the clock. It is the worst bob spelt of any ground I have been on.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY’S PART.
December 20, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
By John Peel.
Sheffield Wednesday figure largely in the Merseyside holiday fixture list, and, in addition to meeting Liverpool tomorrow, Everton have home and away fixtures with the Cup winners on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. How quickly the fortunes of clubs changes is shown by the Wednesday’s experiences this term. Winning the Cup and finishing third in the table, the Yorkshire club have had a comparatively moderate time of it so far. They have won five of their home games, lost three, and drawn two; while one away victory stands to their credit. The Wednesday therefore, will be quite as desperate as Everton, and these two matches are likely to be extremely keen. Derby Country, second in the list at the moment are to be visited on December 28, while the pre-cup period will be finished up with the “Derby” against Liverpool at Goodison park –a fitting game for the opening of the New Year. It will be seen, therefore, that Everton’s resources of the club to the full.
Britton Captains Everton.
Britton, the Everton half-back, will captain the team at Birmingham tomorrow in the absence of Dean and Thomson.
EVERTON’S STARTLING TEAM IS CALLED “rEVERsTON; THROUGH ALL-CHANGE PLAN
December 20, 1935. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Yes, sir; they call Everton “rEVERsTON” these days because the selection of the team has set some of their followers on edge. Naturally Everton went to weld their team at once and some feel they are not likely to find their best combine if they play a wing on the right one week and on the left the next week. Tomorrow the side goes to Birmingham to justify or otherwise the new name of “rEVERsTON.” At Anfield the prospect pleases because on last weeks showing can produce an attacking vein allied to the blessed word Combination.
Everton team lines up in this manner: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick.
In short, Birmingham will face the boyish wingers on the right and the Scottish pair on the left. Dean’s absence brings Cunliffe to view as a centre forward, and in recent times he has filled the three inside berths. Everton’s shuffling forward line caused many changes; Stevenson, who had been looked upon as a left winger, became a right winger, and Cunliffe, the inside right became inside left. Now there has been added the complete switchback of Gillick and Miller. We had known Gillick had played outside left for quite a time with Rangers, but it had escaped us that Miller had ever played elsewhere except of course, at half-back where he began his football life. Birmingham have never had a League season like this season’s it has been a triumph for them, and their last win at Middlesbrough half-marked their general play. They say Liverpool’s Steel is playing as no other back is playing. Indeed, the Birmingham club have been kind enough to pass me a vote of thanks for my part in their signing of the Anfield back. Of course, Christmas time can upset many pre-conceived notions of football form, and Everton hope to have got their attack into ship-shape by forming the side as Given above. Well, here’s luck to them.
EVERTON TO COMPETE ST. ANDREW’S “DOUBLE”?
December 20, 1935. Evening Express.
By the Pilot.
Everton, who have one of the hardest Christmas programmes of any club in the First Division, involving three away games and only one at home, visit St. Andrew’s tomorrow to tackle the vastly-improved Birmingham side. The Blues travel with a brand new attack, having an inside-forward at centre-forward, and an inside-right at inside-left. The changes, which result in the omission of Dean, and Leyfield are made with the object of bringing greater penetrative force –a quality which has been lacking in recent matches. The success of Everton depends on the easy working and “punch” of the attackers against a side which is noted for the steadiness of its defence. Last season, Everton won at St. Andrew’s 3-2, and it may be accepted as an omen that, in that match, Cunliffe led the forwards just as he will do tomorrow. Hibbs for Clark is the only Birmingham change, but Everton have Geldard and Bentham forming the right wing, Miller and Gillick on the left, and Cunliffe in the centre. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick. Birmingham: Hibbs; Barkas, Steel; Stoker, Fillingham, Loughan; White, Grosvenor, Jones, Harris, Guest.
• Advertisement in Evening Express.
F.A. Cup, 3rd Round _Everton v. Preston North End, January 11, 1936. Kick-off 2.30. Shareholders and members stands, Bullens Road and Block “F” Goodison road 5/- North and South end, Bullens-road, and Blocks “D” and “E” Goodison-road 3/6. Tickets obtainable at Goodison Park only from Monday next, December 23. All postal applications should include stamped addressed envoples with remittance
* Central League Match at Goodison Park tomorrow (Saturday), Dec 21, Everton Reserves v. Blackpool Reserves. Kick-off 2.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, stands Extra (including tax).
EVERTON TACKLE BIRMINGHAM
December 21, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton travel to the Midlands in the hope of improving a position which must occasion the club and its supporters grave concern. Changes have been resorted to in the effort to find a winning set of forwards, and the experiment of switching over the right wing pair of last week, Gillick and Miller, to the left will be closely watched. Dean has temporarily lost his form, and Cunliffe will tackle the onerous position of centre-forward against a strong Birmingham defence. The St. Andrews team is one to be respected just now, and Everton would do well to secure a point. Teams; Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick. Birmingham: Hibbs; Barkas, Steel; Stoker, Fillingham, Loughan; White, Grosvenor, Jones, Harris, Guest.
EVERTON LOSE AFTER LEADING.
December 21, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
“Gift” Goal Turns Tide In Birmingham’s Favour.
Gillick Opens His Account.
Blues’ Difficult Journey To St. Andrews.
By the Pilot.
A “Grit” goal by Jack Jones turned the tide in Birmingham’s favour in the match with Everton at St. Andrews. Birmingham won 4-2. Everton scored first through Cunliffe, and then Jones had the misfortune to put through for the home men. Within a short space Harris and White had given Birmingham a winning a winning lead before the interval. Everton kept the ball much too close, and although they began well, there was a fade out, and shots were few. Gillick, with not the best of support, was the danger man, and created many fine openings which went to waste. This boy looks like a winger to me. Sagar and White were outstanding for Everton. Gillick scored his first goal for the Everton club near the end. Everton had a difficult journey to Birmingham, but, thanks to fine organisation, the men were on the field only a few minutes after time. The team journeyed on the 9-40 train from lime-street, but the chief director in charge Mr. E. Green, did not reach the station in time, and Mr. T. Kelly, the acting secretary, was the only official present with the players, Jock Archer, 12th man, Andy Tucker, the assistant trainer and myself. The train did not reach Crewe until after 11 o’clock, and there was no hope of getting through to Birmingham in time for food. Mr. Kelly immediately ordered the luncheon baskets, and they were served and eaten before we at last steamed out of Crewe, half an hour after we should have been at Crewe. The news from Birmingham was that the fog was thick. We were somewhere near Stafford when the order went out, “Get Changed boys.” The saloon was turned into a dressing room. The train was 1 ½ hours late at Wolverhampton, where we learned it had been clear for three hours. It needed only 20 minutes to the kick-off time when the train reached Birmingham, after a cold and anxious trip. The waiting passengers on the station were astonished to see a party of footballers in full dress racing along the platform to the waiting motor-cars, carrying their civilians clothes with them. There was just time to get their clothes into the dressing room at St. Andrew’s and then dash on the field for the opening of the Christmas programme. Teams: - Birmingham: - Hibbs, goal; Barkas and Steel, backs; Stoker, Fillingham, and Loughan, half-backs; White, Grosvenor, Jones, Harris, and Guest, forwards. Everton:- Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. F. Boardman (Hale, Cheshire).
The ground was well sanded and Gillick almost sprang a surprise in the first two minutes. He nipped in to rob Barkas, got a twisting return from Miller and then raced on ahead. Hibbs had to run out to kick clear. Jones found Gillick with a perfect clearance kick, and the Scot and Cunliffe got the home defence in difficulties. From Cunliffe’s centre Miller tested Hibbs. In eight minutes Everton were a goal ahead. The attack developed neatly and quickly. The ball which was near goal, was lobbed across to the right, and Geldard sprang in with a header which looked all over a winner. Hibbs leaped up, however, with one fist in an effort to turn the ball over the bar.
Cunliffe’s Hook Shot. The ball dropped in front of goal, however, and Cunliffe, with his back to the net, hooked the ball home. Birmingham went close when Jones drove in a shot from twenty yards with Sagar a foot out of his goal. The shot flashed by the post, and another fine effort by Guest saw the ball run out. Gillick out headed Barkas, but the move was ruined by a foul as the centre came in. Cunliffe almost made it two when Fillingham misjudged the bounce, but the alert Hibbs, by a mighty effort fisted away. Billy Steel, the former Liverpool player, showed up with some nice work, and when Cunliffe passed back to Miller the inside left was a foot wide with his “daisy cutter.” Miller had two shots deflected before gliding the ball through to the unmarked Cunliffe. Everton protested when the referee said “Offside.”
Sagar Narrows The Angle.
Harris came away on good ground and Sagar dashed out to narrow the angle. The move paid, for the sharp shot crashed into Sagar. It was difficult day, especially for the wingers, who were operating on ice. In 28 minutes Everton’s Jones had the misfortune to place through his own goal. Steel brought the ball through and fed Guest. The centre bounced away from Jones, the home leader and the Everton Jones, in trying to clear, hooked the ball over Sagar’s head into the net.
“Storm” Tactics.
Mercer tried storming tactics following a free kick then in 32 minutes Harris gave Birmingham the lead. From a throw in Guest slipped the ball inwards to Harris, who stepped forward and scored with a surprising though neat, shot, which entered the net by the far post. Gillick was impressive, and now pushed a beauty to Cunliffe, who was crowded out. In 37 minutes it was 3-1. Harris burst through on the left, with Everton appealing for offside. He moved to the line to cross a perfect low ball which White could not possibly miss. The Birmingham outside right simply banged the ball past Sagar, who had no chance.
Half-time Birmingham 3, Everton 1.
No interval was taken, and Birmingham restarted strongly, C. W. Jones driving another shot over the top. Cunliffe held to the ball too long with Birmingham on the run, and then White (T.) bowled over C.W. Jones in the penalty area. The referee had no doubt about the legitimacy of the shoulder charge. Everton had a good spell of attacking, but one long drive by Cunliffe was all that Hibbs had to handle. Gillick and Miller were Everton’s most dangerous wing. Cunliffe had the chance to take a first-timer, when Gillick neatly headed the ball to the goalmouth, but he neglected the opportunity. Cunliffe did much better with a header from Britton’s centre but Hibbs was on the spot. Sagar twice dashed out to snatch tricky centres from C.W. Jones, and when the former Wrexham player was running through to meet a pass, Sagar cleared with a kick worthy of a full back. Tom White was putting in a lot of strong work with intrepid interventions Sagar did a characteristic leap to pull down a centre from White, the home winger.
Too Much Dribbling.
Everton failed to profit by a free kick close up and they were keeping the ball much too close, there being an insistent desire to dribble the ball through. Mercer, who had refused frost boots on the train, was sent to the dressing room for attention to his studs. Sagar was magnificent in running out to collect dangerous centres, and now raced out to the touchline to tackle Guest. Geldard headed outside from Miller’s lob and Miller lacked pace and direction with a quick shot. Everton’s passing went too often straight to the Birmingham backs. Hibbs used two fists to turn away Britton’s centre after Miller had come over on the right, and then the ball went to Bentham, who shot outside. With six minutes Loughlin ran through and tried a low shot which Sagar had covered. Tom White came in to intercept, but the ball struck the ball struck his foot and went into the net. A minute later Gillick scored his first goal for Everton with a smashing shot. Gillick came to the centre to snatch what looked like a harmless ball and crashed it past Hibbs with his right foot. Final Birmingham 4, Everton 2.
EVERTON RES V BLACKPOOL RES
December 21, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
A thick for hung over Goodison Park at the start of the game, and play from the stand was very difficult to follow. The opening stages of the game were uneventful, and although both goals were visited by the respective attackers, there was little shooting. McIntosh did make one effort which swung wide of the upright and then King left his goal to pick up from Jones. Everton’s reply was a right wing attack and when Hannon was fouled, Dickinson, from Tunney’s free kick, tried an overhead shot which although unsuccessful, was a very praiseworthy effort. Everton were clearly on top and one of the best movements of the game came when Cresswell passed forward to Tunney, who then transfeered to Webster. The latter’s shot, however, passed over the bar. When Shipman ballooned a ball to his own goal-mouth, there was a decided chance of an Everton goal. Roxburgh, however, dashed out and punched clear. Both sides were finding it very difficult to keep their feet on the ice-bound surface and the standard of play suffered accordingly. Considering the amount of pressure enjoyed by Everton it was surprising how the seasiders’ goal escaped. Roxburgh was always on the spot when required, and there were times when the Blackpool goal must have fallen had the Everton forwards shown more penetrative skill, both Webster and Leyfield shooting wide when well placed. Blackpool had been quiet for a long time, and when the attack did move away Jones was going through nicely only to be pulled up for offside. Roxburgh again distinguished himself with a clever save from Dickinson’s header. The fog lifted slightly towards the end of the half, which had been as good as could be expected considering the atrocious conditions. A good deal of the ineffectiveness of the visiting attack was due to the fine defensive play of Cresswell and Cook. Cresswell seldom put a foot wrong, and Cook was always to the fore with lusty clearances in time of need. The Everton halves also showed up well, and Leyfield made some good centres, although shooting was not always accurate. An offside decision against Dickinson when Thomson had nicely lobbed the ball into the centre saved Blackpool, whose immediate response was a wing raid by Oram, which was nipped in the bud when Cook dashed across the intervened, Half-time Everton Res 0, Blackpool Res 0.
Owing to the bad light the teams turned round without an interval. At the commencement of the half, Blackpool showed their best form, and when Parr got the ball before King, Cook saved a certain goal by dashing across and kicking away off the goal line. Oram, on the Blackpool left wing, was hurt in a collision with Cook and signalled his recovery by making a good length centre which Cresswell cleared. Following this, Everton took up the attack again and when Gee placed Westerin possession the inside left tried a long shot which passed outside. Everton eventually took the lead, Dickinson gathering the ball and shooting pass Roxburgh, who had advanced from his goal in a vain attempt to prevent the centre forward shooting. A further attack, this time a left-wing raid by Baldwin was foiled by Hall, and at the other end Tunney blocked a ball which Davison was attempting to lob into the centre. Everton, as in the first half were the better side, but Butler and Shipman were dependable defenders. The bad state of the ground was emphasised when Dickinson had a clear run through only to slip up on the hard and slippery surface.
EVERTON FIGHT HARD.
December 21, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.
Birmingham’s Nippy Attack.
Gillick’s First Goal. Everton scored first at St. Andrew’s, but the Midland’s side had the smarter forwards, and were quicker on the frosty ground. Teams: - Birmingham: - Hibbs, goal; Barkas and Steel, backs; Stoker, Fillingham, and Loughan, half-backs; White, Grosvenor, Jones, Harris, and Guest, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. F. Boardman (Hale, Cheshire). It was not until a few minutes before the scheduled time of the kick-off that the gates at St. Andrew’s were opened. The reason for this was that news was received at the ground that Everton had not arrived in Birmingham. About 2-30the Everton players reached the ground. They reported that owing to the fog they had been delayed an hour at Manchester, and another hour at Crewe. Fortunately the players had changed on their journey and soon made their appearance. Everton were faced with a stiff task for Birmingham’s consistently sound football this season has carried them into the top fight of the table. The visitor’s away record so far had been a dismal one, for only one victory had been registered. A source of inspiration, however, was the fact that last season Everton completed the double at the Midland team’s expense. The Everton attack underwent a change, last week’s right wing pair, Gillick and Miller, moving over to the left, while Bentham and Geldard returned to the side. Birmingham made one change, Hibbs had recovered from his groin injury and displaced Clack in goal. The ground was bone hard but the atmospherical conditions was fine, and the sun was shining. Everton made the first raid on the left, but it was quickly repulsed, and play for several minutes was confined to midfield, the lively ball being difficult to control. Gillick, from a pass by Mercer, made headway after slipping. He succeeded in eluding Stoker, and got the ball across to Cunliffe. The centre forward’s shot was safely handled by Hibbs.
Cunliffe’s Splendid Drive.
After ten minutes’ play Everton took the lead following a spirited attack. When Geldard headed in the ball rebounded and Cunliffe, with a splendid drive, located the net. The reverse settled Birmingham who launched two dangerous raids, but Jackson proved equal to the occasion. Two further raids by Birmingham appeared menacing. Jones shot went pass the upright with Sagar on the ground while Guest went close with a drive a few minutes later. Gillick and Cunliffe caused some anxious moments to the home defence before an infringement by the leader resulted in Birmingham securing a free kick and clearing the danger. White the Everton pivot, once got Bentham and Geldard moving, but the raid was smartly checked by Steele. Everton at this stage were enjoying more of the game, but the Iron-like ground upset many of their attempts to combination. A concerted attack by the home front line raised their supporters’ hopes but Jones’ shot was brilliantly anticipated by Sagar, who knocked it down and eventually cleared.
Sliced Into Goal.
Jones, the Everton left back, distinguished himself a little later by checking an onslaught by Harris and Guest. Birmingham were now pressing hard for an equaliser, and their efforts were rewarded after 27 minutes. Guest passed to Jones, but the latter missed it, and Jones, the Everton back, in attempting to clear, had the misfortune to slice the ball into his own goal. Birmingham’s forwards were now on their fettle, and after thirty minutes’ play the Everton goal surrendered again, following a clever move on the Birmingham left wing. Guest swung in a fine centre, and Jones, the Birmingham leader, crashed the ball into the net. Everton on the restart, rushed the ball to the other end, but Miller’s final shot went weakly past the post. Gillick and Cunliffe’s attempted to break through by some nice inter-passing, but Fillingham hampered the Everton leader, and the ball went “dead.” Cunliffe had a difficult job in eluding the ever-watchful Fillingham, but he did succeeded in getting a shot, only to see it sail past the post. Birmingham had tightened up their game considerably, and the Everton defence was called upon to make some desperate clearance. Their citadel fell again after 38 minutes, when Jackson failed to check the advanced of Jones, who diverted the ball to White, to enable the Birmingham winger to notch the third goal. Everton were not dismayed, and Bentham and Geldard made tracks for the home goal, but Steele cleared the danger. Play was in midfield when the interval arrived. Owing to the lateness of the kicking off the teams changed straight round.
Half-time Birmingham 3, Everton 1.
Visibility was far from good when the second half opened, a mist having descended. Considering the slippery nature of the pitch it was surprising the manner in which both sets of players succeeded in keeping their feet. The nippy Birmingham forwards were soon on the warpath and Jones, the Everton left back, was immediately called upon to clear. This he did with a lofty, well placed kick, which set his forwards moving. Jackson was hurt in a collision and had to receive attention, but he quickly resumed. Geldard and Cunliffe combined, but the latter’s drive from long range was safely cleared. Jones and Jackson successfully dealt with a series of Birmingham raids. Play was fairly even at this stage. Cunliffe had a good chance in front of the home goal, but he failed to gather the ball. Geldard, Britton and Cunliffe, executed a neat movement, which ended in the half-back centering very accurately and enabling Cunliffe to try a header, which, however, did not trouble Hibbs.
Mercer’s Boots.
At the other end, Sagar was also displaying a safe pair of hands. There was an unusual happening when the referee examined the boots of Mercer following an accident to a Birmingham player. Eventually Mercer left the field to receive attention to his boots. Once Sagar ran to the touch flag to relieve the pressure, and upset Guest, who received a free kick. After a goalmouth tussle Stoker’s shot went wide. Everton’s wing strove hard to reduce the deficit, but went further in arrears at 83 minute, when White penetrated Sagar’s goal. Two minutes later the home defence received a shock, for Gillick flashing on to a loose ball, made a great drive to beat Hibbs. Final; Birmingham 4, Everton 2.
STUD MARKS
December 21 1935. Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Ted Critchley must be something of a mascot. In six matches South Liverpool have not once lost since he took over the captaincy following the injury to Len Carr.
• Coulter, Stein, and Stevenson were amongst those looking at Goodison last week for the goals that would not come.
• Real data re Gillick is –age 19 (born May, 1916), height 5ft 7 ½ ins., weights 1ost 12lbs. When 16 left Petershill Juniors for Rangers. Born Gartness, in Lanarkshire.
• Everton had a Scottish right wing on view last week for the first time since Ritchie and Dunn were bracketed there.
• Both the Everton and Leeds teams represented a Goodfellow collection, but they failed to put anything in the hat.
• Everton have now no 1934-35 ever presents.
• Our old friend Bill Lacey is said to be the most popular coach in the Irish Free state.
• Lapham, the young Blackburn Rovers centre forward; was formely on Everton’s books.
EVERTON RES V BLACKPOOL RES
December 21, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo
The fog at Goodison Park had lifted sufficiently to permit a start, but following the run of play was a difficult problem. Despite the hard and slippery surfaces, Everton were very persistent in the first quarter, and it was the ice-bound ground that prevent Leyfield seizing an early chance, and later, when the right winger crossed a good centre, Dickinson managed to send in a good shot, which Roxburgh cleared. It was practically all Everton, but when Blackpool did endeavour to slide through they encountered a solid Everton defence. A centre from Leyfield was headed goalwards by Baldwin, but when a goal looked imminent the ball trickled outside the posts. That the home side had not scored was chiefly due to Roxburgh’s smart goalkeeping and good defensive work of Butler, Shipman and Davidson. Half-time Everton Res 0, Blackpool Res 0. Although the second half opened in a slightly clearer atmosphere the fog soon came down again and blotted out the Aintree goal post. Everton broke away and scored, Dickinson apparently being the scorer. Final Everton Res 1, Blackpool Res 0.
BIRMINGHAM CITY 4 EVERTON 2 (Game 1540 over-all)-(Div 1 1498)
December 23, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
Birmingham’s Speedy Attack.
Everton Start Well And Fade Out.
Gillick’s Fine Goal.
Everton, in the early stages of their clash with Birmingham at St. Andrews, revealed dash and skill which promised to cause the home team considerable anxiety, but they failed to maintain the pace when Birmingham had settled down, and Birmingham were full value for their triumph by 4-2. The Midland side’s excellent team work was the foundation of the mastery. In criticising the Everton team one must not overlook the fact that their journey was hardly likely to assist them in taking the field in a collected frame of mind. Owing to fog they were two hours late in reaching Birmingham. They changed into their football attire on the train and thus were able to go on to the field almost as soon as they reached St. Andrews. The gates were not opened until news was received that the party were approaching Birmingham. The match started about eight minutes late, and in order to finish before darkness fell the interval was dispensed with. The ground was frozen, and in the circumstances play was of good standard. Everton, who completed the double at Birmingham’s expense last season, introduced a greatly changed forward line. Gillick and Miller, who constituted the right wing against Leeds United, switched over to the left flank; Bentham and Geldard returned to the forwards and Cunliffe displaced Dean as leader. During the first quarter of an hour this attack launched many dangerous raids, but afterwards it was only good in patches.
Cunliffe’s Early Point.
Everton scored first after 10 minutes as a result of neat ply on the right wing, which terminated in Geldard lobbing the ball over Hibbs to Cunliffe, who despite his awkward position, managed to drive the ball into the net. Everton maintained their lead until the 27th minute, when Jones unluckily sliced a ball when attempting to clear and put it into his own goal. Before the interval further goals were conceded to Harris and White –two fine efforts which gave Sagar no chance. In the second half, Loughran sugmented the home lead, while 5 minutes before the close Gillick, with smart opportunism, dashed into the centre, snapped up a loose ball, and beat Hibbs with a glorious drive to score his first goal in English football. The young Scot frequently treated the crowd to some clever ball manipulation. Everton engineered many astute moves, yet failed to fully developed their initial scheming. Cunliffe was always a trier, but found Fillingham a great barrier. Britton gave a sound display, and was perhaps the best player in the visiting team. Sagar, who had an exceedingly busy afternoon, acquitted himself in first-rate fashion. Once he ran to the corner flag to check an attack. Everton showed cleverness, but only in phrases. They did not work consistently in cohesions, and retired a well-beaten side. Teams: - Birmingham: - Hibbs, goal; Barkas and Steel, backs; Stoker, Fillingham, and Loughan, half-backs; White, Grosvenor, Jones, Harris, and Guest, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. F. Boardman (Hale, Cheshire).
EVERTON RESERVES 1 BLACKPOOL RESERVES 0
December 23, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
Central League (Game 20)
The conditions were such at Goodison Park that football of anything like good class was entirely out of the question because of the frost bound ground. Everton had to work hard for their goal victory even although they did 75 per cent of the attacking. The smart goalkeeping of Roxburgh, and the solid defence of Shipman, Butler, and Davidson, prevented Everton rounding off their approach work. The visitors, without being so convincing as Everton, occasionally revealed danger, but the sureness of Cook, Cresswell, and Gee made King’s task in goal easy. Five minutes from the end Dickinson scored. Everton: - King, goal; Cook and Cresswell, backs; Tunney, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Leyfield, Hannon, Dickinson, Webster and Baldwin, forwards.
EVERTON BEENING HELD UP BY OTHERS –FOR THE TIME BEING
December 23, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
So many times have I embarked on the guard’s van or the back axle of trains that my friends believed I should never miss a train. But having made very great efforts to land early to join up with Everton F.C. I found an hour insufficient for an ordinary length journey, and so had to forgo the pleasure of travelling with Everton and the joy of seeing my Birmingham friends. “Trains stopped play” for the critic for one Saturday.
Gillick’s First Goal.
Congratulations to Torrance Gillick, the young Scottish international, who played on the left wing in Everton’s greatly changed attack at St. Andrew’s on Saturday upon registering his first goal in English football, and what a goal it was too – a piece of fine opportunism. Gillick rushed into a middle fastened on to a loose ball and gave Hibbs no chance with a powerful shot. Unfortunately this penetration was of no avail to Everton, who at this stage, five minutes before the final whistle, were a well mastered side. Considering their hectic dash from the station to the ground Everton, who were delayed two hours on their journey owing to fog, surprised me with their capital play during the first quarter. I had visions of the club recording their second away success of the campaign but early promise was not maintained and Birmingham’s direct and forceful methods soon found loopholes in the Everton defence. One could not blame Sagar for conceding any of the four goals. He fully deserved the applause the crowd gave him for his brilliant custodianship. Another member of defence who deserved special mention was Britton. He had to tackle a most dangerous wing in Harris and Guest, but not only did he frequently thwart their schemes, he also succeeded in putting across several menacing centres. Naturally the crowd were interested in the appearance of Gillick, and despite the frozen nature of the ground, he was able to treat them to several exhibitions of his skill. He and Cunliffe on occasions were responsible for some neat combination. Cunliffe put in a lot of hard work, but was up against a big stumbling block in Fillingham, the Birmingham pivot. Geldard indulged in some nice dribbling, but I was not greatly impressed by the work of both the inside men. Jones was distinctly unfortunate in kicking through his own goal and enabling Birmingham to get on equal terms. Birmingham’s left winger placed the ball for his own centre forward. Jones, who, however, missed it, and the Everton left back, in trying to clear, had the misfortune to slice the ball past Sagar. There will have to be a tightening up between the halves and attack if Everton are to collect points. Mercer was concerned in an usual incident. He was sent from the field by the referee to change his boots. The hard ground has caused the studs to become rather dangerous.
A Christmas Day Match
On Christmas Day, Everton “A” entertain South Liverpool in a County Combination League match at Goodison Park. Everton “A” still undefeated in the League, are not taking it for granted that they will win. South Liverpool are a greatly improved side since the opening of the season. Football enthusiasts, after seeing the hectic tussle at Anfield. Football enthusiasts, after seeing the hectic tussle at Anfield, and satisfied with the “feasts of the season,” can go along to Goodison Park to see a football’s “rising generation.”
• Advertisement in the Football Echo. League Match , Goodison Park. Boxing Day, December 26. Everton v. Sheffield Wednesday, kick-off 2.15. Admission 1/- boys 4d, Stands Extra (including tax) –Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
GILLICK SHOWS HIS METTLE.
December 23, 1935. Evening Express, Football Echo.
Fine Display For Blues At St. Andrews.
By the Pilot.
Torrance Gillick, the 19 year old Scottish forward, is going to prove a profitable investment for Everton, taking a line through his display against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s on Saturday. The Birmingham forwards were good, but there was none to compare with this new Evertonian in ball control, heading and alertness. It was the first time I had seen Gillick in action. I saw an enthusiastic youth with a wise and cool head on his shoulders. The conditions were all against accuracy, yet Gillick always had mastery over the ball on the ice. He rarely made the mistake of trying to dribble to beat a man, but made the passes do the work. He created many choice openings and I noted that he is an adept at out heading a defender and nodding the ball down to the feet of an inside forward. Gillick crowned a fine display by a grand goal from just inside the penalty area – a drive reminiscent of Harry Chambers without the swerve. The ball travelled about two feet from the ground and Hibbs “never saw it.”
Miller’s Best.
Gillick had a studious partner in Miller who was the adroit schemer. Miller gave the best display I have seen from him in an Everton jersey. The remainder of the attack was hardly satisfactory for Cunliffe, in the centre, did not shoot with his customary willingness and Bentham and Geldard were blotted cut by Billy Steele. The reminder of the side played well with Sagar and White outstanding. Jones and Jackson were also excellent backs, while for sheer artistry on the one hand and honesty of purpose on the other few could compare with Britton and Mercer. It was a day on which little ran right for Everton, though Birmingham deserved their victory. Cunliffe gave the Blues the lead, then Jack Jones scored against his own side. Harris gave Birmingham an advantage, then Harris handled the ball in going through to give White a third point. In the second half, Tommy White also had the misfortune to place through his own goal before Gillick reduced the deficit. On this showing Birmingham possess one of the best attacks in the country, and the entire five cost only £1,080.
• Advertisement in the Football Echo. League Match , Goodison Park. Boxing Day, December 26. Everton v. Sheffield Wednesday, kick-off 2.15. Admission 1/- boys 4d, Stands Extra (including tax) –Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
COOK’S RETURN.
December 24, 1935, Liverpool Daily Post.
By John Peel.
Everton’s position is such that some success is essential during the next three matches, but two of these are away, so that the task of the Goodison team is severe. Tomorrow Everton visit Hillsbrough to oppose Sheffield Wednesday and they must improve if they are to get the better of the Cup-holders. The return game with Sheffield Wednesday takes place at Goodison Park on Boxing Day, whilst Derby County are to be visited on Saturday. Cook returns to the team in place of Jackson, this being the only change from the side which played at Birmingham. The eleven therefore, will be; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick. The Reserves side to visited Manchester United at Old Trafford is: King; Jackson, Cresswell; E. Tunney, Gee, Thomson; Hughes, Dickinson, Hartill, Webster, Baldwin.
EVERTON’S REST AT BUXTON.
December 24, 1935. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
It is said that if Everton go to South Africa they will play nine matches. First of all the club must work off some of the losing points on their register. Tomorrow after staying at Buxton today, they will set out to remedy some of the fauts that have kept the side low. I wish them well. We saw Sheffield at the week-end and know of their possibilities; if Everton can only continue as they start most matches then big away surprises are possible. The team earned some good words for their Birmingham display, but the linking up of the forward line was still the greatest trouble. Let us hope by now the appurtenance of Gillick and Miller has brought a scheming forward line into Everton’s good books. Everton: Sagar, Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick.
Mr. E. A. Bainbridge.
There is good news of Mr. E.A. Bainbridge well remembered in connection with the Everton and Liverpool clubs. Mr. Bainbridge has been in a nursing home in New Brighton for some weeks, but is now out and about again, and wonderfully fit for his years. Mr. Harry Banks, the Everton director, to whom we send greetings is also holding his own.
“The Way to Win.”
“A very old Blue” writes –by now the Everton directors must be firmly convinced that the majority of the first eleven of recent weeks are not good enough for first class football. Second and third class men cannot, and never will play First Division football, and that’s a stubborn fact. Everton have the men, so why not give them an airing. How about a few of the old stylists just as a Christmas treat to some of the regulars say Sagar; Williams, and Cook; Clarke, Gee and Thomson; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson and Gillick –all sound and reliable men that know the way to win.
• Advertisement in the Football Echo. League Match , Goodison Park. Boxing Day, December 26. Everton v. Sheffield Wednesday, kick-off 2.15. Admission 1/- boys 4d, Stands Extra (including tax) –Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
• Liverpool County Combination Match at Anfield. Liverpool “A” v. Everton “A” on Boxing Day, Dec 26, Kick-off 2.15 p.m. admission 6d. Bys 2d. Stands 9d (inc tax) Car Parking Free.
EVERTON TACKLE THE CUP-HOLDERS.
December 24, 1935. Evening Express.
By the Pilot.
Everton are making one change for their visit to Sheffield Wednesday and it concerns the defence. Billy Cook, the Irish International, returns to left back in place of Jackson after missing two league games. The forward line remains unchanged, so that Gillick and Miller again constitute the left flank, while Cunliffe is retained as leader with Bentham and Geldard on his right. Following the hard game at Birmingham under unpleasant conditions, the players, have been enjoying a chance of air at Buxton. The weather has been against golf, but the boys have had thermal baths and special massage so that they should be in perfect conditions for the contests with the cupholders. Both Everton and Sheffield Wednesday are fighting to avoid the bottom positions in the League/. Everton are placed 20th with 14 points from 20 matches, and the Wednesday are 18th with 17 points from 20 games. One may gauge from these facts that the teams are evenly matched, though the Sheffield men have the better goal average. Everton’s chief fault in recent games has been a lack of penetrative power. The side has been playing good football –perhaps not always with complete understanding –and the defence has been sound. Everton forwards should shoot hard and often. They cannot be blamed for any failures so long as they will, at least, “have a go.” Wednesday are a good defensive force, but if Everton will exploit their extreme wingers to the utmost and keep a sharp eye on Wednesday’s prime initiator, Rennie Starling, they stand a good chance of coming out of the contest with the balance of points. Everton have a hard Christmas programme, for after the match at Goodison Park on Boxing Day they are due to travel to Derby County. For Everton it must be one whole hearted, relentless endeavour to snatch every point; to take every chance. Non-success in the Christmas games only prove disastrous. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones, Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick. Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown; Nibloe, Catlin; Sharp, Millership, Burrows; Hooper, Surtees, Dewar, Starling, Rimmer.
• Advertisement in the Evening Express. League Match , Goodison Park. Boxing Day, December 26. Everton v. Sheffield Wednesday, kick-off 2.15. Admission 1/- boys 4d, Stands Extra (including tax) –Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
EVERTON MATCH OFF
December 27th 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
Though the decision was delayed till the last possible moment on Christmas morning, it was found impracticable to play Everton’s game with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsboro, for the ground was a good two inches deep in snow, and beneath this there was an inch and a half of iron hard frost. The date of rearrangement is not yet known.
MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 6 EVERTON RESERVES 0
December 27, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 21)
At Old Trafford. Two goals were from penalties by Redwood and Bryant. Ferrier scored three goals and Jackson put through his own goal, Everton’s wingers played splendidly, but the inside men met a strong defence and with a good share of the play could not score. Everton: - King, goal; Jackson and Cresswell, backs; Tunney, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Hughes, Dickinson, Hartill, Webster and Baldwin, forwards.
Everton “A” 5 South Liverpool Reserves 3
County Combination.
At Goodison Park. Hullett and Sandham (2), scored in the first 10 minutes, and Hullett added a fourth goal. Taylor and Fairclough replied towards the interval. In the second half, Patterson increased Everton’s score, and Williams netted the visitors’ third goal near the end.
EVERTON 4 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 3 (Game 1541 over-all)-(Div 1 1499).
December 27, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
Pulled Out Of Fire
Everton’s Heroic Victory.
Sagar Injured Geldard In Goal. (And conceived one goal)
By “Bee.”
Everton have won a great game by 4-3. They had everything against them. Nothing went right with them from the start. They were a goal down in a few minutes; twice they were led by Sheffield Wednesday. Sagar was so badly hurt in collision with Rimmer that he appeared impossible of further service, yet a spell at outside left Sagar resumed his position, which had been well held by Geldard in spite of a goal being scored against the winger, and a timely save by Sagar kept the game safe for the home team after one of the most fluctuating and uncommon games ever seen at Goodison Park. There were about 40,000 spectators present, and they had full value, while Everton took full marks. It was a game of thrill upon thrill, and not the least important part of its features was the question of one goal scored by Sheffield. Surtees and Dewar scored in a second, and it was plain the referee had not seen Dewar’s goal go to the back of the net. Fortunately no damage to Sheffield’s chance occurred, as Surtees eventually shot through. In the records the goal must go Surtees, according to Sheffield views, as it appears the referee was not allowing Dewar’s undoubted goal.
Striking Woodwork.
In addition, Everton’s striking of the woodwork must be accounted worthy of mention. They struck the post and the crossbar, so that, all things gathered together, this would have been a most unfortunate result if the fine spirit of the players had not rallied to the task in the closing stages of play. The crowd took their part, urged them on to a surprise victory, and Sagar’s pluck in returning to the field and taking up his goal charge got the rest of the side into a splendid fighting force, with the result the game was pulled out of the fire when no one could have blamed or cavilled if the home team had lost. The victory was a heroic one, all against the odds of the game and the intervention of fate, which played a heavy game against the winners. Each of the goals must be considered on its merits. Everton would have been three up early on but for the amateur Hill’s goalkeeping. Away went Sheffield for their first attack and Hooper scored. Cunliffe equalised, going through the middle with pace and skill. Sheffield claimed they should have had a penalty when Sagar ran out and “cut out” Rimmer’s chance of a goal. Britton made it 2-1 when a lob caught the Wednesday goalkeeper and backs in two minds –a simple goal and a happy one for the acting captain. Time 42 minutes. Surtees got the equalising goal a minute from half-time in the manner aforementioned. Half-time 2-2.
Gillick’s Goal.
Geldard took Sagar’s place in goal, and Gillick went outside left. A minute after half-time Burrows, another half-back goal-getter, scored from Rimmer’s poorest centre in his big day’s excellent work. Sager went into goal after 12 minutes, and Everton now crowded on their very best all-round game. Gillick scored at 65 minutes with a perfectly placed header after Geldard’s enthusiastic work on the wing -3-3, 65 minutes. Twice Everton hit the woodwork –Cunliffe and Miller unfortunate. Finally Bentham ran in to collect Gillick’s centre with a first time shot, and Wednesday, who held the lead on two occasions, returned beaten 4-3. There can be no allocation of praise in individual causes; every Everton man takes a share in this very noteworthy victory and the four fold effect of the win makes Everton’s relegation bother cease to be urgent –for the time being. One must say a word for the cunning partnership and football craft of Gillick and Miller, the new left wing tried for the first time at Goodison Park. They for the first time at Goodison Park. They paired off with splendid result and Gillicks’s very sound and calm assurance allied to brain and footwork made Everton’s attack more enlivening them at any previous point of the season. Sheffield played some very neat football and Rimmer had one of the best days; also Millership and Catlin, but the team was too easily broken in Everton’s arresting and rousing raids. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), White and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, and Gillick, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - H. Hills, goal; Nibloe and Catlin, backs; Sharp, Millership and Burrows, half-backs; Hooper, Surtees, Dewar, Starling, and Rimmer,forwards. Referee Mr. Botham, of Walsall.
• Bunny Bell of Tranmere Rovers scored nine goals, to help Tranmere beat Oldham 13-4.
EVERTON V SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY REPORT
December 27, 1935. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton go to Nottingham today for the game at Derby County tomorrow, and their team must be cut up after the accident to some of their members in the historic game versus Sheffield Wednesday. It is impossible at this stage to do more than skirt the Goodison game, but nothing must stop our admiration of the noble Everton team in one of its greatest battles, not so much against the opposition as against Fate, which served them rather cruelly in Sagar’s severe injury. The holiday crowd will attach this 4-3 win against Sheffield to the 6-4 win over Sunderland in a Cup-tie. This was a different kind of match. Here the dice was leaded against Everton. Twice they were led; once they escaped a goal and perchance a penalty kick, but in the end the whole eleven –yes, Sagar came back and after doing the Moss-act of going outside left and watching his deputy Geldard, doing quiet well as goalkeeper, he returned to his post and made a telling save which kept the game safe for Everton –played with a heroic spirit and good football skill so that victory came to the better side, the side which through Cunliffe and Miller had struck the woodwork. Remembering Sheffield’s early lead after the peppering of Hill, and remembering also the way the home team came out after half-time, this victory will stand out as a very refreshing success, gained when there was little chance of a victory, when the handicap was so great a victory did not seem possible. The spirit of Everton was one measure towards success; the rest was due to endeavour and football craft which made quite the better side and worthy victory. It is not possible to do justice to this game today; those present will have told the world what happened, and what a sensational victory it was. And many will argue some of the other points. First we must remember two half backs scored –Britton and Burrows; next we must remember that Surtees gets the credit of the goal Dewar ad scored half a second before. Two goals and one counted. Yes, this was an uncommon match. Sheffield give Surtees this goal, so we may be sure the referee had not seen what most of us saw. Dewar’s shot entered the net. However, all was well in the end, thanks to the fine judgement of Gillick, ably seconded by Miller, and Bentham got the final goal-through Gillick’s wise cross to the goalmouth. Gillick has already made his mark; he and Miller are of the icy calm type, and everything they do is studied and deliberate, but the pretty methods must appeal to the spectator. Britton’s leadership, Geldard’s fire in goal and when on the wing, Mercer’s rousing runs, the fine backs, Cunliffe’s ceaseless endeavour, Sagar’s pluck in risking his damaged knee, the sturdy and sure foot of Cook and Jackson –all these points will be talked over for years to come. It was a great victory, in which the Birkenhead lad, Rimmer, had no superior for dangerous wing play.
EVERTON’S BIG TASK AT DERBY
December 27, 1935. Evening Express.
County Have Not Lost At Home This Season.
By the Pilot.
Everton are forced, owing to injury, to make at least one change for the visit to Derby County tomorrow –a match which provides them with a chance of bringing off the first “double “of the season. Sagar is suffering from a knee injury and King will deputise in goal. In addition, there is a doubt regarding the fitness of Gillick. He damaged a leg muscle in the match against Sheffield Wednesday. Should he not be available, Leyfield will return to the side. Both players make the journey to Derby and a final decision may not be made until tomorrow morning. The County have not lost a match at the Baseball grounds this season, however, and, in fact, have dropped only two out of 22 points played for before their own spectators. Everton are faced with a tremendously hard task, and if they can bring home a point they will have acquitted themselves well. Everton:- King; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick or Leyfield.
BRITTON’S FIRST FOOTBALL LEAGUE GOAL.
A great fight against misfortune enabled Everton to conquer Sheffield Wednesday 4-3 in a brilliant game at Goodison Park yesterday. Rarely have the Blues played better. They were a goal down in two minutes, yet secured the lead, and then lost Sagar through injury just after Wednesday had equalised. Geldard went into goal and played brilliantly, through Wednesday went ahead again. Sagar played for a spell at outside left and then went back into goal. Once again Everton drew level, and with only seven minutes to go they obtained the winning goal amid tremendous excitement. Every Everton player did well against a quick raiding and menacing Wednesday, but none more so than Miller and Gillick, the left wing of the attack. Cunliffe, Bentham, and Geldard revealed fine form throughout, and revealed fine form throughout, and Geldard’s goalkeeping was heroic. Mercer played his best game of the season while Britton scored the first Football league goal, and like White, Cook, Jones and Sagar, played a vital part in Everton’s grim battle which left them deserving winners.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central league Match at Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday), December 23; Everton Reserves v. Preston North End Reserves. Kick-off 2.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. Stands extra (including tax).
EVERTON TACKLE DERBY COUNTY
December 28, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton run up against old rivals at the Baseball Ground, Derby. This is likely to e a very tough proposition, particularly as Everton will lack the services of players who were hurt in the game with Sheffield Wednesday. Derby County these days are in the top flight, though they gained but one point over the holidays. Standing fourth to Sunderland, their record is a fine one and the team is such as to command the respect of the strongest opponents. Sagar was hurt on Thursday and his place in goal will be taken by King, while Gillick, who also received a knock, may not be able to turn out. If he is unfit Leyfield will play. Derby County are doubtful whether Bowers of Gallacher will occupy the centre forward position. Hagan, aged 17, will make his debut at outside right, Crooks being injured. Teams:- Everton:- King; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick or Leyfield. Derby County; Kirby; Udall, Jessop; Nicholas, Barker, Keen; Hagan, Napier, Gallacher, Ramage, Duncan.
EVERTON MAKE A POINT.
December 28, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.
Derby Saved By Rally In Second Half.
By Bee.
Leading by 3-0 at Derby, Everton felt that they could win the game and complete the double over the County. In the second half Everton tired, but were full value for a well earned draw. Teams: - Everton: - King, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, and Gillick, forwards. Derby County; - Kirby, goal; Udall and Jessop, backs; Nicholas, Barker and Keen, half-backs; Hagan, Napier, Gallacher, Ramage and Duncan, forwards. Referee Mr. J.E. Mellor (Bradford). Everton are running into lots of trouble. Fog hindering their journey to Birmingham, and stopped their game at Sheffield, and now the short journey between Nottingham and Derby became a long one through a luggage train breaking down. King for Sagar, was the only change. Gillick finding himself fit and Cunliffe getting over gland trouble. Everton took the lead in five minutes through Cunliffe. It was a neat and pretty executed goal. Geldard centred in sweet manner, and the ball elusive Cunliffe headed the ball to the under part of the crossbar, the ball dropping back over the line. This was a good start, and was justified by the early play of the Everton side. Mercer had been close with another Geldard centre and when Jones made a fine tackle and clearance on the left the ball went away to Cunliffe and hot shot was well saved by Kirby. Miller produced his famous fore-pass and Gillick rushing in made another splendid drive which Kirby was content to put away. Cunliffe drove in the return packet and the ball struck Kirby in the face. This was a lot off. After Derby had broken away on the left young King made a splendid save from Gallacher as the whistle went for offside, but a save of that character would give him rare confidence. Gillick got a terrific kick to the stomach, but, showing rare pluck, continued to play and take a good share in the excellent work on the whole Everton side.
King’s Great Save.
The Derby wingers, Duncan and Hagan were the real danger, and still Everton were quite on top in precision prettiness and shot. However, Duncan’s best drive led to King flinging himself at the ball and saving in great style. Gallacher was close in without being enthusiastic over his chance, and Napier’s something run meant that he passed six Everton players and still he wanted to have just one more chance, so he was very naturally and very easily crowded out. For the third time Gillick was in the wars, and the referee spoken to Udall about it. Certainly, that full back had not given Gillick a wedding present for his week-end celebration. Geldard was in flying mood, and he astonished the 20,000 people by his pace and his finishing power. One of his centres Miller clouted good and true, topping the crossbar. The latter continued to play effective and scheming football, but his second shooting chance was just outside.
Geldard’s neat Goal.
Geldard scored after half an hour. It was one of the neatest goals one could wish for, and was keeping with his very fine form all afternoon. He got the defence into a muddle through giving them the “dummy” and closing in, pushed the ball into the far corner of the net. A brilliant individual goal. Mercer whose father used to play in and around this area in years gone by was continuing his resolution and able half-back work, especially in attack, and Cunliffe made eel-like twists and turns, and serving out the “dummy” made a shot of much power, Kirby saving the situation. White stopped Hagan in the goalmouth when a reduction in the lead seemed certain, and the Washington Colliery boy aged 17, played in the old-fashioned way that Gillick adopts; in short both are born footballers. Keen, unable to keep Geldard and Bentham in subjection, now became an attacker, and twice went close, while King kept the fort in good order near half-time.
Half-time Derby County 0, Everton 2.
With Miller and Britton limping the danger of Everton fading out in the second half was all too rile, Gallacher began the second half with two misses and Duncan hit the side net. King made a good save from Napier, and White, heading down a fast shot from Ramage, did well to save the occasion with a corner, but the corner proved faithful because in six minutes the ball was headed in by Keen. This should not have been a great barrier, if Geldard had not made his one blunder off the day from a free kick, Cunliffe diverting the ball to the right winger, who was unmarked but half topped the very simple effort. The cost was great because two minutes later at 56 minutes Ramage scored from a corner made by Duncan who was now having lost of work. The boy Hagan give him and in the equalising goal and Mercer attempting to kick the ball anywhere but it was just too late and the ball went into the net. Everton stock had gradually gone back through sheer fatigue. The game become more and more exciting –so much so, that Keen was formally warned, and later had his name taken for an offence. Mercer was full of beans and in one of his characteristic runs he seemed certain to get a goal, and when the ball pushed out Bentham came running up and completed the lead of 3-2 at the seventy-fifth minute. Everton’s joy was short lived, because there was a penalty against White, Jessop, the full back succeeded in making the score 3-3 at the seventy-sixth minute. Gillick was out of work for practically the whole of the half, but Cunliffe made a fine fight to the right and in another individual effort passed back with great alacrity and accuracy, but when he glided the ball into the net, offside spoiled what seemed to be a legitimate goal. So we came to the end. Everton having earned a draw, and on their first half display they shown vast improvement on the form of months ago. Final Derby County 3, Everton 3.
GOAL FOR GOAL IN THRILLING DERBY DUEL.
December 28, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Everton, Twice In The Lead, Gain A Point.
Geldard In Great Form
By the Pilot.
Everton gained a thrilling 3-3 draw against Derby County at Derby. The Blues played fine football in the first half and secured a two goal lead, Cunliffe and Geldard being the scorers. They tried in the second half, and the County drew level with headed goals by Keen and Ramage. Bentham gave the Blues the lead again, but they lost it following a penalty. It was a hard, exacting game, with Geldard, Miller, White and Mercer outstanding for the Blues. Everton were held up on the way to Derby owing to a smash at Beeston, where a good train was derailed. This meant the players having hurried lunch. . Teams: - Everton: - King, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, and Gillick, forwards. Derby County; - Kirby, goal; Udall and Jessop, backs; Nicholas, Barker and Keen, half-backs; Hagan, Napier, Gallacher, Ramage and Duncan, forwards. Referee Mr. J.E. Mellor (Bradford). Geldard put in a good run and centre, which was turned aside by Nicholas, and Mercer sprang through with a dangerous dribble and shot. Cunliffe took a quick shot on the turn which Kirby handled cleanly, then Mercer was conspicuous with a tackle and pass, which almost brought the opening goal.
Kirby Hurt.
Miller pushed the ball through for Gillick to hit a fine right foot shot, which Kirby turned aside. Cunliffe was right on the spot to turn the ball back at apace. It seemed a certain winner, but the ball struck the goalkeeper on the face and bounded to safely. Kirby was able to resume after attention. Everton were ahead in five minutes, however. Geldard, who was in dazzling form, crossed a perfect centre, to Cunliffe, standing about seven yards out. Cunliffe’s header sped to the underside of the bar and into the net. Gillick received a knock from Udall, but soon resumed, and Jones and Cook, not forgetting White, stemmed some snappy County raids. Hagan, the 17-years-old Derby winger, is a star, and was easily the County’s most dangerous forward. Duncan went through on his own when Gallacher slipped, and he let go a “scorcher,” which was travelling to the top far corner. King leapt up to turn the ball over the bar. It was a grand save. Napier contributed a fine solo dribble before Udall was cautioned for an alleged foul, on Gillick. Geldard middle a low ball which Miller crashed against the bar, and the ball went over. Miller is certainly experiencing bad luck with his shooting. There was a roar when King dived out to punch away Duncan’s centre and missed the ball. Fortunately for Everton there was no Rams up to do the needful. Everton were two up in 30 minutes, Geldard tricked Jessop, doubled back, pushed through between Barker and Keen, then went close in and scored with a low shot which entered the net just inside the far post. I noted some neat touches by Bentham, before Nicholas had to touch behind for a corner when Gillick was getting down to work on another menacing Geldard cross. Cunliffe gave the “dummy” and a swift shot, which was pulled down by Kirby. Hagan was splendid, and now put in a fine dribble. Keen was next clean through, but he sliced his shot with everything in his favour. Gallacher tried a fine screw header before King saved a pile-driver from keen.
Half-time Derby County 0, Everton 2.
Gallacher had a fine chance of resuming, but shot when tackled, and King went full length to save. Next Duncan dropped a swift centre on the roof of the net. The County kept it up and Napier was next among the marksmen with a low shot which found King “at home.” Everton were kept at full stretch, and White had to concede a corner to hold up Napier.
Derby Reduce Lead.
The corner, taken by Hagan, lead to Keen heading through to reduce the lead in the 53rd minute. Geldard was Everton’s deadliest rapier and he opened the way for Miller to place outside, and then got through to bring Kirby to earth. Geldard then missed one of the easiest chances, shooting straight at Kirby, after Cunliffe’s header had done the work. In 56 minutes the County were level. Hagan did all the “donkey work,” and a lovely centre was headed home by Ramage. Mercer tried to keep the ball out, but it was over the line when he touched it.
Everton Tire.
Everton plainly were tiring, and, whereas in the first half they were menacing in attack, now they found themselves fighting hard to keep on terms. White was magnificent in breaking raids. Gillick made a low shot which lacked power.
Everton Ahead Again.
From a free kick Miller had a shot charged down, then in 75 minutes Everton regained the lead, Bentham being the scorer. It was the big-hearted Mercer was made the goal possible. Mercer dribbled through, swerving this way and that, and his low shot was turned away by Kirby. The ball ran clear to Bentham, who quickly banged it home. The success was short lived, however, for in the next minute the County were on terms again. This time from a penalty. White seemed to stumble in tackling Ramage, and fouled. The referee was standing right on the spot. Jessop took the kick and banged the ball into the net a foot past King’s head. Cunliffe’s cut through to net just as the whistle sounded for offside. He later placed to Kirby when trying to find Geldard. Ramage flashed a shot against the bar, but again the whistle had gone for offside. Final Derby County 3, Everton 3.
“BOY” BROWELL.
December 28, 1935. Evening express, Football Edition.
Tom Browell, despite his youth, with the crowd, who dubbed him “Boy” Browell, because of his size and age. But Tom was a boy with an old football head on his shoulders, and he quickly proved his worth to Hull, so much so, that the bigger clubs were soon around. Everton were the fortunate club to secure his transfer. It was a sad day for Hull City, but the £1,500 which changed hands over the deal was welcome at the time. That was the first of many big-money transfers in which Hull were partners –but mostly they were the sellers. Another of their most successful forwards at the time of Browell’s migration to Everton was tall, skilful Stanley Fazackerley, a man they had signed on from Preston North End. His forceful work at inside right and his smashing shot attracted Sheffield United’s notice, and the Blades paid a substantial fee for his services. In 1915, he helped the Sheffield club to beat Chelsea in the last cup final before the war cessation, and in later years he wore the colours of Everton, Wolverhampton and Derby.
EVERTON RES V PRESTON RES.
December 28, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Everton showed excellent form at the commencement of the game, and following severe pressure the Blues took the lead after five minutes. It was a well worked move, which culminated in Hartill scoring an excellent goal. A header from Hannon narrowly passed over the bar and in quick succession Hughes managed to get in two centres which were well cleared. A through pass from Briscoe to Crawley led to the latter transferring to the leftwing but Hetherington centred Thomson was on the spot to kick clear. Preston were now showing improved form and further raid led to Hetherington lobbing the ball over. A brilliant save by White from Crawley and another fine clearance by the Everton keeper from Batey were features of the next few minutes play. Everton then sustained misfortune, Jackson parring his leg in a collision with Crawley and being forced to leave the field for the remainder of the half. Kavanagh fell back into defence, but naturally Everton were severely handicapped and for a long spell the quick moving Preston attack were on top. They, did not score, however, mainly through the smart keeping of White and the good defensive work by Cresswell, who was always in the right spot when things looked ominous. Everton were occasionally dangerous, and when Hughes made a surprise centre Walton conceded a corner which led to him saving rather luckily from Hartill. Half-time Everton Res 1, Preston Res 0.
DERBY COUNTY 3 EVERTON 3 (Game 1542 over-all)-(Div 1 1500).
December 30, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
Everton’s New Pace.
Galliant Display At Derby.
Six Goals Divided.
By “Bee.”
Everton continue to improve, and much to their success is due to the attacking portion of the side helping out the good defence and the third back principle adopted by the club some months ago. The appearance of Gillick and Miller has made the left wing faster and brighter than it has been since the days of Coulter and Stevenson. Today this oddly-framed pair made for many raids, and Cunliffe, with his fast moving striding efforts takes the defence away from the two wings. Hence, Miller is able to stay forward and not concentrate upon defence. He was playing extremely well at Derby, till sheer endeavour cost him his pace. When he was good, Gillick was able to show his values, but in the second half, when the whole Everton side went a shade below their excellent first half standard, Derby took charge of the game and wiped off the 2-goas deficit set up through the agency of Cunliffe and Geldard. The former took a Geldard centre and headed through beyond Kirby, Geldard followed guit before half-time with a splendid individualistic run –typical of the man who does so much weaving –without result till he regained his confidence and a partner. Geldard’s goal was a joy.
Derby’s Keenness.
In the second half Derby County offered severe resistance to the point of earning the referee’s complaint and the use of his notebook where Keen was concerned. Ramage and Nicholas were spoken to by the referee, and Udall as lucky to escape considering the danger he made when he cut across Gillick and caught him in the pit of the stomach. Gillick was in agony, but he is a wiry and stern young man, and he went on with his game without even leaving the field. One could foresee Derby getting a goal, because Duncan, who had always been a danger, was now being allowed too much space, and a drawing up defender helped on Derby and Duncan’s cause. First Keen scored close in, and it was followed by Ramage getting a goal by the headed process. This made it 2-all, and Everton took the lead again through Bentham being well up to take the result of Mercer’s very forward solo run. The lead was not held long, because Jessop took a penalty kick granted against White.
Good Goal Disallowed?
Everton’s bad fortune in this game consisted of two very important links in the play. Cunliffe scored a beautiful goal and I fear it was denied him by the offside notion solely through the pace at which he “slipe away” from a defender. He had to pass a full back to get this goal, so the question of offside should not have arisen. The other fateful moment was when Geldard found himself so close in he should have scored with ease and put the game safe for Everton. One is not inclined to be harsh on Geldard because he had already given a goal to a comrade and scored one by his own unsided endeavour and, moreover, he had been the outstanding forward of the day. His pace was killing the defence and his centres were always the precise length and served up in judicious manner. However, the fact remains that he missed a “sitter” just as Gallacher had missed more than one. Everton’s draw was a worthy performance and the heartiness which the younger generation are putting in the side’s effort to escape relegation must bear fruit. In this respect the leadership of Britton, the stalwart hold-up of White on Gallacher and others and the fine resourceful work of Mercer made a draw possible and a victory probable.
Gillick And Hagan.
Gillick knows where to go and what to do, but he is so speedy in his forethought that he is not always served with sufficient speed to allow him to cut in and take a goal. Miller was excellent in the first half, subtle and scheming, and Bentham was always “on the go.” At back, Jones was best because Cook did not take toll of the difficult and dainty Duncan, who was not one whit better than Hagan, a 17-year-old lad, who did everything in a delightful manner and showed a calm complacence for one so young, only equally by the stocky Gillick’s nonchalant manner. Hagan, will keep Crooks out of the first team for some time, if not for ever. Derby were not secure in defence till the wave carried them to a point’s chance and then Barker revealed his best, while Ramage was always dangerous. Napier made the best dribble of the match, but the whole line was not in its best shooting vein and was too fantastic with the easy chance. King, acting for Sagar, made some tip-top saves and was not blameworthy in a game that had many features, much football feasting, and in the home team’s case a lot of rather excessively hard tackling that could be termed dangerous on occasions. To draw away from home is a good performance and on the last two games Everton have plainly got into their stride. Cunliffe is making the absence of Dean mean little; he is very moving in his sweeping raids and the centre half-back has a difficult task to know where to go for this enlivening forward. Although it was a capital match to watch and the great pity of it lay in the disallowed goal for Cunliffe which had earned full marks and the maximum bonus. . Teams: - Everton: - King, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, and Gillick, forwards. Derby County; - Kirby, goal; Udall and Jessop, backs; Nicholas, Barker and Keen, half-backs; Hagan, Napier, Gallacher, Ramage and Duncan, forwards. Referee Mr. J.E. Mellor (Bradford).
EVERTON RESERVES 1 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 3
December 30, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 22)
Although Preston deservedly won, Everton are worthy of praise for the able manner in which they contested the second half under a handicap. After 25 minutes play, Jackson injured a leg and was carried off, and although he resumed after the interval on the right wing he was virtually a passenger, while Baldwin, the left winger was also limping and unable to do himself justice. Hartill scored in the first half. Despite the great work of Cresswell, Gee, Thomson, Kavanagh and White in goal in the second half, Preston won. Atherton, Crawley and Hetherington scored for the visitors. Everton: - White, goal; Jackson and Cresswell, backs; Kavanagh, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Hughes, Hannon, Hartill, Webster and Baldwin, forwards.
Everton “A” 1 South Liverpool Reserves 3
Liverpool County F.A. Cup Second Round Ties
At Crosby. South Liverpool’s success was fully deserved. There was little between the sides during the opening half, and at the interval the teams were on level terms, Hullett and Taylor scoring. Smith failed with a penalty for the visitors. South Liverpool opened the second half strongly, but the home defence broke up many dangerous attacks. Fairclough, however, put the visitors in the lead, and although Everton fought hard, their finishing efforts were poor. Humphreys sealed their fate with a good goal near the finish. Morris, Tunney, and Sandham did well for Everton. Watson, Johnson and Chapman were the best of the visitors.
EVERTON SIGN A NEW YOUNGSTER.
December 30, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Value Of The Boys Of Walton Village.
Sagar Out Of The Cup Side.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton have moved up and forward and although they have tough away engagements for the New Year their home games should all be won in view of the new spirit in the side and the collective and speedy way the attack is being done. There is a new hope and confidence in the Everton side, although Sagar is out of the Cup side-he will be absent a month, and Stevenson for a fortnight –neither has cartilage trouble. Everton have found much help from the uncommon youngsters signed in recent years. The Cunliffe’s, Mercer’s, King’s (he did well for Sagar), Bentham’s and so on are making their mark and adding life to what had become lifeless attack. And the club has now made a pro of W. Hullet, a local centre forward “who asked for a trial,” and has made good. The club, by the way, go to Buxton for a day or two prior to the Derby game with Liverpool next Saturday. Then comes the Cup-tie. Everything is pointing to an Everton revival. The team has a better blend than for some time. The pace of the forward line has not been approached since the days when Coulter and Stevenson did their act on the left flank. Now the flank is being starred by means of “Dusty” Miller, who chuckless as e does along, and Gillick, who was married today in Glasgow to Miss Whitehead. These two Scots are made for each other –the bridal pair and the wing pair. Miller is keeping well up the field and is using his subtlety of his experience to carry the defence away from Gillick, who never expects the ball to put when the slavish defence imagine it must go. Gillick is an artist where the cut-through movements is made. He is a good shot, and if he lacks pace he does not show it because his football brain works so quickly he calls for the pass, gives the direction needed, and is “off on his way there” before the defence has realised the usual phrase of play. Gillick got three severe hidings and never flinched. He must be made of iron. Of course Miller, like the rest of the side at Derby Country’s ground, began to feel the effects of the stern realities of life against Sheffield Wednesday and Derby. They faded out in the second half, but came with a sweeping set of attacks at a later stage of play and should have won this game. I go so far as to say I think they won it by fair means, which was more than could be said of Udall. Nicholas and Keen.
The Penalty Of Page.
I am confident the pace of Cunliffe sets up in the first steps of a raid cost him a gaol. Dean used to suffer the same way with the fine timing of free kicks. Here Cunliffe made one of his ultra-rapid raids on the home defence and so swiftly was he beating the back and the goalkeeper that the referee judged this an offside goal –and Cunliffe had to dribble beyond the back before making his goal! It was unfortunate, but there you are; mayhap Everton escaped a goal sometime this season, even as late as Boxing Day afternoon! So we take the good with the bad, and “are never known to grumble at our partners.” Geldard was in a triumphant mood –I make special mention of this because so many people came to the belief he had not earned his place. Geldard has always been on “the line of influence” hot he seems to have had thousands of “directors” telling him how to play with result his football mind became unhinged and he had no confidence in any one of his advisory committee. Here he played with fine speed and grace, never wasting a centre and making a goal, and taking a grand goal. Let the critical not forget the way he has been served. Bentham has come to understand his needs and keeps bobbing up with the endeavour and a lot of close dribbling stuff, while Cunliffe goes on those individual runs that take the defence out of its well-packed congregation. Cunliffe had grand trouble and Gillick was doubtful, so Everton keep hitting the unlucky spots, but the work of the whole side. White, Jones, in particular, Britton, with the leadership and example, and Mercer in his most rousing mood with Cook delievening the ball very hard and true, if not getting into the tackin with Duncan, was of a standard that gave me much pleasure and made me feel the Everton revival is reliable and points will come with regularity in future games. A word for the King of the Everton castle. He did his work really well, and for a youngster was quite praiseworthy. This is the day of youth. Hagan, the 17-yearold, is more promising than Crooks ever was. Gallacher has gone to half-pacer; Napier makes fine dribbles, but the whole line, save in the case of Duncan, is not too hot on the shooting range. A very satisfactory issue out of the Derby troubles; Everton took three points from them, and manager Jobey says “on these two games Everton are the best side he has seen this season.” And so, oh with the Derby game versus Liverpool.
EVERTON TWICE GAIN LEAD BUT LOSE IT
Derby Daily Telegraph - Monday 30 December 1935
RAMS' INSIDE FORWARDS FAIL TO TAKE THEIR CHANCES
GELDARD THE VISITORS' STAR
BY "LITTLE EATON'
Any review of Derby County's last match in 1935, against Everton at the Baseball Ground, must in fairness open with a tribute to Hagan, who the age of made his first appearance in League football —and made a pronounced success of it too. Outside-right is not the normal position of this gifted young player, but his natural aptitude for the game enabled him make an excellent debut in nerve-testing circumstances. He showed confidence and craft in beating his man, and he skilfully varied his service of passes from the wing, now lobbing carefully placed ball into the middle, now slipping a cheeky ground pass to his partner.
HAGAN'S SHARE IN GOALS
The goals that fell to Keen and Ramage crowned crosses from Hagan, the first corner kick and the second a cleverly flighted ball that came down in excellent position for Ramage to head it home. Hagan is known to have a powerful and accurate shot, and it was disappointing to se« him deprived of the opportunity of using it by well-meaning colleagues, who appeared to follow the policy of sparing the young newcomer. The game was always attractive to watch, and had only one regrettable incident—an unfair tackle Keen, for which had his name taken by the referee. Everton made lively opening, with Bentham and Geldard the right wing outshining their Scottish colleagues the other flank. Geldard gave early evidence that his pace would prove troublesome, and it was not until after the interval that Jessop found ways and means of keeping him in check. It was this exceptional pace, supplemented with clever ball control, that enabled Geldard to score the best goal of the day—a brilliant solo effort in which he beat two men before placing the ball out of Kirby's reach. Bentham showed some neat touches midfield dribbling, but his attempts to find colleague with a long, low pass uphold were not always successful. Miller, at inside-left, was only a shadow of the master-mind who, in the opening match of the season, led the Rams merry dance, and Gillick, on the win" gave no hint of the versatility that mauN? him idol at Ibrox in his early games with Glasgow Rangers.
NOT A " DIXIE
Cunliffc was an alert centre-forward, but he never revealed the penetrativeness or leadership of Dixie Dean. His header to score the first goal was, however, as neat an effort as Dixie could have shown us. Gallachers shoulder injury is cramping somewhat these days, and when one 'was the case on Saturday, he was opposed by a policeman-centre-half , his chances of paying a menacing visit to the goalkeeper are rather thin. In the circumstances one would like to see his colleagues ready to snap- up openings created by his backward pass backward headers, but this eye for an opening against Everton, some what blurred. Napier in the first half distributed play adroitly, but he did not show his usual readiness to try a shot. After the interval such shots as he did deliver were harmless, and he resorted, more and more as the game went on to close dribbling. The lack of finishing power in the Derby inside forwards—and it was this that saved Everton from defeat— was more apparent in Ramage, who missed more than one reasonably good chance of getting a goal with a first-time effort. I thought, too, that Duncan would on occasion have liked to exploit an interchange of position with his partner when he found it impossible to part with the ball to advantage; but Peter did not divine Daily's intention. It was gratifying to see Duncan back in form after his disappointing Boxing Day dispay. The best shot of the match came from him, and it was only a superb effort by King that kept it out of the net. If Daily will give us a few more like that scorcher his name will soon appear among the scorers again! Barker was his usual confident, accomplished self at centre half, and he easily eclipsed White, his vis-à-vis, who was content to shadow Gallacher. Keen opened shakily but improved tremendously, especially in attack. On one occasion he came through on his own with the ball at his toe, and did not part with it until he reached the Everton goal. Here under pressure, he shot narrowly past. His goal was a characteristic “flying trapeze” header, and many of his moves in support of his forwards were brilliantly enterprising. Although not so much in the limelight, Nicholas also played effectively, the subjugation of the dangerous Everton left wing being due in large measure to his vigorous vigilance. Britton was more prominent than Mercer the visitors' half-back line, but was not international form. Neither was Cook, at his back. The Irish international had a busy afternoon with Duncan, and the honours lay, in the end, with the Scot. Jones paid young Kagan the compliment close attendance throughout the game. He positioned and kicked well, but was not always successful in his tackling. Udall had an easier task than Jessop, and was rarely severely tested. Jessop's kicking was powerful and wellcontrolled, but had unhappy halfhour against Geldard the tirst half. The timing of his tackles was occasionally at fault. He made mistake, however, when called upon to convert a penalty kick!
GOOD GOALKEEPING
Although six goals were scored in this match, both goalkeepers gave creditable displays. King, only 19 years of age, was the more spectacular—and also the more busily engaged. Kirby had the disconcerting experience of playing through a game which opened with a point blank shot that laid him out. It did not appear to affect his play, however, for he dealt confidently and competently with several testing shots. The County, on play, were unlucky in finding themselves two goals -down at the interval. Geldard did the damage. It was an accurately placed centre his that enabled Cunliffe to head the first goal alter five minutes' play. The second goal, scored by Geldard himself, came 15 minutes before the interval.
KEEN'S BRIGHT EFFORT
The best reply to it was made by Keen, who just before half-time was whistled, sending in powerful drive which, however, found King position to hold it. The Rams, on resuming, faced their two-goal deficit with courage, and within 10 minutes had levelled the score through successful headers by Keen and Ramage. The County kept up their pressure, but the inside forwards failed to accept the chances that came their Way. Unexpectedly, and quite against the run of play, Everton regained the lead when Bentham scored after 78 minutes. Bentham's shot followed an unsuccessful effort by Mercer, who was allowed to run close to Kirby when it was generally expected that he would be pulled up for an infringement against Napier. The goalkeeper parried Mercer's shot, but the ball came out to Bentham, who at once sent it into the empty net. Within two minutes the score was again levelled, Jessop converting a penalty kick after Ramage had been brought down by White.
EVERTON WILL BE WITHOUT SAGAR IN FIRST BIG CUP-TIE.
December 30, 1935. Evening Express.
He Has A Torn Ligament.
Blues To Rest At Buxton Again.
Getting Ready For Great “Derby” Game.
By the Pilot.
Ted Sagar, Everton’s English international goalkeeper, will not be able to play for Everton in their F.A. Cup-tie against Preston North End at Goodison Park on January 11. Sagar injured a knee in the Boxing Day match against Sheffield Wednesday and an X-Ray examination has revealed a torn ligament. The knee has been placed in plaster and Mr. T. Kelly, acting secretary of the club, states that it will be a fortnight before the plaster is taken off. This is bad news for Everton, although they have a highly capable deputy in Frank King, the 19-year-old boy who played at derby on Saturday. Sagar was injured at a vital stage in the Cup competition last season; in fact, he did not play against Bolton Wanderers when Everton passed out of the competition in the sixth round. Stevenson is suffering from a severe leg injury, and he is not likely to be included in the Cup team probables. Buxton Again.
The Everton directors have decided that in view of the heavy holiday programme and the important Merseyside “Derby” game with Liverpool at Goodison Park, the players shall have another period of rest at Buxton. Some of the players have been given leave until Wednesday morning and a party of 14 will go to the Derbyshire spa for walks and special baths, returning to Liverpool on Saturday morning. If Everton play as well as they did against Derby County on Saturday, when they drew 3-3, there will be no talk of relegation. Everton were unlucky to drop a point, and even the Derby people admitted that they were the better team. In the first half they scored two goals. They tried for a spell and the County were able to draw level. Then they went ahead again, lost the lead as a consequence of a penalty, and then were denied what I though a perfectly good goal on the grounds of offside. Still, a point from Derby is good going. The Blues gained the distinction of being the first visiting team to score three goals at the Baseball ground this season.
Perfect Football.
Everton’s first half football was a source of sheer delight. It was delightfully conceived and perfectly executed right along the floor while there was shooting in plenty. Miller was the chief inspiration –the subtle brain behind a fine line –and Geldard stood out as the finest attacker on the field. Not once was he stopped by legitimate tactics. Gillick, Cunliffe and Bentham completed a fine attack which had fire and skill. White was the outstanding half-back even allowing for grand work by Mercer and Britton. The defence was sound. It was a hard game, abounding in thrills and satisfying efforts. If Everton can keep this team together, I am certain they will quickly rise in the league table. Cunliffe, Geldard, and Bentham scored for Everton, and keen, Ramage, and Jessop (penalty) for Derby.
Everton Signing.
Everton have signed as a professional William Hullett, a 19-year-old centre-forward, who has been on the books as an amateur for about a year. Hullett applied to Everton for a trial and has proved himself rare opportunists.
EVERTON’S DECLINE.
December 31, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.
By John Peel.
Some famous clubs have slumped. This time last season Everton were seventh in the table with 26 points in the table with 26 points for 23 games. Now they are above only Aston Villa, having secured only 17 points from 22 matches. The Villa who occupied the twelfth position in the league a year ago with 22 points from 23 games, have only 14 points for 23 matches. Grimsby Town with 18 points are only a point better off than Everton. At the end of 1934 they were sixth with 26 points.
The Goodison Derby.
There is no League match in Liverpool on New Year’s Day and Everton and Liverpool will have a rest before their meeting at Goodison Park on Saturday. The Everton team chosen last night, shows no changes from the side that drew at Derby last Saturday so the side will be King; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick, Liverpool won the first match, played on September 7, by six goals to nothing. Only four Everton men who played at Anfield will be on duty in the return fixture, namely Britton, White, Geldard and Miller. The others who took part in the match were Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Thomson, Dean, Stevenson, and Leyfield.
Sagar’s Injury
Sagar will be out of the side for about a month as the result of the injury received in the game against Sheffield Wednesday. The injury is a torn ligament in the knee and it means that Sagar will not be able to keep goal in the Cup-tie against Preston North End on Saturday week. King, who is a capable young goalkeeper, has, I am told been playing splendidly in the Central League side recently. He played in five League matches last season. Stevenson also has a knee injury and will not be able to play for a fortnight. Everton have signed on as a professional, W. Hullett, a local centre forward, who has been on the books.
FIVE WILL MAKE “DERBY” GAME DEBUT.
December 31, 1935. Evening Express.
Everton’s “No Changes” Team Decision.
By the Pilot.
“No changes”. This is the decision of the directors of Everton Football Club in regard to their team to meet Liverpool in the great Merseyside “Derby” match which takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday. So the team who put up such a galliant fight to bring back a point from Derby will e on view. The average ago of the side is only about 22 years. Certainly Everton will be fielding the youngest side ever to take part in a match against Liverpool. The youngest side fielded by Liverpool was in season 1933-34, when the Reds won 7-4 at Anfield. King, Mercer, Bentham, and Gillick will e playing in their first Merseyside “Derby” game. Liverpool directors meet this evening to select their eleven. Everton; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Cunliffe, Miller, Gillick. The “Derby” match will begin at 2.30 p.m and not 2.15 p.m.
Presentation To Ben Williams.
Ben Williams, the Everton Welsh international full-back, will captain the reserve team to oppose Manchester United in a Central league match at Goodison Park tomorrow. This is in honour of his benefit. Prior to the match the directors will present Williams with a cheque for £650 in recognition of faithful services from the Penrhiweiber player. Williams has not had the best of luck since coming to Everton from Swansea Town, for he has suffered many injuries, but Everton never had a bigger-hearted player. Williams had the distinction of being the captain of the team which won the championship of the Second Division and placed Everton on the road which led to them setting up the wonder record of three big honours in successive seasns. Dean the club captain makes his first appearance of the season in the Central League side. Everton Reserves; White; Williams, Cresswell; Kavanagh, Gee, Thomson; Leyfield, Dickinson, Dean, Webster, Archer. Everton play the same team against Liverpool in the Central League match at Anfield on Saturday.
December 1935