Everton Independent Research Data

 

ALBION MISS PENNINGTON AT WALTON
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 1, 1921
By Bee
Everton; Fern; Down (Captain), McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Reid. West Bromwich Albion; Pearson; Smith, Cook; A.N. Other, Bower, McNeal; Crisp, Bentley, James, Morris, Gregory. Referee; Mr. F. Slater (Blackburn). Everton played Reid for Harrison (crocked) and Peacock for Grenyer at Walton to-day, when the Blues hoped to begin the New Year aright by winning. They had chances in view of their former win at the Hawthorns and the fact that Albion lamented the absence of Pennington not to mention Jephcott, Richardson, &c. The day was fine, and a crowd of about 37,000 people gathered together and gave both sides a hearty greeting. The Albion played a boy named James at centre forward, but it was not his first appearance with the first team, as he has played for them in the half back line. The opening was brisk and pretty. The players showed a good sides, and there was not a shortage of shots.
TESTING EACH ‘KEEPER
The best and brightest incidents in the first quarter of an hour were the shots applied by Morris and Chedgzoy. In each case the goalkeeper did uncommonly well to punch the ball up and over for a corner. Morris had his chance after he had kicked over the ball in an endeavour to make a first-time vicious shot, Chedgzoy’s shot was off a different type altogether, in a breakaway he turned inward and with his left foot drove a ball that swerved considerably. The save and the shot were alike brilliant, so was the work of Syd Bowser, who was in making attacks. The Albion combination was just a trifle backward- that is to say, they passed and repassed, but did not make sufficient progress considering the work they put in. downs was a personality of play, and he came into the time-light by hogging the ball and by locking it between his legs. There were many incidents of interest, and a novelty was seen when Pearson, in punching, got out a Chedgzoy centre under the ball which swung behind him towards the empty goal.
UNSTABLE ATTACK
Fortunately for Pearson the ball landed on the angle of the bars, so that no harm resulted. Brewster in spite of his handicap of a broken finger-bone, was credited with a fine shot, which Pearson brought to earth in no uncertain manner. All in a minute the Everton backs lost their ability. First Downs was beaten readily, and James had a clear run for goal, but settled on an instant shot. The pace of the ball was tremendous, and Fern for the second time merited praise for his save.
MORRIS’S SMART GOAL
Still from the point of view of tactics, James was all wrong. His error cost them nothing because when McDonald was weak James placed the ball back to Morris, whose shot verge to the right, and made as clean a point as one could wish to see. The goalkeeper was placed hopelessly. The opening point came in just under the half hour. Everton supporters had visions of an equaliser from penalty which threatened to be begiven when linesman caused a consultation about an offence committed on Fazackerley.
FAZACKERLEY EQUALISES
The referee placed the free kick inches outside the penalty area, and Chedgzoy who had bene playing in his brightest form, fired wide. The home right wing had been going strong, and after Fazackerley placed a shot outside the post he has a second chance and scored with a ball Pearson did not attempt to save, the reason being that Parker was winded, and though the referee could not see this, Pearson could, and thought play must be stopped. As a matter of fact Fazackerley got the ball from the rebound against Parker’s body yet there was an appreciable time between the time of Parker going down and Fazackerley’s shot. Reid was stopped stoutly by Joe Smith, and when Pearson ran out to beat Parker he picked up and kicked as usual nearly three-parts the length of the field. Pearson is one of the strongest kickers in the country, but he would have had no chance with Crossley shot just before half time if the ball had not scored. The end of a capital 45 minutes sport brought this score; Everton 1, West Bromwich Albion 1
The home left wing had not been doing well and when Crossley missed from close in the chance was without doubt on of the two the game had provided. To be far to Crossley one must say that his close dribbling had been successful and useful.
THE BREWSTER LODGE
When play started afresh it as noticeable that Downs and Fazackerley had joined the
(Unfortunately completely unreadable towards the bottom, page torn and missing) went rather flat, and there was always a danger of Albion snapping a goal.
AN OFFSIDE GOAL
This was made evident when crisp was fouled, Fern saving the shot before the linesman carried his point. The linesman forced another consultation, and the outcome was afro a kick close in, Bentley heading the ball against the under part of the crossbar and then using his hands to make sure the ball entered the net. This was a let-off for Everton, as was also the case of Crisp scoring a fine goal and being judged offside- a decision with which most disagreed. On the other hand, there was the case of Crossley who had beaten Pearson all along the line, the upright preventing the ball from entering the net. The Albion were now making an exceedingly plucky fight, and one was disappointed to see Downs showing a special vigour on crisp, who was much shaken up. Joe Smith was also stopped for a time through injury. Chedgzoy and Fleetwood changed places, and Peacock put in a rough and tumble minute that did him credit.
JAMES EQUALISES
James equalised the ball being breasted through. Everton could not complain, because they had been risking this equaliser for a long time, and except for a shot by Fazackerley which Pearson checked, the home forwards had done nothing for a quarter of an hour.
Final; Everton 2, West Bromwich Albion 2

CREW ALEX v  EVERTON RES
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 1, 1921
At Crewe, before 7,000 spectators. After an exciting passage in the Everton goal, during which Crewe missed a chance, the visitors left wing went away at lightning speed, and Kirsopp opened the score. Crewe played with great vigour after this reverse, and they were ever dangerous. Mitchell saved a series of wonderful shots, but he failed to reach a header from Rowlands, which glided into the net from the uprights. Five minutes later Caulfield headed an offside goal which was disallowed. Everton pressed vigorously and their forwards played fine in combination. Rigby had a good opportunity of placing Crewe ahead, but he dallied with the ball too long. Scott saved brilliantly from Kirsopp, who played a wonderful game in the centre. It was one of the fastest games seen on the Crewe ground this season, and towards the interval Crewe were showing signs of distress. A minute before the interval Crewe scored from a penalty kick. Half-time; Crewe 2, Everton 1.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 1, 1921
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 2 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2
January 3, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S NARROW SQUEAK.
A DRAWN GAME AT GOODISON PARK.
Everton had to be satisfied with a division of the points from their meeting with West Bromwich Albion, at Goodison Park, and they were fortunate indeed to escape defeat. There was much keen play, and incident, and the fortunes of the game fluctuated considerably. Albion were the better side in the early stages with smart, crafty forwards and a reliable defence. Everton had their turn in the second half, and with Parker giving his side the lead (2-1), success seemed assured. The greater staying power of the Albion, however, had its effect in the last fifteen minutes, when James got the equalising point and subsequently very nearly won the game. The Albion gave a plucky display, and while Everton played a fair game there was more thoroughness and consistency about the work of the visitors. Smith was often brilliant and as certainly had no superior although Parker did many clever things, his only fault being a liking for risky clearances. In the closing stages Downs was well beaten by James, and it was only a lucky intervention by McDonald that saved the Everton goal. In the intermediate sections the honours went to Brewster and Bowser. Both showed constructive ideas and recognized the value of a first-time shot. McNeal and Richardson were better than the Everton wing half backs. The Albion also had a decided advantage in attack. There was a balance and evidence about the visitors forwards that made the line much more dangerous than Everton's. Chedgzoy was the best performer in the first half, but he was very subdued in the second half, and before the end-changed places with Fleetwood. Crossley by reason of his first-time shooting, was Everton's best in the second half, but he failed with a glorious chance just before the interval. More advantage should have been gained from Chedgzoy's fine work in the early stages, Chedgzoy was certainly Pearson's greatest opponents. Once the Everton man cleverly outwitted Smith and drove in a beautiful ball that Pearson just as skillfully tipped over the bar. Chedgzoy's centres were full of possibilities, and Pearson although he gaves sound display, almost brought about his own defeat when he punched the ball upwards and it fell back and bounced on the crossbar. The ball was twice in the Everton net, but both points were disallowed. Twice could be no question about Bentley having sent the ball into the net, with his hand, and thus nullifying the first point, but when Crisp scored and was adjudged offside, the decision was very much open to question. The first goal came at the end of 27 minutes play, and it was a glorious long drive by Morris that beat Fern. Ten minutes later Fazackerley equalised. The ball rebounded from Parker to Fazackerley, and the former was “winded” by the blow. Pearson was apparently under the impression that play would be stopped for Parker's injury, for he made no attempt to stop Fazackerley's shot. Six minutes after the interval Parker gave Everton the lead for the first time, although credit must be given to Crossley for his share in the success. Crossley's shot hit the under part of the crossbar, rebound to earth and Parker, rushing in, touched the ball into the net with his head. After Crossley had again hit the woodwork with a header, James equalised after 82 minutes. James was a deadly shooter, and Fern made his best save when he cleverly caught a tremendous drive. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain), and McDonald, backs, Fleetwood, Brewster, and Peacock, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Reid, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goals, Smith, and Cook, backs, Richardson, Bowser, and McNeal, half-backs, Crisp, Bentley, Dr. James, Morris, and Gregory, forwards.

CREWE ALEXANDRA 3 EVERTON RESERVES 2
January 3, 1921 The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 21)
Everton provided one of the hardest games seen on the Crewe ground. They gave more polished display than Crewe, who were somewhat lucky in winning by the odd goal in five. In the first five minutes Kirsopp opened Everton's score. The pace was hot, and the visitors quintette gave a perfect exhibition of passing. Crewe showed a wonderful improvement towards the end of the first half, and after Rowlands had equalised, Caulfield put the railwaymen ahead a minute before the interval from a penalty kick. The second half was fought with even greater vigour than the first. Rowland increased Crewe's lead after a place of clever play, and Wall reduced the arrears five minutes before the close.

EVERTON’S LAPSES
Athletic News -Monday January 3, 1921
WEAKENED WEST BROMWICH SHARE THE SPOILS
EVERTON 2, WEST BROMWICH ABION 2
By Junius
ONCE upon a time It was understood that a team on their own ground held a decided advantage over their opponents, but Everton have proved this to be a fallacy. Their failure to defeat last year's champion's at Goodison Park, after winning at The Hawthorns, was another argument in support of my earlier statement. Deprived of Pennington, Jephcott, and Smith (A. W.), the Albion suffered a severehandicap, but they showed themselves worthy opponents, and merited the point they secured, for they were a more evenly balanced combination than their rivals. They started in a fashion which completely bewildered the staid notions of the Everson experts, and it was surprising that they were not ahead in the first ten minutes. Their forwards were full of fire, and ably aided by their half-backs they swooped down on the Everton goal timeand again in irresistible manner. By comparison, Everton were slow, laboured, and cumbersome, but they rallied from this onslaught, and might have won but for a blunder by the rear-guard which practically presented the visitors with an equaliser just before the finish. The Albion were a more convincing team because they were consistent, whereas Everton were merely good.
EVERTON’S ENERVATION.
The Everton forwards were spasmodic and lacked the redeeming quality of definite action; similarly in the rear ranks well, and Fern often saved finely, yet one wondered what happened when the Albion equalised near the finish.
A GRAND SET OF MIDDLEMEN
The intermediate line of the Midlandersbore off the honours, each man played steadily to his forwards and formed a splendid connecting link between the defence and attack. . There was nothing to choose between the trio. Smith as usual, gave a fine exhibition at right back. Pearson was a valiant custodian, and the Albion rear division was sound to the core. In the front rank, James was not noticeable, but he was flanked by versatile wings. In the early stages Crisp and Bentley were irresistible, and when their good work was taken up by Morris and Gregory, it was easily recognisable that with their usual leader the Albion would have made even a bolder bid for victory. Two goals came in each half. Morris gave the 'visitors the lead with a glorious right-footed drive from thirty yards range, after twenty-five minutes, play, and ten minutes later FAZACKERLEY equalised, what time Parker was receiving attention for a temporary injury. Soon after the change of ends Crossley drove the ball against the woodwork, and it dropped almost vertically, whereupon PARKER made certain of the goal. Everton now looked like winning, but near the finish the ball wasflashed towards their goal, and while the backs and Fern were hesitating, each leaving the clearanceto the other, JAMES breasted the equalising point. Everton. —Fern ; Downs (Captain), Macdonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Reid. West Bromwich Albion; Pearson; Smith (J), Cook; Richardson, Bowser, McNeal; Crisp, Bentley, James, Morris, and Gregory. Referee; Mr. F. Slater, Blackburn.

EVERTON STRENGTHENED
Athletic News- Monday, January 3, 1921
Everton are performing so moderately in their engagements at Goodison Part that their encounter with Stockport County cannot be considered in the light of an easy task. Harrison, who strained a ligament, in his leg at Highbury, will be available for the outside left position, and Grenyer will also be ready, hence the team should be at full strength, arranged probably in this wise:—Fern; Davies, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Grenyer; Chedgzoy. Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. The team will not undergo any special preparation. The usual routine will be followed, varied by an occasional visit across the Mersey, to inhale the invigorating breezes of the Wirral' peninsula.  Only a portion of the Bullen's-road stand has been reserved for those desirous of purchasing 3s. 6d. tickets beforehand. Though the counter-attraction at Anfield will doubtless affect the attendance, there will be a big crowd at Goodison Park. Despite their vagaries Everton should readily qualify forthe  second round of the ties.

THE AMAZING REFEREE
Birmingham Daily Gazette -Monday, January 3, 1921
ALBION HAVE THREE GOOD GAOSL DISALLOWED
DESERVED TO WIN
EVERTON 2, WEST BROMWICH ABLION 2
By “The Throstle”
West Bromwich Albion were not the favourites of fortune at Goodison Park on Saturday, otherwise they would have had the satisfaction of recording their first away win of the season. The records will show that the result of this game with Everton was a draw of two goals each, but the most rabid partisan of the Mersey-siders will not deny that the champions richly deserved to win, and but for some amazing decisions by the referee they would have done so.
A FOOT OVER THE LINE
Since these decisions were the essence of the match, reference must first be made to them. Besides the two occasions upon which the Albion were permitted to count it to their credit. Albion found the net three times. In the first half, Bentley was held to be offside when Gregory headed his pass into the netted space-a very doubtful decision indeed. Midway through the second portion and when the score was 2-1 in Everton’s favour, James crashed a pass from Crisp against the underside of the bar, whence it bounced a foot over the line, and then rebounded to Bentley, who returned it into the net, but the agency of his hand. It is not disputed that Bentley fouled the ball, but the Albion assert- and from the Press box it was plain-that the ball had already crossed the line.
THE WORST DECISION
The worst decision followed, however, immediately upon this. Gregory got well away, deceived Downs, and taking careful stock of the position, he saw the other four forwards all in position and all well on-side. He lobbed the ball across, and Crisp cleverly transferred it into the net. But again the referee disallowed the point, although no Everton player protested, and the crowd heartily applauded the Albion players. Luckily these quixotic rulings of an official who showed a lamentably poor idea of the rules of football did not involve defeat, for seven minutes from the end, James breasted through a centre from Crisp. Albion’s earlier goal had been registered in 22 minutes by Morris with a wonderful drive, after James had placed the ball beautifully for him.
CAPITAL COMBINATION
Everton equalised rather tamely through Fazackerley, and five minutes after the change of ends, Crossley hit the under side of the bar and the ball bounced over the line, Parker making sure. The referee said afterwards that Crossley scored, and this is admitted by the Albion defenders. So much of the interest of the game centred in the goals that were and the goals that weren’t that the remainder of the narrative must be strictly limited. Albion were by far the better team, and save for brief spells immediately preceding and following the interval, when Everton held the upper hand, the League champions were always on top. They opened and finished in great style, their forwards showing capital combination and being much more impressive in front of the goal than has been the case of late.
DELAY OF PROMISE
Crisp produced his best form, and in the first half Bentley made a fine partner. The left wing was more effective, whilst the experiment of playing James at centre-forward was a decided success. He gave a display of much promise and his judgement in letting the ball pass to a better-placed player revealed an unselfishness which is not usually pronounced in a new player. Albion defence was on its best behaviour, and none gave a finer exhibition than Cook. Early on he found Everton’s formidable right wing a source of trouble, but he had read their methods, he completely bottled them up and played a brilliant game. The same remark applies to the halves, and to the other defenders, Bowser being a tireless worker right through.
BOLD FORECAST
Everton one must assume, reserve their best performances for other fields. Or possibly they were overawed by the bold forecast in the official programme-that the match would end in a draw of two goals. When all is written, however, the abiding impression is the poor refereeing by the appointed official, Mr. F. Slater, of Blackburn. Teams;-
West Bromwich Albion; Pearson; Smith (J), Cook; Richardson, Bowser, McNeal; Crisp, Bentley, James, Morris, and Gregory.
Everton. —Fern ; Downs (Captain), Macdonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Reid.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 3, 1921
It was a suggestion on Friday that the Mersey double would eventuate and thus start the New year in a right and proper manner. Blame Everton for not doing their part; it was then lapse, not the prophet’s. Yet football’s very fascinating claws depend upon such unexpected things as Bristol City being beaten at home by Rotherham, or Blackpool’s win at Nottingham, or Cardiff’s further defeat, or Albion narrow failure to win outright. Certainly no one could grumble that the game at Goodison Park was dull. It had many things to interest and to cause comment. I am told that while I was busy writing-rarely do they catch me writing a word, of course at the ground-James scored the equaliser for Albion, helped by his hand. A good judge tells me this. Whether it was so I cannot say, but I do say that Crisp scored as sound and “ruleable” a goal as one could wish to see, and the referee adjudged him as offside. There were too many officials on Saturday at Goodison Park. The referee was led by the linesman, who wanted to dominate matters. That is no use to the game. Too many bosses leads to rows everywhere. The linesman was not acting as lieutenant; he was doing his job himself. Where Mr. Slater may have erred is in the fact that he let Fazackerley shoot and score when parker was plainly “out” through a bang from the ball. It is a very tricky point to know when to sound the whistle, but Mr. Slater cannot say he was fearful of being hoodwinked as in this case it was one of the scorer’s side that was damaged. At the outset Albion took the lead by the direct action of Fred Morris. Then Everton’s spell and seeing confidence. When Crossley reformed himself and played tip-top football in the second half he made Parker’s goal and moreover once got Pearson in a hole and found the woodwork his only barrier to another goal. Crossley was not alone in his “one sided” half. Chedgzoy (injured apparently) had a solid first half and then tapered off. Peacock had a quiet first half and a grand second half period. I am a great believer in Peacock. Reid did not live up to the things we have heard about him, and our backs were inclined to “mess about” in the second half till no one was surprised when Albion stole a goal and levelled things up. The wonder was they didn’t go further and snatch a victory; they were almost worth it, when you come to remember that they were playing better football than our experienced men, and that their combined moves were the outcome of ground passes. Led by a very young boy James, a local find, the Albion attack was nippy. Gregory was off colour, but Crisp gave us one of his best exhibitions-he has given very moderate shows here in the past. Bentley gets no younger, but Morris still hits a ball with power and precision, a remark that applies to Brewster when he gets a chance to shy at goal. Of half-backs, however, the palm must go to Syd Bowser, who was very wise in his every turn; Parker did well under the circumstances. There is but this to add in the matter of comment- Everton’s defence must not take undue risks in cup-tie struggles or they will be bundled out of the competition.

ALBION PAY A TRIBUTE TO FERN OF EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, January 4, 1921
Bee’s Notes
An Albion official says of Everton’s win;- Your boys won at the Hawthorns, and they are a better team than last year. They were, however, fortunate, and really were played to a standstill in the second half, which was one ceaseless bombardment of Fern, who played the game of his life. He must have saved twenty shots which looked like scoring, all our forwards and halves helping in the fusillade, and there were eight impressions of the ball on the uprights which stopped them when Fern didn’t. our team never played better than in this half, and Fern saved Everton the points off his own bat. As he is one of the team, good luck to Everton. This will make up for some of their unlucky days.
FROM THE OBSERVATION POST
Your valued notes seem to me the best means of ventilating my ideas regarding the present formation of the Everton elevens (writes a keen follower,”Observator”). Does it not occur to many that there is a decided shakiness about the team? Who would dream of comparing the present half-back line with the Booth, Taylor, Abbott days, for instance? Now, on Saturday next, Everton have one of the easiest tasks in meeting Stockport County. Presumably Everton will scramble through, or perhaps win comfortably. Passing into the second round, however, they may have to meet a nicely-balanced eleven, and Everton’s Cup chances will assuredly fade. How does even the keenest Evertonians fancy about with say, Burnley, Bolton, or Newcastle? Seems to me it would be “Good-bye, Everton.” The moral is this; Everton are often acclaimed as the wealthiest club in the League, and they merely prove it by the acquisition of houses for ground expansion in the dim future. Why not spend equivalent money in strengthening played-out units in the team, and the return will be tenfold? A real live left wing, with height, dash and vigour, a first-class right half, and a bustling centre-half, who can slash any weight of ball to either winger, seem to be wanted now. There are other weaknesses in the team, but these will do to go on with. Genuine football skill on the books, and the English Cup should be Everton’s slogan for 1921.
STAYING POWER WANTED
“M.R.” of Liscard, writes.  Can you please tell me what is wrong with the Everton team? Why so often, after being in a winning position, they fade away, enabling the other side to either draw level or win? Is it that they are not able to stay the 90 minutes, or simply carelessness? If this defect is carried into the Cup-ties I am afraid they will not go far. We hear many comments-polite and otherwise- on the homeward journey, so that I am not the only one to grumble. What a pity there is not room for six forwards, for I should dearly like to see Kirsopp playing again. My husband and I have had an argument-men were ever stubborn things’- over the wages question. He will not say that some League players are paid £9 and the others only £5 or £6. Would you kindly quote to me the rule on this, so that I may press home my side of the argument-with a woman’s handiest weapon- my tongue? With best wishes to you for the New Year, and to the boys in blue, whom I have followed since the first year of their migration to Goodison, the hope that they will turn over a new leaf, and put every ounce of grit into that last 15 minutes. As I write our old friend Jockie Taylor, comes before me! ‘Nuff said’ I want to make another trip to the Final and see the Cup won for the second time. Why not? Echo answers why?
Answer -Wages depend upon years of service. Therefore some get £5 and some £9. 

EVERTON GOALKEEPER GOES ON TRANSFER
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, January 5, 1921
EVERTON SIGN A SCOTTISH CENTRE
Bee’s Notes
Everton have taken to themselves a Scottish centre, a boy named Moffatt, of East Fife, which club has just won the Qualifying Cup, mention of which reminds me that George Wilson (“Smiler”) is still playing in Scotland, and has got his team into the Scottish Cup proper. Everton’s new boy is reckoned one of the best centres from “up there.”
The Goodison management have decided to name fourteen players and select their side from that list. It reads;- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Thompson; Brewster, Fleetwood, Peacock, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison, and Reid. I asked Mr. Tom McIntosh whether Harrison would be fit by Saturday to play in the Cup-tie with Stockport County and his reply was;
“Harrison is much better, and may be quite ready by Saturday.” Then I asked whether it was true that frank Mitchell, the goalkeeper, was on transfer. Mr. McIntosh expressed surprise that the news had leaked out, and that Sheffield could inform “Bee” this very morning, for it was only last night that the club decided to accede to Mitchell’s own request to be put on the list. Mitchell has been with the side a long time, and has had considerable experience in the first team- during the war and at other periods. Owing to Fern’s brilliance, Mitchell saw no chance of regaining his place among the tops, and as he desired to play first-team stuff he asked more than once to be put on transfer. He had a £500 benefit last season, and his games in 1914-15, when Everton won the League championship, are well remembered. He was known in Glasgow as the “Penalty King” owing to his many penalty saves, and in those days played for Maryhill and Malgavine clubs. Celtic signed him and after a season he was transferred to Motherwell. He will be a sound and capable man for some team, but whether the player prefers the homeland so England I cannot say at the moment.

MICTHELL ON TRANSFER LIST
January 6, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
F Mitchell, the Everton Reserves goalkeeper, has been placed on the transfer list at his own request. Mitchell, who had a £500 benefit last season, is a fine goalkeeper, but has not had an outing with the League team this season, owing to the brilliance of Fern.

EVERTON NEW SIGNING
Everton have signed on a young centre forward named Moffatt, of East Fife, which club recently won the Scottish Qualifying Cup.
EAST FIFE'S LOSS IS EVERTON'S GAIN.

MOFFAT MOVES TO MERSEYSIDE.
Friday 07 January 1921 ,  Dundee Courier
Everton may be said to have obtained a real, live "capture" the person of Andrew Moffat, the East Fife centre forward. Keenness personified, Moffat had not a little the credit which was earned by the Methil team when they won the Qualifying Cup this season. Dash, distributive ability, a well-knit frame, and a strong ; shot are Moffat's principal assets as a footbailer .His ball-control may not yet be all that one could wish for, but he has youth i his side, and provided that he takes . kindly to his new quarters he should make good." The Story of Moffat's Transfer to the i, Merseyside club is an interesting one. An Everton representative watched his play . against in the Cup final at Cowden, heath, and was duly impressed. Again on >Monday in the St Johnstone match at Bay( view. Moffat's play was followed by an Everton agent, who was later successful in obtaining the player's transfer. The Liverpool club were not alone in . their quest for the dashing pivot, for at Dunfermline on Wednesday Preston North End came forward with a bid for his vices, only to find that their bird had flown. Moffat, who is a native'of Lochgelly, previously played for the United, to which the club went from Glencraig Celtic. He is 21 years old, stands 5 feet 8 inches high, ' and weighs 11 stones

EAST FIFE'S LOSS IS EVERTON'S GAIN.
The Dundee Courier-January 7 1921
MOFFAT MOVES TO MERSEYSIDE.
Everton may be said to have obtained a real, live "capture" the person of Andrew Moffat, the East Fife centre forward. Keenness personified, Moffat had not a little the credit which was earned by the Methil team when they won the Qualifying " Cup that season. Dash, distributive ability, a well-knit frame, and a strong shot are Moffat's principal assets as a footballer. His ball-control may not yet be all that one could wish for, but he has youth in his side, and provided that he takes kindly to his new quarters he should make good.
The Story of Moffat's Transfer to the Merseyside club is an interesting one. An Everton representative watched his play . against Bo'ness in the Cup final at Cowden, heath, and was duly impressed. Again on Monday in the St Johnstone match at Bayview, Moffat's play was followed by an Everton agent, who was later successful in obtaining the player's transfer. The Liverpool club were not alone in ,their quest for the dashing pivot, for at Dunfermline on Wednesday Preston North End came forward with a bid for his services, only to find that their bird had flown. Moffat, who is a native'of Lochgelly, previously played for the United, to which club went from Glencraig Celtic. He is 21 years old, stands 5 feet 8 inches high, ' and weighs 11 stones

FIRST ROUND OF THE GREAT COMPETITION
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 7, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Everton, like Liverpool, have faced their opponents once before in Cup-tie warfare, but whereas Liverpool were beaten by Manchester, Everton beat Stockport. In each case the visiting club has a former comrade at centre forward and doubtless Gault and Tom Miller will be out to show how foolish it was for their clubs to let them go. Stockport in the days of Fayer, Norman Rodgers and the Mittons and Wateralls, were a cup-fighting side. They have fallen from grace in the present season, and it is merely their dash that threatens to upset Everton. Experienced men have ever and anon in the F.A tourney been thrown off their game by the dash of young fellows who threw theories and dribbles to the winds and went straight for goal. However, Everton’s goalkeeper is in such form, and Downs is such a Cup-tie stalwart that it is improbable that Stockport will be able to master the home defence. At the moment there is a doubt about the Everton side, but the following will probably take the field; Everton; Fern; Down, McDonald; Weller, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison.

EVERRTON TEAM
January 8, 1921 The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The following against Stockport County at Goodison Park, Fern, Downs, McDonald, Weller, Brewster, Peacock, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison, or Reid will probably represent Everton. If paper form counts for anything Everton have an easy passage into the next round, for the lowly placed eleven is not likely to do much at Goodison Park, but then paper form is the last guide in the world in Cup-ties.

AT GOODISON PARK
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 8, 1921
EVERTON CLUB TACKLE STOCKPORT
GAULT AT HIS OLD SPOT
F.E.H DESCRIBES COUNTY’S STRUGGLE AGAINST ODDS
EVERTON GET THROUGH
Everton, like Liverpool had met their rivals once before. In 1912-13, the first game between the pair was abandoned through the snowfall, and at the replay Everton won 5-1. Stockport have gone down a lot since then, and have lost most of their best-known men. However, Gault, ex-Everton had returned to them this season. Everton, who were at the pantomime last night and enjoyed the sallies of Harry Weldon and Ella Retford regarding the Cup, played Weller at right half owing to Fleetwood being unfit. Harrison returned to the side, and the belief was that Everton would win when the teams lined out. In spite of the great attraction across the Park, there was a great gathering at Everton, and everybody looked forward to a strenuous game. Everton; Fern; Down (Captain), McDonald; Weller. Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Stockport County; hardy; Garrett. Layton; Anderson, Walmsley, Waterall; Beattie, Walsh, E. Gault, Cragg, Knowles. Referee; Mr. W. Pearson. There were 15,000 spectators present when Everton appeared amid encouraging cheers. Downs won the toss, and the visitors started towards the town goal. Gault had the satisfaction of setting the ball in motion against his ex-club mates, but this was as far as Stockport got in the opening exchanges. Everton at once settled into a steady stride, and before the game was a few minutes old both Parker and Crossley and tested the Stockport defence. Then came a brilliant individual effort on the part of Chedgzoy, who centred the ball at the corner flag into the goalmouth. Crossley returned it to Fazackerley, and the latter gave hardy something to think about. The Stockport custodian cleared well, and a few minutes later he was equally successfully in dealing with a difficult shot from Crossley. As the game progressed the visitors gradually found their on the slippery surface, and on several occasions, Gault led attacks which caused both Downs and McDonald to bestir themselves.
BREWSTER OPENS THE SCORE
Walsh on one occasion put in a dropping shot that was cleared, and then Knowles was prominent with a run down the wing and a shot that went wide. It was not very long before the Evertonians again began to assert themselves and after ten minutes’ going, they reaped the reward of their superior play. Chedgzoy made ground on the right, when he was fouled. He took the place kick himself, and from the bully in front of goal Brewster succeeded in heading the ball into the net. This initial opening of the score was received with great cheering by the crowd, which by this time had been largely augmented. The visitors, however, appeared to be by no means disheartened by this reverse. Capital half-back play put their right wing in possession. Beattie finished with a dexterous shot, which might well have beaten another goalkeeper. Following upon this, the Everton vanguard proceeded to monopolise the play, and their passing was very pretty. It erred, however, on the point of too much delicacy, with the result that Layton and Garrett were able to clear their lines, when a more strenuous opposition might well have beaten them. It was no doubt as a result of this that the Stockport vanguard took heart of grace, and proceeded to carry war into the home camp. Gault initiated several promising movements, but he was unable to keep his wings together, and when he came through on his own account, he drove the ball straight into the arms of Fern.
MASTERS OF THE GAME
Meanwhile Everton were showing themselves masters of the game, and Crossley experienced ill-luck in seeing one of his shots curl a couple of inches on the wrong side of the upright. Chedgzoy was no doubt disappointed in seeing a well-judged dropping shot smartly fielded by the Stockport custodian. The visitors made lively play on the right and Beattie was twice distinctly dangerous. Downs, coming to the rescue of his colleague on the second occasion with one of his hefty clearances. At the other end Everton once more showed their cleverness by a break-through on the part of Crossley, who beat both backs and gave the ball to Parker, who just missed finding the net. Stockport replied in the most spirited fashion, the bulk of the attack as before coming from the right wing. Beattie and Walsh, in fact, were giving both Peacock and McDonald grounds for uneasiness, and this was emphasised when, from a pass, Gault struck the woodwork. This sturdy opposition had its effect upon the home team, who responded on the left, and Harrison finished with a great shot, which was very cleverly fielded. Approaching the interval Everton made more attempts to increase their lead, but there appeared to be a little slackness in finishing, and several openings were lost. Chedgzoy tried to make amends for this by a run down the wing on his own account, but his final shot was just wide of the mark. Walmsley was conspicuous in cleverly checking Parker just as Everton forward line was moving along in perfect order, and Chedgzoy was again unfortunate when he struck the side of the net with a screw shot. A few minutes before half-time Everton put on another spurt, and Fazackerley tried with a swift shot, but Hardy managed to intercept it. Stockport made a desperate effort to get on level terms before the sides crossed over. They forced a corner on the left, and from this the ball was put just outside. Weller being hurt in the scramble that took place in front of Fern. He had only recovered when the referee sounded the whistle for the cessation of hostilities. Half-time; Everton 1, Stockport County 0. It showed a clever spirit of sportsmanship that the crowd should clear Stockport County when they reappeared after their short respite. The ground was now practically filled although there were open spaces on the terraces. Everton again assumed an aggressive attitude, and the left-wing pair were particularly active in trying to upset Hardy’s charge. The Everton right proceeded to show their prowess, but Chedgzoy overran the ball. Weller took the ye of the crowd with some serviceable work, but he was well countered by Garrett and Anderson. For some time play ruled in midfield and then the sturdily-built little Crossley wriggled his way through and shot with tremendous force at hardy, who cleared with the skill of his international namesake. A few seconds later the Everton inside-left rushed through again, but this time he put the ball over the bar. Curiously enough, the pace was now becoming faster than ever, though the style of play showed a certain amount of determination. Thus it happened that many movements failed at the critical moment, the forwards on both sides showing over-anxiety. This, of course, is not an unusual thing in Cup-ties, but it is not conductive to the getting of goals. At this period rain began to fall in a dreary drizzle, but such was the interest that those spectators who were without shelter stuck it gamely, and cheered the players in their efforts. It was too obvious that Everton was much the more polished side, but the visitors continued to put up a stubborn defence, and an instance of this was afforded when Fazackerley was knocked off the ball just as everybody thought he was sailing through. In the later stages of the game Stockport renewed their activities and Cragg sent in a “daisy-cutter,” which caused Fern some trouble. These detached breakaway on the part of the Cheshire club were spirited enough but not sufficiently combined to overcome the Everton defence. It is quite true that Downs and McDonald were occasionally troubled, but they took this responsibility lightly. Everton in the gathering dark attempted to increase the lead, and Crossley actually netted the ball a second after the whistle had blown for a foul on Parker. The free kick was taken by Harrison, and the shot was smartly intercepted by Layton, who cleared amid tremendous excitement. In the last few minutes Stockport came very near equalising a concerted attack being dealt with rather more by good luck than good management. The light, however, was very bad and this no doubt affected the players just as much as it interfered with the vision of the onlookers in the covered stands. Final; Everton 1, Stockport County 0.

OLD LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 8, 1921
THE CITY ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO
I have found great interest in a series of prints and engravings of portions of Liverpool and outskirts as they appeared about one hundred years ago. The first is of the Exchange and Nelson’s monument. At that time the Monument was railed round. There was no underwriters’ room at the corner, and those figures so conspicuous now, as you cross the Flags from the Town Hall to Chapel-street, were not in existence. My next view is of the inside of the “News-room”-not much like what it is to-day; the ceiling was held by two long rows of columns, and I cannot discover the beautiful dome which towers above the floor at the present time.
No 3. Shows me the Town Hall-looming at it from castle-street. The building does not appear to have altered a scrap, but the building in Castle-street bear no resemblance to those we are now so familiar with; if I except the jeweller’s shop at the corner.
No.4 is looking down Castle-street from the Town Hall. You wouldn’t know it as the castle-street of to-day. There seems to be no Cook-street, although there is an opening indicating Brunswick-street. The spire of the old church of St. George’s is an outstanding object. It only seems the other day when we used to set our watches by the clock in this spire and when the bell used to ring every day at twelve o’clock for the mid-day service conducted by “old Kelly” (as we irreverently called the vicar).  I have often wondered what became of the man with one arm, who used to see papers at the corner of the church? He did not secure a pitch in the neighbourhood, as I have never seen him since the church was demolished.
No.5 is a view of the interior of the ball-room of the Town Hall, the wonderful glass chandelier hung in the centres of the room even in those days. The room itself does not seem much altered.
No. 6 is another view of the front of the Town Hall, looking at it from Water-street, with the Phoenix Fire Office at the corner on the left; on the right, where the Manchester and Liverpool Banking Company now carries on business was a building with an entrance, as if used for coaches, &c. 
No. 7 Another view of St. George’s spire, as seen from the dockside. It appears to have been surrounded by warehouses, and a high wall ran along the dock intervening between Strand-street.
No.8 shows the interior of the old St. John’s Market. The centre stalls are set up as in the present day, but there does not seem to have been so many buyers about as there are to-day.
No.9 is an engraving of St. Luke’s church at the top of Bold-Street. The church was surrounded by an iron railing, enclosing even the steps which are now open to the street. The church of St. Mark’s is seen in the distance in Duke-street. The church is now demolished, and a well-known citizen is building a warehouse on the site.
No.10 is a view of the ancient “Wishing gate.” It is a scene on the shore, I have not looked up the record of its exact locality. Can some reader inform me where it was situated? 
No.11 This portrays the old church of St. Nicholas at the bottom of Chapel-street, and the Tower at the bottom of Water-street, and is from a painting dated 1741.  According to the picture the water used to come practically up to the walls of the church, and to the walls of the Tower. What a different scene from that of the bustling tram terminus of the present day.
No. 12 is the old Goree building. They appear little altered themselves, but across the road is the old St. George’s Dock, full of ships with sails furled, and unfurled, instead of which we now the Dock Offices and the Cunard buildings.
No.13 is a view of the house in which William Roscoe was born, in Mount-peasant, and which I presumed stood somewhere near the garden connected with the Central Hall.
No. 14 Old Blue Coat School in School-lane as to-day.
No.15 A fine view of the Custom House from the dock side.
What strikes me in these old prints is the absence of the power of steam and electricity; the ships depended entirely upon the breeze from heaven, and manual labour was the principal motive power. There are also;-
Sefton Church, as seen from the outside, also a view of the famous inside Lathom House, as it existed before the siege; Knowsley Hall, Speke Hall, Allerton Hall, Hale Hall, Ince Blundell, Croxteth Hall, Thurnham Hall, Childwall Hall, Rufford Hall, Roby Hall, &c.  were these the bad old days or the good old days!

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- January 8, 1921
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 1 STOCKPORT COUNTY 0
January 10 1921. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON NARROW VICTORY
STRONG DEFENCE.
The Everton Club gained right of entry to the second stage of the Cup competition at the expense of Stockport County, by the only goal scored in the game. But they had to struggle hard to-retain the lead they secured nine minutes after the commencement of operations; indeed there were occasions when they came perilously near losing their grip upon the game. The team worked hard enough, but much of their energy was misdirected. It was only on rare occasions that the half-backs and forwards gave a glimpse of top form; they were frequently disjointed units, and individualism did not play, opposed to a half-back line such as represented the County side. Defence was the strong point in Saturday's display, and the rear lines on both sides generally prevailed over the respective attacking forces. It was a typical Cup-tie tussle, in which destructive rather than constructive dominated the proceedings. The Edgeley Park players in the main relied upon the long, swinging passing game, and frequently made progress as a result thereof, but beyond the leader of the van there was not a capable marksmen on the side. The Blues fared better in this respect, and in all netted the ball on four occasions, to be ruled out thrice through offside infringements. As indicated, it was a dour struggle on a heavy turf, and while the Evertonians were undoubtedly the better all round side, their display was not of too convincing a nature.
RUN OF THE PLAY.
At the outset the County forwards came out at a brisk pace and seriously threatened Everton's defence, which fortunately did not waver. Then followed a series of incisive advances, in one of which Chedgzoy was fouled by Waterall, the resulting free kick taken by Weller enabling Brewster to head the ball into the corner of the net. For a brief spell the Everton forwards put in much good footwork, which, however, was rarely allowed to develop by the alert County half-backs, and from a break-away a surprise shot from Gault almost placed the sides level. Still more chances came Everton's way, and while Parker's final touch lacked sting, Crossley lost foothold when about to apply the finishing touch at close quarters. Yet again Gault came near with a terrific drive that rebounded from the crossbar. As the second portion of the game progressed, play became somewhat scrappy, and was relieved only by occasional flashes on the Everton left, coupled with fine custodianship on the part of Hardy. There was no slacking in the closing stages, during which there were several thrilling incidents, but play, as a whole did not reach a particularly high standard of efficiency.
CONCERNING THE PLAYERS.
The greasy playing pitch may have been responsible for many shortcomings; at any rate there were few reputations sustained in Saturday's game. Fern was not unduly harassed. But attended to all that came along in his usual safe fashion. The Stockport custodian had plenty of work on hand, and but for his able keeping the Blues must have asserted their superiority in pronounced fashion. Both keepers were well supported, while in the half-way line the visiting trio enjoyed just a slight lead. Brewster was more concerned in breaking up tactics, and his passing back to the keeper on occasion served no useful purpose. Weller played quite a useful game in Fleetwood's position, and several of Peacock's touches were promising, though dribbling in the danger zone should be discarded. Walmsley was a capable pivot, flanked by dogged supporters in Anderson and Waterall. In forward play the Blues, with Crossley the most trustful formed a more incisive line than did the visitors, who were best represented by the ex-Evertonian Gault (Who just signed for them a couple of months ago from Cardiff). Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain), and McDonald, backs, Weller, Brewster, and Peacock, half-backs, Chedgzoy Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards. Stockport County: - Hardy, goal, Garrett, and Layton, backs, Anderson, Walmsley, and Waterall, half-backs, Beattie, Walsh, Gault, Cragg, and Knowles, forwards. Referee W. Pearson, Northwich. The turnstile recorded 20,854 admission with receipts £1,368 19s 2d.

PLUCKY STOCKPORT
Athletic News -Monday, January 10, 1921
PLAY EVERTON TO A GOAL AT LIVERPOOL
EVERTON 1, STOCKPORT COUNTY N0
By Cestrian
EVERTON and Stockport County seem to have a curious propinquity for each other in English Cup draws, and attracted to each other by the magnet of fate once more the old feud was fought out again at Goodison Park, and once again the First Division club gained the day. Yet it certainly was not a case of the Everton cat devouring the Stockport mouse. Everton won, as they well deserved to do as the better team, but only by the narrowest of margins, but, as anEvertonenthusiast remarked, Stockport gave glimpsed of form suggesting that they are a much better side than would appear from their position at the bottom of the Second Division table. The game was fought in a capital spirit, each side playing with tireless energy throughout a gruelling game, made more difficult by the heavy state of the ground. The solitary goal followed a free kick, and came after the game had been in progress only twelve minutes.
BREWSTER’S HEAD
BREWSTER, playing with a bandaged hand, was up among his forwards as the ball was lofted into goal, and as Garrett made a lunge forward to tackle, the ball shot from the centre half-back's head, and going across at a tangent entered the net at the far corner well out of the reach of Hardy. Three times subsequently Everton got the ball past Hardy, but on each occasion the whistle had gone for an infringement, twice for players being offside, and the third time for a foul on an attacking player, a penalty that favoured the wrongdoer. The game could best be described as being a move in the nature of a patchwork creation than as a complete whole. In the first half was seen by far the better football, each side having spells of cleverness,

EVERTON THROUGH NARROWLY v.  STOCKPORT
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 10, 1921
By F.E.H
Everton got there, and if by a goal only the goal sufficed. As was generally anticipated, Everton fenced the first hurdle successfully, but they left nothing to spare. Most people took it for granted that the Goodison Park brigade would find their way into the second round by a more ample margin. A solitary goal is really not much to shout about, though like Mercutio’s wound “it served.” Stockport are not a good side, and yet they put up a very pretty fight against their powerful opponents. Gault was all out to show the spectators that he was once a member of the home team, and some of his shots were certainly characterised by a directness and sting which caused Fern furiously to think. The latter, however, was in happy vein, and an equal tribute may be paid to hardy, the Stockport goalkeeper. He had several serious problems to solve, particularly when Crossley came through and put in lightning like shots, but these difficulties he successfully surmounted. There must be something about the name of Hardy. The hero of Trafalgar, so far as I know, had no direct association with the English international custodian, and I am assured on the authority of the Donnachie, who, together with other players shared the roomy pleasure of the Press box- a very happy association I may observe- than the Stockport keeper is not related to Sam of that ilk. The only goal came from the head of Brewster who is now securing his position as a centre-half of workmanlike methods, and a splendid physique which he uses with a very amicable gentleness of disposition. He was admirably assisted by Peacock, and Weller, the latter of whom one was glad to see once again in first-class company. The forwards for the most part were well led by Parker, but oh! The inaccuracy of the shooting. The famous right-wing pair were often well in the limelight, but in my humble judgement the left couple put in the most effective work. Crossley was undoubtedly the most prominent forward on the field and his display must be disarm former criticism in certain quarters, and yet although the later portion of the game war often more in the nature of a scramble, it was in this half that the marksmanship was much the more convincing. It was greatly surprising, even allowing for the brilliance of Hardy, the Stockport goalkeeper, that Everton did not add to their total of goals. They often looked good enough to do it, especially as the Stockport full-backs showed weakness under pressure. Chedgzoy was a supreme raider, tricky, and finishing well, and Harrison little his superior.
EVERTOR LACK MARKSMANSHIP.
The three inside forwards were also clever, Parker leading the line well, and Crossley in particular again and again breaking through the Stockport defence. Yet their work somehow lacked finish, whilst the marksmanship was not as good as it might have been. When shots came into goal there was Hardy, but the Everton forwards had so many shooting chances that they certainly ought to have scored more goals. There was little amiss with the Everton defence, although I have seen Downs kick with greater certainty . His tackling, however, was a feature. Fern kept a good goal, and McDonald was sprightly and resolute. Brewster, in spite of his damaged hand, was the great force at half-back, keeping an eye on Gault, and distributing the ball well. Weller, who appeared in place of Fleetwood, was clever, but both he and Peacock had a comparatively easy task owing to the weakness of the Stockport wing forwards. By far the best feature of the Stockport team's display was the due work of the three half -backs, coupled, of course, with the clever goalkeeping of Hardy. All three middlemen were tireless in defence, and placed the ball with delightful accuracy. The footwork of Anderson was generally admired, but there was little to choose in anyof the three for effectiveness. The full backs started shakily, but improved, Layton particularly. Of the forwards, Gault and Cragg were the outstanding men, but there two received little support. Everton.—Fern: Downs, Macdonald: Weller, Brewster, Peacock: Chedgzoy,Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. Stockport. County.--Hardy ; Garrett, Layton; Anderson. Walmsley, Waterall; Beattie, Walsh, Gault, Cragg, and Knowles. Referee; Mr. W. Pearson, Northwich.

EVERTON AGAINST SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY AT GOODISON
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday January 11, 1921
DRAW FOR THE SECOND ROUND OF THE CUP
Stork’s Notes
Everton have to the City to themselves on the 29th (even though Liverpool suffer defeat, for Manchester United, their opponents of that date will be engaged elsewhere) so are sure of a bumper gate. Sheffield Wednesday have a cup-fighting record that reads better than Everton’s. The cup has adorned their sideboard on two occasions-out of a possible three. In the season 1906-7 the Wednesday mastered Everton by 2 goals to 1 to secure the much-covered trophy, and although the “Owls” are only a shadow of their former selves they must not be taken lightly, for the cup-fighting tradition may rise up in the Sheffielders and ‘carry them into the next round.

EVERTON AFFAIRS
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 13, 1921
Stork Notes
Everton have made one change in their side to meet Aston Villa on Saturday at Birmingham. Fleetwood has recovered and comes back into his usual position-right half back. Team; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison.
The Reserves team, at Goodison Park v. Port Vale, 2.45, includes Moffatt, who was last week signed from a junior Scottish club. He has a fine turn of speed and when cross the border was looked upon as the best junior in Scotland. Mitchell; Fare, Thompson; Brown, Garrett, Williams, Jones, Spencer, Moffitt, Wall, Reid. Tickets for the Cup-tie v. Sheffield Wednesday are now ready and a stamped addressed envelope with P.O enclosed will bring one by return. Bullens road stand 3s 6d.
I have been asked to voice a complaint on behalf of the club and players. There is a regular attender who carries a whistle and frequently makes use of it during the game, sometimes with bad effect on the players. Spectators might help in this matter.

STORK’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 14, 1921
Everton journey to Birmingham to oppose the Cup-holders at Villa Park. The Villa have a slight weakness in defence, a fact that might be made use of by the Everton van guard. They must however, at every opportunity. Hardy is back again in the side, which is a big help for the Villa. He seems to hypnotise forwards into shooting straight at him, and Parker and company must now allow him to work his magnetic powers on them. With Fleetwood fit again the Everton intermediate line reads strong. This is good news for they will be facing one or two hot members in walker and Stephenson. Brewster must keep a careful watch over the former, who has only to get a ghost of a chance to create danger, and his colleagues right and left will do best to supply that chance. Parker is nearer his pre-war form now than ever, so there will be many fine tussles between him and Barson. If Everton will shoot-they are clever enough at other things-they might win. Teams;-
Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Aston Villa; Hardy; Smart, Weston; Ducat, Barson, Moss; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson (C.), Dorrell.

WATTIE WHITE'S RETURN
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 15 January 1921
Fulhan restored to their team against blackburn Rovers Wattie White the Scottish International who left his native club, Hurlford, for Bolton Wanderers 18 years ago, and helped the Ewood club for ten seasons before being transfered to Evewrton.  Wattie never settled down at goodison and it was them that Mr. Phil Kelso stepped in to secured his transfer
Strong "Beare"
George Beare who goal for Cardiff City put an end to Sunderland's interest in the Cup, is a native of Southampton and since he left his native club he has worn the colours of Blackpool and Everton.  A speedy, carfty wing man, he shoots with rare power. 

 “BLUES” ON TOP!
The Sports Argus, Saturday, January 15, 1921
HAMPSON AND WESTON ON INJURED LIST
EVERTON PREVAIL
By Crusader
Ideal football weather favoured Everton’s visit to Villa Park this afternoon but the reaction from Cup tie excitement, coupled with the increasing unemployment in the city, had its effect on the attendance which was not up to the average. In parts the ground was liberally sprinkled with sand. For the first time this season Hampson had a run with Villa’s first team, appearing at right half owing to the absence of Ducat, who was rested. Moss also was an absentee. Aston Villa;- Hardy; Smart, Weston; Hampson, Barson, Harrop; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson (C.), Dorrell. Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Referee; Mr. W.G. Day (Derby). There were not more than 30,000 people present at the start. Villa commenced in sparkling mood, and after four minutes KIRTON rounded off a nice movement. McDonald let him in, and he shot straight at Fern, who allowed the ball to pass between his hands and legs into the net. Villa continued to press, and after Dorrell had tested Fern from a lovely pass by Stephenson the latter himself drove the ball hard against an opponent the ball going for a corner. Everton remained hemmed in their own half except when the lunges of Downs gave them relief. Once from Parker’s pass Chedgzoy raced away, but his final shot was wide. Villa forced a corner, and this was followed by a stoppage owing to an injury to Hampson, who had to be helped off the field. The ensuing play was subdued, and was mostly confined to midfield. A run by Chedgzoy won the applause of the crowd, and from the corner which it produced Fleetwood got his foot to the ball, and he might have scored but for the fact that several Villa players were in the way. The handicap of Villa being a man short was reflected in the course of the game, which went increasingly in favour of Everton, for whom Chedgzoy played splendidly. Kirton dropped back to right half, and the home forward line was very little in the picture. Hampson returned with his left knee bandaged, but he soon started limping again, and went to outside right, Kirton reverting to right half and Wallace taking the inside right berth. Hampson’s limp became the fashion, and Weston, Stephenson, Chedgzoy and Fazackerley followed his example the last-named having to receive attention at the hands of his trainer, and he resumed at outside right. Despite the dislocation of their ranks, Villa held their own. Weston, however, and to retire, and then McDonald was accidentally kicked in the stomach by Wallace, but he was able to resume. Then Downs got in the way of a scoring shot by Walker and was temporarily laid out. Hampson was bowled over and so badly injured that he had to be carried off. Thus Villa were reduced to nine men, their half-back line consisting of Kirton, Barson, and Stephenson. Just before the interval Crossley tested Hardy with a fine shot.
Half-time; Aston Villa 1, Everton 0
Villa still had nine men when the game was resumed and it was ascertained that Weston had a bad injury to his thigh, whilst Hampson’s trouble was either a split knee-cap or a displaced cartilage; it was not certain which. In spite of the great handicap Villa pressed but with only three forwards their power to finish was poor, and at the other end Parker put a shot to Hardy right along the ground. Then a grand run by Chedgzoy was finished by his giving Hardy a handful, and although the goalkeeper could not hold the ball it was cleared. Villa returned and two great shots by Dorrell and Barson gave Fern as much as he could do. Dashing ton the other end Chedgzoy had everyone beaten, but Smart dashed across and in the nick of time got his foot to the ball just as the Everton player hit it, so that it is almost certain that he would have scored. A corner ensued, and soon afterwards a free kick was given against Villa just outside the penalty area, and HARRISON scored with the kick, Hardy being unsighted. This happened after 53 minutes, Parker worked through the Villa defence and dribbled right on to Hardy, who advanced to narrow his angle. Hardy effected a brilliant save and cleared the ball in spite of the fact that Fazackerley and Crossley went up in an effort to smother him. The goalkeeper was injured in the struggle but resumed. Villa put on tremendous pressure with their depleted forces and from one of Dorrell’s centres Wallace drove in a shot with great power. It looked certain to score, but Fern saved in miraculous fashion by throwing himself at the ball and deflecting it for a corner. Another flag-kick followed, and Everton’s goal was stormed for a breathless two minutes but the defence prevailed. After 85 minutes the ball came out from Everton’s right into the possession of HARRISON who was standing unmarked, and he had no difficulty in beating Hardy and giving his side the lead. Two minutes later Harrop let in Fazackerley who squared to CROSSLEY who had an open goal and made Everton’s total three.
Result; Aston Villa 1, Everton 3
THE GAME AT A GLANCE
After 4 minutes; Aston Villa 1, Everton 0 (Kirton scored)
After 58 minutes; Aston Villa 1, Everton 1 (Harrison scored)
After 85 minutes; Aston Villa 1, Everton 2 (Harrison scored)
After 87 minutes; Aston Villa 1, Everton 3 (Crossley scored)
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
Considering that for a great part of the game Villa were short of two men, they put up an extraordinary good fight. Although everybody worked his hardest, special praise was earned by Smart, Barson, and Wallace for their outstanding performance. That Villa should have been beaten by only three to one was highly meritorious, and speaks volumes for their whole-hearted enthusiasm.

EVERTON WIN
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 15, 1921
F.E.H. DESCRIBES THE VILLA PARK GAME
DUCAT ABSENT AGAIN
FLEETWOOD’S RETURN TO THE MERSEYSIDE RANKS
Teams; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Aston Villa; Hardy; Smart, Weston; Hampson, Barson, Harrop; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, C. Stephenson, Dorrell. Referee; Mr. W.G. Day, of Derby. It was only a fortnight ago that I was down at Aston, and here we were making the journey again, this time to find Ducat absent from the Villa side, and Moss doubtful. Everton had Fleetwood back in the ranks after his absence through injury. In view of Villa’s rather in-and-out form this season Everton hoped to make more points from their Midland visit. We had an early morning journey to Birmingham to-day, travelling through a country which showed traces of the recent rains. The sun, however, was smiling and the weather was distinctly genial for January. There was just a suggestion of rain in the clouds when the players turned out at Villa Park on an enclosure which had been freely sprinkled with sand Everton fielded the same eleven as last week, with one exception, Fleetwood returned to duty, and Weller, of course, stood down. In the home ranks there were two alterations, Hampson and Harrop coming into the team in place of Ducat and Moss. The popularity of this fixture was shown by the fact that there were fully 30,000 persons present when the game commenced. Everton started, but it was no advantage to the Villa, for the air was perfectly calm. The home forwards immediately made smart play on the left, Dorrell getting in a centre, which was smartly cleared by Downs. The home left wing, however, returned to the attack, and a dangerous shot from Stephenson was very cleverly headed away by Brewster.
KIRTON BEATS FERN
The home vanguard were obviously out to force the pace, and in spite of the slippery surface, they showed accuracy. The game was not five minutes old when the right-wing pair got well off the mark, and McDonald hesitated for a second. Kirton nipped in and scored with a fast low shot, which Fern allowed to pass through his hands. This early success was greatly to the liking of the crowd, and the Villans responded to the cheers with a long-sustained attack on the Everton goal. Dorrell and Stephenson were particularly busy, and it needed all the resourcefulness of Downs to keep them at bay. At length the Everton halves managed to break up the series of onslaughts, and Parker got through, but he shot very tamely from long range, and Hardy was not seriously troubled. Nevertheless this showed an awakening on the part of the visitors, and Chedgzoy electrified the spectators with a brilliant flash along the treacherous turf, and a fast shot, which passed the far upright. The Villa made reply on the left, where there was a warm bully in front of Fern. The danger, however, was cleared, and the next episode was an injury to Hampson, who apparently twisted his knee, and had to be led off to the dressing-room.
IN THEIR STRIDE
Everton took advantage of this by making play on the left, but Harrison overran the ball, and then when parker got possession was obviously offside. He got the ball a second time, but was in the same ineffective position. Better judgement was shown when Chedgzoy raced down the wing like a greyhound, and, beating both Harrop and Weston, put in a lovely screw shot which was luckily intercepted by Smart. The Evertonians had now come into their own, and they proceeded to give the assembly a taste of their real quality. Chedgzoy then moved along like a magician, and it was just at the critical moment that he slipped, and the opportunity was lost. Meanwhile, Fleetwood had tried a long drive, which failed and then Chedgzoy finished another magnificent individual effort with a shot that sent the ball over the bar. Play was now more even in character, both sides attacking in turn, and the balance of the Villa was re-adjusted when Hampson returned to the accompaniment of a friendly cheer. Stephenson and Walker gave Downs considerable trouble, but the Everton skipper rose to the occasion. The next move was by Harrison and Crossley, but they finished badly.
A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS
Then occurred quite a chapter of accidents. The Everton forward line advanced in fine order, and Crossley and Weston were in violent collision in which Fazackerley somehow got mixed up. The result was that the Everton inside right was rather badly damaged and had to be attended to, while Weston had to leave the field. Nearing the interval Aston Villa made great efforts to increase their lead, and the Everton defence was once again sorely troubled. Walker and his wing, however, were unable to get through, though in checking one of the rushes McDonald was temporarily put on the injured list. For a time the home vanguard swarmed round the Everton goal, and Downs kept out an otherwise certain goal from Walker, at the cost of a personal injury. Everton rallied strongly, and Crossley came through, but his finishing shot passed yards outside. A moment later Hampson was again in the wars, and had to be helped off the field. Just before half-time Crossley got in a shot strongly, but the effort was well dealt with by hardy, and Everton were one down at the turn.
Half-time; Aston Villa 1, Everton 0
The first period had provided some robust football, but the ground which evidently was slowly recovering from the overnight frost was very treacherous and the accounted mainly for the injuries to the players. The Villa had undoubtedly enjoyed the best of the argument, and it was unfortunate that Fern allowed the only shot that counted to slip through his fingers. Both Everton’s backs showed splendid resource in defence, and the half-backs did a lot of worrying work, but the forwards failed to apply the finishing touches, excepting in the case of Chedgzoy, who put in several wonderfully clever runs. There were 45,000 present when play was resumed. It was at once seen that Hampson and Weston were absentees, the former having badly wretched his knee and Weston having sustained a badly bruised thigh. With only nine men on the field, the Villa were heavily handicapped, and the Everton attack was not slow to recognise this fact. They pressed strongly on the right, and the ball was well centred, but Parker was too late to profit by the opening afforded. The home forwards, however, responded gamely, and Dorrell was almost through when Downs jumped into the breach. A little later Walker was dangerous, but Brewster intervened, and then the game was once more in favour of the visitors, who could do almost anything but find the net. Peacock once got through, but Crossley was offside when he shot. Still Everton kept up the pressure, and Parker put in a raking shot, which hardy got down to with the nimbleness of a cat. Then  Fazackerley tried his luck, but the effort was fisted clear, and a long drive from Brewster lacked the necessary sting.
HARRISON EQUALISES
At the other end Barson came through and tested Fern with a beautiful shot, which was cleared. Then Everton got a free kick just outside the penalty area, and from this Harrison netted the ball, which Hardy missed. After this equaliser the struggle was a hot one to the close. Harrison scored second goal for Everton 5 minutes from time, and Crossley added a third a minute later.
Final; Aston Villa 1, Everton 3

EVERTON RES v.  PORT VALE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 15, 1921
At Goodison Park. The teams were;-
Everton Reserves; Mitchell; Fare and Thompson; Brown, Garrett, and Williams; Jones, Spencer, Moffatt, Wall, and Reid. Port Vale Reserves; Hammond; Holford, and Birks; Poole, Simon, and Mellor; Symms, Byrne, Cartlidge, Bradshaw, and Hill. Everton played Moffatt at centre-forward, their latest acquisition from Scotland, and the team appeared as advertised. The ale made many changes. From the start Everton were early attacking and kept the visitors busy defending for the first ten minutes. Jones, after beating Mellor for possession, sent in a lovely centre straight in front of goal, and Spencer, who appeared to have the easiest of chances, shot wide, and Mitchell had to save a smart attempt from Cartlidge. Again Everton returned, and this time Holford stopped Moffatt when that player looked like going through. The Vale made a good effort to open the score through Byrne, who sent a daisy-cutter to Michell, who fielded well, and any chances the visitors may have had were frustrated through Bradshaw impeding the keeper. Straight from the kick-off Everton forced the game, and this time met with success. Wall, who received close in, crossed to the right wing and beat Hammond with ease. From the kick-off the Vale carried play to the home goal, and a tussle between Thompson and Simms ended in favour of the former. Five minutes from the interval Moffatt headed in from one of Jones’s many centres.
Half-time.- Everton Res 2, Port Vale 1
The second half opened in favour of Everton, who continued to put on great pressure. Hammond, the visiting keeper, made many brilliant saves, chiefly from Moffatt and Wall. Three-quarter-time; Everton Reserves 2, Port Vale Reserves nil.

BOOTLE ALBION v EVERTON A
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 15, 1921
It was a keenly-contested game, with the visitors enjoying rather more of the play. Howarth scored for Everton and later Jump put through his own goal. Robinson and McCrae carried off the honours for the visitors, while Brown played well at full back for the Albion. Half-time; Everton A 2, Bootle Albion nil.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 15, 1921
Moffatt the East fife centre forward, for whom Preston North End angled unsuccessfully, cost Everton a transfer fee of £470. In view of this it is interesting to note that North End were asked £750 and were prepared to pay it.
In the old days Everton and Sheffield Wednesday were frequently paired in cup-ties. In 1892-3 the Lancastrians beat the “Blades” 3-0 and two years later, the Wednesday returned the compliment by 2-0, and the following season doubled the score. In a desperately-fought fourth round in 1905-6 Everton just got home by 4-3, and then the clubs came together in the final tie of 1906-7, when the Wednesday triumphed by the odd goal in three. Now it is Everton’s turn to win.
The Dick Kerr ladies’ football team, who have raised over £15,000 for charities since their formation in 1916 have completed their fixtures list for the season. They have made arrangements to visit Great Harwood, Macclesfield, Nelson, Stalybridge, Chester, Stoke, Rossendale, Wrexham, Coventry, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Nottingham., in most of those places they will break new ground, so that the charitable objects for which they play exclusively-chiefly the cause of the ex-service men- will benefit considerably. They have also arranged to visit the Isle of Man during Preston’s town holiday week, which falls in august, and they will play tow or three games there.

ASTON VILLA 1 EVERTON 3
January 17, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON BEAT ASTON VILLA
A STRENUOUS STRUGGLE.
VILLA LOSE TWO PLAYERS TO INJURIES IN SECOND HALF
The Evertonians are entitled to full credit for a very smart victory over Aston Villa on the ground of the latter on Saturday. There was a great crowd present to witness what proved to be a strenuous struggle. The ground had been in the grip of frost over night, and as it thawed the turf became extremely treacherous. Command of the ball was difficult and there was quite a chapter of accidents in the way of injuries to the players. Weston and Hampson, indeed were so badly hurt that they were unable to take any part in the second half. The fact that THE Villa had to struggle throughout the whole of the second period with nine men, detracted to some extent from the value of the winter's performance. Nevertheless it was a capital achievement on the part of the visitors who at times showed very pretty football. The Villa set the pace and in spite of the state of the ground, it was fast and furious. The left wing pair were busy with shots in the first few moments of the struggle, and in less than five minutes they had taken the lead. This was accomplished by Kirton, who sent in a low swift shot, which struck Fern on the wrist and passed through his hands into the net. It was what is called a “soft” goal, but it gave the home side great encouragement. Then the accidents began to happen. Hampson twisted his knee and had to be assisted from the field, and later Weston was in the wars and retired. Fazackerley, too was hurt and left to have his shin seen to. Meanwhile Everton had got well into their stride, but they finished badly, and Aston Villa still held the lead when the interval arrived. In the second half the home side, as already indicated were handicapped by the loss of two men. Harrop dropped back into Weston's place, and the two inside-forwards aid to the half-back line. They put up a very plucky fight and for one little flash of five minutes they subjected Fern to a terrible bombardment, though, which he came with flying colours. Meanwhile Everton were developing their attack in well-ordered fashion, and following upon a free kick they put themselves on level terms through Harrison, who left Hardy thinking furiously. From this point to the close, with the exception of occasional breaks away, Everton were the dominating factor. Yet they were unable to find the net again until five minutes from the finish. Then it was that Harrison, taking a well judged pass, beat the Villa custodian for the second time, and just before the end came, Crossley who had been frequently dangerous, came through on his own account and clinched matters with a fine effort. Generally speaking Everton's form may best be described as well balanced. Parker did his best to distribute the ball, and Chedgzoy took the eye of the crowd with some brilliant wing work. Fazackerley consequently showed his ability in commanding the leather, and the left wing pair were always nippy and dangerous. The halves were all good, Brewster giving an especially serviceable display, and the backs were both sound. Apart from the initial mistake, Fern kept a fine goal. On the side of the losers mention should be made of the good work in defence of Smart and Barson, and forward of Wallace and Dorrell. Teams: - Aston Villa: - Hardy, goal, Smart, and Weston, backs, Hampton, Barson, and Harrop, half-backs, Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson, and Dorrell, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain), and McDonald, backs, Fleetwood, Brewster, and Peacock, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards. Referee WG Day.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 PORT VALE RESERVES 1
January 17, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 22)
At Goodison park. For the first twenty minutes the play was confined to the visitors half, and it was chiefly due to the fine goalkeeper of Hammond that prevented the Blues from scoring. The game was well advanced before the home side scored through Wall, and a few minutes before the interval Moffatt got the second with a header. The second half opened similar to the first, Everton doing most attacking, but failed to beat Hammond. Towards the end Vale played better, and Cartridge reduced the lead. Moffatt, who played for Everton, is their latest recruit from Scotland, and judging by his first appearance, he is likely to do well. Everton: - Mitchell, goal, Fare, and Thompson, backs, Brown, Garrett, and Williams, half-backs, Jones, Spencer, Moffatt, Wall, and Reid, forwards.

A GIFT TO EVERTON
Athletic News- Monday, January 17, 1921
ASTON VILLA’S STRUGGLE WITH NINE MEN
FINE BACK PLAY
ASTON VILLA 1, EVERTON 3
By Tittrus
This match was remarkable for accidence to players, and yet it was only after a struggle that Everton were able to beat nine men! Elliott, who has been player and trainer to Everton for thirty-one years, and knows the game from A to Z, declared that it was harder to play against nine than eleven. His opinion is entitled to respect, but the exercise of a little ingenuity should enable any team to jump the gaps. The game was a curious affair. The Villa opened in a manner which evoked interest, for they suggested that they were about to show how football should be played. The half-backs were plying the forwards, who lost no time in making tracks for their destination. Within four minutes the Villa were leading. They should not have been, but' they were. The ball came across from the left to KIRTON, who made a ground drive which Fern would gather 99 times out of 100 attempts. But this was the hundredth occasion, for the shot travelled between his hands and legs into the net. It was almostbeyond belief, seeing how finely Fern has recently acquitted himself.  With such a gift the Villa played better still. They were doing all the leading work when that luckless wight, Hampson, once of Leeds, wrenched a knee and had to retire. Everton at once exercised pressure, but they had no finishing power whatever. In quick succession Fazackerley, Weston, and McDonald were all injured. Weston had to seek the dressing room and he never returned, for his thigh would not permit of play. Hampson, plastered below the knee, came back, but he immediately sprinted hard to check Harrison, and his knee again causing intense pain he Was carried off—and from then to the close Aston Villa had but nine men. The forwards were reduced to three, but even then, the Villa had the better of the argument. Their shots were intercepted,but there was only one really fine effort from Everton, and that when Crossley, just before the interval, delivered a fast, slantwise drive which Hardy fielded like a cricketer.
THE VILLA'S STRUGGLE AGAINST ODDS.
Thus Aston Villa turned round with a lead of a goal, and in spite of Kirton and Stephenson being in the half-back line and Harrop receding to left back, they kept their advantage for nearly 15 minutes. Fazackerley, Chedgzoy, and Brewster had done a little shooting, but Dorrell and Barson followed their example. Still, Everton were naturally the more aggressive, and from a free kick for an illegitimate tackle, some yards outside the penalty-line, HARRISON drove the ball in the net by sheer force: a rare drive, but Hardy should have stopped it. it looked as if the Villa were going to hold out—until the end—in spite of the fact that Hardy had once to rush out to Parker near the penalty-line and to deal with a Chedgzoy bomb. Aston Villa vastly excited their partisans when Dorrell got away and swung the ball to the right. Wallace got possession and shot so truly that it was only by a great leap that Fern was able to turn the ball round the post for a corner. After the flag -kick Stephenson made a glorious drive which was as dangerous as the effort of Wallace, but Downs conceded a corner. Again there was fierce work round the Everton goal, and it is my opinion that Dorrell would have scored if Barson had not been so close to him that neither could really get a kick. Thus up to five minutes from the close the game looked like being drawn, but some forcing play on the right brought a centre which eventually went to HARRISON, who scored with a ground ball that Hardy could not see until too late. Within three minutes the manoeuvres of Fazackerley and Chedgzoy created a position for CROSSLEY, who hid nothing to do but simply turn the ball into the net. Thus Everton to won a match which caused much interest among the spectators, who had really been induced to hope—even when the notation looked so forlorn—that Everton would not get away with both points.
GOALS TOO CHEAP.
As a display of football the match wasspoiled by so many untoward incidents, while the condition of the ground—a partially thawed surface with a little "bone" beneath—wee not helpful. It was difficult to maintain a firm grip even with studded boots.  Whether Everton would have won had the Villa remained at full strength no man can say. They played fairly well in the second half, but they were never able to settle to their game, or they would have' scored much more freely. There was a spice of fortune about three of the goals, for the first to each side should have been prevented by the goalkeepers, and Harrison would not have given Everton the lead if Hardy had not been unsighted. My opinion is that, even with the accidents as they occurred, Everton ought only to have won by 1-0. Others may think differentlyas it is a free country. Everton's defence was by no means Infallibly. Downs was outshone as a right back by Smart, but McDonald was reliable. Among the half-backs Fleetwood distinguished himself by well-timed interventions and far better placing to his forwards than has been customary when I have seen him. Brewster plodded along and had not much difficulty with Walker, who does not seem to be playing as well as before he received an English cap. To me Peacock was not an adequate substitute for Grenyer, although not a weakling. Everton had two able wing raiders in Chedgzoy and Harrison. Althoughthe outside right was strong and assertive,I have seen him in a happier vein. Chedgzoy is the kind of forward who can dominate a match, but he was not such a force on Saturday. His mate, Fazackerley, opened in good style and was quite effective in the second half, but he would probably have been still more convincing if he had not been tackled with such an omega of vigour early in the game. Parker was always running about, but accomplished little. Crossley was useful, but the best forward was garrison. He was given many opportunities and took them, but what I could not understand was why be was so persistently passed to when Fazakerley and Crossley had to meet emergency men in Stephenson, as left half-back, and Harrop, as back.
THE DEFENCE OF SMART
The match was worth watching if only to see the back play of Smart, who gave an exhibition of international standard. With the exception of Rollo, of the Rovers, I have seen no man during this season make returns of such uniform quality. He has not the consummate ease and poise of Rollo. But he placed with accuracy, and hardly ever failed in timing. Smart has the power of screwing to keep the ball within the arena, his only failing being that he is at times rather too impetuous to get the ball. A pure player, much of his success is due to the fact that he is a splendid judge of distance-of where he can get to, and when the ball will be his. He has the faculty of blocking a ball at the toe of the advancing forward. In this he never failed. Smart is a man who should not be lost sight of when the selections begin their important duties. Barson worked with zeal, especially in the second half, when he tried to be both centre-half back and forward, but I did not approve of the manner in which he tackled Fazackerley early in the game. The Barnsley man should remember the strength that Nature has given him. After all these years, Harrop is still a shrewd and capable player, as well as a captain who has ideas and keeps in touch with his men. It was amusing to see him as left back-because he tried the old game, but new to him, of placing the Everton forwards off-side. He succeeded too, on several occasions, and would have done on others if Stephenson had not been behind him. These tactics require teamwork. Kirton was playing skilfully as inside-right when the rearrangement became necessary. As right half-back he was a tremendous worker, but then he was a back before he was converted into a scheming forward. Whatever Kirton does, he does with all his powers, and they are not inconsiderable. I cannot understand the reason of it, but Walker and Dorrell are not playing as formerly and even Clem Stephenson is, as fishermen say, “off colour.” Wallace still shows flashes of power, but I have gained the impression, after seeing the Villa four times this season, and that without their winning on one occasion, that the forwards have lost that sure and quick passing which they developed a year ago. Perhaps they will recover it. I received a letter from an unknown friend yesterday morning. The communication closed thus;- “The writer has seen Aston Villa win the Cup six times and has seen the League matches on and off for 40 years, but never has he see so determined and brilliant a struggle against great odds as that at Villa Park on Saturday.  Aston Villa; Hardy; Smart, Weston; Hampson, Barson, Harrop; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson, and Dorrell. Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. Referee; W.G. Day, Derby.

PLUCKY VILLA
Birmingham Daily Gazette-Monday 17 January 1921
DEPLETES TEAM HOLDS EVERTON TILL CLOSING MINUTES
TREACHEROUS TURF
ASTON VILLA 1, EVERTON 3
By “Touchstone.”
To have lost by two goals scored in last five minutes after having been short of two men for more than half the game, and of one man for longer even than that was a performance on the part of Aston Villa which must rank as one of their pluckiest of the season. During the long period that they were without Hampson and Weston they might have been excused any endeavour to be aggressive and to have devoted all their efforts towards keeping the score at one all, but, instead, the depleted Villa forces displayed amazing enterprise and actually tried to win.
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.
Those two minutes of storming football which was precipitated by Wallace's great shot in the second half and Fern's equally great save roused the crowd to tremendous heights of enthusiasm. It is quite likely that had Wallace scored—and it is a miracle that he did not—the Cup-holders would have won. As it was, only the collapse of the strangely-assorted defence in the closing minutes gave Everton a victory which had little in it that was meritorious. From what was seen of the comparative virtues of the two sides when they were both at full strength, it looked very strong odds on Villa having a comfortable win, and when Kirton scored after only four minutes their prospects were substantially advanced, only to be reduced almost to vanishing point by as distressing a combination of circumstances as could beset any side.
HAMPSON AND WESTON HURT.
The soft surface of the ground, with the hard frost still in the soil underneath, made the going particularly dangerous, and Hampson (a most unfortunate player since his connection with the Villa) early fell a victim and had to retire twice—on the second occasion for good—with a bad injury to his left knee. Then, not long before the interval. Weston made his permanent departure with a damaged thigh, and for the rest of the game Villa carried on with three forwards. The nine men by dint of energy which knew no bounds, rendered such a good account of themselves that the other eleven were kept on the go the whole of the time and were defending just as much as they were attacking. Smart and Barson rose to the occasion to such effect that they both played what was  probably their best games of the season, while Wallace did so many " big" things and worked with such speed and energy as to appear to be inspired with the first enthusiasm of youth.
RELATED VICTORY.
Kirton and Stephenson made excellent wing half-backs, but Harrop as Smart's partner, was not all that could be desired. His kicking was notso strong as it might have been, and he betrayed a curious weakness in placing the ball frequently into his own goal-mouth instead of striving to keep it as far away therefrom as possible . This habit had something to do with the scoring of one of the two goals by which Everton secured their belated victory. The character of the football generally was in striking contrast of that of the previous week, but in spite of the desire of all the players to perform with strict regard fur laws of the game, the treacherous state of the ground led to an inordinate number of free kicks, being given for technical fouls, whilst the injuries were so numerous that at one period there were no fewer than half down men limping about the field with leg troubles.
HARDY'S GREAT SAVE.
Hardy was one of them who had to receive attention, and it was a similar sort of incident to that which caused his injury at Preston on 16 October. Parker was right through the defence, and had only Hardy to beat. The goalkeeper advanced and brought off a great save. Before he could clear Fazackerley and Crossley were upon him, but he got the ball away at the expense of an injury which happily did not prove serious. Thus Hardy shared in the general exhibition of heroism which characterised Villa's performance Teams:-- Aston Villa—Hardy Smart, Weston; Hampson, Barson,Harrop; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson (C.), Dorrell. Everton.—Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy,Fazackerley, Parker Crossley, Harrison. Referee: Mr. W. G. Day (Derby).

EVERTON LIKE MIDLANDS
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 17, 1921
By F.E.H
EVERTON O.K. AWAY
Everton fail at home and win away. The circumstances of their win at Villa Park are described by “F.E.H.” The Evertonians got full points in capital style at Villa Park, on Saturday. The only fly in the ointment was that the home side was bereft of two players throughout the whole of the second half, and that the visitors therefore had the advantage of numerical strength. This, of course, in theory is an incontrovertible axiom-and yet, when you come to think of it in practice -it is frequently far more disconcerting to oppose nine men than the full eleven. Everton certainly found it so, and it was only in the closing stages of the contest that they gained the lead, and a supplementary goal. The game, on a treacherous surface, was full of good football. The Villans were the superior side in the initial half, and having won through in the first five minutes, they continued to press the visitors right to the interval. Their goal was a very lucky one, for Fern let the ball slip through his fingers into the net, and probably, no one was more surprised than the scorer, whose name is Kirton. Subsequently, as the turf became more and more unstable there were various “accidents by flood and field.” Hampson and Weston both were put on the retired list, and the second half, as I have stated, saw the Villa minus two. In spite of this, they put up a good fight, and the Everton players were intrigued-as the high-brow writers say-to gain an equaliser. This came from the foot of Harrison, following upon a free kick, and the same clever winger added a second five minutes before the finish. Then Crossley put paid to the account with an effort of his own, and victory was secured.

EVERTON TO CLEVELYS FOR TRAINING
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 19, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Everton no change for their big game (starting 2,45) with Aston Villa at Goodison Park. On Saturday night the Everton boys go to Cleveleys, just outside Blackpool, for their training for the Cup-tie with The Wednesday, of Sheffield. There has been talk among the two |Mersey clubs about the transfer of Frank Mitchell, the goalkeeper, who has been put on transfer at his own request. Liverpool are not prepared at the moment to pay the price asked. Mitchell is in the Everton reserve side through Howard Baker playing for England’s amateurs; and with Jones helping the Central League side at Newcastle, another change in the reserve team attack has been forced, the side reading;- Mitchell; Fare, Thompson; brown, Garrett, Weller; Kirsopp, Spencer, Moffatt (brawly lad, with plenty of fire in his movements), Wall and Reid.
All the members’ stand-tickets for the Everton game have been sold, and there are not many left for the shareholders’ stand- a very cheap view (3s 6d). Everton have never put up their Cup prices, and deserve a pat on the back for their decision not to increase prices, although their old figures are much below 1920 value.
CUT IN
“Goal” writes;- As a very old supporter of the Everton Club, and one who has its best interests at heart, and who is wishful to see the old club come back to its pristine glory, might I be allowed to offer a suggestion? It is this; After seeing our brilliant wing men repeatedly making for the corner flag in nearly every run down the field, and seeing fine centres being as regularly cleared by goalkeeper or full backs, might one suggest that our “Sammy” on the right wing should a great deal oftener than not ignore the flag and cut into goal, and if unhampered have a shot or pass to his best-placed mate? How often did Jack Sharp change the nature of the game from the stereotyped by making a “cut” for goal? For the ball orthodoxically centred into the goalmouth there are usually awaiting five or six stout defenders; and it is quite patent that immediately the wing man is away and likely to centre well all the defence is ready and waiting for the “usual.” Can we reintroduce the old order again, then? And then about the obvious pass. We had a good example of the opposite when Andrew Cunningham, of Rangers, played at Goodison in the match Rangers v Everton. He generally passed to the man he wasn’t looking at but here we get the usual pass from the half back, who discloses to all and sundry his intentions, with the result that often enough the opposing half intercepts the pass meant for the forward.

THE VILLA ‘AT EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, January 21, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Aston Villa are staying at Rhyl. Team not yet chosen. Weston will not play, and probably Moss, the half back will be made into a full back. Ducat and Harrop are O.K.
Dick Kerr’s and St, Helen’s ladies will play at Chester’s ground on February 9.
First there is the visit of the famed Villa side, which is still in the Cup. Goodison Park is always well filled to renew acquaintance with the Villa whose Cup final of 1896 is still reckoned to be the finest final tie ever seen- and it is easily remembered, as we have not been favoured with many decent finals. Now Everton, after winning at Aston, may look to be easy winners at Goodison Park, but we must not forget that Everton do not seem to know how to win at home, and that Villa will have eleven, not nine, men to-morrow. It will be interesting to see how the new Villa boys shape against our men, but I think Villa have gone back a lot this season (thanks to A.D) and that Everton will return to their winning game without fail. That start is at 2,45 and the teams will read;-
Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Aston Villa; Hardy; Smart, Moss; A.N. Other, Barson, Harrop; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, C. Stephenson, Dorrell.
LATE NEWS
PEACOCK UNABLE TO PLAY AT EVERTON TO-MORROW
Peacock is suffering from chill, and will be unable to play for Everton against Aston Villa to-morrow. Weller, as a few weeks ago, comes into the team to fill the vacancy.

BRADSHAW AS A BACK
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 22 January 1921
Frank Bradshaw, who figured at right back for the Arsenal last Saturday, is one of the few first-class forwards who have developed into first class defenders.  When associated with Sheffield Wednesday, Northampton and Everton, Frank was a particularly good member of the atatck, and it was not until the war that his latest defensive powers were discovered and ciltivated. 
ANDREW MOFFATT
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 26 January 1921
Andrew Moffatt, of East Fife duly made his debut, with the Everton reserves last saturday.  he had the satisfaction of scoring a clever goal.  The young Fife is expected to be ready next season for the League eleven.  Everton consider they have made no mistake in signing Moffatt. 

TEAM NEWS
January 22, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Everton have not chosen the team for to-day but Ducat is reported fit again, and is likely to play. Everton will field the same side as last week, except that Weller will come in place of Peacock, who is suffering from a chill. After the match against Aston Villa, Everton players will be going to the Blackpool district to prepare for the Cup-tie against Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park.

HONOURS DIVIDED
Sports Argus- Saturday January 22, 1921
KIRTON’S GREAT EQUALISING GOAL AT GOODISON
INJURED MEN
By “Crusader”
Aston Villa travelled over to Liverpool from Rhyl for the return match with Everton at Goodison Park to-day. The foreshadowed experiment of playing Moss as Smart’s partner did not eventuate, and Ball appeared at left back. Otherwise the side was at Cup-tie strength. Everton made one change from last week, Weller appearing for Peacock at left half. The ground was on the soft side, but the weather was fine, and there were about 45,000 people present.
Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Aston Villa.- Hardy; Smart, Ball; Ducat, Barson, Harrop; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson (C.), Dorrall. Referee; Mr. W.G. Day (Derby).
Everton won the toss, but Villa were the first away, Dorrell sending behind when well in position. Everton replied, and Crossley tested Hardy with a nice long drive. From a free kick, for a foul on Kirton, Smart placed the ball to Stephenson, who transferred to Walker, who drove in a lovely shot which Fern just touched over the bar. Unaccountably the referee awarded a goal-kick. Villa were playing beautiful football, and kept Everton on the defensive, but a nice bit of work by Chedgzoy transferred operations, and Harrison lobbed the ball into Hardy’s hands. Villa were quickly on the offensive again, however, but Everton were enterprising when within short range, and Hardy was brought to his knees by Crossley, who just afterwards shot wide with a glorious chance. From a nice run and centre by Chedgzoy, Parker again set Hardy a stiff problem, and then Stephenson dropped the ball into Everton’s goalmouth, and Walker made on of his characteristic follows-through. He was almost in time to be in front of Fern for possession, the goalkeeper just managing to clear. When Brewster handled just outside the penalty area Stephenson, who took the kick, was unable to penetrate the ruck of home players, and nothing came of it. A good deal of clever midfield play followed, and Villa continued to play beautiful football. Once Chedgzoy, for Everton, shot with tremendous power, but the ball struck the outside of the net. Soon afterwards Harrison collided with Ducat who had to be helped off the field, but he soon returned. As he did so Wallace gave Fern a poser, and then followed a great attempt from Walker.  Everton went to the other end, and Ball brought down Chedgzoy in the penalty area. HARRISON scored withthe resulting kick, after 30 minutes’ play. Villa rallied, and Fern saved sensationally from Walker. The visitors maintained a heavy pressure although from one breakaway Hardy had to run out, and was only just inside the area, when he picked up the ball to clear. A corner fell to Everton, and from it Hardy saved at full length from Parker. At the other end Fern just managed to push the ball over the bar for a corner as it was going into the net from Stephenson. A remarkable incident happened just afterwards, when the ball glanced from Smart's attempt to clear off Parker and struck the cross-bar with Hardy beaten, Villa returned to the attack, and Kirton broke through the defence, Fern effecting a wonderful save while on theground. A corner to the Villa followed but Everton did not give the visiting defensive much rest. and Crossley tested Hardy as the outcome of a nice-combined movement. The end of a brilliant first half came with score in the home side's favour.
Half-time; Everton 1, Aston Villa 0
Villa resumed in great style, and in the first few minutes of the second half Downs handled in the penalty area, but the referee did not notice it. The visitors continued to be all over their opponents, and Wallace forced a corner which came to nothing. Everton carried out several fleeting movements, which were very menacing but generally speaking Villa were on top and after 34 minutes KIRTON equalised by a dazzling bit of individualism. Hereceivedfrom the left, and after a dribble in the course of which he beat four men he  was left with no one but Fern to beat. The goalkeeper leaped for the ball, but by a deft movement it was lifted over his body and into the net. This was really a masterly achievement by Kirton. Tremendous pressure by Villa was continued, and they “peppered” Everton so much after equalising that a corner came as a relief to the home side. Suddenly Harrison dashed away and centred, Hardy met the ball, but was bowled over by Brewster and dispossessed. It looked as if the ball would go into the net, but Barson dashed back and just managed to clear. Both Hardy and Brewster were injured, and had to receive attention. Villa’s goalkeeper was helped off the field, and Ducat went into goal, thus repeating the experience of Preston. Brewster also went off for a while, and when he returned, he went outside right. Ducat was soon in action and brought off two saves, for which he was loudly cheered by the great crowd. Hardy was able to resume after about five minutes,and was hailed with shouts of "Good old Sam!” Brewster retired for good, and for the last 25 minutes Everton played one short. Crossley got in a cross-shot which had hardy beaten all the way, but the ball struck the bar and glanced into the goalkeeper’s possession. Only because of this was hardy able to save. He afterwards effected a great save from Parker. The game “tamed down” a great deal towards the end, with Everton playing the one back game. Villa found it difficult to make any appreciable progress. Everton, however, were persistent, and there was a demand for a penalty when Fazackerley was brought down in a vigorous tackle by Ball. The referee, however, ignored it, and gave a corner. It was a lucky thing for Villa that Fazackerley did not shoot, for he was right through. Result Everton 1, Aston Villa 1.

EVERTON 1 ASTON VILLA 1
January 24 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
DRAWN GAME AT GOODISON.
VILLA'S CLEVER WORK.
There was some clever footwork and several uncommon incidents in the return game between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday, which resulted in a draw of 1 goal each. Everton were the more practical side, but the Villa could certainly claim distinction so far as skilful footwork was concerned. There was a capital understanding between the Villa halves and forwards, and their play often brilliant. Both sides however, lacked shooting power, and the forwards were indeed to overdo their maneuvering to such an extent that it lost its effectiveness. This was very noticeable in the tactics of the Villa forwards, for they showed hesitancy in front of goal when a direct shot might have brought a more profitable result. At the same time the Villa were the more balanced side, and if they appeared to lose confidence in the second half, Everton in spite of determined work, were unable to snatch a victory. Accidents were unusually frequent and Brewster was so badly injured that he was forced to retire in the first twenty minutes of the game, while Hardy was knocked out, and Ducat took his place in goal for five minutes, till Hardy recovered. The Villa keeper started with a heavily bandaged knee, and this no doubt prevented him revealing his best form. He made some capital saves, but was hardly as reliable as usual. Fern was very sound. Indeed, he has rarely given a better display. Downs revelled in his work. Once he ballooned the ball over his own crossbar, but his judgement and untiring energy made him the dominant figure in defence. Smart was very little behind, although he lacked the trustfulness of Downs. The half-backs on both sides were strong. The Villa men understood the requirement of their forwards to a nicety, and they combined constructive ideas with sound defence. The Aston Villa forwards, too, revealed excellent work. Their artistic touches were delightful and Kirton added just that amount of forcefulness to his clever footwork that made him most dangerous of the line. Crossley was Everton's most prolific shooter, and Chedgzoy made some telling runs and centres.
INCIDENTS OF THE PLAY.
Play opened lamely, and the game was well advanced before there was any real interest in the contest. So effective was the half-back play that it was some time before the forwards could make any impression. Hardy was limping early on, but he fell to make a fine save from Crossley, and a few minutes later Crossley was very wide with a fine opening. Kirton over-dribbled and lost a splendid chance, and Parker was too slow to take advantage of slackness in the Villa defence, but a tremendous shot by Chedgzoy was only inches wide. Wallace got in two excellent runs and his first centre was intercepted by Fern while the second attempt was headed to goal by Walker, Fern again clearing in fine style. At the end of thirty minutes' play Chedgzoy was brought down by Ball, and from the resultant penalty kick ; Harrison scored. Play livened up considerably after this and Walker got through, Fern bringing off a brilliant save from close range. Both Harrison and Chedgzoy were off for a few minutes. A header from Parker caused Hardy to fall full length to effect a clearance, and a moment later he edged the ball over the bar in clearing a long drive. Kirton and Wallace were a dangerous pair at this stage, and Fern did well to gather the ball as he fell to a shot by the former, who was right in front of the Everton goal when he delivered his shot. After Downs had escaped an appeal for handling near goal, Kirton finished a fine dashing run with a capital goal, at fifty-five minutes. The Villa man took the ball through, tricked McDonald, and although Fern left his goal to challenged him, Kirton deftly lifted the ball over Fern's body and into the net. Brewster (injured) went to outside-right, Chedgzoy played right half-back, and Fleetwood centre half. After Stephenson had twice almost penetrated the Everton defence, Harrison got across a splendid centre. Brewster rushed in as Hardy caught the ball and both players fell to the ground. Hardy lost possession, but the ball was kicked clear by one of the Villa defenders. Both Hardy and Brewster were badly injured as a result of the collision, and while Hardy was being attended to Ducat filled the breech. Brewster resumed but retired shortly afterwards with an apparently dislocated shoulder. Meantime Ducat made two safe catches, and Hardy returned in time to deal with a tremendous volley from Crossley. The ball struck the crossbar and came down to Hardy's hand. In the last few minutes Everton made desperate efforts for a winning goal, and Fazackerley was well under weigh for the Villa goal when he was brought down. The award of a penalty kick certainly looked justified, but the referee allowed the incident to pass unnoticed. Teams : - Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain), and McDonald, backs, Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller half-backs, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards. Aston Villa: - Hardy, goal, Smart, and Ball, backs, Ducat, Barson, and Harrop, half-backs, Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson, and Dorrell, forwards.

PORT VALE RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
January 24, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 23)
Everton again proved too good for the inexperienced Port Vale team at Hanley, and triumphed by the odd goal in three. They did not have matters all their own way, however, and they were somewhat flattered by a two goal lead at the interval. Spencer and Grenyer being the scorers. It was five minutes from time when Hill reduced the arrears. A feature of the game was Everton's strong half-back play, Grenyer and Garrett being conspicuous. Mitchell played well in goal.

GREAT GOAL BY KIRTON
Birmingham Daily Gazette -Monday January 24, 1921
VILLA’S ALL-ROUND KEENNESS AND PRECISION
BREWSTER’S ACCIDENT
EVERTON 1, ASTON VILLA 1
By “Touchstone.”
Enough was seen at Goodison Park on Saturday to make it clear that the rest and air at Rhyl are doing the Villa players a power of good. The quality of their football was infinitely superior to that of their hosts, but what was even more gratifying was the keenness and precision of the work they did. It is good to be able to report that the players are in such splendid fettle for the task which awaits them at Nottingham. But Saturday’s contest had another bearing on the coming Cup-tie. As Mr. George Ramsay remarked to me before the game started no such misfortune could have befallen the Villa as to have one of their regular full backs beyond the hope of playing at Meadow-lane; and in saying that he was only confessing the extreme poverty of the Cupholders in this department.
BALL A SUCCESS
It had been thought of playing Moss as Smart’s partner, but the risk of his breaking down as considered too great, and so the interesting experiment of putting Ball in the left full-back position was decided upon. Let it be said at once that this player, who of course, is Barson’s deputy, entirely justified the choice. It is true that he gave away the penalty by whichEverton opened the scoring through Harrison half an hour from the start. It is also true that some referees would have given a penalty for the way in which he brought down Fazackerley just before the close. In a general way, however, he proved a most acceptable helpmeet to Smart, his work with head and feet being admirable and if as is likely, Moss will be preferred to Harrop at left half, it is quite probable that the ball will be in the Cup team at Nottingham in Weston’s place.
DORRELL’S WEAKNESS
Otherwise there was nothing in Saturday’s game to give the selectors any qualms, although Dorrell was not up to the standard of his colleagues, and wasted an inordinate number of chances by allowing his attempts at centring to be smothered. If Dorrell would endeavour to use his brains a little more and to be less mechanical, he would be of much more value to his side. The three half-backs were very sound, and because of their complete mastery of the work they had in hand, they were able to give a lot of attention to the forwards, who earned many rounds of applause for their skilfulness. Nothing, however, that they did in a combined way was comparable to that superlative piece of individualism by which Kirton equalised nine minutes after the resumption.
HARDY RETIRES
It was the sort of solo effort which, involving the beating of four men in the field, did not fail, as so many of them do at the crucial moment, but was carried to the point of success by a deft lifting of the ball over the body of Fern as the latter dived at the feet of Kirton in a last despairing effort to avert his impending defeat. There was nothing in this excellent match to watch that was quite so good as this achievement of Kirton’s. although there was not such an epidemic of casualties as on the occasion of the first meeting of the teams, the contest did not pass without serious hurt. Halfway through the second half a very ominous centre from Harrison was met by Hardy, but before he could clear Brewster was upon him, and he was dispossessed. The marvel is that the ball was not got into the net, but Barson saved the situation.
DUCAT IN GOAL
Meanwhile the violent contact of Hardy and Brewster resulted in both players having to retire. Ducat went into goal and made two fine saves before Hardy returned after recovering from the effects of slight concussion. Brewster was more unfortunate. He came back with his arm by his side and essayed to carry on at outside right, but he soon retired for good, and it was subsequently stated that he had sustained a broken collar-bone. Thus for about 20 minutes Everton played with ten men, and the game was nothing like so entertaining as before. After the match the Villa players returned to Rhyl. Teams;- Everton.- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Aston Villa; Hardy; Smart, Ball; Ducat, Barson, Harrop; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson (C.), Dorrell. Referee; Mr. W.G. Day (Derby).

EVERTON AT HOME AGAIN
Athletic News- Monday, January 24, 1921
Everton are fortunate in being drawn at home for the second time in succession in the competition, and against a club lowly placed in the Second Division, the only inference being that they ought to quality for the third round of the ties. They have to oppose The Wednesday, and they should win. Grenyer has now quite recovered from his recent indisposition, and should be available for duty. In case he is fit, Everton would be represented by.- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. If not, Peacock would figure at left half-back, where he has shown more promising form than ever, he exhibited at centre-forward. After the match with the Villa the team officials and others including Joe Clennell, who is to undergo special treatment, electrically applied, left for Cleveleys.

A GOODISON GROWL
Athletic News- Monday, January 24, 1921
EVERTON STILL MAINTAINING THEIR CURIOUS HOME RECORD
EVERTON 1, ASTON VILLA 1
By Junius
Villa on their own ground, it was only natural that Everton should fail to beat their Midlands rivals in the return League game at Goodison Park. They have shown a marked inability to win matches on their own enclosure this season. They have merely, won five games on their own playing pitch, and have treated their supporters to one success only since October 2 on the Goodison ground. The Villa played Ball at left full-back instead of Weston, who was injured, while Harrop was re-introduced to the half-back line, and these changes did not create any weakness in the ranks. Everton, never settled down to consistent football, and their endeavours to score goals were very paltry. The right wing was spasmodic and even only attained this distinction at rare intervals; while the left flank animated by the energetic efforts of Crossley, made but frail attempts to evade the defence opposed to them. Not one of the five did himself justice.
BREWSTER’S INJURY
In the half-back line Weller, who appeared in place of Peacock, started creditably, and showed a nice disposition to attend to his forwards, but in the second half he disappeared in a comparative sense. Brewster was never able to reach the surface even, and after the interval he retired to nurse a bruised shoulder, leaving Everton to contest fully thirty minutes with ten men. It is significant that during this period they were more aggressive than at any earlier portion of the game. Fleetwood moved to the centre berth, and Chedgzoy retired to right half-back, the direct consequence of which was increased Everton efficiency. The defence was exceedinglysound; McDonald never faltered either in tackling an opponent or in timing his returns, and Downs accomplished many brilliant things; he eschewed fanciful ideas and was intent on security alone, which proved a paying policy. Fern was seen to great advantage, and his clearances from Walker and Kirton in the limit half were beyond reproach. As a team Everton were utterly disappointing; there was little idea of combination shown by their forwards, who looked in vain for a leader. while the half-backs at times seemed unaware that they owed a duty to the men in front of them. Fleetwood, indeed, recognised that duty and developed his ideas accordingly, but in other respects one had to grope for excellence; ability was not dominant. #
THE MEN OF ASTON.
Occasionally the Villa forwards indulged in cleverly-conceived movements, but these were never sustained. Kirton was the most capable of the five, and his goal was a splendid achievement: he controlled the ball skilfully while battling the opposition, and at the supreme moment he placed it adroitly past the Everton keeper. Centres from Wallace were always Indicative of danger, for they invariably went away from the defence to his own comrades, and the right wing was the prime factor in every advance. Dowell was wed coached by Stephenson, but he finished feebly; there was no bite in his final moves. The half-backs were a sound trio, and Harrop prevailed because he seldom wasted a chance; his passes to the men in front of him were accurately propelled, and his control of the ball was not excelled by any player on the field. Yet the Villa forwards did not utilise the opportunities thus forced to their notice, and direct shots at goal were conspicuouslyabsence from both sides. In defence Smart and Bell exhibited a commendable amount of resource, and the latter gave quite a brave display alongside his more accomplished comrade. Hardy had little to do in goal, but he had a nasty shaking-up following a centre from Harrison, and Ducat, who took his place for five minutes. shaped like the capable cricketer he is, in dealing with one fierce drive at his charge.
THE GOALS
In the first half Chedgzoy was working through the Villa defence when he was brought down in the penalty area, and from the inevitable kick HARRISON placed Everton ahead. Fern saved brilliantly from KIRTON just before the interval, but after the change of ends the inside-right scored a splendid equaliser. Subsequently Brewster retired, but Everton, with ten men, fully maintained their equality and Crossley, with a shot which flashed the ball against the crossbar, narrowly missed giving them the maximum points. Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. Aston Villa.- Hardy; Smart, Ball; Ducat, Barson, Harrop; Wallace, Kirton, Walker, Stephenson (C.), and Dorell. Referee; W.G. Day, Derby.

AN “ACCIDENTAL” GAME AT WALTON
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 24, 1921
Bee’s Notes
It is a passing strange that Everton cannot win at home in League warfare. Only once (v. Middlesbrough) since October 2ndhave, they treated their supporters to victory. The team seemed to have a special chance on Saturday, for the Villa had already been beaten by the Blues, and the Aston side was lamenting the absence of Weston and Moss, so put in a boy named Ball, a reserve team half-back, a rousing sort of player who was pretty tough when it came to gripping opponents. Whether he or Harrop committed the penalty kick on Chedgzoy doesn’t matter a great deal, for both tripped him in turn, and the second trip was in the penalty area and the first was overcome. Harrison is the recognised penalty artist for Everton nowadays, and he hits a ball with something like the precision and swerve that McKinlay does for Liverpool. However, this penalty goal was especially good because Harrison had only just recovered from an accident. There were many accidents during the day, and that which made Brewster a temporary outside right led to others, for it was Brewster who ran into Hardy when he gripped a Harrison centre. Parker probably lost sight of the ball, or he must have scored. As it was Brewster retired, only to come on again at outside right, and then retire for all the match; whereas, after Ducat had shown a good idea of goalkeeping, Hardy returned in spite of his k.o. and his injured right leg. Villa were lucky to get away with the half-share, because not only were Everton more deadly in shooting in the second half, but they also deserved a penalty kick when Fazackerley was grassed unceremoniously near the close. What explanation could be given for not awarding a penalty kick I cannot imagine, nor can I fathom why, when Fern edged a ball over the bar, a corner kick was not given, Fern’s work in the first half was excellent, and throughout the day Downs and McDonald were solid. Downs did much that was wise, and his fiery interventions and efforts leading to attacks were made in his brightest and surest form. At half-back, too, Fleetwood showed up better than formerly, and Weller’s long reach served him well against Wallace, who has rarely had so poverty-stricken a day, in spite of one or two tempting centres. All the bottom sides went in for drawn games on Saturday, and the way Oldham got their point in worth recording. After Wall had opened the score in a curious way, each of three defenders leaving it to the other, Joe Smith equalised with a penalty shot, and then for the last quarter of an hour Dave Wilson brought all his men to defence, and Bolton kept them penned in their penalty area for all the time without making an impression on ten defenders. Wilson has ideas in captaincy, and one compliments him “upon holding what he had” on Saturday at Bolton.
CLASS FOOTBALL
The Villa’s combination was a joy to behold, but it needed rounding off. Dorrell was the weakness of the line, and all through the forwards failed to deliver the goods when required. Kirton fared best, and Ducat was the superior half-back, by reason of his force of forward work and his power of intervention, Barson running him close by keeping a watchful eye on Parker, who had to be content with keeping the line going with sensible forward passes. The game played by Crossley was one that might have led to a number of goals. He hit hard and often, but his aim was at fault. On the other hand, Fazackerley did very little yet that little was of a high type and artistic. Chedgzoy had to be judged on the fact that he became a strong half-back after being damaged at forward. He showed a power of shot, however, and opened the game, so that goals should have been scored. Harrison was perhaps the deadliest of the five, with Crossley right on his heels in point of merit. It was a game of “life” and incident, and no time taken off for injuries and much spare time taken at the interval-which is contrary to the rules. Everton at night went to Blackpool for a stay at Cleveleys, and Brewster was of the party, in spite of his bruised shoulder. It is to be hoped the team will be fit and well for Saturday’s tie with Wednesday.

FOOTBALLERS BY THE SIDE OF THE SEADIDE
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday January 25, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Cup news is slack. The lads are all away by the side of the seaside. Word from Cleveleys this morning says that Everton are having nice weather and refreshing breezes. The place is quiet but eminently suitable for a chance of air and scenery. Peacock is improving in health, but Brewster’s damaged shoulder might easily keep him from the side against Wednesday, who have not, kindly note the chance of playing their Huddersfield capture. Taylor., Wednesday claim that their speed may carry them through, and there is no doubt that a speedy side of youngsters has a chance against Everton, who have an excess of weight. Of course, if Everton cannot beat a lowly Second Division side they do not deserve to remain in the competition, but I think their displays of late have warranted better return than that granted by the Fates. Even admitting Aston Villa’s classy exhibition, one could not doubt on Saturday’s form that Everton deserved the points. The game at Goodison Park is drawing a big interest, and the promise of an even game and a resumption with our old friends, the Wednesday, is appealing to all. There is quite a party of footballers around Blackpool way; Watford, Preston alongside Everton and Burnley in the same area. By the way, Stan Fazackerley was the other day presented by the Reform Club friends of Preston with a handsome epergne to commemorate his marriage.
Will shareholders who would like to assist as stewards at the Cup-tie game on Saturday, at Everton, send in their names to Mr. McIntosh to-day? All the bookable seats are now disposed of, but there is standing room for at least 14,000 people; pay at the turnstiles.
“True Blue” writes;- I was very pleased to se in Saturday night’s “Echo” that you had been able to prevail upon the North-Western Company to run a special football train to Spellow on Saturday. I must congratulate you on your speedy and successful effort on behalf of the Everton supporters.

EVERTON TEAM
January 26, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The Second round of the Football Association Cup will be played on Saturday. Most of the teams are staying at seaside resort in preparation for the game. Everton are at Cleveley. It is stated that Brewster may be unable to turn out for Everton against the Wednesday.

EVERTON’S PRICE FOR BARROW WINGER
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 26, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Everton Football Club have arranged to pay £450 and play a match at Barrow for the transfer of Alford, Barrow’s outside left. Alford previously played for Barrow, and only returned to the team this season after a period with Swindon in the Southern League. He is young, speedy, of great promise, and has played a prominent part in Barrow’s success this year. Some weeks ago I made the announcement that Alford would be signed, but there was delay through the fees asked by one and another. However, the signing is now an accomplished fact.
By the by, I said yesterday that there was room for 14,000 “standing” of course, the Everton ground has room for some 50,000 apart from the stands-what it should have read was; “There are 14,000 seats independent of those booked and sold.” Talking of Everton, Moffatt is making a big stir. He is full of strength and dash, and against Port Vale put up a fine show. Brewster’s condition is such that I fear it is a certainty that he will not be able to take the field. What would the line of half-backs to then? Probably Peacock, Fleetwood, and Grenyer, though there is good cause for a continued playing of Weller vice Grenyer. It is a matter for the selectors.

NEW OUTSIDE LEFT FOR EVERTON.
January 27 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Everton have secured a promising outside left in Alford of the Barrow Club, having paid £450 for his transfer, and agreed to play a match at Barrow. Alford who returned to Barrow this season after playing for Swindon Town, has materially helped Barrow to gain the Leadership of the Lancashire Combination.

ALFORD SIGNS FOR EVERTON
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Thursday 27 January 1921
The Everton Football Club have secured a promising outside left in Alford of the Barrow Club, having paid $450 for the tranfser and agreed to play a match at Barrow.  Alford, who returned to Barrow this season, after playing for Swindon Town has materially helped Barrow to gain the leadership of the Lancashire Combination. 

FRANCIS J ALFORD
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Thursday 27 January 1921
Barrow (Lancashire Combination) Club have transferred their outside left, FrancisJ. Alford, formerly of Swindon Town, to Everton for $450 and a match at Barrow in April between Everton and Barrow.  Alford is 22 years of age, 5ft 6in in height, and weighs 10 stone.  

STANLEY FAZACKERLEY
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Thursday 27 January 1921
A number of his friends at the Preston Reform Club have presented Stanley Fazackerley, the Everton forward, who was married last month with a silver epergue.  Fazackerley is a Prestonian. 

EVERTON SIDE INCLUDES PEACOCK AND GRENYER
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 27, 1921
As was first “threatened” in this column, Everton have to supply a deputy or their pivot, Brewster, for the Cup-tie with Wednesday of Sheffield on Saturday. Everton find that Peacock is fit again after a spell of weakness and deafness brought on by a cold; and as Grenyer stood the test of a run with the reserve able side at Port Vale’s ground he is chosen to come back to his customary place, Fleetwood going to the middle spot. The club have big hopes of the following side;- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, Fleetwood, Grenyer, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison.
The club banks much on the signing of Alford, of Barrow, who is a Swindon boy, aged 22 years and standing 5ft 8in., with a weight of 11st. he is reckoned the best winger in the combination, and I hear that the outside right of the same club is “one to follow.” Manchester United and Blackpool were keen on Alford’s services, Mr. Chairman Coffey went over to Cleveleys to-day to see the Everton boys, who unfortunately have not had the best of weather but have appreciated the change of air and scenery that Cleveleys offers.

STIFF SECOND ROUND CUP GAMES
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, January 28, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Our Mersey clubs have a particularly hard task in front of them, Liverpool more especially than Everton. Yet Everton’s game is fraught with all sorts of possibilities. For instance, we remember when Wednesday last visited us and sported Lieut Harvey on the wing they gave Everton a rare game- unexpectedly good. Since then Wednesday have been chiefly concerned about building up their side, but there is not a vast difference seen between Second Division and First Division clubs when they meet. The Sheffield club has a Davison a little but very good goalkeeper, so good that a week or so ago all the Port Vale players took him by the hand and congratulated him upon his wonderful keep-out. Then Bellas at back is from the Downs nursey, and is said to be a very tough led. Wilson, of Blackpool, is in the first flight of pivots, and those who have seen him since last season say that he has been in the habit of holding Wednesday up till the new boys came. Undoubtedly it will be necessary for the Everton line as a whole to hammer at the defence and shoot often. With Grenyer and Peacock flanking Fleetwood the half-back key should be capable of holding the Wednesday for pace as well as ability. I think the game at Goodison Park will be a hard one, but that the touch of class in the Everton side will win the day. All arrangements have been made by Mr McIntosh for the comfortable housing of the very big crowd that is sure to gather at the ground.
Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, Fleetwood, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. The Wednesday; Davison; Ballas, O’Neill; Brelsford, Wilson, Price; Keen, S. Taylor, McIntyre, Shelton, Lofthouse.

WEDNESDAY DRAW AT EVERTON
Star Green ‘un- Saturday, January 29, 1921
THRILLING STRUGGLE BEFORE 44,000 PEOPLE
GREAT DISPLAY BY McINTYRE
By “Looker On”
There was something of the old air of the Cup-ties about the Sheffield railway stations this morning. Though there was a return of the football special, there was nothing of the excursion fares about the prices, there were plenty of people who availed themselves of the extra facilities for journeying to Liverpool to see the contest between The Wednesday and Everton at Goodison Park. The special trains that left the Victoria and Midland stations were filled and ordinary trains carried extra burdens. This gave every prospect for the Sheffield players having plenty of local support during the game. The Wednesday club party reached Liverpool shortly after noon, and after light luncheon journeyed to the scene of the match. The team was made up by the return of Lofthouse on the extreme left wing, and that of Kean and Reed the right wing pair, Everton did not make a change from the selected side.  Slight rain in the morning looked bad, but happily the sun broke through the clouds and at 2 o'clock was shining brilliantly and the weather was quite spring like.  The crowds began to assemble early, and the capacious ground rapidly filled up.  About half an-hour before the start there would be about 35,000 people present and more were pouring in.
The usual band helped to entertain the people, who were very quiet for such an occasion as this. There were plenty of signs of life when the players lined up as below;-
The Wednesday.- Davison; Bellas and O’Neill; Brelsford, Wilson, and Price; Reed, Kean, Taylor (Sam), McIntyre, and Lofthouse. Everton.- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, Fleetwood, and Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. Referee; Mr. J. Cable.
Everton were the first out, but they were not received as heartily as the Wednesday. Another great about greeted the fact that Wilson had won the toss.  The first move of note was on the home right wing, where Chedgzoy and Fazackerley quickly forced their way down, and following a throw-in, Fazackerley tricked O’Neill, but the ex-Sheffield United player carried the ball over the line. EVERTON’S EARLY SHOCK.
The Wednesday soon retaliated, and Lofthouse made an excellent advance only for Peacock to foul him as the forward was rushing for goal.Price took free kick and his shot carried tile ball just over the crossbar. The visitors were not quickly turned about, however, and Grenyer was forced to give a corner in dispossessing Taylor. Eventually, Everton got out of their own half again and it was the right wing that troubled the Wednesday. Fazackerley nearly supplied Chedgzoy, O’Neill challenged the forward. He was easily tricked and Chedgzoy made in for goal, but Price rushing up touch the international just outside the penalty area. The kick threatened danger, but Price himself retrieved the situation with a fine overhead kick. There was nothing between the teams so far, and Wednesday played with deliberate tactics when near goal.
McINTYRE’S DISMAY
Lofthouse was soon in the picture again and Downs was fortunate enough to stop a well-meant pass from the wing men. However, he did, and this led to another Everton raid, which caused much anxiety to the visitors, as O’Neill faltered badly, Wilson relieving. Away went Lofthouse, Taylor and Reed, but a corner off Downs was all that came. A few moments later a very lucky escape fell to the lot of Everton. Faulty kicking by Fleetwood allowed McIntyre to secure the ball with a clear field ahead. The Wednesday forward dashed ahead at once and when close to goal drove the ball in at an oblique angle. A goal seemed certain, but to the dismay of Wednesday, the ball struck the foot of the far upright and rebounded into play. Fern at once grabbed at it, but lit looked as though both Taylor and Keen had a chance of getting the ball into the net, but they blundered, and the ball was pushed into touch.
BAD LUCK FOR BELLAS
It was a fortunate affair for Everton and very disappointing for the Sheffielders. The game was waged at a lovely pace, with bustle and dash in the place of science and skill. At the end of 25 minutes Wednesday experienced a bitter blow, for Everton got a goal in the most unexpected fashion. Peacock secured the ball, and made tracks for the goal, when Bellas attempted to tackle him. PEACOCK shot for goal, and Davison appeared to have the situation well in hand, but BELLAS made a fatal effort to clear and turned the ball out of the goalkeeper’s reach into the net. This was all the more disappointing in view of the escape of the home goal shortly before. The Wednesday made endeavours to wipe out the advance balance, but in their eagerness the forwards repeatedly got offside. This success had inspired Everton, and they attacked with vigor. Harrison made a brilliant double on the left wing and looked like getting into goal. McIntyre upon the scene and cleared with a hefty kick
TRIRELESS McINTYRE
It was the same tireless Wednesday player who was conspicuous in the next advance of the visitors, for McIntyre snapped up a chance and fired in a long shot, the ball going just outside the post. When next the Wednesday advanced, Lofthouse was beaten by Downs, but McIntyre charged the back heartily, and knocked him out for a time. The Sheffielders’ continued on the aggressive, and Fazackerley had a free kick given against him close to the penalty line. Kean got offside and spoilt this opportunity. Another raid close on the interval promised well until Fern followed Kean’s shot, and then bustled by the inside forwards, was given a goal kick. The interval came with the home side still leading.
Half-time; Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 0
The attendance would be over 40,000 when play was resumed. Within a couple of minutes there was a stoppage through an injury to Wilson, happily not serious. Then the Wednesday attacked strongly and after Taylor, Lofthouse and McIntyre had combined well, a free kick against Kean checked the raiders. Everton quickly took up the running and after Crossley had sent the ball over the bar, Parker and Fazackerley tried to combine O’Neill however, nipped in and cleared.
WEDNESDAY SHOOTING
The Wednesday right then got going and hopes rose high when Reed tricked McDonald and centred. Downs, however, kept the ball out. Away raced the home forwards, but not for long, and there followed a series of episodes in front of the Everton goal which gave considerable anxiety to the home spectators. Downs attempted to kick one shot clear, but the ball went to McIntyre, who returned it with splendid accuracy, and almost caught Fern napping. Then McDonald charged down a shot from Taylor, while a few minutes later McIntyre centred well for Reed to bang in a hot shot. Fern caught it smartly. This bombardment was followed by one on the broke through, only to be fouled by Davison, who was in excellent trim. A free kick for a foul by Brelsford on Fleetwood straight in front of goal looked ominous for the Sheffielders. Harrison took the kick, and shot hard and true. Still a goal was not scored, for Ballas standing in goal with Davison, got his foot to the ball and shot it beyond the post to safety. Everton attacked strenuously for some time, and Fazackerley turned the ball into goal for Davison to effect a brillaint one-handed save. It was not long before The Wednesday got some reward for their efforts. Kean fastened on to the ball a few yards inside the home half, and at once bore ought to the right. When near goal he sent the ball across, and it travelled right over to Lofthouse. The left winger steadied himself, and then centred, accurately, so TAYLOR right in front of goal, as able to divert the ball past Fern. The success of the visitors was greeted with a fine volume of applause. The goal came after the game had been in progress for seventy minutes. For a time after this the home men strove hard to get ahead once more, and Crossley tried a long shot, the ball grazing the crossbar after Davison had managed to tip it up. A hot attack on the part of all the Everton forwards threatened to bring about the downfall of the visitors goal, but Davison saved well from Crossley. The Wednesday were by no means out of the hunt, and their turn followed. The Sheffielder settled down in front of Fern, and in turn all the forwards had shots charged down. McIntyre and Taylor made valiant efforts to force a win, but without success. For the last five minutes of the game. The Wednesday pressed continuously, but luck was against them, and time was called with the game drawn. Result; Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 1.
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
It was a great and glorious fight, and the Wednesday are deserving are deserving of all honour for holding out against such a strong side of opponents at Goodison Park. The draw was a good thing for Everton. They did not deserved it.  They were favoured with all the luck there was about. Instead of leading at half-time, the home side ought to have been down, but that queer fortune which characterises the game decreed that worthy shots by McIntyre should have hit the post and a faulty clearance by Bellas should have meant a goal to Everton. Taking the game all through it was a typical Cup-tie contest, hard, thrilling and not classy. The Wednesday played in dogged fashion. They knew they had a difficult task, and set out to accomplish it successfully. For once it is possible to say that the Sheffielders did not throw away a single chance of scoring, and many fine efforts were made.
REPLAY ON THE THURSDAY
On the Wednesday side every man was a trier and was full of energy and endeavour. Perhaps McIntyre and Wilson took the eye, but none failed. Bellas is to be sympathised with that he should give a goal away in an effort to clear, but it was his only mistake-certainly costly enough. There was a whole-hearted endeavour to beat Everton and to keep them from settling down. The notions of Wednesday were successful, and they well earned the victory which was denied them by the greatest of misfortunes. Everton were a powerful side, but were beaten, at expected by being forced off their game by a determined set of opponents. Parker was not a lively, enough leader, but the other forwards were very troublesome. The defence was liable to crack under heavy pressure. Downs made several timely clearances, and he was the best of the defenders. The replay will take place on Thursday. The attendance was approximately 44,000 and the receipts £3,128.

EVERTON TEAM NEWS
January 29, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Everton, at home to the Wednesday, meet a second division club, as in the first round. The Sheffielders have a very poor record this season, and have a found goals very hard to get, but they are a bustling lot, and the Everton players on their part have been none too convincing at Goodison park in recent games. The homeside will find themselves faced by a really good defence. Davidson, the Sheffield goalkeeper, being one of the best custodian in the League, but it will be a big surprise if Everton do not win. The home side will be without Brewster, who is injured, the team being: - Fern, Downs, McDonald, Peacock, Fleetwood, Grenyer, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards. The Wednesday side will not be chosen until this morning.

BARROW FORWARD JOINS EVERTON
Lancashire Evening Post-Saturday January 29 1921
Francis J. Alford, the Barrow outside left, tranfered to Everton for £450 and a match at Barrow towards the end of the season, hass done good service for the Lancashire Combination club this season, and has played in 23 matches. _ He is a native of Swindon, learn his football in the schoolboys' team there, and played on several occasions for his town club in the Southern He first played for Barrow in 1918-19. and then returned to the South, where he again assisted Swindon Town. At the beginning of this season he signed for Barrow, and he first came under the notice of Everton in the cup-tie with Cleator Moor, when scoring couple of goals, helped raise the total to 12—0. He is only 22. stands 5ft. 6in., and scales 10st. He is clever in his footwork and centres finely.

ENTHUSIASM AT HIGHEST PITCH AT EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 29, 1921
BEE’S NEWS & VIEW OF EVERTON-WEDNESDAY TIE
Everton; Fern; Downs (Captain), McDonald; Peacock, Fleetwood, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. The Wednesday; Davison; Bellas, O’Neill; Brelsford, Wilson, Price; Reed, Kean, Taylor, McIntyre, Lofthouse. The weather was not kind to the two train-loads of people who came from Sheffield to Everton’s ground to renew an old-time Cup memory. Wednesday were perplexed to settle upon their side. But I think it would be nice to give here a cameo of the side as expected to turn out, for Wednesday are a much-changed side from their last team men here. There are three Taylors, two Sheffielders, and Sam, ex-Huddersfield was “in time” for qualification for the Cup, Lofthouse is Reading man; Shelton a local amateur; Bellas and O’Neill, like Downs come from the North-East. Wilson is the clever half who made his name at Blackpool. Price was one of the Leeds “auction” men; Read is a local half who can play at forward; McIntyre was a half at Fulham, but tried in the attack he became a live fence; and Davison is one of the smallest goalkeepers in the land, and has recently been playing at his highest point of skill. The ground was variable -wet all over, but loose-mudded in the middle portion of the playing space. Good football was not promised in such circumstances. However, the crowd was a huge one, and was accommodated comfortably.  Peacock and Grenyer returned to the half-back line, and Everton’s report when the men returned from Cleveleys was “All is well, and we shall win all right.” Wednesday said “something similar.”
EARLY BLUNDER AND CHANCE
When Referee Cable had marshalled the men together, Wilson won the toss, and Davison must have been surprised at the warmth of his reception. He looked like having a warm opening when O’Neill made a bad blunder probably through the soft turf, Fazackerley being left with a chance close in. Fazackerley had to shoot hastily, and the balls swerved outside. A second time Price failed to kick true and clean, but do not imagine that Everton were having their own way. As a matter of fact, Wednesday, opened vigorously, and when Grenyer conceded a free kick Price made a fine drive which sailed just over the bar. Further Grenyer conceded a corner through a miskick. McDonald was also at fault early on in the matter of sure kicking, but quickly came to his game and put in some fine defensive work. Away went Grenyer with a header and a hook forward, a sort of Northern Union principle, and from this move Crossley made a fine pass to the other side of the field. Chedgzoy was winding his way through when he was grassed, and though his body was thrown forward yards into the penalty area, the actual foul was committed outside the box. There was another penalty that came a moment later. Lofthouse tried a splendid angular shot, which hit Downs on the hand.
A CASE OF HANDS
My own impression was if Downs had wanted to handle, he could not have done so, and therefore it was an accidental case. In his enthusiasm to keep Everton out at this stage Wilson accidentally kicked one of his side (Bellas), and one seemed to fathom that Downs was saying things to Peacock about the latter’s roaming and dribbling. There followed an escape for Everton, the like of which one would not see in a season. Wednesday, who were swinging the ball about freely and playing the right kind of Cup game, were attacking, and when Fleetwood appeared to be taking the ball he drew back and thus left Downs in the lurch. The position was tragic from an Everton point of view when McIntyre shot crosswise to Fern’s left-hand side. The ball beat Fern, and was all for goal, but hit the foot of the upright. The ball came out not the region of three Wednesday players and was headed in, and Fern was just in place to push the ball away. How one of the three Wednesday men managed to put the ball wide from a close position is hardly accountable. But for an odd dribble by Crossley and real artistry in passing by Fazackerley, Everton did little for a long time, and Wednesday had plainly got a confidence in themselves that was not to be found in the Everton ranks.
PARKER SURPRISED
McDonald varied his game, and was either very good or very uncertain. Fazackerley tried a drop shot without result, and Peacock made him an opening in which he was baulked by the swiftness of Wednesday, the ex-Sheffield man’s third try beating a back-heel touch that seemed to surprise Parker as well as the Wednesday defenders. Parker was ploughing a lonely furrow, being well watched, and getting little support, but he was always placed well and keen on shooting, and this latter factor led to him scoring the first goal of the day. The time, twenty-eight minutes, and the goal a lucky one. Peacock could not forget his forward experiences, and when he started to dribble, he was for the second time lucky to find the ball cave off his opponent’s body and give him a further chance. He turned the ball inwards and Parker shot, the ball travelling to where Davison was standing. Bellas intervened and in trying to kick clear turned the slow-moving ball out of Davison’s reach- real misfortune for Wednesday, who had been quite the better side up to this point. A goal up-Downs began to smile, and he made some big punts, one of them landing over the stand into Bullens-road. Everton made strong play on the left, and when Harrison was about to shoot in the penalty he was checked and at a second attempt Harrison claimed that a defender had handled the ball, but a penalty was not granted. Much of the sting had been taken out of Wednesday, yet just before the interval McIntyre tried a shot to the same point that had been so unlucky to him in the first few minutes of play, the ball this time hitting the foot of the upright and cannoning outside. Downs was rather badly winded after he had tried to dribble to the right, a Wednesday forward catching him in the middle-piece. Before Downs returned the referee made a blunder in the matter of an offside for a throw-in. Recognising the mistake he gave a throw-down. Right on the interval Fern was harassed, and lost possession of the ball for a moment, but Everton were able to get off with the lead at the interval.
Half-time; Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 0
When the second half was started Everton soon had to work with a couple of damaged backs, Downs being very seedy and McDonald getting a thigh injury. The first point of importance was the sight of a ball refusing to go outside and travelling more than half the length of the field along the touch line.
WILSON CROCKED
Wilson was crocked, and McIntyre continued his level-headed display, in which combined effort was his first point. Direct shooting was at a discount, and Davison had not had a single shot to field up to this point. Everton were shooting on occasion, but were lifting the ball, Grenyer and Crossley putting over the bar. Although Fern had the woodwork to aid him, he had not been tested any more seriously than Davison, but when Downs made a very weak clearance McIntyre took up the chance with avidity. His shot was a stringer and Fern brought off a clean save, and a moment later, although the whistle had sounded for offside, Fern made another telling clearance when Kean tried to convert a fine centre from the left wing. Not for the first time this season Everton seemed to fade away in the second half, and Wednesday looked like making an equaliser any moment. Some relief was granted the home lot when Fazackerley made a clever run and a centre that Davison got to before Crossley sailed into him.
A FINE CLEARANCE
In spite of Taylor’s runs Everton made another attack, in which Parker was grassed a yard outside the penalty line. The free kick, taken by Harrison, passed a cluster of men, and beat all except Bellas, who standing on the goalline, made a surprise clearance. Harrison, playing steady football throughout, made a centre so strong that Fazackerley could take the ball in his stride and shoot first time. His shot caused the ball to bump a lot, and with the ball going away from Davison the latter did well to carry it. A moment later Fazackerley, who was troubled with his left knee, made a solo effort, and Davidson fumbled the ball in a manner quite unlike his usual; methods. Wednesday promised to do good things on their right wing, but Downs put the ball to touch, and Reed was rightly penalised for dangerous play. Soon afterwards Reid was cautioned for wild kicking on McDonald. At last Wednesday got what they deserved on the play, but in a manner that was objectionable because the process of making the goal was centred in a flagrant use of hands on the part of Taylor. Taylor scored, but the linesmen were remiss in not seeing the patent case of handling. Moreover, immediately before the goal was scored Fazackerley was brought down in the penalty area in a manner that was quite wrong. Chedgzoy was doing little, so that it was good to see Crossley making a very fine shot, which Davison fielded in his finest manner. Fazackerley made a dazzling run, and when he passed the ball, Parker hit the woodwork, which had been in the way in  the first half when McIntyre was concerned. Wednesday now played for a replay, and naturally there was a lot of kicking out, and one noticed that the slow-motion business was not confined to the films, for some of the players became terribly slow all in a minute.
Final; Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 1
Wednesday F.C get better gates on Monday than they do on their recognised half-holiday (Thursday). However, I expect the game will be played on Thursday.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 29, 1921
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON SHOCK..
Sunday Post -Sunday 30 January 1921
Wednesday Fine Game
Everton and The Wednesday met at Goodison Park. This was a case of ,so-called class side versus a struggling Second Division side. It was a capital game to watch, and' there was much to interest, but the class side were terribly lacking in pace, and their ball control would have made Scotsmen weep. True, Fazaekerley was doing some dodging, and his longish runs revealed his power of control, and Bobbie Parker was alway up and ready, but when he gave a pass he said " goodbye 'to the ball. never came back. Yet it was Parker who scored. He took the lead, aided by the miskick of Bellas who turned a simple shot, stingless, out ot Davison's reach. Wednesday had some of the sting taken out of their youngsters this mishap, and. also fact that McTntyre, ex-half-back, appearing as a forward, hit the woodwork twice, when Fern was out of touch with, the ball. Wednesday were really most unlucky be down a goal half-time. In the second half they recovered their confidence, and hammered at the Everton backs, who were overworked, with resuit that Everton only got away break away. Fazackerley pleaded hard for a penalty kick when grassed, and straightaway from that - point debate Taylor went away and scored, thanks to his canny way of bringing the ball down with his. hand. As a point the goal was a bad one, but the the game no one could cavil at Wednesday's success. Where Wednesday were cleverer titan their rivals the half-back line. Everton's line did not stay the distance, and Wednesday's Wilsont was a big thorn in the flesh of the home side. Just befoe the finish there was a disagreeable lot of slow motion business, and kicking out, and alter Wednesday had nearly converted a corner, Parker hit the upright. However, there was no debating the point which was the superior side. Bellas is a likely youngster in defence. Wilson will play against Scotland some day, and M'lntyre's wise passes and shots show has missed, his vocation trying to play in the half-hack line. Final result: —Everton. 1; The Wednesday, 1.

NORTH ENDER TRANSFERRED DAVIES GOES TO EVERTON FOR BIG FEE.
Lancashire Evening Post -Monday 31 January 1921
The transfer was completed in Preston, on Saturday night, of Stanley Davies. North End's Welsh international forward, who was secured Everton for the biggest fee the Deepdale club has ever received. Possibly the fact that Everton failed beat Sheffield Wednesday in tho Cup-tie at Goodison Park was responsible for unexpected visit of four officials of the club to Preston at night. Messrs. Coffey (chairman), W. J. Sawyer and (directors), and Mr. Tom Mclntosh, secretary, came over and met Messrs. J. I. Taylor (vice-chairman) and Vincent Hayes, secretary and manager of the North End club, and the transfer was completed at nine o'clock. The departure of Davies to Merseyside was not unexpected. When they met at Cleveleys on Thursday to select the team for Saturday's match with Watford, the North End management decided to place him on the transfer list, and it was known that he was likely to to tho Goodison club. It has been stated that the transfer fee is £3,000, but this has not been verified, the officials of both clubs refusing to divulge the amount. It may be stated with certainty, however, that the fee does not constitute a new record in the game. Davies, who is 23, stands 5ft.10 ½ ins and weighs 11 ½ st., is a native of Chirk. He was secured by North End from Rochdale at the end of 1918-19 season —the last season of wartime football, and made 11 appearances in the first team last season, when scored four goals in League football. He also took part in the three Cup ties. This season he has figured 13 games in the senior eleven, and had eight goals to his credit. Davies acted centre forward all three internationals for Wales last season and scored in each. With North End has had a mixed experience, as has been tried in each of tho inside positions—first at inside right and latterly at centre forward—but as he did not fulfil the brilliant promise lie showed when first came to Preston or play consistency well in any of the three positions was tried in. he did rot secure a regular place in tho side. the Central League team has figured chiefly at centre forward. Last season scared 25 goals in 20 games, but this season has only made fleeting appearances in the reserve team. On Wednesday week he took part in the Welsh international tria1 match Wrexham and scored couple of goals, and was afterwards chosen at inside left against Scotland at Aberdeen next month

EVERTON 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1
January 31, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S HARE FLIGHT.
DRAWN GAME AT GOODISON.
Everton may be considered a lucky side to be still in the Cup competition. The second round contest with Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park on Saturday, resulted in a drawn game, and the tie will be replayed at Sheffield on Thursday. It was keen, typical Cup-tie football, and the Wednesday proved better exponents of the type of game than did Everton. The Wednesday were by no means a clever side, but their vigour, dash, and speed served them better than Everton's more polished methods. Everton took the lead and held it till twenty minutes from the end, during which time they seemed probable winners, but all their cleverness, added nothing to the score, and after Wednesday equalised Everton's chances of success sank to zero, for the visitors fought hard and finished strong. Their were few successes on the Everton side. The forwards did smart work in the game, and Fazackerley's artistry were very pretty to watch, but it was nor effective against the opponents Sheffeield defence. There was no more decision and effect in Crossley's method for he did get the ball to goal, and often with force and direction. Parker was slow and out of touch with the line, and the extreme wingers faded away after a promising start. The half-backs lacked speed, and the forwards were not catered for satisfactory. Downs was badly knocked out before the interval and he laboured heavily afterwards. His enthusiasm was beyond question, although he courted disaster late on when he hesitated to clear, and an onrushing forward blocked the ball as it came from the foot of Downs. McDonald was moderate, but Fern was quite sound, and did his work efficiently. Davison too, in spite of his lengthily service was keenly alert, and when he tipped the ball over the bar from a terrific drive by Crossley, he proved his worth. Wilson was the ideal pivot. He inspire his colleagues to great efforts, and set a splendid example by his own excellent work. McIntyre was easily the best of the forwards, a deadly shot with wonderful control.
INCIDENT OF PLAY.
After O'Neil had almost let his side down with very faulty clearances it was Wednesday forwards gave evidence of their intentions when they swung the ball about freely and to some purpose. The first thrill came when McIntyre beat Downs, and went through to finish went a shot that hit the foot of the far upright. The ball came back into play and Fern parried it, but McIntyre returned the ball with his head and although three of the Wednesday forwards tried to rush the ball through Fern got it outside. This was certainly a lucky escape for Everton and forture continued to smile on them when they returned minutes later. Parker got the ball from a pass by Peacock, and before Wilson could get into a correct position to challenge the Everton centre Parker shot. As the ball went goalwards Bellas attempted to kick clear, but he failed to get hold of the ball properly and it glanced off his foot into the net. Dawson was quite prepared to deal with the original shot and had the ball well covered but the intervention of Bellas was never anticipated and Everton were a goal to the good although on the play they hardly deserved it. There was very little direct shooting but McIntyre and Crossley occasionally demonstrated their skill in this direction with hefty drives. Parker was brought down just outside the penalty area and from the free kick Harrison drove the ball to goal. Bellas had taken up a position on the goal line and was able to kick clear. He thus saved a certain goal as Davison was guarling the opposite end. As seventy minutes Taylor equalised. Kean stated the movement and he undoubtedly handled the ball without being noticed by the referee. From the extreme left wing and placed the ball into the centre and Taylor scored a capital goal that was well worked for, and deserved. A tremendous drive by Crossley was cleverly saved by Davison and Parker hit the post, but the Wednesday relied well at the finish. Teams : - Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain), and McDonald backs, Peacock, Fleetwood, and Grenyer, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards . Sheffield Wednesday: - Davison, goal, Bellas, and O'Neil, backs, Brelsford, Wilson, and Price half-backs, Reed, Kean, Taylor, McIntyre, and Lofthouse, forwards. Attendance 44 000 (Receipts £3, 128).

PRESTON FORWARD FOR EVERTON.
January 31, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Everton have secured the transfer of Stanley Davies from Preston North End. Davies, who has several times appearance in the Preston first eleven, was centre forward for Wales in all last season's internationals and scored each time. He has been picked this season for inside left. Aged twenty-three, he stands 5 feet 10 and half inches, and weights 11 st 7lbs. He is a clever forward, and in the match against England last year, when players were injured, he also demonstrated his ability to do well as half and full back. He has not figured in this season's Cup-ties.

ANOTHER SENSATIONAL TRANSFER
Athletic News- Monday, January 31, 1921
After the Association Cup-tie with The Wednesday, some of the Everton directors went post-haste to Preston for the purpose of signing the Welsh international Stanley Davies. Negotiations were concluded and despite the heavy transfer fee demanded by the North End club, Everton consider that they have secured a player who will suit the requirement. He will appear at centre-forward for them for a time, and this enthusiastic forager may find the conditions at Goodison Park quite congenial. The East Fife recruit-Andrew Moffatt -is creating a favourable impression by his displays in the Central League team as forward leader. But a man of experience is needed now, and it seems as if Stanley Davies is the player to supply the vanguard with that dash and thrustfulness which are so lacking. The transfer fee is so large that both clubs are unwilling to disclose it! When will this scandalous gambling in players have an end?
RECRUITS FOR EVERTON
Everton are determined to strengthen their team, and last Wednesday signed on an outside left named Alford, from the Barrow club. The Goodison Park people have been on the track of this well-recommended youth for quite two months and the only difficulty in the negotiations has been the determination of the player to secure a situation in Liverpool before he left Barrow. However, this obstacle has been overcome, and Alford is due in Liverpool to-morrow in readiness, presumably to take his place in the Central League game the following day with Manchester City on the Everton ground. The transfer fee is £450, and Everton will play a match at Barrow in addition.
Everton players will not go away prior to the replayed tie with The Wednesday for special training, and will merely undergo their usual weekly course of preparation at Goodison Park.
An interested spectator of the Everton-Wednesday Cup-tie was the Lord Mayor of Sheffield. A large number of spectators journeyed from the cutlery centre to witness the match.

GOODISON SPELL?
Athletic News -Monday, January 31, 1921
THE DASH AND ENTERPRISE OF THE WEDNESDAY
EVERTON GLAD TO DRAW
EVERTON 1, SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1
By Junius
Midst the lengthened shadows of the late afternoon the Everton eleven, consistent in their continued inefficiency on their own ground, just managed to escape defeat at the hands of the lowly Wednesday wights, who are struggling near the base of the Second League chart. A drawn game was a satisfactory conclusion to all concerned; Everton escaped defeat, and their opponents forced a replay. Yet, viewed impartially, there can only be one conclusion arrived at, namely, that Everton flouted the chances which Dame Fortune complacently handed to them, and if after next Thursday’s replay at Hillsborough they have no further direct interest in the destination of the Cup they cannot complain.
THE CONTRAST
For a week their team had been imbibing the stimulating ozone of the Cleveleys coast, but judging from the exhibition of the eleven in this Cup-tie, the change of air had produced precisely the opposite effect to what had been expected. The outstanding difference between the two rivals was palpable. On the one side we had inexperienced performers as regards First League football, blest with the ardour of youth contending against expert exponents tinctured with the sobering influences of Anno Domini, and there could be no mistaking the triumph of the former. Had the sprightly Wednesday forwards shown a capacity to finish their efforts with the same effectiveness that they had forced the openings for a score, then Everton would have been lamenting already; while they themselves were pondering and slumbering their opponents were determined and thrustful. Doubtless some perfervid enthusiasts would find extenuating circumstances for Everton’s feeble display; but when everything is taken into considering the honours certainly went to the Wednesday warriors. In the early stages the latter might easily have been awarded a penalty when a centre from Lofthouse was handed inside the fateful oblong and a few minutes later the Everton goal had a marvellous escape. McIntyre beat Downs, and with a clear course shot strongly, but the ball cannoned into play off the far post. Fern saved a header from close range, and eventually, after a struggle under the crossbar, the goal was missed by inches. It was quite against the balance of play that Everton took the lead; Peacock placed swiftly inwards to PARKER, who promptly shot, and one of the Sheffield backs diverted the ball quite out of the reach of Davison, who was otherwise ready to save. At the interval this was the state of affairs and yet despite their advantage, Everton had not convinced anyone that they would finally win.
TAYLOR’S GOAL
After the change of ends both goals were besieged, but the Wednesday terriers were always the more fancied combination, and when TAYLOR headed an equalising goal from a centre by his left wing, justice was done; the visitors had simply acquired what their form had merited. Crossley alone showed any disposition to challenge the issue, and a fine long drive from him was tipped over the bar by Davison. Everton’s excellence was of a negative nature; it was not present. They had five forwards on the field, and occasionally Crossley seemed as if he might score a goal, but no one else created even the suspicion of such a happening. It must be admitted that they received meagre support from their half-backs, but even when they had chances of making headway, they evinced no disposition to evade the ostensible vigilance of the Sheffield defenders. There was not a redeeming feature about their display, and it was difficult to imagine that Everton were First Leaguers and their opponents in the Second Division. In defence some strategy and ability were witnessed; Fern’s save early on when a tussle was proceeding on his very doorstep, so to speak, and his clearance from McIntyre soon after the change of ends were clever feats. Downs accomplished many daring deeds, and was also responsible for some unaccountable mistakes. McDonald was the more consistent full-back; his returns never lacked judicious length; not did he falter in his resistance.
WEDNESDAY WARRIOR.
Every credit must be -awarded the Wednesday men for their performance. From the start they entered into the fray with a zeal that clearly showed the methods they had settled upon. Their forwards were sprightly and untiring in their attempts, and never hesitated when the ball came to them. Eschewing all attempts at finessing they relied upon their zeal and persistency to secure the goal of their ambition. What time they were wheeling, turning, and speeding here, there, and everywhere, their opponents were toiling along, moving laboriously by comparison. The presumably latent superior skill of the Everton elaborators was never allowed to reach the surface of visibility. McIntyre,however, was the only one who showed a disposition to test Fern, and with Lofthouse constituted a capable left wing. The others were often crude in their notions, but there was no mistaking their sincerity, and this covered a multitude of sins. Greatly superior were the visitors in the half-back line, for Wilson gave a splendid show in the centre, and not only completely submerged the Everton inside trio, but had ample time to attend to his own forwards. Beresford reduced the opposition to utter subjection, and Price easily held the forces against which he had to contend. The full backs would persist in asserting themselves; they were there for the purpose of preventing Everton from getting goals, and without indulging in embroidered methods, attained their object by direct action. Davison was not often requisitioned, but he dealt with a bouncing shot from Fazackerley very skilfully in the second half, and deftly edged a long drive from Crossley over the bar. His task. however, was an easy one. Everton;- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, Fleetwood, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. The Wednesday.- Davison; Bellas, O’Neill; Brelsford, Wilson, Price; Reed, Kean, Taylor, McIntyre, and Lofthouse. Referee; J. Cable, Gfangetown.

EVERTON’S P.N.E. CAPTURE
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 31, 1921
Bee’s Notes
On Saturday night Everton went off post haste to Preston and signed the Welsh international centre Stanley Davies, who has been kept out of the North End team by W.T. Roberts, who has become in later weeks something more than a slogging centre; he is being coached to work the ball as well as hit it. I have taken a deep interest in Stanley Davies, because I have had the opportunity of seeing him more than most folk in this city. For instance his game for Wales against England last season at Highbury was capital, and he even went to full back when the team was cut up through injury, and fared well. Why should he fail at Preston? He has not failed. He is something of a temperamental player, and Deepdale is not altogether a suitable team for such a player. As a matter of fact, Everton have been “after him” before this week-end, and took a liking for him in September last. He is a lathy-built forward who has brilliant moments. He should fit in Everton’s style, and he should add the speed so necessary to the team. Look at it how you will, one thing stands out boldly; Everton has not the pace of most sides.
WILL SOMEONE LEAVE?
People will ask what Stanley Davies cost. Well, neither club will say. Certainly it was a good-sized figure, but not a record by any means. North End had a scheme when they met Everton. At first their idea was to buy up an Everton forward who has not been figuring in the side for some time, and in the reserve, team has been making appearances in different positions. This suggested a clean-cut deal over this forward, and then proposed to follow on with the transfer of Stan Davies. Eventually, however, this was overruled, and though an Everton player is likely to go to North End, there is no doubt about the two affairs being kept separate. Davies, it is worth noting, has been picked this season for inside left. Aged twenty-three, he stands 5ft 10 ½ in., and weighs 11st 7lb. he played especially well in the Welsh Trail match a few days ago.
The Cup-tie team for Thursday will not be chosen till Wednesday-after the Everton Res match of Wednesday afternoon v. Manchester City Res. Anyone going to Hillsborough for the replay should send for a 5s ticket from the secretary, Wednesday F.C. Sheffield.
Stanley Davies and Moffatt are not cup-tied, do not forget, but Davies is not in time for Thursday’s replay.
It would seem that “home” has no charm for Everton. They simply cannot produce a victory for their own spectators. It is surprising and cannot be fathomed, for away from home they have some smart wins to their name. without going too deeply into Everton’s most moderate exhibition against Wednesday of Sheffield, one must place on record FACTS. The fact that Bellas helped Parker’s simple shot (going straight for the goalkeeper) out of Davison’s reach must be termed a portion of luck for Everton, yet one must blame Everton for the mistake made by Bellas. Next one must weigh up McIntyre’s shots that hit the woodwork-rank bad fortune for Wednesday. Then add the remembrance of the penalty claims, I asked Mr. Joe Butterfield, the ex-referee, if he would have given a penalty kick when Wednesday claimed hands against Downs, and he said “Certainly not. The ball hit him. It was not intentional handling. Downs could not have deliberately handled the ball in such short time, for the shot from the left winger was very swift” I agree. In the case of Chedgzoy the foul seemed to be committed outside the line, though the body of the player fell into the area. What the big cry from the back of the goal was for when Harrison was working inward, I cannot say, because the view was blotted out. The cry for penalty was very emphatic. To my mind the worst case of the day was that wherein Fazackerley was out to earth. How that escaped a penalty kick is beyond me. Taylor or Kean (I reckon it was the scorer, Taylor) deliberately handled the ball because he could not manipulate the ball without handling, and though he was on the blind side of the referee the linesmen were placed for seeing a very patent case of handling.
INFERIOR
I am not quibbling at the verdict, but I am stating facts. Nothing in the matter of arguments on points of play could wash out the knowledge that Everton were an inferior side in the matter of pace, direction, and swinging the ball about. Everton’s half-backs were not comparable with the Wednesday’s and the forward lines had different notions of how to make progress, Wednesday’s being the nipper and gaining more ground. Our left wing shaped well. Harrison’s centres were deadly, and Crossley had some shies at goal. Parker had not much chance because Wilson was playing at the top of his form, and because he rarely got the ball put to him right, Chedgzoy was much below par, and what Fazackerley did he did neatly and well, and had he timed the fall of the ball (when he was shooting) more accurately, a first-time drive would have landed home. Peacock was more than useful, and led to the first goal, but Fleetwood and Grenyer lacked touch with their opponents when speed was applied-they couldn’t wheel round with the facility of the visitors. At back Downs and McDonald were hard worked through the half-backs failing, and I reckon they came out of their day well, even allowing for occasional miskicks and in inclination to dribble in front of his goal by the captain. Fern was not tested to the full, but he made a catch unexpectedly. On the Wednesday side Bellas was strong, and promises to come on lumps. He is more certain than O’Neill. Davison put two hot shots up in the air, and Wilson was the dominating half-back on the field. Forward, Wednesday’s best was the converted half-back. McIntyre who was judicious, and came nearer to the daisy cutter type of shot than we have seen for some time. He is not a dasher-he is a schemer, and his passes are timed aright, the defence having been drawn. Reed seemed to lose himself in the realm of spite, but Taylor and Kean were bust men. I think Everton made the mistake of spreading themselves and leaving the wing men too much open. The replay, on Thursday, can remedy this. Everton should beat Wednesday. They can. Their away records show them in a good light. Let them go in and win. But they must speed up against these young fellows and they must not leave the shooting to two men. I think they will just get there.

January 1921