Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON 1 MANCHESTER CITY 0
March 2, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
NARROW VICTORY OVER MANCHESTER CITY.
KEEN, BUT DULL GAME.
MACCONNACHIE PENALTY MISS
Everton have nothing to spare in their game with Manchester City. They gained the lead early on, and managed to keep it until the end, even though Macconnachie failed with a penalty kick, in the later stages. Somehow it was a dull game to watch, although the players themselves might have though otherwise. Fine defensive play, like stone-walling at cricket, is never very interesting, the spectator's prefer free –scoring –so long as it does not all go against their favourite side. Keen the play was of a certainty; rather too keen at times, and the fact that towards the end the referee was constantly blowing the whistle for fouls did not improve matters. There was far too much tripping, and there was one glaring instance which should have cost the visitors a goal, Parker looked all over a scorer when Henry deliberately brought him down a few yards from goal, Macconnachie took the penalty kick , and shot straight at the keeper, who saved, and then scrambled the ball away and Macconnachie followed up. It is quite possible the Everton captain would have been more successful had less trouble been taken in the correct placing of the ball on the ground ready for the shot. Happily the failure did not effect the issue, and Everton deserved to win. They were the better team on the whole, but still they fell a long way below the standard set up against Sheffield United a fortnight ago. There was a lack of incisiveness by the forwards when near goal, and although Fleetwood got in a lot of clever and forceful play, the openings he created were not made the most of. His partner, Houston, was in poor shooting form, and Parker was not as trustful as he sometimes is. He too, put in several inaccurate shots, and Clennell and Harrison on the left were never more than moderate. On the other hand the Manchester forwards made no attempt to reproduce their recent cup-tie form. Their forwards were not near so well balanced as the home front line, and although Howard got in several dangerous rushes, he was for the most part, held well in check. Browell, besides missing two excellent chances of scoring, spoilt himself by trying to do too much. He showed a surprising amount of zeal in going to the assistance of his backs, and he would have been more effective had he not wandered so much from his proper position. It was certainly to be regretted that in his anxiety to see his side avoid defeat he should have got at loggerheads with at least two of his former colleagues, and his tactics in more than one instance did not please the crowd. Taylor was also not seen at his best, but Cumming frequently caught the eye with his tricky footwork.

RESOLUTE BACKS.
The halves and backs held the whip hand all through the game, and it was largely through the alertness of the backs that there was so little shooting. Both sets of halves-showed such keen tackling that they always seemed a shade faster than the forwards. Everton were well served by Fleetwood. He was a rare spoiler, and together, with Grenyer and Weller, he rarely allowed Manchester forwards to get into their proper stride. The Everton forwards at times showed clever passing, but the Manchester halves and backs were very successful in intercepting at critical junctures. Hannay was a hard worker, and no fault could be found with Hindmarsh and Hughes. Both sets of backs were sound, although Thompson, after allowing his temper to become ruffled by Browell, was at times rather shaky. McGuire, who took the place of Fletcher at left full back for Manchester, put in a lot of useful work, and both custodians distinguished themselves for clever saves. As already indicated the game did not provide many real thrills. Everton's one and only goal came five minutes after the start. Harrison returned a pass from Clennell to the foot of Parker, who shooting without a moment's hesitancy, struck the inside of the far post, and the ball rebounded into the net. Browell failed to shoot when in a good position, and when another opportunity presented itself, he placed high over the bar. Manchester's nearest approach to scoring was when Howard dashed between the backs, Fern stepped a couple of yards out of goal, and managed to save Howard's shot, which was delived with great force. The only incident of note in the second half was Smith's brilliant save from Macconnachie from a penalty kick. The crowd numbered well over 30,000, and they were provided with the additional attraction of a most entertaining performance by the hand of the 1 st King's (Liverpool) Regiment, which only arrived at Seaforth, a few days ago from Aldershot. It number 82 performers, and they played for a full hour before the match, and again during the interval. Besides the excellent music of the brass band, the drum and fife band were equally entertaining. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Macconnachie (Captain), backs, Weller, Fleetwood, and Grenyer, half-backs, Houston, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Manchester City: - Smith, goal, Henry, and McGuire, backs, Hughes, Hanney, and Hindmarsh, half-backs, Cumming, Taylor, Howard, Browell, and Cartwright, forwards. Referee R. Eccles.

ONE GOAL HAS TO SUFFICE
March 2 1914. The Liverpool Echo
The best performers at Everton on Saturday were the band. Their thrilling march music roused the spectators (36,000 of them) to a high pitch of enthusiasm, I have seen nothing like it on a football ground outside Hampden Park's pipers, when England and Scotland met –but then the King's Liverpool Regiment gave us music on Saturday, remember. We English cannot find the charm of the pipes though we can appreciate a pipe. Everton scored in he first seven minutes, and played football that gave the crowd hopes of a repetition of the game they played against Sheffield United. Parker's goal had to suffice, however, and though it was a perfectly-made pointer it did not satisfy the crowd, because so many chances of scoring were thrown to the winds. Clennell and Houston sinned more than once and the former failed to make a mark when Jefferis and Houston had dovetailed beautifully up the wing. Houston crossing the ball in such a manner that scoring from the pass was a simple matter. Fortunately for Everton, Manchester City's forwards were just as bad, so Fern escaped with a clean sheet. However, Ferns and Smith made mighty saves. Fern's being a one-handed save from Howard that was worth going a long way to see. Howard had beaten the backs and turned to goal, fern had to advance a yard or two, and when the ground was tried he went to ground and with his left hand kept the ball clear –a quick piece of goalkeeping that was cheered heartily. Smith, too, was safe and when he handed out Jefferis's header I marked that down as good a piece of goalkeeping as Fern's. You recollect the incident? A corner had been taken, and Jefferis headed in, the ball passing away from Smith, who nevertheless did the only thing he could. Smith saved a penalty too, Henry having fouled Parker. There was much palaver over the kick, the ball being placed on or about “the spot” half a dozen times and Macconnachie and Parker seemed to take turns as to which should taken the kick. The ball was finally taken by the captain and driven straight, Smith making a save and Macconnachie being unable to convert the rebound. Manchester City woke when it was too late. They had played poor football in the first half, and Everton had caught the disease, but later on City showed that they could pass accurately and Everton were hard pressed to keep their lead. Parker who had a knock on the shoulder, which caused him to hang up his arm, played well, and his left-foot shot caused a brilliant goal. Harrison and Clennell claiming honours for starting the move swifty and well. Jefferis was in dour mood, and was possibly the best home forward; and Houston's shoulder injury prevented him from doing himself proud. All the other members of the team showed up well, and it good to see the young and earnest half backs in good form. City's main thruster was Howard who had some bad luck of he would have assuredly have gone through to goal. Browell hooked many balls to safely in his own clever way, and his general play was valuable. Cumming however was very weak and Cartwright isn't clever enough. Taylor was damaged and would have been better off the field. At half City were strong, Hanney's heading being a pleasant feature. The defence of City carries the team upon its back.

MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 2 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
The Blues' reserves appear to have struck a bad patch after their long run of success. They were beaten at Old Trafford by 2 goals to 1, and thus have dropped five points in the last three games. Of course there was some excuse for them against the City, seeing that they were handicapped by the calls of the inter-league match. The brothers Fairclough, the ex-St. Helens players, obtained the goals for the winners, and T. Page replied with one for the Blues, whose forwards might have turned their chances in the first half to better advantage. Everton: - Mitchell, goal, Page, and Stalker, backs, Harris, Challinor and Roy, half-backs, Beare, Brannick, Page, Bradshaw, and Palmer forwards .

EDGAR CHADWICK AND THE HOLLAND TEAM.
March 3, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
Edgar Chadwick the famous international forward of the Everton team of the eighties and early nineties, had again received an invitation from the Dutch football Association to go to coach the team, the Holland international eleven, but owing to the death of his father recently, it is doubtful whether he will be able to accept, Chadwick had trained the Holland international team for the last seven or eight years.

YOUNG RETURNS SCOTLAND.
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 04 March 1914
After a lengthy association with the local football "Sandy" Young is likely to end his career with this city, for he has severed his connection with the South Liverpool club and has returned to his home at Avonbridge, Scotland. it is not likely that he will play again this season, although the Dingle club are ready to grant him his transfer should he desire to join any other club. Young gained his fame with Everton, which club he joined in 1901. He stayed at Goodison Park until a couple of years ago, when he threw in his lot with the South. He is particularly remmebered amongst Everton supporters as the man who scored the goal when Everton won the F.A. Cup in 1906. Young was capped for Scotland against England in 1906 and against Wales in 1907.

EVERTON SIDE FOR BRADFORD.
March 5, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
At their meeting last night, the Everton directors chose the same team which beat Manchester City for the League game with Bradford City at valley Parade on Saturday.

BRADFORD CITY V. EVERTON
March 7, 1914. The Liverpool Football Echo
First Half Fine Display
Jefferis Scored For Everton
By F.E.H (Charles Leeds)
Everton reached Bradford shortly before two o'clock. The weather was dull and showery, but a large crowd turned up to witness the match, which was for the benefit of Robinson, the right half-back –his second, by the way, with the Bradford Club. Everton played the team as selected but Torrance was absent from the home team. This is the first home match the centre half has missed this season. Teams; Everton; Fern, goal; Thompson and Macconnachie, backs; Weller, Fleetwood, and Grenyer, half-backs; Houston, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Bradford City; Ewart, goal; Potts and Bookman, backs; Hargreaves, Torrance, and Brennan, half-backs; Bond, McLlveney, Storer, Fox, and Logan, forwards, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.P. Campbell. There were fully sixteen thousand people present when the beneficiary won the toss, and the visitors started against a slight breeze. Right from the kick-off Jefferis raced through and put in a high dropping shot, which proved a warm armful for Everton. Everton broke away smartly on the left and Harrison got in one of his dangerous centres but Parker headed it the wrong way. Although the ground is on the greasy side the pace was fast and Everton were again on the warpath when the burly Campbell booted the ball away. Bradford then advanced in combined order, and from a centre by Bookman, Fox brought Fern to his knees with a magnificent ground shot. From this point the game became faster than ever both goals escaping in turn. Once Thompson made a wonderful a wonderful clearance from O'Rourke as the latter was sailing through and subsequently Parker was well placed when ruled offside. Both sides showed clever football and after Fern had cleared from Bond, McDonald missed the mark by inches. The City forwards were dangerous for a long period, and McDonald just failed with another clever attempt the leather passing across the goalmouth. Everton took up the running strongly, and from good work by Clennell, Parker, had an opening, but Ewart was too quick for him. A few moments later he tried a swift ground shot, but it was a foot wide of the mark. Thompson being caught napping, Bookman got in a long oblique shot which passed over and then followed a brilliant but of work on the part of Everton's forwards. Clennell initiated the movement and the ball being put smartly across to the right, Jefferis pounced upon it like a cat and scored a wonderfully fine goal without hesitating in his stride. Everton proceeded to play splendid football and forcing a corner on the right they almost succeeded in adding a second goal, Bookman heading away in the nick of time. Bradford City then steadied themselves and the visiting backs were twice called upon to act briskly. Fox got through cleverly but his shot lacked sting, and Bond put the ball yards wide. Still City pressed and Thompson came to Fern's assistance when the latter in difficulties. Later on Clennell was again in the picture with his tricky footwork, and from his pass Jefferis skied the ball high over the bar. The first delay in the game was caused through an injury to Fleetwood who was badly winded but he speedily recovered. At this point rain began to fail steadily but the contest was as keen as over. Towards the interval City strove manfully to equalize but they could not finish half as well as their opponents who were soon aggressive again. Houston's shot, however was not strong enough. Bookman at the other end tested Fern with a lovely shot, and Hargreaves gave the Everton custodian a difficult handful. The visitors left got smartly away and Clennell, rounding Campbell sent in a tremendous shot, which the City keeper saved on the ground at the foot of the post. Just before half-time Bradford's were very dangerous and scorer headed over.

Half-time; Bradford City 0, Everton 1
The first period had been a thoroughly bright and exhilarating display, Everton forwards were seen at their best, and thoroughly deserved the lead. The home forwards were frequently dangerous but Fleetwood played very prominent part in breaking up their combination. The rain by this time had cleared. When play resumed before an increased attendance, Everton were again the first to attack, and Weller nearly scored a goal with a fast shot which bounced over Ewart's shoulder and which he only recovered in time. Then the left wing pair made clever play, but found Campbell an insurmountable obstacle. Bradford called strongly and Fox fired in two shots, which Fern dealt with very dangerous. Final; Bradford City 0, Everton 1
Goal-scorers
Jefferis scored for Everton

NORTH ENGINEERS V. EVERTON RES X1
March 7, 1914. The Liverpool Football Echo
Played at Hawthorn-road, before a good attendance. Everton started on the left Delaney centring to Derbyshire who tested Allonby from close range. Kelly pressed for the Enginners and after a combined effort between Coonle and Hennaway, Simpson cleared. Everton pressed, Kirby giving Chedgzoy possession who hit the upright with a magnificent shot. Keeping up the attack Stephenson hit the crossbar and from the rebound Anderson netted. The Engineers improved, Bromilow kicked over the bar. From the corner Banks just headed wide. Half-time; North Engineers 0, Everton Res 1. Final, North Engineers 2, Everton Res 1.

EVERTON RES V BRADFORD CITY RES
March 7, 1914. The Liverpool Football Echo
At Goodison Park. Teams; Everton; Mitchell, goal; Page and Stalker, backs; Harris, Challinor, and Roy, half-backs; Beare, Brannick, Page, Wright and Palmer, forwards. Bradford City; Mellors, goal; Potts and Chaplin, backs; Hughes, Brown, Tremelling, half-backs; Grimshaw, Logan, Lynford, Longbottom, and Handley, forwards. The opening play was greatly in favour of Everton, Beare, and Palmer being in form. Rarely indeed did Bradford advance over the half-way line and Potts indulged in a good deal of kicking out in order to stem the attacks of the Blues. Tom Page missed scoring by a foot. Mellors kicked away another shot, while Beare put the ball wide of the goal. A rush by the Bradford centre was cleverly thwarted by Mitchell, but the City came again, and gained a corner, from which Brown headed wide. From a perfect centre by Beare, Palmer missed a fine chance of scoring, and generally speaking, Everton were faulty in front of goal. Logan set Grimshaw on the run, and a moment later Bradford had an open goal in front of them, but their forwards failed to take advantage. Mellors kept goal finely for Bradford and kept out numerous shots. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Bradford 0
Commencing the second half Everton went to the front but Beare shot widely, Lindford shot into Mitchell's hands on two occasions and Bradford were now showing to advantages. Tom Page was unlucky with a tremendous straight down and then Palmer forced a barren corner. Logan and Grimshaw were checked by Stalker and Palmer followed with a feeble attempts to force the Bradford lines. Beare forced a corner, but placed it none too well. Shortly afterwards Longbottom, after maneuvering for a good position, scored with a shot which gave Mitchell no chance. Final ; Everton Reserves 0, Bradford City Reserves 1.
Goal-scorer; Longbottom

EVERTON SURPRISE BRADFORD IN BENEFIT
March 9, 1914. The Liverpool Echo
The excellent policy of keeping together team which is playing consistently was well demonstrated at Bradford on Saturday, when Everton registered a clever and convincing victory of the City club. The game, it is true, had certain periods of dullness, but the the most part it was bright and exhilarating display –especially so far as the Evertonians were concerned. The contest was full of incident and it is pleasant to state absolutely free from any sign of bad temper on either side. The match was for the benefit of George Robinson, who has done over ten years “spade work” for his club and he popularity was exemplified by the attendance. The forward line moved along with almost clock-like precision and from a swinging pass Jefferis taking the leather in style scored a delightful goal. The work of Harrison and Clennell is worthy of special reference. As a wing they showed perfect play. Parker and Houston were at times disappointing but Frank Jefferis displayed his wonderful facility for threading his way through the defence with the wiliness of a “will o” the wisp.” The three half-backs led by Fleetwood played fine football, while the backs have not been seen to better advantage this year. On Saturday's play Bradford City did not prove themselves a particularly formidable lot though their full-back play was at times exceptionally good.

BRADFORD CITY 0 EVERTON 1
March 9, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON'S CLEVER VICTORY.
KEEN AND CLEAN GAME.
The Everton team made ample amends for the heavy defeat they sustained on the occasion of their last visit to Valley Parade. They prevailed by the only goal scored in the game, and the issue in their favour was a fitting indication of their superiority on the general run of the play. They were a better-balanced side all round and the 20,000 spectators who gave their support to Robinson, whose benefit it was, could not possibly have begrudged Everton their success. Still, the Bradford forwards were not without opportunities of putting a different complexion upon affairs, and in failing to utilise these, they compared unfavourably with their opponents. In other respects there was little indeed to choose between the sides, and though the game, as regards an exhibition of the nicer points, could not rank among those of the highest flight yet the speedy and to end changes that charactered the play from start to finish, resulted in keeping the spectators thoroughly interested.

JEFFERIS' CLEVER GOAL.
Jefferis obtained the Point that settled the issue after play had been in progress close upon twenty minutes. Clennell, Weller, and Houston led up to the final movements, and as Jefferis took the ball in full stride and flashed it into the net it can be readily imagined that the keeper had practically no chance of saving. The City forwards had not been idle and frequently during the later stages of the first half, and again in the second portion, swept down, only to meet with stern opposition from the Everton defenders. When opportunities did arise whereby the Everton keeper was left to his own resources, they could not even then exact quarter, for their finishing touches were not on a par with those sent in by the Everton van, who, however, found Ewart in his safest mood.

PERSONAL.
The linking up of the half backs, and forwards was a prominent factor in Everton's successful plan of campaign. The trio made a capital account of themselves, both as spoilers and providers. Grenyer touched his best form of last season, and kept Bond well subdued, while Weller again demonstrated his usefulness in this important department of the team. Fleetwood was a great worker, especially in defence, and the value of his work in the vicinity of goal could scarcely be over-estimated. As a result of successful half-back play the forwards were not without chances of displaying their skill. Jefferis had no compeer in attack, and it befitted the occasion that his clever and forceful footwork met it reward. He invariably drew the defence before parting to one or other of his comrades, and the pity was that Houston was not up to his usual standard, otherwise there must have been further scoring. Parker was too well shadowed to be really effective, and the most convincing work came from the left wing, where Clennel and Harrison displayed a capital understanding, which resulted in many clever drives that kept the Bradford backs and keeper fully extended. Macconnachie played a fine resourceful game, and at critical periods controlled his forces with good judgement. Thompson too, defended lustily, and though Fern was not overburdened his anticipation and ready clearance of a couple of dangerous shots in the second half were excellent. The City were best represented in defence. Ewart showed much resource in keeping his charge, and in front of him were two stout defenders in Campbell and Boocock. The halves played their forwards well, but the inside men were not a great success, for they frequently failed to take advantage of well-timed centres from Bond and Bookman. Teams: - Bradford City: - Eward, goal, Potts, and Boocock, backs, Hargreaves, Torrance, and Brennan, half-backs, Bond, McIlvency, Storer, Fox, and Logan, forwards. Everton: - Fern goal, Thompson, and Macconnachie (Captain), backs, Weller, Fleetwood, and Grenyer, half-backs, Houston, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee T.P. Campbell.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 1
March 9, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Bradford were the visitors to Goodion Park and won by a goal to nil. For the greater portion of the game Everton monopolised the play, but the forwards could not break down the visitor's defence. In the first 45 minutes' Beare put across some splendid centre, and T. Page had very hard lines. Just before the interval Grimshaw, after beating several opponents placed wide. The second half had not long been in progress when Longbottom rounded Page smartly and left Mitchell helpless. For the homesters Beare, the brothers Page, Harris, and Challinor were the pick, while Longbottom, Logan, Byrom, and Chaplin played well for the visitors. Teams: - Everton: - Mitchell, goal, Page, and Stalker, backs, Harris, Challinor, and Roy, half-backs, Beare, Brannick, Page, Wright, and Palmer, forwards. Bradford City: - Mellors, goal, Potts, and Chaplin, backs, Hughes, Brennan, and Trenellinge, half-backs, Grimshaw, Logan, Lynford, Longbottom, and Hardy, forwards.

EVERTON TEAM AGAINST ROVERS.
March 11 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
Blackburn Rovers are always popular visitors to Merseryside, and there is sure to be a big crowd present at Goodison Park on Saturday, where the League leaders are in search of points. Everton are also hungry in this direction, and they may be expected to make a big effort to improve their position of the expense of their formidable rivals. The Everton directors at their meeting last night. Naturally made only one alteration in the side, which gained both points at Valley Parade last week, this being necessary by reason of the fact that Houston, will be assisting his country against Scotland, and his stead Beare has been chosen.

Rovers at Goodison
March 11 1914 Liverpool Evening Express
There is another big attraction at Goodison Park on Saturday. Blackburn Rovers, the prospective League champions, are the visitors, and with Everton showing improved form, there is every likelihood of a great game being witnessed. The Rovers are bent keeping a tight hold on the championship, and their idea is to obtain all possible points. Everton, however also desire to strengthen their position, and they are not likely to give anything away Percy Dawson, their cent re forward from Scotland, is to assist the Rovers, and the star artises, Shea and Simpson, will also be view. Everton are also placing their best eleven the field with the exception that Houston, who is assist Ireland will gave way to Beare. I am pleased to hear that the clever little outside right is returning best form, and his play with the reserves of late has been really good. The team is: Fern, Thompson. Maconnachie; Weller. Fleetwood. Grenyer; Beare, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell. Simpson.
Everton Reserves
In the Central League game with the Rovers' Reserves, at Ewood Park, Everton Reserves will rely upon the following; Mitchell; Stevenson, Stalker; Challinor, Wareing, Roy; Chedgzoy, Page, Bradshaw, Palmer.

LEAGUE LEADERS AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 11 March 1914
The League leaders visit to Goodison Park on Saturday should prove a big attraction, and in view of the excellent form recently displayed by Everton a sterling contest should be seen. There is one chnage in the home ranks, Beare coming in for Houston who is assisting Ireland against Scotland. The team eleven is;- Fern; Thompson, and Macconnachie; Weller, Fleetwood, and Grenyer; Beare; Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison. As the Rovers cannot afford to drop points if they mean to keep on top of the table, it may be assumed they will be all out for victory, while Everton can be depended upon to spare no effort to still further improve their League position by vanquishing their doughty foes. Another Everton player who is helping Ireland on Saturday is Harris, who has been operating with the Reserves recently. They meet the Rovers Reserves at Blackburn on Saturday with the following side;- Mitchell; Stevenson, and Stalker; Challnor, Wareing, and Roy; Chedgzoy, Brannick, Page, Bradshaw, and Palmer.

EVERTON 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
March 16, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
BRIGHT FOOTBALL.
FERN'S CLEVER GOALKEEPING.
Even though there were no goals there was no grumbling at Goodison Park on Saturday. An expectant crowd of something like 40,000 was provided with really excellent fare; in fact it was one of, if not the best all-round displays seen on the ground this season. Blackburn Rovers, the prospective League champions, would dearly have liked to win, but in the end they were content to share the points. In the opinion of many Everton was entitled to a goal and of course, victory. Well on towards the end, Weller drove in with great force, and although Crabtree stopped the shot he allowed the ball to slip to the ground, and it was a most point whether or not it had passed over the line, before he scooped it away in his second attempt. The referee, however, gave the Rovers the benefit of the doubt. A draw was certainly a fair reflex of the play, and while the Rovers justified their position as League leaders, the Everton players rose to the same high standard. It was really a triumph of the goalkeepers. Difficult shots were put in from all angles, but there was no beating the respective custodians. The Everton directors made a profitable investment when they secured Fern. He has proved a most capable custodian and he has probably never appeared to better advantage than on Saturday. Clever as were his many saves from straight drives the salient feature of his display was his good judgement in anticipating high centres from the wings, and dangerous rushes from the inside men. He came out and saved one certain goal when Shea was about to shoot from close range. Crabtree who did duty for Robinson, also proved himself a custodian of real ability. He had probably more to do than the Everton keeper, but he successfully defied all attempts to beat him.

CLEVER INDIVIDUALISM.
One specially pleasing feature of the game was the occasional flashes of clever individual play. Nowadays individual effort does not play the important part in Association football that it once did, and perhaps this is to be regretted. There was certainly a good deal of the personal element in Saturday's game, and though it was not blessed with success, it was certainly pleasing to watch. These two great artists, Simpson and Shea may not have been seen at their best, but still they got in a lot of good work. Their clever manceurving repeatedly earned them applause, and although they were not happy in their shooting efforts they contributed much to the attractiveness of the game. For Everton Jefferis also delighted the crowd with his clever touches, while Beare was in a tricky mood, but the pity of it was from the point of view, that he was not allowed much latitude by Cowell. Beare showed fatal hesitancy in more than one instance, but on the whole he shaped much better than in his last few games with the League team. He showed more spirit in trying to beat his opponents, and was more resourceful. It was a most even game all through, the respective goals being attacked in turn. The Everton forwards swung the ball about freely, and sound as were the Blackburn backs they were frequently mastered. Crabtree once or twice came neat to being rushed through, and like Fern, he showed good judgement in anticipation. Parker was a most capable leader for Everton; he was ever trustful, and he was rather unlucky with two of his shots. Harrison and Clennell were successfully held up by Crompton in the early stages, but later they were more successful, and Harrison placed in at least two centres, which should have been converted into goals. Everton were particularly well served by all three of their halves. Fleetwood was as hard-working and useful as usual, and Grenyer came out well in his tussles with both Simpson and Shea. The wily Simpson often easily mastered Macconnachie and Thompson was the most reliable of the home backs, being particularly strong both in his tackling and kicking. Anthony was one of the most alert of the Rovers' forwards, and Dawson, the new centre forward, although doing nothing really notable, impressed one as likely to develop into a serviceable leader. The Blackburn halves were sound, and Crompton and Cowell were a most reliable pair of backs.

A FEW INCIDENTS.
The defences were hard pressed right from the start, first one side attacking and then the other. Fern had to throw himself full length to save from Lathron, and a low drive from Jefferis came near to beating Crabtree, who gathered it at the second attempt. Parker failed when presented with an open goal, and Clennell was too high with a long range, shot. Fern next saved from Simpson, and just before the interval Beare missed a glorious opening by kicking clean over the ball when he rushed up to a centre from Harrison. There was one period in the second half when Everton had a prolonged spell of attacking, and it was fortunate for Everton that Shea, clever though he was in the open, was completely off colour in regard to shooting. In the closing stages Everton several times came near to scoring, and apart from the incident already referred to when Crabtree appeared to have allowed the ball to go over the line from Weller, Beare got in a storming shot which the Rovers' keeper did well to save. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Macconnachie (Captain), backs, Weller, Fleetwood, and Grenyer, half-backs, Beare, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Crabtree, goal, Crompton, and Cowell, backs, Walmsley, Smith, and Bradshaw, half-backs, Simpson, Shea, Dawson, Latheron, and Hodgkinson, forwards. Referee H.H. Taylor.

BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 2
March 16, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton dropped two more valuable points at Blackburn, and are now three clear' points behind Port Vale, the leaders. The score against them was 3-2. Byrom, and Goodwin (2) getting through for the Rovers, and Brannick and Bradshaw for the Blues. Everton: - Mitchell, goal, Stevenson, and Stalker backs, Challinor, Wareing, and Roy, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Brannick, Page, Bradshaw, and Palmer, forwards.

HOUSTON AND HARRIS CAPPED FOR IRELAND
March 16 1914. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Played at Windsor Park, Belfast on Saturday, given Ireland the Championship, and Triple Crown for the first time, after thirty-four years of struggling. Harris and Houston playing for the Ireland.

ROVERS DISAPPOINT
March 16, 1914. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Hold Rovers
The football at Goodison Park on Saturday Park on Saturday was disappointing. There can be no doubt about that, for with Everton just now at that best, and Blackburn Rovers providing the opposition, it was logical to expect a tip-top game. In this anticipation were not realized. Certainly there were occasional flashes of brilliance, but they were few and far between. For such a constellation of stars as that which forms the Rovers' vanguard and with an Everton forward line of no mean order, the forward work was very poor. Chance after chance of scoring was allowed to go by, and some of the misses were most difficult to account for, even allowing for the slippery turf and greasy leather. Out in midfield much good work was seen; but if the finishing touches are crude and valueness then all other good play goss for naught, for after all it's the goals that count. The incapacitation of Makepeace and Harris has been a blessing in disguise to Everton, for, whilst not detracting from these two players, it must be said that present half-back line could hardly be improved upon. Weller, Fleetwood and Grenyer proved the rocks upon which many of the Rovers best laid schemes were wretched. The Redoubtable pair Simpson and Shea did not sparkle as is their wont. Fleetwood was here, there, and everywhere and always to good purpose, and Dawson never got free from the centre half-back's grasp. Weller likewise shone, and in addition all but won the game for his side in the closing stages. He was well out from goal at the time, and when the ball came to him he did not hesitate, but drove hard and true for goal. Cowell endeavoured to block the shot but only succeeded in checking the speed of the ball and upsetting the goalkeeper's calculations. Still a goal did not accrue, for the mud proved an able ally to the Rovers and held the ball fast on the line, and as no Evertonian was near Crabtree was able to step back and throw the ball away. It was a lucky escape for the visitors. Beynold this incident a goal rarely seemed likely for the location of the posts seemed wrapped in mystery to both sets of forwards nearly all the while and what creditable efforts they did make were all successfully thwarted by Fern or Crabtree. Two capital opportunities came Everton's way in the first half. Hampson wound up a clever piece of work with a splendid pass across the goal, and Beare, only a few yards away, completely missed the ball when he dashed at it, and shortly before this Parker missed an open goal presented to him by the Rovers' custodian, who made a bad kick in taking a foul. These were the most glaring of Everton's failure. Dawson mulled the Rovers most likely chances, and how he managed to screw a shot outside with the wide expanse of goal directly in front of him was very puzzling. He was not a success by any means and unless he vastly improves will be no bargin for the sun paid for him. Latheron was the best forward on his side, and was always a source of danger to the Blues. But his efforts went unrewarded. Forward Everton were best represented by the left wing pair; but here also play, good as its inception fizzled out when it might have been fruitful. Of course it must not be forgotten that Walmesley and Crompton are difficult to circumvent. The defenders gained the day; but they must account themselves fortunate for it was not always in their power to prevent a score being made and their shoot was kept clean through the forwards inability to make the most of the opening they had. Nevertheless the backs did much good work and kicked resolutely; while both goalkeepers made some praiseworthy saves.

EVERTON'S TASK AT SUNDERLAND
March 18, 1914. The Liverpool Echo
Bee's Sports Notes (Ernest Edwards)
Everton take their usual team to Sunderland on Saturday to engage the Wearsiders and this is the same eleven as last week, except that Houston comes in again at outside right to the exclusion of Bear. The team is; Fern; Thompson, and Macconachie; Weller, Fleetwood, and Grenyer; Houston, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrsion.
The Reserves entertain Blackpool; Goodison Park on Saturday and will line out as follows;- Mitchell; Stevenson and Stalker; Harris, Wareing, and Roy, half-backs; Chedgzoy, Nuttall, Page, Wright, and Palmer.

EVERTON TEAM AGAINST SUNDERLAND
March 18, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton play the return League encounter with Sunderland at Roker Park on Saturday, and at their meeting last night the Goodison Park directors decided, with one exception, to rely upon the side which drew with the League leaders last week. The alteration is that Houston, who was assisting Ireland last Saturday, returning to his position at outside right, vice Beare, so that the Everton team will be as last week.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 19, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
No details, in post, Courier, and Liverpool Echo.
Everton team : - Bromilow, goal, Stevenson, and Simpson backs, Challinor, Wareing, and Roy, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Nuttall, Page, Bradshaw, and Palmer, forwards.

MAKEPEACE AND HARRIS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 19 March 1914
Everton make an interesting announcement and that is that Harris and Makepeace will be presented with the cheque for the amount of their benefits at the smoker at the Carlton Hall on Monday evening.

TOWN RESERVES DRAW WITH EVERTON RESERVES
Huddersfield Daily Examiner - Thursday 19 March 1914
Huddersfield Reserves 1 (WH Smith), Everton Reserves 1 ((Page)
The second meeting of Huddersfield Town Reserves and Everton Reserves took place at leeds Road on Wednesday, and by a coincidence ended as the encounter at Everton had done, in a draw of 1 goal each. Teams; Huddersfield Town Reserves; Davis; Holmes, and Rodgerson; Dew, Linley, and Watson; W.H. Smith, Brough, James, Taylor, and Robertshaw. Everton reserves; Brownlow; Stevenson, and Simpson; Challinor, Wareing, and Roy; Chedgoy, Nuttall, Page, Bradshaw, and Palmer.
The first noteworthy movement was started by Linley, who passed to Taylor. The later transferred to Robertshaw, and the winger ran up and from his shot the ball struck the post, and passed outside. At the other end Cherdgzoy got the leader from the prestrate Linley, and was making tracks for goal when Holmes came along and kicked out. A nice bit of work byt Page and Nuttall threatened the home goal, but Rodgerson relieved just in time. In a further atatck by Everton a corner was abortive. The scene of operations was quickly changed, and a rasping shot from Brough struck the crossbar, and a moment later the visiting goalkeeper had to fist away. Everton rushed to the other end, where Page a few yards from goal missed an easy chance. Play had been very poor, although it should be said that the ground was in bad condition. James got the ball out nicely to Smith, who tested Browslow. An Everton raid followed but this ended when Nuttall headed over the bar. James was again prominent with a capital dribble and pass to Taylor, who forced the challenging Simpson to concede a corner. A minute later, while the home defenders were expecting an offside decision by the referee, Nuttall and Page carried out a successful movement. Nuttall passed inside to Page who with the defence making no attempt to stop him scored easily. Town almost equalised just afterwards, when Taylor, from Robertshaw's pass, shot hard and straight. it was a good clearance by Browslow which averted danger. There was a narrow escape for the home goal, with Page and Nuttall a few yards away, but the attackers were foiled through the joint efforts of Holmes, Rederson, and Davis. As half-time approached Town atatcked vigourously. A centre from Robertshaw was neglected and in a subsequenbt atatck Taylor just failed to head through from a corner kick well placed by Smith. The second half opened with a run by Smith, who however, could not manage to pass Simpson. Then Palmer and Bradshaw were prominent for the visitors, and the latter got in a smart grounder. Town were getting dangerous once or twice when they were pulled up for offside. Page slung the ball out to Bradshaw, who worked almost up to the line before centreing. The centre was a long one, and Nuttall just failed to reach it. At the other end Robertshaw turned the ball neatly to Taylor, whose shot missed by inches only. Everton had a good chance of increasing their lead a moment later, but Bradshaw was slow, and Rodgerson intervented and averted danger at the expense of a corner, which came to nothing. The visitors were much the more polished side, and the forwards, showing good understanding were nearly through on several occasions. Palmer contributed smart centres, but they were not made good use of. Hereabouts play was more vigorous than scientific, and the referee called the players round him and addressed them. James was ruled offside as he shot for goal, and then he and Robertshaw missed a good opening. A shot from Dew was well directed, but went a trifle too high. Town were now pressing strongly, and Simpson having handled near goal they were awarded a penalty. The kick was successfully taken by Smith. Everton rushed tro the other end, but Nuttall missed an easy opening made by Palmer. Each goal was visited, but there was no further scoring.
Comments
Play was only moderate -and what more could be expected from men who had to turn out on a ground that could scarcely have been worse? The opening of the game was exceedingly tame, and throughout the ninety minutes. It was seldom that the players put heart inton their work. Allowing for the state of the ground, and good goalkeeping, there should have been more scoring, Each side was guilty of bad judgement and indifferent shooting, and some of the attempts near goal were ludicrous. Had the forwards accepted their chances Everton reserves whose style of play was superior to Town's must have won by a comfortable margin. Palmer, the Everton left winger, was the best forward on the field, but was badly supported, and many ad mirable centres were neglected. James, who led the home forwards, gave some capital passes -in fact, he overdid the passing. He was renitent to shoot, and several times was more favourably placed than the man to when he transfered the ball. Linley as centre half and Watson was the better of the wing halves. Behind them Holmes had a hard nut to crack in Palmer, who often beat him. Rodgerson was a sturdy defender, Davis like mis vis-a-vis, kept a good goal, but had cause toi be grateful to the opposing forwards. Some of the work of the referee was dark, and the homne defenders should have remembered when they were expecting an offside rule at the time that Page was allowed to score that it is never safe to put your trust in referees.

SUNDERLAND 5 EVERTON 2
March 23, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
ROUT OF EVERTON.
HOLLEY'S HAT TRICK.
SENSATIONAL FINISH.
Everton have reason to remember their experience with the Wearsiders this season, as in both their engagements they were amply overwhelmed. At Goodison Park early in the tourney, they were beaten by five goals to one, and on Saturday the Northerners again found the net on five occasions, a couple of goals from Parker in the closing stages being the only solarium to the Goodison team. There is, however, something to offer in extenuation of the failure of the Blues on Saturday for the enforced changes due to injuries to Macconnachie and Grenyer, brought about quite an upheaval of last week's form, and the resistance offered by the defence as a whole was such as would scarcely do credit to a second rate organisation. The capital understanding that had previously existed between the backs was never apparent during the whole course of the game, and as Harris was like a fish out of water in the left half position, it can readily be imagined how the Wearsiders had quite a good time. But the outstanding weakness was the failure of the wing halves to challenge the advances of the Sunderland forwards with anything approaching incisive effort, and as a consequence, these speedy, and withal clever exponents were allowed a attitude that never should have been conceded. Small wonder was it that goals were rained in think and fast, and had not Fern been at the top of his form, the final score might easily have been very pronounced.

CROP OF GOALS.
The Sunderland halves on the other hand, shadowed every movement of the Everton front line, who on occasions had a rule shaking up, and it was only when the victors had made the issue safe, and had eased up, that the Blues got into full swing, and finished by scoring a couple of goals in the last few minutes of play. Three of the points were recorded in the first twenty minutes, and four other scored in the last six minutes of the game. Buchan led off with a clever goal after a brilliant movement in which Mordue, and Holley played a prominent part, and the latter almost immediately afterwards added a second. Then Crossley completed the tale of the first portion, in which Fern had every opportunity of displaying his cleverness as a custodian. The Evertonians, with the wind behind them, were seen to better advantage in the second period, at the same time Wearsiders rarely appeared to be fully extended, but six minutes from time Holley raced half the field, defeating opponents and finally scored with the greatest of ease. Then Jefferis narrowly missed scoring, following which Mordue indulged in some intricate' footwork, which was supplemented by Holley, who practically walked the ball into the net. There was then a palpable easing up, during which Parker showed cleverness in eluding his opponents, and in quick succession scored two brilliant goals.

CONCERNING THE PLAYERS.
Ten methods employed by Thompson, and Stevenson did not blend at well, and the absence of the skipper was greatly felt. As indicated, Harris was out of the element altogether at left half, and this provided Mordue was every opportunity of displaying his wonderful footwork and ability to provide his confreres with great opportunities. Walker too, was somewhat disappointing, lacking the dash he exhibited in recent games, and as he rarely got among the opponents, his wing forwards consequently, suffered from lack of support. There was, however. No more energetic or skillful half-back on the field than Fleetwood. He was set a big task in holding up such experts as the Sunderland inside forwards, but not only did he accomplish this with much success, but in addition plied his forwards with accurate ground passes that merited better results. Parker distributed the play nicely, but was rarely favoured with an accurate return. In this respect, Houston was very disappointing, and the only play of note on the right was forthcoming from Jefferis. An injury to Clennell discounted the work on the left wing, and as a result there was little of a convincing nature from this quarter. Fern kept a great goal, and could not be blamed for any of the shots that defeated him. Butler too, was a capital keeper well covered by Hobson and Ness and the halves lying well up, ‘not only' defeated the Everton forwards with ease but displayed to a nicety, the requirements of their forwards, each of whom played his part with conspicuous ability. Teams: - Sunderland: - Butler, goal, Hobson, and Ness, backs, Sherwin, Thomson, and Cringan, half-backs, Mordue, Crossley, Buchan, Holley, and Best, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Stevenson, backs, Weller, Fleetwood, and Harris (Captain), half-backs, Houston, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee J.H. Pearson.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 BLACKPOOL RESERVES 0
March 23 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Blackpool provided the opposition at Goodison Park, and a fine game terminated in a win for Everton by one goal to nil. In midfield both teams exhibited smart footwork, but in front of goal many golden opportunities were lost. The Seasiders were the worst sinners in this respect, and the shots that were aimed at the home goal were mostly of the soft order. Chedgzoy gave a brilliant display on the wing, and he was well supported by Nuttall, who appears to have fully recovered from his recent injury. Page was not as deadly as usual in front of goal, while Palmer, although he was well served by Wright, was again the feeblest of the home quinteete. In defence Roy and Stalker were the most successful, and Mitchell in goal had quite an easy time. Kidd gave a capital display in the Blackpool goal. The veteran Green was the visitors' most able forward, and he was the only man of the line who had any idea how to shoot. The only goal of the match was scored by Page. Teams: - Everton: - Mitchell, goal, J. Page, and Stalker, backs, Challinor, Kirby, and Roy, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Nuttall, Page, Wright, and Palmer, forwards. Blackpool: - Kidd, goal, Tulloch, and Rushton, backs, Burke, Keenan, and Tusley, half-backs, Brown, Green, W. Taylor, Wilson, and Peplow, forwards.

HONOURING AN EVERTON DIRECTOR,
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 24 March 1914
INTERESTING STORIES. WHY BANKS HAS NOT GONE AWAY.
The social side of football club life is always one of its most pleasing features, and last evening must be chronicled as a red-letter night, the annals of the Everton Club, for directors and shareholders met together to do honour to one of their oldest directors and to two of the most popular players in the city. The director to be honoured was Mr. John Davies who has served the board of the club for the past twenty-one years and it was in recognition of his lengthy valuable services that dinner was 'held at the Exchange Station Hotel, and there were handed over Mr. Davies three silver loving-cups and a silver tea service. The presents bore the inscription, " Presented to John Davies, Esq. by the directors and shareholders of the Everton Football Club, Limited, in appreciation of the valuable services rendered by him as a director the company and to commemorate the completion of twenty-one years' service. February 1914- As is the custom with the Everton club, the" recipient is asked to choose his own presents, and it is interesting to note that Mr. Davies chose the three loving cups that each his three sons might in years have a memento of their father's work for the club’s ; while the tea service was presented to Mrs. Davies as some repayment for the demand the club has made on her husband's time. The gifts were handed over Mr. Davies by Mr. W. R. Clayton, the chairman of the directors, who presided. Mr. Clayton spoke in appreciative words of the value of Mr. Davies's services to the club, especially at the time that the Everton club commenced their career at Goodison Park. At that time much hard work had be done, and Mr. Davies was one of that band of men who spent most of their time for many months getting the new ground into order and setting the club on a solid basis. Mr. Clayton also recalled the trouble and danger that awaited club officials when they went in search, of new players. In these days when a player was sought one went to the office of the secretary of the player's club, and there talked matters over. Not so in the good days of twenty years ago. At that time the man who went in quest of players went at great personal risk, and woebetide anyone found looking for a player if the supporters of that player's club got to know. It was a case of securing the player without his club's officials or followers knowing. The chairman's speech was punctuated with interesting stories which plainly showed, the difference between the work the directors at the time. Mr. Davies joined the board and their work at the present day. Mr. Davies, in his reply, thanked the directors and shareholders for their gift, and bore out the remarks of Mr. Clayton as the work that had to be done in the past. Other members of the committee at the time of the change from Anfield to Walton also told of the trials and troubles of those who did the spade work of the club; and Mr. A. T. Coates in particular amused us with the story of the eviction from Anfield road. He told of how they were given notice to quit without any option of staying, and that the police were there to see that they went; and when they started on the land at Goodison Park, he said that he had never seen such unpromising patch of land, and it was wonderful that the short space of time such a fine ground had been made there.
What a fund of interesting stories and anecdote are brought to light the reminiscences of those who have been connected with our two big local clubs since their inception, and what a fascinating book they would make for the clubs' supporters could the stories be got together to read as they were told last evening!
Happy Relations.
The directors, shareholders, and players met the Carlton Restaurant afterwards, where a most enjoyable smoking concerts,was held, following artistes providing the entertainment —Messrs. Charles Leeds, Grif Owen, C- M'Allister, Jack Clark, Frame, J.C ' Brien, J. Cannon. Harry Watson. John Melvey, Tom M'Allister, and Alf. Beattie. The accompanist was Mr. T. Kingston Fell, Mr. Clayton pointed out that Mr. Leeds would be known to many of those present as “R.E.F” of the “Liverpool Echo” During an interval in the programme, the chairman presented cheques for £500 the amount of their benefit, to Harry Makepeace and Val Harris, two of the club's most popular and ablest players, and Mr. Clayton remarked that Harris was perhaps the proudest man in the room, as on Saturday week he captained the Irish international side that won the triple crown. Mr. Clayton spoke of the happy relation that existed between the board and the players. He said that they had not had so successful as season as they would have liked; but that they had had much misfortune, to contend with. Yet when defeat came their way the directors did not go into a panic. They had acquired new players who had proved successful, and they were ready now, when the right players came their way, to pay the transfer fees, or use persuasion to get them, for they knew that some places still required strengthening.
Chedgzoy in First Team.
The Everton teams for Saturday were chosen last evening, and the most interesting point is the reappearance of Chedgzoy in the first eleven. It will be remembered that Chedgzoy was badly injured at Bolton on December 13, and it was then feared that he would not play again this season. Happily he was not so badly hurt as was at first feared, and he had figured in the Reserve team for the past few matches. The senior eleven are at home to Tottenham Hotspur, the chosen team being; Fern; Thompson. Maconnachie; Weller, Fleetwood. Chedgzoy; Jefferis, Parker, Clennel, and Harrison. The second team go to Barnsley: and the following eleven will play :— Mitchell; Stevenson. Simpson: Harris. Challinor, Roy; Beare, Brannack, Page (T). Bradshaw, and Palmer.

CHEDGZOY IN FIRST TEAM March 24, 1915. The Liverpool Echo
The Everton teams for Saturday were chosen last evening and the most interesting point is the reappearance of Chedgzoy in the first eleven. It will be remembered that Chedgzoy was badly injured at Bolton on December 13, and it was then feared that he would not play again this season. Happily he was not so badly hurt as was at first feared, and he has figured in the Reserves team for the past few matches. The senior eleven are at home to Tottenham Hotspur, the chosen team being; Fern; Thompson, Macconachie; Weller, Fleetwood, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison. The second team go to Barnsley and the following eleven will play; Mitchell; Stevenson, Simpson' Harris, Challinor, Roy; Beare, Brannick, Page (T), Bradshaw, and Palmer.

EVERTON TEAM AGAINST ‘SPURS.
March 25 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
The Blues entertain Tottenham Hotspurs on Saturday at Goodison Park, and, it will be noticed that Chedgzoy returns to the side, this being his first appears in the League team since he meet with the accident at Bolton. He has quite recovered, and is playing good football. Macconnachie also returns to the side, and Clennell, who was hurt in the first ten minutes' of the game at Sunderland, and was of little use during the remainder of the contest, is expected to be fit by Saturday.

PRACTICAL HINTS
March 28, 1914. The Liverpool Echo
Everton F.C. Captain Answers Players and Enthusiasts
Have You a Query?
Address It To J.S. Macconnachie, care of Bee, Echo, Liverpool
T.G. L. –you do not state your age and height and in consequence it is impossible for me to be sure whether you are above, below, or normal in weight in proposition. I can, therefore only give you some general idea, what may help you PUT ON WEIGHT. If you are in good health, and taking regular exercise, you may find that the extra pounds which you desire so much are rather difficult to obtain. Drink as much milk as you can get, as it one of the best flesh-forming foods, and take cocoa in preference to tea. Cheese is so very good for the purpose and a little at the end of meal helps digestion considerable. Do not smoke before meals, cat slowly and thoroughly masticate your food before swallowing it. Food eaten quickly is never properly assimilated and in consequence does little or no good in the way of body building. Do not worry about your weight. Settle upon a certain diet, and have confidence in it. While you feel miserable about yourself you can make no improvement whatever. You knew the old saying; “Laugh and grow fat” “You say that you have tried all manner of exercise to develop your legs. That may be so but I would like to know in the first place how you do the, and in the second if you keep the work up regularly. It is regularity and digent application that brings success in their wake. The blacksmith's arm and back develop because the work is regular. I will give you some of the best exercises I know for the legs but I must impress upon you that the fact that regularity is absolutely essential. For the Calf Muscles –(1) Stand with knees well space back, heels touching and toes turned out. Raise very slowly on to the toes, keeping the heels together all the time. Return slowly a first position. Repeat till cramp in felt very slightly. (2) Same movement performed spidly, but in this one the heels should not too allowed to actually touch the ground throughout the whole time. (3) Place right foot on wooden chair or box. Hold the left leg rigid, and let it bear the full weight of the body. Raise slowly on to the toe, and return slowly to the first position. Repeat till, tired. The same movement with the right leg. This exercise is very stremous and must not include many movements at the start. The number may be increased at the calf becomes better able to bear the strain. For the Thigh Muscles –the Biceps or large muscles at the back of the upper leg may be developed in this way. Stand in the position of the first exercise, but place the hands upon the hips. Square the shoulders and hold the head well back. Raise on the toes, pause slightly, then slowly lower the body by forcing the knees apart till a sitting posture is reached. Return slowly and repeat till tired. As a second exercise place your hand against a table or chair in order to balance yourself. Raise one leg slowly from the hips. Cease the upward movements as soon as the ankle is level, with the elbow. Throughout the movement the leg must be kept rigid and move as one piece. Repeat exercise with the other leg. Skipping is very useful but I do not recommend you to do much of it, as it causes profuse perspiration, and that would scarcely help you to increase you weight.

Watson –I promised to continue my Advice to you this week. The back muscle for general purposes may be strengthened by bending movements (1) Stand with the fingers interlaced behind the neck. Bend very slightly forward, pause, then bend backwards lowly, and as much as possible. Take great care that the legs take no part in the movement. The hips must be the pivot in the case. When the bend has reached its lowest, try by an effort to tighten the back and produce a slight strain on the muscle. Relax approach the first position, and repeat. (2) The forward bend has precisely the same effect upon the abdominal muscle. The large muscles of the back take part in all striking movements and in order to develop them for this purpose there is nothing better than the actual punching movements themselves. Assume the sparkling attitude and practice the various leads, swings, halls, &c, systematically. You would be well advised to aim at accunscy in your leading. The weight will come of itself; do not worry about that. A moderate punch well placed, and of the correct length, its much more effective than a more hefty blow short or badly placed. Get a punching ball- it is well worth the outlay.

Sharp Shooter (Meols) –The strength of a shot depends upon the position of the leg when the contact is made with the ball. If you could see a snapshot of a player in the actual moment of sending in a swift shot you would be surprised how far over the ball his body would appear. The reason is very clear. The downward swing of the leg commenced at about the height of the knee. As the leg descends its velocity increased and it is at its greatest when it reaches its lowest position. As soon as the upward and forward swing commences the velocity decreases. If the muscles of the front of the upper and lower leg be suddenly braced at this point the force of the kick is increased enormously. To do this much practice is required, as it is a question of very precise timing. If the bracing of the muscle takes place too soon the result is to weaken the force. If the effort is late the ball will very probably be lifted much higher than is desirable. Suspend a ball by a strong cord so that it is raised above the floor just sufficient to allow the foot to pass under it. Practice at first standing still, then retreat a pace or two and work at it. When the body is brought forward the muscles of the abdomen may be made to help in increasing the momentum. The general rule is this; Get over the ball for a swift low shot, keep behind it if you wish to lift it or lob it slowly forward. Morton Parr – A goal kick may be scored direct from a free kick which is awarded for any infringement of Law 9, but not from any other free kick. I quote law 9 for your information; - “Neither tripping, kicking, nor jumping at a player shall be allowed. A player (the goalkeeper accepted) shall not intentionally handle the ball. A player shall not use his hands to hold or push an opponent. Charging is permissible but it must not be violent or dangerous. A player shall not be charged from behind unless he is intentionally obstructing an opponent.”

BARNSLEY RES V EVERTON RES
March 28, 1914. The Liverpool Football Echo
At Barnsley before a small attendance. This conditions were most favourable. Barsnley attacked from the start and Newton missed an open goal, having only Mitchell to beat. Donkin with along shot sent under the bar. Play continued in favour of Barnsley, but Mitchell topped all shots sent in. Later –play was more even but Barnsley led at the interval by 1 goal to nil.

EVERTON RES X1 V COUNTY COMB
March 28, 1914. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton sent a strong team to Victoria Grounds, Ormskirk to oppose a selected eleven of Liverpool County Combination, and a strenuous game was witnessed. After a quarter of an hour's play Derbyshire scored for Everton from a well-placed corner by Newman. Stretch was prominent for the Combination, but was badly supported by his colleagues. After severe pressure, Kirsopp only just missed equalizing, the ball going a foot wide. Half-time; Everton Res 1, Combination 0.

EVERTON 1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 1
March 30, 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
FORWARDS LACK SHOOTING POWER.
To be quite candid there was desperately little to enthuse over a Goodison Park, where Tottenham Hotspur deservedly secured a division of the spoils. Both side found the net once, but there were scorers of occasions when other goals should have been recorded. It was a game in which fortune swung in a sort of pendulum fashion. In the first half there was only one set of forwards in the picture –not the Blues –and during this period the home goal underwent many –narrow escapes. Macconnachie was again absent from the Everton team, and Simpson occupied his place. The latter and Thompson had a grueling time against the Spurs' forwards time after time they were beaten by pace, Walden on the right and Middlemiss on the left leading many raids on the home citadel. After ten minutes' play Walden placed an awkward centre across and Thompson in essaying to clear could only bang the ball against Sparrow the leather rebounding from the visiting centre into the net, well out of Fern's reach. That the Spurs did not increase their total through this half was not so much due to any brilliance of the home backs as to the ineptitude of the inside forwards to take advantage of their opportunities coupled with the splendid judgement of Fern, who twice ran out and smothered shots when the opposing forwards had beaten the backs. Up to the interval the only time Everton were dangerous were when Clennell fired in hard, Joyce tipping the ball onto the crossbar and rebounding over, and when the visiting custodian was jostled over the line as he fisted out a deceptive centre from Harrison.

EVERTON IMPROVE.
For the first ten minutes of the second half the Spurs again gave the home defenders an anxious time, but suddenly the Everton forwards awoke from their long period of somnolence, and Clennell after busting his way through crossed the ball over to Chedgzoy, and the outside right drove the ball in with such force that, though Joyce got both hands to the ball he was unable to hold it, and it found a safe resting place into the net. From now onwards the home forwards displayed much more activity than hitherto, and Chedgzoy was frequently to the fore with capital runs, and centres. Another shot by him was luckily diverted for a corner Jefferis placed another right across the goalmouth, and Parker and Clennell missed the easiest of chance in turn. Everton were now top dogs, but not another goal was forthcoming, though just before the end Joyce recovered the ball from behind his back right on the line. The outstanding man in the Everton ranks was Fern who picked up cleanly and used excellent judgement in coming out. Thompson was off colour, and Simpson only a moderate substitute for the captain, though the both men improved somewhat as the game progressed. The opposing forwards overran the halves at times, but they struggled on gamely, Fleetwood being the best. The inside forwards were noticeable principally for their ineffectiveness, and the wingers were easily the best of the bunch. Chedgzoy, when given the opportunity, always made ground, and he was the only one of the quintette with any idea as to where the goal lay. In the Tottenham goal Joyce did well all that he was called upon to do the backs and halves were a good bustling set, and the forwards were clever and had in turns. Like Everton, the inside men ought to have shot better. Walden and Middlemiss were too tricky and speedy for the backs, but their centres were unavailing. The crowd were in high glee as the progress of the Cup-tie at Tottenham was recorded on the board. (Liverpool playing Aston Villa). Loud cheers were raised as No.1 goal appeared, and when the final score appeared there were scenes of unbounding enthusiasm. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Simpson, backs, Weller, Fleetwood (Captain), and Grenyer, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Tottenham Hotspurs: - Joyce, goal, Clay, and Webster, backs, Weir, Steel, and Grimsdell, half-backs, Walden, Banks, Sparrow, Bliss, and Middlemiss, forwards.

BARNSLEY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 30 1914. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton found Barnsley a vastly improved side, and in losing by two goals to nil, the Blues dropped two more valuable points. Everton: - Mitchell, goal, Page, and Stevenson, backs, Harris, Challinor, and Roy, half-backs, Beare, Brannick, Page, Bradshaw, and Palmer, forwards.

 

 

March 1914