Everton Independent Research Data
TROTTERS TROT ON TO CUP SEMI-FINAL.
March 2, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.
Bolton Beat Everton Worthily and Well at Goodison Park.
Goalkeeper Who Baulked Old Side.
Losing team Lose Their Tempers and Their Heads
Says “Bees”.
This is good-bye to the Cup for Everton for this season. The bright lads of Bolton won handsomely at Goodison Park. The identical-eleven that beat Liverpool a year ago stung Everton after Jones, the former Everton goalkeper had been the hero of half-an-hour’s play. Everton were slow moving; uncertain in front of goal, and not at all clean in their methods, while the referee gave Everton the benefit of the doubt about a penalty kick that probably entered none of the minds of the 60,000 spectators. Bravo Bolton! Teams: - Everton: - Bradshaw goal; Cook (W.) and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Jones goal; Smith, Finney (captain), backs; Goslin, Atkinson and Taylor (G), half-backs; Taylor (G.T), Eastham, Milson, Westwood and Cook, forwards. Referee Mr. Walden, Nottingham. Everton and Bolton met at Goodison Park for the honours of appearing in the semi-final. The Bolton team was the same eleven that beat Liverpool a tear ago to the day. Bolton Wanderers opened Goodison Park ground, and now hoped to close Everton’s Cup-tie career for the season. The attendance looked a record (that is to say more than 67,000). There was a number of ambulance cases, and that was vast assembly had little to amuse them except the muscle, and the only other entertainment for hours was the right of a man being rolled from the back of the shilling portion to the touch line. It is established that the club sent back 5000 for tickets that could not be given and when the gates were closed about two o’clock there mist have been thousands outside the portals unable to get in. The increase to a minimum of 5s for stand tickets was likely to make this gate just under £6,000. There was a suspicious of fog in the air, but the ground was try, and in favour of a really hot-paced game. Bradshaw appeared in the Everton goal for Sagar, whose damaged shoulder prevented him raising his arm. Jones appeared for Jackson, and on the Bolton side Finney returned to engage in his forty-sixth Cup-tie. Bradshaw was making his debut in Everton’s Cup side, following his first appearance in the League last week –thus he followed in the wake of Jackson
. Surging Crowd.
Everton were first out with the baby mascot standing too near the shooting in range to be safe. Bolton had equally as hearty a reception as the home team and as the game was about to start there was ominous overcrowding in the shilling spectators, portion at the church end, the people crowding over and threatening to break in at any moment. Bolton kick-off and Willie Cook made a flurried punt with the light coloured ball, giving Everton the inspiration of the opening attack. In thirty seconds Coulter had centred across, and Geldard’s subtle lob caused Jones to handle and dodge Dean’s impressive attack. Bolton weathered the storm and Cook came up to say then nay. At this point the crowd broke on to the corner of the field of play, but not over the playing line. The invasion occurred at the church end of the ground. After Atkinson had made a false pass Coulter challenged Jones without result. Cook was unequalled in the power and accuracy of his punts. A free kick against Eastham for hands at the half way line proved Bolton’s most dangerous moment. Jones made a perfect “drive” and Dean headed the ball in the goal area. Goalkeeper Jones however, completed the catch confidently and was even more certain when he gathered Dean’s header close in following the nice length centre put across by Coulter. Westwood tried hard to cur through while the defence anticipated a pass, but he was smothered out. Eastham has an over-confident mode of dribbling, and now spoiled an ideal combine by not making his pass when that was an easy matter.
Should Have Been A Goal.
Everton had certainly surprised Bolton by their practical opening, but when W.L. Cook on the wing attempted to beat Britton and his namesake by close-grained work the winger lost in each case, and arising out of one the back made one of his excursions far up the field. His enterprise was goal worthy but Cunliffe’s shot was a poor one and it rebound found Stevenson lacking in direction. This should have been a goal and the cost of the loss was felt at its bitterest value when Bolton move up on the right wing, ran beyond Gee who had tried to fall back to cover the goal and Eastham could have shot but elected to put a very gentle pass to the mouth of the goal where any strength of finish must have proceed the opening goal. As it was the short length of the pass was its undoing because young Bradshaw at this, his first save in cup-tie, ran out and gathered the ball in spite of a fall. Bolton tired to rush him, but he stood firm. Next came the Coulter –Stevenson duel with Dean making an admirable shot, which was stopped rather lucky. Dean joined the workers group when chasing to the left corner flag and centring with the skill of a winger even though the ball passed on to the top of the net. In the Bolton goal, was cooler than the men who walked along the roofs of the houses to get a glimpse of the game. Geldard’s pace was a menace to the Bolton veteran, Finney, and from one of the wingers passes Cunliffe made his best effort, Jones again being the defender with the complacent method, and his catch was supreme. G. Taylor cut in, and while giving Geldard an injury he certainly saved the situation. Now Britton produced his jigsaw puzzle beating three men in his triumphant match forward, and when Dean shot Jones was quivering in the act of saving. Milsom was not often seen till now when he stretched his legs to push the ball over Jones’s head. The game was fascinating because Everton were all attack and Jones was all-secure. But it was Geldard who raised a bone of contention by striking the goalnet support. The referee imagined the upright had been struck and allowed play to run on –a little testimony towards the need of goaljudges. Bolton had only one real chance and now, after 225 minutes one of Atkinson’s long deliveries from the middle hung in the air, but did not unsettle young Westwood, whose drive to the left-hand corner of the post seemed to be a winner all the way till the boy from Southport and New Brighton, Bradshaw by name, made a thrilling drive to the foot of the post and got this seeming winner away. This was sufficient to show Everton Bolton could be a trouble to the best team. In fact, if Milsom had not been erratic in his passing the home goal would have been in further danger. It was only first class tackling on the part of Jones, the Everton back on Westwood’s threatening raid that kept the issue still blank. Stevenson changed the whole course of play by crossing to inside-right, where Geldard’s responsible merely gave the Bolton goalkepeer one more opportunity of showing his excellence with the high ball. Bolton could reasonably complain of their misfortune with the official handicapper when Milsom was going through all set for a goal and the referee said “Off-side.” Bad luck Bolton, because those who a perfect lone on the angle know that Milsom was onside when the ball was played.
Milsom’s Scores.
Bolton had their first corner kick in thirty-three minutes and free kicks against gee and Geldard for fouls came during a responsible period on the part of the Bolton forwards. Bolton indeed, were now faster and more confident than the Everton side, and the improvement was made marl-fest in a very practical manner by Milsom, who scored in thirty-eight minutes after Stevenson had missed through being off the mark. The making of the goal was due to Westwood and when Milsom, outside the penalty area, gathered the ball there seemed an inclination on his part to pass to outside left, where Cook, in his estimation were in the act of stealing a yard over any offside trap. A faint swerve by Milsom led him to within no more than half a yard at which point the practice centre forward delivered his message of hope for Bolton . It was a high balls a strong ball, and a winner, which the crowd could see all the way. It was the sort of shot the crowd could follow at ease from beginning to end. Bolton danced for joy. Cunliffe missed an easy one. A bad foul by Jones led him to the referee’s caution; but there followed a definite charge in the back of Westwood that made the crowd stand against because Referee Walden said “No penalty.” Everton had been let off.
Half-time Everton 0 Bolton Wanderers 1
The first moment of the second half Stevenson kneed a corner kick taken by Geldard after Jones had slipped up for the first time in the game. Britton went through by his own patent close-fitting control and the crowd that called for a penalty for obstruction on Dean got no response. Coulter and Goslin were called to attention by the referee and one regrets that this had been necessary far too often in recent months as far as the home club is concerned.
Sensational Save and A Goal.
The most sensational feature of this half came between the fourth and fifth minute. Dean with his back to the goal, was no more than three yards from his old comrades Jones. He could neither backheel the ball nor drive beyond the goalkeeper, but the chance was still there because Cunliffe was virtually on the goal line –so near that there seemed no possible chance of Jones gathering the ball to his stomach. Yet Cunliffe’ shot low and strong, was taken with pleasure by Jones, who could not have handled a bancake more confidently. The sequel was still more historic, because play went on the right wing, and while the crowd was watching Jones pick himself up from a late-on charge by Coulter the ball was swept to the other end of the field where Eastham scored with a good-class shot beyond Bradshaw Time fifty minutes. The tide flowing from Everton’s docks and Gee and Dean shooting wildly in the hope of getting the game into the range of possibility for the home side. Dean’s best endeavour was with the head, that gliding spinning effort that baffles many goalkeepers but Bolton were playing delicious football and Everton had become slow uncertain, and erratic. The slight for had become deeper and the wags felt that this was the only elements that could save Everton. Cunliffe worked too hard. He was over on the left and everyone though he had scored when his left foot hook drive fled so near the right upright that the ball appeared to be actually in the net. Something desperate was needed, so Gee went out among the by ways and all time the old warrior Finney was playing a cool and collected game and being ably supported by Atkinson Goslin and Smith.
Packing the Goal.
It was not often that we e Cook of Bolton was prominent, but all the visitors were working with a will and showed a capacity for work that made Everton appear slow. Bolton packed their goal when a free kick was taken by Cook, the back, eight defenders were to be found in and around the Bolton goal. Everton netted the ball securely enough, but there was no mistake about Dean having charged the goalkeeper before Jones had made contact with the ball. This was the first stoppage of any length. It was a case of Cook versus Cook with the referee intervening in untimely manner, the result being that the Bolton wing had his well-made chance ruined.
Was It a Penalty?
The Everton Cook also brought down his namesake in a way that called the referee’s condemnation a lecture Gee followed on the referee’s complaint list. Everton running wild, did not get free kicks for pushing on the part of Atkinson on Dean and I am told although my attention was away from it for a moment that Everton should have had a penalty for another fouled on Dean. Bradshaw was in great pain through a knockout blow in collision with W.I. Cook. Everton’s left wing pair and a gilt-edged chance, but Jones who had been the busiest man on the field in the first half-hour was now not needing to handle the ball. Coulter gave Everton hope, scoring in the eighty-third minute after Britton and Dean had done the opening work. Everton were now going pell mell for the odd chance of a replay. Coulter was under the bar when he was unable to gather the golden goal. Final Everton 1 Bolton 2. Attendance 67,096 (Receipts £5,062)
Scene at Finish.
The scenes at the finish were tremendous. Crowds ran on to the field, to congratulated Bolton whose players had some difficulty in reaching the dressing room.
BURY RES V EVERTON RES
March 2, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
At Bury before 3,000 spectators. The home side tested the Everton defence in the early exchanges, when King saved well from Earl and Chambers. White fired wide after he had caused Burrows, the Bury goalkeeper, to lose possession. Later Mercer netted, but was adjusted offside. Everton almost went ahead near the interval, but White’s header went over. Half-tome Bury Res 0, Everton Res 0.
Everton “A” v Northen Nomads.
Nomads should have taken an early lead but Roberts shot with only Deighton to beat. The visitors were kept on the defensive, and Hullet scored for the “A” team after 40 minutes. One minute from the interval Everton increased their lead, Hancock diverting a shot from Webster into his own goal. Half-time Everton “A” Northern Nomads 0.
FAMOUS SOCCER CLUBS-SHEFFIELD UNITED
MARCH 2 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Sheffield United’s All-International Eleven
Remarkable Consistency Record.
Smallest Half-Back Line Ever Known.
England’s very first football club was formed in 1855, under the title of Sheffield F.C. That club did much to foster Soccer popularity, yet, although it still exists the pioneer club never reached the heights of the other two Sheffield clubs, founded at later dates. Sheffield United, the subject of this story, come into being in 1889, and all because of a Cup semi-final match that was played at Bramell Lane on march 16 of that year between Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion. The game caused so much local enthusiasm that the late Dr. Charles Stokes decided that Bramell Lane should become the home of an established club. The United’s first match was against a team known as Notts Rangers. It ended in a win for the men from Nottingham by four goals to 1. Better fortune attended their second match however, in which they beat their local neighbours, Heeley by the odd goal of three.
Their Biggest Defeat.
Their optimism undimmed by their start, Sheffield United entered for the F.A. Cup competition, and having played through the qualifying rounds –a situation that was forced upon them owing to their infancy –they met and defeated Burnley in the first round proper. In the next round, on February 1, 1890 they tackled Bolton Wanderers –and the Lancashire lads totted up a baker’s dozen by 13 clear goals. That score still remains the biggest defeat in the United’s history. The next few years of the United’s career was a mixture of experiences. Their second season was spent in the Midland League, but after one campaign they transferred their affections to the Northern League. They were so successful in this competition that their application for admission to the newly-formed Second Division of the Football League was smiled on and Sheffield United were elected to their first really senior competition. At the end of the second (1892-93) the club had forced its way right into the limelight and the United fought out the championship with Small heath (now Birmingham). Small heath won the honour –yet it was the Sheffield club that went up. In the test matches United beat Accrington and Small Heath lost to Notts County. So it was Sheffield United who won promotion, thanks to a brilliant goal from the foot of Jack Drummond, the outside left, who still attends matches at Bramall Lane. The ball with which that test match was won was retained as a souvenir. When the following season opened and the United met Aston Villa, the League Champions in their first match, the ball was pressed into service again –and it brought the Sheffielders luck for they won 3-0. That ball’s hour of glory was not yet over. The following season it was brought into the limelight again when the United met Sunderland then the reigning champions. And once more it was on the winning side, for Sheffield were triumphant by 4 goals to none. It was shortly after this that Sheffield United set up a record of consistency that has never been equalled. In 1897 they were League runners-up. The next season they went one better and in two matches and after beating the Scots at Bramell Lane, drew on the Celtic ground. In 1899 the United followed up their previous successes in beating Derby County 4-1 in the Cup final. Their defence in that great victory will always be remembered as one of the weightiest ever to represented a club. Willie Foukle, the goalkeeper, who was one of the personalities of the game in those days, weighted 19st. Ben Thickett the right back, turned the scale at 14st. and his partner, Peter Boyle was only 2lb lighter. These three stalwarts helped to form the nucleus of the 1899-00 side that went through 22 matches without suffering defeat. The sequence of victories might have been even bigger but for the fact that Bury recorded a brilliant victory on Jan 20. But that great run of 22 consecutive League victories brought its reward, for the Sheffield Club finished the season as First division runners up. 1901 saw the United in the Cup Final once more. In the first match at the Crystal palace Tottenham Hotspur ran the Sheffield side to a 2-2 draw, and eventually ran out winners by 3 goals to 1 in the replay at Bolton. This defeat only served to make the United more determined to record their Second Cup success and a year later (in 1902) they were successful. Southampton were their opponents at the Crystal Palace and the result was a draw 1-1. In the replay also staged at the Palace the United made no mistake and won by two goals to one.
Internationals All.
After such a brilliant run of consistent success, Sheffield United were regarded as one of the greatest sides in the game, and although they have never quite equalled the never-to-be-forgotten period, the united have always retained their place among the most notable clubs. In 1903 Sheffield United had one of their greatest sides. It included no fewer than twelve internationals; Foulkes; Thickett and Boyle; Johnson, Wilkinson, Morren and Needham; Bennett, Common, Brown, Priest, and Lipsham. Unfortunately one of these men had to be a reserve. Despite this wealth of talent, however, the United were not among the honours that season. 1913-14 however Sheffield United came back into their own as Cup-fighters, and under the leadership of George Utley –that great half-back who was secured from Barnsley for a fee of £2,000 –they reached the semi-final. A year later, the last campaign before the war, brought a temporary end to competitive football, the Sheffield side won the Cup again beating Chelsea by three clear goals at Old Trafford, Manchester. Ten years later Sheffield United won the Cup for the fourth time, beating Cardiff City at Wembley by the only goal scored by a brilliant outside left, Fred Tunstall, who is still notching goals for Halifax Town. That is the extent of Sheffield United’s honours. Last season after a disastrous time, they returned to the Second Divison –the first time the club has suffered the ignominy of relegation.
5ft. 5in. Players.
Many great players have worm the United’s red and white stripes. Some have been mentioned already but there is not space to tell of all the others. It is of interest to note however, that during the 1896-97 and 1897-98 seasons, the United fielded one of the smallest half back lines ever known. Ranb Howell, a gypsy, who was born in a caravan, stood only 5ft 5 ¼ ins; Tom Morren was the same height, and Ernest Needham that prince of half-backs, who won 16 international caps, was only 5ft 5in. Arthur Brown, one of the Sheffield stars during the early years of this century was only 18 when he was capped against Wales in 1904. He is still the youngest footballer ever to were his country’s colours. Another of the former Sheffield United players whose name will live forever is Billy Gillespie that wonderful Irish international inside left, who skippered the Yorkshire side with such brilliance. He is now managing Derry City.
EVERTON 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 2 (F.A.Cup Game 144)
March 4, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Why Everton Failed.
Early and Late Chances Missed.
Wanderers Win of Merit.
By “Bee.”
In a way Everton beat themselves in the Cup-tie. Bolton Wanderers won cleverly and well, and few of the 67,096 spectators who made up a gate of £5,962 would grumble at the verdict. It was a narrow one, but it sufficed, and it was of two-fold nature for a long time, so that those not present at the match may get a wrong impression of the state of play up to a few minutes from the end. It was then Everton’s battling force was brought to bear upon Bolton, and it was the crowd that inspired Everton to perform another of their works, as in the game with Sunderland and a week ago against Aston Villa. This time the inspiring force led the team nowhere. They had scored through Coulter clinching the good work of Britton and Dean. Eight minutes were left; two goals had been scored by Bolton.
Too Much Haste.
Would Bolton quake? Would Everton regain their lost morale and their steadfastness near goal? The referee played on for another eleven minutes –apparently allowing three minutes for a stoppage when Bradshaw was damaged in a collision –and those minutes went all too quickly for the home team. They could have equalised had they been competent near goal, but as in the first half-hour, so now; the many chances was not taken. There was an indecent haste over everything of a simple nature. So Bolton stayed on to the bitter end on a bright game and a magnificent finish to the hard game ended with Bolton successful by a goal margin. One has to cast back a little in a survey of his defeat, the second loss of the season by Everton at home. First Sagar could not play, and Bradshaw took his place. This was a blow; most people knew the task the 19-years-old boy had taken, and the players of his side must have “felt” for their newcomer to Cup football. Yet he did so well early on that the home side should have been encouraged to believe this was their day of victory. It would have been settled in a moment if Cunliffe and Stevenson had been at all sure in their marksmanship. There was an overwhelming superiority in Everton’s attack at this time, notably from Geldard, Coulter and Stevenson, but the final touches were not offered. The simplier the chance the more certain it passed by with a wild shot outside. Cunliffe partly redeemed his lack of directness when in the second half he was near goalling but the many good shots of the first half-hour were all taken with a delicious sang-froid by Jones, Everton goalkeeper of six years ago. It was ironic this boy would be complacent against a team that could not find room for him.
Milsom’s Long Range Goal.
So Bolton gradually warmed to their work, and the fine direct goal scored from twenty-five yards by Milsom marked the beginning of Everton’s end. There should have been a chance of a second when gee gave away what I certainly thought a penalty kick for a back-charge. Finally Jones stood plumb to a very short sharp shot from Cunliffe, at inside-left and the crowd was so bust looking on this incident that they forgot to carry their visitors down the right wing where a ball was being passed with precision and practically no stop so that Eastham could score a neat goal. The longer Bolton played the better they played. There was a fine wholeheartness about every man’s work which, when compared with Everton’s rather shady tactics –three men were cautioned –left Everton in a rather bad odour. Bolton’s half-backs closed the door to the famous left wing pair after half an hour and the Everton forwards persisted in trying to weave a way through solid ranks. Indeed, it is fitting to say Everton’s open attacks came through the lobbing pass by Britton or the through pass by Thomson. Tactically, Bolton were superior, and they had the greater pace; when defending they had eight men bunched into goal; when attacking the fine line of Atkinson, Goslin and G. Taylor would link up –not so much by joining the forces, but by making a telling pass. Eastham was quite a delicious forward even if he carried his trickery too far, he so often got the defence into a knot by his track faint and dart away. Westwood was also clever, but his partner Cook, facing the other Cook was not in pristine form, and Milsom also failed to show up strikingly, albeit he scored the all-important first goal.
All-Round Strength.
Bolton’s all-round strength began with their cool and clever goalkeeper continued by means of the veteran cup-fighter Finney and connected with the outstanding half-back tackling. The forwards were a blend with the three other links and the whole was good to see because they played league football, no cup football, whereas Everton became rattled disjointed, floundering and finally foul. The eleven that put Liverpool out of the Cup a year ago had visited Merseyside once more and repeated their medicine. Well, they were worthy winners and merit further Cup effort after playing ‘Spurs three times in a week before meeting Everton. Actually they were sharper to the ball then Everton in almost every respect. Bradshaw was not to blame; and the half-back line was not faulted, but the forwards should have made this game good for the home team in 15 minutes, in spite of what I have said of the work of the Bolton goalkeeper. Teams: - Everton: - Bradshaw goal; Cook (W.) and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Jones goal; Smith, Finney (captain), backs; Goslin, Atkinson and Taylor (G), half-backs; Taylor (G.T), Eastham, Milson, Westwood and Cook, forwards. Referee Mr. Walden, Nottingham.
BURY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 4, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 29)
Bury Reserves at home well deserved their win although the first half Everton quite held their own, but White failed twice when the Bury goalkeeper had lost possession and although Stein made several spirited individual skills he failed to get his final drive home. Bury were mastered in the second half when Earl who moved to centre-forward scored three splendid goals. Everton: - King, goal Allen and Creswell, backs; Mercer, Clark (captain), and Archer, half-backs; Geldard, White, Dickinson, Hannon and Stein, forwards.
Everton “A” 4 Northern Nomads 1
Liverpool County Combination.
A splendidly contested and interesting game was seen at Crosby. Both sides displayed clever footwork, but the winners were more dangerous. Riding in the Nomads goal, making a big number of clever saves. Roberts missed a good chance of giving the Nomads an early lead through missing an open goal. Sandham the “A” team outside left was clever and made some splendid centres. McMillan was a hard worker in the Nomads defence. Five minutes from the interval Hullet put Everton in front immediately followed by a second goal credited to Webster, which Hancock diverted into the net. The Nomads were quick and enterprising after the interval Brennan and Roberts making good attempts. Webster and Patterson however, later netted further goals while the best goal was cored by Pietcey for the visitors.
CHANCE KNOCKS OFTEN
March 4, 1935. Evening Express.
But Everton not “at home”
Cup Failure Reflections.
By the Pilot.
Opportunity, we are told knocks but once. It kept on knocking at Everton’s door in the Sixth Round F.A. Cup-tie against Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park, but Everton, it seemed, were not “at home.” Bolton won 2-1 but if ever a team had an easy chance of passing into the semi-final stage Everton had on Saturday. The match should have been won in the first quarter of an hour, when the Blues penned in the Wanderers, but it was the same story throughout –Everton dominating the game and Bolton getting the goals. I made a particular note of the number of times the Wanderers attacked in serious fashion throughout the game. It was 12. They scored two goals, forced Bradshaw to make two grand saves, and earned a penalty which was refused. Everton on the other hand attacked, attacked and attacked but the weakness which I have been pointing out for the past four weeks showed itself even more apparent. They could not shoo. Milsom showed them the goal way late in the first half and Eastham improved in the second. They were dynamic shots taken without hesitancy.
Hint Ignored.
Did Everton take the hint? No. Instead they were inclined to get into a panic. They became so wild that the fabric of their consummate cohesion was destroyed, and although they snatched a goal through Coulter, there was little indication that they would pull the game out of the fire. Bolton won because of their opportunism and brilliant tackling. Rarely have I seen I seen a team so intrepid, so accurate so fearless in intervention. They were on the ball time after time before an Evertonian could secure complete control. That however, should not have prevented Everton scoring a crop of goals. Cunliffe and Stevenson missed “sitters” and even Dean failed with one heading chance he would never miss once in a thousands times. Everton’s Irish left wing was poor, although behind them they had the best half-back in Thomson. Geldard, the best rapier was too often neglected. Britton played below form and Gee, after opening well and keeping a sharp eye on the tricky nippy Bolton inside forwards, lost balance and sense of position and gave the Wanderers all the scope they needed. The backs were good in tackling and kicking, but with Gee never “at home” they could not cover all the loopholes. Bardshaw was grand in goal and had not a chance with either of the scoring shots.
Feeding The Goalkeeper.
Jones played finely in the Bolton goal though his task was made the easier because the Everton players persistently fed him instead of their own forwards. There was a dramatic incident in the second half when Cunliffe lobbed one to the goalmouth, and the ball passed over Jones’s hands into the net as Dean shouldered the goalkeeper into goal. The referee disallowed the point because Dean’s charge, and I deemed him correct in his judgement. People sitting level with the goalline are emphatic in the opinion it was a goal. Be that as it may Everton have only themselves to blame for their exit from a cup competition which was “made” for them. They played good football, but it led them nowhere. Bolton have a fine, electric side with fast forwards, brilliant half-backs and solid defenders. They have an excellent chance of keeping the F.A. Cup in Lancashire. Best wishes Wanderers! Everton have a Football League match at Goodison Park on Wednesday against Leeds United. The team will be chosen tomorrow night.
THOUGHTS ON EVERTON’S LEAVING-TAKING
March 4 1935. Liverpool Echo
Bolton Bright Breezy Fast, and Well-Blended.
By “Bee.”
A lot of bitterness may have been dragged into Everton’s Cup defeat because the partisan had the Wembley complex very bad. I thought Everton could win at home, but I had my doubts about anything away from home. Let us be frank without being unfair or bitter, but do not let us wipe from our minds some of the incidents that occurred before a record gate and record receipts. The better side won and that a something the most blassed Everton fan should admit. And they lost nothing because of the change of goalkeeper everyone had a sympathetic fear about Bradshaw, yet his save from Westwood was sufficient to dispel that. No this was a victory to a side that will grace Division 1, and being so young will be stars in the league firmament. They had been worm out through three games against the ‘Spurs in heavy going. Everton like heavy going; this was dry turf, and may be the changed circumstances caused the Everton forwards to suffer “dry rot.” Certainly the game was theirs if they had been able to beat Jones early on; for half an hour there was no comparison between the sides; Everton were sweeping through with a fine pace, and the centres from the left wing were sufficient to call out for conversion. Yet one could see the gradual warming-up progress of the Bolton side and by degrees Bolton got on top; they made ground quickly where Everton labourned over a simple pass, and generally took three turns of the ball where one would have served the same purpose. This was fatal because I warmed every reader last Tuesday what these half-backs would be like and they lived up to my forecast of their long-legged tackles I reckon Bolton won through four causes;
Cause and –Defect
1. They kept their heads.
2. They were quicker to the tackle.
3.They were better blended.
4. They were sharper to take the goal-chances.
Everton’s pressure for half an hour was a strange mixture of good and bad. The good stuff was stopped by their former goalkeeper with a graceful charm and nonchalance that did not seem to ft a Cup-tie. He was almost cheeky to his football “parents.” Some of the Everton forwards stood so near goal no Jones should have been allowed to see the ball it was then the firm of Loft and Bad Direction Unlimited came to Bolton aid. Everton were rail with the fine chances. It is hardly complimentary to the other forwards, that Coulter should have scored six Cup-tie goals from outside left. His late-on goal gave Everton spectators just the urge they needed. Another Sunderland spasm, they said, would arise. Another recovery as against Aston Villa, would be recorded. But Everton by now had gone off their natural game; they had lost confidence and had lost a lot of their football charrin by going wild; it was seen in almost every division of the side; a wildness that caused the referee to talk to three of the losing side. This was not nice to see and was in direct contrast with the way Bolton’s boys were behaving. If the referee had been seen fit to give what you and I would have given –a penalty kick in the first half –this game would have been practically over. The Walden notion about a full-blooded charge to the middle of the back is not in my ken; but we can say Everton escaped what in most judgements was a penalty kick. The wildness was killing Everton’s chance and making Bolton’s right to enter the semi-final.
Finney The Icicle Back.
Bolton came to a point where there was but one goal difference. The crowd was yelling its head off for the equaliser; the chances were there for a steady, level headed mind, but Everton’s note had been jarring on their own nerves and the chance was not taken. It was well the better side won; it was well Finney and Smith were standing to attention at the last ten minutes. Finney’s generalship was a great asset, and while the forwards were happy to make raids on occasions Finney ex-Brighton like Bradshaw, was adding his forty-six Cup game to his record and the old head was keeping the younger members from losing their grip on a game they had “won by waiting.” It was a jarring day for Everton of course’ Cup defeats at any time sear us but Bolton Wanderers played so well, one could not begrudge then further effort in the Cup. I do not progress to take the losing side seriatine, for personal observations. This was a team victory over a team unable to keep a cool head in the heat of Cup circumstance. And the pomp of the Cup has gone out of our football life for another season. Well, we have had a good run for our money, and Bolton can do with a bit more, and have earned it by their way victories this season. Thus we write “Finney” to Everton’s Cup quest, 1935.
EVERTON UNCHANGED.
March 6 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
The game between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park starts at 3.15, Everton lost 2-0 at Leeds in October but should level up matters today. The Everton directors last night decided to make no change in the team beaten in the Cup-tie by Bolton Wanderers so the side will be; Bradshaw; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. I understand Sagar who received a shoulder injury at Chelsea, is making good progress. The Leeds United team will probably be the side that beat Portsmouth 3-1 on Saturday, namely; Savage; Milburn (G.), Milburn (J,); Edwards Hart, Hornby, Duggan, Kelly (J.), Hydes, Stephenson, Mahon. Stephenson made his League debut on Saturday. Since they returned to the upper circles three seasons ago, Leeds United have won 1-0 and lost 2-0 in League games with Everton at Goodison Park. Leeds have secured seven points from away games this season, these being obtained by a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1), and drawn games with Aston Villa (1-1), Blackburn Rovers (1-1) Tottenham Hotspur (1-1), Middlesbrough (3-3), and Portsmouth (0-0).
In Days of Old.
I met an Everton “old-timer” yesterday, Mr. Taylor, of Wood-street and he lent me an Everton membership card of 1887-88. It bears an extract from the rules which states: “That if the funds shall at any time be insufficient to meet the current expense of the club, a levy shall be made upon all the members, who shall contribute proportionately to make good deficiency.” Times change. Everton’s gate on Saturday was £5,961. In that 1887-88 season, Everton played at Anfield headquarters at the Sandon Hotel. Councilor John Houlding was the president and the committee were Messars. Houlding, R. Wilson (vice-chairman), W. Marriott (hon treasurer), W. Gunning (assistant Hon treasurer), and Mr. Alex Nisbet (Hon secretary), and Mr. W.H. Jones (Hon secretary of the Swifts the reserve team). This was the season before the League was formed and Everton’s first team fixture included matches with South Shore, Witton, Bury, Darwen, Church, Notts County, Bolton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Derby County, Haliwell, Aston Villa, Derby County, Halliwell, Padiham, and Ulster, home and away and with the Corinthians.
Lancashire v. Dumbartonshire.
Another match that season was between Lancashire and Dumbartonshire, and I happen to have the card for that game. It was played on October 22 1887, and the teams were: - Lancashire; - H. Arthur (Blackburn Rovers), G. Howarth (Preston North End); N.J. Ross (Preston North End) (Captain); D. Russell (Preston North End), G. Howarth (Accrington), J. Keenan (Burnley); J. Lofthouse (Accrington), J.K. Davenport (Bolton Wanderers), J. Goodall (Preston North End), G. Farmer (Everton), D. Waugh (Burnley). Dumbartonshire: - J. Wilson (Vale of Leven); D. Stewart (Dumbarton), J. Forbes (Vale of Leven); R. Kelso (Renton); J. Kelly (Renton), L. Keir (Dumbarton) A. Latta (Dumbarton Athletic); D. McIntyre (Vale of Leven), R. Jamieson (Dumbarton) J. McColl (Renton), J. McNee (Renton). The referee was Mr. R.M. Soane (Bootle), and the umpires “Mr. Sudell of Preston North End (Lancashire) and Mr. Kennedy president of the Scottish Football Association (Dumbartonshire). Bob Kelso and Alex Latta of the Dumbarton team afterwards played for Everton, and I think Bob Jamieson became a noted Bootle player. Herby Archer the Lancashire goalkeeper, helped Blackburn Rovers to win the Cup in 1884, 1885, and 1886. And Nick Ross and John Goodall were other famous players who figured in the match.
EVERTON LOSE TWO-GOAL LEAD
Match 6, 1935. Evening Express.
Leeds Equalise with Cook Of Hurt.
By the Pilot.
Leeds United with the shadow of relegation hanging over them engaged Everton at Goodison Park today in a battle for vital points. The game was a re-arrangement League match. Everton played their cup team. There were 15,000 present at the start. Teams: Everton: - Bradshaw, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Leeds United: - Savage, goal; Sproston and Milburn (J.), backs; Edwards, Hart, and Horby, half-backs; Worsley, Kelly, Hydes, Stephenson, and Cochrane forwards. Referee Mr. R. W. Blake (Middlesbrough). Leeds opened well, a ball rebounding off Edwards’ legs to put Hydes through on good ground. Hydes bore to the right, then finished with a weak shot. Geldard’s touch-line dribbles were twice brought to an end by Milburn, then Cook injured his left leg in tackling Cochrane and had to go to the line. Cook came back after being absent about five minutes.
Everton lead.
Geldard provided a thrill when he beat three men in success. He was held up, but returned to force a corner off Milburn. This, after 10 minutes, led to Everton taking the lead. Dean’s heading attempt was pushed aside by Savage but before anyone could clear the danger Coulter nipped in and with a slow-paced ground shot trickled the ball past the prostrate Savage into the net. Cunliffe sprang into the limelight in 13 minutes to make and take Everton’s second goal. He came through with tremendous burst of speed so fast that it seemed the ball must always run beyond him. This it never did and his final effort touched the foot of an opponent and came back to him so that he could feed Geldard. Cunliffe carried on into the goalmouth, and was there to drive home the short, low return from Geldard. Everton had enjoyed a bright five minutes to secure this sound position, yet Leeds had opened promisingly. The United left wing was always a menace Cochrane being particularly good, and it was through his work that Leeds reduced the lead in 20 minutes. He dropped across a good centre, and with Bradshaw staying at home Hydes had the easiest possible task in running in and heading to the roof of the net. Leeds forwards were especially good, but they received little support from half backs who remained too far back the field. Cook, who had been unable to do much as a winger, left the field with the game 25 minutes old. Cochrane came in with a great chance, but slipped, missed the ball and twisted his back. After being attended to Cochrane came on the field with play in progress and participated before being given permission by the referee. Immediately after this Cochrane banged the ball across to the right and Worsley made a hook centre with Hydes stretched to and turned into the net for the equaliser in 28 minutes. The shot was slow paced and should have been saved, Bradshaw being on the ground long before it reached him, the ball curling into the far corner. Before play was resumed a linesman called the attention of the referee to the fact that Cochrane had returned to play and the referee spoke to the winger. Everton were suffering as a consequence of the absence of Cook and had to rely on big kicks down the middle in the hope of exploiting Dean. Dean was pulled up wrongly I thought for offside when clean through, then Savage had to run out to pull up a down-the-middle Geldard dribble. Half-time Everton 2 Leeds United 2.
Leeds took up the attack on resuming, Edwards putting in a good dribble before shooting over. Everton had Cunliffe at full back. Britton moved to his usual position. Geldard forced a corner, Britton shooting outside. Savage saved a backheader from Dean.
EVERTON 4 LEEDS UNITED 4 (Game 1509 over-all)-(Div 1 1467)
March 7 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Draw.
Ten Men Make Hard Fight.
Cook’s Leg Injury
By “Bee.”
Everton suffered a severe blow in their rearranged League match with Leeds United. The absence of Cook for nine-tenth of the game had its effect upon play, but for any team with a man like Cook off the field, to gain a draw in the last few moments of a rather ragged tussle, was a praiseworthy performance. The score was 4 goals each. Cook went down on the touchline in a tackle with Cochrane, and although he was on the field for a time as an outside-right he was probably doing himself more injury by staying on. A fractured bone of the left leg is the verdict. Everton had by this time –early in the game –taken a 2 goals lead against a side with grave fears of relegation. Cunliffe became half-back and Britton full back, and the plan did not make a good bend. After half-time there were a better arrangement, Cunliffe becoming a very definite full back and Britton stayed as a half-back sure forward.
A Remarkable Change.
It was a remarkable change and its effect was surprising. Playing with ten men Everton actually took the lead after being 2-2 at half-time. Hydes being wiped off Everton’s early lead. It was a game of rare fluctuation, and some of the referee’s decisions did not find favour any more than than some of the tactics employed tactics, which made the game more rugged than one cared to watch. However, when a new boy named Stephenson took two goals –his first in League football, as he has only played one other game for Leeds –the onlook was bad. Coulter had made one of his surprise hook shots to gather the lead and now Everton were faced with a new Leeds side, felling more confident and playing better than at any previous stage in spite of the continued failure of the right –wing pair. It seemed Leeds must join Manchester City in beating Everton before their own people. Near the end Hornby very foolishly gave away a free kick close in, and Dean headed it through, although he had limped about wearily for half an hour, and thus the game was kept from defeat and a very honorable draw in 8 goals was recorded. But this does not give any idea of some of the remarkable things that happened.
Britton’s Great Run.
The first note must make the spectators remember the game for all time. Britton, the half-back, was at the half-way line near the touch-line, when he started to wind his way through the sturdy defensive ranks. He beat man after man and got to within a few yards of goal. The goalkeeper was despairing when Britton dribbled the ball around the goalkeeper, but the effort had taken too much out of Britton, who had not the strength to make a shot but used his instep to guide the ball, as he thought, over the empty goal area. Instead he saw the ball “pull” to the right and strike the side-net. It was an astonishing run, full of football command and merit and the crowd gave him great applause for an outstanding feat. Another time Stevenson shot, and Savage was out of his goal –he got back in time to make a one-hand save in remarkable fashion. Leeds lost their winning way when Hydes was presented with a goal by a square pass from his right winger. He had time to do anything with the chance. He elected to “kill” the ball and the empty goal became filled with sorrow to the shooter, at his gentle tap towards goal let Bradshaw, who had gone back to his goal, handle the ball out.
Fast and Sure Geldard.
Geldard was always the fast and sure winger although Coulter roamed at will and did many bright things, making danger to the energetic Sproston and the veteran Edward’s every time. Hart and Edwards with Milburn and Sposton were the outstanding men of the visiting side, whose forwards lacked balance. Stephenson being outstanding, but on the Everton side every man pulled his weight in the stressing circumstances and the team deserved high commendation for a very fine effort; and a rally that brought a point where none had seemed possible when Cook left the field through his most unfortunate injury. The goal-scoring list was as follows: Coulter, Cunliffe, Hydes (2), (half-time 2-2) Coulter, Stephenson (2), Dean. Teams: Everton: - Bradshaw, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Leeds United: - Savage, goal; Sproston and Milburn (J.), backs; Edwards, Hart, and Horby, half-backs; Worsley, Kelly, Hydes, Stephenson, and Cochrane forwards. Referee Mr. R. W. Blake (Middlesbrough).
UNUSUAL INCIDENTS AT EVERTON.
March 7, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton have been unfortunate in losing players through injury at a critical period of the season. Yesterday the club received a severe blow when cook the Irish international full back, injured his left leg near the ankle, and the damage will probably keep him out of the game for the remainder of the season. In tackling an opponent he recovered the ball and cleared, but immediately collapsed on the ground. It was obvious that something serious had happened, but though Cook pluckily tried to carry on at outside-right he eventually retired. He was taken to a specialist and it transpired that he had sustained a broke fibula. It is a clean break and he will require about six weeks to recover.
Remarkable Incident.
An unusual incident occurred when Leeds United obtained the equalising goal in the first half. The players were lining up for the restart when a linesman signalled to the referee and there was some discussion, after which the ruling official walked across the field and spoke to Cochrane one of the Leeds players. It seemed that Cochrane had retired over the goalline to attend to a minor injury, and returned to take part in the play which led up to the goal. If the referee had not given him permission to return –and it did not appear that he had –the player had no right to take part in the play. In that event the goal, it would seem should not have been allowed to stand. The referee’s decision, however, on points of fact connected with the play shall be final. so far as the result of the game is concerned. Still, officials and others expressed surprise, and held the view that the goal should not have counted and that a free kick ought to have been given at the point from which Cochrane centred the ball. It is a well-known rule that a player must not return to the field of play after retiring until he has obtained the permission of the referee to do so. The rule on the point is very definite. I is included in Law 12 which as amended came into force last season, and reads: “A player having left the field of play…. may only return when the ball has ceased to be play, and must report to the referee.”
Rugged Game.
The game was of a rather rugged character, but it was an accident, which brought about Cook’s injury. Everton on Saturday, will also lack the services of Dean, who was hurt in the game, and as Dickinson, the reserve centre-forward is also on the injured list, the directors were forced to reshuffle the side, and the team to meet West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, at the Hawthorns, will include the two young local backs. Jackson and Jones while Mercer comes in at right back in place of Britton who preformed a great feat yesterday in dribbling through the entire Leeds defence without, however, being able to clinch the run with a goal. Cunliffe is to lead the attack in place of Dean, and Britton is to play at inside-right, where he may have further opportunities of indulging in his ability to control the ball and engineer openings. It is an unusual forward line and the experiment brought about by force of circumstances may prove a success. A welcome feature is the return of Sagar and the team will therefore be: Sagar; Jackson and Jones; Mercer Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Britton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Coulter.
BRITTON AS A FORWARD
March 7, 1935. Liverpool Echo
After His Historic Run Throught The Ranks
Everton’s Great Feat With Ten Men
By “Bee.”
Rarely has a cup defeat led to an inquest such as followed the Everton defeat. Below I give mere snippings of a crowd of letters received –space does not permit any further length of letter –and to all inquiring who think I turned Bolton for a day I would say: - Bolton’s goals were good goals, without debate. Everton got one. To talk of Everton’s territorial advantage for the first half-an-hour and late in the game is to convict the Everton attack of being unable to turn that advantage to advantage? Therefore, let is give credit to the side able to win at Goodison Park, and not blame the winners for the losers’ failings. Even with the indulgence of an extraordinary referee Everton could not beat a team that has been two years in Second Division –Scarlet Runner.
I think you were rather hard on Everton in your criticism. After all you cannot expect them to play well every week. They need a big inside right who can shoot. The outburst of temper were a disgrace, I wish you would refrain from taking a sly dig at Gee every chance you get –Sixteen-years-old Everton fan.
Well done Everton.
Everton’s memorable draw against Leeds will be talked of for many years. There were so many links by which one could remember every feature of note. First the long winding track taken by Britton right up and including the goalkeeper, whom passed by a dribble. But he was “out” by the time he reached goal and could not deliver the right edging-shot. Next one must pay tribute to Cook for his endeavour. He has a fractured fibula and yet he played on at outside right for quite a time. Bravo fellows we wish him speedy return to the field of play. Cunliffe became a grand back and Dean although limping for half-an-hour got the game out of the fire with a header late on. It was great football to watch, albeit there was far too much “rugged” football allowed to pass on without caution. Bradshaw did his part admirably and Jones kicked himself to a standstill. Gee and Thomson and Britton were in their best vein and his forward line all through worked heroically, Geldard pace and finer centring being the feature of special mention, although Coulter got some more valued goals. The team for the West Bromwich match is uncommon, it reads; Sagar; Jones, Jackson; Mercer Gee Thomson; Geldard. Britton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Coulter. Everton directors, selecting this side were faced with a difficulty. They could not play the deputy centre forward, Dickinson, who has been shaping well, as the player was injured. Taking Britton forward a step is one of the most intriguing moves they could have adopted.
Annoyed –With Everything.
Some time ago one of your readers suggested you stay away from Everton. I along with many others, not only second that, we go one further, and command you, having decided you are not –only a bogey but their most biassed critic as your report on the Everton-Bolton match proves. In big headlines you have it that Bolton won well and deservedly which is conclusive evidence that your report based on actual result and not onimiuety minutes play. Bolton scored twice and won but, of course you would not be expected to see Everton shooting in for the first half hour and It erratic at least holding their own in the second half. Well, my dear “Bee” I dare not go on except to give you a little advice –go and bury yourself amidst your beloved “Brum” till Liverpool forget you; perhaps the rest will bring out any fairplay you may have towards the “Blues.” When you decide to stay away from the “Park” take those numb-skulls from Anfield with you, as they also suffer from their “Bee” complex. Well here’s hoping anyone but West Bromwich Albion win the Cup. Yours very much annoyed W.J. Flanagan.
I have been an Everton supporter for years, but after reading of the prices charged v. Bolton I got disguised. The Blues are not good sportsman these days. Wishing you the best of luck, and sincerely hoping you are spared to write your notes for a very long time to come. Ex-Blue Now Red.
I am one of those who lost money on Everton, but although I would have won quite a nice bit if they had won, I would rather lose it than be successful if Everton are going to win through such unfair tactics, which I hope you will denounce. Can a referee be reported for bad decisions? Two were flagrant. It is not often 70,000 claim a penalty, and the referee is the only one against -True Sports (Exchange News Room).
A Veteran’s View.
Being an Evertonian of long standing, which dates back to the days of Boyle, Holt and Stewart, and others, I am beginning to think after all these years, and after reading your account of the Bolton match, that my conception of the game is all wrong, or that my eyesight needs very careful inspection. You certainly saw a great deal more than I did. But my dear “Bee” I am just a little afraid that you are possessed of a mentality, which always says. Any other country is better than my own. What I mean is this –that whenever either of our teams fails (Everton or Liverpool) you magnify their failures to a ridiculous extent and praise our opponents to excess. Can you tell me by what course Everton were pressing for 75 per cent of the game on Saturday? We only want a fair deal –Appreciative Blue.
You are right re Everton; in fact they not only lost the game, but also their honour and prestige –“1888.” I am always greatly impressed by your criticisms. Last Saturday’s was a masterpiece of balanced, critical work. Had Everton taken your advice they need not lost the game –John Gordon MacLeod.
Mr. C. R. Keddie of the Hotel Deermont St. Petersburgh Florida, writes: -
For many years I have been one of your thousands of admiring readers, and even now, though many miles away I still look forward to your accounts of the games in the Football Echo, sent to me each work by my dad. I will first confess to you that I am an Evertonian and before I left Liverpool some 16 years ago was an ardent spectator both at Goodison and Anfield, mostly Goodison. For two seasons I played with Everton “A” team. After the war I was mailed a contract but my dad decided that the cotton business was more profitable then professional football. I am anxious to read your account of the replayed game between Everton and Sunderland, and wondered if you would be kind enough to send me a copy. I suppose you are still as red hot an Evertonian as you ever were; at least I always felt you were one. How many years have you been with the Echo? I can remember when I was a kid I used to read your accounts of the game. Isn’t it about time you retired? You can’t go on forever you know. You should come over to St. Petersburg and bask in the sunshine; we give a free afternoon paper every day the sun falls to shine only average five a year. We also have a baseball team that the members must be 75 years old before they can play; you should be eligible for that. The last time I was home I got a great thrill watching Dixie Dean I had read so much about him and my Evertonian friends had written me so much about him, that I was afraid I would expect too much of him. I believe somebody must have told him I had come thousands of miles to see him because he scored five goals that day. He is a great centre forward and the finest header I ever saw. My father was with the Daily Post and Echo, for many years. Retired now and is bowling quite a lot. Used to be a good cricketer in his day.
EVERTON MATCH RAISES BIG SOCCER PROBLEM.
March 7, 1935. Evening Express.
Should the Leeds Second Goal have Counted?
Need for F.A. Interpretation
By the Pilot.
An incident which may lead to the revision of a football law occurred in the Football League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park, when eight goals were shared. A player who should not have been on the field at the time made a vital pass, which fed Leeds scoring their second goal, and the question arise “Was the referee corrected in awarding the goal.” This is what happened. Cochrane, the Leeds outside left was injured in sliping down and went off the field behind a goal. Play continued and Cochrane again fit to resume stood on the goalline waiting to return to the field. Play still went on, and Cochrane apparently bored with the inactivity walked onto the field and took up his position. The ball was sung out to Cochrane, who crossed it to the other winger Worsley, and it was from Worsley’s centre that Hydes scored. The referee awarded a goal, but while the players were lining up a linesman drew the attention of Mr. R. W. Blake (Middlesbrough), the referee, to the fact that Cochrane had come back to the game without permission. Mr. Blake, apparently did not know anything about it because he first went towards Worsley, but on being corrected spoke to Cochrane. Then play resumed and the goal was allowed to stand.
The Rule.
Such a contingency is not provided for in the laws of the game, but the general opinion is that the goal should not have been allowed to count. The rule (No 12) “A player having left the field of play….may only return when the ball ceased to be in play, and must report to the referee.” Obviously Cochrane broke the laws, first by returning to the game while play was in progress, and second by not reporting to the referee. Everton were penalised by Cochrane’s offence, and so the referee should have disallowed the goal, but thrown down the ball at the point where Cochrane was when he played the ball. This view is supported by Mr. W. C. Cuff chairman of Everton and a member of the Football Association Council and many prominent football officials. That was only one incident among many in a game of thrills, during which Everton suffered further misfortune in that Cook broke the fibula of the left leg after 10 minutes and that dean injured both legs towards the end of the game.
Team Changes.
This has enforced changes for Saturday’s match at West Bromwich, and the experiment is being made of playing Cliff Britton, the England right half-back, at inside right enable Cunliffe to move to centre-forward in place of Dean. Britton’s choice no doubt follows his wonder dribble in the second half, when he tricked four men in succession, then drew out and dribbled Savage, the Leeds goalkeeper, before shooting against the side netting. It was one of the finest dribbles I have seen for years, and the spectators cheered Britton for several minutes. Everton found themselves in a quandary over the forward selection for Dickinson, the reserve leader, is also injured. Dean will be missing his first match this season. Mercer comes in at right half and Jackson returns to partner Jones at back. Sagar having recovered from his shoulder injury, resumes in goal for Bradshaw. Everton: Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Britton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Coulter.
Like A Pendulum.
The game yesterday swung like a pendulum. Everton were two up in 13 minutes, level at the interval ahead in 64 minutes, level in a minute later, behind in 74 minutes, and then level again five minutes from the end. The first half was indifferent, but later it was one long thrill culminating in that brilliant Dean equaliser near time. One of the features was the grand play of Cunliffe, who deputised at right back in the second half. He never placed a foot wrong and could find time to move up even to the outside right position. Everton played unorthodox football in the second period, with little though of retaining individual positions. Gee was once at centre-forward; Geldard, centre-half; and Coulter outside right. It was valiant, rather than clever, effort that enabled the handicapped Blues to put up such a fine fight against odds. Coulter, Jones, Cunliffe, Gee, Geldard and Britton were outstanding for the Blues while Hart, Milburn, Stephenson, Cochrane and Hydes did well for Leeds.
THOMSON’S 200
March 8 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Jock Thomson, Everton’s Scottish half-back will be making his 200th League appearance when he turns out against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns tomorrow. He joined the Goodison Park club from Dundee in March, 1930 and has been one of the most consistent Scots to have played in English League Football. Out of a possible 208 League matches he has taken part in 1999 to date. During his association with Everton he has secured First and Second Division championship medals and a F.A. Cup medal. This season he is Everton’s only ever-present.
West Bromwich Team.
For the match with Everton tomorrow West Bromwich Albion bring in Sankey for Jones at inside left. Sankey played outside-right against Huddersfield in midweek. Gale resumes at outside-right, and the team is; Pearson; Shaw, Trentham; Murphy, Richardson (W.), Edwards, Gale, Carter, Richardson (W.G), Sankey, Boyes.
JOCK THOMSON’S BIG DAY.
March 8, 1935. Evening Express.
Captain of Everton in 200th League Game.
By the Pilot.
Everton’s match against West Bromwich Albion, at the Hawthorns tomorrow, will be a big occasion for Jock Thomson, Everton'’ Scottish international half-back. He will be –
1. Playing in his 200th League game for Everton.
2. Captain of the team in the enforced absence of Dean.
3. The only “ever-present” in the Everton side.
Thomson came to Everton from Dundee in March, 1929 and since then Everton have play 208 Football league games. Thomson has appeared in all except nine –a great record set up by a most consistent player and a diligent worker. I suppose that the manner in which Jock would like to celebrate this day would be to lead the Blues to victory for the first time this season in an away match. The Blues have undertaken 14 journeys in the league this term and have drawn six times and lost the remainder. In addition they have played one Cup-tie away and drawn that. It seems remarkable that a team so high up the league should have reached March without claiming an away win.
Britton As Forward.
This is a highly-interesting game from the Everton viewpoint, for it marks the debut of Cliff Britton, the England half-back, as in inside forward. Britton plays inside right in place of Cunliffe who moves to centre forward in place of the injured Dean. Britton is not without experience in the attack. I remember seeing him play outside right for the Central League side some seasons ago. He is such a natural footballer that he could play almost anywhere, and I think he will prove a success. If that long dribble against Leeds is a sample of his forward work then the Albion will have to be wary. Mercer plays at right half and Jackson plays for the injured Cook. This means that Jackson and Jones, who graduated together from the “A” team, appear in the senior team together for the first time. Sagar, now recovered from his damaged shoulder, returns to goal. In recent seasons Everton have fared well at the Hawthorns. Last year they were losing 3-0 but rallied to make a great draw. If they do as well tomorrow everyone will be satisfied. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Britton, Cunliffe, Stevenson Coulter. West Bromwich Albion; Pearson; Shaw, Tretham; Murphy, Richardson (W.) Edwards, Gale, Carter, Richardson (W.G.) Sankey, Boyes.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central League Match at Goodison Park. Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Blackpool. Kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, 2d, Stands extra including tax.
EVERTON’S UNUSUAL SIDE AND DEFENSIVE PAIRING.
March 8, 1935, Liverpool Echo
By “Bee.”
Football life is very queer, especially when you have been beaten in a Cup-tie! However, no one can gainsay the excellence of Everton’s season, and out of the misfortune of injury comes the chance of the young fellows of the game. Here is a curious blending, arising out of Cook’s injury. Jackson and Jones, the Everton backs, played together in –
The “A” team four years ago;
In the reserves team later; and now in the first team.
They should know each other’s style and movements! Thus at last we come to another Everton defensive pair purely local –the previous noteworthy example was the case of Bill Balmer and Crelly, and later Bill Balmer and Bob Balmer. Everton will be tackling the side that beat Preston, and West Bromwich have a record for goal-getting that is almost on a par with Everton at their best. Certainly the meeting of these two old sides at the Hawthorns will be interesting and instructive and entertaining. Maybe the selection of Cliff Britton as an inside forward will be attended with happy results. Britton has always been of a forward nature on the football field, and his body swerve was never shown to more advantage than when he performed his “One Man Band” run against Leeds. Playing at inside right instead of right half will doubtless give him more rest, and therefore, more chance to show his constructive football skill, while no one has fear of Mercer ‘s half back work. Sagar’s return is another welcome feature for Evertonians. Team; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Britton, Cunliffe, Stevenson Coulter.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. Central League Match at Goodison Park. Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Blackpool. Kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, 2d, Stands extra including tax.
EVERTON AT WEST BROMWICH
March 9 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton have struck a bad patch at the wrong time, and the team is undoubtedly handicapped in their efforts to gain a higher place, the injury to Dean and Cook rob the side of two of its main pillars, but the team are chosen will, I think give the Albion a good run. It will be quite a novelty for Everton to take, the fold with two local backs and the exploits of Jones and Jackson, will be closely followed. Mercer has proved an able substitute for Britton who to-day will be seen as a forward, where he will have ample scope to utilize, his great skill and resource, Cunliffe who has proved a most versatile player in the Everton ranks, lead the attack Thomson celebrates, his two hundredth appearance for Everton by acting as captain in place of Dean, Trentham of Albion also makes his two-hundredth appearance. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Britton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Coulter. West Bromwich Albion; Pearson; Shaw, Tretham; Murphy, Richardson (W.) Edwards, Gale, Carter, Richardson (W.G.) Sankey, Boyes.
Everton-Leeds Affair.
The Rules Revision Committee of the Football Association are to consider at their meeting on Monday the question of a player who having left the field returns without first obtaining permission of the referee. Controversy has been aroused by an incident of this nature, which occurred during the Everton v. Leeds match at Goodison Park last Wednesday.
EVERTON RES V. BLACKPOOL RES
March 9 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Everton had a good chance of taking a leading goal in the first minute, but Hannon, who Leyfield centred, screwed the ball inside of the upright. Higham also shot outside and although much of the play on both sides was unconvincing Blackpool’s goal, which was scored by Watson was an excellent effort. From a free kick drove in for Roxburgh to edge the ball against the face of the bar, whence it passed over. The Blackpool keeper later caught a good centre from Stein, but there were few shots of note to trouble either custodian. Cresswell got his head to a full-blooded drive by Brallisford. Half-time Everton Res 0 Blackpool Res 1.
Everton “A” v. Hoylake.
At Crosby. Everton scored through Hullett after 10 minutes. R. M. Watson made many fine clearance in the Hoylake goal. The visitors finished weakly. Half-time Everton “A” 1 Hoylake nil.
FAMOUS CLUBS HISTORY-BRENTFORD
Match 9, 1935. Evening Express Football Edition.
Famous Club’s Five Points In A Season.
Now They Are Heading For the 1st Division!
Brentford in the Days of the Tests
By a special Correspondent.
A few years ago it was only the people of the South –and more particularly those following the Southern Section clubs –who would have given more than a passing though to Brentford. Yet during the last three years the West London club has leaped from comparative obscurity to the limelight. Gaining promotion to the Second Division at the end of 1932-33 season, Brentford made such headway that it was only by the merest margin of one point that the club did not climb direct from the Third to the First Division in the space of two campaigns. This season again they are in the van of promotion candidates. But let us go back a few years and see how the Brentford club reached its present eminence. In 1888 when the Football League was formed Soccer was not the popular game in the South that it had become in the North. Professional clubs were few and far between, and those that were in existence found it difficult to make much headway. As number of smaller amateur organization came into being about that time, and one of these was a club known as Brentford F.C. That was in 1888.
Honour After Honour.
They played their early matches on a field at the back of a Westeyan Chapel quite close to their present ground. Five years after their formation Brentford won their first honour –the championship of the West London Alliance. Once having tasted the sweets of victory, they went all out for further trophies. In 1894, the club still playing under amateur rules, won the West Middlesex Junior Cup. A year later ambitious after those two successes, they carried off the Westy Middlesex Senior Cup. In 1898, playing at Shooter’s field, they achieved another milestone in their career by annexing the London Senior Cup after beating Illford 5-1 in the final. That same season they carried off the Middlesex Senior Cup, and were runners-up in the London League, while the reserve string were champions of the Kingdom League. A great season indeed. Then came Brentford’s first real difficulty. The club had to pay the penalty of success, for the big League clubs, on the lookout for good players, started to throw out their bait in the direction of the Brentford men. Th bait was good. The stars of the side left the club many of them for the North and Brentford found themselves right up against it for the first time in their career.
Disastrous Period.
The 1898-99 season started disastrously for the club. The team, short of the men who had fallen for the bigger clubs’ bait was far below its former strength. To make matters worse, the club lost their ground. True a new one was found at a place called the Cross Roads but this was too far out of the town to be popular with the supporters, while it was also a bad playing pitch. Nothing seemed to go right. Brentford enter that season in very sore straits indeed. The following campaign –1899-1900-things were even worse. It was realized that one thing only would save Brentford the adoption of professionalism. This step was undertaken immediately and the club started to rise again. Admission was gained to the Second Division of the old Southern League, and the move seemed to suit the side. At the end of that season, Brentford were champions, without having suffered a defeat and having only 11 goals scored against them. It was a great record yet promotion was not automatic in these days. As in the more powerful Football league, end of season test matches decided the promotion on and relegation questions. The champions of the lower section had to beat the bottom team in the senior division to gain the deserved elevation. Brentford’s test match was against Swindon, and they could do no more than draw a result, which meant a further season in the lower section of the Southern League. Then a club known as Gravesend United dropped out of the First Division before the start of the new season –and Brentford were invited to take their place.
Strange Lapse.
Brentford made a poor start in the First Division. It was not until November that the side won its first match. In most games they were overwhelmed, and it came as no surprise when they finished next to bottom, with only twenty points. The following season was the worst in Brentford’s history. Although they had the assistance of Ben Warren, the famous Derby County half-back, they won only two matches, lost 27, and finished the campaign with only five points. Their goal-average read 16 for and 84 against. This meant the playing of another test match. Fulham, champions of the Second Division, were their opponents. And to the surprise of the South Brentford won by 7 goals to 2, after being a goal down in the first few minutes of the game.
Splendid Recovery.
War-time football when Brantford played in London combination found the club more than holding their own. With the assistance of several well-known players including Fred Keenor, Cardiff’s Welsh international half-back they were champions. Their team was a brilliant one, and when the league competition were resumed after the war Brentford went back again into the First division of the Southern League which became the Third Division the following year. Since then, Brentford have climbed steadily. In 1929-30 they were runners up and two years ago they carried all before them and gained promotion to the Second Division. Where they are continuing to make a great impression by their go-ahead play. Mr. Harry Curtis a former well known League referee, who was first manager of Gillingham before accepting Brentford ‘s offer, has done much for the West London club. He it was who built up the fine promotion side including in which were four players from Middlesbrough. The finest capture he made was the accuring of John Holliday a then little-known reserve centre-forward from Middlesbrough. But Holliday took his chance and has become one of the most prolific scoring leaders in the game. Watson Scott, and Muttith the other Middlesbrough’s captures also did their share towards Brentford’s success while J.C. Burns the amateur international half-back has been a prominent figure in the team during the last few years. “Patsy” Hendren, the great hearted Middlesex batsman, is always connected with Test matches, yet Pat was a famous footballer before he reached promince on the cricket field, being an outside-left with Brentford during and after the war, and in 1920 he played for England in a victory international match against Wales. Jack Durston one of the tallest men ever to play cricket, was also a Brentford player just after the war. He was a goalkeeper, and appeared regularly with the League side.
EVERTON WELL AWAY.
March 9 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.
Thomson’s Joyful 200th Appearance.
Coulter Finds Mark
First away Win Since February 1934.
By Bee.
At last Everton have won away from home, their first success since February 23, 1934, Thomson being captain and celebrating his 200th League appearance. Coulter prime scorer of goals from outside left position got the only goal and against a Cup semi-final team who were watched by two Bolton officials with a view to next Saturday’s Cup-tie. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Britton, Cunliffe, Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson goal; Shaw and Trehtham, backs; Murphy, Richardson (W.), and Edwards half-backs; Gale, Carter, Richardson (W.G.) Sankey, and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. Bristow, Stafford. Jock Thomson acting captain at this, his 200th appearance in the League, won the toss at West Bromwich and took the sun at his back and the win in his face. Everton’s form against the Cup semi-finalists was of very good character. Trentham was hit by a centre from the left and dropped in pain. This was a consequence of the terrible blast in spite of the sunshine. Mercer went near after Britton and Geldard had shown excellent form as a pair and although Geldard was angled, he made a lovely centre shot which Pearson caught. Britton followed with a shot dealt with in the same way and then Sagar had his first work, a choice catch from W.S. Richardson who took the corner kicks and did not do his work so well. Coulter, had many successful battles with Shaw but when Albion improved a little Boyes had an open goal and shot straight at Sagar’s body. Thomson was not only a good leader but was also excellent in his command of the ball, and also at heading away in the goalmouth.
Sagar’s Saves.
Britton gave Cunliffe a through pass, but Cunliffe shot like Stevenson’s later on was off the mark Murphy then tried along drive just outside, and Gale, the Chester player, follow suit, Sagar pushing the ball up and over the goal –a first class save –followed by the same man running out and checking apparently another successful incursion by the left-wing. Britton went to inside left to assist in a throw in and Sagar fied to a corner kick just as readily as readily as Preston made a one-hand thump away from Geldard. Considering the wintry conditions the form of both sides was good. Cunliffe was unable to score when in front of goal, and Geldard was winded, and lay on the turf while play went on, and Britton made a tip-top shot, which Pearson dealt with in praiseworthy manner. A handing centre of shot by Coulter was tipped out by the home goalkeeper, and away went West Bromwich, Gale making a strong low drive that Sagar saved. The Everton boys, Jackson, Jones, and Mercer had done well, and Britton had been a success at inside right.
Half-time West Bromwich 0, Everton 0.
Everton Take Lead.
In three minutes Everton had take the lead. There was some excellent endeavour on the part of Thomson and the left wing, and eventually Coulter, stealing inside, surprised the Albion defence by gliding the ball to the right hand corner of the net. Mercer, Jones and Jackson in turn cut across the disappointing Albion forwards, and eventually the home team ordered Gale and W.G. Richardson to change places. Everton were quite the dominating force, and Geldard’s tip-and-run beyond the backs was varied with a fine runthrought in which nothing but good luck saved West Bromwich another goal. Coulter just offside headed on to the crossbar from Britton’s turn-away pass. Jones went far forward to set the left wing in an engagement with a harassed defence Gee following suit. Cunliffe let out one of his best shots and struck the crossbar, Pearson being well beaten and imaging the ball most pass over. West Bromwich were now in a state of fury and the crowd began to make Cup comparisons and prospects. All through thus far Everton had played in superior style and in a much more engaging manner.
Exciting Finish.
Gale netted, but was offside, out W. Richardson headed in a corner kick, which was all the way a winner until one found Mercer heading out and saving Sagar. Pearson was saved in almost similar manner but not quite so seriously in the next move after which the referee had a word with Coulter. The finish was highly exciting. Sagar made one of his de luxe catches and Edwards copied Mercer heading out from the goal line when Stevenson appeared to have scored. A second time Stevenson looked like scoring but again he was without luck and so Everton won their first away match since February 23, 1934. Final; West Bromwich 0 Everton 1.
NOTED FORMER FOOTBALLER
Sunday Post - Sunday 10 March 1935
The death occured at East Cottage, Fauldhouse, of Mr. James Gordon (58), a well-known former footballer, who played for Hibs and Everton.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0 EVERTON 1 (Game 1510 over-all)-(Div 1 1468)
March 11 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Surprise For Cup-Team.
How Everton Beat West Bromwich.
Coulter’s Decisive Blow.
By “Bee.”
Everton have waited long and patiently for their first away victory of the season, and now nit has come, it is found to be their first visiting victory since late in February 1934. It was a welcome win because it turned the tide of a supposed “hoodoo” that has long been hanging over the club. When one remembers it comes at the time of some young members of the side being introduced it makes the victory all the more welcome and palatable. The team-sheet, in fact, was a most uncommon one. It showed Sagar returning to goal and doing great deeds of valour in the closing stages, when West Bromwich tried to redeem themselves; it showed the youthful pair, Jackson and Jones, at full-back for their first time in partnership, and Mercer once more at wing half-back; finally, there was much to interest us in the appearance of Britton as a forward instead of a half-back.
The Newcomers.
Let us take the newcomers first. Mercer saved his side by heading out of the goalmouth when Sagar was not near, and his general hold-up of the West Bromwich left wing was so complete that eventually the home side changed their attack –twice to be explicit –and still they got no return although they certainly made a battling finish and looked likely to snatch a half yet when Everton returned to the attack late on, they would have been three up with any sort of fortune, because they had the home defence in knots, and only really bad fortune prevented Stevenson and Cunliffe getting further goals. Britton’s fine support as a forward was more than interesting it showed his use of the ball, his command and his wise disposal of it, and it showed too, he could deliver a strong shot –Pearson caught this strong effort. But in the second half Britton seemed to fade away from the attack and became the hangback forward. Perhaps he tired through his unusual running about; certainly he continued to do bright work in semi-defensive manner through his wise use of the ball.
Cunliffe’s Runs.
Cunliffe as a centre always promises to do big things. He has the good, the height and the virility, but near goal he has not the definiteness and precision necessary –or so it seems. Here he made stride solo runs but his best efforts came to nought, one striking the crossbar and the other being saved by Pearson. Of course, it is too early to talk of Cunliffe as a leader of attack, but on the score of energy and endeavour. Allied to quick moving use of the ball, he has distinct possibilities. At half-back Gee blotted out the quick fire centres W.G. Richardson who eventually became an outside right and later inside left Gale ex-Chelsea became centre forward after having been the danger shooter in the opening half. No one played better than the acting captain Thomson, who was helpful in defence and a maker of attacks through the association with the left wing pair. Thomson was celebrating his 200th League appearance, and doing it with happy result. The youthful backs were facing an erratic and small forward line, but both Jackson and Jones did their work in admirable fashion. It was not a day for football, the air was biting, the wind was very strong and for a time in the second half Everton were forced to play against the wind they had suffered all through the first half after Thomson had elected to take the sun at their backs rather than the wind. The ball was in a playful mood, and t was difficult to harness the wind.
The Archer-Schemer.
Certainly Everton judged it better than their rivals, and cohesion of the side earned them victory a victory made possible through that arch schemer Coulter appearing once more bat an other berth and gliding the ball in his own patent manner beyond a bewildered defence. It was an angled effort and therefore the more praiseworthy. One goal sufficed though Everton had a hard innings in the last quarter of an hour, yet in the closing minutes Edwards kept Stevenson from a goal just as Mercer had done to West Bromwich earlier in the game. Stevenson’s best work came late on and Coulter was always a danger mark through his practical methods of dealing with his centres or shooting chances.
Coulter had only failed to score twice in the last eleven matches and in rivalling Rimmer of Sheffield Wednesday in this vital factor of play. Geldard, with firm runs and unerring centres, reminded the locals of the day of E.I. Bassett the chairman of West Bromwich and one time their right winger and captain. So Everton have broken the ice on a winter’s day, and their play was of a high degree of quality West Bromwich were disappointing with their team’s display and even allowing for the absence of Sandford and Glidden admitted they would have to play better than this to have a chance with Bolton Wanderers in the semi-final of the cup. Edwards was their best half-back, with Murphy a good club type. At back they were positence goalkeeping was quite good; forward work acted distinction and broke down through using the short pass too often against a great half-back line. . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Britton, Cunliffe, Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson goal; Shaw and Trehtham, backs; Murphy, Richardson (W.), and Edwards half-backs; Gale, Carter, Richardson (W.G.) Sankey, and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. Bristow, Stafford.
EVERTON RESERVES 1 BLACKPOOL RESERVES 1
March 11 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 30)
Had Everton been able to harvest their first half display with the equal spirits and enterprise that characterized their after interval play, a victory undoubtedly would have been the outcome. As it was the Goodison side failed to get going together in the first stage and although their indulged in most of the pressure Blackpool were the more dependable attacking force. Everton provided a complete contrast on resuming for where they had been slow and hesitant they now attacked with determination, and that their efforts did not yield goals and a victory was entirely due to the solids of Blackpool’s defence Roxburgh in goal, being responsible for a number of brilliant engagements. Watson (A.) opened the score for Blackpool after five minutes but Everton equaliser just after resuming Leyfield heading in from Stein’s centre. White Stein, Leyfield Cresswell and Archer were Everton’s most consistent players.
EVERTON’S SECOND “DOUBLE” IN 3 SEASONS.
March 11 1935. Evening Express.
Youngest Side Ever to Represent the Club.
By the Pilot.
Everton scored their first “double” of the season in beating West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns 1-0, and also helped to preserve a Merseyside record for this season. Neither Everton nor Liverpool have been defeated by a Birmingham side this term. Everton have accomplished the “double” against West Bromwich Albion, drawn twice with Aston Villa and beaten Birmingham at Goodison Park. Liverpool have scored a “double” over Birmingham taken three points from West Bromwich Albion, and defeated Aston Villa at Anfield. It was only Everton’s second “double” in three seasons. Last season the only club from whom they took four points was Arsenal and the previous season –the Cup year –they failed to bring off a double event! The victory at the Hawthorns secured by clever accurate and combined football was witnessed by Mr. Fred Rinder; a member of the management Committee of the Football League who said, after the match. “Everton are the cleverest football team I have seen this season.”
New Formation A success.
The strange Everton formation was a success. Britton, at inside-right did well in the first half, though tiring a little towards the end, and his deputy at right half-back, Mercer, had no superior on the field. Cunliffe was always a dangerous leader even though he did miss two chances in the first half. He led the line well and kept on the move searching for the half-chances. Jackson and Jones, in defence, rarely made a mistake. They tackled well, covered neatly revealed anticipation and kicked a nice length with and against the wind. The side that beat the Albion is, perhaps, the youngest ever to have represented Everton in the League. The average age was 22 years 9 months. There is not a younger team playing today. The remainder of the Everton side did well. Sagar had busy spells but was grand in handling and anticipation. There was perfection in everything he did. Thomson, celebrating his 200th appearance and captaincy and Gee completed a brilliant half-back line, which held the Albion forwards in a stern grip and the little Irishmen on the left –Stevenson and Coulter –had a busy and successful day. Coulter, the ever-watchful, again scored the all-important goal.
Everton Not for Paris.
Mr. T.H. McIntosh the secretary of Everton F.C. told The Evening Express that Everton will not be playing at Sanit-Quen on March 28. “The offer was made but the directors decided not to tour.
THE YOUNEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE.
March 11 1935. Liverpool Echo
High Praise for Everton from F.A. Officials
Coulter’s Collection of Goals.
By “Bee’s.”
Readers will have noted the request of a correspondent that I went back to my beloved Brum and –stopped there. Well, I made the journey there on Saturday, and could not find it in my heart to stay away, otherwise I could not have told you of Everton’s changed outlook on football life, of their success away after thirteen months; of their good football, praised by Mr. Rinder the F.A. cup member ex-Villa chairman, as “the best display I have seen from any team this season” nor could I have told you Everton are the youngest team in any league the average ago of the side being 22.9 years. It is a new record for Everton, and it came the day the “veteran” (spare the quotation) Jock Thomson was acting captain and celebrating his 200th league game. Time is a great healer and the Cup defeat is already wearing off some of its snarls. One correspondent passed a page of strictures upon me for my work of a week ago and by the next day’s post asked me to destroy the letter and accept his abject apology. This is to give notice I have made the acceptance. So Birmingham could not hold me, and the Midland side could not hold Everton in one of their brightest days. The goal margin hardly indicates the superiority of class and football artistry, nut it enabled Coulter to take just one more goal per game; nine out of the last eleven games have seen him making his mark. Of course, the great charm about the side was the way the young fellows responded to the promotion call. Jackson and Jones were excellent, and behind the two came the dashing Sagar, returning after an important period of lapsing through injury. Mercer saved a goal, and generally speaking blotted out the wing opposed to him. Gee did so well and truly that W.G. Richardson went first to outside right and then inside left, and Thomson did his tip-toe act on the touchline with supreme confidence and ability –the half-back line was the backbone of the young side. Britton appearance as a forward created much interest. Half backs rarely go forward but Britton’s natural winding way and sure and precise lob or pass made it possible for him to break the customary rule. He linked up with the fast and fascinating Geldard in delightful fashion, and had a capital first half- afterwards he seemed to drift towards defence, but there again he elected the part of the back-forward, and his passes always started an attack; moreover he provided one of the best shots of the game. The others came from Stevenson late on and Cunliffe, who hit the crossbar and generally promised to run riot by going through alone, without quite fulfilling his promise. West Brom, on this form could not beat Bolton. Shush Mr. Corr..Do not think I am a Boltonian “I have only seen then twice this season; once too often! But Sandford was not present. Glidden was not there and the little side had very erratic forwards. Carter was limbering and Gale was their only danger mark while at half-back only Edward’s stood out prominently, though Murphy is always terrier like in his tackles and attacks. It was touch and go with Everton about their first away victory, in the last quarter of an hour; yet in the closing minute they might have made it three if they had the least fortune with well-blended attacking efforts. Altogether this was a joyful outing and if not the usual goal-glut of Everton’s home fashion certainly an entrancing game in pertriying conditions. I congratulate the young eleven upon their all-round success and superiority. And now please may I stop in Liverpool a little longer?
The game was over; the memory lingered on. The boys were overjoyed at their success and both Jones and Jackson shook hands in congratulation and then went to Jock Thomson and shook his hand. I like this enthusiasm. Arsenal at Goodison Park on Saturday has been made into another real gala game. If Everton best form they and Sunderland and Manchester City will be on the doorstep of the leaders. Everton never sell more than 300 tickets for any league game and these have gone west long ago; but first come, first served is the stand motto for Saturday next and there will be the customary shilling portion for 50,000 people. It is pretty plain Willie Cook of Everton will not play again this season. He is in “Paris” –or wishes he was, for as you can imagine he is too lively a mover to he-a-bad without complaint. Here’s wishing he comes through without further break.
Everton’s Match in France
Paris, Monday.
Negotiations are, it is reported, well advanced for Everton F.C. to play a match at Saint-Quen against a combined team from the Red Star Olymique, Racing Club de Paris and C.A. Paris clubs in march 28.
SEQUEL TO EVERTON-LEEDS INCIDENT
March 12 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
BY John Peel.
The question of a player who has left the field returning without, the referee’s permission was among the matters which engaged the attention of the rules revision committee of the football association, at their meeting in London yesterday, but no statement was issued to the press as the recommendations arrived at by the committee have first to go before the FA council for consideration and confirmation. The point in question became a pressing one as the outcome of an incident in the match at Goodison Park last Wednesday. Without obtaining permission of the referee a Leeds player returned after, being injured, and took part in a movement, which produced a goal. Controversy was caused over the goal, which the referee allowed and a clearing-up of the rules concerned was generally deemed advisable.
EVERTON TEAM CHANGES.
March 13 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
The meeting of Everton, and Arsenal on Saturday is the big League game of the day, and there should be another huge gate at Goodison Park to see the match, the result of which may have an important bearing on the championship. Arsenal are out to equal the record of Huddersfield Town, the winning of the championship in three successive season. They have a two-points lead over –Sunderland and Manchester City for 32 matches Sheffield Wednesday (33 matches) being fourth with 39 points, and Everton fifth (32 matches) with 37 points. Saturday’s game should produce a great struggle for supremacy.
Everton Benefits.
It has an added interest in that Saturday is “benefit day” for two of the Everton players –Dean the captain, and Thomson, the vice-captain. Dean was signed from Tranmere Rovers on March 17, and played his first League match for Everton on March 21, against Arsenal. It was against Arsenal that he got three goals in the last match of the 1927-28 season and brought his aggregate to 60 a league record. Dean is now due for the second benefit. Thomson was signed from Dundee on March 13, 1930, and thus qualifies for his first benefit. Both players have shared in Everton’s triumphs, including the winning of the Second Division and First Division championship and the Cup in successive years and both have gained international honours.
Forward Experiment.
Dean will not be able to pay on Saturday against Arsenal as he is still on the injured list. The same players who beat West Bromwich Albion will be on duty but there is an interesting change of position. Britton who was at inside-right on Saturday, returns to the right-half while Mercer, who was in the intermediate line will play at inside right, his first appearance as a forward in the League side. The team will be: Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Mercer, Stevenson, Coulter, The Kick-off is at 3.15.
A “Rubber “ Game.
Post war games between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park have left the rivals with almost identical records. Fourteen matches have been played under League auspices during this period, and each club has secured 14 points. Each side has won five games with four drawn, Everton scoring 29 goals against 27. The Everton Reseves side to visit Blackburn Rovers will be: King; Williams, Morris; Kavanagh, White, Archer; Leyfield, Bentham, Dickinson, J. Hannon, Stein.
Cook’s Injury.
There is better news regarding Cook, the Everton back, who was injured in the match against Leeds United. It was first reported that he had a leg broken, but I am learn that the fibula –the small outer bone –of the left leg is slightly cracked vertically. The leg has been placed in plaster and it is hoped it will be all right again in about a month.
ARSENAL ALWAYS APPEAL.
March 15 1934. Liverpool Echo.
Everton 100-1 chance in spire them
By “Bee’s”
Everton have a 100-1 chance of taking a championship through their win at West Bromwich, which has tended to counter-balance the loss at Chelsea’s ground. Now Arsenal are welcome anywhere, whenever guffaws may be raised in boardrooms when the announcement of the defeat is made. They will always command respect and our attention when visiting the city, and now that Drake has the Kirchen element at his side –signed from Norwich three weeks ago –we can be-sure this forward line is going to be more liable to attack than in the past, when they counted defence first and last and the forwards snapped a goal through the sprightliness of a Hulme or a Bastin. Everton and Arsenal had a great ding-dong at Highbury –Everton’s best away display this season –when a goal seemed to be scored, but as we have not yet reached the giddy heights of goal judges. Everton could not “count” their opening goal. It will be great fighting tomorrow because Everton like other teams sets itself out to master these topnotchers and at home Everton have still much natural pride in their league record. The appearance of the nineteen-year-old Mercer as an inside forward is interesting the work of Britton for the first half was delicious, but later he found the pace and knock of a forward something he had not experienced as a half-back. So it was wise to restore him to his proper position and not spoil two positions trying to mend one, Mercer is a shooter a worker, and a thoroughly likeable raider. Cunliffe at centre is willing to shoulder on Dean’s great work –a greater work than many imagine, and we only realise it when he is absent -–ut he needs support and the line must be a two-wing affair if it is to be successful. Having said this and given my Cup forecast I think it only right I should safeguard myself by saying there is nothing in like to equal the glorious uncertainly of the law –and football! The one thing certain about this game is the enthusiasm it will create and the spectators it will recreate. Team: - Sagar; Jackson Jones; Britton Gee Thomson; Geldard, Mercer, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Coulter.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Sat.) Everton v. Arsenal, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands extra including tax. Over 10,000 seats available. Pay at the Turnstiles.
EVERTON AND THE ARSENAL.
March 16, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
The big League game of the day is reserved for Merseyside enthusiasts and Everton and Arsenal are likely to provide one of the most stylish displays of the season. The collection of stars in the Arsenal ranks is such that they demand the highest respect but that they are not unbeatable has been proved. Everton have a great chance this afternoon to force the club into a position that may lead to the second place. Everton’s home record is a very fine one and Arsenal will find strenuous opposition. It is a great test, however, for two youthful local backs, Jones and Jackson, to face Bastin, Davidson, Drake and company, but I do not expect that these Liverpool young men will be put off their game by famous names. It would be a great thing for them if they succeeded in contributing to the holding up of a star line of forwards. Two strong half back lines will be on view and the wiles of the Everton forwards are likely to be put to a severe test. It is bound to be a great game. The kick off at Goodison Park is at 3.15 and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Mercer, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Coulter. Arsenal: - Moss; Male Hapgood; Crayston, Roberts, Coping; Kitchen, Davidson, Drake Dougal, Bastin.
ARSENAL TWO GOALS UP.
March 16 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.
Injured Goalkeeper Scorers.
Moss Beats Sagar
Everton’s Second Home League Defeat.
By Buzz.
The old firm, Moss, Male Hapgood and Roberts, did the trick again, and thus completed the doubts against both our local sides. Moss who suffered great pain through an injured shoulder for the propose of helping his side to get both points was the hero of the day. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Mercer, Cunliffe, Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Arsenal: - Moss goal; Male and Hapgood, backs; Crayston, Roberts and Copping half-backs; Kirchen, Davidson, Drake, Dougal and Bastin, forwards. Referee Mr. E.C. Barnwell Lichfield. An Everton-Arsenal match without either James and Dean was a new fashioned one, but the attendance at Goodison was approximately 50,000. It was a nice comfortable “house full.” The first real move of note arose whim Jones missed his kick and Drake was let right through but he paid more attention to strength than direction, and the ball flew very wide. On such a firm ground the ball was exceptionally lively and Arsenal seemed to get the ball under control better in the early moments.
Arsenal Escape.
Jackson started the move that nearly brought Everton a goal. He saved the ball from the dead line, and Cunliffe took his pass and beat Roberts with a flick over his head before giving Coulter a chance to score. Moss anticipated this more quickly enough to smother away Coulter’s right foot effort, and from a corner Copping did well to get the ball away. Copping was hurt in a rather mysterious way hereabouts, and was carried pick-a-back to the touch-line for attention. Davidson was spoken to for apparently something he said to the referee, Coulter beat three men by some delicious football, and from his pass Thomson had a shot blocked away Thomson afterwards got a free kick after he had made a dogged run pursed by Davidson who got a hefty charge to contend with as the penalizing free kick for fouling the Everton man. Drake forced Sagar to misjudge a high lob. The Everton goalkeeper lost thee ball. The Everton goalkeeper lost the ball, and was probably saved by Jackson’s timely kick away. The same player used an overhead kick to prevent Drake getting through, and at this stage the game was beginning to get a bit tousy. Mercer from Geldard’s short pass, sent the ball on to and over the bar, if Stevenson had been able to respond to the promoting of Coulter, who was the most ticklish customer Arsenal had to deal with Everton would surely have got a goal.
Moss Retires Injured.
Moss was injured when fisting away a Coulter corner, and it looked at though he had a dislocated shoulder or arm. After a long delay Hapgood donned Moss’s jersey. The funniest thing one could see was Hapgood taking a goal kick and then forgetting himself beginning to run up the field to his usual position. Hapgood made a brilliant save from a Header by Ciunliffe, throwing himself the length at the ball. Drake ran practically half the length of the field only to deliver a slow shot. The Hapgood got the tips of his fingers to another header this time Mercer’s.
Drake Shoots Through.
Drake put Arsenal in front ten minutes before the interval with a good shot from Davidson’s though pass. The scorer did well to get the ball down quickly from a fair height before shooting. Geldard was twice in evidence and Mercer should have done better than screw the ball wide after his Partner’s run in which he was hampered by Dougal. Cunliffe headed high over the bar and right on top of goal. The Arsenal were getting plenty of adverse decisions but Everton did not make good use of the free kicks. Robert’s head must have connected with the ball twice as often as anyone elses.
Half-time Everton 0, Arsenal 1.
Moss at Outside Left.
Moss came out with the Arsenal team for the second half but it was too go to the outside left position. Apparently his shoulder had been strapped up so that he could fill this berth. The Everton team also tried up in a new formation. Mercer and Cunliffe changing places Bastin filled a sort of fourth half back position on the left wing. Injuries were frequent; but they were of a minor character, and were probably due more than anything to the hard ground. Everton had the bulk of play, but as yet they had done nothing to cause Hapgood any anxious. It had not been a classical match and the thrills were confirmed to some rather scrappy incidents in either goal. Moss strange to say went near to scoring or should it be said was in a scoring position once or twice. The game did not become any less intensive. There was a nasty scene when Davidson and Coulter got to cross purposes, and Coulter was spoken to by the referee. Davidson and Kirchen had not impressed anyone. At seventy minutes there was a football “believer it moment” Moss scored for the Arsenal. It is not often a goalkeeper scores from the outside left position, but today Moss took Drake’s pass from outside left and made no mistake and give his side a very useful second goal.
GREAT SOCCER TEAMS HISTORY-NORWICH CITY
March 16 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Match That was Played Behind Locked Gates.
Norwich’s Cup Adventure.
By a Special Correspondent.
A Philosopher said once that the greatest joy in life is to look back on your troubles. That being so, the Norwich City people must be feeling happy indeed, for the club has only just succeeded in reaching a position of prominence after a good deal of struggle. The Norwich Club was formed in 1906, and as there was a vacancy in the old Southern League caused by the retirement of Wellingborough Norwich applied for membership. They were accepted in preference to Crystal Palace, Clayton Orient, Leyton and Gray United the rival candidates for election. The Southern League in those days, was made up on 18 clubs, and was a powerful competition. Norwich found themselves facing such sides as Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, West Ham, Southampton and Plymouth, with the last three of whom they have now renewed acquaintance. The first season in the Southern League was a reasonably successful one, for Norwich finished seventh. The club never did better than this until 1932-33 season, some years after the Southern League had become the Southern Section of the Third Division. In that campaign they claimed third position, and followed up by winning the championship one-year later. In 1908-09 Norwich ran into peril and finished third from the bottom in the Southern League. This was their first season at the Nest, a curiously constructed enclosure built in an old sand-pit. In the Cup-tie they were drawn to meet Reading, and the Berkshire club objected to the size of the new ground. Their objection was unheld and the tie was played at Stamford Bridge. A goalless draw was the result and the teams drew again (1-1) when they replayed at reading. The third meeting was at Villa Park, where the City won 3-2.
Cup Victory Over Liverpool.
“The Canaries” as they are called were entitled to be in full song just about that time for in the next round they went to Liverpool and brought off a sensational 3-2 victory there. Bristol City dismissed them eventually and went on to reach the Final. The Western club were in the First Division in those days. If they were not particularly successful in the League Norwich were good Cup fighters. They dismissed Sheffield Wednesday from the combination of 1907-08 and this season reached the fifth round to be beaten. Strangely enough by Sheffield Wednesday who won 1-0. In the previous round they had dismissed Leeds 2-1 at Elland-road after a 3-3 draw at Norwich. In 1910-11 they overcame Sunderland, One of their players that season was Williams Hampson who won a Cup medal with Newcastle United in 1924 when he was 42 years of age.
Eerie Game.
In 1913, Norwich were called on to visit Leicester in the Cup. The match aroused tremendous enthusiasm in the cathedral city, and 3,00 spectators accompanied the team on their journey. The match, however, was a fiasco, for a heavy fall of snow caused an abandonment. This game by the way, was one of sixteen ties spoiled that day by the severe weather Norwich won at the second meeting by the comfortable margin of four goals to one and in the next round played two drawn games with Bristol Rovers before receiving their dismissal at Stamford Bridge. In those pre-war years Norwich City’s greatest adventures seem to have been in the cup, but the most curious exploit of them all came their way when the war was actually in progress. It was in the 1914-15 season, the last campaign before the ties were suspended “for the duration.” Norwich and Bradford City were paired, the Canaries incidentally having already disposed of Nottingham Forest and Tottenham. The first game at Bradford was drawn. So was the second at Norwich. The F.A. arranged for the third meeting to take place at Lincoln, and what is more they ordered it to be played behind locked gates. It was their feeling that the public attention should not be unduly diverted from war work. In such strange circumstances did this erie game start. Movements were made in silence. There was no roar of encouragement from the bankings, nothing but an occasional call from one player to another or a comment from the little group of officials in the stand. But you cannot keep people away from football, particularly Cup-tie football. The crowd had gathered outside and eventually they broke in. Bradford City won this extraordinary match by two goals to none.
A Great Recovery.
When League football was resumed in 1919, Norwich continued to play only moderately. By 1931 they were right at the foot of the table and were compelled to seek re-election. To win the championship only three years after this misfortune speaks well of their powers of recovery. Much credit for this success must go, of course, to Tom Parker the former Arsenal and Southampton full back, who piloted the club into Division 2 in the first full season of management. Parker introduced scientific methods such as had never been seen at Norwich before. A keen judge of a player, the Norwich manager has recruited extensively in the ranks of the amateurs in his desire to build up for the future. To do this he is running a third team, where promising youngsters have a fair chance to be moulded into league shepa. The player with longest service at the Nest is James Hanna who has been with the club for thirteen seasons. Starting as a centre forward he position he had occupied with Sherington, in the Norfolk and Suffork League, Hannah became a successful half-back and toured Australia with the F.A. team in 1925. After that he developed into an equally useful full back, taking the place of Albert Sturgess. Sturgess was a remarkable player. Before joining Norwich he had assisted Sheffield United for something like 16 years, during which period he occupied every position on the field won two international caps for England, and toured South Africa with the first F.A. team to visit that country in 1910. Norwich City, as we have seen, have little tradition to bolster them up. They are living in the present, with great ambitions for the future.
EVERTON 0 ARSENAL 2 (Game 1511 overall)-(Div 1 1469)
March 18 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Moss Upsets Everton.
Goalkeeper-Scorers For Champions.
Valuable Points For Arsenal.
An extraordinary incident occurred in the match in which Arsenal beat Everton by 2 goals to none at Goodison Park. Moss, the Arsenal goalkeeper, who dislocated his shoulder towards the end of the first half was the player concerned in it, and he made history by scoring from outside-left when playing there –ostensibly as a “passenger.” How much this decisive goal meant to the winners one cannot estimate until the season is over and we see by how many points the League champions win by but one thing is certain, Arsenal owed a great deal on this occasion to the pluck and football skill of Moss, who did not leave the field until a valuable day’s work had been done.
How the Injury Arose.
His injury arose when punching a ball away soon after Drake had sent Arsenal ahead at the 36th minute. Hapgood went in goal, and no one expected Moss to return. When it was seen that Arsenal fielded the full compliment after the interval, few realised that Hapgood was still acting goalkeeper and Moss was at outside-left. Even when Moss took a square pass from Drake at 70 minutes to score a perfect goal some of the onlookers thought Bastin had scored. Moss had to leave the field again, but was able to return after having his trouble temporarily “mended” but eventually he had to go for good, and when he left the field one thought the crowd rather slow to appreciate what he had done, even though it had been to Everton’s disadvantage. Moss suffered great pain, and had an anisette tic a hospital before his shoulder was set. The game otherwise had little to offer. It did not live up to its “paper” reputation, and the appearance of men like Kirchen, Dougal, and Davidson, though swelling the gate receipts did not make the match into the classic it was hoped would materialize. The occasion was too important for the teams to place good football above all else. Points were at the back of all minds, and Arsenal by winning left Everton with practically no chance of a challenge. The best that could be said of Arsenal was that they were with a substitute goalkeeper for more than half the game against a team with a strong home record.
Dean Greatly Missed.
Possibly Arsenal would not have won, if Everton had been at full strength. The Everton attack without Dean was a shell of itself. Geldard and Coulter comprised the outer edges, but there was a lack of substance in the inner berths which even the inter-changing of Cunliffe and Mercer for the second ball could not hide. Drake’s first goal was the result of a well-taken opportunity. Moss was also a good point. The Everton defence may have appeared sound, but Arsenal pierced it at least half a dozen times, only to fail belly on four of them. Bastin, when he became a fourth half-back did well, but Davidson and Dougal were both small, and inclined to be “temperamental” when they found the bigger man taking possession of them and the ball. Moss, Male, Hapgood, and Roberts were more than any others, responsible for Arsenal’s victory. Roberts was always happy with the ball in the air, which it was often and Hapgood’s two fine saves from flying headers, when first he went into goal, were masterly efforts for a “novice,” and discounted two of a few Everton moves that looked dangerous.
. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Mercer, Cunliffe, Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Arsenal: - Moss goal; Male and Hapgood, backs; Crayston, Roberts and Copping half-backs; Kirchen, Davidson, Drake, Dougal and Bastin, forwards. Referee Mr. E.C. Barnwell Lichfield.
BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
March 18, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 31)
After a featureless opening at Blackburn, Everton pressed, Hughes making several brilliant saves. The Rovers retaliated Benson causing King to parry a brilliant header, and again to negotiate a hot drive superbly. Turner failed to convert a penalty awarded the Rovers. In the later stages Everton improved, Hannon scoring, and Leyfield followed with a beautiful goal. Everton: - King, goal; Williams and Morris, backs; Kavanagh, White and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Bentham, Dickinson, Hannon, and Stein forwards.
ARSENAL SIGN BRADSHAW.
March 18 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Goalkeeper For Highbury.
Only six hours before the expiration of the time for unrestricted transfers, Arsenal secured the signature of Bradshaw, the young Everton goalkeeper. After Moss’s injury, Mr. Allison, the Arsenal manager approached Everton for the transfer of Bradshaw. The fee is understood to be about £2,000. Moss is not expected to play again for some weeks. Bradshaw had experience with Southport Park Villa, and went to New Brighton as an amateur before signing professional forms. Everton later secured him, and he played in only three first team games for them –against Aston Villa and Leeds United and the F.AS. Cup-tie with Bolton Wanderers. He stands 5ft 8in, and weighs about 10st 8lb.
EVERTON AND ARSENAL, STEATE THE FOOTBALL THUNDER.
March 18 1935. Liverpool Echo.
The Goalkeeper who Scored
A Goalkeeper of New Brighton, Southport, and Everton Becomes Arsenal Player.
By “Bee.”
Sensation upon sensation, I could hardly believe my ears when told on Saturday night of the signing of Bradshaw the Everton goalkeeper, by Arsenal Force of circumstances caused the transfer, and March 16 being the closing of the transfer dates there had to be a hurry-up decision when Moss, the Arsenal goalkeeper was damaged. So Mr. Allison asked Everton if they could help them out. Love thy neighbour should be the football slogan but the best of transfers the clubs rarely live up to that ideal. Yet, the first rule of the Football League said. “The League is formed with the notion of each club helping the other club.” Bradshaw’s football, life is as romantic as the story of the transfer deal on Saturday night after the match. Everton had been beaten by Arsenal, who thereupon had their damaged position in goal amended by the kindness of Everton in agreeing to transfer the young boy who only a fortnight before had made his league and Cup debut, the latter before Everton’s record crowd. Bradshaw is rivaling Palethorpe and some others by taking on new jerseys. Just before the Cup battle of the season started Everton felt constrained to realise on New Brighton’s preserves and take their goalkeeper. He had not been Cup tied and Everton felt safer with his signing in case Sagar was damaged. Which damaged duly came to pass and Bradshaw had a nerve-wracking task in two weeks of playing against villa in the League and Bolton in the Cup, and he came out of both trials with a degree of success suggestive of his future strength when experience had been added to his rather spare frame. Now Bradshaw has this season played for New Brighton, Everton, and Arsenal will follow in due course! Three clubs in one season, but of course it is a very exceptional happening. I wish him well in his task of tying to help Arsenal to stay top of the division. He is a bright young led of excellent credentials and his skill with the reserve side at Goodison has been highly praised by those who have seen him week by week.
Goalkeeper Scores.
Everton let the rolling stone gather Moss- and the goalkeeper’s goal cannot be properly valued until Arsenal have won –or-lost –the League championship. Whether it means another League success or not it made Moss the hero of the day, and even a rather lukewarm reception for the player who had done most to cause Everton'’ in doing cannot prevent one saying that as an exhibition of plucky it was one of the finest displays seen on the soccer field for a long time (writes “Buzz”) Yet, some of the spectators through Moss was a big theatrical; one even want so far as say that he had been fed-up with Moss leaving and coming back again –it interfered with the run of the game! Well, I only wish Everton had gone, to Arsenal and Sagar had done similarly, because only in those circumstances could the partisan follower of football realize what a fine victory Arsenal obtained. On a strange ground minds their goalkeeper between the bars and with a consequently shuffled team, they won 2-0 against a team with a home record almost second to none. Could one wish for more? It was another rather hitter disappointing for Everton. Here was a match they should have won especially when Moss had to leave goal; yet Hapgood, once he had unorthodoxy contrived to stop two good headers shortly after he had taken over Moss’s jersey, had a watching brief for practically the remainder of the game. His most serious work was not a shot, but a slight argument with an Everton half back after he had misjudged a punchaway. Everton’s inside weakness was shown up in this way.
Why Not Britton?
Everton’s fault was mostly the inability of the inside forwards. Even Mercer’s inter-change with Cunliffe did not improve matters, but possibly the reversion of the team to last week’s formation, Britton at inside right, might have been tried with profitable results while Coulter did fled and finessed in the first half the crowd was happy; he had the Arsenal bewildered. But note the reaction when Everton, stood a goal down and Coulter unedexnetly the same method in efforts to get a goal. Then he was told to “get on with it” –football psychology to a bnlatly. Kirchen, Davidson and Dougal were great disappointments. Dougal breeze and is built like James, but he had not the skill of the dynamo of football schemes; also Dougal in rather “temperamental” Davidson worked hard but without success, and Kirchen, a beautifully built man for a wing position, was plainly mot an fad with the usual Arsenal ideas “Drake” was always dangerous. Actually the moment for success boiled down to the old brigade. Moss, Male, Hapgood with Roberts towering above all others and making the ball his own when it was in the air. Copping work was excellent, and Barton, when he became a half-back, was not less versatile than Moss. On this showing it looks as though the tradition of an Arsenal jersey cannot “make” a player, but that Arsenal are still a great team.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. Liverpool v Everton on Wed, next 20th inst. Kick-off 3.15 p.m. Admission 1/-Boys 4d Stands 2/- 3/6 Half-time 1/- Paddock and Stands. (Inc tax).
HOW BRADSHAW BECAME AN ARSENAL PLAYER
March 18 1935. Evening Express.
Dramatic Transfer After Goodison Game.
Three League Clubs in Three Months.
By the Pilot.
George Bradshaw, the 21-year-old Merseyside goalkeeper, has had one of the most remarkable football season’s of any player. In December he was playing in Third Division football with New Brighton. He was transfer to Everton and in less than three months he was playing for Everton’s most important F.A. Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers. On Saturday to sat in the grandstand only yards from me and he saw Moss the England goalkeeper make the save of the match; meet with an injury than played at an outside-left and score a goal. An hour after the match Bradshaw had signed forms and had become an Arsenal player! He may play for Arsenal in their league match against Grimsby at Highbury on Saturday. There has not been such a dramatic transfer this season. Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton under remarkable circumstances had placed them in a splendid position for winning the championship for the third successive season and equalling the record of Huddersfield Town. The injury to Moss –who suffered a double dislocation of the right shoulder –placed a terrific handicap on them, and Mr. George Allison manager of Arsenal immediately made an appeal to Mr. W.C. Cuff the Everton chairman, and the directors. “Can you help us out of a difficulty” he said to Mr. Cuff who replied “What we can do to help we will.” “Then can I discuss Bradshaw with you.” Asked Mr. Allison. “Yes” came the reply, and a hurried meeting was called. An hour later Mr. Cuff told me of the transfer and added, “Mr. Allison wants to tell you about it. “ Mr. Allison told me the story of his coup, and concluded by saying: “The injury to Moss left us with only one goalkeeper. I had to get another and as there were only six hours to go for signing I made my appeal to Mr. Cuff. “I am grateful for the great help Everton have given us. We, at Highbury, will not readily forget it.” Bradshaw who has made three first team appearances for Everton –against Aston Villa, Bolton, and Leeds –reports for training at Highbury tomorrow. He is 5ft 8ins, and 10st.
Moss Experiences.
Moss and Hapgood were the heros of Arsenal’s triumph over Everton. Moss had a remarkable match, for in addition to his saves and goal getiing, he was spoken to by the referee for returning to the field after injury; found himself in a goalmouth tussle with Sagar; and had the experience of being given offside. Arsenal deserved their victory, for although Everton enjoyed the greater amount of pressure they failed in front of goal. Hapgood, the deputy goalkeeper brought off two marvellous saves in the first half but later enjoyed a “holiday” owing to the inability of the Everton forwards to shoot well. Jackson was the hero in defence and he alone felt confident against the sudden electric raids of the Arsenal forwards following sustained Everton pressure. The half-backs –Britton, Gee, and Thomson –did well in attack, but too often were found out of position when the Londoners attacked, and Geldard, the best forward suffered through lack of support. He was neglected for long periods in the second half. Cunliffe led the line well in the first half, and some surprise was occasioned when he and Mercer changed places in the second half. The line however, lacked the touch of Dean. The game was sensational rather than good. It enabled Arsenal to complete the “double” at the expense of both Merseyside clubs this season. They are a mighty team and worthy of the leadership.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. Liverpool v Everton on Wed, next 20th inst. Kick-off 3.15 p.m. Admission 1/-Boys 4d Stands 2/- 3/6 Half-time 1/- Paddock and Stands. (Inc tax).
INTERNATIONAL TRIAL MATCH
March 19, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Players Chosen.
By John Peel.
Two strong sides have been chosen to take part in the international trial game England . The Rest, at the West Bromwich Albion ground tomorrow week. The match is notable not only for the fact that the best players in the county will be on view but for the experiment which is being tried of appointing two referee to control the game. Britton and Geldard play for England, and Ted Sagar for The Rest. Cunliffe will travel as a Reserve. The two referees appointed are Dr. A. W. Barton (A.F.A) and E. Wood (Sheffield).
Geldard’s Chance.
It will be noticed that there are two Everton players in the senior side one in the Rest eleven, while Cunliffe is on reserve. Britton of course, is a regular choice these days, and one is glad to note that Geldard has come back into favour. During the last few months he has returned to his best form and ought to do well in this game. He is undoubtedly a thrusful wing forward possessing speed craft, and the ability to shot with power and accuracy while on the run. He seems to be a strong candidate for the position against Scotland. I see that Gardner, the former Liverpool player now with Aston Villa is no the Rest side.
Two Referees.
Legislators from the various countries interested in the best methods of controlling the game will have an excellent opportunity here of judging for themselves whether two referees are better than one. The experiment tried some time ago at Chester was up to a point, a success, but this is a more important test, and all football followers will be interested to see whether Dr. Barton and Mr. E. Wood have anything new to offer in the way of settling the vexed question of criminating causes of dissatisfaction which raise under the present method of control. It is obvious that incidents must escape the notice of one referee, but whether this new method or goal judges are likely to proved the solution remains to be seen. At all events, apart from the play in the game, the officials experiment will add interest to the occasion.
Irish Side to Meet Wale.
The Irish eleven to meet Wales in the international match at Wrexham on March 27 will included Stevenson and Coulter the Everton left wing pair. Stevenson and Coulter thus brings up the number of Everton players called on for representative duty, on the same day as six.
EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL LEAGUE GAME TOMORROW
March 19, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
By “Bee.”
Football, football, football sports scouting, scouts, golfing gout! So the merry round goes on. At the moment we have to slit out the things that matter. Tomorrow a game between Everton and Liverpool at Anfield –if this were a Saturday fixture the crowd would be 58,000 strong. Can midweek claims he stated to make it within hail of that figure? Tomorrow will tell, and when the treasurers have got the figures totted up Everton will know whether they have to pay compensation for if Saturday League gate being “Damaged.” The game tomorrow will lack nothing in interest because I find Anfield has its own special loyalty gang for Wednesday game, men who have the Wednesday half-holiday habit and are unable to play or watch a game on Saturdays. This is made self-evident when a Central League game of “A” team match is being played. Naturally neither Liverpool nor Everton looks too good just now, as both lost on Saturday, but the name “Derby Day” is sufficient to make every chosen pull out just that little extra “for the sake of the old club the “ a fine day and a fine game is assured; the gate is sure to be big weather wet or fine, because Spion Kop covers its multitudes, and the comactures of Anfield appeals to those who like a close up view of the game –than which no ground equals Anfield for “proximity.” No doubt is in my mind about the formation of the home team. It is likely to be unchanged, and that being so the team would line up in this fashions: - Probable team- Liverpool: - Riley; Cooper, Tennent; Savage, Bradshaw, McDougal; Nivvy, Hodgson, Wright, Taylor, Hanson; Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson. Coulter. Dean and Savage are being tried out today, and there is a good deal of optimism regarding then appearance tomorrow.
THE “DERBY” AT ANFIELD.
March 20, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
It is not often that a League “Derby” game is played in mid-week on Merseyside, but the intervention of Cup-tie necessitated the local clubs rearranging their game at Anfield, and so this afternoon the rivals meet in what is expected to prove one of the most interesting games of the season. Liverpool’s form has been of an erratic character, but on occasions such as this they rise to the top of their form. As matters stand the issue seems open, for Everton have not been at their best of late. It should be a capital game and mid-week enthusiasts are afforded an excellent opportunity of seeing a first-class display. It is the fifteenth match of the series the war, at Anfield, and I not e Liverpool have eight victories on their own ground to Everton’s four, two games being drawn. Liverpool have won the last two matches by 7-4 and 3-2, while in September last at Goodison Park. Everton won by the only goal scored by Dean in the last minute.
Both Clubs Make Changes.
Both clubs make changes for this afternoon’s match. Compared with the side beaten at Wolverhampton last Saturday, Johnson resumes in the Liverpool team in place of Taylor while Savage, who was hurt in the midweek match against Sheffield Wednesday, resumes at right half in place of Rogers. Johnson showed capital form in last Saturday’s Central league game and the opposes his old club once more. Dean is chosen to resume in the Everton ranks, and the forwards, therefore, will have the benefit of his skilful leadership. Cunliffe, of course, moves to his proper position at inside right in place of Mercer, and the rear ranks are as against Arsenal. The kick-off is at 3.15 and the teams are: - Liverpool; Riley; Cooper Tennant; Savage, Bradshaw, McDougall; Nieuwenhuys, Hodgson, Wright, Johnson Hanson. Everton: Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
EVERTON TEAM TRIALS
March 20, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Where is the Next Best Centre Forward?
By “Bee.”
Dean has had ten years of hard labour for Everton F.C and he would not be human if he did not show signs of becoming a trifle slower. Now Evertonians are wondering when his deputy will be signed. A correspondent raises this point and writes as if the club have but to go in and pay. It isn’t quite so easy as that, but the matter is so great I give his letter pretty fully, knowing it tells the view of many thousands of ardent Evertonians –
“Everton Blue” writes; - Now that the Everton directors have given us another performance of their dip into the hat to see which unfortunate is to take Dean’s place, isn’t it time the next dip is into their money-bag and buy that long promised centre forward? At the last annual meeting Mr. Cuff announced they would sign a first-class man, and here we are the season nearly over and still no one to take Dean’s place. You will remark that “that deal fell through” but surely Hartill isn’t the only centre forward who could have been brought. Bowers of Derby Glover of Grimsby would have shown some enterprised. Now a word of sympathy to Jackson and Jones who played really well against the Arsenal in having to play from a defensive point of view. Match after match I’ve noticed the wide open space in front of Everton’s goal in which opposing centre forward has been able to shoot at their goal, no one to hamper him; just the same story week after week, two full backs trying to play three men. Mr. Fooweraker the Bolton Manager, hit the nail on the head when in a pre Cup-tie interview which I read in one of the daily papers referring to Everton, remarked; “That a team that gives away so many goals can be so impossible to beat. As events proved he was right.
Lloyds News.
Mr. J. T. Lloyds of Smithdown-lane speaks of the want of some entertainment before the game at Goodison. Now I think it would be a splendid idea if the Everton officials would allow amateur turns, such as parade its streets; to appear round the sides of the ground. I am sure it would help to pass the tiring minutes while waiting for the kick-off.
THE PENALTY DERBY.
March 20 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Two Spot Kicks at Anfield.
Hodgson and Dean.
Liverpool Lead in A Stirring Battle
By Bee.
Liverpool and Everton met at Anfield, in summer weather, before a surprisingly large crowd. Teams: - Liverpool: - Riley goal; Cooper and Tennant, backs; Savage, Bradshaw and McDougall (captain), half-backs; Niewenhuys, Hodgson, Wright, Johnson, and Hanson, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Coulter and Stein forwards. Referee Mr. A. Taylor if Ince (Wigan). There were suprising changes. Stein returned to the Everton team and Coulter was inside left through Stevenson suffering neuritis. On the other side Kane made his debut in these “Derby” games, Riley having failed to get over a knee enquiry of last Saturday. This was Jones Jackson and Coulter’s first appearance in the local “Derby” also Kane, Cooper and Savage. Tom Johnson, for the first time had a First Division run against his old club. Moss, the Arsenal goalkeeper, is being presented with the ball with which he scored his romantic goal v. Everton, and the ball is being autographed by the players. The players came out together in customary “Derby” day formation. Everton won the toss which meant their goalkeeper was under the shadow created by Spion Kop and the sun shrone in the eyes of Liverpool. Stein and Johnson had words of companionship and it was seen that Johnson had arranged to recall the well-known Everton opening phrase. The ball was slung across to the outside right position, where Jones pictured the ball passing out to touch, whereas Nivvy very cleverly centred it at an angle that appeared to make a goal-impossible. The Everton goalkeeper was surprised to see the ball flop out of goal but on to the top net. Although Hanson was offside when he shot, the crowd did not hesitate to say “marvellous” when they saw pace of his efforts. Dean’s resumption in the Everton team synchronized with a wonderful “ducker” header. “Nivvy” was the outstanding man of the early play, and only a sharp look-out by Jackson prevented the winger from scoring after which we saw the strength of Cunliffe’s best shot.
Coulter Fists away.
The game had not been going five minutes before Coulter was cautioned by the referee for a tap altogether foreign to the customary “Derby” game methods of play. Bradshaw was prominent, hooking the ball over his head, but when Gee staved of a Nivvy centre but conceding a corner, the result was a goal in the making. The Everton defence was in zig-zag formation when Wright was about to headed into what was virtually an open goal. Coulter had fallen back to help the defence and could not resist the temptation to fist away, the result being a penalty kick, with Hodgson as usual the taker and a goal which gave Sagar no chance. Everton improved and after Stein had headed at a wrong angle with quite a nice pass Britton made his well known lob, and Dean stepped in to attempt the connection, but remarkable to relate the harassed goalkeeper saw the ball bounce in front of goal and travel over the crossbar –a remarkable escape.
A Second Penalty.
The equaliser in seventeen minutes was also a penalty kick. There was a debate about Dean’s position when a goalkick was being taken by Kane, Dean always insist on challenging the goalkeeper in these circumstances and as he dashed in Tennant made a definite body charge, and in the estimation of the referee pulled Dean over. Tennent complaint that dean did something to him. However, the referee was emphatic and instant about the decision and inspite of the groans of the people behind the goal, Dean took the spot kick and scored in spite of the attempted save by Kane, whose left hand was knocked up in the attempt to save his goal. Everton had quite recovered from their faults and in a game full of incident and with a suggestion of bite about it, Britton went through the ranks and for once Dean failed to head accurately and moreover had a free kick given against him for a foul on Bradshaw. Geldard in particularly and others in turn claimed that when Dean headed the ball across the face of goal a goal had been scored. The referee said “No” and so Kane, by rushing across and tapping the ball down, had saved his side. Sagar did likewise when making a well-timed fall by the goalpost from Hanson’s header which had been planted very accurately.
Hodgson’s Second.
Half a minute before half-time Hodgson scored a winning lead. The ball came from the left and Wright helped it on its way. When a lob was made towards the right wing Thomson seemed to hesitate before realising the ball was hanging in the air. He and “Nivvy” went up together to head the ball, and when the ball dropped Nivvy kicked it forward to Hodgson who put in a fast ground shot wide of Sagar’s right arm –a sensational conclusion to a very earnest first half.
Half-time Liverpool 2 Everton 1.
It struck me that the attendance was about 32,000. There was a free kick against Johnson, and the Kop saw how near a foul followed from Gee’s kick through a charge to Dean’s back. Gee made a possible equaliser Dean turning the ball to the left, where Coulter was steadying himself for a winning shot, only to be charged over. Johnson brought in his right foot to test Sagar at the foot of the post Geldard;’s centre found Kane able. Gee was brought into the referee’s conference, and a definite threat of sending off was announced by the referee if there was any further offence. One of the greatest successes of the day had been the referee.
LIVERPOOL TWICE TAKE LEAD
March 20, 1935. Evening Express
Thrilling Game at Anfield.
Two Goals for Hodgson.
Thrills abounded in the match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield today, but the game was marred by an abundance of fouls. The sides were evenly matched in a fast and exciting encounter. Hodgson scored from a penalty for Liverpool in seven minutes and Dean equalised from a penalty in 18 minutes . Hodgson scored a second goal for Liverpool right on the interval. It was a rare clash of style Liverpool’s sweeping passes being matched against the more intricate work of Everton. Dean, Sagar, Kane and Bradshaw were outstanding in the first half.
Continued from Page 4.
There was a big thrill when Stein centred to the goalmouth. Dean, heading in from well beyond the goal area, seemed to have Kane beaten, but the goalkeeper ran back along the goal-line and beat the ball out. Everton claimed that the ball had crossed the line, but the referee would not listen.
Sagar’s Great Save.
Next came a might save by Sagar off a header from Hanson. Thomson caused amusement with a first-time shot, which went right over the roof of the Anfield-road covering. There were plenty of fouls. Then came a delightful run by Britton on Geldard’s ground. Dean failed to reach the ball with his head and Stein’s shot bounced of an opponent. Everton had improved considerably since Hodgson’s penalty goal, and now there was little to choose between the sides. It was hard, fast, exacting football, with both sides always-promising goals. Cunliffe shooting on the run from Britton’s pass, placed just over the bar. Kane was playing like an international and made the save of the day off a cross shot by Stein after the winger had cut past Cooper. Kane flung himself full length to turn the ball aside. Right on the interval Hodgson gave Liverpool the lead. A free kick led to the score. The ball was pushed out to Hanson, who survived a tackle and crossed a long, hopping ball to the right. Thomson hesitated instead of heading the ball away, and “Nivvy” secured slipped it back along the carpet, for Hodgson to score with a half-paced shot into the far corner, which gave Sagar no chance.
Half-time Liverpool 2, Everton 1.
The second half opened as the first ended –with a free kick –and Dean was held up by Bradshaw. Next Dean turned over a lovely pass to Coulter, who trier to find a way between the backs. Johnson came through with a first-timer, Sagar saving by the post. Then Kane saved from Geldard. The Wright hooked one to the roof of the stand off “Nivvy” centre.
LIVERPOOL 2 EVERTON 1 (Game 1512 over-all)-(Div 1 1470)
March 21 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Liverpool On Top.
Penalties Mark Derby Game.
Kane’s Skill in Goal.
By “Bee.”
Liverpool won at Anfield yesterday against their neighbours, Everton, by two goals to one –a just margin and revenge for the defeat sustained earlier in the season. That gate was a remarkable one for a mid-week, 35 spectators making a sum of £1,850. With a dry ground, changed sides and the approach of the season’s end it would not have been a poor game, instead of which the football was of a relentless character as usual, and at times it bore a “heavy” mark with cautions to some players but taken on the whole it was an excellent struggle and the first half was a gem to watch. Afterwards it lapsed a little, purely through the players running themselves out in the hectic first half. First let us sturdy the important changes of team-sheet. Dean returned to Everton’s team and as Stevenson was suffering from neuritis, Coulter was drafted into the inside forward position with Stein as his partner that did not pay, because’s roaming propensity did not assist the attack, which was often straggling and was unbalanced lacking cohension on the wing, the right wing pair being much more dangerous. Late on the change of position on the left wing led Coulter into Cooper’s greatest display of rugged and sure tackling, and this in a measure kept Liverpool’s victory safe.
Kane Folis Dean.
On the Liverpool side Kane appeared in goal for Riley, who had a damaged leg, and this move left nothing to be desired so much so that Bradshaw and other players took the trouble to shake Kane’s hand, before he left the field. Kane took a well placed Dean header with calm assurance and finally he made a grand save from the same forward, who taking the ball when he was almost on the half turn, let out a smashing shot which Kane covered brilliantly –the save of the day. It was not Kane’s fault a penalty save was not credited to the young goalkeeper; he made a gallaint effort to stay Dean’s fast ball delivered from “spot” but only rapped his knucklers the ball flying to the top of the net. This was Everton’s penalty kick and it equalised the one given to Liverpool. These spot kicks were worth a special line. Early on Coulter fell to defence and handled the ball with such definitence that no one argued with Mr. Taylor’s decision. Hodgson score his second goal in the series of games with Everton. Then came one of those many arguments concerning the position a centre forward takes up when trying to combat a goalkick. Dean known quite well where he can stand, and the yardage in the penalty box is easy to definite. Kane and a back got ready to take the goal kick and Tennant tried to cover Dean, and in this move Tennant brought Dean down with a pull. At once the referee said “Penalty” and Dean scored in spite of Kane touching the ball. It seemed as if there would be no further score before half-time when work on the left and centre led to a high ball going towards the right side of the “kop” goal. Thomson and Niuwenhuys leapt to head the ball which fell behind Thomson’s back, and the neat pass forward to Hodgson from the right winger led to a low swerving shot out of Sagar’s reach. This ended the scoring, thanks to Everton’s generally poor inside work and their lack of penetrativences near goal.
Relentless Play.
Kane stood firm when most needed –on two occasion –and Everton had to bow the knee. The game was hard, relentless fluctuating –the losers had one spell of attacking in the second half when it seemed they must score –and it was then Bradshaw, hero of the day Copper and Tennant put up their brightest wares. All was not plain sailing, however, for the referee Mr.. Taylor of Ince, who had to issue cautions to several players. But this must be said; The work of the main man the referee was one of the best fears of this game. He was firm, adamant, and convincing and in the end no one could gainsay that Liverpool had not earned their valuable points. They had a more practical way of advancing they were harder to dispossess, and on the right wing Nieuwenhuys was not often employed, but was always an outstanding menace. Though the line was not well balanced they took their chances and only first-class leaping and catching by Sagar, and a miss by Wright of the simplest chance prevented a further score. It would seem, on this showing, Everton are better when the ground is holding. No one could escape the work Dean did in this game, but the line-up of the rest of the forwards prevented any consecutive football skill or finishing and some of the shooting was –well, not worthy the name of shot. One gives full marks to Geldard, Dean, Thomson, Britton, Sagar and the sturdy backs who “kicked anywhere” for safety. On the winning side, every man was striving desperately and the reappearance of Savage at half-back was noticeable in the late stages of play, and when a throw in was being delivered, Nieuwnhuys was quite the best and most dangerous forward, fast, elusive, and centering finely from all angles, but here again the line was jagged and the left pair were held up by Britton and Jones. Outstanding in the victory line were Kane, the backs –Cooper especially so –Bradshaw, and McDougall. . Teams: - Liverpool: - Riley goal; Cooper and Tennant, backs; Savage, Bradshaw and McDougall (captain), half-backs; Niewenhuys, Hodgson, Wright, Johnson, and Hanson, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Coulter and Stein forwards. Referee Mr. A. Taylor if Ince (Wigan).
LIVERPOOL’S VICTORY
March 21 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Meetings between Everton and Liverpool always make great appeal and for a mid-week fixture the crowd yesterday was a large one, and though the game was not of a high standard, the play was always contested with spirit and enthusiasm. Liverpool’s success by the odd goal of three brings their record equal to that of Everton (37 points), and the Anfield club have a game in hand.
Kane Makes His Mark.
A notable feature of the game was the fine display given by Kane a young player who made his first appearance in First Division football, for Liverpool in the absence of Riley, injured, he took over the onerous position with skill and confidence. Liverpool have always been happy in their selection of goalkeepers, and it would seem that they have in the young Workington custodian the making of a worthy follower of such players as Hardy; Campbell, Scott, and Riley. His display all round was smart, but two clearance from Stein and Dean were particularly good. Kane has done well in the Central league side for some time, and he can look back on his first “Derby” with satisfaction and pride. He promises to keep up the Anfield tradition.
Dickinson To Lead Everton.
The younger generation of footballers are getting their chances on Merseyside just now, and the following the introduction by Everton of two cal backs, Jackson and Jones, the club on Saturday, Everton are being out another promising recruit in Dickinson, who is to lead the attack at Portsmouth, in place of dean, who was injured yesterday’s match Dickinson came to Everton on trial from the Chester district and so well, did he play in the central league side that he was quickly signed on as a professional. He started scoring right away on the introduction to the reserves side, and he rarely missed obtaining a goal or two, since he, joined the club a dashing leader he holds out promise of being almost valuable addition to the staff. He signed amateur forms for Everton in September having play for guilden Sutton in the Chester and district league. Well built for the position, Dickinson scored twenty goals in the central league and seven in Lancashire cup-ties Stevenson will be fit to resume, and the team will therefore be: Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Stevenson, Coulter.
WHEN REVENGE IS SWEET
March 21 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Dickinson Vice Dean at Portsmouth.
Liverpool’s Worthy Win
Kane’s Able.
By “Bee.”
Revenge is sweet if not revengeful. Liverpool got their deserts in the return “Derby” game after a match well worth the holiday makers’ attention. It was closer than the score suggests, yet Liverpool had such gilt-edged chances late on that there should have been no doubt about the marginal note. However the better side won, and now the season will centre upon which team will finish ahead Liverpool or Everton. Let us give praise to the Wigan referee Mr. Taylor for courtly behavior and control. He was the best man on the field, after the band. Everton’s change of attack –there has been an evidence of this lately, through injuries to the regular side –did not work out at all well, and Coulter went outside left, only to stumble into Tom Cooper in his most rugged form. It was a game of hard knocks and some bitterness at times, but the referee kept it going to its bitter end with fine control. Penalty kicks are generally a matter of stern argument; here there could be none, and it is only left to say Sagar had on chance with Hodgson’s drive and Kane knuckled under to Dean’s effort and so sent his bones back and the ball flying up into the air. I think it was a nice tribute of Bradshaw and Tennant, who had done so much grafting work that they should publicly sake Kane by the hand as token of their estimation of his work against Dean’s header and his flying shot –a great shot and a greater save. Liverpool has always been renowed for its goalkeepers, and now a new name cannot be forgotten. Yes, Kane was able. Neither side was impressive in attack after the first half; they did not line up satisfactorily, and Everton lacked shot all along the line spite the propelling forces of Geldard, Britton, and Thomson. On the other hand Savage warmed to his work, and his throw-in were an object lesson to the tap-back fetish that has grown into a regular disease with some throwers. I have the warmest words for all Liverpool’s defence. Bradshaw, Cooper, McDougall and Tennant in particular, and to Nivvy I award the palm for fleetness of foot and ability to centre accurately without wasting a ball by putting it over the line.
Everton play Dickinson centre-forward against Portsmouth with Stevenson back at Coulter’s side. Everton “A” v. Earlestown White Star at Great Crosby 3.15 Team: - Deighton; Allen, Johnson; Cavangh, Griffiths, Watson; Patterson, Lambert, Webster, McDermott, and Sandham.
“Skipp” says: - I hope your correspondent “Everton Blue” was at the match. What Everton need most are big inside forwards who can shoot. Dean is still the best centre in the game.
Sounded Reasoning.
People are skill, holding inquest upon the Everton-Bolton Cup-tie, which I had closed down a week ago. However, here is a chatty and informative letter from Mr. G. J. Henshilwood –
I have read your correspondents’ views with great interest and some amusement and am surprised at none of them have so far spotted the reasons for Everton’s defeat. First, did none of them see the Cup tumble from the umbrella, just a fan who carried this round the ground took up his seat near Everton’s goal during the kicking in period. It is a fact that it did take a tumble. Secondly, just after the German break-through in 1918, a mixed party of 55th Division soldiers were going on leave. In one of the railway carriages were some officers and a small Lancashire Tommy. The officers fell to discussing Jerry’s failure to break through the 55th ranks, and all sorts of reasons were suggested to explain away his failure when everything seemed to point to an easy victory. The discussion went on for hours and no solution seemed possible until the Tommy feeling very “fed up” far from home and sleepy moved forward in his seat and said “Gentleman the reason Jerry did not break through was that he met some –Lancashire soldiers” I think this is the only reason why Everton are not in the semi-final. Your golf smile is my way of reading the result. Up in 2 and down in 5 will always lose to the 2 up and 2 down man. P.S. Reg Freeman was a full back and not a centre forward. Perhaps you are thinking of another old opponent of mine Reg Owns (St. Cleopas) when running your mind on centres and Reggies. Answer –Pardon me sir; Reg was a centre forward for Wallasey Borough and it was there I saw him play; indeed it was so uncommon that for the second time in a few years I was recommending Everton to a Freeman –and a centre forward too.
“C.R” Says: It is amusing to read reports of Arseanl’s win how Moss was a hero Moss displayed wonderful pluck, Moss scored a brilliant goal, &tc No. “Bee” you were absent it seems, so you can accept it from me that they all suffer from Arsenal superiority complex (including your little friend “Buzz”). In the first place Moss had very little work to do prior to his injury, which was caused, by the way through contract with his own players, and even if Moss had not returned after the interval Everton would have lost just the same. Regarding his brilliant goal, well “Bee” just imagine Drake with one back to beat; he observes Moss all on his own by his fello goalkeeper six yards out. The ball comes over and naturally Moss scored, but quite an ordinary affair. In my humble opinion the rules should not permit an injured goalkkeeper to resume elsewhere because naturally; the opposition cannot make a normal tackle on account of the player’s injury the result being that the player is left one, yet he can pounce on a lose ball just as Moss did. Therefore it is not fair to any opposing player in the circumstances, Kind Regards.
Answer- The team consists of eleven players, and while there is something to be said for your theory about a normal tackle on a damaged player, you are outweigh by the fact that with one player damaged it is unfair to think of making him disappear through fear of a normal tackle. Eleven v. Eleven is the essence of fair play; no matter what position they can take up. I am sorry so many letters cannot be given nearly fully space does not permit. Here is Mr. G.A. Davies on a good point but it is too long so I give the gist of his remarks: - I complain of dirty football and bad sportsmanship in our city lately. Dixie is slowing down, but what on earth would Everton do without him? Mercer fails at inside right, and a bright spark tries him at centre. Well, you know the result. Surely Everton can get us an inside forward who would shoot instead of playing rugged with the ball and hitting the stand.
20-YEAR-OLD EVERTON PLAYER’S BIG CHANCE.
March 21, 1935. Evening Express.
Dickinson to Lead Attack at Portsmouth
By the Pilot.
A 20-year-old footballer who, four months ago, was an amateur, will lead Everton’s attack in their Football league match against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday. He is Alfred Dickinson, and he takes the place of Dean who is on the injured list. Dickinson joined Everton from Guilden Sutton at the beginning of the season, and quickly gained promotion to the Central league eleven. He did so well that he was signed as a professional on Nov 15. Since then he has made rapid improvement. He has scored 20 goals in Central League matches and seven in Lancashire cup-ties and in the opinion of many shrewd judges he is the most promising leader seen for years. Everton; - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Stevenson or Coulter, Coulter or Stein. Dean damaged his ankle again in the “Derby” game at Anfield when Liverpool deservedly beat their local rivals 2-1. Dean was the outstanding man in the Everton team, and yet he found himself up against the man of the match Tom Bradshaw. The duels between the two constituted a feature of a game, which was married by too much fouling, particularly in the first half.
Offer Turned Down.
The Liverpool directors had plenty of grounds for feeling satisfied with themselves apart from the result of the match. A few days ago the club turned down a substantial offer from Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of Bradshaw and Hodgson. Yesterday Bradshaw was the big noise of the game and Hodgson scored both goals! Another reason for satisfaction is that Kane was signed on for the full season. Kane, who played an heroic part in the Liverpool goal on his first team debut, came to Anfield on trial, and when the club signed him on afterwards they were not certain that he was the man they wanted. Now they know. So, things have worked out well for the Reds, who though not enjoying as much of the play as Everton, were always the more dangerous combination quicker in development and with the ability to sweep away with menacing bursts which always indicated goals. I have seen better “Derby” games, but this was an exacting encounter in which the Reds had the pull at half-back. Neither Gee nor Thomson were at their best for Everton in coping with the thrilling long-passing moves of the Reds. Both defences were excellent, and Copper has not played a better game since he joined Liverpool from Derby. Jackson and Jones were completely in their work, and Tennent stood up finely to the speedy Geldard. Nieuwenhuys was scintillating on the Liverpool right, and Hodgson was the danger man when in possession near goal. Wright led the line well but finished indifferently, and Hanson has often played better. The re-introduction of Johnson was a success. Kane’s work in goal was grand. Two saves off Stein and Dean will long be remembered, but in my opinion he was beaten twice –from Dean’s penalty and a Dean header in the first half, which came across goal and Kane to chase back and beat the ball away. The ball, however, I feel certain, was over the line when Kane turned it aside. A lot of the Liverpool folk agree on this point. Britton was Everton’s best half-back and Sagar was magnificent in goal. Geldard had a good day, but his work was often wasted. Coulter was crowded out, but Stein did well in the first half. Dean has not played better for a long time and it was well for Liverpool that Bradshaw was such a warrior. Bradshaw dispelled the Dean bogey in no uncertain manner. It was the Scot’s best “Derby” day.
THE RISE OF DICKINSON.
March 22, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Dickinson, who is to take Dean’s place in the Everton team at Portsmouth tomorrow had a moth’s trial with Sheffield United two years ago, but, apparently; they did not see the promise of the youth. Last April a representative Chester league team opposed a Tarporley League eleven, and as usual on these inter0league occasions, there were “scouts” present on the off-chance of finding new talent. Fleetwood, the Old Everton forward and half-back, was there and very soon he noticed that the Chester League centre forward was a bit above the average for that class of football. As the game progressed Fleetwood, as Everton’s “scout” became more impressed, and it was arranged that Dickinson should have a trial, and at the back end of last season he had two games with Everton with satisfactory results, for he resumed at Goodison Park in September as an amateur. Having completed his apprenticeship with an electrical engineering firm, he become a full-time professional early this year. Standing 5 feet 10 inches and weighting about 12 stone, he is well built for the position. Dickinson played for Lancashire against the West Riding in October last.
More Everton Promotions.
Everton have promoted three “A” team players W. Hullett, J. Allen, and M. W. O’Reilly to the resevre team for the centre league against Newcastle United Reserves at Goodison tomorrow. Kick-off at 3.15. The team is: - King; Williams Morris; Mercer, White, Archer; Leyfield, Bentham, W. Hullett, J. Allen, M. W. O’Reilly.
CHANCE OF THIRD DOUBLE IN TWO SEASONS.
March 22 1935. Evening Express.
Pompey is a Lucky Ground for Everton.
By the Pilot.
In two seasons’ Everton have brought off only two “doubles” –one against Arsenal last term and the other against West Bromwich Albion this season. Tomorrow they have a chance of improving that record when they visit one of their lucky grounds –Fratton Park Portsmouth. When Portsmouth visited Goodison Park they lost 3-2 and current form indicates that Everton will, at least escape defeat tomorrow. Since Portsmouth came into the First Division Everton have lost only one match at Fratton Park. Much depends on the debut of Dickinson, the young centre-forward, who deputises for Dean. He will be opposed to a fine centre-half in Salmond, but if the inside forward will play their part well, holding the ball and drawing the opposing before giving to Dickinson he should do well. I doubt whether Stevenson will be able to play, so Coulter will be at inside left and Stein on the left. Stein has never played a bad game at Portsmouth. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Coulter, Stein.
EVERTON’S TEST OF THEIR YOUTH GROUP.
March 22, 1935. Liverpool Echo.
By “Bee.”
Everton go straight through to Portsmouth, and stay at Southsea. The Fratton people always fear Everton because they have had excellent results down there. The appearance of Dickinson at centre-forward has been delayed through injuries, but tomorrow he gets his first show. This is Everton’s year for debutaties –Leyfield, Jones, Jackson Mercer, Bradshaw are a string of “futures” which make the club safe from fanciful buying unless they find it necessary to buy big inside forwards for the dry-turf period. Dickinson, of Saltney is a live worker and a capable leader. I shall watch this game with deep interest. The team is: - Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Stevenson Coulter.
* Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. Central League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Sat). Everton v. Newcastle United. Kick-off 3.15 p.m.. Admission 6d, Boys 3d, Stands extras (including Tax).
EVERTON VISIT PORTSMOUTH.
March 23, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton travel to far-off Portsmouth where the Goodison Park men usually receive a warm welcome. The Southern team lost at Huddersfield last Saturday and they are in the last six so that the players will be anxious to improve their position. Everton, therefore must play at the top of their form if they are to gain a point. When the teams met at Goodison Park, in November Everton gained the day by the odd goal of five. After their defeat at Anfield, Everton hope to make some amends. Interest will centre in the debut of Dickinson, who is taking Dean’s place. I understand that he is clever in placing the ball to the wings and as his record shows, he is very effective near goal. Stevenson is unlikely to play and the team, with the exception that Dickinson is in the centre will be the same as that which lost to Liverpool. Stevenson cannot play for Ireland against Wales, at Wrexham on Wednesday, and the Irish selectors will fill the vacancy tonight. Portsmouth are again playing Rochford, Bagley, and Parker today, and the teams will be:- Portsmouth: - Gilfillan; Rochford, Smith; Nichol, Salmond, Thackerray; Worrall, Begely, Weddle, Easson, Parker. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Coulter, Stein.
STUD MARKS.
March 23 1935. Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Moss is the first goalkeeper scorist against Everton since the days of Middlesbrough Williamson.
• William Coulter, a cousin of the Everton player, has joined Burton Town as an amateur centre forward.
• Wednesday’s was Dean’s third penalty goal of the season.
EVERTON IN DISTRESS
March 23 1935, Liverpool Football Echo.
Experiment slide routed.
Dean Inside-Left
Portsmouth Nail Them To The Mast.
By Bee.
The Mersey ship was sunk in Portsmouth waters. Coulter took the lead for Everton, but Portsmouth nailed then to the mast. The good ship Pompey sailed into safe waters. The experimental Everton side, with Dean at inside left for the first time in his life failed in every department. Dickinson had no support and no chance. Teams: - Portsmouth: - Gilfillan, goal; Rockford, and Smith, backs; Nichols, Salmond and Thackeray, half-backs; Worrell, Bagley, Weddle, Easson, and Parker forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Dean (captain), and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. Jewell, London. The Everton Portsmouth meeting began with rather astounding news Dean was picked to play at inside left a moment before the game started. Dickinson of Chester remaining at centre forward as pre-arranged for his debut. It is not often a notice board on a football ground is cheered. This occurred when it was announced to the Portsmouth spectators that No. 13 on the programme would be Dean. Everton won the toss, and had the help if any of a strong wing. Everton’s opening play was of excellent quality. Jackson burst beyond three players and the triangular tour of C.B. and G otherwise Cunliffe, Britton and Geldard, could be likened to a musical treat. Britton was the B sharp in this entrancing play, and Dean who had never played inside left in his life before was handicapped and unbalanced, he tried his first shot Worrall saved a brave effort from the corner flag. Then Parker shot moderately and Jones stop another attack with a timely and clever kick.
The Coulter Glide.
Sagar made a catch from Parker, and a punch away when he might easily have missed the ball. Portsmouth were fighting for their First Division left, and when a free kick was taken by Britton; Portsmouth contested the goal that was allowed to Coulter The Irishman had, as often happen stolen into the centre forward position and he glided the ball beyond Gilfillan. Portsmouth did not argue the decision but they made protest but Referee Jewell was in a perfect place for judging the position of the player. The sequel was a responsive effort by the Portsmouth side, and the first goal in fourteen minutes was followed by an equaliser from Weddle in twenty-two minutes. . Gee thought he had the ball covered and probably the ball turned away from his foot on uneven turf with the result that Weddle was able to slip through the middle, and as Sagar advanced for the 1000 to 1 chance Weddle slipped the ball safety into the net. The wonder was that Portsmouth had not taken the head one minute later. Worrall had the chance to become famous, and shot a foot wide from an easy position. Portsmouth had improved considerably, and were now playing with a confidence foreign to them in the first quarter of an hour but Everton looked like scoring again when Gilfiallan punched but in no certain manner and Geldard and Dickinson were soon on top of him, the goalkeeper being lucky to find the ball come straight to his hands, as he sat on the ground. Cunliffe lobbed over the bar when the Portsmouth defence was at sixes and sevens. Weddle’s goal was a happy issue for the scorer, who has not had a very good season, and this week was presented with his first-born, and Coulter now began to link up it useful combination.
A Surprise Goal.
That the gale of wind was playing tricks with the ball was proved when Jones found the ball evade him. At the other end £ Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Stevenson, Coulter ”Gillie” “potted” about fearing a surprise attack, but Salmond was a strong, bumping, boring pivot against Dickinson. Sagar saved his side one minute from half-time, and his second save led to a corner which was curled outside the penalty area Nichol, the right half back, tried a long shot and everyone of the 12000 spectators all agreed that the ball had been wasted, that it must pass outside, instead of which it hunged in the air and swung into the extreme left-hand corner to Sagar’s and everyone else’s surprise.
Half-time Portsmouth 2, Everton 1
Everton were wearing white jerseys, but they were not wearing the white of a blameless display. The experimental forward line had done nothing after the first ten minutes, and Geldard was unemployed for an hour, at which time he nearly scored from Coulter’s centre. Coulter was the one danger mark, and referee Jewell spoke to him after Portsmouth had scored their fifth goal. The second half had begun with Sagar being “felled” by a charge from Easson. Sagar damaged his wrist through falling awkwardly, and one wondered whether the injury would prevent him playing for the Rest against England on Wednesday. He resumed play and suffered three goals in twenty-two minutes. Weddle scored the first in forty-eight minutes from Worrall’s centre against a surprised defence. The home centre went near getting his hat-trick and then resorted to punching the ball through in boxing fashion. The strong-legged Thomson worked heroically and Jones dribbled beyond three men. Jackson tried to follow suit, and the ball ran on for the third effort two yards beyond his reach with the result that Worrall was able to go in and coolly taken the score to 4-1 after fifty-five minutes. Parker shot over when his chance was made through a weak pass-back to the goalkeeper by Thomson. But the same winger (from Doncastle Rovers) scored his side’s fifth goal at sixty-seventh minute thanks to the square pass delivered by Weddle. It was something of a rout and Weddle made the best shot of the match, the ball flying over the crossbar inches out of the mark for No. six. Portsmouth were using the –gale with judgement and their confidence had been testored by their surprising glut of goals. Everton were disappointing in almost every department. Before the end Sagar saved from Parker and Thomson stopped another one. Portsmouth had too many fouls against them in the last quarter. In the last second Britton was damaged, but it did not appear to be serious. Final Portsmouth 5, Everton 1. Official Attendance 15,000.
• Everton and Tranmere Rovers have arranged to play their County Cup semi-final at Tranmere, next Thursday.
POMPEY’S HURRICANE VICTORY.
March 25 1935. Evening Express.
Everton Over-Run in Second Half.
Simple Goals.
By the Pilot.
Everton suffered a crushing defeat at Fratton Park, where they played Dean at inside left for the first time. Everton were the first to score and were actually the better side in the first half. Later they were literally overrun by the nippy Pompey forwards and lost 5-1. Everton conceded simple goals and Sagar was not at his best. The forwards rarely revealed good combination. Stevenson is still down with neuritis and will not play for Ireland against Wales at Wrexham on Wednesday. When Dean’s name was sent around the ground as playing there was loud cheering. Dickinson led the attack for the first time. . Teams: - Portsmouth: - Gilfillan, goal; Rockford, and Smith, backs; Nichols, Salmond and Thackeray, half-backs; Worrell, Bagley, Weddle, Easson, and Parker forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Dean (captain), and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. A.J. Jewell, (London).
Britton, Geldard, and Jackson were to the fore in the opening moves Britton’s good footwork being a source of delight. It is it was eight minutes before Sagar touched the ball and then it was only to deal with a good kick. The ball was as much out of play as in. Portsmouth came with some sharp raids, but their finishing was weak, shots being delivered from too long range. Dean cut through with a low shot, which passed wide, and then the free kick for a foul by Parker on Britton led to Coulter giving Everton the lead after 14 minutes. Britton took the kick, and Cunliffe headed the ball across for Coulter to nip in and score with a placed shot to the far corner. Portsmouth appealed for offside, but Coulter had moved up after the ball had been played.
Sagar’s Fists Away.
Sagar had to run out to fist away from Parker. Gee cleared. Everton were the more precise combination, Portsmouth being over anxious. Portsmouth drew level in 22 minutes to the delight of 17,000 spectators. It was rather a simple goal, which should have been prevented. Bagely back-headed to Nichol, who lobbed it to the goalmouth where Gee seemed to have the ball covered. Instead he stepped aside, allowing Weddle to go on and dribble the ball to the back of the net as Sagar advanced. Portsmouth nearly went ahead just after, but Worrall after cutely cutting inward hit the ball with his wrong foot and was yards outside. Coulter made ground and from his centre Geldard shot Low, Gilfillan falling to save. The football was of poor quality, for too many passes going astray, while I have rarely seen so many throw in’s, in one half of the match. Everton were rather the better side, but were not so quick with their football as usual.
Portsmouth Lead.
Portsmouth attacked strongly towards the interval, but they surprised Everton when they took the lead in the last minute of the half. Parker’s corner kick, conceded when Sagar made a flying save off the same player, was headed away by Gee. The ball went to Nichol standing fully 35 yards out. He banged it towards goal, and it was sailing to safety over the bar when a gust of win seemed to stay its progress and it swept downwards into the net with Sagar making a great effort to save. It was one of those accidental goals made by the wind.
Half-time Portsmouth 2 Everton 1.
Portsmouth opened the second half in hurricane fashion. Aided by the wind, they had the ball in the net four times in the first eight minutes although only twice did the goals count. Both the goals were of a simple nature. Within a minute and half of the restart Worrell lobbed the ball to the middle, quite a harmless pass. Gee failed to make his interception and Weddle had an easy task in shooting through. Bagley next shot into the net but the whistle had gone for a foul on Sagar. Little or nothing was seen of Everton and their defence was over-run. In 53 minutes a far flung pass to the right saw Everton stop, and appeal for offside so that Worrall was able to walk through unchallenged and score a fourth goal. Everton at last made some semblance of attack, but three delightful Coulter centres were allowed to go begging with the Portsmouth defence spread-eagled. The wind was troublesome, but so were the Pompey forwards. Weddle worked his way close to the line in 61 minutes and middled the ball so accurately that Parker had no difficulty in cutting through to score.
Everton Slow on the Ball.
Everton had delivered few shots and were much slower on the ball than Pompey. Thomson in trying to pass back gave a perfect pass to Weddle, whose shot struck Sagar in the face. Weddle crashed in a terrific shot, which was barely an inch over the bar. Dean tried a short pass to Dickinson, but the ever-Salmond was there to intervene. Everton forced two corners, but rarely looked like breaking down the defence. Final Portsmouth 5 Everton 1.
EVERTON RES V NEWCASTLE UNITED RES.
March 23, 1935. Evening Express Football Edition.
Everton’s attack which included three “A” team members O’Reilly, Hannon and Hullett showed up well during the first half. Although O’Reilly was absent for ten minutes owing to an injury to the eye, the Blues were definitely on top. Hullett just missed connecting with a fast pass by Bentham and Burns in the United goal had to be alert in dealing with centres from both Everton wingers. Newcastle were more fanciful in their offensive work than the home quintet, and Harris missed at least two good chances of scoring. White was doing great work for Everton, in fact all the Everton half-backs were playing exceptionally well. When Mercer lobbed the ball into the goalmouth, Hullett met it to give Everton a deserved lead. United eventually managed to get the ball into the King’s goal, but after consulting the linesmen, the referee disallowed the point on offside grounds. Hannon played exceptionally well. One of the best shots of the half was a great drive by Bentham, which Burns did well to turn the bar for an unproductive corner.
Everton “A” v. Earlestown W.S.
Patterson scored for Everton after 15 minutes from a breakaway. McKenna equalised five minutes later. Patterson immediately regained the lead, and Webster added a third. Half-time Everton “A” 3 Earlestown White Star 1.
FAMOUS SOCCER CLUBS –SOUTHAMPTON.
March 23, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Southampton Believe in Fostering Local talent.
From Village Football to Cup Final
By a Special Correspondent.
Ever since the Southampton Football club was formed, it has made a point of fostering local talent –and some fine players have been found within the Hampshire borders. Edward Drake, the present Arsenal centre forward and Hampshire cricketer was transferred to the London club for £6,500 in March 1934. The fee paid was the highest ever received for a Southampton player. “Micky” Keeping the famous Fulham full back is another Hampshire-born player who had his earliest league experience with the “Saints” as Southampton are known. Going back a few years, there was Tom Parker. He like Drake, was transferred to Arsenal, and after sharing in many of that club’s triumphs, became the successful manager of Norwich City. George Kay, the present manager of Southampton, follows the established policy of finding his footballers locally. What is more, he and Bert Lee, the Southampton trainer and former player, take them in hand young-in some cases before they have left school. They have a number of boys under their care who seem certain to play a big part in league football a year or two hence. Southampton are known as “Saints” because they were founded by members of a young men’s association connected with St. Mary’s the parish church of Southampton. This was in 1885.
Cup-Fighters From the Start.
Southampton St. Mary’s was still the club’s description when it had become a professional side and was a member of the old Southern League. It was shortened to Southampton when a limited liability company was formed in 1897. The nickname “Saints” persists however, to this day. Cup-fighters from the start Southampton’s first trophy was the Hampshire Junior Cup, which they won in 1888. Their first tie was played at Totton a little town that lies between Southampton and the New Forest. Having won the Hampshire Junior Cup, the Saints never let it out of their grasp. They held it against all challengers, and in 1890 it became their own property. This feat raised them to senior status (1890-91) and brought them into competition with more powerful rivals than Village sides. Even so, they continued their winning way without pause. That same season they had entered for the F.A. Cup. In one of the qualifying rounds they were drawn against Reading, whom they defeated 7-0. Unfortunately they made the mistake of including two players, who were ineligible. Reading lodged a protest and were awarded the match. In 1892 the club went over to professionalism. The first paid player on the club’s book was J. Doling, an outside left. Others followed and soon a good side was built up. The time was now ripe for going further afield than Hampshire for fixtures. The Southern League was formed in 1894, and Southampton applied for membership. Another applicant was Tottenham Hotspur, but both were rejected. Fortunately for the Saints the 2nd Scots Guards –one of the nine accepted members –dropped out and Southampton were admitted in their place.
Battle in Blizzard.
In their first season in this competition, Southampton claimed third place. They repeated the performance the following year and won the championship, without sustaining a single defeat, a year later. It was at this stage of their career that the Southampton club become a Limited liability company. They left the Antelope enclosure. Where they had played until now, and took up quarters at the Hampshire cricket ground. They were so soundly constructed that they retained the Southern League championship and reached the semi-final of the F.A. Cup for the first time in their career (1898). Their opponents were Nottingham Forest, and the match resulted in a draw. The replay was the Crystal Palace Sleet was falling at the kick-off and it developed into such a blizzard that a halt was called in the second half. The referee, however, ruled that the game should go on and the Forest scored two goals to win the match in the closing minutes. Southampton lodged protest without success. The club, having done so much, maintained a progressive policy by engaging several well-known players and moving to the Dell, their present ground. They won the Southern League Championship for the third year in succession and were presented with a silken flag as a souvenir of the event. In 1900, they fought their way to the Cup-final, but were well beaten by Bury. Two years later, reached the Final again and this time their opponents were Sheffield United. They met on a warm, sunny day more suitable for cricket than football, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. In the replay, Sheffield won by 2-goals to 1. . In the Southampton side were C.B. Fry, that great sporting figure of a generation ago, who represented England at football, cricket and Athletics. Charles Fry was a great full-back and with Molyneux as his partner and the great J.W. Robinson in goal, the Saints had a defence that has never been surpassed.
Six Times Champions.
In the team of that period, too, was the successful forward, A. Brown, whose feat of scoring seven goals against Northampton, on December 28, 1901, is still preserved in the record books. The Saints won 11-0. The club never reached the Final again, but continued to do well in the Southern League and in all won the champions of that competition six times. When the Southern League was absorbed by the Football league in 1920 and classed the Third Division, the Saints at once set out to win promotion. In their first season under the new system they had to be content with the position of runners-up to Crystal Palace, but the following year they were successful. Plymouth Argyle were the strongest rivals and the Saints won an exciting contest by a slight advantage in goal-average. Their promotion side, fittingly enough, was captained by a Hampshire man, Arthur Dominy. This clever inside right, who had joined the club just before the war was one of the best players they ever had, and in the season he led them into the Second Division he missed only one league match. His absence was because he was taking part in an international trial game. Two other players, Rawling (local) and Titmuss, gained their caps for England that season. Of the promotion team, half the players were Hampshire born. The writer commented on this fact of Domny at the time and he said that it was as it should be. He always held the view that it was unnecessary to travel the length and breath of the British Isle for players. The men, he declared, existed in each club’s locality’ they were to be had for the seeking. Southampton have held their place in the Second Division without being a particularly outstanding club in recent years. If only they could have kept the good players they have developed they might have been in the highest class of all.
• Young Dickinson who was given a chance in the Everton first team today, was spotted by Everton while playing in a match between the Cheshire League and the Tarporley League last season. Huddersfield, Blackburn, and Manchester United fancied him, but Everton got in first.
PORTSMOUTH 5 EVERTON 1 (Game 1513 over-all)-(Div 1 1472).
March 25 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton Collapse
Experiments That Failed.
Portsmouth Step Nearer Safety.
By “Bee.”
Most of Everton’s experiments this season have turned out trump cards. Youth has had its fling, and the directors have been proud to have tried out some “A” team members, they tried another step in the right directors when they decided to put Dickinson, of Chester, into the first team at centre forward for the game v. Portsmouth, but, the boy had the misfortune to be in company of a side that has for the time being lost touch with its best form. Everton played poorly at Fratton Park, and after taking the lead they faded out to a score of 5-1 which might have been much larger but for a certain amount of wilderness about the Portsmouth forwards, who had the relegation bogey in their mind, and desired to make “too good” Everton started with supremely delicious touches on the right flank; and the crowd of 15,000 felt another home blow was to be delivered when Coulter converted a free kick, taken by Britton. However, there came a turn round when Weddle scored through Gee making a blunder. A moment from half-time there was a surprise goal to Nichol, the half-back, whose shot, delivered from well beyond the penalty area, hung in the air and deceived Sagar and everyone else. So Everton went off with a deficit of one.
Sagar Hurt.
Thereafter came the deluge, and mistakes in defence went on at such a pace that while Gee enabled another goal to be scored, Jones the full back over-dribbled, and cost his side another goal. Sagar had been damaged in the first minute of play through an awkward fall, and maybe he had not recovered his confident tone from that point. At any rate, goals came pace, and in 20 minutes there were 3 more added to the first half total. Coulter was alone in being a menace to the Portsmouth defence but what is one among so many? He pulled his centers with fine judgement, but there was no one to take up his work. And here was the biggest surprise of the day. I had been imagined Dean was not fit to play, hence Dickinson making his debut in senior football. This, I am told was not the case. The directors had merely substituted Dickinson for the centre position to see what manner of player he was in the higher grade of football in view of his fine work for the reserves. When the selectors made their decision regarding the inside left position they were faced with two facts. Stevenson was damaged and Stein had not been a success at inside left against Liverpool. So Dean was called up at the last minute to be an inside left for the first time in his varied career. He was not at home in the new place, and though he worked earnestly there was no chance for him to ultisle his head to drift the centres from the wing men to inside forwards, because he was an inside winger now, and the net result of the experiment was to make no chance for Dickinson and hinder Coulter’s chances of being employed. I am not blaming Dean altogether, because everyone in this game had his weak moments –the goalkeeper the backs over-ran by earnest forwards; the half-backs line in which Britton was too dainty and Thomson alone in virile mood. Actually the forward line was never going smoothly after the first ten minutes and as a line it was a failure. Yet strangely enough the first quarter of an hour showed Everton’s right flank trinity at their best. They were convincing and entrncing. After the, Geldard had to work and was marking time nearly all the game, and Cunliife was rarely seen. Dickinson had to stand up to a tall pivot and got no chance from his own comrades. Coulter was the one man with promise, and it was no surprise that Everton cracked when the second half gale of wind was helping Portsmouth.
Turning The Corner.
Weddle scored in 48 minutes, Worrall in 55, and Parker at 67 minutes and the win will do Portsmouth a lot of good, as they were to near the relegation pair to be comfortable. Their best work was done by W. Smith at back, Salmond at half-back and W. Weddle, Easson, Worrall and Parker in the attacking division. The absence of an old head like J. Smith is still felt by the home side but now they have turned the corner they should have no doubt about their safety in Division 1. It was one-sided football, and a complete collapse of the side that has won but one away game in fourteen months –a fortnight since, against West Bromwich. . Teams: - Portsmouth: - Gilfillan, goal; Rockford, and Smith, backs; Nichols, Salmond and Thackeray, half-backs; Worrell, Bagley, Weddle, Easson, and Parker forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Dean (captain), and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. A.J. Jewell, (London).
EVERTON RESERVES 2 NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES 1
March 25, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 32)
Two Players Sent Off
Incident in Game at Goodison Park.
The Central League match at Goodison Park was marred by a regrettable incident 15 minutes from the end when White the Everton centre half, and Smith the Newcastle centre forward was ordered off the field. The United were attacking and when the players came to cross purposes just outside the penalty area, the standard of the play had been good –if never really brilliant –with never any suggestion of other than earnest enthusiasm. Everton’s experiment of introducing three of the “A” team into the forward line fulfilled its purpose, for Hullett, Hannan and O’Reilly did well, but the main factor in the Goodison side’s victory was the convincing work of the halves, Mercer, White and Archer, the second-mentioned working energetically and effectively in attack and defence. Newcastle’s approach work was good, but lack off finish spoils them. W. Hullett (2), for Everton, and Harris for Newcastle, were the scorers. Everton: - King, goal; Williams and Morris backs; Mercer White, and Archer half-backs; Leyfield, Bentham, Hullett, Hannon and M.W. O’Reilly, forwards.
Everton “A” 3 Earlestown White Star 1
Liverpool County Combination.
At Crosby. Everton were the faster and more dangerous combination and were full value for the victory, which keeps them in the running for the championship. The visitors had the better of the early exchanges. Subsequently play favoured Everton, and in 15 minutes Patterson opened the scoring, the result of a splendid individual effort. Dale later levelled the score. Patterson, however, regained Everton the lead. The visitors defence was uncertain. Webster netted a third before the interval. In the second half Everton contained the forceful side and Griffin was repeatedly in action and brought off some clever saves. White Star could make little headway against a strong Everton defence, of which Griffith and Allen were outstanding. Prescot, McKenna and Grice played well for the visitors.
EVERTON MAY GO ON TOUR
March 25 1935. Evening Express.
Several Offers to Goodison Club.
By the Pilot.
The possibility of Everton Football Club undertaking a tour at the close of the season is still open. Several attractive offers have been received, and the directors are likely to discuss it at an early date. I wonder whether any new players will be included in the touring party should a contract be made? That also is a distinct possibility. Everton are alive to the fact that they need some good forward material to supplement their strength, and have eyes on the right men. The Blues put up a poor display against Portsmouth at Fratton Park when losing 5-1. There was a time when I though it was going to be easy for them. They were the superior side in the opening 20 minutes during which time they took a goal lead. Then came a Pompey equaliser owing to a defensive error and this was followed by a lucky “distance” goal, which was swept into the net, by the wind to give Portsmouth an interval lead. Everton never regained their opening form. It was one of Everton’s poorest displays of the season whereas Portsmouth played better than they have done for week’s hence the broad smile on the face of Mr. Jack Tinn their manager who by this victory, is relieved of any relegation worries. Everton had Dean at inside-left, but he was out of touch, while Dickinson, in the centre was given not the slightest chance by Salmond. The right flank was not as impressive as usual and Coulter was the only forward to play up to form. Thomson was a hard working half-back who never give up hope, but gee give Weddle too much scope. Britton opened, well then faded out. The defenders Sagar, Jackson and Jones all made mistakes. Rochford, Salmond, Thackeray Weddle, Bagley and Parker were the pick of Pompey, whose form belied their lowly league position.
Another Cap for Everton Player.
Ben Williams the Everton player will be at right full back, and his partner will be Roy John, of Arsenal.
THE LIGHT THAT FAILED.
March 25 1935. Liverpool Echo.
Experiments with Unhappy Result
Everton Record Follower.
By “Bee.”
Meet the record loyalist of the Everton club; Mr. Harold Williams (and lady) Mr. Williams has travelled the globe with Everton but had never till Saturday seen Portsmouth. He may now express regret that he has completed his chain of grounds because Portsmouth can never be a memory of joy to him albeit Billy Bennett did his best for the boys on the night before the match. Everton had high hopes of doing some good at Portsmouth. They knew they would have a fair crack from the Jewel of a referee and from and from their friends the Pompey players. I am not being rude of exaggerating when I say this display stood No 1 over the way games keep in one’s mind –Leeds and Middlesbrough in the disorder of demerit as it were. Sir and lady, this Everton has never touched such poor form. And as a heavy defeat followed an opening goal to Coulter and a really beautiful quarter of an hour from Everton especially on the right wing, the sudden drop in the football temperature was starting and inexplicable. How could a side play in such dominating and delightful manner of fifteen minutes and then forget all the tricks that had carried them thus far? I cannot say, and could find no one to produce the reason for this sequence of styles.
Did Not Come Off.
Everton have made a number of experiments and have been favoured with the magic wand, till they tried Britton as inside forward, Mercer ditto, and now Dean as inside previous experiments had been attended with the happiest off results; the backs, for instance had done remarkably well; but the selectors must expect a crash or two in the last month of play. Already the club has found vital links in their chain of office through experimenting, and when Dickinson was put centre forward they wisely determined not to move this lad from the chosen spot. They must take a valuation. So Dean went inside left for the first time in his life, and for a quarter of an hour one had the novel sight of W.R.D running about helping his half-back and generally working into a sweat at angles foreign to our eyes. Naturally he did not stay this course and it was plain his heading powers was lost through the inner berth being his appointed place. Let us be frank and fair this was no test of Dickinson, his was the most pitiable task of all because those around him and behind him (with the exception of Coulter, Geldard and Thomson) had their worst off-day. The experiments did not come off and some reputation did. Still March is the appointed time for such trials and the club had warrant for nearly all their changes.
Portsmouth Pleased.
Portsmouth were pleased with their chance of fortune. They had all the well-known signs of lack of confidence when Everton scored the opening goal. Relegation makes commoners of them all. They defend as if this were the last game of the season, and they needed one point. They kick hard everywhere, but the right place; anywhere for safety’s sake –and the thought of “Keeping the ball on the island” is not in their book of words. Everton know the feeling of fear only too well. This much can be said; Portsmouth having tasted the bit of luck with Weddle’s goal and Nichol’s bow at a venture went into their game with renewed vigour and enthusiasm and won handsomely through the spirit of their players. Let Nichols got remind us that.
“Many a shot at random sent
Find mark the archer little mean,” Now will you lad do your practice!!!
EVERTON PLAYERS AS OPPONENTS.
March 26, 1935. Evening Express.
By the Pilot.
Wales, the international soccer champions, will make a bid tomorrow to secure her first victory of this season. Ireland provides the opponents at Wrexham. Merseyside interest in the Wrexham game centres on Williams and Coulter, the Everton players, who will be in opposition. Williams plays right back for Wales and will match his skill against the trickiness of Coulter at outside left for Ireland. The duel between the two should proved one of the tit-bits of the game.
Three Goodison Men on Hawthorn’s Game.
Three Everton players will be fighting for their first international caps against Scotland when at the West Bromwich tomorrow, they figure in the English international trial. They are Sagar, Britton and Geldard who will figure in the England side against the Rest.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central League Match at Goodison Park tomorrow (Wednesday) Kick-off 3.15 p.m. Everton v. Manchester City. Admission 6d, Boys 2d; Stands extra including tax.
TRANMERE V EVERTON
March 26 1935 Liverpool Echo.
By “Bee.”
Tranmere Rovers have an important game at Stockport on Saturday, but first they have a Liverpool Senior Cup appointment with Everton at Prenton on Thursday at 5.15 a time which will allow most of those who want to see the game to get from work and be at the ground soon after the start. For this match Tranmere have chosen the following side; Gray; Dawson, Barton; Newton, Spencer, Eden; Curtis, Burgin, Woodward, and Glasper. Everton will chosen their team tonight.
Query Bureau
“Ardingly” writes; What is wrong with Everton late? That is a question a friend ask me, and this is the only answer that I could gave him; When a team has a spot of bad luck through injury &tc why upset the whole team by putting men in their wrong position? What are reserves for. Fancy Dean inside left; it asking for trouble. Centre forward is Dean’s place his born natural position. When injury occurs bring in the reserve.
“Blue Vision” says, I would be obliged if you would publish this, so that the so-called sportsman on the other side of the park will duly note. I take their boo’s and barracking as a tribute to the fame of the greatest centre forward of all time. I admired Kane for keeping a cool head and making many wonderful saves in a game in which many a goalkeeper would have been “lost” His save of the great Dixie drive’s was marvellous. Hoping you will always keep humming along and never lose the sting in your pen.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. Central League Match at Goodison Park tomorrow (Wednesday) Kick-off 3.15 p.m. Everton v. Manchester City. Admission 6d, Boys 2d; Stands extra including tax.
EVERTON CHANGES.
March 27, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
For the game with Stoke City at Goodison Park, on Saturday, Everton’s team shows a number of changes from the side defeated at Portsmouth. Every line except goal is changed. Williams and Cresswell reappear at back after a long absence in place of Jackson and Jones while White resumes at centre half instead of Gee. Dean will again lead the attack in place of Dickinson, Stevenson coming back to partner Coulter on the left wing. The team is: - Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. The kick off is at 3.15. The Reserves side to meet Manchester City Reserve in a Centre League game at Goodison park this afternoon, Kick-off 3-15 will be: - King; Jackson Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Bentham, Dickinson, J. Hannon, Stein. The same side will also do duty in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park tomorrow. Kick off 5.15. The winners meet New Brighton in the final.
EVERTON’S TEAM CHANGES FOR MATCH WITH STOKE.
March 27 1935. Evening Express.
Four International Return to the Side.
Williams Cresswell, White and Stevenson.
By the Pilot.
Three internationals return to the Everton side after a long absence for the match with Stoke City at Goodison Park on Saturday. A fourth also returns after an absence from two matches. Warney Cresswell, the English international returns to left back, and Ben Williams, the Welsh International, comes in at right back. The pair displace Jackson and Jones. Tommy White the English international centre half, returns to centre-half in place of Gee. Stevenson, the Irish international is fit again and he comes back to inside left, dean moving to centre-forward to the exclusion of Dickinson. Cresswell played regularly with the side until two months ago, and he should have a steadying effect on a defence which recently, has not been complete in covering and positional play. Williams has made only one League appearance this season. That was on Boxing Day at Sunderland, when he was injured in the first half. I saw Ben a few days ago and he said; “I’m fir again.” It is good news. Before Williams damaged his cartilage he was the best right back playing football. White, whose only appearance at centre half this season was at Sunderland, has been playing finely in the Central league side and has recaptured the form which made him outstanding during Everton’s successful cup year. Stevenson has recovered from neuritis in the shoulder and his return should being greater effectiveness in the attack, while Dean will be happy to get back to his real position. Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
COULTER’S MISFORTUNE
March 28 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
The injury sustained by Coulter in the international match at Wrexham is a blow to the player and the Everton club alike. It is to be hoped that the Irishman will make a quick recovery and that next season he will be able to take his customary place in the field. Coulter has proved one of the most enterprising wing forwards in the First Division, and since he took his place in the Everton first team he has displayed capital form, his unorthodox methods and the ability to do the unexpected bringing about a number of goals. The anticipation judgement, and enterprise of the Everton left wing pair Stevenson and Coulter, have been marked features of the season. As a rule, the pair from the Irish left wing, but Stevenson did not play yesterday owing to injury. As far as the Everton club is concerned they are fortunate in having an experienced outside left in Stein.
Cup Semi-Final at Prenton.
Tranmere Rovers and Everton meet in the semi-final of the Liverpool Cup at Prenton today kick-off at 5.15. The winners meet New Brighton in the final. Strong sides will be in opposition when the teams will be: - Tranmere Rovers: - Gray; Platt, Dawson; Barton, Newton, Spencer; Eden, Curtis, Burgin Woodward, Glasper. Everton: - King; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer, Leyfield, Bentham, Dickinson, J. Hannon, Stein.
EVERTON RESERVES 2 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 0
March 28, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 33)
Everton beat Manchester City in the Central league match at Goodison Park yesterday by two goals to nothing. There was little to chose between the teams, though Everton took their chances better than the City. Early on Barnett kicked Stein’s shot off the goal line with Dawson out of his goal. Everton’s goal suffered a similar shock after half an hour. Wright kicking the ball out of King’s hands but fortunately Archer was able to clear. Dickinson scored just before the interval from a centre by J. Hannon, while Stein got the second with a great shot midway through the second half. Stein was Everton’s best forward, while Jackson and Jones defended strongly. City’s best raiders were Herd and Toseland on the right wing, while Barnett was the pick of the defence. Both goalkeepers were guilty of Lapses. Everton Reserves: - King, goal; Jackson, and Jones, backs; Mercer, Clark, and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Bentham, Dickinson, J. Hannon, and Stein, forwards. Manchester City Reserves: - Dawson, goal; Dunne and Barnett, backs; Cann, Hampshire, and Shadwell, half-backs; Toseland, Herd, Owen, Harvey, Wright.
STEIN TO PLAY AGAINST STOKE CITY.
March 28 1935. Evening Express.
Everton Change Following Coulter’s Injury.
By the Pilot.
Jimmy Stein Everton’s Scottish winger will play outside left against Stoke City in the Football League match at Goodison Park on Saturday. He takes the place of the Irish international, Coulter, who had the misfortune to break his right leg in the international match yesterday Wales and Ireland at Wrexham, which Wales won 3-1. Coulter was injured in a tackle with his clubmate Ben Williams. Williams had cleared the ball. Then Coulter seemed to slip and both men went down and Coulter lying in the arms of Williams like a bady. The injury is a fractured tibia –the shinbone of the right leg. Coulter had a good night at the Wrexham Infirmary. Today M. T. Kelly assistant-secretary of Everton, went to Wrexham by motor ambulance and Coulter was brought back to Liverpool to the Northern Hospital. It was not a good international match Wales deserved to win because, though the Irishmen enjoyed more of the game they failed in front of goal. Bandbrick alone being their danger man.
Everton Stars of England Trial.
Caps For Geldard and Britton.
Two Everton players perhaps three are likely to play for England against Scotland at Hampden Park on April 16. They are Britton right half, and Geldard outside right. The third player is Sagar Everton’s star goalkeeper, but his selection may depend on whether Hibbs of Birmingham is fit. All three Everton players were outstanding in the trial match at West Bromwich yesterday when England and the Rest played a 2-2 draw. Geldard was positively brilliant in fact, he was the outstanding forward of the match.
• Advertisement Evening express. League Match at Goodison Park (Saturday) Next March 30, Everton v. Stoke City Kick off 3.15 Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands extra (including tax). Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
TRANMERE ROVERS 1 EVERTON RESEVRES 0
March 29 1935. Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool Senior Cup Semi-Final
EVERTON AND STOKE CITY
March 30, 1935. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton, who have had a lot of ill luck recently, are a home to Stoke City, and they hope to resume their winning mood. The loss of Coulter of course is a big blow to the club, but in Stein they have a good wing forward who has had few chances this term, and with Stevenson as a partner he ought to do well. Dean is back in his usual place, while the recall of the old guard in the defence is another feature of interest. White Williams, and Cresswell resume in their old places and it will be interesting to see how they fare. Stoke City are a workman like combination who will provide strong opposition, but I expect Everton to win. The kick off is at 3.15, and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Stein. Stoke City: - Lewis; McGrory, Spencer; Sellars, Turner, Tutin, Matthews, Liddle, Salt, Davies, Johnson.
FAMOUS SOCCER CLUBS-BLACKPOOL
March 30, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.
The Trickiest Forward in the Game.
Stars who Learned to Play Soccer in the Sands.
Blackpool Discoveries.
By a Special Correspondent.
When the directors of the Blackpool club meet in their boardroom, they gather together in surroundings utterly unlike any of those usually found at a football headquarters. Their meeting place is the former smoke-room of a liner, complete with portholes and fittings. Everything is exactly as it was when the ship from which it was taken was in commission. No doubt that room has known some stormy voyages. In that, it has something in common with the football club it now serves, for Blackpool have sailed on perilous seas since the club was founded over 60 years ago. The club had one saving glace during troublesome times. They had the faculty for producing good players who could be transferred to wealthier sides. Any amount of fine players played their first League match in the colours of Blackpool. One of the best was George Wilson, who afterwards went to Sheffield Wednesday and became captain of England. Wilson learned to play football on Blackpool sands. Joe Lane, a clever inside forward, left Blackpool about the same time as Wilson, but his club was Birmingham. The fee that changed hands for Lane’s services was a record at that time. Hert Jones, the fair-haired clean kicking full back, now with Brighton and Hove Albion, is another England player who was first spotted on Blackpool sands. In his case, however, he graduated with Fleetwood before wearing Blackpool’s colours. He was also another man for whom they received a big fee when they let him go to Blackburn Rovers. One of the trickiest players Blackpool ever had was an inside forward named Ted Rooseboom, who also played for Nelson and several other clubs. He could make the ball run up his leg, on his shoulder and then down his back –a very disconcerting move to an advancing opponents who could be forgiven for wondering if the ball had been spirited away altogether. Allen Ure now with Gillingham who was Blackpool’s trainer during Roseboom’s time, considered him the cleverest trickster with a ball he had ever seen, cleverer even than Alex James. Charles Buchan and other wizards.
Blackpool St. John’s.
There was a club known as Blackpool in existence as early as the 1870’s but it made little headway, and eventually it went under. The game was not lost to the town however. A new club was formed by some young fellows connected with the local church. Under the title of Blackpool St. John’s they played their early matches in Masheter’s Fields off Caunce-street. Things did not run smoothly for long. There was a dispute among the members. Some took one side; some the other. Blackpool St. John’s could not weather this storm and the club collapsed. Almost at once, however, a few remaining enthusiasts revived the original Blackpool club, a more in which they were aided by the local Council.
Four Different Grounds.
Life was made up mostly of moves in those days. For a time Blackpool played at a ground near Bloomfield-road. Then they went to Raike’s Hall, at that time a recognized sports enclosure. Unfortunately their tenancy here was short, and they had to try their luck at yet another ground. This one was too far away for their supporters. They returned as temporary tenants to Raike’s Hall, but had to quit when it was claimed by builders. At that point in then career, they had the luck to find accommodation at Bloomfield-road? and Blackpool have remained at that ground ever since. Their first competitive football was played in the Lancashire Junior Cup. For four years running (1888-1891) they were player finalists for that trophy, and on two of these occasions they won it. When the Lancashire League was formed they were one of the original members, and they were prominent from the start, gaining the championship in 1894. Having also been runners up four times, they captured public fancy. Their supporters eager to see them make even further progress, now urged them to join the Second Division of the Football League. Blackpool applied for membership but despite their record of success, were not accepted. They applied again later, and this time were admitted. They started reasonably well in higher company, but fell away so badly that the had to apply for re-election at the end of three seasons/. They were unsuccessful. For a season Blackpool operated in their old sphere, the Lancashire League, and then they had another shot at getting back into Division 2. A “round” robin produced the sum of £13 which money was spent by Blackpool’s officials in travelling the country canvassing the League clubs for support at the vote. Their eloquence gained them the day and once again, they became a Second Division club. Blackpool’s subsequently career was mostly one long struggle. They were again so badly placed in 1909 that they had to seek re-election. They managed toretain their position and the same thing happened again four years later. In more recent years Blackpool have been in a position to keep their good men and as a result they won promotion to the First Division in 1930. That position has since been lost, but a determined effort is being made to regain it. Blackpool are not only keeping their men; are going into the transfer market as buyers!
£1,200 For Hampson.
A player who had a big share in the winning of promotion was Jimmy Hampson, the centre forward, who also gained his cap for England. He is one of the few members of the promotion team left at Blackpool and he has recovered all his old form this season. Hampson’s first League club was Nelson,
At that time operating in the Northern Section of the Third Division. He had a trial with Bolton Wanderers but they regarded him as too small to make good. Nelson signed him on as an outside right, but his chance in the first team came at centre-forward when the regular man was injured. He took it eagerly and marked his first appearance by scoring two grand goals. The position of centre-forward of course, was Hampson’s for keeps after that and his value was priced by Nelson at £1200 when Blackpool came after him. It is rather curious that while with Nelson, Hampson had behind him George Wilson, already mentioned, who was concluding his distinguished career with that club. Blackpool’s present manager is Sandy MacFarane, the former Dundee and Newcastle player. In the old days funds never ran to the employment of any highly paid officials. Mr. T.A. Barcroft was the club’s honorary secretary. He was asked to take on the job while the club looked around for someone permanent –and he held that temporary “office” for something like thirty years.
LIVERPOOL OR EVERTON
March 30 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.
A Statistical Comparison of the Respective Records.
Which has the better record in Cup and League –Liverpool or Everton? An attempt to answer the question will, perhaps, be best achieved by a statistical comparison of the records of the pair, and it may be an interesting innovation to make such a comparison by a study of the following tables: -
First Division
Number of seasons in Division
Highest Position attained
Average position
Matches won
Drawn
Lost
Total Points obtained
Most points in season
Fewest points in season
Goals scored
Against
Most goals in season
Fewest goals in season
Most goals against in season
Fewest goals against in season
Liverpool
34
1 (4)
9
535
301
468
1,371
60
22
2,131
1,954
90
42
93
31
Everton
41
1 (4)
8
647
308
523
1,602
56
20
2,613
2,223
116
35
92
29
Second Division
Number of seasons in Division
Highest Position attained
Average position
Matches won
Drawn
Lost
Total Points obtained
Most points in season
Fewest points in season
Goals scored
Against
Most goals in season
Fewest goals in season
Most goals against in season
Fewest goals against in season
3
1 (3)
1
71
12
9
154
58
46
276
75
106
77
32
18
1
1
1
28
6
9
64
61
61
121
66
121
121
66
66
Lancashire Section (War Period)
Highest position attained
Matches won
Drawn
Lost
1
70
25
21
1
76
15
24
Goals scored
Against
Total Points
293
127
165
321
145
167
F.A. Cup (from 1889-90)
Everton were one of the Liverpool
Everton
Won
57
73
Drawn
22
24
Lost
37
39
For
178
275
Against
154
160
Rounds Reached
Liverpool
Everton
Third (1 st )
37
41
Fourth (2nd)
29
27
Fifth (3 rd )
16
19
Sixth (4 th )
9
14
Semi-Final
4
10
Final
1
5
N.H. –The present third round is equivalent to the former first…until 1905-06 semi-final followed the third round.
If there is one thing such tables emphatically prove it is that the First Division is the proper sphere of both clubs. Liverpool have thrice competed in the Second Division, and on each occasion were champions with the remarkable goal average of 276 –75 (77-18 106-39, and 93-25 in the three seasons). It was recalled by their goal average in the days of the great revival soon after the war when Liverpool’s goal record in three successive seasons was 63-35,63-36,and 70-31. In their first season in the second Division Liverpool went through the campaign without a single defeat –a rare feat in first classes history. Since their last Second Division triumph in 1904-05, they have remained among the Olympians. The solitary fall from grace of Everton is recent history. So is the 121 goals and runaway championship in their one Second Division season, and their celebration of the return to the First division by winning the championship in the year of rehabilitation –thus equaling Liverpool’s great record in 1905-06. Everton were one of the immortal twelve forming the original Football League in 1888-9. It was not until 1893-4 that Liverpool made their triumphant debut in the Second Division after audacious attempts to enter the First Division a novitiate. It will be seen that Everyone’s average position in the First division is slightly better than Liverpool’s and the second of wins over losers is in their favour ever allowing for the fact that they have spent seven more seasons in the division than Liverpool. Unquestionably, also Everton have the better record in goal average. In regard to the highest number of points obtained in a season however, Liverpool are superior. Liverpool however, have never exceeded a century of goals in a season although like Everton, they have done so in the Second Division. In winning the semi-final and final. Liverpool however, have the consolation of having been less often ejected in the first round. On 29 occasions out of 37 they have passed on whereas Everton have done so on 27 times out of 41. Everton were finalists before Liverpool made their first appearance, but when Liverpool made their debut it was eight years before they failed to survive the first round –and then they did so four times in five years. In 1896-97 both appeared in the semi-final together, and Aston Villa beat Liverpool in the semi-final in the final; whilst next year Derby County repeated that feat one round earlier in each case. In 1925-26 Fulham too, removed both clubs in successive rounds. In 1898-99 Liverpool were in the semi-final and also second in the League. It was in 1896-97 that £1,144 5s 4d was taken at a League meeting between the rivals –easily a record at that time. In 1901-2 came the first meeting of the pair in the cup with Liverpool victories. Three years later the next meeting gave Everton their revenge. 1905-6 was a great year. It was the year of Everton’s first Cup win and Liverpool also reached the semi-final, where Everton again beat them. Liverpool were League champions that year, so that Everton robbed them of the coveted double; but both distinctions come to Merseyside in a single season. Next season Everton were again in the final, having for three years in succession reached the semi-final. Sheffield Wednesday, who beat them in the final, had removed Liverpool in the fourth round. When Everton, in 1913-14 passed out in the first round for the first time for ten years, Liverpool reached an all-Lancashire final for the first and only time. Meanwhile, in 1910-11 the fourth Cup meeting of the rivals resulted in a hat-trick for Everton. It was not until 1931-32 that the fifth meeting came and it was Liverpool’s turn for revenge. Everton, however had enjoyed a fitting revenge in the previous season. That disastrous 0-6 defeat by Crystal Palace in 1921-22, still rankled –and Everton had the pleasure of exactly reversing the score?
• That former famous Everton centre forward, Bert Freeman, acted as a steward at Villa Park in the recent semi-final there.
EVERTON BACK TO FORM
March 30 1935. Liverpool Football Echo
An Easy Triumph Over Stoke.
Stein Revels
Old Guard Blots Out City Attack.
By Stork.
Easy for Everton. Stoke offered little resistance to a smootly moving Everton side. Everton’s “old brigade” simply blotted out the Stoke attack. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Britton, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Stein, forwards. Stoke City: - Lewis, goal; McGrory and Spencer, backs; Tutin, Turner, and Sellar, half-backs; Matthews, Liddle, Sale, Davies and Soo, forwards. Referee Mr. H.N. Mee, Mansfield. The gate was not a big one, yet it was very satisfactory in view of the races. Stoke made one change, Soo, a former Liverpool schoolboy, coming in for Johnson at outside left. It was fine and the ground looked in good condition, if a trifle on the hard side. There was not a lot in the game during the first ten minutes, if exception is made of Stoke’s effort to snatch an early goal. Tutin made a long cross centre which left Soo with an inviting position, but when he tried to trap the ball he found it so full of life that it ran from his boot so that Sagar could come up and spoil whatever chance Soo had of taking a goal. Everton played pretty football. There were many choice movements in the game, and one of them went very close to producing a goal for Everton.
Stein’s Speed.
When Stevenson made a forward pass to Stein it looked any odds on the ball going for a goal kick, but Stein prevented it by rushing at top speed and centring when on the run. Dean tried a drop shot, only to scoop the ball high up, the goalkeeper being able to clear without any great difficulty. Dean had a shot blocked away, and Stein and Stevenson tried to create such another opening for Dean. Everton were inclined to fall into Stoke’s offside trap too easily. Not to be outdone, Everton retaliated, and Soo who had gone to inside right and Matthews were caught up in the scheme which prevented them from moving forward for a shot at Sagar,.
Goal Livens Up the Play.
There was tameness about the game, which suggested end of season, but on a goal being scored the crowd livened up considerably. It was a well made goal, too. Stevenson cuddled the ball and so beat two men before he passed it out to Stein. Stein swept a low centre right across the face of the goal. It passed McGrory on route, and Dean had but to get his boot to the ball to be assured of a goal, for Stoke had no one present to say him nay. Time 18 minutes. Stevenson was in merry mood. He made Tutin look commonplace, often causing him to run the wrong way. Stoke had not tested Sagar for 20 minutes, and when Soo elected to shoot there was little power and Sagar had a simple task. When Stein shot at the 24th minute there was an immense amount of power behind it. Lewis put his foot out in an effort to save, but the only effect it had to send the ball curling upwards and into the net. Sagar had to make a solid punch to keep a Matthews shot out and Matthews later got clean through and a goal seemed certain, but Sagar came out just far enough to close down Matthews shooting space, and the Stoke man fired the ball straight at the goalkeeper, who petted it down and completed the save. White distributed the play exceedingly well and Williams and Cresswell were rarely beaten, their understanding being excellent. Matthews was Stoke’s only marksman. Sagar had to punch up Matthews centre to prevent Soo shooting. Matthews was again a menace to Everton. He ran to outside left, but once again his shooting was at fault. One minute from the interval Everton obtained their third goal. Lewis actually got his hands to Stein’s shot, but the only turned it across his goal and into the far side of the net. Spencer made an effort to keep the ball out, but it was over the line before he could do anything.
Half-time Everton 3, Stoke City 0
Stoke opened with a good shot, Davies skimming the crossbar from a fair range, but taken all through. Everton were easily the superior side. They were better in craft and skill and usually-held the whip hand. There was one stage of the game when Everton simply ran round Stoke, and Stein nearly scored a goal direct from his corner kick. The ball had beaten Lewis, but Spencer had fallen back to head out. Some claimed the ball was over the line, but as the referee was on the spot. I took his word without hesitation. Cunliffe made a run down the line, and from his centre Dean made a gliding header, but Lewis dropped on the ball to save. Stein in his anxiety to score his third goal, kicked around the ball when he had a good opening. White went close with a header, but the game had become so one-sided that it lost some of its interest. Stevenson, however, scored at 73 minutes. Cunliffe tried a shot which went across the goal and Stevenson dashed in to pilot the ball into the net. There was a claim for offside against the scorer, which I admit was a genuine one, for it must have been touch and go as Stevenson seemed to start him run from behind the full back. A minute or two later there was a prospect of a fifth goal when Geldard standing plumb in front of goal, shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Stevenson Makes It Five.
Dean made a shot of much power, and Lewis a capital save therefrom. Everton were simply dying with Stoke their interpassing being of such quality that the Stoke defenders did not know just what to do or where to go. From a corner kick, Cunliffe headed goalwards, and Lewis seemed to have the ball well covered, but he mistimed it, for he dropped it and Stevenson pounced on him to slip the ball in the net at 85 minutes. Dean headed on to the bar, but there was no one to take advantage. Final Everton 5 Stoke City 0.
EVERTON SOUND ABERDEEN
Sunday Post - Sunday 31 March 1935
DIRECTOR CUFF, of Everton, was at the Parkhead semifinal. He afterwards had a long talk with directors Mitchell, Philip, and Hay, and manager Travers, of Aberdeen. Everton are keen on Fraser, right-half, and also have a notion of Mills. Something may be done now that Aberdeen are out of the cup.
March 1935