Everton Independent Research Data

 


EVERTON'S QUEST FOR AWAY WIN
December 1, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton travel to Middlesbrough. The Ayresome Park team have experienced a rather learn season and at the moment they accompany Chelsea at the foot of the table. Everton slipped up at home rather unexpectedly last week and they are anxious to make amends. Everton are still looking for their first away win and they may achieve it today. Williams for Cresswell is the only change in the Everton team from that which lost to Manchester City. Middlesbrough make further changes in the forwards. Griffiths the centre half and former Everton player, is still unable to play through injury, and Baxter will deputise. Williams is recalled to the right wing in place of Bruce, and Fenton and Coleman change places in the inside positions. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar goal; Cook and Cresswell backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Middlesbrough: - Hiller; Jennings, Stuart; Brown, Baxter, Forrest; Williams, Fenton, Camsell, Coleman, Warren.

CROWD CHEERS BORO' TO SUCCESS
December 1, 1934. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Everton “Fade Out” at Ayresome.
Costly Defensive Errors.
By the Pilot.
Weakness at half-back was responsible for Everton's defeat at Middlesbrough, and they remain without an away victory. Geldard the outside forward was starved of the ball. Everton had Cresswell on reserve and Williams at right back. I saw Tom Griffiths the former Everton centre half. His is suffering from ligament trouble in an ankle and could not play. Also had as chat with Fred Hopkins, the former Liverpool favourite. Teams: - Middlesbrough: - Hiller, goal; Jennings and Stuart, backs; Brown, Baxter and Forrest, half-backs; Williams, Fenton, Camsell, Coleman, and Warren, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. H. Taylor, of Rotherham. Camsell hesitated when well placed, and the first Boro raid ended in smoke. Dean tried a glided header from Coulter's corner, and the ball fell to Cunliffe's feet, but Cunliffe could not turn round and shoot. There was a tricky cross wind and this affected the flight of the ball. Stevenson drove over, and Cunliffe forced Hiller to save low down, following a free kick. Geldard was pulled down when making tracks for goal, but nothing came of the free kick or of the subsequent corner. It was a placid game, with Everton doing practically all the attackers.
Everton Lead.
Everton took the lead in 14 minutes and there was a slade of luck about the goal. Cook robbed Williams and raced to the goalmouth when Dean headed the ball across to Geldard. Geldard brought the ball under control and drove in a cross shot, low and swift. Baxter dashed over to the rescue, but inadvertently ran the ball into the corner of the net. The Dean forged ahead and let go a terrific left-foot shot, to which Hiller flung himself out and saved in spectacular fashion. After hesitancy on the part of the Everton defence, Warren shot towards the vacant net after Sagar had come out, and as Britton tried to intervene the ball was turned further towards goal.
Sagar's Wonder Save.
Sagar flung himself back to effect a wonderful save. There were storming attacks by the Boro' but Everton defended desperately, and also survived Baxter's free kick on the edge of the area. The ‘Boro' fought like terriers, and after 34 minutes Coleman equalised. Williams had conceded a corner and this was well placed by his namesake, Coleman, standing by the far post, headed in over Sagar. Everton had not been good in defence, and needed plenty of cover. Even Dean came back to help. The Everton half-backs could rarely have cleared so poorly for weeks. Gee was never in touch and Thomson was particularly slow. Coulter and Geldard dropped across useful centres, but the only outcome was a shot from Cunliffe, which travlled over. It was a case of Everton's for-Boro'. Fenton shot inches over the bar, and Coulter and Gee were given a word of advice by the referee. Dean just missed a flying centre from Coulter.
Half-time Middlesbrough 1, Everton 1.
Everton had played well for fifteen minutes, and then the half-back failing had asserted itself. Sagar had to fist away on resuming with 9,000 cheering on the Boro. Then after a Dean header had been turned aside, Coulter dropped one on the roof of the net. After a wonder tackle by Gee, Williams booted clear, after Sagar had been floored. Seven minutes after the resumption the Boro' took the lead, Fenton being the scorer. Warren went through on the left and ran close to the goal line before turning back a low centre. Fenton came in at top speed and drove the ball into the net. Coleman jumping aside to allow it free passage. Everton were gradually deteriorating, and the Boro' forced four corners in succession. The home defence was covering well, with Stuart patched over the forehead owing to an old injury, outstanding. The Boro made the points safe when after 65 minutes Camsell, increased their lead. The fault was entirely Cook's. He had time to clear after Coulter had been robbed easily, but dallied, and Williams raced ahead unattended. Williams flung the ball well across for Warren to return it low, and Camsell placed it into the corner of the net. A fine header from Dean flashed over. The from Coulter's centre Cunliffe had an easy chance but shot wide. One minute from time Thomson placed to the goalmouth and with Dean trying to turn round to score Stuart ran in and placed through his own goal reducing the lead. Final Middlesbrough 3 Everon 2.

EVERTON RES V BIRMINGHAM RES
December 1 1934. Evening Express.
Bradshaw, the former New Brighton goalkeeper, made his first appearance in the Everton colours at Goodison Park, but during the first half hour had no chance of showing his ability. The Birmingham attack seldom progressed past the solid defence set up by Jackson and Jones. In the first minute the Blues went close. Dickinson heading against the upright with the keeper well beaten. Everton kept pegging away, and when Leyfield was brought down inside the penalty area, White opened the score from the resultant spot kick. A glorious centre by Leyfield led to Webster heading a second and it was only rank had fortune which prevented Dickinson adding at least a couple of goals. On the first occasion the Everton centre shot against the keeper's legs, and later, after nodding the ball into the goalmouth, a full back came to the rescue and kicked off the line. Dickinson eventually accepted a pass by Stein and scored a third goal. Just on the interval the visiting side made their best attempt at scoring Bradhsaw clearing. Half-time Everton Res 3, Birmingham Res 0.
In the second half Dunn scored a fourth goal for Everton. Leyfield made two excellent shots, which were saved by the Birmingham keeper. Final-Everton Res 4, Birmingham 0.
Everton “A” v Marine.
Everton showed promising movement at Crosby but Marine, applying more direct methods, obtained a lead of two goals in the first 10 minutes. Worsley and Fradley were the scorers, Bentham and Higham tried without success to reduce for Everton. Half-time Marine 2 Everton “A” 0.

EVERTON LACK SPARKLE
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 01 December 1934
STILL WAIT THEIR FIRST AWAY WIN
GIFTS FOR BLUES!
MIDDLESBROU’ENTHUSIASM AT AYRSOME
By Bee
Everton were beaten by a side with only one home victory prior to to-day.  Everton off their game in attack and at half-back, and Boro, faster and much more enthusiastic for the job on hand.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Middlesbrough; Hillier; Jennings, Stuart; Brown, Baxter, Forrest; Williams, Fenton, Camsell, Coleman, Warren.  Referee; - Mr. Taylor (Rotherham).  Everton stayed at Harrogate over-night, and to-day helped to make for Middlesbrough what they called a good crowd.  To me it was a pitiful attendance of about 8,000.  Tom Griffiths could not play against his old club, and Hopkins, ex-Liverpool, greeted old friends.  This was Ben William’s first game with the top side, Cresswell being on reserve.  Middlesbrough have only won one home game, and Everton were looking for their first away victory for many months. 
Stuart was wearing a forehead shield, and would not be able to head the ball.  Everton engaged in many neat moves early on, and Middlesbrough's best attack showed their reigning fault-inability to do anything in the penalty area. The shot delivered by Camsell was limp. A Coulter corner was glided by Dean in remarkable manner, but Cunliffe could not get their first with the shot, whereas Stevenson tried a long bow.  Geldard began his First Division life here, and now rounded Stuart with ease and centred well, but a home defender kicked away hastily and anxiously. 
EVERTON ONE UP 
Hillier made his first save from Cunliffe, and Geldard and Williams got free kicks through rather severe tackles in which leg injuries were risked.  Warren went nearest to a goal after getting beyond elbows that escaped notice. Sagar timed his run-out nicely, gathered the ball, and sent it forward.  Coulter made a swinging centre and the ball was punted up the field, where Cook made a pass towards the right.  Geldard was planted for a shot or centre.  He shot and the ball would have gone across the goal, but Baxter stuck out his foot and turned the ball beyond his own goalkeeper. Everton one up in 14 minutes.  Everton netted again but someone had handled. Dean ran on into the back of the net and a moment later shot a good one to find Hillier saving cleverly at the side of the post. Warren centred and put Camsell for honours.  The centre was three yards out and shot grossly, Sager being able to make a save where he should never have had a sight of the ball.  Everton were more methodical, but Middlesbrough broke away, and Williams having gone out of position, shot bard and struck Sagar. There was an exciting period with Sagar going out of his goal and failing to get this ball, later making a fine punch away. 
A NOVELTY NUMBER
Still the attacks continued, but the Borough could not squeeze the ball in.  Then a novelty number. A free kick inches outside the penalty line through a Williams trip  Dean left his end of the field, and Everton lined up en bloc to prevent the shooter having a chance of scoring, but a corner came on the right, and Coleman headed over Sager's arms, making the score one each after 34 minutes—a goal that inspired Middlesbrough.  Sager saved from Fenton and crowded out Williams. Middlesbrough were now a dashing side yet Baxter' nearly gave another goal, Cunliffe shooting just over.  Coulter contested a throw-in, and the referee was called up to say a few words to the player. Gee was also given a word of advice. 
Half-time; Middlesbrough 1. Everton 1. 
The Borough side had bellied excellently, and Everton had gone into their shell. Hillier had need to save but one shot from Dean. Britton started a lively raid, in which Geldard, Dean, and Coulter helped, the last named, with a well-judged hook shot that passed over the bar.  Jennings was a distinctive back. A big punt by Williams and Dean nodded to Coulter, a hand appearing ominously without a penalty cry.  FENTON GETS THE SECOND 
Gee tackled and beat Warren beautifully, and Thomson dashed into goal to ward off another enthusiastic burst by the home side, which brought the lead, Fenton scoring from Warren's centre in seven minutes.  Coleman jumped out of the way of the fast shot. Everton had been disappointing after the opening moments against a side quickening to its stride and holding up Everton s slow moving forward line.  Middlesbrough were going the victory way and Everton making a labour of what should have been easy movement through over-elaboration. Middlesbrough had enthusiasm, whereas Everton lacked this quality and Joey Williams chased from outside right to near outside left to challenge Sagar's kick away. 
CAMSELL THROUGH
Cook and Williams were rousing with-out inspiring the rest of the eleven.  Camsell got his side’s third goal with a grand shot, after Williams and Warren, the extreme wingers, had done the spadework.  Geldard did not have a pass for twenty minutes.  Williams, on the other hand, was a thorn in the side of Thomson and a great little worker.  Britton centred from the corner flag, and Dean headed inches over.  Cunliffe missed a goal when almost under the bar.  It was Everton’s most disappointing display this season.  Stuart put through his own goal late on to make the result look better for Everton.  Two gifts from home players in one game! Final; Middlesbrough 3, Everton 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 01 December 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON RES v BIRMGHAM RES
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 01 December 1934
A lively opening, with Dickinson hitting the woodwork, and Everton monopolizing the attack for lengthy spells.  Birmingham could be dangerous, and Pearson sent just over, but for the most part they were well held.  White opened Everton’s score with a penalty, and then Webster adroitly headed a second goal.  Bradshaw (late New Brighton), in Everton’s goal, had nothing serious to handle in the first half, so the extent of Everton’s pressure can be realized.  Dickinson headed a third.  Half-time; Everton Res 3, Birmingham Res 0.

EVERTON A v. MARINE
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 01 December 1934
Against a strong Everton side that contained Higham as centre forward, Marine rose to the occasion in brilliant style at Crosby, and within the first ten minutes were two goals to the good (from corners), through Worsley and Fradley.  Half-time; Everton A 0, Marine 2.  Full time; Everton A 0, Marine 2. 

MIDDLESBROUGH 3 EVERTON 2
December 3 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Fail to Shoot.
Futile Passing Moves.
Presents of Goals.
By “Bee.”
It does not seem right to talk of Middlesbrough as a poor side when they were kind enough to present Everton with two goals through defensive errors. Actually the score of 3-2 for Middlesbrough made Everton appear to have done well. As a matter of fact, they did very badly; they did not play so well as they had played at Leeds, and that is no recommendation. What caused Everton's sudden fall away? They began well enough; there was a precision in their pass and combination. That made Middlesbrough look very common. The home side had only won the previous game. Now Everton had not an away game over a period of ten months. An attempt to kick away at a Geldard centre-shot gave Everton the lead early on. This should have been sufficient to inspire Everton to break their “hoodoo” away from home.
Steady Decline.
Baxter had put through his own-goal. Far from inspiring Everton they then took the view that they had nothing to beat, and they got steadily worse against a side becoming desperate for a home victory. Time passed, and with it all the success of Everton's football art. Their art was their slave. They passed for passing's sake; they worked the ball in small space in no advantage; they fund themselves at the original spot again after making there passes and in front of goal their work did not bear inspection. The fact that only once did Hiller have to save a shot is sufficient evidence of the lack of sting in the Everton camp. It seems to be nobody's job to shoot, and without a shot they cannot hope to do well. Away from home, too, Everton lose the sparkle and efficiently they show in home games. Can it be they are a home team pure and simple? I am not suggesting this because they have failed away from home, but rather as a result of watching them so many times on visiting grounds, unable to produce stern, relentless, and clever displays such as seem to be their lot at times with the exception of the last offence, when Manchester City broke their home record rather fortunately. The less said of the game against Middlesbrough the better. The home side earned their victory through an enthusiastic and earnest effort after smarting under the knowledge that Everton were definitely on top of them for twenty minutes. The Borough got goals through a header by Coleman, and footed goals by Camsell and Fenton, the latter a local boy who is only nineteen and will developed into a good inside-forward. Most of the Borough attacks came from Williams, who was a lively raider. Warren was also consistency good in his raids, and Camsell wanted a lot of holding off. Stuart the back, who played through the game with a shield of his forehead thought a week old injury had the misfortune to kick through his own goal a minute from time, so that Everton had presentations on two occasions, but could not help themselves through their own inspired play.
Sagar's Mixed Display.
The whole team must bear the brunt of the defeat. Sagar, at odd times came out without the ball, and at other times he fielded it well. Williams, who came in for Cresswell, was a slow starter, but wound up on a strong note, and Cook had most to do and did his part well with one exception. It was forward and half-back that the greatest falling off was noticed. Dean got no through passes, came near scoring a grand headed goal late on, but Geldard was without the ball for half an hour, yet he shown in the first half he was the most dangerous forward. The left wing was in an irritating mood, and at half-back. Gee was best, Britton finding out and Thomson having too much to do to keep the little fellow, Williams in order. The lesson of the game is that Everton may have been a mistake in changing their back division the finesse of the forwards has become a fetish, and the absence of shot-on the mark is very patent. Teams: - Middlesbrough: - Hiller, goal; Jennings and Stuart, backs; Brown, Baxter and Forrest, half-backs; Williams, Fenton, Camsell, Coleman, and Warren, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. H. Taylor, of Rotherham.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 0
December 3, 1934. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 16).
Everton's superior forward craft and better finishing power was much in evidence at Goodison Park. It was fortunate for Birmingham that their rear defenders were in good form, for Everton –for the most part –were relentless attackers. Bradshaw late New Brighton, making his Everton debut, had a comparatively east time in goal, but he showed a quickness at getting the ball away in Birmingham's late rally that impressed. White opened Everton's score with a penalty, and then Webster adroitly headed a second, while Dickenson concluded the first half scoring. The winners continued to dominate the after interval play and Dunn added the fourth. Everton: - Bradshaw, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield Dunn, Dickinson, Webster and Stein, forwards.

COUNTY COMBINATION.
December 3, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Marine Beat Everton “A”
Marine 2 Everton “A” 0
One could not have desired a more thrilling encounter than that in which Marine defeated Everton “A” at Crosby by the margin of two clear goals. If mattered little that artistry should occasionally be sacrificed for endeavour; this was nothing less than a continual struggle for supremacy with Marine deservedly emerging triumphant, and Everton going down as gallant losers. Possibly Everton might consider themselves unfortunate in view of the pressure brought to beat on the Marine defence in the second half, but as against this Morgan through a leg injury, was practically a “passenger” for at least three-parts of the game. More than anything else, however, was the really fine teamwork of Marine; it went a long way to ensure success. Higham for one was frequently outheaded either by Kelly and Ashcroft though as a matter of fact the whole of the Marine half-back line and defence (Drury above all) gave a splendid exhibition of defensive tactics. White in addition led the forwards with rare dash, yes it was Garvey –as usual –who was the real genius in the attack. Bentham, Kavanagh Morris and Griffiths put in much good work for Everton, but there was a closeness about the side's play that was not particularly helpful. Both goals came in the first ten minutes as the result of corners. Worsley and Fradley being the scores in order. This was Everton's first defeat of the season. Marine's eight's successive victory, and one that will consolidate the latter's position at the head of affairs. Teams: - Everton “A”; Deighton goal; E. Lambert and Morris backs; Kavanagh, Griffths, and Watson, half-backs; M. W. O'Reilly, Bentham, Higham, J. Hannon, and D. Trentham. Marine: - H.J. Drury, goal; A. S. Kelly, and H. Gilmour, backs; M. Worsley, W. J. Ashcroft, and F. Fradley, half-backs; J. Carver, J.K. Morgan, S.A.R. White, L. King and J. Doyle, forwards.

EVERTON'S NEED
December 3 1934. Evening Express.
A Scoring Inside Forward.
By the Pilot.
Everton's 3-2 defeat at Middlesbrough emphasizes the need for a good scoring inside forward. The Blues gave their poorest display of the season, and they have now lost three matches in succession. The seat of the trouble was at half-back. In no match this season have the Everton intermediates played so unconvincingly. They never got to grips with the Borough attackers until the game had been won and lost. In the first 20 minutes I thought Everton were going to win easily, especially as they had been presented with a goal; that was because their forwards played so neatly and concisely. Then the Borough realized that by crowding on the Everton defence they could succeed; they did, and Everton found themselves overrun. With the half-backs being swept aside the backs were over-worked; the side became unsettled; the panic fever affected the forwards and they became a team of uncertain units.
Easy Path To Goal.
The Borough found the goal path easy, and with the Everton forwards receiving little or no support it was small wonder the Teesiders won their second home game of the season. Camsell played so well because Gee was never in touch with him, and Thomson and Britton were much below form. The backs Williams and Cook, struggled hard, but were powerless to stem the Borough tide, which swept over the half-backs. Sagar, too was not so safe as usual. Coulter opened well, then he and Stevenson became a negligible quantily, while Cunliffe rarely used the ball well. Geldard and Dean were the pick, but Dean never received a single pass on the floor, and Geldard was entirely neglected in the second half.

MIDDLESBROUGH DITTO
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 December 1934
Bee’s Notes, The Hive
The important thing about the defeat of Everton at Middlesbrough is that it should show the players where they have made finesses into a fetish. The forwards are working the ball so beautifully and closely that they are making the half backs and full backs' work a simple matter; they need only stand and deliver, because the crowding process is sure to give them a free ball.  There was a Christmas gift air about the Everton defeat. The score of 3-2 was all wrong. Middlesbrough deserved a wider margin, and the luck of having two goals given to Everton did not have the effect of making them accept such really uncommon gifts. Everton did not deserve a one-goal margin. They played against a moderate side, and for twenty minutes looked good enough to win the first away victory of the season.  But maybe the gift goal early on sent them into rhapsodies about fine-art, so they started sketching figure eights and nines. The ball was taken from them with great ease, but they clung to the close pass, and finally, the dominating forward of the first half, Geldard, stood on the line waiting for a ball to play with for a period of over twenty minutes.  No one seemed to sense his success early on; perhaps they had lost sight of him.  But this raises another point about Everton.  Are they a home team? I fear they have developed that way. They are so different away from home that they are lacking in personality and pep. The display they gave against the Arsenal was exceptional; at Leeds and at home to Leicester they were very poor: at Middlesbrough they could not beat a bad side. Perhaps they had not the heart to do it. 
SHOT
On the other hand, and bearing in mind the remarks passed about Everton's shooting against Manchester City, I should imagine Everton have grown out of the shooting groove.  Hillier,the Boro' goalkeeper, saved one shot from Dean. That is a rather easy day's work pitch as Sagar does not enjoy. Whence come the shots! Headers slipped near, but not in; shots popped just over or just "round the corner," but the commonplace task of a driving shot to the goalmouth seemed to be nobody's job. Hence, Hillier stood resolute as Hill 60. Everton have their attractive moments, but art is being sacrificed to pace and shot. The crowded combination brings no ground advantage: the movements are not progressive; they are merely tilts at halfbacks with diddling movement and no gaining of ground; wherefore their passing soon means their dispossession. I love to encourage any football player to delay his process of parting with the ball if he is crowded out, but Everton encourage the mob, the gathering of the clans of defenders. You see, a player receives the ball; he is a half back; he passes to ahalf back; it is good football and worthy formation of a raid; the forward receives the ball and instantly starts to cavort to no purpose. He can get in one pass, the ball is returned to him; the ball is now passed back to the half back, who starts the rigmarole all over again.  It is often pretty and is only effective when it is practical and not overburdened with excess of pass. Then, arriving through the defensive mob, the forward gets near goal. Hillier's answer is best; he was not tested with shots; one went to his outstretched hand. How then on such form can Everton get goals.  The need for a willing striker is insistent. The job is the simple one of taking a first-time drive and the wingers must help in that task or they fail in their duty. I am not blaming anyone in particular. I am trying to construct the side into a winning way and force their home form on away grounds.  Middlesbrough are not a good side, and lack confidence, but their enthusiasm for the job carried them through against a side far below normal form. Hence the home victory.  By the way, it is 15 years on Saturday since Mr. Mclntosh, the secretary, left Middlesbrough for Everton, and it was not a happy celebration the team gave him. Cook made one error, but like Gee, did a tremendous lot of good work.  Williams, brought in for Cresswell, started slowly and conceded vital free kicks, but after took his share in the heavy work thrown on them. 

EVERTON UNCHANGED.
December 5, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
The Everton side to meet Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park on Saturday will be the same that lost at Middlesbrough last week namely: - Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean Stevenson Coulter. The Reserves eleven to meet Sheffield Wednesday is also unchanged, the side being: - Bradshaw; Jackson, Jones; Mercer White, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Dickenson, Webster, Stein.

EVERTON UNCHANGED 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 December 1934
The Everton side to meet Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park on Saturday will be the same that lost at Middlesbrough last week, namely :—Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.  The Reserve eleven to meet Sheffield Wednesday is also unchanged, the side being:—Bradshaw; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, White, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Dickenson, Webster, Stein.  BLACKBURN ROVERS v. EVERTON
For their game against Everton, at Goodison Park, on Saturday. Blackburn Rovers will have two changes from the side which beat Huddersfield last weekend.  Carver, who has made ninety-three consecutive appearances at centre half.  He being rested, and his place will be taken by Pryde. McLean a suspension having expired, he will resume at inside left, and Sharpe, the new man from East Fife, will be given a run in the reserve side. Team: Binns; Gorman, Whyte; Whiteside, Pryde, Halsall; Bruton, Talbot, Thompson, McLean, and Turner.

“WELL’S LIGHTS”
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 December 1934
W.B., “Stanley Park supporter,” writes;- I would like to add my quota to this controversy. I remember the match quite well, being a member of Everton and viewing the match from the stand.  The lights were a new invention, and were placed around the ground above the stands, and as they three a large amount of shadow the ball was either whitewashed or painted white to stand out better.  The club was Sheffield United, and, although trusting to memory, have a distinct recollection of Ernie Needham playing against us. 

BLACKBURN ROVERS X1 TO MEET EVERTON.
December 6, 1934. Evening Express.
Two Merseyside Players Chosen.
By the Pilot.
Two Merseyside-born players will figure in the Blackburn Rovers team to oppose Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. They are Gorman, the former Burscough Rangers back, and Halsall who assisted Marine in their F.A. Amateur Cup Final with Dulwich Hamlet. The third Liverpool player connected with the Rovers –Carver – is being rested. Carver has played in 23 consecutive first team matches. Carver's place at centre half will be taken by both Pryde who though coming to Ewood Park as a centre half from Scotland, has always played as a wing half when appearing in the first team. Tommy McLean returns to inside left following his suspension and displaces the new Scottish acquisition. Sharpe of East Fife who will be allowed to become attuned to English football in the Central league team. Everton directors at their meeting last night decided to make no team change. Williams thus continues at right back in place of Cresswell. When the Rovers visited Goodison Park last season the Blues scored their biggest victory of the campaign winning 7-1. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Blackburn Rovers; Binns; Gorman, Whyte; Whiteside, Pryde, Halsall; Bruton, Talbot, Thompson, Mclean, Turner.

GOODISON STADIUM 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 06 December 1934
"Neighbour " says :—Mr: Skeggs does not like these Arsenal critics, but then he is probably one of those folk who think that they have the monopoly of everything, including football brains-or, in other words, a Londoner. As a deputy for Hibbs, who else but Moss?  Why, Sagar, of course, for he is better than either. At the last Derby game at Goodison various reporters said that Sagar's display was the best they had ever seen, and at the inter-league match at Belfast some time ago, the critics were unanimous in their praise of his work, and Charlie Buchan—who surely should know a good goalkeeper—said that Sagar, along with Cliff Britton, were certainties for the international at Cardiff. But did Sagar get his chance?  Oh, no; the selectors don't choose men on their merit or else Bastin would not have been chosen. Mr. Skegga says.  "Although not a success in the Italian match we couldn't very well leave him out before that." Well, Bastin was left out of the side that practically everybody voted the best English side for years—against Wales, and fancy a Lancashire lad kept him out, but where was Westwood in the game against the Italians? Search me' The game was played at Highbury, and so ability went by the board and the best English left wing was broken up. The man who should be leading England, to quote  the late Mr. Chapman's words, is the best centre forward in the game—the  one and only Dean—and if Mr. Skegga has any doubt, let him write and ask Dr. Marshall, of the Arsenal, who says of Dean; “The only thing wrong with Dean is that he was born on the wrong side of the Tweed.” My English side would be; Sagar; Cooper, Hapgood; Britton, Cowan, Copping; Mathews, Grosvenor, Dean, Westwood, and Brook. Needless, to say, I am a fervid Everton supporter, and I implore you, “bee,” to get the Everton Club to rename the ground “Goodison Stadium”-now, then, no sarcasm.  Wishing you and yours all the best, “bee,” and hoping to see you many times more in the Press box. 

EVERTON'S CON TINUED HOPE FOR GAME V.  BLACKBURN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 December 1934
Bee’s Notes, The Hive
Blackburn Rovers were renowned for a year for their clean home record.  To-morrow they meet a side that has suddenly slumped for a while, but which lost its home ground percentage after playing superbly against Manchester City. Everton at home have been worth watching, and the lapse at Middlesbrough must have been a temporary affair, not likely to be repeated to-morrow There was sufficient football skill shown in their first twenty minutes to have made their first away win at Middlesbrough. Then came an unaccountable slump in combination and in shooting. It is not a new complaint away from home, but at home they catch the atmosphere and encouragement of their supporters and reveal their best work. Blackburn are a dogged aide, with a good percentage of Liverpool stock in their make-up, so tomorrow's game should be a keen one.  Everton have perhaps wisely, given the "same team” further chance. It is up to the whole forward to show more definite attack, confining the intricate and sometimes backward glance for a period when the issue is safe I think Everton have learned the lesson of a week ago. Team:—  Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.

EVERTON RACE TO VICTORY
December 8 1934. Liverpool Football Echo.
Dean and Stevenson Doubles.
Rovers Fade Out
By Stork.
A close first half, but the scored all Everton who should have had more than five goals with the chances made. Teams: - Sagar, goal; Williams, and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson, halfbacks; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Binns, goal; Gorman and Whyte, backs; Whiteside, Pryde, and Halsall, half-backs; Bruton, Talbot, Thompson, Mclean and Turner, forwards. Referee Mr. S. I. Clark, Birmingham.
Having lost three games in succession, Everton naturally wanted to redeem themselves in front of their own supporters today. Blackburn, however, are not a strong drawing card these days, and 20,000 would be a liberal estimate of the crowd at the start. Everton opened in their usual pretty style, and Dean almost brushed his way through the Rovers defence in the first minute. At three minutes, however, the Rovers had chalked up a goal lead and it was accomplished because they swung the ball about preferring that mode of progress rather than excessive finesse. The ball was swept out to Bruton but if the ground had not been so sticky the ball would have run out of play. It dragged along the turf so that Bruton was able to run forward collect the ball, and make a square centre to Thompson who, in turn passed the ball to his left, where Talbot had taken up position, and that meant an open goal but even so Talbot did not hit the ball perfectly for it empty dragged the way into the Everton net. Eight minutes later a nonsceptical handling care gave Everton a free kick and Britton lobbed the ball forward to Dean, who made a perfect back-header, the ball going over the goalkeeper as he ran forward, and landed in the back of the net. Binns made saves from Cunliffe and then came the miss of the season. The leading up movement was of top class and Dean might have taken the chance himself, but preferred to offer it to Stevenson, who may have thought he was offside, but whatever he thought was of no account in comparison to what the crowd though when Stevenson shot behind. It was easy to be seen what his intentions were, but he was badly at fault in his placed effort. Talbot was just as much at fault when Bruton dropped the ball in front of the Everton goalmouth. A calm head and a reliable feet would have done the trick, but Talbot had neither so that the ball went cruising over the crossbar. The came another Everton goal to restore the lead. Britton made a long shot and the ball traveled along the ground. Binns dived for it and Whiteside also tried to take a hand in the saving of this shot, but neither succeeded, so that Stevenson nipped in and scored at twenty-five minutes. Bruton tried to restore equality but he was just off the mark. He made amends almost immediately when he scored after McLean and Turner had forced the Everton defences into a state of perplexity; time 29 minutes. But for Sagar, who turned aside a magnificent shot by Talbot, the Rovers would have gone ahead. The save was greeted with a great cheer. Everton's wizardry was not coming off today because the Rovers' defence was very quick in teaching, and it was only due to some slackness on their part that Dean was able to regain the lead at thirty-nine minutes. Cook made a long return, and as the ball dropped Dean hit it as it touched the ground, and Binns simply acted the role of spectators, stretched out on his goal-line after his dive in a fruitless effort to save. The Rovers produced some good football, and Britton another fine shooting effort, which Binns alone mastered. The game was a contrast in style, Everton with the clever and close passing, the Rovers with their wide yet accurate passes.
Half-time Everton 3, Blackburn Rovers 2.
Blackburn Rovers had their fling. They had played well in the first half, but not at any point in the first twenty minutes did they produced their first half form, so that Everton were supreme command almost from the moment of resumption. When the Rovers had been so strong in their attacking they were now uncertain, and ineffective and Everton, as a consequence, ran through their ranks at will. Stevenson beat Binns at 57 minutes and Cunliffe beat him only a few minutes later, but one only had to recall the time when Whyte and Halsall both kicked off the goalline with Binns beaten. The ball from Cunliffe's goal was kicked out by Whyte, and it was so well the referee was close at hand, for the ball undoubtedly –had crossed the line. Sagar had to make one save of merit, but most times it was a question of Everton versus the Rovers defence. Cunliffe missed a fine chance following good work by the Irish pair. McLearn had a long and worthy shot saved by Sagar, who hugged the ball to his body. Cunliffe was out of reckoning with one shot, but got on the mark with a second, which Binns saved by edging it on to his crossbar and over. Final; Everton 5, Blackburn Rovers 2.

SHEFFIELD W. RES V. EVERTON RES.
December 8, 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
Before 3,000. Dickinson gave Everton the lead in five minutes, after Parkinson had missed Leyfield's centre. Dunn added a second after 15 minutes. A minute later Waring reduced the arrears with a great shot. After 30 minutes Leyfield scored a third for Everton. Half-time Sheff Wed Res 1, Everton Res 3.
West Kirby v. Everton “A”
There were three penalties in the first half of this game at West Kirby. Sim gave the home side the lead and added a second a few minutes later from a penalty. Everton were awarded a penalty, but Sherlock in the home goal, saved Watson's spot kick. West Kirby were always dangerous, and on three occasions King was only able to clear at the second attempt. Sim completed his hat-trick when he converted a penalty against Griffiths, who handed to save a certain goal. Half-time West Kirby 3, Everton “A” 1.

MARINE 2 EVERTON A 0
Formby Times - Saturday 08 December 1934
Marine defeated Everton “A” at Crosby by the margin of two clear goals in a thrilling match, which without producing much artistry was a persistent struggle for supremacy.  Marine deservedly emerged triumphant, though Everton tried the Marine defence in the second half.  Morgan, through leg injury was practically a “passenger” for at least three-parts of the game.  Marine’s team work was chiefly responsible for their success. Kelly and Ashcroft and indeed the whole of the Marine half-back line and defence (Drury especially) gave a splendid exhibition of defensive tactics.  White led the forwards with dash and Garvey, as usual, was the real genius in the attacks.  Bentham, Kavannagh, Morris, and Griffiths put in much good work for Everton, but there was closeness about the side’s play that was not suited to the occasion.  Both goals came in the first ten minutes as the result of corners, Worsley and Fradley being the scorers.  This was Everton’s first defeat of the season, Marine’s eight successive victory consolidates their position at the head of affairs. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, December 8, 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

SHEFFIELD WED RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, December 8, 1934
Before about 3,000 spectators.  Only five minutes had elapsed when Dickenson put Everton ahead. Subsequent play was fast and interesting, with the visitors playing superior football, and Dunn added a second goal after a quarter of an hour’s play.  Waring scored for Wednesday, but Leyfield after half an hour put on a third, Everton being much superior.  Half-time; Sheffield Wednesday Res 1, Everton Res 3.

EVERTON 5 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2
December 10, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Return to Winning Ways.
Rovers Fall Away In Second Half.
Score Ought to Have Been Greater.
By “Stork.”
After suffering three successive defeats Everton returned to winning ways when they beat Blackburn Rovers 5-2. The Rovers did uncommonly well during the first half, in fact, that it seemed as though Everton were going to have some difficulty in holding the lead, but the North-East Lancashire side had only flattered to deceive, for in the second half they were over-run. What had promised to be a close game ended in a rout. If Everton had accepted all the chances which came their way they would have run up a big score, despite the work of Binns in the Rovers' goal and some lucky clearances by defenders who at least three times kicked the ball off the goal line. The second half however, was stagging, without any high lights to command it. Everton were so much on top that the game became one-sided that it lost a deal of its former interest. It was a case of Blackburn Rovers defence versus the Everton attack. With all their chances, however, the Everton attack could only produce two more points to augement their half-time score of three goals.
Half-Backs Decline.
Blackburn were no match for their rivals in the last 45 minutes. Their half-backs how had previously been good in defence and construction were so much concerned about the defence of their goal that the front line got no support, while the former keen tackling of the Rovers' half-backs became weak. Blackburn in their first half replied to Everton's clever football by football, which was just of the same value if not entirely of the same calibre. Everton was superior in the finer points of the game, but the Rovers, by simple and sweeping passes accurately placed took the lead the first time they got to close quarters. When Bruton received a long pass he swept down his wing and placed the ball across to Thompson who in turn turn edged it further over to Talbot who had run into the inside-left position. Left with an open goal. Talbot had little to do, but he very nearly fuzzled the opportunity; still the ball bounded into the net. That goal came in three minutes. It was a setback for Everton, but eight minutes later Dean with a back-header, beat Binns. Britton with a free kick supplied the centre, and although Binns dashed out of goal to avert disaster he was too late, the ball travlling over his head and into the empty goal. At the half hour Mclean Turner, and Bruton took advantage of some speculating defence to square the game, the last-named scoring with a shot which struck the inside portion of the upright before finally settling in the back of the net.
Gap Down The Middle.
Cook and Williams had thus far not produced a scheme to cover each other. Both being of the same type, they went out to the ball, which if it beat them, left a big gap down the middle. They tightened up things as the game went on and at 39 minutes Everton had taken a third goal also through a defensive lapse on the part of Gorman and Whyte. Cook sent the ball hurtling into the goalmouth. Gorman and Whyte were not quick enough to see danger ahead, so that Dean ran forward waited, and “dropkicked” the ball beyond Binns, who had no chance. Stevenson's second goal was given to him by a poor clearance, and Cunliffe's header was almost saved by Whyte, who kicked it off the line a trifle too late, as the ball had passed over the line and fortunately the referee was in a position to see that it had done so. The second half, I have told you about. Everton's form was not nearly so good as when they were beaten by Manchester City. Too many chances were allowed to go by, by, and although there was a great deal of clever play, inter-passing, and dribbling there must be more “punch” in the attack if the players are to succeed. The Rovers simply fell away to nothing in the second half, so that Everton could indulge in finery. The Coulter-Stevenson wing had a joyous time in the second session, but what is all this smart play if goal scoring chances are missed. The Rovers also missed some chances; in fact, if all the reasonable scoring opportunities had been turned to account Everton would have had eight goals to the Rovers' four. Thomson had an off day. He seemed slow, and was easily disposed, and was often beaten for speed. Teams: - Sagar, goal; Williams, and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson, halfbacks; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Binns, goal; Gorman and Whyte, backs; Whiteside, Pryde, and Halsall, half-backs; Bruton, Talbot, Thompson, Mclean and Turner, forwards. Referee Mr. S. I. Clark, Birmingham.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 4
December 10, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 17)
There was no mistaking Everton's all round superiority as a football combination at Hillsbrough. They gave a splendid display, Leyfield and Dickinson being the pick of a sparkling attack, which kept the ball on the ground. Mercer was also outstanding in a capital half-back line and the backs and goalkeeper were quite sound. Dickinson (2), Dunn and Leyfield scored Everton's goals Waring Cooper, and Law replying. Everton: - Bradshaw, goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Mercer, White and Archer half-backs; Leyfield, Dunn, Dickinson, Webster, and Stein, forwards.
West Kirby 4 Everton “A” 2
Liverpool County Combination.
Three Penalties in First Half.
At West Kirby. Penalty kicks proved a factor to this result. West Kirby were awarded 2 and Everton 1. Sims two defeated King, but at the other end Sherlock saved Watson's spot kick. Simms also scored in the first half with a curling shot which deceived King and Trentham registered a point for Everton with a fast drive. The second half was more evenly contested and King was found more then Sherlock. Higman the Everton centre was a great opportunist but he was poorly supported. Hewitt scored a fourth for West Kirby and Bentham a second for Everton.

EVERTON'S GOOD RESUMPTION.
December 10 1934. Liverpool Echo
By the “Bees.”
Contrast In Styles.
Blackburn Rovers are not one of the classical sides of the League yet they gave Everton a close call for forty-five minutes in their game at Goodison Park on Saturday even though Everton ran out easy winners in the end. It was a contrast in style. Everton with their scientific combination, their bewildering ball control and trickery could not claim a big advantage in the first half the Blues open methods were just as effective. The Rovers actually took the lead in three minutes and then goal for goal was scored into the interval when Everton lead by an old goal, but there was something about Everton'' display which was not satisfying. Although beaten by Manchester City their form that day was much ahead of anything they produced against the Rovers, yet the opposition was more formidable. Had they lost some of their confidence through their succession of defeats. Their opponents repeatedly smashed down their intriguing combination so much so that there was levelness about the play, which has not been prevalent in the majority of their home games (write “Stork”). Against West Bromwich they scintillated against Portsmouth they always held the balance despite the narrowness of the goals score and even against Manchester City they were the superior force in point of attack but in the first half against Blackburn Rovers they were no better no worse than their rivals. It was punch, which was missing. That seems a stiff statement to make when a side had scored five goals, but recall the facts that two of these goals were presentations and that the Rovers defence became a thing of rags and tatters, and you will see how unconvincing is their latest success. I am not given to carrying on their close play, but really and truly one saw how it could be pulled to abrades by quick tackling half backs.
A Better Cover.
The Rovers during their bright spell prevented Everton sailing along merrily with their super-football, what time they were testing the Everton defence adversely by their open methods, and but for missed chances they too, would have had four goals, but as against that Everton, if they had taken half the chances made and offered they might very easily have run into double figures. Three times the ball was kept out of the Rovers net by lucky clearances but there were others when by every known law no one should have prevented goals for they were there for the taking. As thing s turned out Blackburn had only flattered to deceive. Having been worthily opponents they became poor opposition so that Everton ran into their game, and simply swept aide a defence which had held them down for half the game. It was then that Everton should have rattled up a big goal crop, for the Rovers defence had petered out to nothing. It simply bumped the ball away in any old fashion only to find it back in their midst, taken there by Everton's superior crasftmanship, but despite their attacks, Everton took only two further goals when by right they should have made little effort of picking the ball from the back of the net. Cook and Williams must institute a better covering plan, for there were times when the Rovers attacks had an open path to tread and they only failed because the Rovers like themselves poor shooting efforts that Sagar barred their way.

• Dixie Dean and other playing members of the Everton club are visiting St. Luke's Church Crosby, tomorrow night, to help the boys there to form a social and sports club. Thanks to the good offices of Mr. Cookson, and the help of Dean the project promises to be successful.

AVALANCE THAT DID NOT COME
December 10 1934. Evening Express.
Everton's Five Should Have Been More.
Steady Boys -!
By the Watcher.
“Tell me the old, old story” Everton supporters hummed on their way, from Goodison Park after the 5-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers. It had a dull significance. Its applications was not only to Everton's usual pot goals against the Rovers, but also to the number of scoring chances which the Blues allowed to go abegging. A victory of the dimensions of that which Everton gained may on the face of things, leave little room for criticism but the fact remains that Everton had abundant chances of scoring and failed. When that happens, no matter how great their superiority may be, as measured by the score board there is no excuse for failing to utilise the easiest of openings. Everton will not always encounter a defence so easily penetrated as that of the Rovers, and for that reason it behoves. Everton to cultivate more steadiness in front of goal. When five goals had been scored at Goodison with in 39 minutes, we sat up and quite properly began to expect the creation of a new League scoring record. But the threatened avalanche did not come. Time and again both sets of forwards failed surpassingly to utilise openings, and but for Dean's persistency Everton who monopolished the second half might not have won so easily. There must be more steadiness in front of goal if further points are to be annexed before the New Year, for the Blues will not find the Wednesday Sunderland and Sours defences as easy to circumvent as they did that of the Rovers.
Rovers Have Too Much Rope.
During a first half in which Blackburn had quite as much of the game, the Everton halves were inclined to allow the Rovers' wingmen too much rope. Dean was the star of the attack. He worked hard, and if he had anything to do with some of the chances that came the way of his colleagues he would have had a “nap” hand. It must have been exasperating to him to see the opportunities he had created thrown away so often. Coulter was the next best member of the Blues attack. He crossed brilliantly at times. Dean (2), Cunliffe gave Everton an interval lead against goals by Talbot and Bruton. Stevenson and Cunliffe completed the Blues' scoring with second half goals, Everton thus winning by 5-2.

EVERTON AT HOME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 10 December 1934
EVERTON'S BIG CHANGE 
Only once in the last seven years have Everton been drawn at home in the first round of the Cup. That was when Liverpool beat them. Other than that they have had stiff tasks at Plymouth, Spurs,&c. To-day the pendulum swung round, and they are given a home game.  That it should be Grimsby Town is rather intriguing, because they were one of the sides Everton defeated when they went in to win the Cup.  There was a time when Grimsby went to Division II through a happening not altogether nice, and when Grimsby, a few years ago, were trying to escape relegation, and Everton were "in the same boat," Coggins was brought in vice Sagar, after the latter had beenannounced as the goalkeeper for the following game. Coggins was one of an eleven well beaten by Robson, the crack centre of those days! This year Everton drew at Grimsby, who have since improved considerably and look like developing into a cup side. 

EVERTON PLAYERS PLAY BILLARDS
December 11, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
The Everton club met numbers of the Walton Conservative Club at billiards last night, at the Walton Conservative club in aid of the William Swift memorial fund.
Everton, J.Thomson 75, J.Dunn 100, J.Deighton 100, N. Higham 100, J. Archer 94, J. Stein 100, A Clark 100, TC White 100, WR Dean 100, TG Watson 100, W Cook 200, total 1269
Walton conservative club, H Searle 100, W Vaughan 80, R Bainbridge 77, F Turner 89, J Hughes 47, T Robinson 100, T Doherty 97, L Jones 42, W Scarle 56, J Borrowsdale 88, B Dent 61, JA Ross 199, total 1,026.

EVERTON SELECTIONS.
December 12 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
It is a distinct advantage for Football League clubs to be able to field the same eleven players week after week. For the third week in succession Everton are in the position of fielding an unchanged side. Everton travel to Hillsbrough on Saturday to meet Sheffield Wednesday, who hold a position a step or so above their rivals and here Everton will find opposition of the sternest quality. The team to face Wednesday is: - Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. The Everton Central league side to meet West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on Saturday is: - Bradshaw; Jackson Jones; Mercer, White Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Dickenson, Webster, Stein.

EVERTON TO GO IN SPECIAL TRAINING.
December 12, 1934. Evening Express.
Two Weeks At Buxton.
Getting Ready For Christmas Rush.
And The Cup
By the Pilot.
Everton have decided to undergo two periods of special training for the F.A. Cup-tie with Grimsby Town, which takes place at Goodison Park on January 12. Once again they are going to Buxton, as Here that the Blues trained prior to each match two seasons ago when they won the Cup. It has been decided, in view of the buy Christmas and New Year programmes, to have one week's rest at Buxton, prior to the holidays. The players leave Liverpool on Monday and return on Saturday December 22 in time for the home Football League match with Birmingham at Goodison Park. They will remain home until Wednesday January 2 when they return to Buxton, and remain until the morning of the match with Grimsby Town. The directors have decided to charge the following prices for the Cup-match, and applications for tickets to the reserved portion should be made at once. Shareholders' and members stands are block D, E, and F (Goodison-road), 5s' north and South ends of Bullens-road and block C and G at Goodison-road stands 3s, 6d, Block B,H and K. (Goodison-road stand) 6d. Ordinary league prices will be augmented for the goal double-decker, for no seats will be reserved.

EVERTON'S CUP-TIE TRAINING 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 12 December 1934
BANKING ON BUXTON'S BRACING AIR AGAIN
Everton are relying on the Buxton air again for their special Cup-tie training.  They go into residence there on Monday next for a week's stay, and again for the week preceding their match against Grimsby. Buxton' has always proved a lucky training ground for the team.  The arrangements for the Everton- Grimsby Cup-tie on January 12 are as follow:—Shareholder and members stand and Blocks D. E. and F (Goodison-road) 5s. North and South (Bullens-road), and Blocks C and G 3s 6d. Blocks A and B and H and K (Goodison-road) 2s 6d; goal double-decker and remainder of ground, usual prices. Pay at the turnstiles.  The applications for tickets should be made to Tom McIntosh at the ground.  Stamped addressed envelopes and remittance to be included.
EX-EVERTONIAN IN DOUBLE DEAL
Ted Critchley, the ex-Everton outside right, who was transferred to Preston last back end, was concerned in a double transfer deal early to-day.  The clubs who exchanged players are Port Vale and Preston North End.  Critchley goes to Port Vale and Fryer, of Port Vale, to Preston.  Strange to say, Fryer, too, is an outside right.

EVERTON ARRANGE BUXTON VISTOR
December 13, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton have decided to go to Buxton on Monday for a week in order to prepare for their holiday games, while the players will also stay at the Derbyshire resort in the week before the cup-tie. Everton trained at Buxton when they won the cup two seasons ago.

EVERTON AND A CELTIC PLAYER 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 December 1934
Bee’s Notes, The Hive
It is football side reveals news of Everton’s attempts to get Napier, the international player of Celtic; Critchley has made a double quick move. He started well at Preston, but later did not satisfy the club.
BLACKBURN OLYMPIC
How many of the Echo legion remember that old team of working lads who were known as the Blackburn Olympic, and whose forwards initiated the passing movements, developed later so successfully by Preston North End as to earn the latter the title of the Invincibles, and to score 26 goals in a Cup-tie? I was reminded of the Olympic by reading of the recent death of their former goalkeeper, Hacking, and to learn that two of the original Cup team- Tom Dewhurst and Will Astley –are still living.  The latter, at 74 still wears the knee bandage rendered necessary by the injury he received when playing against Accrington fifty years ago.  It was Blackburn Olympic which beat the Old Carthusians in the semi-final at Whalley Range, and the Old Etonians in the final for the English Cup in 1883 after methods of training which would be ridiculed by present day professional teams.  To those spectators and players who remember West Bromwich Albion’s goalkeeper-Reader, playing in long trousers, no surprise will be expressed at the reminder that the Hon A.F. Kinnaird (afterwards Lord Kinnaird, President of the Football Association) played in the final for the Old Etonians in white cricketing flannels.  Those old days must bring back memories of many Echo readers, and who will remember Notts Rangers coming to Anfield-road in the days when Everton dressed at the Sandon and walked to the ground. Cannot Mr. Fred Geary be persuaded to give his reminiscences of the first appearance in Liverpool of Notts Rangers, and of the battering he received from the then Everton defenders, who could not touch his speed and who lost their tempers over his dribbling, resulting in the home spectators booing their own players?  Those were the days! (says Mac 2.). 
"Broadminded " says.—" Although I am a keen Everton supporter, I do not think it is right the way in which the Arsenal keeps getting ' run down." Let us admit what a really fine team they are, and also admire the way in which they are managed. Their position proves that they are a splendid side, who always play good football whether win or lose, and I, for one, always admire them as sportsmen and gentlemen.  "Neighbour seems to think the Arsenal directors' are the English F.A. Selection Committee, but he must admit the men chosen did not let England down. 
LIGHTS ON AGAIN
“Blue Always” says; Re “Old Spectator’s” remarks with reference to the team that played Everton by the aid of “Wells” lights.  As a follower of Everton for the past 45 years I beg to differ with the above party, as it was neither Sheffield United nor West Bromwich who played Everton on that particular occasion.  That match always stands out in my memory.  The correct solution being Bolton Wanderers, this being the match Everton played by the aid of the “Wells” lights.  Having raised the controversy of football by artificial light, and having read the various opinions on the matter, I stand by my memory that the match in question was played at Goodison Park about the year 1893 or 1894 and that Everton’s opponents were West Bromwich Albion (says Mr. Goodwillie).  This is confirmed by another old Evertonian, who wrote you on the topic last week.  I thank you, Mr. Bee, for your trouble and space in your O’K. paper the Echo. 
F. Edwards writes;- Reading about Wells lights on the Old Everton ground W.B is quite right in his statement of a Soccer game being played there with them, but a good many may not remember that a Rugby Union game was played on Everton’s old ground also by Wells’ lights.  The game I allude to was for the benefit of Stanley Cricket Club, and the teams, Runcorn R.F.C . The Rest of Cheshire, was the game I allude to.  It was arranged by the late F.T. parry, and the teams were got together by F.P. Jones I believe and took place a day or two before the game W.B. mentions. I played in this game and naturally remember it well.  There was also another Rugby game played on the same ground but not by Wells’ lights.  These are the only two Rugby games played whilst Everton were on the old ground.
The Everton chairman Mr. W.C Cuff is accompanied by “Dixie” Dean and Willie Cook, of Everton, opened the new billard room and table at the Gateacre Institute.  After Mr. Cuff had made a charming speech and “broke off” on the new table, Cook beat Glover, of the Institute, in a match of 150 points up. Cook and Glover then joined forces in a snooker match against Dean and another Institute player, Hesketh, losing by 132 points to 129 points.
The Earlestown White Star eleven to meet Everton A at Earlestown on Saturday in the replay of the “George Mahon” Cup, first round tie is; Griffin; P. Ashcroft, J.J. Pilling; W. Prescott, P. Ellis, T. Walker; G. Davies, V. McKenna, Joe Grice, and J. Rigby.

WEDNESDAY'S NEW CENTRE.
December 14 1934. Evening Express.
To Lead Attack Against Everton.
By the Pilot.
Palethorpe Sheffield Wednesday's latest capture from Preston North End, will lead the Wednesday attack against Everton at Hillsborough tomorrow. This will be the third time this season Everton have had to face a debutant when Huddersfield visited them they played Malam for the first time and when Chelsea came to Goodison Park it market the debut of Spence. Palthorpe is a big bustling player, who was introduced to league football by Reading and who has since seen service with Stoke City and Preston North End. He helped Stoke and Preston to gain promotion to the First Division. Everton who play an unchanged side for the third week in succession will be in search of their first away victory. Everton have fared well at Hillsbrough in recent seasons, and if the forwards can strike the goal mood as they did against Blackburn Rovers, they should return with a point a least. The Wednesday are a good side, but rather inconsistent. Everton; Sagar, Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
Throstles At Goodison.
One of the most attractive Central League matches of the season will be staged at Goodison Park, where West Bromwich Albion provide the opposition. The Albion won the championship last season, and are present leaders. They play fine football, and seeing that the Everton reserves are doing exceptionally well at the moment, a keen struggle should be the outcome. Everton Reserves; Bradshaw; Jackson Jones; Mercer, White Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Dickenson, Webster, Stein.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central league match at Goodison Park tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. West Bromwich Kick-off 2.15. Admission 6d Boys 3d, Stands extra (including tax).

GRAND FOOTBALL OUTLOOK
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 December 1934
Bee’s Notes, The Hive
Everton go to Sheffield Wednesday's ground with what is now known as "the customary team." When you talk of Everton home and away you talk of two varying and contracting teams. Away from home Everton's best has been at the Villa and Arsenal grounds; their worst at Middlesbrough and Leeds. In fact, it looks as if they only produce their best at home and serve up their greatest efforts for the away games when they are facing the real tip-top clubs.  Thus, they have something to work upon to-morrow; they cannot look upon Sheffield Wednesday with an easy eye; the task of stopping the Rimmer-starling, Hooper, Miller-ship combination is a stern one. Maybe, therefore, Everton will start into their task with the remembrance that they win who believe they can, and they win who make every Hillsborough post a winning post. Everton have been winning by a useful margin at home, yet people seeing them said: "It should have been twice the size." The margin last week, according to report, should have been very large. Well, one goal margin will be sufficient for me to-morrow if Everton have that margin. This is their team:—  Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. 

EVERTON PLAYER’S MISHAP
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 December 1934
STEVENSON SPRAINS ANKLE GETTINO OFF TRAM 
Stevenson, the Everton inside-left will not be in the Everton side at Sheffield Wednesday to-morrow, owing to an injury he received to-day when alighting from a tram. He twisted his ankle in the tramline.  Dunn conies in at inside right and Cunliffe at inside left. Webster, of the Reserves, has laryngitis, and his place will be taken by Higham. Bentham will fill the place of Dunn. 

EVERTON'S FORWARD CHANGE.
December 15 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton go to Hillsbrough where Sheffield Wednesday will provide strong opposition, but the Merseyside men are keen to break their away record by gaining a victory on the ground of opponents. They may do it today for the first time, but the task is difficult. Sheffield Wednesday so far are unbeaten at home. While getting off a tramcar yesterday Stevenson sprained his ankle by putting his foot in the tramlines. This mishap causes the first change in the Everton team for three weeks. Cunliffe crosses over to the left to partner Coulter and Dunn comes in at inside right. Palthorpe the player just signed from Preston North End, will lead the Sheffield attack, and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Cunliffe Coulter. Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown; Walker, Bibloe; Sharp, Millership, Burrows; Oxley, Starling, Palethorpe, Burgess, Rimmer.

EVERTON HOLD THE WEDNESDAY
December 15 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
Defence Gains A Point At Hillsboro'
Cook's Stern Tackling
By the Pilot.
Everton did well to hold Sheffield Wednesday to a goalless drew at Hillsbrough, but the partial success was due chiefly to stern defensive measures. The Wednesday had more of the game than Everton, but failed with the final pass. It was hard football with plenty of “he man” tackling. Teams: - Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown, goal; Walker and Nibloe, backs; Sharp, Millership, and Burrows, half-backs; Oxley, Starling, Palethorpe, Burgess and Rimmer, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams, and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Dunn, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. C. E. Lines (Birmingham).
Palethorpe, of Preston, was leading the Wednesday attack for the first time. Everton looked the more dangerous in the early play. Coulter once just failed to take a lovely pass from Dean. Palethorpe then picked up a low pass from Rimmer and caused Sagar to go full length as he swung round. Dunn carved an opening for Coulter, but the Irishman got his foot too far under the ball. Millership fouled Coulter when the winger was racing ahead to a Dunn pass, and Dunn headed in from the kick. I liked the way Dunn was exploiting the far-flung pass to the left flank and altogether the football was of a high standard, with the ground a little holding. Starling drove the ball down the middle, and Sagar ran out to kick away. He kicked hard enough, but the ball hit Gee in the small of the back, and it bounced backwards to cross for a corner.
Oxley's Drive.
Thomson intercepted a fierce low drive from Oxley after Palethorpe had failed to gather in the goalmouth. Then Thomson came over to the right and helped Williams to put Britton through. Britton was quickly brought down, but the free kick came to nothing. Everton were more than holding their own, despite the fact that gee was off for some minutes. Dunn was having a good day. Adopting the Geldard role, he gave Dean a hard shooting chance but Dixie hesitated instead of hitting it on the turn. Starling developed a fine Wednesday attack, which resulted in Rimmer' crossing beautifully for Palethorpe to head in. The ball travelled downwards and Sagar grabbed it as it was crossing the line. Rimmer had an easy chance with only Sagar to beat, but he took it quickly and missed the mark. Geldard cut inwards from a throw-in, finishing with a poor shot taken on the run.
Brown-Dean Race.
Cunliffe came through with a distant shot. Coulter slipped by Walker and there was a desperate race between Brown and Dean, when the sharp centre came across the ball rebounding off Brown's body. Dean forged ahead when Dunn served up another fine through ball and he shot as Nibloe tackled him. A fine effort, which brown, held safely. Everton had a chance when Dunn middled quickly from Coulter's throw-in, Geldard putting along the ground for the ball to bounce off Millership's knee. Everton were attacking in more open order, but the Wednesday's intervention was exceptionally good. Oxley was allowed to go through although the linesman signalled offside, but when he made a quick pass back, Sagar dived out and saved magnificently.
Half-time Sheffield Wednesday 0, Everton 0.
The light was bad on resuming, and reminded me of that day the teams met at Goodison Park when Everton ran up nine. There was little suggestion of a goal to thrill the 23,000 spectators. The Wednesday engineered several “all in” attacks on resuming, but the only shot was a wild effort by Starling which sailed right over. Later Sagar had to pull down a ball from Burgess and at the other end Dunn drove one at goal when the ball came back from Millership. Rimmer and Burgess combined beautifully and Gee hook a rush in running the centre aside. The ball flew dangerous The Wednesday were having more of the game but Cook did some sterling work in defence and Sagar made a great save from a rising shot from Sharp. Everton's left flank got going and Cunliffe was able to swerve past Walker and then disappoint by placing beyond the far post.
Everton Defend Well.
Everton had to defend hard and long, but they did the job full well mostly by relentless tackling, but Sagar was covered though he had to come out to pull down from Palethorpe. Cunliffe took the Wednesday defence by surprise and was able to try a hook shot. Oxley rushed the ball through for Palethorpe to shoot inches wide of the upright. Everton were looking more like goals near the end and Cunliffe accepted a quick-headed pass by Dean only to aim too high. Final Sheffield Wednesday 0, Everton 0.

EVERTON RES V. WEST BROM RES.
December 15, 1934. Evening Express.
Much of Everton's work was of a high standard and the visiting goal was frequently in danger. In the first few minutes Crowe punched clear a tricky effort by Mercer and then saved from Higham. Leyfield was doing good work on the right and Dickenson should have done better than hit the post. The West Brom keeper did well to cover a shot by Stein, but eventually Bentham cleverly headed through from Leyfield's corner. For 20 minutes Bradshaw had been idle. Gale went through and the new keeper made a great save. Green went close to equalising when he headed against the upright. Bradshaw again made a good save from Gale. West Bromwich were keeping the ball too close considering the conditions prevent Bradshaw being troubled. Half-time Everton Res 1, West Brom Res 0.

CLUB THAT STARTED WITH A LAMB-POST MEETING-TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS
December 15, 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
Romance of Tottenham Hotspur's Rise to Fame.
By a Special Correspondent.
From lamp-post meeting to a place among the wealthiest clubs in the land. That in a nutshell is the story of Tottenham Hotspur. The ‘Spurs now famous the world over have had a career as romantic as any club in the game. It was in 1882 that the suggestion for the formation of a football side was first discussed by a party of lads – and that initial meeting took place under the dim light of a street lamp. Three Tottenham lads, Robert Buckle, Jack Thompson and Sam Casey, were the founders of Tottenham Hotspur F.C. The first club comprised 18 members who paid an annual subscription of one shilling each. This sum, however, merely enabled them to buy a football. They were forced to play their first matches on the Tottenham Marshes and used home-made goal-posts painted blue and white. “Goal-poles” they called them, for they had no crossbars, tape doing duty. Without a club-room of their own, the lads left their goal-posts in the care of the local stationmaster. Robert Buckle became the “Spurs' first captain and Jack Thompson took over the role of secretary to lads who showed all the enthusiasm and bulldog spirit of the pioneer. As time passed, they began to draw a crowd to their games and at the end of the first season were so popular that they decided that their experiment had been a success –they would carry on, fired by the ambition that comes from a good start. They managed to secure the playing services of a lad named J. Jull and his brilliance certainly added to the strength of the tem. He became the –Spurs' skipper in layer years, and under his leadership the side never looked back. It soon became obvious to these enthusiastic lads that organised football was wanted in their district, and by 1887 they had developed so well that they decided to seek a private ground. This they secured at Northumberland Park. They also considered this the appropriate time to commence to charge for admission to their games. For their first match at Northumberland Park, the ‘Spurs opposed the Old Etonians, former Cup-winners and one of the most powerful of the country's amateur sides. A “gate” of £20 was taken and the young Tottenham pioneers considered they had done quite well to be beaten by only 8 goals to 2. Things moved fast following that opening
Mr. Jon Oliver a wealthy supports who did much for Tottenham paid for the erection of a grandstand. That season (1885-86) the Spurs' income amounted to £1,166 –progress indeed yet that sum is taken at one match nowadays! A year later, still with their eyes on development, the Spurs' gained admission to the old southern League. It was imperative that a stronger side be recruited for the team was now called upon to meet such clubs as Southampton, Millwall, Reading, Swindon and New Brompton (now Gillingham). The success of their efforts was apparent for the end of their first season in the higher class found them holding fourth position. Southern League football meant increased expenditure, however, and although the ‘Spurs gained in popularity they were not without financial troubles. In 1888 they almost went under but the stagging of a military tournament saved them.
Tomatoes at White Hart Lane.
After becoming a limited liability company, the ‘Spurs moved from Northumberland Park the nest year and set up their headquarters at the rare of the White Hart Inn in the Tottenham High-road. The area had been used formely for the growing of tomatoes. Today White Hart is one of the most up-to-date enclosures in the county. £45,000 was spent on ground improvements last summer. In the first season on the new enclosure the ‘Spurs vastly changed from that little band of lads who met under a lamppost achieved the championship of the Southern League. A year later they set the whole country taking by fighting their way through to the Cup final. On their way to the biggest moment of their career, the “Spurs met and defeated Preston North End, Bury, Reading, West Bromwich Albion, and then opposed Sheffield United at the Crystal Palace. The result was a draw. But in the reply at Bolton the ‘Spurs made no mistake and returned to London victors by 3 goals to 1. Thus Tottenham succeeded in bringing the Cup back to the South, after a lapse of 18 years, Old Etonians, those early opponents of the ‘Spurs, being the last Southern Winners. There was no stopping the Tottenham Club now. They were out for fresh laurels. But they could make little further headway as members of the Southern League. In 1908 the news got round that Stoke were not happy in the Second Division of the League. It was the ‘Sours' big chance. Taking the risk, they resigned from the Southern league and applied for admission to the Second Division. Stoke dropped out and the ‘Spurs stepped into their place –one more step towards the fulfillment of their ambitions. One season in the Second Division was enough to prove the ‘Spurs worth –and up
Dimmock had been born within a stone's throw of White Hart-Lane the year that the Spurs won the Cup for the first time. The memorable game against Wolverhampton Wanderers played at Stamford Bridge, is always refereed to as “the Quagmire Final” for it was contested in terrific rain, following a fierce thunderstorm. Of the ‘Spurs' team during the great season only one player is still connected with football, and that is Jimmy Seed, who is managing Charlton Athletic. “Fanny” Walden that midget marvel, who was unfortunately unable to play owing to injury, is a first-class cricket umpire and a license which is also the present occupation of Jim Cantrell, the centre forward. Arthur Grimsdell the captain is a Hertfordshire cricketer, and Charlie Walters, centre half, plays for Oxforshire. Dimmock only forsook soccer last season, after wearing the colours of Ashford, in the Kent League. In the 1921-22 season the ‘Spurs were League runners-up and Cup semi-finalists. In 1928 after a galliant battle the Sours' were relegated –and the man who had most to do with this was Jimmy Seed. During the season he was transferred to Sheffield Wednesday then in a bad way. But under the leadership, the Yorkshire club fought their way clear, and helped to push Spurs out of the senior section. But with Percy Smith, the former Nelson and Bury player and manager, at their head, the Tottenham club return to the top-class two seasons ago. And the side accompanying them on this occasion were Stoke City, old pals. Today the ‘Spurs are represented by one of the youngest sides in the game. Their brilliance is well-known and we can look to them to revive all the old glories of the club that started in so humble a fashion.

EVERTON DRAW v. SHEFFIELD
Liverpool football Echo - Saturday 15 December 1934
NEXT BEST THING AT THE WEDNESDAY’S GROUND
UNUSUAL INCIDENTS
By Bee
Defence supreme. Everton still without their first away win of the season, but performed the next best thing—a draw. Sheffield's inside forwards off their game. Everton's backs stalwart.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Cunliffe, Coulter. Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Nibloe; Sharp, Millership, Burrows; Oxley, Starling, Palethorpe, Burgess, Rimmer. Referee; Mr. Lines, Birmingham. Rather soft turf suggested the game at Hillsborough would not be a good one. Just the opposite was the case, both sides playing extremely attractive football in a game full of point and productive of a good deal of football meat. The match began with enthusiasm because Palethorpe, other-wise Causage”of Preston, was a much welcomed new centre forward.  Yet Everton should have scored in the first moment when Dean placed the ball so well and Coulter had his chance, and the Irishman was shocked to find the ball go between his legs.  Rimmer’s first centre led to Palethorpe drifting the ball rather than shooting it, quite a nice effort. Dunnwas a busy man, and after heading to goalfrom a free kick he became the thought of many raids. In fact, Everton early on were what is known as the better side, and Nibloe nearly proved it by mis-hitting a ball into his own net.  Then Cunliffe made a striking run. A most uncommon incident followed.  Sagar ran out to kick clear, shouted "Right: - but shouted too late, so that Gee got the full force of the clearance on his body and had to retire. The ball cannoned back towards Everton's empty goal, but fortunately it was not quite on the mark.  Walker was laid low with an injury in collision with Dean, who later on came to the side line for attention to his right knee. Jock Thomson kicked off the goal line when Wednesday produced their ten minutes of excellent attack.  Ben Williams, passing back, rather took Sager by surprise, but the goalkeeper wasable to get to the ball before one of the Wednesday's men rushed in to convert the chance. Cook was hitting the ball very hard in his clearance, and Wednesday were now the superior side, especially when Rimmer lobbed to the far post, and Oxley must have been inches out of contact with what would have been a perfect goal. 
A NARROW ESCAPE 
Rimmer provided Palethorpe with a chance, which Sagar saved on or about the line. Sheffield people said, of course, that the ball was over the line when Sagar picked up a second attempt.  The referee's verdict was "Play on” Rimmer now shot badly, and Everton began to take up the threads of fine combination and make their presence felt. Coulter walked through the Wednesday defence, and Dean was very near taking a headed goal.  Geldard also made a sinuous run and moderate shot, whereas Cunliffe now showed us the best shot of the game thus far, a ball which resounded as it cracked against the concrete wall one yard from the goal-post.  After Rimmer had headed quite close to the mark. Dunn made a through-pass to Dean, quite an uncommon feature of present-day football, and Dean, with half a chance, let out an excellent drive, which Brown held tight—an excellent save. Geldard a good shot was saved by Niblos on the stroke of half-time. Sagar half saved a Rimmer header, and the crowd gasped as the ball bounced high up towards Sagar's goal. Sager made a catch, and made a more important save when Oxley seemed certain to make a goal.  Half-time: Sheffield Wed. 0, Everton 0 
The second half was not nearly so good as the first chiefly because both sides would have challenged the Austrians in lack of finish. Yet, on occasion, there was a good save, the best of all being Sagar's tip over the bar when Sharp, a half back, decided to show his forwards how to do the trick.  Rimmer was faulted twice in successive moves with centres, and eventually a shot from the same man struck Gee's foot and passed outside.  But all too near goal to be comfortable.  Wednesday opened the second half with quite a collection of attacks, and after Cunliffe had worked his way through unaided he made a woeful shot.  The darkness of the second half was lightened when Gelderd got beyond the defence and was pitched in such a manner that a penalty thought entered Everton heads.  There was a gluey patch of mud down the centre of the field, and the policy should have been all wing work, instead of which the Wednesday side, whose inside forwards were not clever, were trying to work the ball through the mud and the gloom.  Dean was to be seen at ball back andthe next moment at outside left, and when he provided Coulter with a close pass the centre that followed was not accepted by Geldard. Williams and Cook were steadfast backs, although the well-known back-heel trick of Williams was once collared by Rimmer and used to make a severe attack in which Wednesday really beat themselves.  Although Everton were always more reliable in their constructive work, Wednesday had the goal chances, but failed to take them, notably when Oxley crossed the ball for Palethorpe, who shot from a distance and put the ball outside by a foot:  Palethorpe had a gift a chance and struck Sagar's knee. On the contra account Geldard centred and Dean made strong efforts to head a goal, Dunn ending the movement by shooting outside.  Quite the neatest bit of combination in a dull second half came when Britton, who had been in quiet mood, sent away Geldard, whose centre consisted of a pull-back to Dunn, whose shot was mediocre. This had been a gilt-edged chance, and Everton had now copied Sheffield's ineptitude in front of goal.  A triangular movement by Coulter, Dean and Cunliffe shocked the Wednesday crowd, but Cunliffe's quickly taken shot passed just over the bar, so that Wednesday had escaped.  Everton were on the attack again, and a Coulter centre very nearly brought Everton their first away victory of the season. The game continued in rather straggling fashion without tangible result.  Final Sheffield Wednesday 0, Everton 0. 

THE SALT OF THE SOCCER CROWD
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 15 December 1934
My Correspondence bag is enormous.  Some of my writers are once-a-lifetime, on the principle that they will try anything once; others are persistent.  The Chimes of the Bells is something the chide of the bells.  True Red or True Blue we always have with us, but there is an uncommon one-“Custard.” Why that name? He is a P.O. official, and for years has written copious notes upon our teams.  So I got our artists to get him.  This is the result-Mr. Downes has been discovered.  He has supposed Everton for 42 years by penmanship and cheers, and served the P.O. for the same length of time. He is known to their staff as “Bee’s Pup.” Well, the old dog for the hard road, and the pup for the path.  He does not speak out of his turn, or without authority, for he has been a player, a cyclist, and was goalie for the P/O. team for many years. He went as far as Plymouth three years ago to see Everton win their Cup-tie there.  The staff subscribed to pay his fare.  I think he’s lucky in that respect. I must try to get someone to do likewise for me each week! “Custard” is one of my big happy family.  He is 55 years young, and is entitled to be included among the series of Spectatorial Supporters. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 15 December 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON RES V ALBION RES
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 15 December 1934
Everton had much the better of the early play and the occasions on which the Albions troubled the home defenders were, indeed, few.  On the heavy ground, Everton played well, and it was Crowe’s good goalkeeping, aided by a sound defence, that saved the Albion in those early minutes.  Everton deservedly took the lead when Bentham scored, but the Albion were now getting more settled, and the home goal survived a marvellous escape when Gate hit the upright.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, West Browmich Albion Res 0. 
Earlestown White Star 2, Everton A 2

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0 EVERTON 0
December 17 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton's Sturdy Backs.
Worthy Point at Sheffield.
Wednesday Fail To take Chances.
By “Bee.”
Everton are still without a win away from home, but they have collected some useful points in their visits, and their last episode was on the Hillsborough ground, where Sheffield Wednesday are unbeaten this season. Therefore Everton did well to make a draw there. There were no goals, and this was a real blow to all the 20,000 spectators who looked on. The style of play adopted in midfield, and in approach work was sufficient to warrant a crop of goals, whether the defence played well or ill. As it was not a goal was scored, and chances were thrown away in a profligate manner, almost suggestive of carelessness –or would it be better to say it was due to their over-weening desire to get their first goal?
Sagar's Daring.
Sheffield started well, and there were times when they dominated the proceedings, but near goal they faced the sure and daring Sagar and the sturdy Williams, plus that rock-like back Cook who is not playing so demonstratively as of yore, but is still more effective than when he was making ground-length clearances. Sheffield disappointed very much in their attack none more so than by two players –Sterling the captain, and Burgess. Starling indeed, was not well received by his own crowd, who fail to see what good Manager Billy Walker can find in the ex-Newcastle forward. He is a roamer and a key man; he is the control board, but on this very muddy turf he was not able to work the ball so neatly as he generally does, and though Palethorpe ran hard and worked harder, and shot near, and headed close, there was no goal for the home side. Palethorpe was transferred from Preston a few days before to succeed where Dewar had failed. He was very earnest and was always liable to get a goal, but his easiest chance he cast to the winds. Similarly, Everton's easiest chance rather late on, was not accepted by Dunn, who had done a lot of serviceable work, collecting the ball, “killing” it with the sole of his foot, and making wise discretionary passes. The vital moment came; Geldard, who had revelled in his second half experience cut in, passed slightly back, and Dunn made a poor shot from the easiest of positions. On the other side of the ledger one had to put an escape by Sagar when the shot struck his knee, and another time when he was troubled to keep a Palethorpe shot from going over the line –Sheffield contended the ball had passed over, but Referee Lines said he disagreed.
Everton Keep Calm.
Play was hard and no quarter was asked or given, but it was never rough and the oddest accident came to gee, who received a kick away clearance from his goalkeeper in the back and had to leave the field awhile for repairs. Gee did well despite this trouble. In fact, Everton were the more constructive and calm combination. Sheffield had spells of attack, but never looked like breaking the barrier more than twice, whereas Everton moved off in good formation and sound football skill. Coulter had his best period in the first half, when he led the defence a dance. Geldard took up the running in the second half and throughout Britton and Thomson were their customary selves with Dunn a success as deputy for Stevenson (Injured on Friday) while Cunliffe moved off t the left flank, made some admirable runs and was never slow to shoot or give a hand in defence. Everton have reason to be satisfied with this point, but Wednesday will fell aggrieved that the good work of Nibloe. Sharp at half-back and Rimmer in particular in swinging centres over had no finality about it. Teams: - Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown, goal; Walker and Nibloe, backs; Sharp, Millership, and Burrows, half-backs; Oxley, Starling, Palethorpe, Burgess and Rimmer, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams, and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Dunn, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. C. E. Lines (Birmingham).

EVERTON RESERVES 1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 0
December 17 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 18)
Considering the prevailing conditions Everton's victory over the league leaders was a fine and deserved achievement. The ability of the winners quickly to settle to the conditions was the chief reason of the success. It was Crowe in goal, aided by Screen Foulkes and Trevis, who prevented the Goodison side getting well in front, Higham Mercer, Leyfield and Stein had shot saved, and Dickenson hit the upright but the Albion gradually settled down and Everton were lucky when Gale headed against the post. Meanwhile Bentham had scored for Everton, who were always the more convincing. The second half provided a great struggle. Dickenson and Leyfield hit the woodwork, and Bradshaw among other good work made one great save from Gale. Everton Reserves; Bradshaw; goal Jackson and Jones backs ; Mercer, White and Archer half-backs; Leyfield, Bentham, Dickenson, Higham, and Stein forward.

GEORGE MAHON CUP
December 17 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Geo. Mahon Cup –First Round Replay
Earlestown White Star 2 Everton “A” 2
A quarter of an hour before the start heavy rain fell and spoiled what would probably have been a record “gate.” White Star overran the visitors in the early stages but the Everton defence held out. There was no score at the interval, and in the second half Everton quickly took the lead after a melee in front of the Star goal. Five minutes later Rigby equalised and then Everton obtained a second goal. White Star were unfortunate on several occasions, and probably the greasy state of the ball upset their usually well-finished movements. Five minutes from the end J.A. Constantine the White Star centre-forward equalised.

EVERTON TOO HASTY IN SHOOTING
December 17, 1934. Evening Express.
Only fault Against Wednesday.
By the Pilot.
Deliberation instead of hastiness in finishing would have brought Everton their first away win of the season when they visited Sheffield Wednesday. In the last quarter of an hour the Blues ran the Wednesday off their feet, but though good chances were won they were wasted because the marksmen, in their keen desire to clinch the deal, shot too quickly. Shooting was the one Everton fault. In other respects they compared favourably with the Wednesday though not having as much of the play territorially. The honours went to the defence. It was an effective display. Everton were the more precise in their machinations. The Wednesday passed and r-passed and made good progress, but when it came to the final transfer or goal thrust they lacked accuracy.
Fast Pace.
The game was thoroughly enjoyable, particularly in the first half. There was always something to interest, and the pace, considering the greasy state of the ground, was astonishing. Had there been any other result but a draw I am afraid justice would not have been met. Everton's defence was grand. Cook was the best back on the field, and he received able assistance from Williams and Sagar, while the half-backs were quick with their interventions. In the game Britton, Gee and Thomson had to play more a defensive role, but late on they came through with their customary constructiveness and set the Everton machine going delightfully. Geldard was the outstanding forward. He has not had a better game this season. He showed perfect ball-control, high speed, versatility and steadiness in finishing. Next to him I placed Dean. Throughout Dean was shadowed by a least two or three players, but he worked splendidly throughout. His neat wing passes and subtedly in drawing attention from others were excellent. Dunn had a fine day except that he failed to score with a great chance. He was shrewd and nippy and distributed his passes with thought. What I liked about him was that long, raking pass out to Coulter, delivered after a neat feint to feed the right. The pass was a winner. Coulter opened well while his partner Cunliffe came more into the picture as the game progressed and delivered more shots than any other forward. Everton's display was most encouraging.

HOW PALETHORPE SHAPED
Sheffield Independent - Monday 17 December 1934
WEDNESDAY’S NEW LEADER WANTS BETTER SUPPORT
SHEFFRIELD WEDNESDAY 0, EVERTON 0
By H. Donnison
ALTHOUGH there were goals no goals at Hillsborough the crowd had its money’s worth. There was no melting away of the edges of the packed mass on Spion Kop for early cars. Attention was rivetted to the last gasp, for one would not have been surprised at a goal at either end in the last few minutes.  No one could grumble at the result.  Defences were supreme, although at the same time the finish by both teams left something to desired, even allowing for the many hair-raising escapes.  Every member of the crowd 19,800 spectators was eager to see how John Palethorpe, the centre-forward secured from Preston North End, fared his new colours and compare him with Dewar who laid with injured ankle. .  It was rather unfortunate that Palethorpe did not score, but it was not through want of trying. He gave Sagar, the former Thorne Colliery goalkeeper, far more trouble than anyone else, and more than once was unlucky.  He has pace, dash, is tenacious and distributed the ball well. His style entirely different to that of Dewar, who relies much on his ball artistry. It was, however, difficult to judge Palethorpe on this one match, with the ground treacherous. 
What Palethorpe Wants
But the best centre-forward in the game must have support, and no one will suggest that Palethorpe had ideal support on Saturday. His inside partners, Starling and Burgess, did a lot of wandering and were rarely in line. They certainly worked hard individually, and often cleverly, but their methods, particularly in the second half, did not contribute towards team balance. Wednesdays outside wing men Rimmer and Oxley, were not good as usual. Rimmer did not get the ball as often as should have done for periods after the cross over. But next to Palethorpe, he was Wednesday s most dangerous forward.  Wednesday did for more attacking than Everton. Sheffield’s superiority, so far pressure was concerned, was most noticeable in the first half. They were keen on the ball and passes found the men better than in recent League matches. Everything went splendidly until the all important last gasp, then the net could not be found.  When Everton got going more studied method shown than by the Wednesday, but again there was too often alack of string in finish. Thefamous Dixie Dean was almost blotted out by Millership.  The best football was in the first half.  Wednesday carried out some fine movements in the field and were sweeping down more often than Everton. When the Merseysiders got going they caused anxiety. The sharp dashes of Coulter and Geldard, the trickery Cunliffe, and the smart triangular work of Britton and Dunn and Geldard delighted the crowd. 
Scrappy Second Half 
Play pot scrappy in the second half.  The pace never faltered, players seeming to have imbibed the Cup-tie atmosphere. Over eagerness and strenuous individualism spoilt the finer team phases, but the crowd had plenty to shout about. The Deerfoot-like dashes of Geldard, as he raced by Burrows and rounded Nibloe caused plenty of palpitation.  About half-way through the second half Everton shook off the dominance of Wednesday and for quite a spell were on top. During this time they served up the best team football of the second half, but Wednesday’s defensive work, by both halves and backs, was excellent and the covering up tactics admirable.  Early in the game there were two unusual holdups within couple of minutes. First Sagar took a goal kick, and the ball hit Williams on the left leg with such force that the full back went down like a shot rabbit, and had to receive attention. The ball bounced back, only just missing the empty goal. Then Dean was stepping hurriedly backwards for dropping ball when Walker, dashing forward, cleared and at the same time crashed into Dean and was laid out. 
Narrow Escapes 
It would be a lengthy business to enumerate all the narrow escapes in this goalless match—it is only the second time Wednesday have failed to score at home this season, the other occasion being against the Arsenal.  The crowd, however, will remember that almost the first time that Palethorpe went down he gathered a ball from Burgess and with a first timer tested Sagar's skill. It was well for Everton that young man from the Sheffield district was the top of his form. He made magnificent saves from Rimmer and Oxley well Palethorpe.  Once following neat work by Rimmer and Burgess, Sagar saved from Palethorpe at full length and there was a claim that the ball had been over the line.  Everton were not taking it all lying down, for Brown cleared a real beauty from Coulter, and a furious drive from Dean, while Millership standing on the goal-line turned out swift first timer from Geldard. That was close on the interval, which came amid great excitement, Rimmer and Oxley nearly scoring.  The best effort after the cross over was from Sharp, the Wednesday half-back, Sagar turning the shot on to the bar. Gee, the Everton centre-half, then broke through and looked like scoring, his drive curving in with the sweep of a blade of a scimitar.  In the excitement shots went wide but there were plenty the mark. Palethorpe while falling managed to get in an extremely dangerous drive, and a little later had hard luck when his shot hit Sagar's knee. The best scoring chance of the whole half was given to Cunliffe but he shot over.  Referee Under Review 
As already syated the fine displays of Walker and Nibloe and Cook and Williams at the other end were a feature of the match. Both lines of halves did well. Millership and Britton being outstanding.  Burrows’ passes were accurate and his throws in from near the flag were almost as useful corner kicks.  In the final minute he raced across the field to take throw in on the other wing, and the scramble as the ball dropped in the goalmouth was the final bit of excitement.  Sharp looks like developing into a very useful half-hack. He has the Alf Strange idea of having a shot at goal when there a sporting chance. Dixie Dean is always colourful and popular with the crowd, but Millership permitted him few chances shine.  One other individual was under review, and that was Mr. C. K. Lines, of Birmingham, the referee. Mr. Lines has charge of Wednesday’s Cup-tie with Oldham Athletic, and was the official in charge of the semi-final at Old Trafford in 1930 when a much debated goal allowed Huddersfield knocked Wednesday out of the Cup and spoilt the chance League and Cup double. Mr. Lines ably controlled the game on Saturday. Teams:—  Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Nible; Sharp, Millership, Burrows; Oxley, Starling, Palethorpe, Burgess, Rimmer.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Cunliffe, Coulter.  Referee; Mr. C.E. Lines (Birmingham). 

EVERTON CONTINUE THEIR PICKINGS AWAY FROM HOME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 17 December 1934
It was fine football for 45 minutes.  Then came the natural slump. There had been no deluge such as Liverpool suffered, but the middle of the field became churned up, and this was the time to serve the extreme wingers with good passes so that they could spin along the good piece of turf and fling their centres acme. Coulter had a grand first half, Geldard took up the running as if it were a relay race in the second half, and gave his brightest display for some time. Indeed, he offered a pass back after darting ahead of the defence, and I am sorry to say Dunn was caught in the same trouble that had prevented Sheffield turning their persistent attacks to account. The shooting was rather appalling. Dunn had done so much good foraging, and carefully planned combination had come from his brain box that it would have been nice to think of him taking the one goal of the day. But he failed. He was one among many forwards to fail on Saturday, and the 20,000spectators went off vexed with Wednesday for not turning simple chances to account. No one could grumble at the first half display; the second was variable and sombre at times, but through 'all the Wednesday attacks Williams stood firm Cook, without display of plunging into the fray, did wonderful work, while Sagar had a good day when the ball came towards him. Wednesday must blame themselves for the failure to accept the simple chance. 
CONSISTENTLY SATISFYING 
Yet Everton were the consistently satisfying side. Their work bore an imprint one did not find in the Wednesday ranks. Starling, receiving catcalls from his own people, was off his game, and therein lay the failure of the Wednesday line, as a line. On the other hand, Everton always moved off by the best methods,and their construction made them well worth a point. Gee did well considering he had been laid low by a kick away clearance by Sagar; Britton and Thomson were their customary selves. Peter O'Rourke thought Britton hung on to the ball just a shade too long; I am content to let Britton go on his own way; he has at least given us great pleasure, and his power of holding a ball in the smallest confines is unequalled in any half back of my knowledge. 
THE CHANGES 
Everton had to change their attack through Stevenson's luckless accident in stepping off a tram-car, an injury that will not keep him out of harness any length of time. It was a bold stroke to put Cunliffe inside left and Dunn inside right, but Dunn will always keep the attack moving smoothly—so necessary in these flyaway mad-dashing days of modern forwards. Dunn was quite a success; Cunliffe, too, had some narrow shaves at the goalposts, and his help to the harassed defence was a feather in his cap. Dean worked heroically and was inches front taking two goals.  Geldard's speed was electrifying to the locals and it is plain that to get the best out of him a Dunn pass—forward is the notion, not square, will always put Geldard into the limelight. Altogether the game was very hard, very close, and there could not have been a more fitting reward than a goalless draw, because the shooting from reasonable distances and angles was, to be quite frank, rather appalling.

EVERTON PLAYERS AT BUXTON
December 18, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Sixteen Everton players left Liverpool for a week's special training at Buxton. The party was in charge of Mr. Tom McIntosh, secretary and in addition to the trainer Harry Cook the following travelled: Sager, Williams, Cook, Cresswell, Britton, Gee, White, Thomson, Geldard, Leyfield, Dunn, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter, Stein. The players remain at Buxton until Saturday morning, when they return for the match against Birmingham City at Goodison Park.

CUEFOLLOWS V EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 18 December 1934
To-night the Cuefollows are at the Angel Hotel, Dale-street, when their opponents will be mainly a side composed of Everton football players, starting at seven o’clock. 

STEVENSON SPRINTED HIS ANKLE ON TRAMCAR
December 19, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
IF Everton have not been able to strike winning form on the grounds of opponents they have done remarkably well at home, and on Saturday, when they meet Birmingham at Goodison park they should make a good start to the Holiday programme. The midland side went down rather heavily at home to Huddersfield Town last Saturday, and Everton on their own ground ought to improve their position among the competitors in the top half of the table. The Everton directors of the Goodison Park club last night, selected twelve players from whom the team will be finally chosen, Stevenson, who sprinted his ankle last week, when he slipped while getting off a Tramcar, is making good progress but it is doubtful weather he will be fit to play on Saturday, if he is to stand down the team will be the same as that which drew at Sheffield Wednesday ground. The team will be chosen from Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Coulter. The reserve eleven to meet Leeds United at Leeds will be: Bradshaw; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Bentham, Dickenson, Webster, Stein.

THE CUEFELLOWS
December 19 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Match With Everton Players.
The Cuefellows spent a pleasant, if quiet evening last night at the Angel Hotel, Dale-street, where their opponents were Everton F.C, players, with the assistance of the hotel professional. Mr. R. Bnowdlier. The game were interesting, although the Everton players, despite their start of 50 points per game, failed to secure the victory. Scores;
Breaks:- Jarvis 34, Kerr 50, Edmondson 30 Hughes 60, Mercer 37 and 64. The attendance was rather disappointing, but a few articles were auctioned including a turkey for 36d, and thanks to the support of the staff of Buchanan. Wigan and Co, the evening produced £6 for the Goodfellow Fund.

WELLS' FOOTBALL LIGHTS 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 December 1934
"Blue, But Not Bias" writes.—As a follower of Everton for over forty-five years (before the League was started), when Everton played such teams as Padiham, Earlestown, and Great or Little Lever, with Charlie Jolliffe in goal. Wallie Richards, and that wonderful back who was called "Dirty Dick," in the team. After Charlie Jolliffe' the goalkeepers were Bob Smalley, Angus, and Jardine. A great holiday match was Everton v. London Caledonians or Bootle. The good old days. says I. I well remember the Wells' match. It was v. Sheffield United; also it was the first time Sheffield United had appeared in this city.  "True Blue." of Kirkdale, says:-I was present at the match on the occasion of the "Wells Lights." The team was Bolton Wanderers, and the score was 3 goals to 1 in favour of Everton.  Dickie - Williams was in goal at the time, and each goalkeeper had an ordinary oil lamp each side of the goalpost.  Each time the ball became dirty the groundsmen dipped it into a bucket of whiting and threw it on to the field again! This brings to my mind the game I saw in Glasgow shout 1898. A night match, in which Piper Findlater. V.C., was present as the hero of the hour. He had piped his tune on his "bag," and some wag suggested his arm had rested on the wind-bag and that no one could recognise the tune, hut believed it was a Scottish air! The players flitted about like phantoms, and the shadows ruined the chance of the nine being successful. Manager Bromilow of Burnley, has, however, seen plenty of night-light genies in recent years, and says there is no streak or shadow, and that games are possible in such conditions and hours.  The Wells' lights. It was played by Everton and West Bromwich. Result was 2-0 for Everton, and the soccer was Alf Milward.  Owing to it being wet, the balls had to be changed every few minutes through the whitewash coming off them.  It was a farce of a game.  Confirmation of this is surely in the Everton directors records, and such players as Milward, Chadwick, Stewart, and Fred Geary (Everton), Bassett and Reader (West Bromwich)-Reader wore long cricket pants at the start but they changed during the game-can give you the full particulars.  Best of luck.- “Sound Bell.” 
“F.E.R.R.” writes;- Very strange that none of your readers should remember the Rugby match at Goodison-road.  I have only seen one Rugby match, and that was by Well’s lights, at Everton’s ground.  I always thought it was an exhibition match between Runcorn and Swinton, the top-notchers at that time.  But if F. Edwards says he played in the match then he must be right. The first Soccer match I clearly remember was Alex Latta’s benefit match against Villa.  I only remember Spencer and Evans, and two great charges, one by Evans against Latta and vice versa.  Could you give me the teams.
THE CUEFOLLOWS
They spent a pleasant time last night at the Angel Hotel, Dale-street, by invitation of Mr. C.O’Keefe, and their opponents were Everton F.C players, assisted by the hotel professional, Mr. R. Bowdler, but the effort was not productive of more than 6 pounds.  The game were interesting, the Cuefollows conceding 50 points per game to the footballers, and still winning. Mr. Bowdler played a short game with Cuefollow Bowers, who won 150-62, making a 50 break. 
Scores;-
Breaks –Jarvis 34, Kerr 50, Edmondson 30, Hughes 30, Mercer 37, and 64. The articles auctioned included a turkey, for 36s, and thanks to the support of the staff of Buchanan, Wignal and Co., the evening produced 6 pounds for the Goodfellow Fund.

DUG UP 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 20 December 1934
Here is a little bit of football history for the youngster and the old-timer. It is a letter from Preston North End to one of their former players and is a great insight into past days. I have held up the letter for over twenty years (1908).  Dear Jack.—Your letter to hand. I put the matter before the directors and they agreed to play you a benefit match if you can get Everton to come here. We will pay their expenses, also all the printing; in fact, you will take the gross gate. I told them everything you had said—that you would like a share of a League gate, half I think you asked for, but they won't do it. I think they have always appreciated your good work the first three years, especially the first two, but I am sure you will admit that the last two years you have not been worth much to us; this last year practically worth nothing.  I should not have mentioned these facts, but I have heard in Liverpool that you were complaining that you have been badly behaved to by Preston and, I suppose, by myself. I only hope to goodness that every employee, professional footballer or otherwise, could have the same generous treatment dealt out to them as the Preston North End directors have givenyou. If you had been with us all your football life we could not have shown you more consideration. You came to us when you were thirty-three years of age—Everton thought you were finished. Since that time we have paid you in round figures one thousand pounds. We have allowed you to live in Liverpool; you have not been asked to bear a single Penny of the railway travelling, you have been a month without being called upon, thus allowing you plenty of time to look after your own interests, having played in very few matches this season past. I am only mentioning thee, facts to you to show you how well we have behaved to you.  I beg to conclude by wishing yourself and family good health and prosperity.  —Yours truly, TOM HOUGHTON. 
P.S.—The match would take place early in September.—T. H. 
RECALLING STARS
“Common” says;- Everton need a first-class inside right.  It must not be forgotten, “Bee.” That, to old supporters with thoughts of Taylor, McDermott, Bolton, Tim Coleman, and Frank Jefferis, it is hard to be satisfied with anything but the best.  We have still the finest centre-forward in the country, “Bee,” whose strength, I claim, is covering up a weakness.  Your interests in our clubs are second to none.  I wish you the best of health and happiness, and a continued joy in your good work. 

EVERTON NEED ONE HOME WIN.
December 21 1934. Evening Express.
To Equal Last Season's Total.
Birmingham's Visit Tomorrow.
Former Wrexham Player to lead Midlanders.
By the Pilot.
Evertom tomorrow may accomplish in half a season a feat, which took them the whole of last season to achieve. They oppose Birmingham at Goodison Park. If they win, they will equal last season's number of home success –nine. On current form they should set up the figure, despite the fact that of the newly-placed clubs in the First Division, Birmingham have the best away record. One club –Manchester City – have succeeded in beating the Blues at Walton, and no other club has taken a point away. One has to go back to season 1929-30 to see Birmingham taking their last points from Goodison Park. Then they won 4-2 but in subsequent visits they have gone down 3-2, 4-1, and 2-0. The exact constitution of the Everton team will not be known until just before the match. A doubt still exists regarding Stevenson, the Irish international inside-left. He is making excellent progress from his ankle injury, and I believe he will play. He has some ball practice at the Buxton Town Football ground, and came through the tests well. Of course the directors in view of the strenuous Christmas programme, may seen it wiser to allow Stevenson to rest tomorrow, and so make sure of his being ready for Tuesday. In that event Everton will probably selected the team which earned a point at Hillisbrough. So fat this season the Blues have done well against Midland clubs. They drew at Villa Park and beat West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park.
17 Points From 19 Games.
Birmingham have taken 17 points from 19 matches, and in away games they have won three and drawn one. Everton have three more points from a similar number of matches. Birmingham possesses a galaxy of stars. There is a famous Harry Hibbs England's goalkeeper, behind two of the finest tacklers in the country –Booton and Barkas. Forward, the Midlanders have been rather unsettled, but they have secured a match winner in Jones, the former Wrexham reserve centre-forward. Jones was unable to get a place in Wrexham's first team owing to the consistency of Bamford but no sooner was he transferred to Birmingham than he quickly moved into the first team. Magnall, the former Huddersfield Town leader, now operates at inside left, and there are lively wingmen in Horseman and White. Joe Bradford, the famous international forward returns to inside right and will add strength to the attack. He is still a grand player. Morrall is injured, and his place at centre half will be taken by Raymond Crawford, who will be making his second first team appearance. Much depends on Everton's incisiveness in attack. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Stevenson, or Cunliffe, Coulter. Birmingham: - Hibbs; Booton, Barkas; Stoker, Crawshaw, Calladine; Horseman, Bradford, Jones, Magnall, White.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park (Saturday) Everton v. Birmingham City. Kick-off 2.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d Stands extra (including tax). Booked seats Sharp's Whitechapel.

EVERTON WILL NOT MEET GALLACHER OF SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 December 1934
Bee’s Notes, The Hive
Everton have enjoyed themselves at Buxton and come back to the home ground continue the good work that has been carried on with but one break in the home games.  Maybe spectators will be able to see the formation that stood up well to the task at Sheffield Wednesday’s ground a game that aroused most curiously mixed blessings for the critics. Mr. Howarth says he fell asleep over the first half; Peter O’Rourke said the game was a classic and a London paper said; “The whole game was excellent.” You buy your paper and take your choice! Stevenson has been at Buxton with the others enjoying the golf and fine air, but it is not known yet whether he will play.  If he does not you will see Jimmy Dunn aiming at the combine on the right; Geldard will reveal his speed; Cunliffe will be on the left with Coulter.  Everton might easily have had to face Pat Gallacher of Sunderland this week-end.  The transfer was refused so Everton escaped-yes, escaped, for the Gallacher is a very able player.  He was the man Liverpool sought when there was talk of a 12,000 pound deal last season.  Birmingham have a mixed sort of season, and are aiming at getting right for the Cup-tie, so Everton will be tackling still opposition to-morrow.  Everton (?) Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee or White, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Cunliffe, Coulter. 

EVERTON'S CHANCE TO RISE.
December 22, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton are at home to Birmingham this afternoon and after their stay at Buxton Dean and his colleagues ought to be particularly fit and ready to stand the strain of what promises to be a hard match. Birmingham are rather an uncertain combination and with Everton in anything like their best form two points are likely to be added to their record. With Sunderland also visiting Goodison Park on Christmas Day, Everton have I consider, a great chance of distinguishing themselves. They go on to Roker to play the return game on Boxing Day. In the game today the kick-off is at 2.15 and the teams are: - Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Stevenson, or Cunliffe, Coulter. Birmingham: - Hibbs; Booton, Barkas; Stoker, Crawshaw, Calladine; Horseman, Bradford, Jones, Magnall, White.

RALLY ROUND TODAY AT GOODISON!
Advertisement in Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
December 22, 1934.
An Urgent Call For Help.
An important feature this afternoon at Goodison Park Football Ground, where Everton meet Birmingham will be the collection for Goodfellow Fund. This is the final appeal the Fund makes to Football lovers. Only two days remain for raising the wherewithal to buy Christmas parcels for Merseyside's distressed families and the Goodfellow Fund is still short of a very large amount.
Whatever You Can Give Is Greatly Needed! Please Do Your Very Best!

EVERTON KEEP IT UP.
December 22, 1934. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Birmingham Not In The Picture.
Sagar Save A Penalty.
By the Watcher.
Everton gained their fifth successive home victory over Birmingham at Goodison Park, and it was a victory well deserved. The Blues were a whole-hearted, one hundred per cent team of triers with Dean perhaps the hardest worker of them all . Teams: - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Dunn, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter forwards. Birmingham City: - Hibbs, goal; Booton and Barkas backs; Stoker, Crawshaw, and Calladine, half-backs; Horseman, Magnall, Jones, Bradford, and White, forwards. Referee Mr. W. R. Jennings, (York). Everton started off at a brisk pace, and threatened danger first on the right and then on the left. Dunn gave Hibbs a difficult one to hold and then Dean and Stevenson went near with headers. From a neat cross by Coulter, Hibbs, punched the ball from Dean's and at the other end Cook held Magnall off while Sagar cleared. Dean, always a surprise packet, nipped in when the ball was hovering round the Birmingham goalmouth and put in a shot that only just missed its objective – a near thing for Birmingham. So far both sides were playing really stylish football, with Everton having slightly the better of the argument. Birmingham, however, almost took the lead at the end of the first quarter, when Jones got his head to a ball that Sagar, by a miraculous leap, managed to tip over the top. When the Blues set up a strong siege on the Birmingham goal, Coulter sparkled with a brilliant run on the right, and it was only by packing their goalmouth that the Midlanders were able to extricate themselves from a difficult position. The game was held up for a few moments while Dean was attended to by the trainer after being severely shaken in a midfield tussle; that he was not suffering greatly was evidently a minute later when Dixie raced down the middle to snap up a dropping ball only to be checked by the United efforts of Barkas and Hibbs.
Dean Troubles Crawshaw.
Dean, in fact, was leading Crawshaw a merry dance and his efforts to put the Blues ahead were several times applauded by the crowd of 20,000. Apart from one or two incidents, the game so far had been of a quiet character, with most of the most action-taking place in midfield.
Everton in the Lead.
Everton went ahead at the 29 th minute Coulter being the marksman. A neat pass from Dunn set Dean racing forward to the right of the goal, and though hampered by the attentions of Barkas Dixie swung across a perfect ball which Coulter, who was waiting at the other end of the goal, whipped into the net on the instant. With 37 minutes Everton were rewarded. From almost 20 yards out Stevenson pounced on a loose ball and sent in a raising shot which skimmed in over the heads of the players, and flashed into the goal inches under the bar. Everton's attack moved smoother and with more precision than Birmingham and if only for the fact and the side's persistency, the Blues were worthy leaders at the interval.
Half-time Everton 2 Birmingham 0
Strong work by the halves put Everton in a good position immediately on the resumption, but when the ball came across from the left Geldard, who gathered it hesitated a fraction of a second, and his shot was covered by Hibbs. Calladine originated a movement that spelled danger to Everton. but fortunately Magnall failed to find Bradford with a low cross in front of the goalmouth. At this stage the Birmingham defence was wavering badly under pressure and even the great Hibbs did not always pick up so clean as usual. Birmingham rarely got within shooting range, and when they did their marksmanship was poor. As an instance, Bradford sent a ball on to the roof of the stand when admirably placed. It was evident that Everton were not content with their two goals lead, for they struck a tenaciously to their task as if they had been in arrear. Geldard “brought the house down” when he flew along the right at terrific speed, sold the “dummy” to Barkas, and finished with a rising shot that skidded over the top of the bar. Dunn came into the picture with a daisy cutter pass that Booton only just managed to prevent reaching Coulter.
A Penalty.
During one of their spasmodic visits to the Everton goal Birmingham were awarded a penalty the referee alleging that during a tussle in which several players took part, an Everton man had touched the ball. The Everton players protested, but the referee upheld his decision. Booton, the Birmingham right full-back, took the kick, which Sagar saved, but was unable to prevent rebounding to Booton, hose second attempt Sagar kicked away. During one of Everton's attacks Barkas appeared to touch the ball but although Everton appealed to the referee, be again ruled against them. Final Everton 2, Birmingham 0.

LEEDS U. RES V EVERTON RES
December 22 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
In the opening stages Everton did most of the attacking, but on the occasion when the Leeds forwards made raids they were dangerous. The visitors, unfortunately, lost many chances to score by weak finishing. G. Milburne and Abel, the Leeds backs, were putting in some stirling work, and time and again saved the home team. Just before half-time Mercer, the Everton right back sent in a long shot which the Leeds goalie was unable to save. Half-time Leeds United Reserves 0 Everton Reserves 1.

GREAT SOCCER CLUBS AND THEIR STORIES –BIRMINGHAM
December 22 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
Birmingham's 10 ½ d. Share of Cup-tie “Gate”
Players Who Were Paid On A Profit-Sharing Basis.
By a Special Correspondent.
The beginning of the Birmingham club was similar to that of many more. In 1875, some young men connected with holy Trinity Church Bordesley, came together to consider the problem of keeping the members of their cricket team together during the winter months. It was suggested that a football section should be formed and the result was a soccer team bearing the name Small heath Alliance. They were spacious days. Ground was available in arrears now congested with streets of houses. Small Heath Alliance had no difficulty in finding a pitch on a site that has since become Arthur-street. It was wasteland and it was free. Here the new club, captained by W.H. Edmonds, played it's first match, against Holts Wanderers at that time a prominent side in the Aston district. For two seasons the Small heath laids were content to play on any bit of ground that was available, but as they began to gather a regular following, they considered the advisability of taking an enclosed pitch. A move was made to Ladypool road Sparkbrook, where the first “gate” taken was four shillings and threepence. Their stay was only short, and the next headquarters was at Muntz street, Small Heath, a ground rented for £5 a season, the same amount that Aston Villa paid at Perry Barr. Here, the first “gate” was six shillings and eightpence. High finance, as yet, had not taken its place in football. The record tell us that small Heath once received only 10 ½ d as their share of a Cup-tie played at Browhills. A great player in the early days was Arthur James, small and speedy whose position was outside right. Many people consider him the best right winger the club ever had. The crowd loved James and he was captain of the team from 1878 to 1885. Having achieved a certain amount of local standing, Small Heath Alliance encountered Aston Villa for the first time on September 27, 1879. The Villa made the mistake of putting a team into the field that was not truly representative of their strength and paid the penalty. According to the records, the Alliance won by one goal and one disputed goal to nothing. They were the days of disputes; protests were a regular occurrence. The Muntz-Street ground was not an ideal enclosure for there were furrows in the pitch that were inclined to upset the calculations of the best players. On one occasion the Alliance were drawn to play Wednesday Old Athletic at home in a Birmingham Cup tie. Wednesday, one of the really strong teams of the period, were holders of the trophy and were not anxious to lose that distinction by any trick of a faulty playing arena. So they offered Small Heath Alliance £5 to surrender ground rights. Money was scarce and the bribe was too tempting to resist. Alliance agreed to play the tie at Wednesday and won local fame by beating their opponents before their own supporters. Gradually the club widened its scope and such sides as Nottingham Forest made their appearance. An indulgent committee allowed the first team players tea after their matches, limiting the expenditure however, to sixpence a man. It was at the expense of Wednesday Old Athletic that Small Heath Alliance won their first trophy, the Walsall Cup. This was in 1883, and three years later they advanced as far as the semi-final of the F.A. Cup. They faced their neightbours West Bromwich Albion, at lower Grounds Aston. The match took place on a pitch four inches deep in snow and the Albion were much the superior team. They won 4-1 and the crowd seeking something to liven up the one-sided proceedings, indulged in the gentle pastime of pelting Bob Roberts, the West Bromwich goalkeeper, with snowballs. Professionalism had been legalized by this time and the Alliance were recruits to the new system. Their first paid player was Harry Stanbie, a goalkeeper from Birmingham St. George's but no soon returned to his original club. His stay with the Alliance extended from July to September 1885, for Soccer was played in the summer at that period. The club was a long time settling on a satisfactory system of payment to its players. At first the arrangement was that they should be remunerated according to the takings at the gate. Under the “profit-sharing” scheme, the players received 2s 11 ½ d, each after the opening match and once petitioned for a fixed wage of 5s, a week. The total amount paid out in wages in the whole of the first session of professionalism was £70 14s 9d, which figure is slightly less than many a modern first division club hands out to its League team each week.
Danger of Bankruptcy.
Times were hard and the club was in real danger of bankruptcy. To meet the difficulties, those in charge of affairs decided to form a limited liability company, a movement in which they were pioneers. Like many pioneers they suffered condemnation for their action but the reorganization put the club on its feet. The word “Alliance” was now dropped from the title. The Football Alliance, a competition second in importance only to the Football League, was formed in 1889, and Small Heath were among the original members. In 1892 the Alliance joined forces with the League which then became a two-Division affair. Small Heath were the first champions of the lower divisions, but did not win promotion. In these day's Test matches were played between the candidates for promotion and relegation and Small Heath failed against Newton Heath (now Manchester United). The following year, having finished the campaign runners –up to Liverpool, they figured in the Tests again and this time, they were successful. They beat Darwin on a neutral ground at Stoke and returned to their city in a train decorated with the club colours to be feted as conquering heroes. Chris Charsley, a famous goalkeeper, emerged from his retirement to assist his old club in this match. He was Small Heath's very first international player gaining caps for England against Ireland in 1893. The club did not fare well in the First Division and were relegated in 1886. It took them five years to win their way back and on this occasion they stayed in the top class for only one season. They were sent down with Manchester City, but one year later both clubs were promoted again. In 1905 Small heath changed their name to Birmingham and on Boxing Day at the following year they took over the St. Andrew's ground, original a clay pit. In 1906 they went back to Division 2 again, and the space of two seasons had sunk to the lowest position of that competition. Their record from then until the war was not a distinguished one, the highest position they ever gained being third in 1913. They were third again in 1920, and exceedingly good year for the district for West Bromwich Albion were League champions and Aston Villa F.A. cup Winners. Birmingham were Second Division champions in 1921, and have held their place in the top class ever since.
Baulked by Local Rivals.
In the Cup, there are no honours to their name, they have been in the semi-final twice and the final once, and each time they have been near to claiming the trophy West Bromwich Albion have dismissed them. The neighbours met at Wembley in 1931 when Albion were victorious by 2 goals to 1. Birmingham's story is one of effort rather than glory, but it must not be thought that the club has been without brilliant players. Harry Hibbs their present goalkeeper, is one of the best men England have ever called upon. For some years he” picked himself” Joe Bradford and Tom Grosvenor are high class forwards who have never let their country down. Frank Womack, the present Grimsby Town manager was a safe and sound full back for 20 years. W. H. Harvey who is in charge of Chesterfield was a capable outside right when he wore Birmingham's colors and George Liddell, who now occupies the managerial chair at St. Andrew's had long and honorable service on the playing field there. Going back to pre War years there were these recalls understanding towards Jimmy Windridge and Bob McRoberts, both of whom afterwards contributed to Chelsea's early greatness. No club has been harder hit in injuries and ill-luck than Birmingham. It is scarcely possible to recall the time when they were in a position to field the strongest team at their command. The amount paid in doctor's fees in a recent season would have kept their first professional side of 1885 going for sometime like seven years.

EVERTON TAKE IT EASY
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 22 December 1934
ANOTHER HOME VICTORY
BRITTON’S BEST
IRISH EYES SMILLING ON LEFT WING
By Stork
Everton should have had more than the two goals scored for they were much superior in the matter of play. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.  Birmingham-Hibbs; Booton, Barkas; Stoker, Crawshaw, Calladine; Horsman, Maugnall, Jones, Bradford, White.  Referee.- Mr. W.R. Jennings (York).  I should say there were 25,000 people present to see the opening phases of the game between Everton and Birmingham, and they were amply repaid for their early arrival, for Everton provided half a dozen thrills in the first five minutes.  Coulter was at fault with his first centre, but after that he became a great danger to the Birmingham defence.  Crawshaw twice handled the ball, and from one of the free kicks Hibbs made an amazing save from Coulter after Dunn had provided him with one of several vice passes. Coulter was not left with much shooting space, for Hibbs advanced to angle him, but the Everton man found a true line, and the ball seemed certain to squeeze home, but England's goalkeeper threw himself headlong at the ball and punched clear.  Dunn keptGeldard well plied with the right type of pass. One saw glimpses of clever play in the Birmingham side.  Once they put the Everton goal in dire straits. Cook, in attempting a hefty clearance, slashed the ball on to an opponent, and that was the cause of Everton's trouble, for it enabled Jones to get in a header which was only kept out of goal through Sagar's agility and surety in edging the ball over the bar.  Bradford was responsible for another movement which ended in Jones scooping the ball an inch or so wide of the Everton upright. Britton also went close for Everton, for whom Coulter was doing amazing things. He had Stoker and Booton on a string most times, his dribbling and control of the ball being brilliant.  Hibbs picked up the ball from the feet of Dean, and then punched the ball from off the Everton captain's head—two fine saves.
AWKWARD WIND 
That the wind was awkward was fully demonstrated when Horsman made a long shot at goal. It looked any odds on the ball going over and into the crowd, whereas it seemed to stop in mid-air and drop so that Sager had to punch the ball over the angle of the post. Hibbs' Merseyside luck has not been good in recent times, and once again he was injured when Dean tried to charge him and the ball over the line.  He resumed after attention, but was rubbing his arm for some time afterwards.  The Geldard-Dunn-Britton combination was extremely clever. In fact, Everton were a much too clever side for Birmingham, Crawshaw was a guardian angel over Dean, but it was the latter's work which eventually produced the first goal of the day.  He swung the ball right out to Coulter who was standing unattended, so that Coulter went up calmly before delivering a shot, which struck Hibbs on the chest and finally settled in the back of the net at thirty minutes. Dunn headed to Hibbs' hands from a Geldard pass. 
STEVENSON'S FEAT 
Coulter did an amazing thing. He charged a man and shot at the same moment, and Hibbs was forced to pat out a dangerous drive. Hibbs, however, had no chance in the next minute, when Stevenson drove home a rising shot which flashed underneath the crossbar to give Everton their second goal at thirty-seven minutes.  With the exception of one raid, Birmingham were well held in check, while Everton continued in their cleverness right to the interval.  Half-time.—Everton 2, Birmingham nil 
Although Birmingham showed improvement in the second half they were never the equal of Everton, who, had they taken reasonable chances, must have scored a few more goals. Dean was badly dealt with, and the referee, for some reason did not deem it necessary to admonish the defenders.  Time and again the Everton captain was pushed in the back, and nothing was said about it, and it was amazing to me how be kept control of his temper.  Everton's football was entrancing.  They made the ball do its work, and Coulter in particular dazzled by his football.  Stoker had an awful time against the Irishman, who simply walked round him. There were times, however, when Everton became too scientific, so that possible chances were loft. 
BRITTON'S SKILL 
To my mind, Britton was the man of the game. He was the complete artist, and Geldard has never had such support.  Geldard should have shone with the chances offered, but he was not too secure with his finishing.  Everton had a penalty given against them I think it was Gee who committed the offence, but Sagar held up Booton's spot kick, to the cheers of the spectators. While Booton's shot was delivered straight at Sagar, it had amazing power behind it, so that his save was none the less magnificent.  There was a roughness about the game in the final minutes, and Gee and Bradford had to be cautioned for an unsavoury action.  Final:— Everton 2, Birmingham 0
DRAMATIC SCENE
A dramatic scene occurred at the close of the game. Just as the teams were leaving the field some light object was thrown at the referee. Immediately police officers vaulted over the barrier and detained one of the spectators.  For some time a struggle ensued between the police officer and the man, and the crown swarmed round them.  Eventually the man escaped from the grasp of the police officer, and made his escape through the crowd. 

THE SALT OF THE SOCCER CROWD
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, December 22, 1934
By Bee
My correspondent bag is enormous.  Some of my writers are once-a-lifetime, on the principle that they will try anything once; others are persistent.  The Chime of the Bells is something the chide of the bells.  True Red or True Blue we always have with us, but there is an uncommon one-“Custard.” Why that name.  He is a P.O. official, and for years has written copious notes upon our teams. So I got our artists to get him.  This is the result-Mr. Downes has been discovered.  He has supported Everton for 42 years by penmanship and cheers, and served the P.O. for the same length of time.  He is known to their staff as “Bee’s Pup.” Well, the old dog for the hard road, and the pup for the path.  He does not speak out of his turn, or without authority, for he has been a player, a cyclist, and was goalie for the P.O team for many years. He went as far as Plymouth three years ago to see Everton win their Cup-tie there.  The staff subscribed to pay his fare.  I think he’s lucky in that respect. I must try to get someone to do likewise for me each week!  “Custard” is one of my big happy family.  He is 55 years young, and is entitled to be included among the series of Spectatorial Supporters. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, December 22, 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

LEEDS UTD RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, December 22, 1934
There was good open play on the heavy ground at Leeds.  Both sets of forwards played with dash while the half backs on both sides accomplished useful work both in attack and defence and the backs tackled well and kicked with judgement. Everton scored through Archer, their right half back, after a well-conceived movement.  Half-time.- Leeds United Res 0, Everton Res 1.

EVERTON 2 BIRMINGHAM CITY 0
December 24, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Too Clever
Victory Which Should Have Been Greater.
By “Stork.”
Everton must mend their ways. They have become slaves to too much science and for that reason they defeated Birmingham by a matter of only two goals, which was not due compensation for the amount of play and their superiority over the Midlanders. Biringham are one of the mediocre sides of the league, and the fact that Hibbs was at fault with Stevenson's goal and that from Coulter's shot the ball struck him (Hibbs) on the chest, it will be seen that the win was a narrow one when it should have been easy. Birmingham missed a penalty. A goal then might have altered the whole complexion of the game, for Birmingham were more dangerous at that stage than any time before. I do not wish to infer that Birmingham would have won had they scored from the penalty, but I have know a goal set a feeble side on the high road to victory. Birmingham were always battling against a team which was much too clever for them. They were to look novices alongside Everton who dazzled in ball control combination, and all that goes to make football a spectacle. But how many goals did they sacrifice through their 0ver-elabroation? If they had scored half a dozen goals it would not have flattered them, for they were undoubtedly that much better than their opponents, whose chief asset was a stubborn defence and a sure goalkeeper. So clever was the Everton side that the spectators laughed at the vain efforts of the Birmingham men to check the easy flowing combination of their adversaries. The Irish wing, in particular shone. Stoker and Booton must have wondered what manner of men they were up against. Only at one stage of the game did Birmingham ever look like doing something. That was immediately before and after the penalty miss. But taken all round the Everton defence was always in command. Horsman and White did many good things on the wing, and Jones was a dangerous leader when given the chance. He showed that when making one header which Sagar had to edge over his cross-bar, but Birmingham in the main were a purely defensive organization. Everton simply “ran round” them and that is why I must hark back to Everton's over-indulgence in finesse.
Desire To “Show Off.”
The ultra-scientific play will not always carry them to victory.. So often were they foregathered in the Birmingham penalty area that goals should have been a natural outcome, but the desire to “show off” was too pronounced in their minds. This delay in shooting was of great assistance to the Midland defenders who were thus able to get together and so rob Everton of their deserts. Dean however was a badly battered man throughout. I did not like the way he lunged at Hibbs in his efforts to charge the goalkeeper over the line but that was as nothing compared with what came to him later on. The Everton centre was frequently pushed in the back, and charged when the ball was nowhere about. In fact every “crime” was perpetrated on the Everton captain whose many appeals went unheard. “Stop Dean” seemed to be the order of the day. Birmingham had got off lightly. Everton rattled loudly, but they were not definite enough near goal and that is the sole reason for their narrow victory. In everything else they were magnificent. The whole forward line was full of ability, and so feeble was the Birmingham front line that the Everton half-backs had no need to concentrate on defence, but become additional forwards. Hibbs played his part in keeping the score down but even England's goalkeeper should not have been given the chance to have saved and would not have done so if Everton had not sacrificed all for wizardry.
Scene at the Close.
There was a distasteful little scene at the conclusion of the game. As the referee and linesmen are leaving the ground a light missile was thrown at them. The police had their attention drawn to the matter and I understand that one spectator was detained, but in the ensuing struggle he got away. This sort of thing will never do. By losing control over themselves spectators cast a reflection on the club which they support. . Teams: - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Dunn, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter forwards. Birmingham City: - Hibbs, goal; Booton and Barkas backs; Stoker, Crawshaw, and Calladine, half-backs; Horseman, Magnall, Jones, Bradford, and White, forwards. Referee Mr. W. R. Jennings, (York).

LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 24 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 19)
Of what could be seen of the game at Elland-road (there was lot of fog) Everton Reserves were the better of two hard-worked sides. Their success was due to better-combined play and sounder defences. Both sets of forwards passed well, with those of Everton the stronger finishers. Archer scored in the first half and Stein in the second which was played in semi-darkness. Everton: - Bradshaw goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Mercer Clark (captain) and Archer half-backs; Leyfield, Bentham, Dickenson, Webster and Stein forwards.
Ellesmere Port Town 0 Everton 7
Liverpool County Combination.
At Ellemere Port. Everton were much too superior for the Town, and deserved their win. Their scorers were Laughton (3), Hullett (2), O'Reilly and Sandham.

SUNDERLAND'S AWAY RECORD TO GO?
December 24 1934. Evening Express.
Everton's Chance To Stop Leaders
By the Pilot.
Everton have a chance of breaking Sunderland's unbeaten away record tomorrow and judging by the form of the Blues at Goodison Park they should accomplish this. Sunderland have played nine matches away from home, winning five and drawing four. Everton have played ten games at Goodison Park, won nine and lost one. It is a coincidence that each side is making a change at inside right for the game. Carrer, the wearsiders' international player returns to inside right in place of Goddard following injury and Cunliffe returns to a similar position in the Everton team in place of Dunn. Visitors to Goodison Park are going to see a fine football combination in Sunderland –one of the livest attacking forces I have seen for a long time. Their main strength lies in the power of the attack supported by two constructive wing half-backs. The better flank is to my mind the left one where Connor, Gallacher and Hastings make an almost ideal trio. Stop this left wing and much of the sting is taken out of the Roker men's vanguard Still, there remains the subtle Carter, the tricky Davis, and the roaming electric Gurney. Give the north-Easterners a loophole and they are though like streaks of lightning. Incidentally, Everton by beating Sunderland, can do Liverpool a goal turn. If Everton win it will leave Liverpool only three points behind the leaders with a match in hand. Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coutler forwards. Sundrland: - Middleton, Murray, Hall; Thomson; Johnston, Hasting; Davies Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, Connor.
More Shots Wanted Everton!
Everton revealed only one fault in their victory over Birmingham at Goodison Park by 2-0. They were inclined to over-elaborate in the Birmingham goalmouth instead of shooting more often. The attack, throughout, operated with delightful smoothness and precision. Once again Dean was one of the hardest workers but on this occasion he was not able to get in many telling shots. He was too well shadowed by Crawshaw, the Birmingham pivot. The Birmingham wing halves, however, were unable to check Everton's advance army, and indeed, Stoker, the Midlanders' right half-back was led a merry dance by Coulter and Stevenson who were in one of their brightest moods. Britton and Gee played grand games, Coulter, after 29 minutes and Stevenson eight minutes later were Everton's marksmen.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison park Tomorrow (Xmas Day) Everton v Sunderlabnd. Kick-off 2.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands extra, including tax, Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.
• Central league Match at Goodison Park Boxing Day, Dec 26. Everton v. Manchester United. Kick-off 2.15 Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands 9d (including tax).

EVERTON THE SUPER TEAM.
December 24 1934. Liverpool Echo
By Bees
Aresnal for some considerable time were looked upon as the scientists of the First Division but nowadays no team is playing better football than Everton. They are simply dazzling; it is worth going a long way to see them despite the fact that their record on foreign ground is distinctly bad. No matter the score, however, the football is there, for those, who like football apart from goals. I am afraid however that most people want goals and that is where Everton are weak. Against Birmingham they crushed the Midlanders out of the picture. They did almost as they liked until the goal area was reached; then they became just an ordinary side, with no gunpowder in their magazine. They won 2-0; they should have won 6-0 but they were far too clever, so that goals were scarified for “showmanship” (Writes the “Stork”). Considering to what extent Birmingham were overplayed, the victory was not satisfying for the two goals which carried the day had an element of luck about them. Coulter's shot struck Hibbs on the chest and Stevenson's goal should never have beaten a goalkeeper of the caliber of Hibbs. He was annoyed that such a shot should defeat him. Then there was the missed penalty. So you see Everton's victory was not the comfortable one it should have been. I felt nothing but pity for Stoker and Booton who had a sorry time against Coulter and Stevenson; in fact Everton were in such a mood that Birmingham will not readily forget their visit to Goodison park, but will return home with the knowledge that they were let down lightly by Everton who are playing football which has not been seen for a long, long time. They were brilliant in everything they did with the exception of shooting. There must be more punch when the goal is staring them in the fact, them all will be well.
Sunderland at Everton.
The football programme for Christmas and New Year's severe, but is all-compelling to the man in the arrest. Many's the man who can only see the local team when there is a public holiday, and he relishes the chance to work off a little of the stodginess that comes of Christmas rest and feeding stuffed Mother would be glad to see him out for the afternoon while she trims up the house and attends to he kiddies wants. These men help to swell Christmas crowds and make the Christmas matches notable and memorable. Everton and Liverpool have a hard programme in the next three weeks. First comes the Sunderland game at Goodison Park tomorrow. This is the most important match Everton have had since they met Liverpool. Sunderland are unbeaten away from home and Everton have lost but one match at home so the battle strikes me as a real tussle between two teams, one trying to be first in the field to hold down the Roker club's away record and the other team trying to prove that if they can beat Portsmouth away they are not going to be worried over the task at Everton. Sunderland's star member will make the game against Everton a pulsating business. On Boxing Day Everton return the compliment in going to Sunderland, after which comes Spurs at home (December 29) Derby County at home on new Years Day, and after Preston away the Cup-tie v. Grimsby.
• Advertisement in Football Echo. League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Christmas Day) Everton v Sunderland. Kick-off 2.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands extra, including tax, Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.
• Central league Match at Goodison Park Boxing Day, Dec 26. Everton v. Manchester United. Kick-off 2.15 Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands 9d (including tax).

BLUES’ DEFENCE OVER-WORKED
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 24 December 1934
ATTACK STILL OUT OF GEAR
UNCONVINCING DISPAY AT EVERTON
EVERTON 2, BIRMINGHAM 0
By Forward
Only one team visiting Goodison Park so far this season have managed to get away with points, and it was not surprising, therefore, that Birmingham ended up with another away defeat registered against them.  It must be confessed that Birmingham did not deserve to be in any better position. Except for a short period early in the match, before a goal had been scored, Birmingham were not effectively in the picture. Their attack for the rest of the game was unconvincing.  It is true they made a game fight of It, but their football never compared favourably with that of Everton, who played whole-heartedly as a team, and, with snappier finishing, might have won by a greater margin.  The third successive defeat left no doubt that the Birmingham team is not good enough to make headway in the League. Too great a burden is being placed on the defence, and It was to the credit of the members of this department that the score was kept down to two at Goodison Park, for thehome forwards, except for the brief period mentioned, were constantly menacing the Birmingham goal.  Hibbs once again did his work in goal nobly. He did not have many direct shots to deal with, thanks to the quick tackling of the men in front of him, but he repeatedly left his goal to use his safe hands as the ball came across from the wings.  Booton and Barkas played safely, and Crawshaw did his work well in keeping a close vigil on Dean.  The latest changes in the attack did not bring about the much-desired improvement. Jones played with hisusual enthusiasm and tried his best to improve upon the score White and Horsman on the wings were moderate, and Mangnall revealed his old fault of finishing up clever foraging by bad passing. Bradford worked well, but the attack generally was much below that presented by Everton, whose forwards changed their tactics to suit the circumstances of the moment with great effect.  The wing halves of Birmingham were not quite so effective as usual.  They were halting in their tackling, and did not show the same energy as the Everton halves, among whom Britton was the pick.  Coulter was the best forward on the field. He exhibited all manner of tricks and manipulated the ball to good effect in the smallest possible space.  It was Coulter who scored the first goal after half an hour's play, and seven minutes later Stevenson scored a second goal with a dropping shot from just outside the penalty area.  Birmingham had a good chance to improve their chances when, in the second half, they were awarded a penalty for handling. Booton look the kick, but he placed the ball within reach of Sagar and it was cleared.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.  Birmingham; Hibbs; Booton, Barkas; Stoker, Crawshaw, Calladine; Horsman, Bradford, Jones, Mangnall, White.  Referee; Mr. W.R. Jennings (York).

SUNDERLAND AMUSE THEMSELVES 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 December 1934
Sunderland spent the day at Hoylake, and to-night they visit the Empire for the pantomime there to renew acquaintance with the old-time choir boy Jay Laurier, and Marriott Edgar, who is responsible for Stanley Holloway's musketry per Sam and a walk around a certain Tower! Sunderland have not yet' Axed their team for the game at Everton, but there is little doubt that team will be unchanged.

EVERTON 6 SUNDERLAND 2
December 27 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Six for Everton.
Fine Fare In Game With Sunderland.
Sunderland, League leaders and undefeated away and Everton between then provided holiday football fare that dispelled the gloom of Christmas Day and was a fine advertisement for the game. Every Everton forward scored in the first away rout of the North-Easterners by 6-2, but it was a rout in goals only. On the play Sunderland were the equals if not the superiors of their conquerors. To anyone connected with the beaten side their “finishing” if one might use the term must have been nothing short of pathetic. Everton with less expert control of the ball, showed the better policy, and were duly rewarded. Cunliffe was the forward who scored twice. I imagine Connor, on the left wing, was easily the outstanding player afield; yet he, like the others in the Sunderland front rank, were almost always attempting to walk the ball into the net. A moderate shooter in the Sunderland attack would have scored four or five goals from the number of chances Connor Davis and company produced. Everton began the scoring when Dean's headed pass presented Stevenson with a grit goal; Geldard obtained a second goal when the ball was deflected and Middleton ex-Southport, had no chance, and then Sunderland scored through Gurney. Cunliffe made it 3-2; then Cunliffe put on a fourth before the interval. Afterwards Coulter, who tickled the crowd with his unorthodoxy's winging scored an individual triumph, and Dean finished off the scoring from a Geldard pass.
Everton's Best.
Everton's best were Thomson (who thrice saved his side in critical moments) Coulter and Geldard (who had a good first half), and Sunderland played magnificently as a team in all departments until they faced the responsible task of shooting. As a game one could not have wished for anything more entertaining. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar goal; Williams and Cook backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. Sunderland: - Middleston goal; Murray and Hall backs; Thompson, Johnston and Hasting, half-backs; Davis, Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, and Connor, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Walden of Nottingham.

SUNDERLAND 7 EVERTON 0
December 27 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
The Roker Debacle.
Everton Reduced To Ten Men
Williams Hurt
By “Bee.”
Sunderland took a quick revenge upon Everton, who were defeat 7-0 at Roker Park. Everton never looked like scoring and as Mr. Green the Everton director put it, it might have been ten instead of seven against Everton. There are extenuating circumstances. With the first half gone thirty minutes Williams pulled a muscle and had to leave the field. He returned to the outside right position, but only held if for a few minutes before he limped to the dressing room and took no further part in the play. This injury necessitated Britton coming into the back division and Cunliffe to right half-back. From that moment Everton virtually went out of the game, excepting that they were striving in defence. Two of Sunderland's goals might have been saved by Sagar. It looked as though he misjudged Connor's shot for the second goal, for he seemed to be covering it and allowed it to spoon up over his arm. When Gallacher scored however, just after the interval it was a simple header, which dropped near the line, and Sagar was in a position to pick it up, but was obviously watching the incoming Gurney instead of the ball. Taking his eye away from the ball for the fraction beat him. Everton's defence strove hard but they were no match for Sunderland's forwards.
Little Support For Forwards.
The devotion of the wing half-backs to defence an enforced devotion meant that Dean and his comrades got little or no support from behind, and it is to be recorded that in the whole of the ninety minutes' play there were three shots at goal, two from Dean and one from Stevenson, which went near the woodwork. As a matter of fact, Thorpe, who had replaced Middleton is the Sunderland goal, was never near being beaten on any occasion. The work of White a centre half in place of Gee was very sound, but the Sunderland inside forwards forced him to come out of position by their skilful dribbling of the ball, and Cook put in a hard afternoon's work without showing much result for it.
Connor Flashes.
No player in this game compared with Connor. The Sunderland outside left showed amazing ball control on the heavy greasy surface and there were things when Cunliffe and Britton did not know which way the Sunderland international was going to go. He had the Everton defence into knots repeatedly and got some very good support from McNab, who had displaced Hasting to the Sunderland half-back line. Gurney was a centre-forward of the worrying type. He got two goals and missed at least three which were easier to get while Gallacher and Carter showed good footwork in a line which played with the speed and accuracy that has characterized their work in recent mouths. Gurney scored the first goal in 24 minutes, sweeping a centre by Davies into the net with the side of his foot. Then just after Williams had left Connor swept through, and his fast, low drive turned over Sagar's hands near the foot of the upright. Just before the interval Shaw kicked hard into the Everton goalmouth. Cook and Sagar went for the ball together, mulled it and Gurney was left to kick it into the net. The second half was only three minute sold when Gallacher scored with his header, and the subsequent goal came in the following order Thompson 7 minutes, Connor 30 minutes, and Gallagher 38 minutes. Teams: - Sunderland: - Thorpe goal; Hall and Shaw backs; Thompson, Johnston, and McNab half-backs; Davies Carter, Gurney, Gallacher and Connor forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook backs; Britton, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 0
December 27 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 20)
Everton were full value for the decisive victory which would have been considerably augmented that for the brilliance of Langford in the visitors goal. Although Everton dominated the first half play there were occasions when the United revealed a penchant for good constructive combination, but against Everton's sound defence these periods were of short duration's and by means of superb and accurate ball distribution the Goodison side, for the most part, dictates the run of the play. The United after ten minutes of the second half lost the services of McLenahan, who retired with an ankle injury, and in consequence to the end Everton harassed a defence that withstood the pressure with a finely taken goal by Dickenson from Leyfield's centre Webster added the second and then a glanced header in true Dean fashion gave Dickenson the third. The fourth followed from Webster in the second half. An easy Everton victory.
Marine 1 Everton “A” 1
Liverpool County combination.
At crosby. Marine's long run of successive was choked. Both sides displayed clever combination, but the defences took the chief honours. Kelly played splendidly at centre half for the home side and Watson was Everton's outstanding player. For the first 25 minutes when White made sure of William's shot entering the net, play ran evenly with plenty of exciting incidents. Sandham put in a couple of splendid shots, which went close. Soon after the interval Hannon equalised the score. Both sides fought hard for the winning goal, and although Everton did most of the attacking there was no further score.

EVERTON'S HEAVIEST DEFEAT.
December 27, 1934. Evening Express.
High Scoring Games With League Leaders.
Everton will not select their team to oppose Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Saturday until tonight. It is doubtful whether Williams will be fit to play. He has torn a muscle at the back of his thigh –he received the injury in the right of yesterday's match at Sunderland. Dean is also complaining of injury, but it is not known whether he will be fit or not. Everton and Sunderland certainly participated in a feast of goals. Their two meetings resulted in a division of four points and produced 15 goals. The 7-0 defeat of the blues at Roker Park was, according to the records of the club, the heaviest defeat ever suffered by Everton. Twice previously seven goals had been scored against them by Newcastle United in each instance. Last Boxing Day the United won 7-3 at Goodison Park, and some years ago Everton conceded seven goals at St. James's Park. The injury to Williams had a big effect on the side. He left the field ten minutes before the interval when Sunderland were leading by a goal, and through he returned to outside right for a few minutes he had to leave the field again. Britton went right back and Cunliffe right half-back. Connor was absolutely unstoppable in a Sunderland side which has not played better this season and in which successful changes were made as compared with the side Everton defeated on Christmas Day.
Everton's Distinction.
Everton gave a wonderful display to win 6-2 and so again the distinction of breaking Sunderland's unbeaten away certificate. Rarely have I seen such brilliant exchanges as in the first half. The pace was astonishing and the standard of football amazingly accurate. Five goals were scored in the first 15 minutes. The Sunderland forwards were good, but Everton were better, with Geldard the “Star” Coulter and Stevenson were the ideal left wing and Cunliffe and Dean daring dashing raiders. Everton have not given a better exhibition this season. They beat a grand team. Stevenson, Geldard, Cunliffe (2), Coulter and Dean scored for Everton, and Gurney and Connor for the Wearsiders' while on Boxing Day Sunderland's goals were scored by Gurney (2), Gallacher (2), Connor (2), and Thompson. In the to matches the clubs £4,540 was paid at the turnstiles. The position of the leading clubs in the First division are:-
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BRING ABOU HEAVY DEFEAT
December 27, 1934. Sunderland Echo
Sunderland's Football Good, But-!
Everton 6, Sunderland 2
Sunderland's first defeat on foreign soil was due in a large measure to defensive blunders, for, if anything, they played the better football and had more of the game. Actually, Everton were very little over half-way line in the second half, and yet they scored two goals. Every man in the Everton attack scored, and Cunliffe twice, while Gurney and Connor scored for Sunderland, who were behind 4-2 at the interval. There was nothing much wrong with the Sunderland attack, though Gurney was decidedly poor. Connor was brilliant, and certainly the finest forward on view. It was in the rear where Sunderland's troubles lay. The goalkeeper of Middleton left a lot to be desired, and Hall had a most difficult task against Geldard, because Hastings had a rank bad game. Sunderland should never have lost on the general display of the team, but both Hastings and Middleton let the sit down badly.

“ARGUS” ON SEASON'S BIGGEST VICTORY
December 27, 1934. The Sunderland Echo
Sunderland 7, Everton 0sunderland took ample revenge yesterday for the previous day's defeat. They might have got double figures, but the crowd, which numbered 35,850, seemed content enough when Everton's total of Christmas Day had been beaten. It was a pity that Everton were handicapped for most of the game through Williams pulling a thigh muscle, Everton felt the shortage of Cunliffe in the attack, and though I am in no way desirious of minimizing the effect of the absence of Williams, I am of the opinion that Sunderland would have won the match in any circumstances, though the margin might not have been so great. Hey were on top almost from the start and had a goal lead when Williams went off. Everton attack in that period had not been a menace at all to the Sunderland defence. There was a surprise in store for Sunderland's supporters when they saw that Middleton, Murray and Hastings were all absent. I am told the changes were justified by the displays at Goodison Park. Be that as it may, the team was not weakened by the appearance of Jimmy Thorpe and two fresh players. The strain of three games in five days on heavy grounds might have slowed up Murray, but I am not sure that on yesterday's game Shaw will succeed in getting a permanent place, though it would certainly be unfair to judge him on one game after being out of the team many weeks. Hall played very soundly. He can be beaten, but is quick enough to recover. Once McNab ran himself in he played splendidly, and I should imagine Connor would be one of the first to pay tribute to the service he got from the left half. Nevertheless, I class Thomson as the best wing half-back on the field as an attacking unit. He got one of the goals himself and helped Gallacher to one of his two and his general display was good. So was that of Johnston. He was invariably between his goal and Dean, and the famous centre forward had a very lean game. One spectator remarked at the close that it would have been worth a shilling to see Connor even if Sunderland had not won. Connor was the star artist in a front rank which did the reverse to what it did on Saturday –it did not keep the ball close but kept the game open. Connor was the master of the Everton defence by his wonderful ball control and amazing finesse, but there was no real weakness, though Davis was certainly not at his best. Gallacher played well; Carter was a gluten for work and showed amazing stamina on such heavy going; while Gurney was workmanlike throughout. He got one decidedly clever goal, a second when he worried Sagar and Cook into a blunder, and missed at least two better chances than he accepted. That is one of Gurney's peculiarities, and the “wonder” goals do not arrive in proportion to the good things missed. Nevertheless, no one has reason to complain when a team scores seven goals. Sagar had, I am told, given a wonderful display in the first match, I though he was at fault with two of the goals yesterday, but Everton were put out of gear by the injury to Williams. Their wing halves had no time to develop attack, and I question whether Jimmy Thorpe can reasonably expect any easier afternoon than he had yesterday. The two Everton wing men, Geldard and Coulter, were good early in the game but faded out later. “Dixie” Dean was useful with his head, but his colleagues did not give him much chance to use his feet –neither did Johnston. I think Dean has slowed down a lot, however, and missed the best chance his side had when late in the game he made a pass to Geldard when he himself had a better position. The order of the scoring as follows;-
First half
Gurney 24 minutes
Connor 35 minutes
Gurney 44 minutes
Second Half
Gallacher 3 minutes
Thomson 7 minutes
Connor 30 minutes
Galalcher 38 minutes
I should say the best worked goal of the match was the one scored by Thomson, for Carter, Gurney, and Davis were all concerned in a triangular movement and Thomson came right forward to take the inward pass. You cannot expect to see anything much better than this goal. Everton's manager thought Galalcher's final goal from Thomson's centre was offside, but I thought he moved forward after the ball was played and that it was a good goal. Sunderland; Thorpe; Hall, Shaw; Thomson, Johnston, McNab; Davis, Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, and Connor. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, and Coulter.

CHRISTMAS AND BOXING DAY
December 27 1934. Liverpool Echo
Everton Lose Their Full Back Williams.
By Bees.
There is a wealth of interest in football and some of the games have been worth the money; others have been rather futile if we forget the holding capacity of the ball after the overnight deluge of rain. The main features as usual has been the customary Boxing Day turn round after the joy of a home victory on Christmas Day. No one can explain why a side capable of winning at home one day by 6-2 should lose 7-0 the next day. The truth is that the ground is pulling muscles; the heavy travel dreary train journeys take their toll of some teams, and others sleep though them with the ease of some of our-better known directors. Dean in the game on Saturday was elbowed and armed out of the game. And this is where the heroism came in; he never uttered a word; he kept his temper where many of us would have shown fight. I like to pay tribute to such control. Now the Christmas Day game was one of whose memorable happenings that go to history books for future reference. It was studious football, and Sunderland while losing their away record –they were rather glad to be rid of the fetish –did not lose medals or commendation in this loss; rather did they impress everyone by their magnificent ball control. They were Austrians for a day; they would not shoot. Otherwise their every-forward-an-artist made Goodison park spectators enthusiastic about this talented display. They had one move “exploited” just right that was when they allowed the pass to travel on to a player further distant. Everton won through their definiteness although Jock Thomson saving three goals unaided through Geldard's pace; through Cunliffe's release of the ball at the right moment; though Stevenson's dandy dribbling, and through Coulter's remarkable facility for moving a ball from the right to left foot in the space of a yard with the touchline looming in his vision. All the forwards scored, and Coulter's captivals the crowd by his antics; football genius in a way He looks to be ambling through; a back heaves his weight at him; Coulter hitches up his middle muscles, escapes the charge and runs round the defender to proceed with his stuff. It was all engrossing and enjoyable. Came the dawn! And the turn around and the turn up of seven goals without response.
Tragedy For Everton.
Everton ran up against trouble at Roker, and to be quite frank, Sunderland would not have been flattered if they had reached double figures. Director Green's view was that he was thankful that it was no worse. To lose Williams was a tragedy, which Everton could not get over (writes “Roker”). A four forward attack simply could not sustain any pressure and it was one long sequence of Sunderland attack and what football. This was stuff worthy of the League leaders, quite different to what they showed against Liverpool on Saturday and at Goodison. They did not want to juggle the ball into the net, and when they got into the heavy part they lifted it quickly. Fancy Dixie Dean going through ninety minutes of football and never causing the opposition goalkeeper to save a shot. Jimmy Thorpe back again in Sunderland's goal for the first time since his long illness towards the back end of last season, had a picnic, but I do not think Sagar enjoyed himself. He looked to be at fault with two goals, but of the second of these his explanation was that the ball hit a lump of turf and jumped over his hand.
Looker-On.
My theory is he took his eye off the ball to see if Gurney was coming in and that caused his downfall. Everton did not mark their men well but let us give credit to the way Sunderland drew their men. I imagine Britton and Cunliffe will be saying that if Sunderland have a better winger than Connor they at least do not want to meet him. They watched Connor play often. They had no choice. This Scottish wizard was amazing in his finesse, and is a player worth going a long way top see. It was a bad day for Everton, but not worse than Sunderland had on the previous day. A man hurt makes a world of difference.
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LATE SPORTS WIRES 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 December 1934
EVERTON'S INJURED LIST; 
WILLIAMS DAMAGED EARLY ON 
Everton report that Williams will be examined by the doctor to-day. He was damaged early in the game when the score was but 1-0 against Everton. It is a pulled muscle. Gee is improving, and is a probable starter v. Spurs. Dean is suffering from a groin injury, but there again the hope and belief is that he will be ready for continued service.

EVERTON CHANGES
December 28, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
For their game with Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park tomorrow, kick-off 2.15, Everton make two changes from the side, which lost at Sunderland. These are at full-back, where Cresswell takes the place of the injured Williams, and at centre-half where Gee returns to the exclusion of White. The team is Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. The second eleven to meet Burnley at Turf Moor in a Central league game is; Bradshaw; Jackson Jones; Mercer, White, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Dickenson, Webster, Stein. The Spurs' after five seasons in Division two, won their way back to the upper circle two seasons ago, and their visit to Goodison Park tomorrow will be their sixteenth in quest of points. They have recorded only three victories. There however, in 1912-13, 1926-27, and 1927-28, when they won by 3-2, 2-1 and 5-2 respectively. Their meeting with Everton last campaign resulted in a 1-1 draw, and this season a draw between the sides was the result at White Hart Lane.

EVERTON TO MAKE IT A HAPPY OLD YEAR!
December 28 1934. Evening Express.
Eleventh Home Win If They Beat Spurs
Two Changes In Goodison Side
Cresswell and Gee Return.
By the Pilot.
Everton are hoping to record their eleventh home victory of the season before the New Year comes in. They will have Tottenham Hotspur as visitors tomorrow. Two changes have been made in the Everton side. Cresswell will be at right back in place of Williams who tore a muscle in Wednesday's game at Sunderland, and Gee returns to the centre-half position for White. Thus the Blues revert to the eleven which has done duty for them in the majority of matches this season. Tottenham are not in such a happy position by any means. Five of their leading players are on the injured list. These include Hut, the international centre forward; Rowe, the international centre half; Evans, the Welsh international outside left; and O'Callaghan the Welsh international forward. The ‘Spurs had to draft five reserves into the eleven against Grimsby Town, but they acquitted themselves so well that the directors have decided to make no changes.
Cup Training At St. Annes.
A party of 14 players made the journey North, today, and after the match they will go on to St. Annes for special Cup training. I think Everton will win and set up the remarkable figures of 11 home wins out of 12 in the 1934 portion of the season. It behoves Everton to take all these home points, for they are getting little reward for their journeys, and after Tuesday they will have eleven away matches to fulfill and only nine at home. If Everton play within 75 per cent of their form against Sunderland on Christmas Day they are certain to win. They must remember, however, that Tottenham like Goodison Park. Last season the ‘Spurs captured a point, and a few seasons ago they came and whipped the Blues 5-2. Everton did well to take a point from the Spurs at White Hart lane on the opening day of the season, and I think they will defy tradition tomorrow and win. Everton; Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Tottenham H. Taylor; Channell, Whatley; Evans (T.), Howe, Alsford; McCormick, Hall (A.), Hunt (D.), Meads, Bellamy.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday). Everton v. Tottenham Hotspur. Kick off 2.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands extra including tax, Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.

EVERTON CHANGED SIDE FOR HOME GAME V SPURS.
December 28, 1934. Liverpool Echo.
By Bees.
It is a great pity the Everton combine that gave satisfaction at home to Sunderland should have been spilt through the injury to Ben Williams. It means a readjusting of an eleven that had gained a very confident note, and promised to rise high in the League table. As it is, the club has selected Cresswell to preform where he left off and his resting period will have done him good. Spurs, of Tottenham were down here a few weeks ago and made a good impression among the Anfield folk. Tomorrow they reappear, and Goodison will find a vastly entertaining side because they have such a lively lot of fellows at their command. Actually Spurs' have league and Cup vicories over Everton, which make Everton's desire to win tomorrow the greater. The ground will be something similar to that which obtained when ‘Spurs beat Everton 5-2 a really wet week-end for Everton! Since then Spurs have gone back through a collection of injuries to their well-known members –Evans, Rowe, Howe, &c. However, a meeting with the Spurs is always full of promise that there shall be good sport and a fast paced game. Everton supporters will be prevent in full force again to see the forward line operate on a sixpenny piece. The Everton team is likely to read: - Sagar; Cresswell Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dunn, Stevenson, Coulter.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday). Everton v. Tottenham Hotspur. Kick off 2.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands extra including tax, Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.

CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 December 1934
Everton play Cresswell at back vice the damaged Williams, and Gee returns to centre half back.

SPURS VISIT EVERTON.
December 29, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
After their mixed experience with Sundrland, Everton tackle the ‘Spurs at Goodison park and another capital display such as that on Christmas Day would please the onlookers. On the first day of the season Everton drew at White Hart-Lane, when Dean scored for Everton and Hall for the Spurs'. With the exception that the left wing is now composed of Stevenson, and Coulter instead of White and Stein, the Everton team will be the same today as on August 25. Cresswell returns to the side, Williams having been injured at Sunderland on Boxing Day. Everton still have a chance to finish in the leading fight and they should continue to make the most of their home games, though the ‘Spurs are opponents who will make a bold bid. Still I look to Everon win. The ‘Spurs tried some promising young players who helped to beat Grimsby Town, and the side may be unchanged for today's match, which starts at 2.15. The teams are: - Everton; Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Tottenham H. Taylor; Channell, Whatley; Evans (T.), Howe, Alsford; McCormick, Hall (A.), Hunt (D.), Meads, Bellamy.

DEAN'S TREBLE IN SCORING BURSTS.
December 29, 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
“Nap Hand! Win Over ‘Spurs.
A “C” Sharp Note!
By the Watcher.
Everton were too good for Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park, and but for a great display by Taylor in the Spurs goal, the Blues might have recorded their biggest victory of the season. Dean was in brilliant form, scoring three of Everton's five goals. The two other's Coulter and Cunliffe were the marksmen's in Everton's 5-2 win. The ‘Spurs made a last minute change, Jones displacing Howe at centre half back. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cresswell and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and White, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter forwards. Tottenham Hotspur: - Taylor, goal; Clannell and Whatley, backs; Evans (T.), Jones and Alsford, half-backs; McCormick, Hall (a.), Evans (D.), Meals, and Bellemy, forwards. Referee Mr. W. F. Harper (Sturbridge). Everton made two great attempts to take the lead within three minutes. Cunliffe and Dean were concerned in the first movement, which ended in Cunliffe placing the ball into the net while standing in an offside position. Thirty seconds afterwards Dean got his lead to a dropping ball, but Taylor gathered it well. But Everton were in a dangerous mood, and they went ahead in four minutes. A nice swinging ball found Coulter on the left, and after drawing Channell, the Irish International winger with a judicious kick placed the ball in the far corner of the net. When the ‘Spurs took up the attack Alsford sent wide from a Bellemy corner. Within eight minutes the ‘Spurs drew level. The ball had been worked down the middle and Jones found McCormick with a short grounder, and that player after feinting to the right of the goal, sent in a shot that entered the goal only a few inches under the bar at the far end.
Everton Lead Again.
Everton went back with a rush and Dean restored his side's lead at the 12 th minute. The goal came about in this way. Snapping up a loose ball on the right Geldard cut into goal and ended with a shot that Taylor could only manage to push out to the feet of Dean, who made no mistake, shooting on the instant. Taylor could not be blamed for his side's deficiency, and he proved that he was in good form by saving point-blank shots from Dean and Stevenson. Geldard was here, there and everywhere, playing a typical Alex Jackson game. With Britton and Cunliffe, Geldard was having one of his happiest afternoons. Within three minutes every member of the Everton forward line had at least two shots at goal. When Tottenham were awarded a corner on the right Cresswell headed away Hunt's shot, and then hall missed an open goal by screwing the ball past the far post. At the other end Geldard squared a shot across the goal. Rain which fell at the start of the game had left the ground on the heavy side and Everton realising the wisdom of the methods, adopted wing-to-wing passes.
A Thrill.
There was a thrill when Taylor and Coulter raced for a ball, which had struck in the mud. Taylor just managed to get there first and pushed the ball away while Coulter jumped over his body. The ‘Spurs' goal underwent another narrow escape when from Geldard's cross Cunliffe and Dean had their shots intercepted, and then Channell kicked over his own line for a fruitless corner. Cresswell, apparently tired of inactivity converted himself into a forward and ran up to send a grand ball whizzing over the top. Coulter had a duel with Channell and eventually the ball went sailing across the ‘Spurs goalmouth. Taylor once again proved himself ready for any emergency by stopping a shot with his knees. Sagar had little to do compared with Taylor, and for that he had to thank Cresswell and Cook, especially Cresswell.
Half-time Everton 2 Tottenham 1
Everton had another burst of scoring shortly after the resumption, two goals coming in two months. The first one, which came on the 54 th minute, was obtained by Dean. From fully 15 yards out the Everton captain trapped a low ball and almost at the same moment hit it well and truly so that all Taylor knew of the affair was when he picked the ball out of the net. Two minute later Cunliffe gave Everton their fourth point. He had a thank Dean for giving him the chance. Geldard sent the ball across from the right, and Dean, realising that Cunliffe was in a better position, passed the ball on to his colleague, who completed the movement with a fine effort.
Five!
Geldard and Stevenson in turn went near with shots that whizzled past the upright, and then Dean got Everton's fifth point and his third. This was after 64 minutes. Gee sliced the ball across to Britton who beat Alsford and then drew Whalley out of position before lobbing the ball in front of the ‘Spurs' goalmouth. Dean was waiting there, and he did the necessary with a neat flick of his head. Hall scored for the ‘Spurs thirty seconds from the end. Meads lobbed a ball to him in the Everton goalmouth, and swinging round, Hall sent it into the top corner of the net over Sagar's hands. Final Everton 5, Tottenham 2.

BURNLEY RES V. EVERTON RES.
December 29 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
Everton had most of the play and were the superior side. Wilson after cleverly saving successively from Stein and Dunn missed the ball from a corner and Dickinson scored. Burnley made occasional raids, but were not really dangerous. Everton forwards gave Wilson many opportunities to shine in goal. Jones was adjudged to mishandle, but Graham hit the bar with his penalty kick. Dickinson added another goal just on a the interval. Half-time Burnley Res 0, Everton Res 2.

FAMOUS SOCCER CLUBS – BURY
December 29 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
Why Bury Were Called “The Shakers”
Their Record Cup Final Victory.
By a special Correspondent.
Bury F. C. won their description. “The Shakers” on the actual field of play. In their first season as a senior club they entered for the Lancashire Cup. The opposition was strong indeed, and no one considered that the little Lancashire club stood any chance. They proceeded to confound their critics by defeating in turn Newton Heath (now Manchester United), Accrington (Original member of the Football league), Everton, and Blackburn. In the midst of these performances, the Bury chairman Mr. J.T. Ingham, said, “We'll give' em a shaking up; in fact, we are ‘The Shakers'! “The nickname caught on and has been carried by the club to this day. The Lancashire Cup was won in 1889, at which time Bury had in existence for only four years three of which had been spent in the junior ranks. Such a rapid rise placed them in an important position in football, a position which they held worthily. They have suffered something of the buffetings of fate in their long career, and it is true that they are now in the second division but the fact remains that Bury have always played gallantly and have had their name inscribed ass winners of the F.A. Cup on two occasions. They have won practically every trophy for which they have competed, the one notable exception being the League Championship Cup. Like many more famous clubs Bury grew up in a stronghold of the Rugby game, and eventually ousted the handling code in local public favour. The idea of forming a Soccer club in the town was first discussed early in 1885. There was a second meeting shortly afterwards, at which officers were appointed. Some difficulty was experienced in finding a suitable playing pitch but it was not long before a field on one of Lord Derby's farms at Gigg Lane was secured. Gigg-Lane has remained as Bury's headquarters right up to the present time. The first match played there was on June 6 1885 when Accrington and Church provided the opposition and won by four goals to two. The public did not take the game at once, and it is on record that early “gates” were small indeed. The sum of 4s 6d was all that was taken when Colne paid a visit in the Lancashire Junior Cup. Still, the Bury club was in good hands, and at the end of the first campaign, the loss on the working was only about £8. The playing record was not brilliant, but, for all that was satisfactory for a new venture. From that time onward, the team was strengthened and began to make quite a reputation for itself in Lancashire junior football. One of the recruits in 1887 was a half-back named George Ross, who was born in Scotland, but brought up in Bury. Ross, who was paid three shillings a week for his earliest services, proved one of the best captains the club has ever had. In a career extending over 20 years he gained a hugh collection of medals the most prized of which were for the two F.A. cup wins Bury recorded in 1900 and 1903. In 1893 the County Palatine League was formed. It lasted one year and Bury were the only champions. The following year they joined the Second Division of the Football league and living up to their reputation of doing things at the first attempt they won the championship in the space of one season. They actually scored nine more points than their nearest rivals, Notts County. In those days, promotion, and Relegation were not automatic. Test matches were played between the clubs concerned, and Bury had to overcome Liverpool, the lowest club in Division one to gain promotion. They won by a goal to none, and so became members of the highest class off all, only ten years after their formation. In the First Division they found the going hard, but for two seasons they held their own reasonably well. In their third season they were one of no fewer than five clubs at the foot of the table all with the same number of points. They kept their place on goal average. Then there was a gradual rise following by the winning of the cup in 1900.
Thrilling Cup Semi-Final.
Having defeated Burnley, Notts County and Sheffield United (the previous holders), Bury faced Nottingham Forest in the semi-final. The game was drawn (1-1), and in the second meeting the teams again proved themselves very evenly matched. A minute from time Forest were leading 2-1, and it seemed certain that they were through. The Bury were awarded a corner. The kicked was taken by a player named Pray, who first of all gave instructions that every other member of the Bury team even the goalkeeper –should stand in the Forest's penalty area. The kick came across. The ten Bury men surged forward. McLuckie, centre forward got his head to the ball and scored. Every member of the Bury side except Pray finished up in the Forest's goal! With the score level, extra time had to be played, in which the Lancashire lads snatched victory by a goal scored by Sagar. In the final they defeat Southampton in convincing fashion by 4 goals to none. The following year they were dismissed early from the Cup, but gained fourth place in the First Division. In 1903, they won the Cup for the Second time registering the record victory in a final of 6 goals to none, against Derby County. In fairness to Derby it should be stated that their goalkeeper was unfit and had to retire in the match. Even so Bury were worthily winners. Six of their players, Ross, Richards, Wood, Sagar, Leeming and Plant had figured in the previous final. From that time there was a decline, and in 1905 Bury were next to bottom in the First division. In the ordinary way this would have meant relegation, but the league was extended and Bury were allowed to keep their place. The following a moderate runs and in 1912 they did so badly that nothing could save them. They were absolutely last and them was the huge margin of 12 points between themselves and the next lowest club, Preston North End. This meant Second Division football again, of which it will be remembered, bury gad experienced only one season. The way was harder now and not until 1924, when the Lancashire lads were runners up to Leeds, did they gain promotion again. They stayed in the First Division for five years and then went down again.
£8500 Player Who “Couldn't Play.”
Another five years have gone by and Bury are still in the Second Division. Their glorious years have gone, but maybe others will come along. There are some fine players at Gigg Lane and no club has had more consistent performers than Norman Bullock and Wally Amos, to mention only two. Bullock won an international cap for England as a centre forward, but received an injury in the match against Wales, that prevented him doing himself full justice. In late years, he has been a tower of strength in the half-back line and his present comprehensive work is that of player manager and coach. Amos was a member of the little Worksop team that went to Tottenham in a Cup-tie in 1923, and surprised the football world by holding the famous London Club to a goalless draw. Bury signed Amos shortly afterwards and Jack brown the Worksop goalkeeper, went to Sheffield Wednesday. Both men have been first team players with scarcely a break ever since. Another of their present team who has done fine things in the Bury colours is David Robbie, the outside-right, who joined the Gigg Lane club in 1923. Since that date he has seldom been out of the senior side except through injury. One of the greatest post war players ever to represent Bury is Tom Bradshaw, the Liverpool Pivot. A Bury official had come up to Scotland to “scout” for players when he saw a tall, tousled haired lad with trouser ends tucked into his socks, playing on a waste piece of ground. He was immediately impressed and asked the Scots youth if he would like to become a professional footballer. The youth Tom Bradhsaw relied that he couldn't play football. Bury took the risk, however, and Bradshaw became one of the finest centre-halves in the country. When he was transferred to Liverpool in January, 1930 a fee of £8,500 changed hands. It was following Bradshaw's transfer that Norman Bullock became Bury's centre half.

DEAN FINDS HIS FEET.
December 29 1934. Liverpool Football Echo
Everton's Captain's Three Goals.
Spurs Outclassed.
By Stork.
An easy victory accomplished with little difficult. Five goals should have been eight or perhaps more despite the good work of goalkeeper Taylor. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cresswell and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and White, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter forwards. Tottenham Hotspur: - Taylor, goal; Clannell and Whatley, backs; Evans (T.), Jones and Alsford, half-backs; McCormick, Hall (a.), Evans (D.), Meals, and Bellemy, forwards. Referee Mr. W. F. Harper (Sturbridge). The rain managed to keep off but the ground was very heavy particularly down the middle of the field. Yet the early moments of the game were full of good football, especially on the part of the Londoners but when Channell misjudged the flight of the ball it enabled Coutler to go clean through on his own and plant the ball in the far side of the Spurs' goal. The ball struck the upright on its journey, Taylor being well out of position. A goal in four minutes was pleasing to the home supporters, and they were even more pleased when Dean made two shots of note for nowadays Dean does little shooting, obtaining most of his goal points through his agency of his head. The Spurs were not unduly upset over this early reverse, and they were on level terms at ten minutes, McCormick scoring with a quick drive, which left Sagar, standing still. Tottenham might easily have gone in front in the next minute for Sagar had to make a splendid save when Meads headed for goal. The Everton goalkeeper cleared at the second attempt.
Second Goal and A Missed Penalty.
Everton in the next minute, went ahead. Dean scored the goal, but it was Geldard who made it possible. The ball seemed to be running for a goal kick but Geldard amazing speed enabled him to centre the ball off the goal line, and Dean shooting with his left foot, had the satisfaction of sending the ball through a ruck of players and into the net. Time twelve minutes. Dean was pushed in the back in the penalty area, and Mr. Harper gave a spot kick without hesitation. Dean called upon Coulter to take the gift offering, but the little Irishmen, who has an uncommon method of taking penalty kicks trickled the ball to goal so slowly that Taylor was able to throw himself across his goalmouth and save. The Spurs' defence had a harrowing time in the next few minutes and Taylor was lucky to escape defeat. One had to admire his saving of a Dean header. The third of the ball on Dean's head could easily be heard in the big stand. The visitors defence was not at all secure, both backs were prone to miskick, so that they got no length whatever, and often put their own goal in danger. Cresswell by his timely intervention, stopped Hunt from sailing through to an open goal. Cunliffe made a run only to finish by lifting the ball over the crossbar. The Spurs' early sparkle had faded out. Coulter, when attempting a shot, sliced his drive and McCormick the one man in the Spurs' attack likely to trouble the Everton defence took a corner from Cook but once again this proved fruitless. Taylor came out to cut out a Geldard centre, and the ball dropped at Dean's feet, but he made a poor shot at goal. Stevenson was hurt in a collision with Hall, but the Everton man recovered. The ground was so heavy that the ball was difficult to drive through the mud. Taylor was exceptionally good in goal and there was a great roar when Cresswell went forward and shot over the bar. A shot by Cunliffe struck the goalkeeper on his legs. Sagar's only save had been the header by Meads.
Half-time Everton 2 Tottenham 1
Everton soon had the game well in hand, and five minutes after the hour they had taken a four goals lead. The Spurs were outclassed, equipped, outplayed and outmaneuvered on a soft ground, which did not lend itself to close play. The Spurs' only redeeming feature was Taylor's work in goal, and but for him Everton's tally of goals would have been considerably more than five at the hour. Britton had a hand in the whole three goals obtained this half but the most pleasing feature was Dean's shooting.
Britton's Dribble.
Dean obtained his side's third goal with a beautiful shot at 54 minutes, and then Cunliffe, Geldard, and Britton collaborated so that the first-named took a goal after Taylor had half-saved at 56 minutes. Britton's part in the fifth goal of the day was a big one. He dribbled beyond three Spurs men, and then made such a perfect lob that Dean was able to nod an easy goal at 65 minutes. Prior to these goals Coulter had missed a sitter a presentation from Dean, and later Cunliffe was within an ace of adding a further goal. The game had been so one-sided that it lost its interest. In fact all that remained to excite the spectators was how many goals Everton would get. Bellamy had a great chance and failed to take it, but with one minute to go Hall netted from a Bellany centre to complete the scoring. Final Everton 5 Tottenham 2.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, December 29, 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

BURNLEY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, December 29, 1934
Everton were the clever side and had most of the play.  Wilson, after saving from Stein and Dunn, missed the ball from a corner and Dickinson scored. Everton’s forwards gave Wilson many opportunities of shinning in goal.  Jones was adjudged to have handled, but Graham hit the bar with his penalty kick.  Dickinson headed another goal just on the interval. Half-time; Burnley Res nil, Everton 2.  Dickinson got his hat-trick.  Other goals were scored by Stein and Dunn.  Jackson scored for Burnley with a free kick near the finish.  Final; Burnley Res 1, Everton Res 5. 

EVERTON 5 TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 2
December 31 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
How Everton Beat ‘Spurs.
Dean's Fine Shooting.
Taylor's Saves For Tottenham
Coulter Penalty Miss.
By “Stork.”
Tottenham Hotspur, with a weak team, had no chance against Everton, whose 5-2 victory might well have been considerably more if all the chances had been accepted. Coulter missed three gift goals, one from a penalty spot, and Taylor the Spurs goalkeeper, the busiest man of his side, also helped to keep Everton's score down to reasonable dimensions. The ground was like a glue-pot; on the sticky turf the ball would not carry an inch and more passes went wrong than I have seen for a long time. It was folly to attempt the short passing game but each side was prone to make it fit the case, and not until Everton decided that more open methods would bring than greater reward for the endeavour did they start to sweep the Londoners out of the game.
Dean Kicks Hard.
Everton were so much in front of their rivals in points of attack that I have but to recall the fact that Sagar had but one save to make in the first half (he had no chance with McCormik's goal), and a great save it was, too, but take the case of Taylor in the opposite goal. He had never a minute to himself, and he came through his unpleasant ordeal with great credit. He was accorded an ovation when he left at the interval. One of the most pleasing features of the game was Dean's three goals; not that he has never performed the feat before but it is so long since we saw him utilise his fact that we began to wonder what had become of them. He first and third goals were obtained by two excellent shots the last one in particular being a great drive without deadening the ball. He simply kicked it as it dropped and Taylor was beaten. His second goal point was due to Britton's remarkable run through and perfect cross Dean's head met the ball and a goal was the natural outcome. Tottenham had such a hammering in the first half that it was only natural that they would fade out if Everton maintained the pressure and at the home side redoubled their efforts, the ‘Spurs became a body of defenders concerning themselves in keeping Everton out rather than thinking about obtaining goals on their own behalf. They did not play nearly so well as they did against Liverpool; in fact the only thing to maintain the interest in the game in the second ball was just how many goals Everton would run up against their sorely-tried defence.
Coulter's Lapse.
They took three, but a little more steadiness it would most assuredly have been five. Coulter make two bad misses. Once he had an open goal, yet he put the ball outside. His first goal, which opened the day's scoring was a grand effort, even though the ball bumped up against the upright before finally settling into the back of the net. His penalty shot was easily saved Taylor, because it had no pace behind it. He tried to place the ball out of the goalkeeper's reach, but the day was not suitable to such a method. A good hefty drive would have done the trick, for Taylor could not have reached the ball had it carried any pace with it. Cunliffe's goal was made at the second attempt. McCormick's goal was a result of fine first time drive. He was standing on his wing when the ball came over to him. He made a full-blooded drive and Sagar's goal had fallen,. The Spurs did not see the wisdom of the quick shot, which had the goalkeeper at a disadvantage, because he could not move quickly on the “clammy” turf. Right at the end a breakaway by Bellemy, who had just previously failed with an easy chance put across a centre which Hall met, and the ball went flashing into the goal much too rapidly for Sagar to save.
Spurs Fade Out.
Everton's victory was easily obtained, yet Tottenham in their early moments, had promised more than they gave for there was a deal of intricate football in their make up; but gradually they fell to a side which has only once been beaten on the ground Taylor was unquestionably this “big” man, although Jones at centre half battled along galliantly against Dean. McCormick showed a sprightly pair of feet and an accurate centre, and that is about all I can say for the Londoners, who were beaten hip and thigh. Everton were much too strong for their opponents, and Geldard again demonstrated that he has returned to his real form, while gee kept Hunt and his inside men well in hand. Thomson, too, was a fine half-back, and the old and the new at full back were rarely in trouble. Coulter was a box of tricks but spoiled his day by his goal lapses and Geldard took the wing honours. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cresswell and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and White, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter forwards. Tottenham Hotspur: - Taylor, goal; Clannell and Whatley, backs; Evans (T.), Jones and Alsford, half-backs; McCormick, Hall (a.), Evans (D.), Meals, and Bellemy, forwards. Referee Mr. W. F. Harper (Sturbridge).

BURNLEY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 5
December 31 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 21)
Everton had an easy task at Burnley. Everton, the more experienced side played clever football on the heavy ground, and Burnley were no match for them. Dickinson scored three, while Stein and Dunn got the other goals. Everton would have had more but for Wilson, Burnley's custodian. Johnson scored with a free kick for Burnley, for whom Graham missed from a penalty kick. Everton: - Bradshaw, goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Mercer, White, and Archer half-backs; Leyfield, Dunn, Dickinson, Webster, and Stein forwards.

LIVERPOOL “A” AND EVERTON “A”
December 31 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Meet in a Liverpool County Combination game at Anfield tomorrow Kick-off 2.30. The Liverpool team; will be Kean; Donson, Falton; Davies, Strain, Whittle; Gordon, Search, Lowe, Hastlings, and A.N. Other.

EVERTON MAY BE UNCHANGED
December 31, 1934. Evening Express.
Bid For 12 th Home Victory.
By the Pilot.
Everton will not select their team for tomorrow's game with Derby County until the meeting of the directors tonight, but it is not expected that there will be any change. In opposing Derby, the Blues tackle one of the stiffest proposition of the year, but they are playing so well at home that no team can hope to visit Goodison park and return with anything tangible in the way of points. Still, Derby won on their last visit to Goodison Park. It was last New Year's Day, when, with two reserves in the side they won by 3-0 although Everton had taken a point on their visit to the Baseball ground. Derby will be led by the clever little centre-forward, Hughie Gallacher, who has put up some fine displays on Merseyside. Gallacher recently earned the distinction of scoring all five goals by which the County beat west Bromwich Albion, and he has welded the County attack into a fine combination. The attack also includes Stockill the former Arsenal inside-forward and two of the greatest wingers in the game –Duncan and Crooks. At half-back there is Barker, the present England pivot, and Kirby the goalkeeper, is regarded as one of the best in the First Division. It should prove a grand match. Everton (probable); - Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
They Counted Five, But –
By the Watcher.
Everton might have run up their biggest score of the season against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. With a team that included several reserves Tottenham were no match for Everton, only Taylor being equal to the demands made on him. Dean, Geldard, and Gee were the stars in an Everton side that always seemed to have both points “in their pockets.” Dean, the mainspring of the Blues' attacked reaped his just reward with three goals, Coulter and Cunliffe scoring the other two. Geldard gave one of his brightest displays. The Everton defence had a quiet day, and Sagar handled probably no more than half a dozen shots.
• Advisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park, New Years Day (Tomorrow) Tuesday. Everton v. Derby County. Kick-off 2.30. Admission 1/- Boys 4d stands extra including tax, Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.

EASY FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 31 December 1934
By Stork
Tottenham Hotspur will not look back upon their visits to Merseyside with any degree of pleasure, for both Liverpool and Everton have taken full toll of their defence. Liverton have taken nine goals from them, and if Everton had taken other reasonable, aye, easy chances, their goal crop would have considerably augmented.  The Londoners have a heavy injured list, and their enforced changes did not rise to the occasion; in fact, with one or two exceptions the side was feeble in the extreme. Everton could have won by a bigger margin; should have done so, in fact, but no doubt a three goal difference was satisfying enough to most. It was not to me because such easy chances should not be missed.  Take Coulter's penalty kick, then his two misses with all the goal yawning ahead of him.  I fully realm, that Taylor was in brilliant form, but even lie should not have been given the chance to save the number he did. Why does Dean call upon Coulter to take spot kicks? Is it to show us how the Irishmen deals with these gift offerings? I have seen Coulter take two penalty kicks, and fail with both. Someone else must be given the chance after this, for penalty shots, in my opinion, should never be missed. Coulter tried to place the ball, but with the turf in front of him stodgy, I should have thought a big hit would have met the case.  Coulter put the ball away from the goalkeeper, but when it touched earth it got down to a tortoise pace, so that Taylor was able to fling himself sideways and stop the ball from crossing the line.  DEAN'S SHOOTING 
Dean was in fine form. I have been concerned this season by the way Dean has refused to shoot. What had become of those fiery drives? I asked myself.  His goal crop has been made by his head, but against the Spurs he scored two great goals with his feet, and also had several others saved by Taylor.  That's the stuff, Dean. I hope this is the forerunner to many more footed goals. Everton were much too good for the Spurs, who were whipped from start to finish. Only a flash now and again told us that this was Tottenham Hotspur, but so much were Everton on top that the game dragged along, and the only thing to keep it alive was the wonder as to how many goals Everton would pilot into Taylor's net.  Taylor and his backs did their best to keep down the score, and they did so, but Everton let them off lightly by only scoring five times. Taylor, McCormack, Jones, and Whatley were the only Londoners to come out of this game with credit, for they undoubtedly stood to their guns when the battle was raging fiercely against them. It was defence against attack, and being all on one side the game became quiet and uninteresting.  Everton once they took command continued to dictate the terms of the game throughout, even though Hall scored at eighty-nine minutes. 
LITTLE TO COMMEND 
The ground was like a gum pot, and why close formation was preferred was beyond me. Very early it could be seen that the ball had be "plugged" along, yet here were players (Everton men, too) tip-tapping it in the full knowledge that the spongo-like turf acted like an hydraulic brake on the ball. There was no "run" on the ball once it landed on terra firma, so it was only natural that well intended passes; became "wrong 'tins,' and the fight for possession had to be reopened. I pitied the player who had to tread the middle of the ground, yet taken all through they did uncommonly well all things considered. I refer, of course, to Everton, for the Spurs did little to commend them.  Once again Geldard took the forward honours. He had a better patch on which to work than Dean, but it was his fighting quality and great speed which beat down the defence of Alsford and Whatley. Gee and Thomson were great half backs, and the Ancient and Modern" at back were well able to take care of themselves and Sager. Sager, by the way, had but one save in the first half: it had to be a good one to prevent Meads nodding a goal, but his afternoon's work was made easy by Everton's incessant attack. Coulter and Stevenson were a clever pair, the former too much so at times, particularly so when goals would have come if he had been more definite. 

DERBY TEAM AT EVERTON 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 31 December 1934
Crooks, having recovered from the injury sustained in the holiday match with Wolverhampton, should strengthen Derby County's team for the visit to Evertonto-morrow by his return to the exclusion of Hughes. Groves continues at outside right (for the injured Stockill), and the team will be:—Kirby; Udall, Collin; Nicholas, Barker, Hann; Crooks, Groves, H. Gallacher, Ramage, and Duncan.  The kick-off at Goodison Park is at 2.30—a sign of the return of summer and the approach of the Cup-tie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 1934