Everton Independent Research Data
JONES OUTSTANDING
January 3, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Sheffield Wednesday Reserves 2, Everton Reserves 0
Sheffield Wednesday Reserves, who have not been beaten at home for over three months, gained a well merited win over Everton Reserves in a Central League game at Sheffield yesterday. They were superior both in attack and defence and though Everton did better in the second half their forwards lacked finished. Woodhead and Dooley scored for Sheffield before the interval Jones was outstanding in the visitors’ defence and O’Neill in goal, made some fine saves.
JUNIORS PARADE AT GOODISON
January 5, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s array of former school boy players will be on parade at Goodison Park on Saturday, facing the Barnsley Juniors in a friendly game. Not a single player will be over 16, and each has gained school-boy honours. The Barnsley boys are those who won the English School’s Shield last season, and who were signed on by manager Angus Seed, of Barnsley while the Everton team includes several of last season’s Liverpool School’s team. By augurious coincidence, Liverpool have visit Barnsley in this season’s School Shields, a fact which adds piquancy to Saturday’s encounter, during which flashes from the F.A. Cup centres will be given. Here briefly are the boys who will represent Everton;
P.J. Taylor (goal) English internationalist, Lancashire and Bolton Schools 1948-49; built on the lines of Frank Swift.
J. Eden (Right-back); international, Lancashire and Prescot, 1948-49
B. Molyneux (Left-back); Lancashire and Prescott 1048-49, converted from centre-half back into class back
B. Brookfield (right-half); last season with Southport and Lancashire Schools.
K. Birch (Centre half), international trailists, and Birkenhead and Cheshire Boys 1948-49, brilliant in the air
B. Capper (left-half), Mid-Cheshire and County Council Schools last seasons, the epitome of perpetual motion
H. McCallium (outside-right); Wirrall Grammar Schoolboy, who was not available for schools honours.
J. Harris (inside-right); Cheshire County and Birkenhead Schools 1948-49 and mainspring of the attack
C. Vizrad (centre-Forward); Newton-le-Willows schools 1948-49, prolific goal scorer.
G. Tansey; (inside left), Liverpool and Lancashire schools 1948-49, who captains the teams ad revels in the scissors pass.
K. Savage (outside left); Lancashire and Liverpool schools 1948-49, with a shot in either foot.
Barnsley team; Williamson; Sandersson, Swift; Roscoe, Wordsworth, Archer; Smillie, Booth, (Or Kaye), Levitt, Lake, Hodgson (or Morris).
EVERTON HOPEFUL
January 6, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
With an average of a point per game from their last eight outings, Everton have lately shown a measure of improvement which warrants confidence that they will at least avoid defeat against Queen’s Park Rangers at Shepherd’s Bush. After their fighting display against Huddersfield last week, plus the tonic effort of their week’s special training at Brighton, victory at the first attempt should not be beyond them, though to do so there will have to be no waste of simple scoring chances that has characterized the attack on many previous occasions. One added psychological factors in Everton’s fvour is that they are now in a happier position in the league table. They can temporarily forget the anxieties which hitherto have been so persistently present. Queen’s Park ‘s defence is the strongest part of the Londoners make-up. Early in the season it went five consecutive games without a goal against, and has had only an average of one goal put past Reg Allen in the last nine matches. Allen is in international class as a custodian, despite the absence of bid for his services since he went on the transfer list, and he is well protected by a pair of sound backs and quite a useful defensive intermediate line, though not outstanding in a constructive sense. Everton’s rearguard, comprising five newcomers compared with the start of the season, has quickly established an understanding, and though this will be a testing ordeal for some of the younger players their recent performance have given grounds for confidence that they will do their stuff satisfactorily. A little more penetrative power in attack, greater steadiness and accuracy in front of goal, and fighting spirit which is maintained for the full 90 minutes, should enable the Blues to delight their supporters with a victory. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Queen’s Park Rangers; Allen; Powell, Heath; Hatton, Chapman, Furrow; Wardle, McEwan, Neary, Best, Hudson.
“PUNCH AWAY” ALLEN’S EXPLOITS
January 7, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Had To Wait For It, Catterick “Camped” on Right Spot –And Buckle
Queen’s Park Rangers 0, Everton 2
By Stork
Queen’s Park Rangers; Allen, goal; Powell and Heath, backs; Hatton, Chapman and Furrow, half-backs; Wardle, McEwan, Neary, Best and Hudson, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder, and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain), and Eglington, forwards. The Everton players came up from Brighton this morning. They all looked fit for the task in hand at Shepherd’s Bush. I sat not more than three yards from the touch line where two additional rows of seats had been placed. The Everton team was as announced in the Echo yesterday, and Queen’s Park Rangers played the team as advertised. Best was the former Chester player. Neary was at one time on Chester’s books as an amateur. The ground was full of clay and the recent rain had made it soft. As both clubs play in the same colours both had to change. Everton played in their second colours, white jerseys and black knickers.
Head and Foot
The Queen’s kicked off and immediately went into the attack but their stay in the Everton area was short lived. Everton set up an attack on the right which produced a free kick. Grant took it. Buckle tried to flip the ball in, but it spun high and into the crowd. There was a Park movement which heartened their supporters, Hedley hesitated, expecting an offside signal. This did not come and Wardle nipped through and touched the ball to Burnett. The next few minutes saw Queen’s Park in a good footballing mood, for they moved the ball along by sound football tactics. The Everton defence had to be ready, with head and foot and Burnett had to make a save.
Punch-Away Thrill
Eglington came a “cropper” over an opponents back and had to receive attention. When the game restarted, Queen’s set up an aggressive attack. Hudson swung in a centre which Burnett punched away, not cleanly and Falder had to come along and clear. There was a strong appeal for a penalty by the Queen’s Park people but the referee would have none of it. While the incident was under discussion Everton almost scored a goal. Buckle picked up the ball just inside the Park’s centre line. After carrying it well forward he slipped the ball over to Catterick who shot with great power. Allen had to make a sensational punch away.
Everton in Stride
Queen’s Park may be low down in their section, but they were pretty high up in football skill today. Burnett twice had to catch and clear as he was challenged. Another fast raid by Everton saw Allen drop to the feet of Buckle. He might have saved himself of the trouble for the whistle had sounded for an infringement. Everton were now getting used to the ground and used the wing to wing pass with good effect. Allen saved from Eglington, and later had to get rid of an angular shot by Catterick. The ball returned to the shooter, who lobbed it back to the goal area where no Everton man was stationed. There was no doubt that Park were rising to the occasion, but they had the inclination to want to walk the ball into goal. Park had one fine chance when Neary worked over to the right and delivered a centre full of pace. It went to Best so quickly he could do nothing with it.
Allen’s Fine Save
Catterick had another tilt with Allen. There was no power behind the effort and Allen treated it with disdain. Everton had been the more dangerous side near goal, for all the Rangers’ attacks, and Farrell had a header which caused Allen no trouble. Wainwright had been operating at outside right. Two off-side decisions against Everton were hard to understand. The crowd were still waiting for a goal, preferably for the Rangers, but so far most of Burnett’s work had been the cutting out of centres. He was never allowed a clear field for the inside men were at him. Wardle had one glorious opportunity but he fired the ball wildly over. Lello and Grant were working with a will. One free pass by Lello had “shot” written all over it – it never came. Wardle created trouble for the Everton defence. It looked as though Falder and Burnett were going to get mixed up in their own excitement but the ball was eventually cleared.
McEwan Hurt
Wainwright had a shot charged down. Later he whipped the ball across the Rangers’ goalmouth, where Powell calmly tipped the ball to Allen. Farrell offered Wainwright a chance. The inside right shot, but Allen saved. Neary ran half the length of the field in an effort to break through, but he was finally mastered. McEwan was injured in a goalmouth incident just before the interval.
Half-time; Queen’s Park Rangers nil, Everton nil.
Queen’s Park got right into their stride on the restart. It took two corners in succession both of which produced tense moments for Burnett and company. Almost immediately afterwards Allen made a one-handed save from a Catterick header, only to find his work all in vain, for the whistle had sounded. Moore and Grant were holding down the opposite wing successfully.
Fatal Sixth Minute
The sixth minute of the half proved fatal to Rangers. Heath had previously headed out and the ball came to Lello, who drove it forward. Catterick close in, stopped the ball with one foot. He swiveled round and with his other foot drove the ball into the net. It was a quick piece of work and shocked the Rangers. Everton were for the next few minutes on the goal trial again. Lello went close with a hook shot. The Rangers eventually settled down, Burnett had two handling cases before Neary headed wide. Catterick had a long shot hooked out. Londoners were not lying down by any means. They were putting up a bonny fight, although they delivered few shots of any real account. Best made a header of small moment. Catterick who came into collision with Wainwright, received an injury. Best and Neary tried to piece the Everton defence between them, but Hudson was not up to Best’s final move. Falder was blocking the way down the middle to Neary. Buckle tried a hard oblique shot, which passed swiftly across the face of the Rangers goal. Farrell tried a similar shot. Heath slewed his clearance dangerous. Best was working hard. One of his shots had plenty of punch, but no direction. McEwan was much more accurate when he tried. Burnett had to act with care and caution. Everton had their lucky charm when Wardle shot with Burnett out of goal. Grant and Falder had fallen back on the goalline. Grant kicked off the line. Then came the biggest surprise of all, an Everton goal scored from the wing by Buckle. He must have been the most surprised man on the field to see the ball curl in and completely deceive Allen. Time 75 minutes. Attendance 22,433. Receipts £2,229 1s 9d. Final; Queen’s Park Rangers 0, Everton 2.
BUCKLE’S GOAL MADE HIM LAUGH
January 9, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Queen’s Park Rangers 0, Everton 2
By Stork
Never did Everton look like losing, not even when Queen’s Park Rangers were having their best innings in the first-half hour. Queen’s Park Rangers would not have lasted until Catterick’s goal had not Allen made several masterly saves. Here is an international if ever there was one. Yet he made a mistake the like of which only comes from a novice –and Buckle who scored –“Spilt his sides” with laughter. Not that the goal made any difference to the result for Everton had laid the corner-stone of victory when Catterick “killed” a Lello pass, swiveled round and hit the ball to the back of the net with tremendous power. Rangers played better football than I had expected from a side near the bottom of the Second Division, but shooting goals was the last thing of which they were capable. I don’t think Burnett had more than one real shot. He had to cut out close in centres from the wing but there was nothing of a direct nature. There was always greater danger in the Everton approaches, their forwards shooting better and more often than in most matches I have seen. Against the Everton defence Neary could do nothing down the middle and had to slip away to the wings in an effort to find a way through. Grant and Lello were one of the reasons for the Rangers; forward short comings for they tackled with precision and then pushed the ball forward to the open space. The Everton right wing did not function so well as it might have done. Wainwright was more often than not on the outside but what has happened to those bursts of his which used to end up with a power drive? He had one golden opportunity of putting his name on the score card, but made a feeble effort. Buckle was not so dominant as usual and the best forward play by Everton came from the left wing with Farrell standing out in bold relief above others. This was the Irishman’s best display at inside forward. He did everything right; keeping Eglington going and helping Catterick.
A FREAKY GOAL
January 9, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Reg Allen whom many think should be in the England international team against Scotland, looked such a confident and efficient goalkeeper against Everton at Shepherd’s Bush that one began to wonder could Everton produce a shot to beat him. He had saved three “blinders” in the first half and nothing takes the heart out of a set of forwards more than a goalkeeper who defies their best efforts, writes Stork.
He foiled Catterick twice and Eglington once by magnificent saves, yet this same man made a blunder which is usually attributed to the merest novice. He allowed a harmless centre from Buckle to pass over his head and drop into the net. What is more, he touched it. Whether the ball curled or dipped t the last second only he knows. Buckle was in stitches of laughter and shock his head in amazement. That goal was the death-knell to Queen’s Park Rangers’ Cup aspirations, for prior to that the issue was resting on a Catterick goal. Yet, even with so narrow’s a lead, I could not see the Rangers as a real menace. They had done their utmost in the first half hour and Everton had come through unscathed because the Rangers shooting was appalling. They surprised me by the quality of their football in the first half-hour, but also surprised me by their inability to round off clever approach work. On balance of attack, Rangers should have had Everton battling to reduce a leeway in that first 30 minutes, yet Everton were the potential scorers. If this was Rangers’ form they should not be near the foot of the table, aye in danger of relegation. The reason why was seen after they had their fling. Burnett had one direct shot to save; plenty of centres and loose balls to cut out, but only one real shot. Matches are not won that way. Let it be said in their favour that they did not give up trying, but there was no subtleness about these afterwards and Everton won on a tight rein, without being outstanding. Rangers had not the craft to break down the Everton defence. Enthusiasm alone could not do it and I am afraid the Rangers were more enthusiastic than skilful. There is going to be a big fight for safety. To my way of thinking it was the Everton half-back-line which snuffed the Londoners out of the cup. Lello, Grant, and Falder cut them down before they could work a really good opening. Neary was in such a grip that he went a roaming to free himself, but even then had little success. Wardle and Hudson sent across some fine centres but there was no one to take them up. Their best forward was Best the former Chester player and he made one of the few shots to trouble Burnett. Catterick’s goal was a beauty. It was the quickness of it which was more than half its success. He “killed” Lello’s pass with one foot, turned round with terrific force smashed the ball beyond Allen who had no chance from short range. That was the winner all right, for despite the Rangers’s fighting quality they were well handled by the Everton defence. The Goodison attack was not entirely satisfactory, Wainwright and Buckle were not so dominant as usual. Wainwright was more often than not at outside right and as a wing. It lacked something –Wainwright’s quick burst and crack-a-jack shot. He had one and muffed it and the best of the line was Farrell. He was grand in every way and Eglington responded with a will, while Catterick was unfortunate not to score than one goal.
FARRELL MAGIC
January 9, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The continued revival of the new-look Everton provides one of the really happy things of the New Year and the 2-0 Cup success of the Blues at Queen’s Park Rangers was their third successive away game without defeat, and with only a penalty goal against Everton’s success over Rangers never was in doubt, according to colleague Radar, who writes. All the indications are that Peter Farrell has come to stay as an inside-forward for Farrell’s brilliance was the shining light in an Everton victory which in many ways came more easily than the score suggests. I regarded Farrell’s as the No. 1 architect of the win –their ideal scheming –forward –whom remarkable fund of energy enabled him to fall back to pick up the short ball from Lello, to make good use of it with either a body-serve or artful footwork. It took Everton just about five minutes to accustom themselves to the cramped space, and then they settled down to a workmanlike display characterized especially by pin-point accuracy in passing, I had no doubts about the eventual conclusion. It was pleasing to see the forwards so willing to try a shot; in fact had it not been for the brilliance of Allen Everton would have held a commanding lead. Allen’s display was marred when he misjudged a Buckle centre to increased Everton’s lead, established by Catterick, just after the interval and which was a gem of quick-thinking and accuracy of shooting. Catterick earned medals for a hard-working exhibition despite being injured at least, three times. There were times when the Rangers forwards moved well, but they were a wayward lot in front of goal and Burnett must difficult takes were in cutting out dangerous centres from Wardle. Eglington teamed well with Farrell, and Wainwright and Buckle came more into the game in the second half, both commanding the utmost vigilance although Wainwright missed one glorious chance from Farrell early on. All half backs were right on top of their job. Falder refusing to ne lured out of position and Grant’s and Lello toiling differently; Moore and Hedley had their anxious moments, but generally speaking were masters of the Rangers wingers in this spirited Everton display.
BLUES MAY COMPLETE FIVE IN A ROW
January 13, 1950. The Evening Express
They Have to Get Even with Portsmouth
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton will tomorrow endeavour to complete a run of five matches with defeat, and at the same time smash a run of five defeats at the hands of Portsmouth, the Football League champions. Pompey will be at Goodsion Park seeking a “double.” The Blues have not been beaten since losing at Anfield on Christmas Even for they drew with Fulham at Goodison and then at Fulham, won at Huddersfield and at Queen’s Park Rangers –successes which have rekindled confidence in management players and followers alike. While the League win at Huddersfield was an outstanding feat, maybe the cuptie success over the Rangers will prove an even greater tonic. There is nothing like a Cup win to give the lads new heart. With Buckle and Eglington recovered from slight knocks and Wainwright master of a slight chill, the Blues will be unchanged to face a brilliant Pompey side with its galaxy of stars. Portsmouth have won five successive games against the Blues at Fratton Park won 7-0. In the five games Everton have not scored a single goal, but I have a feeling that they will right the wrongs in their first home game of 1950, and against a Portsmouth who yesterday had a strenuous cup replay at Norwich. The cup-tiehas taken toll of the team and Pompey will be without the England outside left Jack Froggatt, for whom Parker will deputise. This is the same Parker who scored the first of Portsmouth’s four in the F.A. Cup final against Wolves in 1939. Manager Mr. Cliff Britton gave Ted Buckle a further test at Goodison Park this morning, just to make doubly sure that Buckle had hot over the knock he received at Loftus-road, and Ted came through all right, so that everything is set for a match in which I note the couponeers have made the Blues favourities. Portsmouth include international stars like Peter Harris, Jim Dickinson, and Reg Flewin, while big Duggie Reid scorer of both the cup-tie goals at Norwich will be at inside right. This Portsmouth have been rather inconsistent this season, but are a highly dangerous combination with Ernie Butler, the former Tranmere Rovers “guest” in goal. This is a tough assignment for the Blues but their new-born confidence in front of goal may enable them to win a game starting, be it noted at 2.45 pm. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Portsmouth; Butler; Hindmarsh, Ferrier; Scoular, Flewin, Dickinson; Harris, Reid, Clarke, Phillips, Parker.
STERN TASK FOR BLUES
January 13, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
But Pompey are not impregnable
Ranger’s Notes
Everton, unbeaten in their last four fixtures –the first time this season they have gone so long without a reverse –and averaging a point a game from their last eight league matches, will seek to further consolidate their improving position at the expense of Portsmouth, visitors to Goodison Park tomorrow. They have a few old scores to wipe off against the southern club, who not only won the earlier game at Fratton Park 7-0, but in the two previous seasons scored 14 goals against Everton, home and away, without replay from the Blues. While it will be difficult to extract two points from Pompey Everton’s new-found fighting spirit, which latterly has been maintained throughout the full 90 minutes, may enable them to pull it off. Portsmouth are by no means impregnable in defence though as a rule only the best attack make much impression on Butler and his rear guarded colleagues. Attack has been their strongest suit in most games, yet even in this department Portsmouth have sometimes been well held by lowly sides. For instance they failed to score against Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Stoke, so that Everton’s reorganized defence should go into this game with reasonable confidence. Lello is the only man of the rearguard who played in the game at Fratton Park in September.
A Deadly Attack
When in their best form, however, Portsmouth’s attack can be a deadly thing of machine like precision, with as much striking force on the extreme wings as down the middle. Peter Harris joint top scorer with Reid during Pompey’s championship triumph last season with 17 goals from outside right had nine to his credit this term. Froggatt, outside left, has found the net eight times. Last season he scored 15. Unfortunately for Pompey, Froggatt is not fit to play tomorrow, following a knock received in yesterday’s cup replay. Parker is taking his place. Issac, Clarke, though drawing towards the end of the long career is still a lively and dangerous centre forward who will take a lot of watching. He will provide Falder with his stiffest test to date. The young Everton centre half has shown such promising form since he came into the side, however, that there need be no undue qualms in this direction. As in so many previous matches the problem is likely to boil down to the ability of the Everton attack to get the better of the visiting rearguard, which includes two players honoured in F.A. announcements this week in Dickinson, who plays against Switzerland next Wednesday, and Flewin chosen to go with the touring side to Canada. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Portsmouth; Butler; Hindmarsh, Ferrier; Scoular, Flewin, Dickinson; Harris, Reid, Clarke, Phillips, Parker.
Everton Reserves; (v. Bury away); Sagar; Saunders, Rankin; Woods, Jones, Bentham; A. McNamara, Fielding, Higgins, Powell, Parker.
EVERTON IN MORE CONFIDENT MOOD
January 14, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Had Chance to Gain a Win
Everton 1, Portsmouth 2
By Stork.
Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain), and Eglington, forwards. Portsmouth; Butler, goal; Hindmarsh, and Ferrier, backs; Scoular, Flewin, and Dickinson, half-backs; Harris, Reid, Clarke, Phillips, and Barker, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.R. Rogers (Birmingham). Portsmouth have been the most prolific scorers against Everton in the last few seasons, and in their match at Fratton Park in September they rattled seven goals into the Everton net. Everton’s form since the turn of the year has shown a slight improvement so that there were great hopes that they would today lay the Pompey “bogy” once for all. They only team change was in the Portsmouth side, Parker coming in for Froggatt, who was injured in the cup-tie on Thursday. It was a glorious day for this attractive game with ground conditions, well nigh perfect. My estimation of the crowd at the start was 40,000.
Attack Fizzled Out
The game started with a Pompey attack and for a few moments it seemed as though there was going to be distinct trouble for the Everton defence, but the good movement by the Portsmouth left wing fizzled out with a tame shot by Parker. It was such a feeble effort that it hardly reached goalkeeper Burnett who simply sauntered across to watch the ball going over for a goal kick. Farrell exploited the cross pass to bring Eglington into the game, and it was a particularly wise move but for one thing. Eglington tried to press the ball down to his feet, but failed in his effort, so that the promise of work for Butler and his henchmen did not materialize. Reid, a mountain of a man, joined up with Clarke in an effort to-over-throw the Everton defence, but the centre forward’s back header to the oncoming Reid could not be mastered so easily, and the anticipated shot from his big fellow did not arrive.
Wainwright’s Miss
It was then Everton’s turn to sound the opposition defence, and a free kick taken by Lello, went flashing across the Pompey goal towards Buckle and Ferrier but it was moving too fast for either. Everton were still hovering round the Portsmouth goal area, and Farrell with an inward pass offered Wainwright an opportunity to try his shooting boots. The Everton inside right did not get his full power of his true direction behind the shot, which passed outside. A minute later Wainwright was through again, but this time the ball bumped awkwardly, and again it passed on the wrong side of the post. The football was quite attractive and when Phillips looked like piercing the home defence. Moore came across to flick the ball off his toe at the expense of a corner. Everton had an escape when Portsmouth came down in their next effort for with Burnett lured from his goal and the ball coming out to Parker it only needed a clam thoughtful lob to bring immense trouble. Parker provided that lob but Moore and Hedley had dropped back into goal and both went up for the ball together and it was Moore who finally headed the ball out. Burnett just previously had come out to collect a ball that would have been full of danger had he stayed at home, for there were two Pompey forwards hovering around in the neighourhood. For some minutes Pompey took charge and Burnett saw two of their efforts pass harmlessly wide.
Drives by Wainwright
This led to some hot work in the Pompey goal, and Wainwright made one of his fiery shots which swerved on its way to goal, but Butler was not to be deceived by the flight of the ball and saved comfortably. Wainwright came along with another hefty drive, which was cannoned way by a Portsmouth man, and a claim for another corner was readily agreed upon. Harris having got beyond Lello and Hedley could not catch up with the ball to prevent it going over the line. He was just about to centre but the referee had spotted that a goal kick was needed, and that was that. Wainwright was hurt in collision, and had to go to the edge of the pitch for attention. He had received a blow on the face, but was off less than a minute –long enough for Portsmouth to win a free kick from which Ferrier shot outside. Catterick was pulled up for offside –a very fine decision indeed – and then Buckle initiated a movement which culminated in Catterick gaining a corner, and it was from this, indirectly, that Everton took the lead. The flag kick was pushed out but the ball fell at the feet of Farrell. The Irish international lost his foothold as he took his shot, but he had the presence of mind even when stretched out of the ground to push his foot out and tap the ball over to Grant and the little half-back without any hesitation crashed the ball into the Portsmouth goal with Butler helpless. This came at 38 minutes. It lifted the game from its somberness. For the first time the crowd roared and it was kept up for some minutes when two Everton men and one Portsmouth player was concerned in a heated little argument on the other side of the field.
Butler Intervenes
Hedley and Lello in fact were engaged in stopping Harris. Then we saw an unusual thing, the goalkeeper rushing across to intervene. Hindmarsh was so concerned about the safety of his goal that he was forced to concede a corner to Eglington, but the flag kick proved of no great concern to Pompey. A quick raid by Everton enabled Eglington to make an oblique shot which Butler collected in his usual efficient manner. Half-time; Everton 1, Portsmouth nil.
Moore was early in the picture with a clever idea of defensive methods when he scooped the ball over the head of Parker to finally go on and make his clearance. Portsmouth were obviously out seeking for an equalizer, and for a minute or two they kept play in the Everton zone and when the ball went lobbing down the middle. Falder allowed it to pass him by. This looked more dangerous than it was for Burnett had apparently shouted or given him the “all-right”
Reid “Knocked Out”
Buckle worked his way through to dispatch a ball into the Portsmouth goal area but it was speedily cleared out and it was Pompey who made the next move in an attack which took them into the Everton penalty area. Falder and Reid went for the ball at one and the same time with the result that their heads crashed and Reid was knocked out. He received attention on the field and when he was taken to the touch line he was obviously in so shape to continue for he staggered around like a drunken man and was finally taken to the dressing-room. On the result Catterick nodded one back in Dean fashion to Wainwright, but the latter’s centre was disposed of by Ferrier.
The Equaliser
Everton had been attacking for quite a while and it was rank bad luck that Portsmouth should get an equalizer as a result of a free kick against Moore for dangerous kicking. I could see nothing wrong with the Everton full back’s challenge to Parker, but the referee was right on top of the incident and he had no hesitation in making his decision. Parker took the free kick himself and dropped the ball in the Everton goalmouth. Phillips got his head to it and glided it up against the inside of the upright and into the net. Time, 62 minutes.
Everton Go “All Out”
Eglington had a shot which crashed narrowly over the bar and at the moment Reid returned with his head heavily bandaged after an absence of 17 minutes. He went to outside right. Lello and Grant did some grand work both in construction and destruction and so for that matter did Dickinson and Scoular. Burnett came out to catch a flying centre from Parker. Everton were going out to retrieve their lead and one hefty drive by Farrell was cannoned away. After the game had been held up for an injury to Scoular, Portsmouth went on to take the lead, and a very pretty goal it was too. Parker centred on the run, just as Sam Chedgzoy used to do. The ball dropped to the feet of Harris who had gone right over to the left hand side of the Everton goal, and he hit a glorious shot with his left foot which left Burnett standing still. Time 72 minutes. This was a blow, to say the least, Everton tried to make things equal once again, but their shooting was right off the mark. Final; Everton 1, Portsmouth 2. Official attendance; 50,421.
• Everton “A” 11, UGB (St Helens) 1.
BURY RES V EVERTON RES
January 14, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Bury Reserves; Grieves, goal; Massey and Lyons, backs; Price, Hard and Kelly, half-backs; Campbell, Walton, Plant, Cavanagh, and Thomas, forwards,. Everton Reserves; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Rankin, backs; Woods, Jones and Bentham, half-backs; NcMamara, Fielding, Higgins, Powell, and Parker, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.S. L. Ramsden (Staffordshire). When Saunders fisted out a header Massey put Bury ahead in three minutes from the penalty. Playing delightful football Everton held the advantage but their forwards were held by a resolute Bury defence. Twenty-nine minutes after the start Higgins scored a neat equalizer, Sagar distinguished himself with two smart saves from Plant. Half-time; Bury Reserves 1, Everton Reserves 1.
EVERTON VOTE AGAINST SPECIAL TRAINING FOR ROUND FOUR
January 14, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Ranger’s Commentary
Now for the next round of the F.A. cup with fortune smiling on Liverpool, who should not be unduly troubled to dispose of Exeter City, at Anfield on January 28. Everton will have a much stiffer task in visiting West Ham United. Those who pin their faith to omens, and football produces many such, point out that on the only two other occasions that Everton have met West Ham in the Cup the Blues have gone on to the final. Ergo, Everton are due for another visit to Wembley!
Everton Stay Home
Everton have decided not to go away for special training prior to the fourth round test. Though the trip to Brighton before the Queen’s Park match did the players a lot of good, they feel that this time there is no necessity to upset normal routine at home. The only change is that they may leave for London a day earlier than they normally do for League matches in town.
Ranger’s Letterbox
While in the Army I met Eric Moore, of Everton. Serving in the same unit was Bill Jones, of Liverpool. It was the South Lancs Regt. One paper has reported that Moore is an ex-Naval player, I say Moore has never seen the inside of a ship –“Melf.”
He Can’t Award a Goal
As a referee has the option to allow a player to proceed after he has been fouled, if he has a chance of scoring, can he also award a goal if a full back saves his hands when the shot would certainty have entered the net? I have never seen this done, but it seems reasonable that he should, so exercise his discretion. I have been an Evertonian for over 50 years, going back to the Boyle, Holt and Stewart days when football was football, a little different from the game I saw at Queen’s Park on Saturday. I sincerely hope that Everton will improve and not be relegated. I have the Football Echo sent me every week –J.D. Surbiton-Surrey.
WAS FREE KICIK DECISION WRONG?
January 16, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Everton 1, Portsmouth 2
Without trying to make excuses for Everton, Portsmouth I think were a shade lucky to take both points. When you are leading by a goal and lose on a referee’s decision it is heart-breaking and that is what happened. I rarely cavil at a referee’s decision for I grant him a better position to see – he has a close-up but I could not see anything wrong with Moore’s tackle on Parker which produced a free kick. With a ball that was nearly chest high, both Moore and Parker went for the ball together and the Everton full back got it away, but he was penalized for dangerous play. Actually Moore came out of the incident rubbing his high. It was from this free kick that Portsmouth equalized through Harris and it had its effect upon Portsmouth who became more dangerous than they had been. Their second goal was as nice as I have seen for a long time and was scored by Phillips. Jackie Grant opening goal was good, but it does not speak well for the forwards that goal-scoring has to be left to half backs. There is still a need for greater penetrative power in the Everton front line. They played some sound football but the most frequent shooters were Grant and Lello. Time and again they broke through in efforts to save a point.
Their Nightmare
Portsmouth have been Everton’s nightmare side for three seasons during which they have won all six games played. Everton were as good in combined work and Wainwright almost shot himself to pieces in the first half without success. Near misses are of no account I know, but it was good to see Everton shooting. Everton had their fair share of attack the quality of which was good but the gods are unkind to those who spurn their offerings. It was an uncommonly quiet game, lacking thrills and the Grant goal brought Everton’s supporters to life, It certainly seemed that the clouds were drifting but they returned with Harris goal. No one would deny the beauty of Phillp’s goal, but Everton had their chances even then. They threw all they had, but their marksmanship was a fault. One had to pay tribute for Everton’s fine rally in an afford to retrieve things, but Butler was never in difficulty. I could find no fault with the defence and the work of the wing half backs, Grant and Lello was top-class but until there is more drive in the attack Everton will have difficulty in lifting themselves from the lower regions. Portsmouth were handicapped by an injury to Reid who suffered a cut on the head. He resumed heavily bandaged. Yet was able to add his weight to the Portsmouth attack and lead a hand in defence when required.
UNLUCKY BREAK FOR EVERTON
January 16, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Blues Show Fighting Spirit –But Badly Need More Snap-Shooters
Ranger’s Notes
Blues Were Unlucky
I though Everton were unfortunate not to get at least a point from Portsmouth. It was the same old story – when a side is struggling everything seems to conspire against them. Their lack of accurate shooting apart, the Blues have a heartening show until a very debatable free kick allowed Pompey to equalize. That was the turning point of the game. Referee Rodgers confirmed at the finish that the free kick award was given for dangerous play against Moore. Personally, I thought the only man endangered by it was Moore himself, and certainly not Parker, whose boot Moore took across his own thigh when he interposed his body between the winger and the ball. The referee was right on the spot however, and he’s the only man whose view counts. We can argue till we’re blue in the face, but nothing will alter the fact that Everton lost two points they badly needed and one of which they had certainly earned. Another goal to Pompey ten minutes later and Everton had it. Fortunately, with all the others below them, bar Bolton, also losing the actual position has not been greatly affected, yet how helpful would those two points have been to the Blues cause. Though Everton showed plenty of spirit and fought back well, they were still not satisfactory in attack. A surplus of hearty effort and promising approach work means nothing if goals don’t come. Apart from some strong but usually erractic shooting by Wainwright, there was hardly a shot of note from the rest of the line, and certainly not the calm and balanced progression that one would like to see.
Falder was Cool
The defence was the soundest department with Falder, whom I was seeing for the first time in a senior game, proving himself a cool and reliable pivot, good with his head and in positional play, and strong in his kicking. A little more attention to the advantage of putting his clearance more often to a colleague, and Falder should take a lot of moving from the side. The backs and halves also were good, except that Moore got just a trifle unsettled under Portsmouth’s late –on all-out assaults. Little Grant has been a revelation since he was recalled to first team duty. Midget half-backs are always a trial to big opponents. They seem to get under their feet like a frolicsome puppy. Grant’s tackling is terrier-like, and he proved by his well-taken goal that he has a powerful shot. He and Lello were nearer the target than the forwards and shot more frequently than any of them, except Wainwright. While Everton have a long way to go yet to achieve safety beyond all possibility of doubt on Saturday’s display the position seems much more hopeful. But what a noon a couple of hard-hitting and accurate marksman would be!
EVERTON JUNIORS NOTABLE RETURN FROM THE SERVICES
January 16, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Hickson, the young Ellesmere Port centre forward, made a notable and encouraging return to the Everton fold on Saturday, following his period of National Service. Hickson scored no fewer than five goals for the “A” team. It was only last week that Hickson who used to play for the County F.A. youth team, returned to big time football and that he scored five goals on his first appearance despite the fact that he had not touched a ball for five weeks and then only in a Services fame augers well. Hickson is about 5ft 10 ½ ins, and 12 stone, so he has all the critical attributes and his feat shows his resolute and opportunism. I am assured that one goal was a sensational, Hickson diving forward to a knee-high ball to head it home.
IMPROVEMENT
There is no doubt whatever that Everton were extremely unfortunate to lose, even allowing for the fact that Pompey revealed themselves as bonny opportunists. For an time Everton held the mastery and that Grant won goal-lead and it was the keen disappointment of the manner of the equalizer which hurt Everton as much as the goal itself. The Blues, too might easily have made quite sure of the points before Pompey scored for Farrell from six yards drove over, when he had to make a hurried shot. With a fortune-favoured side that would have been a goal, but somehow these little breaks do not run Everton’s way, just now. There was no disgrace attaching to this defeat. In fact, I thought there was general all-round improvement about the side even though it cannot yet be labeled the perfect team. There is, however, a gratifying upward trend and extra determination in moving to the ball and the tackle. Everton were faster on the ball than Pompey and no one can accuse them of not shooting this time. Why Everton never stopped shooting and while most of the efforts were off the target it does not get away from the fact that the willingness was there. Everton had solidity at half-backs where Grant and Lello grand work, while Grant’s goal was almost as thrilling as his effort against Middlesbrough recently Falder has tightened up that avenue down the middle, and despite the brilliance of the roving Clarke had a quietly-effective game without fuss or bother. Yes, there is improvement in Falder’s introduction. Hedley was the old Jack we knew before his accident and quite capable of checking integrationists Peter Harris while even the “old man” tricks of Parker rarely “kidded” Moore. Burnett’s keenest in cutting out centres saved a lot of later worry, but so far as direct shots were concerned George had a quiet afternoon. Farrell had one of those matches he will wish to forget, for things did not run well for him, while I have seen Buckle more assertive. Wainwright worked amazingly hard and was the leader of the “have-a-go” brigade but I thought Eglington the most dangerous forward varying his tactics ideally, Catterick’s was a display of leadership which pleased me immensely and such cute heading would have brought reward to a side with more luck than is running the way of an Everton playing with more spirit and honest endeavour than for a long time. As one keen club followers remarked to me only yesterday. If Everton can play as well as that against the champions then they have no need to worry about relegation.” I agree 100 per cent. Incidentally, Gordon Dugdale is still awaiting the appointment to be fixed for his visit to the London specialists, while Maurice Lindley is back in training after a severe illness which laid him low over the Christmas holidays.
EVERTON PLAYER MARRIED
January 17, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton F.C’s full back Eric Moore, with his bride Miss Florence McMenamy, of St. Helens, leaving St John’s Church Ravenhead, St. Helens, after their marriage yesterday.
HOLLY PARK REUNION
January 17, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Former ‘Liverton’ Favourites
Stars of Yester-Year Turn Out Again in Full “War Paint.”
Ranger’s Notes
The novel match between former stars of Everton and Liverpool, to be staged under floodlights conditions at Holly Park on Wednesday, January 23 (7 pm.) is already assured of a record gate, all the 14,000 tickets having been sold. This game has fired the imagination of Merseyside soccer fans, and had it been played at Goodison or Anfield later in the season, probably double or treble the gate would have been attracted. At this time of the year, of course, the senior grounds, not being equipped with floodlighting, are out of the question for an evening match. Mr. R.A. Joynson, South’s energetic secretary has got together two splendid sides. So many former players have volunteered their services that the problems has been not how to complete the teams, but who had to be nominated as reserves. The Everton side will have Frank King in goal, with full backs Billy Cook and Gordon Watson, the latter of whom is still on the Everton staff in a coaching capacity. The half-back line renews old memories in the association of Cliff Britton, Charlie Gee, and Jock Thomson, the first and last of whom, of course, are now occupying managerial chairs. Charlie Gee is a teacher in Stockport, Billy Cook is still scouting and coaching and Frank King is in the Southport police force.
“Give it to Dixie”Again
Ted Critchley, now mine host of a Stockport hostelry, will figure on the Everton right wing, with Albert Geldard alongside him. Albert, proprietor of a dry-cleaning business in Bury, is still playing football with Darwen, in the Lancashire Combination. Bill Dean, hero of Everton for so many years, and now a Chester landlord, was the man who first mooted the idea of this match. He leads the ex-Everton attack, and his former admirers will give him a great welcome. Alec Stevenson, still in harness on Everton’s coaching and training staff, makes up the left wing, along with dapper Charlie Leyfield, whose job these days is training the Wrexham players and looking after Welsh international sides. The ex-Everton side includes no fewer than five of the Blues’ team which won the F.A. Cup in 1933. The former Liverpoolians on view will be Stan Kane in goal, now a member of Liverpool Police, with Bob Done, right back, and either Tom Bush or Ted Savage at left back. Tom Bush is on the Liverpool staff and a fully certificated coach, while Ted Savage, of course, has been South Liverpool’s team manager since he returned from his coaching job at Zaandam in Holland.
Busby May Play
Matt Busby has promised to do his best to play. It depends on Manchester United’s cup-training, and as they have voted for staying at home it is fairly certain Matt will be on view. All football lovers would relish the sight of him operating again in his immaculate fashion at right half. “Tiny” Bradshaw, now home from Holland, is pivot, and Jimmy McInnes, another of the present Liverpool coaching staff, at left half. The Reds’ forward line will have Harold Taylor, who is working at Dunlops at Speke, at outside right; Gordon Hodgson, manager of Port Vale, as his partner, and Fred Howe back in his old spot in the middle. Alf Hanson should be able to last out the 90 minutes well, for he is still serving up good stuff as player-manager of Ellesmere Port. He will have Lance Carr as his partner. Lance these days has a flourishing electrical business in London. The match will be a grand reunion for players and spectators and may possibly be the forerunner of other similar games in the future. In addition to the players named below, several other stars of old will be on the side-line. The probability is that changes will be made occasionally during the course of play in order to give some of the older men a bit of a breather. I dare say some will be glad of it. Teams;- Ex-Everton; F. King; W. Cook, G. Watson; C. Britton, C. Gee, J. Thomson; E. Critchley, A. Geldard, W.R. Dean, A. Stevenson, C. Leyfield. Ex-Liverpool; S. Kane; R. Done, T. Bush or E. Savage; M. Busby, T. Bradshaw, J. McInnes; H. Taylor, G. Hodgson, F. Howe, A. Hanson, L. Carr.
Among the reserves will be Norman Greenhalgh, Tommy Johnson and Wally Boyes for Everton and Tommy Gardiner, and Gordon Gunson for Liverpool.
Johnson has a hotel at West Gorton, Manchester; Boyes is on the Notts County coaching staff; Tommy Gardner is mine host at Rossett, and also player-manager of Oswestry Town, and Gunson is working at Sealand and coaching under the Cheshire F.A. Invitations have also been extended to several old players to watch the match and attend the subsequent dinner as guests of South Liverpool. These includes Donald McKinlay, Billy Lacey, Jack Balmer, Harry Beadles, Walter Wadsworth, Tommy Fern, Jimmy McDougall, Ken Campbell, Tom Bromilow, and Chris Harrington. An invitation was also sent to Elisha Scott, who has expressed regret that he cannot make the trip. Scott’s reply when asked if he would like to play was characteristeristic. “I’m 56 now” he said, “and instead of standing between the sticks I should need to be popped up by them.” A pardonable and numerous exaggeration for Elisha is amazingly fit for his years, and could still do his stuff ably in case of need. Would be spectators who haven’t got their tickets are asked not to write to Holly Park. There isn’t a solitary one left.
WOLVES NOT SO RAMPANT
January 20, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton are up against a pretty stiff task in facing Wolverhampton at Molyneux. Though the Wolves recently have not been the all-conquering side that they threatened to be at the start of the season, they are still a lively and quick-moving team. The ability is there, and sooner or later will again be welded into a cohesive whole. Even though they have not been winning with their former frequency, Wolves have not really lost a tremendous lot of ground thanks to the number of drawn games in which they have taken part. While their attack has not been hitting the high spots in its former forceful manner, the defence has stood its ground so well that the adverse tally has not been as severe as it might have been. Everton will have to be at their best to get even the consolation of a draw, though Wolves lately have been specializing in spitting, the profits at home against fairly lowly opposition. The Molyneux side’s best win of the past three months was their victory over Blackpool three weeks ago, which incidentally, was the first game they had won on their own ground since they defeated Huddersfield Town 7-1 at the end of September. Wolves are a young and sprightly combination. Once they get over the present spell of somewhat disappointing form they are likely to upset the calculations of some of the best sides. There is ability in plenty in the team, but the forwards finishing has not been on a par with the excellence of their approach work. Everton are tarred with that brush too. If the Blues would produce shots on the target in radio to the volume and frequency of their attacking movements they would soon be taking another upward jump in the table. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Wolves; Williams; Mclean, Pritchard; Crook, Shorthouse, Russell; Hancocks, Swinborune, Pye, Smyth, Wilshaw.
Dugdale Sees Specialists
Gordon Dugdale whose career at one time was thought to have been ended owing to heart trouble following his war service is today seeing an eminent London specialists, who has been called in by the club to give a further opinion. It will depend on his verdict whether Dugdale is able to resume football or will be compelled to hang up his boots for good. Gordon’s many admirers will join me in the wish that the news may be good.
EVERTON SNATCHED GOAL FROM WOLVES IN GAME OF MANY CHANCES
January 21, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Wolves 1, Everton 1
By Contact
Wolverhampton Wanderers;- Williams, goal; McLean and Pritchard, backs; Crook, Shorthouse, and Russell, half-backs; Hancock, Swinborne, Pye, Smyth and Wilshaw, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder, and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain), and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. R.J Leafe, (Nottingham). Wolves were without Wright, and Angus McLean, who believe it or not comes from the Flint area, played at right back in place of Kelly. The wife of Ted Buckle presented him with a son, their first-born, yesterday. Wolves won the toss and elected to defend a goal area which shadow had left looking treacherously hard. Very early it was evident that thought the pitch looked good it was hard underneath and full of tricks. It was not long before it was evident that the game would be fought at less than full pace owing to risk of injuries. Hancocks made a typically good and forceful run, but for the second he could not pull back his centre sufficiently for the ball to remain in play. He did better when coming inside to hit a first-time shot from a Wilshaw centre the ball skimming the bar. Eglington delivered an excellent cross-field pass to Buckle and Pritchard who went up for it, mis-timed it, giving the winger a clear chance to centre. Unfortunately Buckley’s centre did not find a way through. Everton in their first real attack might have scored. Catterick from inside right hit up the wing a nice ball for Buckle and although Pritchard seemed to have possession Buckle’s challenge caused him to slip and Buckle was able to go on alone with every chance of succeeding. He shot rather too early, but even so Williams seemed powerless to move on the slippery surface and had to watch the ball skid a few feet outside the far post. Farrell dropped back to help in closing down on the Hancocks menace. The little man was carving niches for himself on the wing, and if the Wolverhampton inside-forward were playing too close to get goals it was not his fault.
Yet Another Chance
Again Everton should have scored. Again –Buckle had the chance, McLean having slipped up to let Catterick pull the ball back for Buckle as the latter strode in. Buckle hit a tentative sort of shot, but though it bumped and bounded and seemed inaccurate, Williams only pushed it round the post in a desperate effort. Catterick challenged Williams, got the force of a clearance to the side of his head and went down as though pole-axed and this produced the first stoppage. He resumed after attention. Wainwright off a good through pass in a movement begun by Hedley, should have done better than hit the ball high over the bar, but there was an excuses for any mistakes today. The ground and the ball were masters of the situation. Wolves were in line for goal from a Hancocks corner, Pye slipped this across goal with his head and Burnett did not connect with it immediately. Wilshaw shot when not more than five yards out, but someone covered the shooter and Burnett must have stopped the ball almost on the line. Moore finished to some purpose at this moment when making a first rate clearance at the expense of a heavy fall. Confronted by Wilshaw off a Hancock’s centre which was full of danger, Moore headed for a corner and Burnett was so anxious about the ball’s proximity to the inside of the post he tried to make a save. Moore, with Burnett behind him, and waiting to make his save, took no chance and headed away a header from Hancocks. Burnett missing a high ball from the right had the ball kicked away for him and then Farrell hit the best shot of the match. After Catterick had gone outside to centre to Buckle only to find a deflection, not only taking the great pace from it, but directing it for a corner. The Wolverhampton defence on this showing was far from unbeatable and quite conceivably Everton might have led. McLean held up Catterick at the last second from a Buckle offering and rarely have Everton’s forwards been more dangerous without being able to apply final touches. Grant was excellent and so was Hedley now that he had got the measure of Hancocks. Everton, in a sustained attack had two or three minutes of supremeness, a rare occurrence for them nowadays. Grant making a sixth forward, helped Wainwright and Buckle to become penetrative, and Buckle hit a fierce but wide shot as the final fling of a good movement. Everton with the wing half backs playing exceptionally well have never been more full of promise in matches I have seen this season. The defence and attack were very firmly linked, and the full backs used the ball well. Falder missing a Pye centre, let in Smyth, who shot on the turn from point-blank range, which seemed a winner till Burnett somehow contrived to get a hand to the ball and put it away for a corner.
Half-time; Wolverhampton Wanderers nil, Everton nil.
Buckle pass to Catterick in the opening move of the second half was a spread-eagle one, and Catterick taking the ball forward seemed more likely to shoot a goal than hit a low shot wide, and on to the concrete surround. Everton cannot prosper while they are profligate of such good chances. At 50 minutes Everton took the lead, and deservedly. Wainwright’s pass to Buckle still left Buckle to turn the ball inwards and beat his man before taking it on a stride or two, and then hitting from about 26 yards range a terrific shot which Williams found too fast for him. It was a goal that had been threatening for a long time, and in point of power the shot was something out of the ordinary. Not often is Williams beaten from such a range. It was a rejuvenated. Everton which went into the attack afresh from the kick-off.
Lello Worked Well
Wolves were full of fight, but things went badly for them. Quite apart from the excellent covering of Grant, Moore, Falder and company, who stood very firm in this Wolves rally. A very local Molineux following made themselves heard and the harder the home team tried the less success they seemed to get. Burnett, making a good catch, and having the bumps from Smyth, did his work well and Lello lethal in a tackle worked with an air of a man who knew that other things being equal, he would win most clinches for the ball. Hope rose higher for Everton, not only for this match, but for the season, with every moment of this game. An excellent one, too, in such conditions. Buckle showing a surprising spirit of speed, dug up for Eglington a tantalizing centre in that, if Eglington wanted to get his head to it a few feet from the post he would almost certainly head the post as well. Not only did Eglington head it well, Williams had to be there to prevent a goal with his big body. Eglington then missed an easy chance when the ball flew across goal from the right and Williams went on to miss his catch and still be saved by the trusty foot of Mclean. Of Wolves few shots none was better than the very deliberate one taken by Hancock but Burnett made a grand catch. After a McLean free-kick Wilshaw found himself only a few yards out with a sharp chance but he made a poor attempt at scoring. Smyth scored the equalizer with ten minutes to go, and Everton appealed, I suspect against a decision that the ball had crossed the line. The ball appeared to strike Lello and then travel from Lello’s arm on to the post and back again. In vain did Farrell and others appeal. If it had not been a goal it must have been a penalty award. Final; Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Everton 1.
EVERTON RES V WOLVES RES
January 21, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Reserves; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, T.G. Jones and L. Melville, half-backs; Corr, Powell, Higgins, Fielding, and Parker, forwards. Wolves Res; Parsons, goal; Paxton and Springthorpe, backs; Burton, Chatham, and Baxter, half-backs; Smith, Walker, Woodifeld, Rowley and Taylor, forwards. Referee; Mr. H Pethybridge. A frosty hard surface and a lively ball made ball control difficult. A quiet opening was followed by a series of exchanges that gave promise of more excitement. Everton despite faulty passes, were the more aggressive. Higgins was near with a header that went over. Fielding made Parson’s effort a smart save. Wolves with their close combination, were dangerous. Smith on the right wing, was ever ready to have ago – Sagar saving one shot smartly and another hit the upright.
WHY “DIXIE” HITCHED UP HIS SHORTS
January 23, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Everton 1
By Leslie Edwards
Who are the people most anxious to see former Liverpool and Everton players in action again at the South Liverpool ground on Wednesday? Not the small boys whom the names Dean, Busby, Britton, and Stevenson are not even recollections; not the public who still have tender regard for old favourities, but the present Everton and Liverpool players who know their predecessors only from dressing room legend. All the stand tickets have been sold and even the international element of our clubs will be lucky to get a brief. That will not deter them. They will be there to compare what is with what they have been told used to be. I have heard it said that these veterans are foolish to be seen on a football field so long after breaking training. There is much to be said for that view on the other hand it must be a great temptation for them to play once more, just to see whether their feet have lost their cunning. Doyen of Football league trainers, Harry Cooke, of Everton, is being held responsible for the equipment of the once-Everton team. He was telling me he anticipated Dean would be busy cutting away the top inch of the uppers, of his boots and hammering the reinforced toecaps until they were soft as gloves. These were two of his kit idiosyncrasies. A third was a stranger and more expensive one. When Cooke took over as trainer he found the Everton jerseys of many different lengths. They used to be distributed to the players haphazardly and Dean, who did not like a lot of jersey below his belt, invariably trimmed the one he was given by six inches, with the result that most of the jerseys approximated more to monkey-jackets than what they were intended to be. Dean, too, insisted on the elastic of his shorts being stretched and strained to the point at which it scarcely gripped his body. That accounted for his most characteristic action on the field (apart from nodding goals) when he placed his thumbs in the waist-band of his shorts and with an outward movement hitched them up the required inch or two.
Spate of Debate
The spate of debatable goals continues. Maybe it is merely coincidental; possibly clubs who lose through hair-line decisions are becoming tired of it. The goal by which Wolverhampton Wanderers scored the equalizer against Everton in the 1-1 draw at Molyneux on Saturday, was unsatisfactory from Everton’s point of view because their defence was so obviously convinced the ball had not crossed the line. Here is fair-minded Peter Farrell, captain of his side speaking of the incident. “We claimed the ball had not crossed the line, I appealed as strongly as I could to the referee (Mr. Leafe of Nottingham), but we could not even consult a linesman. I confess the referee was in a very fair spot from which to make his decision. It was only after the match that Wolverhampton players were able to say with certainty that Wilshaw was the scorer. His shot stuck Hedley, rebounded to the post and then back to Hedley’s arm. If it had not been a goal it would certainly have been a penalty. A disputed goal is not uppermost, I imagine in Everton minds at this moment. The cup-tie at West Ham is, and so is the injury to Harry Catterick. And most of all , I suspect, is a growing feeling of confidence that Everton at last are showing signs of being on the way up. I have never seen then play better this season; never has the defence been linked so solidly with the attack. There seemed for once a complete absence of panic when Wolves played with verve late in the game to nearer upset a team leading 1-0.
Might Have Won
With Catterick fit, Everton I am reasonably sure, would have held the Buckle goal until the end. The pulled muscle which afflicted Catterick midway through the second half upset everything and meant that Everton had to weather a storming finish. In the circumstances the game was excellent if at less than full pace. The ground looked better than it played and the danger of injury and the way ground passes bumped and spun unpredictably were overcome splendidly, especially by Everton. Grant for tenacity for stamina and for sharpness was in a class of his own. Lello too played particularly well. Wolves certainty contributed to their own non-success by unproductive inside forward play against which Everton have rarely enjoyed more shooting chances in 90 minutes of an away fixture. Buckle for me, is the most intriguing player I have seen for years. He takes his football lightly, appears apathetic and indeed lethargic and yet somehow contrives to be at the right place at the right time. Also, he hits his shots harder than most. His goal was from a conspicuously powerful drive (one that lingers long in the memory). What is it that Buckle has that so many other wingers have note? The answer in one word is “genius.” By taking the ball on to closer and more certain positions Buckle might have scored twice in the first half; even his longer range shots caused Williams the utmost difficulty. Everton with this new found confidence may still prove the skeptics wrong. The difference between losing and winning matches is often so infinitesimal, they may, by belief in themselves, surprise themselves and their following.
THE SAD CASE OF “SANDY” YOUNG
January 25, 1916. The Liverpool Echo
Highly Strung
Stories of a Framed Centre
Bee’s Notes
Everywhere where football is discussed the topic of the week-end has been the sad case of “Sandy” Young. It is a terrible business, and we must wait a while before commenting on the case. However no harm can be done as the trial is in Australia, in giving local views of people who had dealing with “Sandy” Young. He was idolized by the public of Liverpool, and his career is something of a romance. Signed from a Scottish junior club after a number of Scots had tried to gain his signature, he came to Everton, and at once made his name by brilliant foot-work and curious little artistries of dribbling that make a footballer a hero in the eyes of that make a footballer a hero in the eyes of the public. Tom McDermott was such a one, but hardly in the same measure as his countryman “Sandy” whose twisting and turning and feinting were a delight to the football enthusiast’s eye. The height of his career was reached when he represented his country against England and Wales and scored Everton’s solitary goal in the only Cup winning event that has ever been credited so the city of Liverpool.
Recalling the Scenes
What a scene is recalled by the memory’s of Everton cup victory! The Walton brigade had been in the final before 1906, of course and Aston Villa beat them in the best-to-be remembered game in 1897 –this was the best final the Palace has ever known –but Everton had before then been in a Cup final –against Wolverhampton Wanderers –and so confident were the Mersey men in their ability to beat the Midlanders that a brass band was ordered to meet the conquering heroes at the Liverpool station. But Wolverhampton Wanderers beat them – and the band was silent. In consequence of the blow, and the fact that Cup finals are not certainties, few arrangements were made prior to the day of the final of 1906. First let us win the game said the officers. They won and when John Taylor and his fellows players returned to the city on the following Monday, Liverpool gave itself up to mafloking. Streets were crowded out, and Scotland road –and in fact all the journey to Goodison Park –was a study in heads. There was no band, there was no prearranged receptions, but the crowd simply waited and cheered themselves boarse. John Taylor held aloft the F.A Cup and waved it vigorously but his arm must have ached for days afterwards. “Sandy” scorer of the goal by which Newcastle United were beaten in the final round was especially idolized and a match refrain was made that has been carried to all grounds. The words were;- “Oh aye, Sandy scored the goal; Sandy scored the goal; Sandy scored the goal; ooh aye, Sandy scored the goal, and that’s how we won the cup. In Liverpool during the last few days I have been able to add to the knowledge I already possessed in regard to Young’s temperament. A widely known player who was as it were in charge of “Sandy” told me that Sandy was very highly strung had peculiar habits, and was a very somber man. He would live alone, as far as possible and many a time when out training he slinked off to some long walk and no one could get a word out of him. If one was not satisfied with his game one never offered any remarks on the point as “Sandy” would straightway have curled up, and played any sort of tosh. A curious temperament was Sandy and there were periods when he stroked the single lock of hair that adorned his forehead which suggested that he suffered severe pains in the head.
A Couple of Stories
When Everton’s players used to leave the old dressing room at Bullens road for a match they entered the ground by the paddock way, and save that policeman were nearby, and that there was a barrier of iron there was nothing to stop the public chatting with or patting players. “Sandy” though idolized full upon moderate days –as all football idols do –and one day a spectator had got “Sandy” on the raw by protesting against his game. “Sandy” was in a bad humour and when he left for the dressing room a hero –worshipper patted him vigorously on the back and said “Bravo Sandy.” Well played. The replay came back from the soured man, “Ooh man keep your hands on yer pockets.”
Another story that is of later date concerning Young’s leave –taking at Goodison Park. Young had a benefit match played after he had served the club a long period and sometime later his appearance in August did not suggest fitness of condition. He was away from the club for a month or so, and eventually the time came when it was questioned whether Young should be signed on. The directors were in pairs – half said “No” the other half said “Sign him for another season.” The public were advised of this state of affairs and through this column they made known their love of “Sandy” and their desire that his post services and the popularity should be borne in mind. Eventually another meeting of the directors was called and, I think, by a casting vote, Young’s connection was broken. He was signed by Tottenham – another of the “Echo” numerous excusive item to the way –and early in the season the Sours can to Liverpool to play Everton. Of all the receptions I have ever heard that day’s volume led the lot. Sandy was vociferously cheered by the multitude –and he replied by scoring a goal against his old side. Just what “Sandy” would do.
CATTERICK DOUBTFUL FOR EVERTON
January 23, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s Doubts
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton will not know until later whether Harry Catterick will be fit to play against West Ham. Catterick pulled a thigh muscle at Molineux. Rest and treatment during the next few days may get him right, but it will be a toss-up. Elsewhere Everton sustained no injuries serious enough to raise doubts concerning any other player’s fitness.
Everton Evidence
There was more evidence at Wolverhampton that Everton have turned the corner (writes Contact). And it is quite certain that they are travelling in the right direction. Had they been and to last out and maintain their one goal lead to the end –which seemed likely before Catterick pulled a muscle –they would have scored their third away win in successive trips. Instead Wolverhampton got a scrambled goal at validity of which Everton disputed, because the defence were of the opinion that Wilshaw’s shot had not completely crossed the line. Everton would have won this game beyond all doubt if they had taken the many good openings they made. Buckle hit the ball a trifle too prematurely in two cases and Eglington and Catterick both failed when they were reasonably placed to score. The chance missing might have been costly. Fortunately it was not. Overshadowing all consideration was the undoubted improvement of the Everton team as a whole. Both Lello and Grant played well and for once the attack became masters for lengthy spells and looked convincing. Buckle’s goal was a remarkable one for the speed of the shot which brought it. Williams was beaten as rarely he is beaten. For a frail looking man Buckle finds some mystic reserve of shooting power. He had many inspired moments and was his side’s best and most dangerous forward.
HARRY CATTERICK CUP BLOW TO EVERTON
January 23, 150. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Harry Catterick, Everton’s centre-forward, is now on the “doubtful” list for Saturday F.A. cup-tie with West Ham at Upton-Park. Catterick is suffering from a pulled muscle. The injury was received in Saturday’s match at Wolverhampton where Catterick was forced to go to the wing in the second half. This is the second game in succession at Molineux that Catterick has suffered injury, for last season he damaged an ankle so badly that he was out of the game for weeks. Manager Cliff Britton said Harry himself take optimistic view in fact, Mr. Britton said to me; “There is a good chance that Catterick will be fit.” Catterick was at Goodison Park today for treatment and was more optimistic than ever. The remainder of the Blues Cup-fighters are all right so far as fitness is concerned. Everton will train in Liverpool tomorrow and Wednesday and put in work on Thursday morning before setting out for the South after lunch. The Blues have decided to stay at Oatlands Park, Weybridge on Thursday night so that the lads can have a “pipe-opener” in the spacious grounds there on Friday to put on the final touches to the preparation. Friday evening will see them in London, so avoiding a Saturday morning journey from Surrey.
Taking Stock
Colleague Radar writes West Ham assistant-manager Ted Fenton who made a special trip to take a look at his team’s cup-tie rivals must have returned to Upton Park with no illusions regarding the nature of the task which has to be faced on Saturday. “He saw an Everton side in its brightest mood, always capable of mastering the skidding ball and treacherous surface, and producing studious on-the-ground football which for long periods made the Wolves look like a bottom of the table team. I have no tears regarding the Everton prospects in London if they stage a repeat of the display, and especially if they can eradicate that tendency towards excess hurry in finishing. Although Wolves had an equal share of the play, and on occasions looked the more dangerous Everton would have won this game by a comfortable margin had their shooting throughout been as powerful and accurate as it was in the final ten minutes. It was then that Wainwright, Buckle, and Lello brought out the best in Bert Williams. This, despite the fact that Catterick’s injury meant that for the last half-hour he was no more than a right winger passanger. In a grand fighting side in which every man played his part well, I must pay special tribute to the irrepressible Grant. For me, he was the “big” man of the game. His first half showing was faultless and his use of the ball was vastly improved. The facts that Irish international Sammy Smyth rarely saw the ball testified to the Grant value Burnett was on top form, while Moore and Hedley for the most part, maintained a tight grip on Wilshaw and the ever menacing Hancocks. Falder made only one slip in a sterling days work, and Lello was little behind Grant in everything he did. Ted Buckle was the man who most worried the littery Wolves defence. His goal was the reward for a sizzling left foot shot and he might with luck have had at least two more. There were many occasions when the apparently casual Buckle revealed distinct flashes of football genius and those Wolves never knew where he would pop up next. Catterick was an industrious leader, whom Farrell and Wainwright supported strongly, and Eglington used his speed effectively to Harras the weighty McLean in the second half. This was indeed an Everton of rich produce.
FORMER STARS AT HOLLY PARK
January 24, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Tomorrow’s Memorable Reunion of Everton and Liverpool Stalwarts
Ranger’s Notes
Football enthusiasts who have been lucky enough to get a ticket for tomorrow night’s floodlit game at Holy Park, between sides composed of former stars of Everton and Liverpool, are looking forward to what promises to be a memorable event in the city’s Soccer annuals. The appearance of former stars such as Bill Dean, Matt Busby, Cliff Britton, Charlie Gee, Alec Stevenson, “Tiny” Bradshaw, and the rest is enough to make one’s mouth water in anticipation. Not that we shall expect from them the same forceful and dynamic displays that we enjoyed in the days of old. Anno domini takes its toll as the years roll by and though many of these former stalwarts still train fairly regularly, particularly those who are keeping on top of their present jobs are managers, coaches and so on, one can hardly expect that they will reproduce the form of their peak days.
Substitutes Ready
Many will have to take things easily. That is only natural. On the side-lines will be other old players, some of whom may be called on in the second half, if the flesh proves unequal to the spirit of those who have volunteered. One curious coincidence about tomorrow’s game is that last time Bill Dean donned an Everton shirt was at this same ground. That was on March 9, 1938, two days before he signed for Notts County. He played that day in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup against South Liverpool scoring two of Everton’s goals in a 4-1 victory. Now he pulls on the famous blue short once again and if he puts a couple past Stan Kane, then the roof of South’s little stand will almost be lifted from its formations. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Ald and Mrs J.J. Cleary) will attend the game, and Mr. W.H. E (Bill) Evans the international referee, will officiate. Following the match there will be a reunion dinner in town, at which , many other old players will be the guests of South Liverpool. The following are the teams; Ex-Everton; F. King; W. Cook, G. Watson; C. Britton, C. Gee, J. Thomson; E. Critchley, A. Geldard, W.R. Dean, A. Stevenson, C. Leyfield. Ex-Liverpool; S. Kane; R. Done, T. Bush; M. Busby, T. Bradshaw, J. McInnes; H. Tyalor, G. Hodgson, F. Howe, A. Hanson, L. Carr. Reserves; n. Greenhalgh, T. Gardner, E. Savage, G. Gunson. Just one point. Holly Park is not accustomed to dealing with crowds of 14,000 and their turnstiles are limited. It will help considerably to avoid congestion if those who can will get to the ground early. The Dingle Silver Prize Band will play from six o’clock onwards.
GORDON DUGDALE
January 25, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton today received the London specialists’s report on Gordon Dugdale. Unfortunately it confirms the previous diagonals of heart trouble. Dugdale has now no option but to give up football entirely.
VETERANS SHOWED US “THEIR GAME”
January 26, 1950. The Daily Post
Ex-Everton 5, Ex-Liverpool 1
St-Headily, sh-houlder to sh-houlder, said the band at the South Liverpool ground last night, as boys of the old brigade marched on for what most of us expected would be near-farce from football veterans. How wrong we were. The great players of yesterday not only beat their age, an iron ground and the handicap of playing for the first time under floodlight, they proved beyond doubt, that football is not what it was when they were playing. It was exhibition football, but exhibition stuff of high-order on such a ground. Surely there is room for the match annually –and not at a time when most of the most entertaining touches are lost upon the midnight air. Floodlighting is a good alternative to no football at all, but imagine this game played in warm sunshine at Anfield or Goodison Park. Its attraction would be unceasing. Whether it could be promoted for the benefit of former players or for their dependants or for some of those taking part would make no matter. The cause and the delight in seeing old favourities still able to contribute great skill would make it worthwhile. Someone shouted last night as the great W,R Dean and Matt Busby led out their respective teams “is it true what they say about Dixie?” The answer came within the first fifteen minutes when the massive figure shot a goal, hit the post and lofted a pass over to Charlie Leyfield for that player to score at his ease.
Still Accurate
Dean was playing under lights for the first time –in the country –but his head found the ball unerringly from a goal-kick ad steered it with old time accuracy towards the wing. No loss of lack of judgment there. Dean trotted back, stamping his feet in joy, as he used to after scoring, and although not often in the game, was always there or thereabouts for the through pass or the centre. He retired gracefully at the interval because an accident a few weeks ago had necessitated stitches in his head. Some of these able veterans seemed to play even better than before, I wager Tom Gardner, pressed into service as a centre forward, has rarely scored a better goal than the one which opened the scoring, even allowing for the misdemeanor of Willie Cook, who having shouted for the ball, found his lack of speed embarrassing to say the least. Leyfield made it 1-1 and Dean got a second before the interval, and if Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City players saw their respective managers (Britton, Busby and Thomson) in action they will humbly do as they are told, in future. Britton was magnificent, cajoling the ball over a bumpy ground in a series of passes that made the crowd gasp by its virtuosity. If Ted Critchley had not suffered a knock with caused a re-arrangement on the right wing, he would have been the busiest winger of all.
Busby Touches
The Busby crouch, the feint and the final pass –all done with characteristic smoothness –made one wonder whether Matt could still find his place in contemporary soccer and still look good. And goalkeeper Kane, off two fast Leyfield shots, saw the ball well enough to make splendid saves. Gordon Hodgson and Alex Stevenson, who had been on the programme, both got away to a delayed start, but Stevenson scored two of his sides second half goals –the other came from Yates, who is more ex-Chester than ex-Everton –and was really too fit a player to let loose among those who have not kicked a ball for years. What impressed one greatly about a truly memorable effort by old players for the South Liverpool club was the fact that though the flesh is sometimes weak the idea is still there. Allowing for an obvious lack of speed in many cases –it was still there in others –many of the moves were wonderfully good. One thing which retirement cannot do is work a change of character. Thus Willie Cook was in that “they shall not pass” mood (and he had weight to back it). Charlie Gee talked his way good humouredly and made cheeky reverse passes to King; Geldard was still alert for the sharp individual effort. Tom Johnson did not chase much but still dug up the occasional telling cross field pass.
Youngest Legs
The youngest veteran legs belonged without doubt to twinkling Lance Carr on the Liverpool left, Tom Bradshaw moving the ball causally a yard or two either way or then placing it to good use was Bradshaw as we used to know him. It was a great day for the old ‘uns’ and we were left wondering what an earlier vintage of veterans in Tom Fern, Harry Bendles, Bill Lacey, Jimmy Dunn, Chris Harrington, Cyril Gillesby, Jack Bamber, Longsworth might have shown us had they been asked to strip instead of merely to make a bow. Good to see them all, and to see the Lord Mayor (Alderman J.J. Cleary) leading civic recognition to a great occasion. Teams; Everton; King, goal; Cook and Watson, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchely, Geldard, Dean (captain), Johnson and Leyfield, forwards. Liverpool; Kane; Savage, and Bush, backs; Busby (captain), Bradshaw, and McInnes, half-backs; H. Taylor, Kinghorn, Gardiner, Hanson and Carr, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.H.E. Evans (Liverpool).
CATTERICK PASSES TEST; EVERTON TEAM FOR CUP TIE UNCHANGED
January 26, 1950. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Harry Catterick, the Everton centre-forward, came through his final try-out successfully at Goodison Park this morning, and so Everton will be unchanged for the visit to West Ham United in the F.A.Cup fourth round on Saturday. Catterick pulled a leg muscle at Wolverhampton last Saturday but in his own mind has never had any doubt about recovery, and his optimism was justified by the test today. The Everton party left Lime-Street at lunch time for Weybridge, in Surrey and they will train at the Walton and Thames Athletic ground tomorrow morning before moving off to their London headquarters. Before he left, Manager Cliff Britton stated that the Blues have been making inquires about Oscar Hold, the Chelmsford inside-forward, who is on Notts County’s transfer list. Hold was in Cliff’s regimental side in the Army. West Ham today, also announced an unaltered team. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. West Ham; Gregory; Devlin, Yeomanson; Parker, Walker, Cater; Parsons, Gazzard, Robinson, McGowan (D), Woodgate.
HOLLY PARKS FLOODLIGHT EPIC
January 12, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Merseyside’s most memorable football re-union was staged last evening, when former stars of Everton defeated former stars of Liverpool 5-1 at Holly Park, in a match organized by and on behalf of the South Liverpool Football Club. This was an event which Holly Park’s record attendance of more than 14,000 never will forget. There were so many old favourities present, and all still able to show exactly how football should be played. Everyone seemed to be saying “When can we have an encore?” it was my misfortune to miss the game because I could not be in two places at once –I was at the after-match gathering –but was delighted to know that present-day managers like Messrs Cliff Britton (Everton), Matt Busby (Manchester United), Jock Thomson (Manchester City) and Gordon Hodgson (Port Vale) were still able to do, and perfectly at that vital things they went their own charges to do. There were minor casualties necessitating frequent team changes, but this added to the spice of the occasion for the more faces the people saw the better pleased were they. The watchers saw the Blues fight back after the Reds had taken the lead; saw Dixie Dean get yet another goal (and with his foot) and the inimitable Alec Stevenson crash in a couple to lend additional sparkle. The people were home talking about Britton and Busby, while Charlie Leyfield despite a heavily bandaged shoulder was a star, except that he like most, found it difficult to judge distance under the strange floodlighting conditions. Billy Kinghorn and Harold Taylor were there with their old tricks, and Lance Carr, who came to Anfield with Nieuwenhuys and Alf Hanson two star Anfield left wingers, charmed with their movement and effectiveness. The solidity of the half-backs line of Busby. Tom Bradshaw and Jimmy McInnes proved that Liverpool present half-back strength is nothing new to the club, and there were a couple of former half-backs in Tom Bush and Ted Savage guarding Stan Kane. With Charlie Gee between Britton and Thomson, the Blues according to my observer provided half-back play de luxe in front of a splendid defence of Frank King, Billy Cook and Gordon Watson, while Tommy Johnson, Albert Geldard, and Ted Critchley, old cup-fighting heroes of Everton, added to the joys of football so refreshing in its grace and accuracy, and which we so seldom see in this modern age. Strained muscles but never a trainer on the field, a few minor fouls, and a leavening of good fun without ever-bringing this game into ridicule. This all went to prove that the masters never lose their touch and I join in congratulations to every player and to Chairman Mr. Stanley Jackson his colleagues and officials of the South Liverpool club – particularly Secretary Arthur Joynson and Manager Ted Savage on giving Merseyside such a rare treat. This was the caviar of a football Banquet.
TOM JONES IS TOLD “YES” AT LAST
January 27, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Tom Jones, Everton and Welsh international centre half, has made one more application to be placed on the transfer list, and this time I believe the answer is yes. Everton with their reputation for fair dealing could scarcely refuse, since their preference has been first for Jack Humphreys and then for Ted Falder, who holds the position today. It is clear Jones feels himself to be still capable of playing First Division football –an opinion shared by the Welsh international selectors –and in the circumstances Everton, I imagine, would not want to prevent the player trying to prove his contention. The association of Jones and Everton has been a long but not always happy one. Since he first came out into the open, in November 1947 with grievances against the club, he has several times asked to be “transferred” and Everton’s answer has usually been negative. The news that club and player have at last agreed to break will set football speculating on the size of the possible transfer fee and the potential value of such a player – he is not cup-tied –to those in need, I think many clubs will be keen to get him.
His Rise
Jones has risen in football stature from a schoolboy player in his native Connah’s Quay (where he still lives) to the uncrowned king of football in Wales. His popularity rivals that of Billy Meredith. There was only one Meredith; there is only one T. G. Jones. His advice on football and footballers is sought as keenly by professional clubs as by amateurs. His writing on football are accepted almost as gospel. When Everton signed him from Wrexham in March 1936 “T.G” was 21, and stood 6ft, and weighed 12 stone and looked the inevitable successor to Tom Griffths also of Everton as Welsh centre half and captain. And so it proved, Wrexham followers resented his leaving very much but even they had to realize that the joy of seeing him playing for Wrexham was of secondary importance compared with the chance of Jones completing his soccer education in the highest class and with a club of Everton’s standing.
Neat and Scientific
In a few seasons Jones was not only a leading member of the Everton and Welsh international elevens, he was developing his play to the point at which he had no superiors. He was never the battering-ram stopper of centre forwards, but the thoughtful, neat, scientific player was “read” his opponents and stepped in with nonchalance to take the ball and use it to good advantage. Like Warney Cresswell, he timed and directed his long clearance kicks beautifully. A game seemed to be no trouble to him. Occasionally he came upfield to use his height to covert corner kicks and was extraordinary successful, although defences were careful to mark him. Two seasons ago, the Roma club of Italy were anxious to sign him. Terms were arranged (and very generous they were) and Everton were to receive a big fee, but finally the impossibility of arranging currency exchanges caused the deal to be called off. Later Jones name was linked with Notts County, but again nothing definite came of it. Jones made his greatest contribution to Everton last season when he and Ted Sagar did wonderful service in a long and successful battle against relegation which seemed inevitable after a disastrous season’s beginning. Jones has played few first team matches this season, he travelled with the players to Birmingham and half an hour before kick-off was told that he would not be playing.
EVERTON HOPEFUL
January 27, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton away to West Ham, have good cause to approach the match with a reasonable dash of optimism. Their recent displays, particularly last week at Molineux, contained sufficient promise to justify at least hope of a draw, and possibly a victory without the necessity of a Goodison replay. West Ham are notoriously slow starters. This has been their undoing in many a match this season. Everton should try to cash in on this. We can rest assured though that the Hammers will be playing to the last ounce once they have settled down, so any advantage Everton may gain in the early stages will mean a hard fight to maintain. With but 35 goals against them, the Hammers can boast of a fairly sound defence. Gregory is a grand positional player and a dependable keeper, while Walker, the Hammers captain and centre half and veteran of the side is a tower of strength and a constant inspiration to his side. Although the records seen to show that Bill Robinson, scorer of 16 goals, is the most dangerous home forward, Parson and Woodgate must also be carefully “policed.” Cater and Parker and wing halves of the attacking and constructive type, both capable of accurate passing and producing an occasional shot. The more Everton can keep these two on defence the better. Opinion as to the respective merits of First or Second Division sides has little bearing on a game of this character. It is eleven versus eleven but Everton now should be reaping the harvest of increased confidence after their upward trend and though it will be a stern and tight struggle, I am more hopeful than I would have been had this game taken place a few months ago. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. West Ham; Gregory; Devlin, Yeomanson; Parker, Walker, Cater; Parsons, Gazzard, Robinson, McGowan (D), Woodgate.
TOMMY JONES TO LEAVE?
January 27, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Board To Consider Matter Next Week
By Ranger
Although Everton supporters are beginning to resign themselves to a parting of the ways between the Goodison club and Tommy Jones, the question has not yet been considered by the board, as Jones only asked for his release yesterday, a few minutes before Manager Cliff Britton left for Weybridge with the team. This impending parting has become more obvious during the past few weeks when Falder has been chosen for the first team and Jones has not always been in the reserve eleven. Humphreys now fit again is preferred for the Central League team tomorrow. A player of Jones’s undoubted ability can hardly be expected to remain content indefinitely as third choice. Plenty of senior clubs would be glad of a man of his calibre, and Everton, who have never stood in the way of any player’s reasonable request will probably be prepared to let him go. Although Manager Cliff Britton has a free hand with a man of Tommy Jones’s service and capabilities he will clearly wish to consult his directors about any pending move. When I spoke to Mr. Britton at Weybridge last night he told me that at moment he had nothing to say. “Tommy Jones also preferred to make no comment. Dr. C. Baxter, chairman of Everton, however, confirmed that Jones had indicated to Mr. Britton that he felt the time had come for him to look elsewhere, and that the question would be on the agenda for next Tuesday’s board meeting.
EVERTON FORWARD LINE BEST SEEN FOR A LONG TIME
January 28, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
West Ham 1, Everton 2
By Stork
West Ham United; Gregory, goal; Devlin and Yeomanson, backs; Parker, Walker (captain) and Cater, half-backs; Parsons, Gazzard, Robinson, McGowan, and Woodgate, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain) and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. N.C. Taylor, Westbury, Wilts. There was an epidemic of Cup-ties in London today, where there were six matches, if the Watford game was included, I am told that eighty special trains brought supporters from all parts and there were some loyal Goodison fans among them. The Cup is a powerful attraction. It must be, for it was bitterly cold at Upton Park, and those who had stood long, and there were many, must have been starved to the marrow. I went on the ground and found it hard and well sanded, and the ball was likely to play tricks and a fall would certainly not be nice to contemplate. West Ham’s recent form was not encouraging. They had started off the season on a bright note, but have fallen away badly, having won only five home games. Everton have shown much improvement recently, and the fact that they played the same team which has participated in their last four games proves that their confidence has returned.
All Fit and Well
Cup-Ties however, are often a snare when one slip can mean your exit. The Everton team reached London last night from Weybridge and all reported fit and well. Catterick’s pulled muscle had yielded to treatment during the week. West Ham kicked off before 40,000 and Farrell won the toss and he sent the Hammers to defend the London goal. It was good evident that the football would be difficult, for a lost foothold by Cater enabled Everton to strike a blow when Wainwright and Farrell quickly transferred the ball over to Eglington. The winger, however, could not gather the ball quickly enough and Devlin was able to clear. The far side of the field was the best from a playing point of view, for it had a grass covering. It was from over there that full back Devlin made a long shot when Burnett came forward to catch.
Icy Surface
This was the starting point to a West Ham prolonged attack, and another slip on the icy surface prevented Grant from clearing the ball, which finally reached Woodgate. He was beaten, but the Everton clearance went to Robinson, who although with his back to the goal, hooked in a high ball which Burnett had to reach for to prevent it dropping under the crossbar. It was a case of keen anticipation on the part of the Everton goalkeeper. Everton had been mainly on the defensive, but a raid on the left gave the Hammers a nasty feeling until Walker kicked clear. The United were fast and enterprising but McGowan lost a chance when he intercepted to send in through a bunch of Everton players. Woodgate saw quite a lot of the ball and much was expected of him every time he got the ball. There was great enthusiasm and much expectancy. He gave Burnett a cross shot to deal with, but the persistency of the Hammers was without doubt, dangerous. It took then 15 minutes to bring about the downfall of the Everton defence. Devlin came well up on the far side of the field and his cross was taken on the volley by McGowan, and Burnett was beaten. Judging by the roar, one would have thought this was a Cup-winner, and for some minutes West Ham were rampant. Everton, however, got a chance to settle down, and Grant supplied the pass which sent Buckle off. The outside right raced ahead, slipped the ball through to Wainwright, who passed it along to Catterick, who, with hesitation cracked the ball beyond Gregory. Nineteen minutes. This shook the home crowd, who could hardly, realize that their boys, had lost the lead, but it was so, and they might have suffered again a little later when Everton, having felt the full weight of the Hammers attack, were now calling the role of dictators. Wainwright twice had shots luckily saved, and there could be no denying that there was more subtleness in the Everton methods. The United had one or two rapid raids, and Burnett had to field long efforts, but hereabouts all the thrills were taking place in the Hammers’ goal.
Everton Go Ahead
Catterick and Wainwright were a problem to Walker, and when the former pushed the ball out to Buckle he called upon Eglington to run in. Buckle seemed to lose his opportunity, but Buckle sneaked around him and centred. Eglington got his head to a centre, nodded it down to Catterick, who had the ball in the net like greased lightning at the end of 25 minutes. But for a sensational save by Gregory, Everton tally would have been three. The complete Hammers defence was beaten when Wainwright found himself facing the opposing goalkeeper, Wainwright shot hard and true, but Gregory by striking out his foot managed to turn the ball over. Yet, an element of luck about a save of that sort. This was one of Everton’s shooting days and Gregory had to go full length to a free kick taken by Catterick. The Everton leader was leading Walker and others a merry dance. In fact, it was the best Everton forward line I have seen for a long time. Wainwright had another shot saved and Eglington with an awkward pass did well to get in a shot that was charged down. A corner won by Woodgate was the only thing the Hammer’s followers had to cheer about for a long time, and the flag kick went speeding across the Everton goalmouth. Falder moved over to clear. Everton had been well on top for the last 20 minutes and the United were anything but united. Furthermore, they had lost belief in themselves and were easy prey to the Everton defenders. Wainwright was everywhere and just on the interval he hit a fast drive which brought out a good save by Gregory on his knees. Half-time; West Ham United 1, Everton 2.
Narrow Escape
One of the secrets of Everton’s success had been their persistency, and after West Ham had threatened in the early minutes of the second half an interchange of positions by Buckle and Wainwright completely outwitted the Hammer’s defence and it was left to Gregory to make a flying catch off Wainwright’s centre that saved the day. West Ham were fighting hard and following a free kick Gazzard and Parsons went for the ball, the former finally delivering a shot which went flashing no more than a foot over the bar. There was a narrow escape for the Everton goal when Moore headed back to Burnett, who lost his foothold and conceded a corner from which Walker headed over. Hereabouts the Hammer were testing the Everton defence just as they did in the early part of the first half and Robinson had a glorious opportunity of drawing level. Farrell from the inside right position put the Hammer’s goal on the spot for his centre had all the potentialities of a goal, had either Eglington or Wainwright been able to get in a shot. It was hard going, for West Ham determined not to go down without a fight and full back Devlin came along with a long shot confidently fielded by Burnett, who had previously cut off some tricky balls from the wing. It was a grim tussle and Gazzard smashed a shot against an Everton man which went for a corner. West Ham people considered that a bad break, so did I.
McGowan’s Speed
It was easy to overrun the ball or midjudge its flights, so in the circumstances the game had been quite good. When Everton won a corner by Walker putting behind it was the best thing the Hammers’ captain could do. Another corner followed suit, but it was quickly repelled. McGowan showed a good burst of speed when slipping through the middle, but his pass to Woodgate was a little too fast. Robinson was disappointed to see one of his efforts passed narrowly wide. West Ham were putting in all they knew, and Robinson made a hefty shot which hit the side net ting –a really good try. West Ham may be near the bottom of their section, but no one can accuse them of lacking spirit and fight. For some time now they had been the more aggressive side, for Everton’s attacks were now spasmodic. Robinson fell over as he went to pick up a ball from Woodgate after Burnett slipped. Eglington took Gregory by surprise by nipping in front of him. One had to pay tribute to the Hammers who were fighting galliantly for the equalizer. They nearly got it when Robinson headed for the far side of the goal only to see Hedley kicked off the goal line. It was now a bitter battle between the Everton defence and the United attack, and I must admit the Londoners were doing everything but getting the ball into the net. Buckle fell heavily in the last few minutes. Final; West Ham United 1, Everton 2. Official attendance 27,000. Receipts £2,762.
BLACKBURN RES V EVERTON RES
January 28, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Blackburn Res; Hughes, goal; Ashworth and Holliday, backs; Baldwin, Suart and Cunningham, half-backs; Kenny, Bee, Edds, Martin, and Fenton, forwards. Everton Res; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Humphreys and Melville (L), half-backs; McNamara (A), Hampton, McIntosh, Fielding and Parker, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Ollerton (Preston). The game was evenly fought, though Everton were often the more dangerous. Hughes turned one shot from McIntosh against the underside of the bar for Ashworth to clear the rebound. When Fenton broke through the middle, Sagar advanced to block the shot with his leg. Half-time; Blackburn Res 0, Everton Res 0.
Blackburn were aggressive and Sagar was hard pressed to dispose of high centres from Edds and Kenny. Everton’s defence was cut open by quick passing, but first Edds and then Bee made poor use of the ball when well placed.
Hindford v Everton “A”
After 12 minutes Donovan scored for Everton following neat approach play. Playing with more method Everton had Hindford’s defence at full stretch. After good by Grainey, Oakes, shot narrowly over the Everton crossbar. From a pass by Gibson, Easthope scored a second for Everton. Half-time; Hindford 0, Everton “A” 2.
SCOTTISH CLUB NAME FEE TO EVERTON
January 30, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton have taken an interest in John Johnston, the Motherwell goalkeeper, who recently completed a three year unbroken spell in the Motherwell first team. The position is that Motherwell have stated their fee to Mr. Cliff Britton, the Everton manager, and the next move is with Everton. Other Scottish clubs are keen to sign the player. Johnston was not in the Motherwell team which played Rangers on Saturday.
WHEN BOTH WERE IN THE ALST FOUR
January 30, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Two of the names which go into today’s fifth round F.A. Cup draw have special appeal to followers of football in this city. It has happened several times before –the last time in 1938-39 season –and there was a famous season (1896-97) when both Everton and Liverpool reached the semi-final stage, and in different parts of the draw.
Everton’s win at West Ham was particularly good, because they were a goal behind and because this was their second away Cup-tie and even the vast improvement in their play since Christmas did not guarantee their winning at the first attempt, if they had won at Wolverhampton a week ago, as seemed likely a few minutes from the end, they would have recorded four successive away wins.
EVERTON SURVIVED 20 MINUTES’S TEST
January 30, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
West Ham United 1, Everton 2
West Ham United appropriately hammered the Everton defence for fully twenty minutes in the second half of their Cup-tie, and the dreaded equalizing goal looked like coming any moment. I have never been so anxious for Everton as I was during those testing minutes and was just as pleased to hear the final whistle as any Everton player. What brought about this change of scene? The great desire these days, on the part of most clubs – to hold what you have at all costs. Is it sound tactics to switch over to defence when attack has previously served you so well? I have seen it happen at Anfield, Highbury and elsewhere, and it has never been convincing although it may have occasionally produced the right verdict. Everton, by their best attacking form this season had cleared off a West Ham goal had taken the lead and robbed the United of a lot of their confidence. Had they continued with this plan they would have won by a wider margin and furthermore saved the defence from being on collar in those last testing twenty minutes.
Tough Going
However, I suppose the end justifies the means but it was tough going for the rear rank who were hit from all sides by opponents who had previously been well and truly handled by a team which was more subtle in its methods. This first half Everton was the best I have seen this season and I had no fear for them at the interval, never realizing that they would hand over the initiative to their rivals. At all times Everton were the better tacticians, pinning their fault in sound football ideas, whereas West Ham relied on thrust without much science. What they lacked was a man who could pilot the ball into the net. I am afraid the United supporters will never forget nor forgive their players’ misses but if a team will not accept its chances and the opposition does then who is to blame?
A Pattern
Everton’s first half display was a pattern to be followed. It had everything, and Wainwright although he missed a “sitter” –Gregory struck out his foot to save his goal –played his best game for many a month. He had a hand in Catterick’s two goals, aye, he was something near to the Wainwright we use to eulogise as a coming international. Catterick also struck his true form, In fact I could find little wrong with the attack in the first 45 minutes for it worked with complete unison. Grant and Lello moved up behind all to deliever the goods, and Falder was a dominating figure at centre half. McGowan’s goal for West Ham was successful because of its speed and surprise but could not be compared with Catterick’s pair, both admirably taken following good combination. To be hypercritical with the conditions as they were would be unfair to friend and foe, so I will conclude by saying that it was a game which was full of good things, slips and blunders that were unavoidable, but there was never a dull moment and it needed something to keep the blood warm against a biting wind. I hope Everton have learned the lesson that attack is the best defence at all times. The attendance was 27,000 and the receipts £2,762.
WERE THE TACTICS RIGHT?
January 30, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Will Everton’s Cup history be repeated? They have twice met West Ham United in the competition and each time have qualified for the final, the last occasion being as recently as 1933, the other one being as far back as 1907, which only old-timers will recall. By a strange coincidence the score in each case was 2-1 and that was Everton’s lot at Upton-Park on Saturday, on a day which was all against good football –bone-hard ground with a grass verge on the far side, the only reasonable playing patch on the whole ground. I am an old campaigner, so have become blasé about things, but I must admit I was full of anxiety during the last twenty minutes of the game, for West Ham were thrusting and digging at the Everton defence to win the right to a replay (writes Stork). Each minute seemed like an hour, for West Ham promised to get a goal at any moment. They would have done had there been a marksman among their forwards for they had made the opportunities by sweeping play that had ho great combination value, but was forever a menace to Burnett’s goal. Having seen how well handled had been those self-same forwards, I looked for the reason for the change of picture. It was there for all to see. Everton had become a defensive unit.
Attack is Best
Their sound attacking policy had mastered the “Hammers” in the first half, cleared off a goal deficit and taken the lead. Why should they change their course? It is common to present day football once a side has taken the lead to concentrate on defence, when, according to all the ethics of the game, attack is the best form of defence. I don’t blame any club for adopting such tactics for, say, the last five minutes but not twenty minutes. The strain can become too great. Three forwards cannot hope to beat down five defenders, and that was what Catterick, Buckle and Eglington were expected to do, for Farrell and Wainwright had dropped back when their services were needed in the attack. It had the effect of releasing the West Ham wing halves to add their weight to their attack instead of being busy looking after their inside rivals. Everton were a grand side in the first 45 minutes. I could not find a flaw anywhere, but the most pleasing feature was the striking power, of their forwards. The interchanging of positions often had West Ham nonplussed often had West Ham nonplussed, not knowing which Everton forward to watch, and the shooting was far and away better than anything I have seen from them this season. Backed up by prompting wing half backs, they soon negatived McGowan’s goal and had taken complete command.
The Future
Such form bodes well for the future, for it showed a confidence and a belief in themselves which was at one time missing. The spirit to hit back after they had been knocked down was inspiring to their followers. Catterick’s two goals were beautifully taken, following some high-class passing, and Wainwright should have scored when he was four yards out with only the goalkeeper to beat, although it was a lucky stretch of the leg by Gregory which kept the ball out of the net. Wainwright has not played better this season. He was the “key” man in attack, ever ready to dart through or put the ball to a better placed colleague and he found the open spaces inter-changed position with either Buckle or Farrell, much to the chagrin of the West Ham defenders. But don’t let us forget the defence which in the end, made the victory possible. I will bunch the whole lot together for it was that way that they pulled themselves out of heavy weather. It was hard going, but with every shoulder to the wheel they held on grimly to their task which was a tremendous one. They won’t want to go through such a straining period again, but may have to do so if attack gives way to defence as it did at the Boleyn ground. However, all’s well that ends well.
ONE CASUALTY
January 30, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’ Log (Don Kendall)
Everton have only one casualty to report following their winning trip to Upton Park. Ted Buckle suffered a bruised shoulder, but Manager Cliff Britton assures me that Ted should be fit for Saturday’s game with Aston Villa, which to Everton, is just as important as any cup-tie. There is some pleasant reading in the following commentary by colleague Radar; “The new-look Everton side marched creditably and successfully through a stern struggle with West Ham although there was more than one occasion, late on when the policy of concentration on defence might have proved fatal. We saw Everton in their most sparkling mood in the half-an-hour before the interval, when they took two great goals by Catterick and might have had three or four more had it not been for the inspired goalkeeping of Gregory. I liked the manner in which Everton struck back after the early shock goal by McGowan. The defence composed itself; the wing half-backs began to use the ball to the fullest advantage, and the forwards responded with some of the most attractive and what is more most effective football seen for a long time. “Catterick never has led the line with more dash and efficiently and Walker never really got to grips with him. By force of circumstances Harry was little more than a one man attack in the second half, but even then, there always was more danger about Everton’s infrequent raids. Perhaps the most encouraging feature was the work of Eddie Wainwright who operated to a large extent on the right wing; Wainwrigh’s speed and thrust constantly had the Hammers floundering, while his crosses produced both goals. Wainwright was unfortunate to see Gregory’s outstretched leg divert his low drive over the top. Buckle’s use of the ball was his most priceless asset, while Farrell and Eglington both played their parts enthusiastically. Falder was the solidest of defensive rocks, always calm when the danger was greatest. Grant his usual tireless self, and Lello worked willingly if not striking his best form on the bone-hard ground. Moore and Hedley had their anxious moments, but generally were on top of their job, and Burnett’s work under second half invasion was immaculate. I thought Everton could have won more easily had the shown a greater inclination to regain the imitative.
EVERTON TO RECEIVE TEAM OF THE SEASON
January 31, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
So what was feared by some Everton supporters –though why I do not know, has happened –the draw for the fifth round of the F.A. Cup made in London yesterday, has as paired the Goodison Park club with Tottenham Hotspur, a side judged by a number of critics to be one of the best in the Football league. And a glance at Tottenham’s League record appears to justify a view, for to date the Spurs have obtained 46 points from 27 matches, and hold an 11 points lead over their nearest rivals at the top of the Second Division. Twenty-one of Hotspur’s League matches have been won, and only on two occasions have they been defeated this season -3-2 at home by Blackburn Rovers and 3-0 away by Leeds United a fortnight ago. Founded in 1882, the Spurs have had their ups and down like most other clubs and since last being relegated to their present status at the end of the 1934-35 season, their ambition has been to regain a place in the First Division. They look certain to achieve this in the present campaign.
Fifth Meeting
The London club have twice won the F.A. Cup in 1901, when they defeated Sheffield United in the final 3-1 after a 2-2 draw, and twenty years later when Wolverhampton Wanderers were beaten 1-0. On four previous occasions Everton and Tottenham have clashed in the Cup competition and the White Hard Lane club have won three times. First meeting was in 1904 at Goodison Park when Tottenham won 2-1. Four years later Everton succeeded by the only goal at Goodison Park, but Hotspurs gained a 3-0 win at home in 1934. Three years later the clubs again met at Goodison Park and a rousing game ended one-all. In the replay Everton went down by the odd goal of seven. Everton’s successes against Queen’s Park Rangers and West Ham United in the previous rounds will give the Goodison Park players confidence for this third meeting with London opponents and I should not be surprised if they add Tottenham to the list of victims.
January 1950