Everton Independent Research Data
CENTRE LEAGUE ABANDON
March 1, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Coulter Hat-trick In Short Game.
Everton Reserves had a lead of three clear goals when the game was abandoned after 60 minutes at Goodison Park. The ground was a quagmire and after the heavy snowfall it was impossible to see the lines in the second half. In the first half Coulter, who was in the inside left position, completed a hat-trick. All three goals came following corners kicks taken by Leyfield. After 30 minutes the ball was deflected to the Stoke goalkeeper towards his own goal and Coulter ran in to help the ball over the line. Five minutes later another corner, taken by Leyfield saw Coulter score his second goal, and within another minute Coulter had forced an other corner and the Irishman scored his third. Coulter proved a dangerous raider throughout, and was more effective in the centre than on the wing Dickinson also worked hard. King, goal; Jackson, and Thomson, backs; Bentham, Jones, and Watson, half-backs; Leyfield, Hurel, Dickinson, Coulter, and Trentham, forwards.
Everton “A” 1 Earlestown Bohemians 1
Liverpool County Combination.
At Sandforth-road. Abandon at half-time Webster (Everton), after 15 minutes, and O’ Dempsey, one minute from the interval scored.
SCOTTISH “CAP” FOR GILLICK?
March 1, 1937. The Evening Express.
Selectors Watch Him At St. Andrews.
By The Pilot.
Torry Gillick, the Everton wing forward, is under review by the Scottish F.A. international selectors for a place in the team to oppose England at Hampton Park. Two selectors attended St Andrew’s on Saturday when Everton were beaten 2-0 by Birmingham in an attractive match decided by the extra forcefulness of the Midlanders. Gillick did not reveal his best form, but his ball-control, movement to position and general tactics must have impressed this talent spotters. Three factors contributed to Everton’s downfall. They were the excellence of the home attack; the exploitation of the offside trap, and weakness in shooting. Birmingham are on the upgrade. The attack was really good, with Morris and White excellent wingers. They deserved their win, although Everton were the better team in the first half, but lost their chance owing to the failure of the offside trap when Beattie broke through. Only a wonder save by Hibbs off Dean had prevented Everton going ahead before Beattie scored when Everton appealed, and so the Blues were fighting an unhill battle for 80 minutes. Everton’s football craft was perfect, but they lacked power in attack. Lawton was the one real danger to Birmingham and hi brilliant individual bursts in the second half were thrilling. There is a future for this boy. Geldard was again in brilliant form, while Gee stood up to the fast-moving home attack in glorious fashion. He was outstanding. Britton’s delicacy of touch and Mercer’s rousing tackles were other features, while Jones was a relentless defender. Cook placed the ball well. Sagar has never given a better exhibition in goal, and that goes for Harry Hibbs also “Yes”, a good sporting game with no grumbles about the result. But ... that offside trap.
• League Match at Goodison Park, Wednesday Next March 3rd Everton v. Leeds United. Kicked 3.15 Admission 1/- Boys 4d Stands extra, including tax. Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
EVERTON CAN HELP LIVERPOOL’S CAUSE BY BEATING LEEDS UNITED
March 2, 1937. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Leeds United are not unlike Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester United and some other clubs who appear to be always in the threes of relegation bother. There must be a reason for the continual drain upon their nerves, and the simple answer will be that the team has not been good enough. Otherwise it would not have the constant struggle over years of service. Leeds have been an unfortunate team in many respects, most notably in their visits to the Liverpool area in Cup and League effort. They return tomorrow to meet at Goodison Park, and Everton by beating them would do themselves and their neighbours a really good turn. The team will be chosen tonight, and I picture it making certain with a view to the building-up of the side for next season, In any case the appearance of Tom Lawton will added to the pleasure of the game, because the public will be able to see this young man, making strong individual raids –not by rush tactics, but by skilled footwork, and these efforts will recall the master mind, Dean, of ten years ago –a thing that seemed impossible of repetition on duplication. Despite the various denials issued it is the fact that Burnley have taken a fancy to Willie Edwards the famous player, who is still the greatest man on the Leeds side, for a managerial post. Willie Edwards, tugging at his pipe and in mufti, is the man who looked unlike a footballer. He had neither the appearance, physique, nor the atmosphere of a pro. I think it is the pipe and the trilby hat, and the solemn mien that makes Edwards look ready for the Church rather than for the football field. He graces the field whatever he does at church by means of beautiful half back work, and occasionally a shot as guide to the forward line. Leeds without the older McDougall seem to be always struggling, but the boy Yonder, is now appearing at centre half and staying at attention to stop centre forwards.
LEEDS CHALLENGE EVERTON RECORD TOMORROW.
March 2, 1937. The Evening Express.
Blues’ Supremacy at Goodison
Lawton’s First Big Home Match.
By The Pilot.
Everton are making a bid to establish a record this season, and tomorrow they have a chance of moving a step nearer that achievement. The longest period in any season that Everton is to April. So far this season the Blues have not lowered their colours at Goodison Park and they have four home games to play before April dawns. Can Everton create the record? I think so. Tomorrow they receive the challenge of the poorest away side in the First Division –Leeds United. Leeds have won only one away game in 15 attempts this season and I do not think they will be able to improve that return at Goodison tomorrow. Leeds, however, have often put up some excellent exhibitions at Goodison Park. They have not lost on either of their two visits. Last season they played shared eight goals. Everton do not select their team until this evening’s meeting of the directorate, but I do not anticipate any change, despite the suggestion that Geldard and Gillick should change places on the wings. Geldard is not an outside-left, and Gillick has played most of his football in the position. So, why change? The Everton supporters will have their first opportunity of seeing Tom Lawton play at home in the senior side. So far all his appearance with the first eleven have been away from home –at Wolverhampton, Tottenham and Birmingham. Lawton has done exceptionally well, and if he can keep his “Balance” may settle down to a regular place in the side. There is one thing that might upset Everton tomorrow and that is something about which I have written persistently for the last few weeks. It is that fatal inclination to use the offside trap as a defensive measures. Again I am asking Everton to forget all about the offside trap and play to the whistle. This game should prove a welcome attraction for the mid-week enthusiasts and I expect Everton to win and move up the League chart.
• League Match at Goodison Park. Tomorrow (Wednesday) Everton v. Leeds United, Kick-off 3.15 Admission 1/- Boys 4d Stands extra, including tax. Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
EVERTON’S MATCH TODAY
March 3, 1937. The Liverpool Post and March.
Hodgson To Play For Leeds
By John Peel.
Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park today offer the prospect of a keen and interesting struggle in which notable features are his first appearance in a home League match of the youthful Lawton and the introduction to the Leeds side of Gordon Hodgson, the former Liverpool forward, who was transferred from Aston Villa to the Yorkshire club yesterday. Hodgson will fill the centre forward berth. A native of South Africa, Hodgson came under Liverpool’s notice when he toured England with the South African amateur in 1924-1925. He turned professional, and during ten years with the Anfield club he scored 207 goals and gain caps for England against Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, in 1931. Hodgson moved to Aston Villa last season t a transfer fee said to be £3,000 but this season had not figured regularly in the first team. He is equally at home in any of the inside forward positions.
Everton Changes.
The Everton side shows changes (one positional) at full back. Jones is suffering from an injured ankle and Jackson comes in at right back, Cook crossing over to the left. It is an excellent opportunity for mid-week holiday people to see a first class game, and given fine weather there is likely to be a big crowd. The kick-off is at 3.15.
Leeds Poor away Record.
The Yorkshire club is in a desperate position, and Everton must be at their best to hold their. Leeds have played 15 away engagements and they have gained only two points -1 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. Some great tussles have been seen between Everton and Leeds at Goodison Park, one of the most notable being in 1926-27, when both sides were fighting to escape relegation. Everton won that tussle by 2-1 after being a goals in arrears at the interval, and thus saved themselves. Since then the United have paid six visits to the Park in quest of League points, and have obtained seven points, the result of these meetings (Everton’s score first) have been;- 0-1, 1-1, 0-1, 2-0, 4-4, and 0-0. The teams for today are: - Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Leeds United; McInroy; Sproston, Gadsby; Edwards, Holley, Mills, Powell, Ainsley, Hodgson, Furness, Buckley.
DEAN’S FINE GOAL AGAINST LEEDS
March 3, 1937. The Evening Express.
Lawton Scores In First Big Home Match
By The Pilot.
Everton took the lead in 15 minutes in their re-arranged league match with Leeds United at Goodison Park, today, Dean scoring with a great drive. Lawton increased the lead in the 30th minute. Gordon Hodgson, the former Liverpool forward, made his 16th appearance against Everton when he appeared at centre forward for Leeds. Leeds included Gasby at left back, this being his football league debut after being on the books for two years. Holley, ex-Barnsley played his first game at centre-half. Team: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson, and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Leeds United: - McInroy, goal; Sproston and Gadsby, backs; Edwards (captain), Holley, Mills, Powell, Ainsley, Hodgson, Furness, and Buckley, forwards. Referee Mr. B. Amos (Redditch). The respective captains were Dean and Edwards. It is interesting to recall that these players made their football league debut on the same day in 1925. The game was played on a veritable mud patch, in fact, when Stevenson tried his initial pass, when Stevenson tried initial pass, the ball struck in the mud. This happened with Everton’s first three initial efforts. Then Hodgson pushed the ball across for the benefit of Ainsley, but found Cook ready to accept after a tackle. Geldard, who had been brought down the first time he touched the ball, went through again, and was once more brought down. Britton’s free kick fell short, and Holley header clear. Mills had a hurricane shot charged down before Dean shouldered Gadsby off the ball and set up a fierce attack from which Dean should have scored. The ball came back to him off Gillick but Dean delayed his shot and gave McInroy covering space. Lawton came into the picture when he ploughed through the mud and levelled a right foot which found McInroy in position. Ainsley made an accidental foul on Mercer, and immediately the decision was given, ran up to shake Mercer by the hand. The gesture of a sportsman. Good football was absolutely out of the question on a day like this, for combination was offset by the mud. It was a case of dragging the ball through rather than dribbling it, and well-intentioned passes repeatedly went astray.
Everton Lead.
Everton, however, took the lead in 15 minutes with a prime effort, Dean being the scorer. Lawton received the ball back from Dean, moved a couple of yards, and then slipped the ball through for the centre forward. It looked as if Dean would be outpaced by the burly Sproston, but just as Sproston tackled, Dean, who was just outside the penalty area, let go one of his famous right-foot shots and the ball landed in the corner of the net. It was a great goal, the third which Dean has scored in similar circumstances on this ground in recent weeks. Next a thrilling run by Geldard, then a half volley shot by Hodgson, which was reminiscent of his Liverpool days, but which passed beyond goal. Jackson robbed Hodgson in the nick of time, and then Powell raced through of his own, only to be robbed by Sagar in the goalmouth. Sagar was sent over the line with the ball, and from the corner Furness headed in, but Mercer cleared for yet another corner. Dean came into the picture to push the ball through to Stevenson, and Sproston had to make a hurried clearance t the expense of a corner, to prevent Stevenson from getting to work,. It was from this corner, however, that Everton increased their lead. Lawton scoring his first Football league goal at Goodison Park. Dean ran backwards to secure Gillick’s kick, and he nodded in front of Lawton, who took his time before pushing the ball forward a yard, and then placing into the far corner of the net. This goal came after 30 minutes. Everton’s right wing triangle operated with smoothness and accuracy. Cook handled with his kicks and Hodgson slipped through with a shot which flashed by the post and gave the Liverpool supporters present, a real Anfield thrill. Geldard took over Stevenson’s wing pass and out, through to flash a shot inches over the bar.
Half-Time Everton 2, Leeds United 0.
Lawton’s Wonder Drive.
A wonder shot from Lawton from 35 yards with his left foot was the fore-runner of further Everton pressure on resuming. McInroy pulled the shot down in confident fashion. Sagar ran out to pick up from Buckley before Geldard surprised the Leeds defence, raced far ahead, turned the ball back, so that Gillick was left with plenty of time and only McInroy to beat. Gillick placed his shot wide of the post, an unexpected miss. Geldard was twice fouled, but despite the signals of the linesman the referee refused to intervene. Then after good work by Britton and Geldard, Dean had a chance, but withheld his shot in sporting style when he saw that there was a danger of kicking McInroy in the head. This action was loudly applauded even though it meant Everton missing a goal. Sproston, who had a damaged leg, had a spell at outside right, and then asked permission to leave the field. The United were thus left with ten men. Geldard almost took a goal but the ball glanced off McInroy’s foot. Gillick did the Dean touch when he ran through and refused to take the shot when McInroy came out to dive at the ball. Geldard scored after 55 minutes.
EVERTON HELP LIVERPOOL
March 3, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Leading Leeds At Goodison.
Dean and Lawton
“Crack Shots” Get Home In The Mud.
By Bee.
Leeds United had one of their many relegation battles today at Goodison Park. They brought Gordon Hodgson, their new centre forward, to their ranks at this convenient time, and Anfielders and Goodison enthusiasts gave him warm welcome in the old city. Liverpool F.C. followers were glad to see their hero back, but were not quite so enthusiast about his game today, as Everton by beating Leeds, would relieve Liverpool’s relegation tension. Day fine, ground soft, and conditions much better than at the blizzard week-end. Team: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Leeds United: - McInroy, goal; Sproston and Gadsby, backs; Edwards (captain), Holley, Mills, Powell, Ainsley, Hodgson, Furness, and Buckley, forwards. Referee Mr. B. Amos (Redditch).
Everton brought in Jackson once more at back. Cook crossing over. It was Lawton’s first League game at Goodison Park, and that in itself was a feature for the fan. The Liverpool manager, Mr. George Kay, was in Scotland today, and Liverpool had other notions concerning new signings. As is customary with all mid-week matches there was a large gathering of scouts, managers, directors of other clubs &c. When Dean and Willie Edwards came to toss up they found the conditions too severe to allow the task to move off, trying to find a better bit of turf. They were baulked in their desires and eventually Dean tossed the coin up on the back of his hand. Everton kicked towards the town end and conditions in the middle were best described an apology. Twice Geldard was legged down, and the second time the stupidity of a linesman insisting upon the free kick being taken aggravated the offence, because Geldard had already shown himself keeping his balance and delivering a centre. Hodgson was very attractive in this early play and when he forced a corner he was inches off a goal with one of his famous headers.
Lawton Swings.
After this Dean appeared to show his natural resentment and his charged Holley into the wealth of mud and Dean himself was very near making a goal by his own unaided efforts. Furness was far too close in his dribbling, and much more practice work was given by Lawton, who went away swinging in at great pace and with rare heart to wind up with a first class shot which McInroy took with both hands and with the body shield. The Leeds defence was now having a difficult task because the extraordinarily six inches deep mud suited the Everton forwards, and Gee also revealed in it doing some close dribbling as well as some sound attacking. Geldard two corners the first of which was merely fluked away with success with the Leeds defence in a state of coma. Many of the spectators though the ball had entered the net whereas it had passed inches beyond the right-hand post for another corner. Geldard’s body swerve was the starting point of many Everton attacks, but the aforementioned linesman gave a ball out decision when the majority of people said the ball was not over the line, according to law. McInroy was also of the opinion.
A Dean Drive.
The ball was put up the middle to where Dean, 25 yards out drove in one of the shots that make his name memorable. The ball was planted into the right-hand corner of the net, finishing into the rigging and making Everton’s captain the subject of hearty congratulations. Mills was doing well at left half without getting the response from his forward-his work warranted. Gillick quite missed his way with one close-in shot from an off-side position and then hurt his left knee and finally Geldard’s peaceful run which swept Gadsby off his feet, ended with Mercer overdribbling to a point of easy control by the Leeds defender.
Attacks Too Close.
The most consecutive effort Leeds had made came from Powell on the right. Hodgson’s hook shot with the left foot being quite good, although slightly out being quite good, although slightly out of goal reckoning. Cook and Jackson were delivering the ball further lengths than any other player of the field except the goal-getter, although Sproston was doing-hearty work. Leeds were far too close in their attacks even though the game was of quite a good standard in the awful conditions. Ainsley provided the best through pass of the match so fast the Hodgson could not get to it. Powell should have scored from the right wing, even if the ball was running a shade too fast for him on the one dry spot on the field. The corner that came from Sagar’s push away and push-over found Mercer kicking the ball away from the goalline. Gee took another lose in ball, and Hodgson was sent into the mud- it is very rare that one sees him on the floor.
Lawton Increases.
Ten minutes before the interval, Lawton scored for Everton with a fast and premeditated shot to a certain spot. There had been a corner and Lawton usually a very fast shooter seemed to hesitate in order to find a vacant spot. So soon as he had espied the left-hand corner of the goal he let out the shot that has made him famous and scored a neat goal. Lawton scored in ever match in which he has played for Everton until a week ago. Hodgson got one of the best hands of the match when surprising the defence and shooting on the half-turn, again a good-paced ball slightly off the goal standard. Geldard followed suit with another grand shot. No one excelled Dean in endeavour and successful ploughing through the wealth of mud, added to which was his old head and skilful use of the ball. Sagar’s first save of the match came from Furness on the interval.
Half-Time Everton 2, Leeds United 0.
Typical Lawton.
The second half began with Gee edging out any promise that Ainsley held near goal. Gadsby had found the Everton right wing so difficult to tame that he now began to kick into touch was out justification. Lawton produce his best known surprise sped shot and the ball was well on its way to goal before the spectators realised he was about to shoot and McInroy did well to make the catch. This was Lawton in typical mood and mode. Gillick missed a setter with the goalkeeper out of goal and no one by his side. Sproston went outside right owing to injury, and Willie Edwards became full back. Stevenson was baulked of a goal by McInroy. The best run of the match was made by Britton. Dean was decently holding off a shot for fear he hurt the goalkeper’s head. Sporston had but one kick of the ball and them left the field as his left leg was paining. Geldard scored for Everton in 66 mins.
EVERTON 7 LEEDS UNITED 1 (Game 1593-over-all)-(Div 1 1551)
March 3, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
A Sweeping Victory
All Everton Forward Score
Rich Harvest in The Mud
By “Bee.”
Everton have recently been in some stirring events. Their postponed meeting with Leeds United at Goodison Park provided a rich harvest of mud and goals, helped Liverpool’s relegation problem by pushing Leeds still further down the chart, and provided the 17,693 spectators with many opportunities for enjoying the crop of goals on a field covered with mud, except for the outer edges. The game drew a larger crowd than would otherwise have attended by reason of it being the first appearance of Hodgson, ex-Liverpool and the Leeds side, he having been transferred from Aston Villa the day before. When Hodgson headed a goal the crowd gave him very special applause and the Anfield enthusiasts present shouted. “Good old Gordon” as he left the field. His part had been one of great struggle and effort with little availing because the middle of the ground was ankle deep in mud and Hodgson had little support in the first half especially from the left wing, kick was easily held up. Afterwards Sproston, the very good young back pulled a muscle and was not with his side for practically the whole of the second half. Therefore, Leeds United were badly placed and after Edwards had tried his hand at full back. Mills became defender. None, however, could keep the Everton forward line in subjection and the local crowd had the pleasure of seeing seven goals scored by their men with no suggestion of debate about any point. Dean took the first goal with a grand far out shot. Lawton next with a placed shot after a corner. Geldard made the third in 67 minutes. Stevenson made it 4-0. Dean having hit the crossbar with a header, the rebound coming to Stevenson’s foot. Hodgson then brought it to 5-1, after which Everton took up their task afresh and with seemingly renewed vigour and determination, and Dean headed the sixth goal. Stevenson making it the final score of 7-1. In such appalling conditions –day fine. Turf ankle deep –it would be unfair to decry any player of either side. Leeds of course broke down in defence and at centre half back Holley was no match for Dean, but the whole Everton side played with crispness, not expected in view of the slimy turf. Everton propelled the ball more successfully and the lofted pass was not copied by Leeds who thus got long and short passes held up in the mud patches.
Lawton’s masterly Shot.
Lawton’s work in his first home league game for the senior side revealed his masterly shot albeit this time he took steady aim at his goal, showing that he is not a blind hit or miss type of forward. His skill in the mud together with the sweeping raids made by Geldard who has found precious provision from Britton, makes the Everton attack appear in a new vein –full of dashing movement, some art, and practical finishing power. Lawton cannot be kept out of the frontal line. Stevenson was also in his element and if the forwards had not missed two sitters and had not been met by the resolute veteran, McInroy, the score would have reached double figures. The Everton half-back line has much to do with Everton’s rise in the goals department. Gee, Mercer, and Britton have reached a fine point of provision for their forwards, compared with his somewhat wasteful mood that caught them in years gone by. At back, Jackson came in for Jones (damaged) and played with heartiness and dour effect, while Cook had a good day on the left flank.
Misfortunes Of Leeds
Sagar had but one handle of the ball in the second half –surely an uncommon feature for any first division goalkeeper. Leeds were broke down by their misfortune when Sproston went off, and changed lines did not help their cause. Buckley was not in his customary form and Furness has gone back slow and uncertain. It was a shadow of the Leeds side that beat Everton and Liverpool earlier in the season. The absence of McDougall senior is heavy, and Sproston does not look like playing again this season. At home Leeds have as good a record as Everton at their home, but like Everton they lose their snap when paying a visit to other clubs. Considering the conditions, the game was quite good and Everton were much the better side, the score being no exaggeration of the merits of the home side over a team labouring heavily. Team: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Leeds United: - McInroy, goal; Sproston and Gadsby, backs; Edwards (captain), Holley, Mills, Powell, Ainsley, Hodgson, Furness, and Buckley, forwards. Referee Mr. B. Amos (Redditch).
EVERTON’S BIG WIN
March 4, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton have another home game on Saturday when the team which defeated Leeds United 7-1 at Goodison Park yesterday in the mud will take the field. Leeds United were not nearly strong enough to hold Dean and his colleagues, and the Yorkshire team must improve if they are to make headway from the lower steps of the ladder. The Everton players showed remarkable skill at times on a surface which did not permit the ball to travel at any great pace, and they maintained their fine record at Goodison Park. It was particularly pleasing to note the fine work of Lawton, and it would seem that Everton’s big outlay on this youthful exponent is likely to be justified, for Lawton has a fine knowledge of the game and a very good shot.
Baxter Misses His First Game.
Middlesbrough the visitors to Everton on Saturday, will be with Baxter their captain and centre half, who misses his first game of the season. He received a knee injury against Huddersfield Town on Saturday. Forrest moves from inside left to the pivotal position. Changes are made in the forward line, Birkett, who has recovered from a pulled muscle, resumes on the right wing and Chadwick goes over to the left, where Higham, the former Everton player, will be his partner. Team; Cumming; Laking, Stuart; Brown, Forrest, Martin; Birkett, Fenton, Camsell, Higham, Chadwick.
CAN EVERTON BREAK THIS SEASON’S RECORD GOAL CROP?
March 4, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Only One Team Better at The Moment
Hodgson Warm Welcome To His “Native” city
Bee’s Notes.
Gordon Hodgson was very pleased with his reception at Goodison Park before, during, and after the game. He asks me to thank all the old pals, who gave him a warm welcome. His goal was heralded in a manner recalling Sandy Young’s goal for Tottenham Hotspur at Everton when sandy had arrived “in town.” Everton won in a mud-trot by 7-1, and their score does not exaggerate the difference between the teams. Everton have now reached a reason grip on the highest goals for complement for the season. They have to overcome Derby county whose goals against are well nigh as high as their goals for, and therefore no comparison with Charlton’s charmed goals-against figure. Certainly Hodgson helped to make the gate for Everton, but the result helped to put Liverpool’s position more secure. The goal crops coming to Everton before the end of the season –that is a prophecy of mine –will make Everton attendances a surprisingly good figure. Yesterday there were nearly 18,000 spectators present, not counting Warney Cresswell, Chester’s football leader Mr (and Mrs) Marsley and others. Middlesbrough are at Everton on Saturday, and the seven goals have whetted the fans thirsty appetite for a further crop. Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool and others had their representatives looking out for possibilities. Leeds took their gruel like men. They had Sproston off the field for fourth-fifths of the game and this led Everton into their dancing act with the maestro, Stevenson, wheeling around in captivating manner. Goals came to every member of the line, and Lawton t his first home Senior League appearance showed how well he can take a ball, place it or drive in before anyone has realised he is about to shoot. He has made a definite mark in the game at his tender age of 17, and his coming has increased Everton’s attacking vein. It has vitality and loses nothing in to arty methods of pass and re-pass, Jackson at full back added the fire of his earnest football soul, and Sagar spent one half touching the ball, but twice, once to pick it out of the net when Hodgson headed through and applause, and once when there was a save to make. He would welcome the respite. The crowd that had hoped Geldard three weeks ago now saw the strength of the winger and the linking up of Britton with him. It was good to see that revival, and it was good to see Mr. Jack Sharp the director back in his customary place in the directors box. The game would cheer him, although he has no false notions about eleven man meeting ten. Content with what football was served up, one had to admire the method employed by Everton’s half-back line –a great trinity –and say that in spite of the conditions the football service was of a high order. They overcame the depth charges of mud. There is no change in the Everton side for Saturday next. Middlesbrough the visitors to Everton on Saturday, will be without Baxter their captain and centre half, who misses his first game of the season. He received a knee injury against Huddersfield Town on Saturday. Forrest moves from inside left to the pivotal position. Changes are made in the forward line, Birkett who has recovered from a pulled muscle on the right wing and Chadwick goes over to the left where Higham, the former Everton player, will be his partner. Team; Cumming; Laking, Stuart; Brown, Forrest, Martin; Birkett, Fenton, Camsell, Higham, Chadwick.
EVERTON’S GOAL REVEL IN THE MUD.
March 4, 1937. The Evening Express.
Lawton Has Come To Stay.
By The Pilot.
Everton, the mud-revellers. This is an apt description following the brilliant 7-1 win of the Blues over Leeds United at Goodison Park yesterday, when every forward scored and Dean and Stevenson took two each. The performance of Everton was all the more remarkable because of the state of the “going.” The mud was ankle deep in every spot except on the wings, but the skill and precision of Everton’s work was astonishing. They could do what Leeds were unable to do judge the pace of the ball in the mud. After a rather scrambling opening they gradually got on top, and remained there. Everton gave a fine all-round display and such was their dominance of the situation that Sagar touched the ball twice only in the second half. During that period the United had only ten men, Spronston having gone off with a damaged leg. Two of the most grating features of Everton’s play were the success of Lawton at inside-right and the harmony which excited between Stevenson and Gillick on the left flank. Lawton proved himself a great player with pace and craft and a deadly shot in either foot. He found Geldard a willing foil. The brilliance of Geldard proved, up to the hilt, that this winger is back to international form. Gillick missed chances, but in the second half he and Stevenson played delightful football. They interchanged positions accurately and always had a move up their sleeves to outwit harassed Leeds defence. Dean led the line flawlessly and the shot for the opening goal will long be remembered. The half-backs were splendid, with Gee outstanding, and the defence was as solid as a rock. Gordon Hodgson scored a great goal for Leeds, but generally was poorly supported by colleagues who lacked confidence and art. Everton make no change for the game against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park On Saturday. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean. Stevenson, Gillick.
• League Match at Goodison Park Saturday Next March 6, Everton v Middlesbrough Kick-off 3.15 Admission 1/- 4d stands extra, including tax. Booked seats, Sharp’s, whitechapel.
EVERTON’S GRAND GAME AT GOODISON
March 5, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Mud-Flats Will Have Gone By tomorrow.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton’s home victories continue to flow in the records with splendid frequency. The mud of Wednesday has passed away to a great extent, and by tomorrow, when Middlesbrough are the attraction, the turf should be more normal for football endeavour. In fact it will be reasonable, whereas the conditions in the game v. Leeds were almost unreasonable. Middlsbrough will be a great draw because they have not had to good a side since the days when Tim Williamson, kept goal for them and George Elliott was the star performer at centre forward. Tomorrow, Camsell is back, and ages –George is the elder by quite a long stretch. Middlesbrough gave Everton pause when we travelled to their ground and although Baxter makes his first miss the cogs of the Borough wheel will be well piled and will surprise the Goodison natives as they surprised the Anfield crowd a fortnight or so ago when Borough won unexpectedly and stepped up towards the top of the League chart. Everton have chosen the team that beat Leeds and in view of the goal glut that day we can be assumed the local fan will return to Goodison in the hope of seeing “something similar” When Everton were getting their eights and nines they played with an ease and claim and grace that led the spectators to intense football enjoyment. I think there is promise of much more attractive fare starting tomorrow because Stevenson in good health is always a good man to look at and Lawton’s appearance in the line has brought to that line a finishing streak lacking for some time. In addition there is Geldard’s glorious resilience along the touchline and in centring and the half-back solidity and safety defenders in whose ranks one cannot escape the endeavour of Jackson. So one expects a big following to the following sides;- Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard,. Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
EVERTON BID FOR RECORD THAT WILL MAKE CLUB HISTORY
March 5, 1937. Evening Express.
Season Without A Home Defeat.
Boro’s Challenge Tomorrow.
By The Pilot.
Everton have a great chance of setting up yet another record this season. Never in the history of the club have they gone through an entire season and retained an unbeaten certificate at home. Can they do it this season? They have five matches to play at Goodison Park before the curtain is rung down. If the conditions remain the same as they are at present, it should be well within their compass. The outstanding games are against Middlesbrough, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Charlton Athletic. It is not an easy programme, but Everton’s home form is as good as anything served up by any First Division side this season. Tomorrow the Blues tackle Middlesbrough, who are having one of their best-ever seasons. The ‘Borough are regarded as sound outsiders for the championship, but if Everton adapt themselves to the conditions the same as they did against Leeds on Wednesday I do not think there will be much doubt about the result. Middlesbrough are sixth in the League chart and only have points behind Charlton, the leaders. Like Everton, they have not lost at home, but they have suffered ten defeats in away games.
Scientific Soccer.
They are, essentially, a scientific football side. Like Everton the ‘Borough management scorn anything that is against copybook football, and so the game, despite the heavy going should prove a classic. An interesting personality in the ‘Borough side is Norman Higham, the young Lancashire boy whom Everton transferred to Middlesbrough a couple of seasons ago. Higham is playing excellent football at inside-left and has won for himself a permanent place in the Teesiders’ eleven. He will be sure of a warm welcome. The ‘Borough have one of the fastest defences in the Country and there is constructive art about their half-backs. It is interesting to recall that it was against Stuart, the left back, that Geldard made his debut for Everton. The match was at Ayresome Park. Judgement of the pace of the ball will be a deciding factor. The ball will play tricks in that Goodison mud, and though the Everton players may be feeling the effects of the hard going on Wednesday, I think they will “know it” better than the visitors. Everton have dropped only four out of 32 points played for at Goodison Park. They will probably improve that record through the agency of the eleven which accounted for Leeds in such easy fashion. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Middlesbrough: - Cummings; Laking, Stuart; Brown, Forrest, Martin; Birkett, Fenton, Camsell, Higham, Chadwick.
• League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow, (Saturday), Everton v Middlesbrough Kick-off 3.15 Admission 1/- 4d stands extra, including tax. Booked seats, Sharp’s, Whitechapel.
EVERTON AT HOME AGAIN
March 6, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton can wind up the season in a very favourable position if they make the most of their chances. At home the Goodison Park team is indeed a formidable proposition for the best, and they have another chance of increasing their home score of points score of pints when Middlesbrough are the visitors. The Ayresome Park side is a strong one, occupying a place in the first half-dozen, and Everton must be at their best to maintain their unbeaten home record, Everton are provided with an opportunity of taking revenge for the 2-0 defeat they suffered earlier in the season. Middlesbrough have secured 36 points from 31 games and of these points 9 have been gained from away matches by means of victories over Bolton Wanderers (3-1), Derby County (2-0), Wolverhampton Wanderers (1-0), Liverpool (2-0), and a draw with Charlton Athletic (2-2). Middlesbrough have not won at Goodison Park since the war, and have gained only 3 points there. The results of post-war games (Everton’s score first) are: 5-2, 2-1, 4-1, 5-3, 1-0, 3-1, 3-2, 5-1, 0-0, 1-1, 1-1, and 5-2. The kick-off is at 3.15 and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Middlesbrough: - Cummings; Laking, Stuart; Brown, Forrest, Martin; Birkett, Fenton, Camsell, Higham, Chadwick.
FIRST HOME DEFEAT
March 6, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Surprised By Middlesbrough.
Geldard’s Historic Goal.
By Bee.
Everton lost their home record, Middlesbrough winning their second match in this city within the last few weeks. Middlesbrough lead through poor goalkeeping. Teams: - Everton: - King, goal; Jackson, and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. . Middlesbrough: - Cummings, goal; Laking, and Stuart, backs; Brown, Forrest, and Martin, half-backs ; Birkett, Fenton, Camsell, Higham (captain), and Chadwick, forwards. Referee Mr. Taylor, Rotherham. Everton kicked off towards the Aintree end on a ground so unlike the puddle of Wednesday that those who had been present at both matches could not imagine the intense change. Higham, the formed Everton players; was made captain for the day on the Middlesbrough side. Whatever the result this match had gladdened the hedrie of those who were rather feeling the frosty air of the day, and their enthusiasm was prospecting a crowning point when Gillick made his corner kick so secure that the goalkeeper was rather fortunate to find the ball put outside. Dean having supplied his heady attention at close quarters. Cumming was beaten and the ball was cleared not by good judgement but by good fortune. Everton became a little finicky, and the greed of Midlesbrough side for goals served to shake Everton into the urge for more practical results. Forrest put his arms around Dean with the strength of a brother and the referee rightly allowed play to go on because Dean was still up and doing. Middlesbrough had not rested young King, the North East goalkeeper, who was rushed in for the damaged Sagar in Everton’s goalmouth. Middlesbrough were not without their interest, and Higham, envying Stevenson got high marks for juggling with the ball. The most fascinating of many good moves from the home side started with a long header by full back Jackson, Geldard pick up the ball and pushing it forward for Lawton. The latter appeared to have sent the ball too near the by line for a short to be possible. A shot however, arrived and Cummings, whose fingers where tingling with cold did well to another the ball on the goal-line and take a solid charge from Dean without passing over the line. Middlesbrough brought in some fruity ideas and more than a suggestion of a goal when Camsell was accidentally kicked by Cook with apologies. Later Camsell edged the ball just over the bar so Chadwick’s initiatory work counted for nought in the end. Lawton got another of Geldard’s prime am couraging passes and was about to deliver his shot when Martin produced a sure foot in a perfect tackle and saved something that Cumming and company could never hope to arrest.
Stevenson Hurt.
Stevenson went down hurt, rolling in agony when he was on the goalkeeper’s in trying to convert a Britton-Dean combine. Stevenson was off for a moment, as that the man who winds up Everton’s attacking clock was lost to the game. Gillick found Laking a hard back in every feature, face, figuring and football yet Middlesbrough’s defence should have been pierced –once the Everton left had been posted for a goal by Dean. The shots of Gillick and Stevenson were not convincing and not well-timed. Dean’s first shot was an out-swinger. We now saw half backs trying to get goals. Britton, with a swerve and Martin, with a shot, delayed far too long. Middlesbrough were now having an excellent innings without producing much work for King. Jackson was prominent with a leap and follow-up clearance equal to Gee’s fine head-out of a cross by Birkett. Upon which we came to a first-class sensation in football words –Fenton scoring with a long shot to the right-hand side of the goal, King with arms in the air appearing quite safe for the catch but backing into the net, the ball rolled out of his hands into the net. A surprise and pleasure to Fenton, who scratched his head wondering how a goal had came from such a shot. To make matters worse, Gillick using his left foot, missed a sitter following up with a header quite close after Geldard had done stunning work. Everton were now on the collar. The crowd now 30,000 strong encouraged Gee to go far forward, but he, like others of the side, who now struggling with his passes against an well livened team. Forrest held up Dean, and Lawton now brought out his quick-fire slightly wide.
Half-Time Everton 0, Middlesbrough 1.
Everton commenced the second half relishing that their home record was in danger and that quits an appreciable strength of wind tip-shore, as friends Orford would say was helping the home team forwards their ends. There had been very few opportunities in the game, but the game had been going but half a minute in the second half when Martin was held up for repairs. Everton were not improving their chances by holding up once more for an offside decision against Chadwick they did not agree from the excellent referee. Camsell was offside, however, and his open-goal struck the foot of the post. The crowd’s encouragement means a lot to Everton, and the cries that brought Everton to a draw against Preston were now raised in favour of the home side. Dean responded at best with a rising shot, blocked, and, returning to Stevenson, who shot over. Neither goalkeeper had shots worthy the name in all this prolonged pressure and there was ironical cheering when King made a catch. But it was more important to Everton that Cumming had thus far no shot of sting or direction. Martin went outside right and Middlesbrough by degrees found their task had become extremely difficult. I understand that sagar will be a cartilage case on Monday in one of out local nursing homes, bad luck for the famous Ted. Stevenson was the little hero, and after his goal at the hour, Dean, who could not have been satisfied with his game, made a through pass for Stevenson to attempt the lead, Cumming defying him once more with a grand save, and eventually Gillick spooned the ball, over the bar from close in. The greatest cheer of the day came to Martin, who had been damaged, but produced the biggest thrill of the game, full of football interest and finishing with a shot near the post. More encouraging to the local folk was Stevenson’s dribble which appeared to have gone too far back in his defence quarters. But he passed to Mercer received the return pass, and struck a beautiful drive to which Cumming made a full-length save only to find a moment later Stevenson pulling the game, out of the fire for his able with a magnificent old-time dribble and conclusive shot, which this time went to the spot where Cumming had made the save but now beyond the power of a Cumming to edge away. A free kick for an offence on Stevenson found Gee lobbing the ball towards goal, where Dean headed it against the upright, so that the harassed North Eastern side had saved their face a third time in one massive attacks.
Geldard’s Great Goal.
Everton took the lead through Geldard. That is a simple way of stating the fact, but it does not give the correct impression of the glory of the goal, which was of supremely stirring characters, causing the crowd to cheer the scorer long after he had made his mark. The long suspense of the run he took attended by two defenders made the goal the more lasting in the memory. It was a prolonged run over 40 yards and the whole crowd must have pictured Geldard having smothered out the longer he proceeded with his dashing run, but the ball was never out of Geldard’s reach and as the convenlent moment he flogged the ball into the net to take the lead in historic manner –for this was a goal to be talked about for many years. Geldard went close a second time and reaction set in when Chadwick vey cleverly turned inside left for Higham to bring the ball towards centre, where the faithful old warrior Camsell had little chance so far as space with concerned yet struck the ball in the right hand corner –another good goal, and the score now 2-2. When there had been no shooting we now came to some first-class, thrilling shooting, and goalkeeping, and great was Everton’s escape when Fenton failed to take a surprise chance. An empty goal as a consquentance of a free kick taken by Brown. Gee and the goalkeeper being “Serious” each other with the result that Camsell was presented with a silver-plate presentation through uncertain defence. In the last minutes, Everton claimed that Stuart had handled on the goalline from a corner kick. There was long arguments; thus the game ended on a dramatic note, the referee’s view being that the ball struck Stuart on the side. Final Everton 2, Middlesbrough 3.
STUB MARKS.
March 6, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Everton’s right wing triangle made things hum against poor Leeds.
• Everton by the way, are the only Lancashire club to overcome Brentford this season.
• Bob Jones, the present Bolton keeper, played three times in the same side as Sam Chedgzoy and Neil McBain when with Everton.
• Bob Howarth and Sam Thomson two members of Preston North End’s “Invincible” of the eighties still live in Preston. Howarth, who had a spell with Everton, was most gentlemanly among backs of his days. Fair-headed Sam Thomson was a centre forward of the bustling type.
EVERTON PAST AND PRESENT.
March 6, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Hambledonian Returns To The Attack Concerning The Greatest Cup Final.
“Hambledonian” the veterans, writes congratulate Mr. James Handley, on his delights and fair comments of my article on famous Everton teams. I like to thank him for confronting the slip I made in stating that Arridge was one of the backs against Aston Villa in the final of 1897, when it should have been Meechan, and I really should not have erred, for I have two good pictures of the sides in that great game. Comparisons of clever teams in the past against those of the present are always a most interesting topic, even if they lead us nowhere. Reverting to the three most defenders of the 1897 final side, Menhan. Meehan and Storrier against Sagar, Cook, and Cresswell of 1933, I suppose it is a matter of argument as to which was the better. Storrier, however, had a rather peculiar experience, for he came as a half back and after arriving it was seen that he was rather unfitted for that position, his methods being crude and minus the Everton polish. He was tried as a centre forward, and the darting experiment was made in an English Cup-tie with Sheffield Wednesday which Everton lost, and as some of the blame was laid against him that constituted his one and only appearance in the attack. Later on he found that his true position was at full back and he gradually improved so much that he played for Scotland against England in 1899 as a member of the Celtic club, having left Merseyside shortly before.
Best of All Time.
I agree with Mr. Handley that Dixie Dean is a better centre than Abe Hartley was in fact, it is just a moot point whether the present leader is not the best ever in that position, through Fred Geary, Bert Freeman and Jack Southworth would certainly have to be concerned. Dixie is a better header than either Geary or Southworth was but I think that the two old-times Geary and Southworth were just a little superior in leading the attack. It is greatly to Dixie’s credit that he has overcome his disability, for he was told after his motor accident just over ten years ago, that he would never play football again! I am inclined to think that Chadwick and Milward were the best left wing the club has ever possessed –some say they were superior to any club pair of any time, but that is a big thing to say. Aston Villa had Hodgetts and Smith, Sheffield Wednesday’s Brady and Spikesley, Bolton Wanderers. White and McEwan. These would have to be considered amongst others.
A Dozen Internationals
Whether the Everton side of 1894-95 which finished second to Sunderland which included twelve internationals is so good as that of the present day, no one can say, but they had Hillman, a one can say, but they had Hillman, a man-mountain in goal; Kelso a cool judgmatic and resourceful right back. Parry, his colleague, on the left, was entirely different in tactics and either took the man or the ball. Boyle, Holt and Stewart have already been registered, and bell, Taylor, Hartley, Chadwick, and Milward were unsurpassed as a line though Athersmith, Chatt Devey, Hodgetts and Smith of the Villa, were probably as good. I do not think the side which won the Cup in 1906 was so good as that of 1933, but on the other hand, I know people who do. The attack of Geldard, Dunn, Dean, Johnson and Stein, I fancy, was better than Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Hardman; the half back lines of Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott, and Britton, White, and Thomson were about equal and much the same criticism applies to the backs and goalkeepers, Billy Scott, Billy Balmer and Crelly, against Sagar, Cook and Cresswell. All were splendid sides of different times, and I leave it t that but one thing would please many people greatly. If by some wonderful means the players of forty-odd years ago could be made young again, I would walk to the Everton ground via Widnes to see them pitted against the present team.
EVERTON 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 3 (Game 1594 over-all)-(Div 1 1552)
March 8, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Waste Chances.
First Defeat At Goodison Park.
Last Minute Claim Refused.
By “Stork.”
When Everton’s claim in the last minute of their game with Middlesbrough that they had scored a legitimate goal was not allowed by the referee it cost them their unbeaten home record, Middlesbrough winning 3-2 and the North-eastern side completed the double against Liverpool and Everton. Regarding Everton’s claim, I consider that the ball from Mercer’s header from Geldard’s corner kick had travelled over the goal line before it struck Stuart’s body and rebounded back into play. Stuart was standing well behind the line, so the ball to hit him must have gone over the line. That is the only logical conclusion, and to further my statement I have the backing of spectators who were dead in line with the incident. However, the referee said “No” to Everton’s claim and his verdict alone stands; but what a strong case this put forward for the goal judges plan favoured by so many. But the real cause of Everton’s defeat was not that disallowed goal, but poor goalkeeping by King, in the first place and a lack of understanding between gee and his goalkeeper, snatch when Middlesbrough obtained their winning goal. When Fenton shot there was no reason to think that there was any immediate danger, for King was right in line with the shot, but he stepped back over his goalline with arms outstretched. The ball came to his hands, but he failed to grip it securely and it rolled out of his hands, and dropped behind him into the net. Up to that point he had been without a shot of any merit. If, however, Everton had been a little more practical and cut out some of their fancy dribbling and passing they would have taken 3 or 4 goals in the first half, but over elaboration has been their big fault throughout the season.
Missed Chances.
The ground, which had a top dressing did not allow for any run on the ball, yet Everton would persist with short passes many of which went astray because of the drag of the turf. But even allowing for this mistaken policy. Everton had their chances. Gillick, not at home on the left wing, missed two simple chances, Lawton tackled as he was about to make one of his sharp shots, and Stevenson was uncertain with his shooting. So you see Middlesbrough were let off when by every right their defence should have been riddled. But, having got over their testing period the visitors proceeded to contest the issue strongly, and Higham Everton’s former player made captain for the day, did a lot of useful work in an effort to bring about the downfall f his former colleagues. Then came Fenton’s goal, and Middlesbrough saw a possible victory where there should have been none. They went forward with flourish –the straight and narrow path was theirs –and Everton deemed it necessary to bring in the offside trap to their aid to hold up Camsell, who hit the upright. But long before Fenton’s goal, Everton had made so many chances for themselves that goal should have made no difference. Cumming had to be on the watch for shots which never came or found their way into the crowd. They were simple misses and fate has a habit of making the offenders pay dearly for their failure to accept the grit offering. Everton paid dearly for their poor shooting of the first half.
Geldard’s Great Goal.
They did better later, particularly Stevenson, who had an unhappy time in the first “45” when not only were his shots off the line, but his passes would not go right for him. He became a busy little man afterwards and after Cumming had saved one of his pile-drivers he had to admit defeat to one of a similar nature. The Geldard, who is in international form at the moment, ran through the Middlesbrough side single handled to score a picture goal. All seemed in order for a home victory, but Everton had bargained without Camsell, who equalised and then put the cat among the pigeons with a winning goal which should never have been registered. He got his chance through a defensive misunderstanding by Gee and King. My reading of the affair was that the ball belonged to King, but to make sure Gee stepped in and between them failed to make connection so that Camsell was able to nip in with number three. Everton fought back, but until that debate able decision by the referee the ‘Borough defence held out. This was my first view of Lawton. He must have been off his game for he did little that was outstanding, and Dean had a lean time. Gillick is essentially an outside right, so that Stevenson and Geldard were the bright lights of a wasteful front line. The half-backs were good, and Jackson played a strong game against a smart forward line in which Chadwick played a grand game. Fenton is fast and sure, and Camsell is still capable of snapping up chances. Birkett was limping late on, Martin and forrest were good all-rounders, but Stuart and Laking were let off lightly by the Everton forwards. Cumming did well in the Middlesbrough Goal. Teams: - Everton: - King, goal; Jackson, and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. . Middlesbrough: - Cummings, goal; Laking, and Stuart, backs; Brown, Forrest, and Martin, half-backs ; Birkett, Fenton, Camsell, Higham (captain), and Chadwick, forwards. Referee Mr. Taylor, Rotherham.
BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 3
March 8, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 31)
At Ewood Park. The scores for Everton were Leyfield, Coulter and Dickinson, and Vause and Forbes were the Rovers marksmen. Bentham stood out in the Everton half back, while Leyfield, Dickinson and Coulter were fine forwards.
B.I. Social 1 Everton “A” 4
County Combination.
At Prescot. Everton were the more forceful side, and with the Social defenders heavily over-worked Heaps was given a great deal more to do than Seddon. The Social forwards, were lacking in the art of shooting several favourable chance being missed. Everton had capable defenders in Allen and Morris, with Goldstein accomplishing much good work on the wing. Social were best served by Reed, Thomas and Williams, Webster (2), Catt rick, and Tunney scored for Everton and Williams for the Social.
IT CAME TO PASS
March 8, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Reason For Everton’s Home Record Being smashed.
Bee’s Notes.
One of the grandstands referees has just been telling me all about the Everton goal which did not count. He has it half a yard over the line, he has Stuart fisting it out. And so the commentators continue to judge inches and “intention” from a distance far beyond the average man’s eyesight. It has, perhaps, taken me some years, but the lesson of taking the results as they stand has not been lost on me. I have so seldom heard a scream about a goal when it has come to our side, and I feel some of the onlookers must take to themselves a judgement not warranted by fact, and surely not warranted by the eyesight test from a distance of 70 yards –at an angle. Thus I beg the Evertonians and the critic who has found so many goals false and unreal this season to take the judgement of the man who was on the spot. He may have been wrong. So, too, if I dare mention the matter, may the onlooker be wrong in his judgement. One does not forget a recent incident where offside goals were as thick as the leaves of a certain famous F.E.H. study. Yet a player of balanced mind and fair spirit vouchsafed the fact of the goals being good goals. Let us learn a lesson from such a sportsman and a man. Everton’s home record had to go some time, and having gone it is up to us to do the winners credit. Middlesbrough were a good side, and their pluck in withstanding the earnest Everton effort in the last fifteen minutes was a tribute to their strength –as was pointed out by the chairman of the losers, Mr. W. C. Cuff, on Saturday night. Middlesbrough’s visits to the Mersey grounds has brought them two victories, each a surprise, each a blow to the losers, but one cannot forget the beauty of Everton’s early game on a “dead” pitch and the seeming lack of value to the beauty department; Cumming had no shot for so long that Everton were hindering their own cause. It was only when Stevenson took on his own marching orders and flung shits at Cumming Everton got their noses in front, Stevenson was very remarkable in this game, and Geldard’s goal was another picture, which will not fade from the memory. When one had carved the game afresh the indisputable fact stands out all the boldly that Everton lost the game through weak goalkeeping which created two goals, where none had been considered. Goalkeepers are not allowed to make an error; King made one if not two and the crowd’s ironical cheering at a later stage is symptomatic of present day unfairness. King is a more boy, and it was not in good taste for anyone to jeer at his efforts when he had blundered to what, after all can have been a swerving ball, competent in the “swirl” to have beaten many a better goalkeeper. Those who have not trodden Goodison park or have not had the extraordinary “feel” of a windy ball in its movement through the currents of the grand-stand twist and turn, know nothing of the difficulty King blundered; others have blundered before him. That was the start of Everton’s downfall.
Now For The Transfer Drush
Everton are already considering goalkeeping names, and other clubs will step into the transfer breech because the final day of reckoning in these matters is March 16.
Sagar Bad Fortune.
Everyone will sympathise with Sagar, who today went through a cartilage operation. He has been complaining of his knee for many weeks, and a tilt with Hodgson on Wednesday aggravated the trouble till the doctor’s knife was ordered to be brought out. Everton will miss him. They have not missed the Jones so much because Jackson’s digging in with volley and attack. However, Everton’s forward line, which appeared to have reached the best blend is now tainted through the continued difficulty Gillick experience on the left wing. Geldard having made the outside right secure so long as he puts up his astonishing display –such as those against Leeds, Spurs, and Middlesbrough. Lawton tried as was natural and Dean, striving so hard, was strangely short with some of his passes and disturbed in his general outlook on the game. At any rate, Middlesbrough played a clean sporting game, and it is fair to the winners to tell you Birkett broke down early in the game and was a passenger all the second half. Martin’s joyful work at half back, Chadwick’s sparkle at outside left and Higham’s captaincy against his old team was added to by his general steadfastness of the Borough side, whose season has never equalled, and whose rise is a fine tribute to their management (Mr. Gillow) and the board in control.
EVERTON MAY MAKE A SIGNING THIS WEEK
March 8, 1937. The Evening Express.
Finding Successor To Sagar
By The Pilot.
The name of the Everton Football Club has not been linked up a great deal in the last-minute transfer rush, but do not be surprised if the Goodison Park club make a big signing before next Saturday. I know that the directors are alive to the fact that they have two most promising young goalkeepers in King and White, but they also appreciate that they need another goalkeeper of experience. Now that Sagar has developed cartilage trouble, they will have to take action. So do not surprised if the playing personnel of the team is increased in a few day’s time. Middlesbrough won at Goodison Park 3-2 and broke Everton home record. After being in arrear at the interval Everton fought back to such propose that brilliant goals by Stevenson and Geldard placed them in a winning position, but Camsell came along with his two goals to supplement Fenton’s one. Everton did not play up to form and their attacks were kept too close altogether. They pressed for long stretches yet the Borough, with fewer attacking chances, always showed up in a better and more dangerous light. For once the Everton half-backs were below pr and that made a lot of difference. Even the consistent Gee fell away after the interval and while Britton’s construction was fine, he was somewhat laboured in defence. Mercer did not use the ball well, but he was unfortunate not to be counted among the scorers. His header from Geldard’s corner late on did, in my opinion, cross the goal line by two feet before being fisted out by Stuart. The Blues got neither goal nor penalty. Hard luck this. Jackson was the great man in defence –he is going to take some displacing –and Cook’s positional play and volleying was excellent. Stevenson came back to form with a bang once he had found accuracy in his passing in the second half he was the best man on the field. Yes in saying that I have not lost sight of the great work of Geldard, who must have been heartened by the wonder cheer which greeted his fine goal after that 40 yards burst. Lawton contributed many nice runs. One sympathised with King, who made two slips that resulted in goals. Fenton’s shot was carried into goal by King, while he got mixed up with Gee late on, and the ball dropped to Camsell’s feet. The ensuing shot won the day. Everton were not “on song” against one of the best defences I have seen for a long time. The ‘Borough were a fine team fore, and aft with Cumming, Forrest, Martin what a great player. Higham, Camsell and Fenton outstanding.
EVERTON TOUR.
March 9, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
At the end of the season Everton are to under take a tour of Denmark. Three matches have been arranged for May 19, 22, and 23, at Copenhagen. Everton played matches in Scandinavia in 1933.
NEW PENALTY KICK MOVE.
March 9, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Effort To Enforce The Ten yards Limit.
In order that a player taking a penalty kick will not be hampered, the F.A. Council meeting in London yesterday decided that at the F.A. annual meeting they will support a proposal by Dorset F.A that an addition be made to Law 1 of the Laws of the Game. The suggestion is that an arc of a circle be marked outside the penalty area at a radius of 10 yards from the penalty spot. If this proposed new rule be passed by the international board, it will put an end to the referee having to force players to stand 10 yards away from the spot.
Morton for Everton
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 10 March 1937
Harry Morton, the Aston Villa goalkeeper, has been transferred to Everton and will play his first game for them against West Bromwich Albion, at the Hawthorns, on Saturday. Sagar, Everton's international goalkeeper, has cartilage trouble and will not play again this season. Aston Villa suspended Morton on February 19th last, and later the directors announced their decision that Morton would not play for the club again.
EVERTON SIGN MORTON OF THE VILLA
March 10, 1937. The Evening Express.
By The watcher.
Everton F.C. today signed Harry Morton, Aston Villa’s famous goalkeeper. He will make his debut for the Goodison Park club against West Bromwich Albion at West Bromwich, on Saturday. A cartilage operation which will prevent Ted Sagar, their international goalkeeper, from playing again this season, forced the Everton directors to make a search for an experienced player to take his place. As Morton had been placed on the Villa’s open-to-transfer list, inquiries were immediately started in Birmingham. Morton, who is 5ft 10ins, first attracted the attention of League ‘Scout” when he played in goal for Middleton-road Primitive Methodists, in Oldham Sunday School League. He later joined the Army, and was sent to the royal Welch Fusiliers Depot, at Wrexham. He did well “between the sticks,” for the depot team and them as Regimental eleven goalkeeper when the Fusiliers served in the Army of Occupation in Germany. On his return to Tidworth, he was selected to play for the Army against Aston Villa. That was really the key that unlocked the door to further advancement. The Villa won the game by 7-1 but it was due only to Morton’s fine display that the score was not larger. In fact, so impressed were the Villa directors that they persuaded him to play in their Central League side against Everton Reserves. That was in November of 1930. He turned professional for Aston Villa the following year. He made his Football League debut for Aston Villa against Manchester City at Maine-road in November, 1931. In a run of 180 matches played by the first team, he missed only one –a remarkable record. Dean is being rested from the Everton side to meet West Bromwich, and Lawton will lead the attack. Everton team is: - Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Gillick.
MORTON JOINS EVERTON
March 16, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Aston Villa Goal-Keeper.
Dean To Rest
Lawton Leads The Line Against Albion.
Everton today signed Harry Morton, the Aston Villa goalkeeper, and he will play on, Saturday against West Bromwich at the Hawthorns, Dean is to be rested for this match, and Lawton plays centre forward, with Cunliffe inside right. Morton, was only recently put on the Villa transfer list, and has been with them since March 1931. He first played in goal for the school team of his birth place, Oldham, then for the local ironworks, and on to Middleton-road Primitives. He also played as a full back at Rugby Union. For three years he was with the Royal Welch Fusiliers in Germany, and when on leave in this country was invited to play a trial with the Aston Villa colts team. He stopped with the Villa, and has been a professional for the last six years. The Villa state that they will pay Morton his full benefit of £650. Sagar’s cartilage trouble will prevent his playing again this season. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, and Gillick. The Reserves side v Blackpool Res at Goodison Park is; White; Lambert, Thomson; Bentham, Edwards, Watson, Leyfield, Hurel, Dickinson, Coulter and Trentham.
EVERTON SIGN MORTON
March 11, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton have secured the transfer from Aston Villa of H. Morton, the goalkeeper. Morton will play his first game for his new club against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorn’s on Saturday. He will take the place of Sagar, Everton’s England international goalkeeper who is suffering from cartilage trouble and will not play again this season. Morton first attracted attention when serving in the Royal Welch Fusiliers and he assisted the Villa as an amateur before, in March, 1931, he signed professional forms for them. The Villa state that they will pay Morton his full benefit of £650. Dean is to rested; Lawton will lead the attack, with Cunliffe at inside right. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, and Gillick. The Reserves side v Blackpool Res at Goodison Park is; White; Lambert, Thomson; Bentham, Edwards, Watson, Leyfield, Hurel, Dickinson, Coulter and Trentham.
EVERTON MAY SNATCH A POINT.
March 12, 1937. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton visit West Bromwich Albion –F.A. Cup semi-finalists –tomorrow and will have a former Midland player on duty for the first time. This is Morton, the new goalkeeper who was signed from Aston Villa last Wednesday, so keen was Morton to get acquainted with his new colleagues that he travelled back to Liverpool on Wednesday with Mr. Theo Kelly, the secretary and began training at Goodison Park the next morning. Albion are not in a safe position and Everton’s task is no light one, but on ordinary reckoning they should be able to snatch a point. Lawton will lead the Everton attack in place of Dean, who is being rested and Cunliffe returns to inside right for the first time since the cup replay at Tottenham. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Gillick.
• Central League Match On Saturday Everton Reserves v. Blackpool Reserves Kick-off 3-15 Admission 5d, Boys 2d Stands extra, including Tax.
EVERTON SEE “THE CUP PICTURES.”
March 12, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes
Strange that Morton, the ex-Villa goalkeeper, should go to Birmingham for his early debut with his new club, Everton. I can imagine that this one-time soldier-goalkeeper will went to show West Bromwich Albion that their neighbours were wrong in their decision to allow him to leave. Visits to West Brom are always interesting, not only because of the people with high honours and records in the game, but by reason of the pictorial effects West Brom never tire of showing us, and we on our part never tire of seeing. There is the unique collections of cup final teams. How odd they should put out Arsenal, and thus save themselves the task of getting the London club to send to the Hawthorns their final team –they charged more than any other side, has ever charged for the honour of being included in the groups of the mighty West Brom took the easy and better course of escape from the Arsenal finances by beating them a week ago. Now West Bromwich have to look after their seats in Division. They have matches in hand of those nearest to them. There are valuables if they are lost, and they will probably want to win a series of league games from now onwards till April 10 in order to have freedom of rained concerning their cup engagement. The placing of Sandford as centre half back and Boyes at left half back has added a remarkable effect upon the Albion’s stocky little side. Both were forwards, and one had never thought at them in any other connection till this season when suddenly the Everton mount moved these strong little men to the half back line. Albion may choose the very small men, but whatever their height no one can ever say they chose the men without breath of chest and strength of thigh. Everton have had their merry moments at West Brom, notably when they drew 3-3 after losing 3-0. Perhaps we can tack the visit to their recent glories? The Echo tomorrow will tell you all.
EVERTON AT THE HAWTHORNS
March 13, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
West Bromwich Albion are in the last four for the cup for the thirteenth time in their history, but their League position in such that they cannot afford to take matters easily and they will be all out to beat Everton at the Hawthorns. It remained to be seen how the Everton attack will fare without Dean, who is taking a rest, and the line will be led by the youthful Lawton, who seems more at home in the middle than in one of the other inside positions. Morton, the former Aston Villa goalkeeper, will make his first appearance for Everton. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, and Gillick. West Bromwich Albion: - Adams; Finch, Shaw; Murphy, Sandford, Sankey; Mahon, Jones, Richardson (WG), Boyes, Robbins.
GREAT SAVES AT HAWTHORNS
March 13, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Morton And Adams Brilliant
Defeat No Disgrace
By Bee.
Morton made a brilliant debut for Everton, who should have won with the chances they had and in the expert manner of their making. Teams: - Everton; Morton, goal; Jackson, and Cook (captain) backs ; Britton, Gee, and Mercer half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Adams goal; Finch, and Shaw backs; Murphy, Sandford (captain), and Sankey half-backs; Mahon, Jones, Richardson (WG), Boyes, and Robbins, forwards. Referee Mortimer, Huddersfield. Morton, the Villa goalkeeper made his debut for Everton today, at West Bromwich, and had a number of telegrams from Villa people, including Gordon Hodgson, wishing him good fortune. The Hawthorns ground was heavy, laden and chunks of ice around the pad dish showed how the Midlanders had suffered winter’s icy blasts. Dean was rested, and Lawton became centre with Cunliffe returning to inside right. Everton played in white jerseys, a strange though. West Brom’s hine and white stripes could hardly be termed a clashing of colours. Everton began with much strength on the right, and it was a pity the experience of Geldard, Britton, and Stevenson should he ended on the offside note. Mercer prime swerve carried him far and the Ellesmere Port lad gave a grand solo note, which ended with what I should say was a trip on the penalty line. Everton had all the opening moments of attack. Albion’s defence being bewildered to know which way the Everton attackers would next go. They were short, these locals in their passes and Everton had never started any game outside the first game versus Spurs in such relentless yet expert manner. Everton played so much on the offensive that they should have made Adams a hard-working man. Actually Sandford saved his goalkeeper three times in dramatic fashion after Morton had been saved by Jackson heading high in the goalmouth and stopping the Albion taking a lead. Sandford stood in the goalmouth and took two strong shots from Lawton, and even a third delivered by Geldard. In 15 minutes Everton led by a Gillick goal, one of his beautifully place headers. It was a picture goal in every feature. It began with Britton coolly taking charge of the ball at the defence end of the field. He did not kick away, haphazard, but sent the ball far up to where Cunliffe sent Geldard off on a bonny run and wise centre. Gillick headed in with fine deliberation and surety, Gee had a word from the referee about arguing over hands and other than this trifling thing there was nothing but interest in a game of rare merit, full of pulsating incidents.
Penalty Equaliser.
In five minutes Albion equalised from a penalty kick for an alleged push by Jackson who had lost touch with a forward, throw by Jones. It was a mistake in defence, and the referee took so long to make a penalty decision that I felt one would not arise and should not have arisen. Shaw took the spot kick and Gillick was near a penalty award when he was thrown by Sandford half a yard out of the area. Adams saved mercer’s drive from the free kick. After which Stevenson tried to lob the ball over the heads of every one, goalkeeper as well, and had too much loft on his effort. Then the little man went close through with a fine swerve shooting just outside. At which point Albion too the lead, Gee being at fault, missing his tackle and Morton having run out. W.G. Richardson shot at the empty goal, cutting it fine and thus making the crowd enthusiastic as they ask the ball going on towards goal, or just outside. It was just inside and no one was more surprised than the Albion people that they had taken the lead. Mahon looked like doing damaged till Britton closed on him on the other side of the field and smothered out his chance. Everton had become unsettled all too quickly and the snap they had shown had now passed to their rivals. Gillick made a grand shot, which Adams punched over the bar and Britton was just wide with a shoot Everton had resumed their finesse and fiery. Geldard’ s challenging as the corner flag should have brought a goal, his back-pass to Cunliffe being shot outside.
Narrow Escape.
Everton followed up again, and Lawton’s header appeared to have beaten the goalkeeper, who fall after diving, and Gillick resuming up to a yard from goal decided to shoot hard at an angle the ball hitting the side net. Stevenson shot, and again Adams fell, saving as he scrambled along the goal-line, the referee giving a corner, much to the charging of those in the vicinity. Shaw was playing well at left back, and Albion had their full resource. Boyes and Sankey, having been damaged for a little time. Cunliffe had bad luck for a team that had regained his form Gillick was handed off within a yard of a linesman who saw nothing. Cunliffe added a left foot awing in, slightly out of mark.
Half-Time West Bromwich Albion 2, Everton 1.
Sandford had left the field at half-time limping and returning for the second half he appeared at outside left, Robbins going pivot –n unusual appearance. Mercer got applause for beating three men after being legged up. Cunliffe was also legged up in the penalty area without getting the award. Gee went up for a corner kick, while Stevenson lay back. Gillick’s swirling in kick was connected by Gee, whose header went remarkably close. One of the old Elisha Scott’s kick ways ideas was brought in by Adams who then caught a shot by Cunliife after Gillick had neat outside, while Albion called unavailingly for offside. The standard of play had gone back a good deal just now, which was not surprising remembering that cloggy turf. Not much was seen of Lawton and Everton’s left wing was not much in the picture. Morton’s goalkeeping had been flawless and two of his saves stamped him as a stylist and a good handler of a high ball. W. G. Richardson struck the upright and Morton was saved in four corners by Jackson and Gee. Albion were not impression with the changed side and Britton’s live work was a thing of beauty.
Goalkeepers In Form.
Everton should have equalised when Britton served up to Lawton whose pass let in Gillick all assail for goal. Gillick’s shot was saved when no save should have been possible. Gillick had a further chance and was unable to hit the ball right, so that Everton were not taking what was offered to them. A quarter of an hour from the end Sandford left the field. This gave Brittion still more chance to go among the attackers, hoping for better response from his line. The goalkeeping in the last ten minutes was of supernatural character. Adams against Stevenson and Morton against Sandford and Richardson, Sandford having returned to the field of play. While Adams had saved Albion, Everton’s forward line had been to blame for weak shooting, but in the last moments of the day Morton’s point-blank save from Richardson and save the clearance of a corner, were noteworthy début notes. Final West Bromwich Albion 2, Everton 1.
STUD MARKS
March 13, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Curiously, goalkeeper, Morton’s first appearance in Aston Villa colours was v. Everton Reserves. First time at Goodison was in March, 1932. Between November 1931, and October 1935, missed only one League match.
• Geldard’s great goal against Middlesbrough was peculiarly fitting, as it was against the Tees-siders he first appeared in an Everton jersey, on which occasion he also scored a played a great game.
• Lawton, of Everton, hopes to get a trial t Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
• Prior to Saturday Everton had a run of twenty-one matches unbeaten at home in Cup and League.
THE BEST EVERTON
March 13, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Fifty-Fifty Claim For Past and Present
Mr. James Handley, of Otley, writes. The article by “Hambledonian” in your Football Echo of the 6th has reached me in London, where I am at present engaged in connection with my duties. I observe that in the main there is now practically nothing of importance outstanding in our comparison of opinion as to whether the present on the former players of Everton were the best. I thank our friend for his generous and sporting congratulation on my contribution in answer to his first article on the intriguing object published in your columns on February 20. I note that he agree that Dixie Dean must be included in any Everton team if we are to compile any “best ever” in the long history of the famous team. I suggest, however, that the defence of the 1897 Cup final team Menham, Meehan, and Storrier have not emerged superior to Sagar, Cook and Cresswell of the victorious Cup team of 1930. I say this with the utmost respect to “Hambledonian” despite his clever comment on the versatility of Dave Storrier. I must concede our friend his point, that it is a matter of argument as to which defence was the best, but I would simply add that it is generally agreed that the loss of the Cup to Everton in the famous classic final against the Villa was largely due to defensive blunders, and in contrast, would respectfully stake that the universal Press comments on the defence of the 1933 team was “They never put a foot wrong.” “Hambledonian” and myself are now in agreement with almost all the content points in this perplexing subject, and I assure him that my letter in defence of the present Everton team was certainly never in defiance of the teams of forty years ago, which delighted me just as much as your able contributor. I have followed he fortunes and misfortunate’s of the Blues since I was a schoolboy in my native city Liverpool, and although I have seen more away matches than home matches during the past 26 years I am still convinced that for all-round ability there is not much to chosen between the teams of forty years ago and the present team. Facts of recent history, such as championship of 2nd Division, championship of 1st Division and winning of the Cup by Everton in 1931, 32, and 33 must support any contention that the monopoly of brilliance was not confined to teams of forty or more years ago. It is a moot point indeed whether the famous final of 1897 was as good as the sensational fifth round Cup-match in 1936, between Everton and Sunderland. Who will ever forget that match? Brilliance on both sides, end to end play, not for 90 minutes, but for 120 minutes, and this, despite the fact that both teams had fought a draw at Sunderland four days before; 210 minutes and the issue in the balance until the last five minutes, when two clever goals from Albert Geldard left Everton victorious by six goals to four. There were ten internationals in the Everton team that day. Summed up, I grandly pay my tribute to the old Everton teams mentioned by “Hambledonian.” He and I agree that the game has changed since the old days. I have sought to prove that recent Everton teams have by results achieved compared favourably with the best of former years, and the result of our contributions on this internally intriguing subject leaves it, I think, at fifty-fifty. My fin lord is in appreciation to “Hambledonian” He is both a clever writer and a sport. He ends his delightful article by wishing the Everton teams of 40 years ago could meet the present eleven, and says he would walk from Widnes to see the game. I would walk from Otley, which I think, is over twice the distance. What would the result be? I shouldn’t be the least surprised at a draw!
ADAMS SAVES THE ALBION
March 13, 1937. The Evening Express, Football Edition.
Brilliant Goalkeeping Baulks Everton.
Blues’ Clever Work Without Reward.
By The Pilot.
Everton did not deserve to be beaten 2-1 by West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthornes. They were far and away the better side. The Blues enjoyed three-parts of the pressure, though their shooting was not of the highest quality. Adams gave a grand display in the home goal. Gillick gave Everton an early lead, Shaw equalising with a penalty before Richardson scored with a lucky goal. Mercer and Britton were outstanding and Morton did well. Harry Morton, Everton’s new goalkeeper, received several good-wishes telegrams today from his Aston Villa colleagues. There was also one from Gordon Hodgson, the former Liverpool favourite, now with Leeds, who spent some time at the Villa with Morton. Teams: - Everton; Morton, goal; Jackson, and Cook (captain) backs ; Britton, Gee, and Mercer half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Adams goal; Finch, and Shaw backs; Murphy, Sandford, and Sankey half-backs; Mahon, Jones, Richardson (WG), Boyes, and Robbins, forwards. Referee R.A. Mortimer, Huddersfield.
Everton turned out in white jerseys for the first time that I can recall at Albion, and they called the tune with Jackson’s power of intervention. Everton almost toyed with the Albion without bringing any real direct shot to bear. Gee and Mercer linked up with the forwards in willing manner, and Mercer almost got right through before being grounded. Geldard weaved a passage inward and them Cunliffe hooked yards over the top, when the ball dropped to him in front of goal. Albion the Albion made a brief raid in which they gained a wasted corner. Corner. Cunliffe bore away to the right and his sharp snap was held by Adams.
Morton Safe.
Morton had to handle a swinging centre from Robbins, and he did it well. Then came a thrill from Mahon’s header, Jackson heading the ball out from under the bar. How the Albion goal escaped in the next minute remains’s a mystery. Gillick got through from a nice pass and out into goal. His low, inward centre went to Lawton, who let go a pile-driver. The ball struck Adams in the chest and Lawton received again, dribbled to his right, and fired in again. Sandford had dropped back and his chest took the ball. It went to Geldard, whose shot was also got out by Sandford.
Everton lead.
Everton deserved the lead when in 15 minutes Gillick scored a peach of a goal, the ball entering the far corner of the net. Geldard paved the way. Everton continued to hold the upper hand but in a second breakaway Albion equalised with the aid of a penalty. Jackson missed his tackle, and Richardson got through. Morton ran out and smothered the ball, but Jackson had handled. The referee gave a penalty and Shaw made no mistake from the spot. Gillick was fouled on the edge of the penalty area and Adams saved well from Mercer’s free kick. A mistake by Gee enabled the Albion to take the lead, all against the run of the play, in 25 minutes, Gee missed his tackle on Richardson and the ball ran forward. Morton came out-the only thing he could do –but the ball stuck in the mud, and Richardson was able to come along and tap the ball into the net just inside the post. Stevenson bore through and with pretty footwork and body swerve, but his shot flashed past the post. Gee was left standing by Richardson, who gave over for Robbins to drive by the post. A swift shot was held by Adams high up. Richardson got away again and his pass went to Mahon, who was offside. Lawton sent in a splendid header which Adams saved at full length. Everton attacked incessantly and Adams was the hero of the day. He saved shots by Stevenson and dived out to fist away from Gillick’s centre. Cunliffe sent in a full-blooded left foot shot but the ball bounced back to Gillick, who turned it inward and Stevenson slammed it against the bar.
Half-Time West Bromwich Albion 2 Everton 1
Everton again took command on resuming. How they were in arrear was a mystery. Cunliffe, following brilliant work by Mercer, who was the best man on the field, before through and appeared to be fouled in the penalty area. Everton appealed but the referee actually gave the Albion a goal kick. From an Albion corner, Jones headed in grandly, but Morton saved well on the line. Sandford had gone to outside left owing to an injury, and Robbins was the second half centre half. Mercer slipped the ball through to Gillick, who shot tamely with only Adams to beat.
Succession Of Corners.
Albion took command for a spell, and four corners were forced in succession. From the last Richardson fired in a shot which crashed against the upright and went behind. Britton came forward with grit and pace and his lob pass was headed to the left by Lawton. Gillick had everything in his favour, but his fierce ground, shot was saved in glorious style by Adams, at full-length. Morton gathered well at the feet of Richardson after Boyes had created the opening, and then Morton went down to an awkward, bouncing ball from Mahon.
Great Save.
Adams made one of the finest saves I have ever seen Stevenson headed in from Geldard’s centre and the ball was going to the net when Adams flung himself across goal and tipped the ball away with his fingers. It was sensational. Britton gave a wonderful display in this half, and the Albion were seen only in breakaway. In one, Sandford shot finely, but Morton leapt up and turned the ball against the bar and away to safety. Gillick raced through, but his shot was turned aside and went to Geldard to place just by the post. Final West Brom 2, Everton 1.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 EVERTON 1 (Game 1595 over-all)-(Div 1 1553)
March 15, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Goalkeepers Shine
Morton and Adams Brilliant.
Everton Attack Without Result.
By “Bee.”
Everton lost one more away game. That is not surprising in the ordinary events of their games away, because their style and their lack of confidence have become something of a by-word. Here at West Bromwich Albion they met the conquerors of the Arsenal side in the Cup, and the home team had nothing to spare in their league status and wanted to make their position safe so that they could get on with the Cup event. On their game against Everton in the latest league match there will be no Cup final for them. Although league form has no direct safe argument when consideration of the Cup becomes necessary. West Bromwich Albion won 2-1 in a manner quite inexplicable to those who took a fair view of the game which entranced the 26,000 spectators. Everton played well enough, for ten minutes to win the game to their keeping. Afterwards West Bromwich had a spell of the fortune of football life-a penalty kick –and a blunder snapped up after the steadiest Gee had made his one error. The game was not yet over and in the last half of the game and particularly in the last 20 minutes, Everton simple riddled the Albion defence, and well as Adams the goalkeeper, played one felt the result was inexplicable because Everton had done as much attacking, and had swept through the line almost at will. Reaching the goalling point their few best shots were driven out by the vent resome. Adams and the extreme wingers, Gillick (twice) and Geldard ought to have scored with a fair amount of ease. Instead the ball was placed so near and so far. To be fair to the winners –that it is a strange way putting it, but necessary in this unusual game with its strange flow of fortune –it must be said they had to change their side through injuries to Sandford their captain, and Shankey.
Sandford On The Wing
Sandford became a winger and Robbins a Pivot. This was a severe blow, and Everton return, to form in the second half must have due in part to these changes. Making the allowance, one is still left with the memory of continued attack upon the West Bromwich side without result. Granting Adams making several really smart saves, the best against Stevenson’s header, there was still no reason why he should have been mulcted in but one goal. Right in the last kick, the game had its sensational and dramatic moments, and Morton the new goalkeeper from Aston Villa made two terrific saves on time to keep the score 2-1. It is not my province to harangue referees, but I do say Referee Mortimer of Huddersfield, delayed his penalty kick decision against Jackson to a point suggestive uncertainty in his own mind, and when he made public show of a pushing incident indicative of the cause of the penalty kick one wondered how he saw through the body of the West Bromwich player. However, the spot kick counted and it was soon after Gee made a blunder letting in W. Richardson. Morton having run out to cover the forward and the goalmouth being empty.
Grandly Made Goal.
Everton’s goal was a much more football feast for the eye. Britton kept the ball in play near his own goal, sailed the ball up the touchline area, where Cunliffe and Geldard had their passing bout and Geldard’s final centre was headed “all the way,” as the saying puts it, out of the reach of Adams. That was a grandly made goal, with no Albion player touching the ball from one end of the field to the other –an unusual if not unique type of consistency in control of the ball. Everton had to see Stevenson’s shot hit the upright and another lobbed too high passed over, these being balanced by Richardson a drive against the upright. On heavy turf the game reached quite a high standard and nothing Albion showed –Shaw was their captivation –could live in the same department as the pairing of Britton and Geldard, the former often acting as inside or outside right.
Inexplicable Result.
Cunliffe was brought in and Lawton appeared for Dean (rested). Lawton has been inside forward till now and he did not quite fit the central berth this time, possibly because he lost his verve for the game when he drove in two truly good shots and the goalkeeper’s absence was made uneventful through Sandford acting the part of goalkeeper with his body. Actually the ball was driven in three times. Lawton two and Geldard one, and this at a time at a time when no goal had been scored. The more one sees back to this game and more inexplicable the result becomes. Certainly neither of the visitors backs was a customary role of sound defender and at wing half back Mercer had a mixed spell, inclining to hang on too long. In the final moments however of Everton’s all-but goal triumph the service of the pass and the command of the ball by Everton as a whole touched highest marks. Yet they lost. That’s football, that is. Teams: - Everton; Morton, goal; Jackson, and Cook (captain) backs ; Britton, Gee, and Mercer half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Adams goal; Finch, and Shaw backs; Murphy, Sandford (captain), and Sankey half-backs; Mahon, Jones, Richardson (WG), Boyes, and Robbins, forwards. Referee R.A. Mortimer, Huddersfield.
EVERTON RESERVES 0 BLACKPOOL RESERVES 0
March 15, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 32)
Everton gave a poor display at Goodison Park. The visitors were more constructive in their methods. Everton were inclined to overdribble and finish on close shots which never came off. During the first half Coulter was often dangerous and combining well with Trentham the left wing paid made several dangerous raids. Coulter, however, missed one good chance, shooting with only the goalkeeper to beat. During the second half Everton improved and made desperate attempts to score. Dickinson had a fast shot well saved and Leyfield outwitted three defenders only to finish badly. Everton Reserves: - white, goal; Lambert and Thomson, backs; Bentham, Edwards and Watson, half-backs; Leyfield, Hurel, Dickenson, Coulter, and Trentham, forwards.
EVERTON PLAYED REALLY WELL, AND AWAY.
March 15, 1937. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
If Soldier Harry Morton had played at Goodison Park and served up his famous final saves, such as he has showed his own people of the Midlands at West Bromwich, he would have been carried off the field, a hero. It was grand final touch down to a truly great match, in which players overcame the mud and Everton had so much share of the attack that Albion did not know how to hold on to a lead presented to them by unusual methods –the penalty kick and a blunder by Gee. Morton kept goal remarkably well. He has a flourishing style, not to be confused with theatricalism. Sound work is allied to secure pick-up or punch-away. He could not hope to do more than hope against the penalty kick award, and after Adams had taken medals for venturesome goalkeeping that may cost him his place some day. Morton, came to Everton’s aid with a truly great finishing touch. Everton have rarely played well away from home; now they played better than they had played at Brentford and as well as they had played at Tottenham. It was hard luck on the locals to find their captain, Sandford, taken off the field with an injury which turns out to be rather serious –fluid on the knee. It will be a cruel blow if he cannot appear in the Cup-tie on April 10. That was all one could say in favour of the winners, who were most fortunate to win and had the great aid a penalty kick can provide. Having said a week ago that alignment for the stands regarding quick fire items must not be in our category, I merely form a motion that here the referee took so long making up, his mind he had a doubt that should have been extended to the defenders care. When he decided to tell 26,000 spectators what the penalty was for –by action –I merely suggest he was covering himself and must have been trying to see through Jackson’s body. However, let that pass. The second goal was a poor one, and neither goal could compare with the controlling power of the people concerned in Gillick’s lead goal. Here was the practical, yet pretty method. Britton near his defence corner flag, carried the ball forward with that swinging gait on his truly run past, and Geldard and Cunliffe carried the ball far for a centre to be headed through by Gillick. Not an Albion played touched the ball through its progress from one end to the other end of the field. One could not wish for a prettier bit of true football art, and all was done with minimum of effort and correct timing of pass to the last flicker of the head of the man who like Geldard afterwards, went on to miss goal chances close in.
Steady, Boys, Steady.
Everton’s forward line was very forward in many respects, but near goal was unable to make accurate aim. Superior attack leads nowhere if the shot is not of direct application. All along the line there was fault, yet Adams did a great day’s work. It sounds like a contralication of terms, but the Evertonians present will tell you Adams should have had no chance to save his skin. Maybe young Lawton was baulked in his enthusiasm for shooting when twice he shot into what he had pictured as an empty goal, and Sandford falling back had covered the hot ball with his body. Good defence, and the effect of it, was felt by the boy who was taking the leading part in the attack. Geldard and Britton palred to such an extent that they became the stars of the day. Britton has become an inside right and outside right at will. On the left there was not the sure touch in approach or finishing, and at full back there were times when the fast rousing little Albion line went through without sufficient tackle from the backs. It was not Everton’s best defensive period although all the side came to a fine flourishing finish in the last half hour of play when Everton swamped West Bromwich without getting a goal to crown their efforts. Steady boys of the Everton front rank, steady.
MORTON MAKES HIS MARK
March 15, 1937. The Evening Express.
Everton Goalkeeper Fine Debut.
By The Pilot.
Harry Morton, Everton’s new goalkeeper from Aston Villa, has made his mark. He was a great success in the game against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday, despite the fact that Everton were beaten 2-1. Three of his saves, in particular, were positively brilliant. One was a drive from the unmarked Sandford. Morton leapt up, turned the ball against the bar, and away. When Richardson was out on his own “Morton positioned himself perfectly and turned the terrific shot aside for a corner, and when this swerved in off Jones’s head Morton pulled the ball from under the bar with one hand as coolly and cleanly as one could desire. Yes, Everton have found a capable deputy for the injured Sagar. Morton showed himself to be agile, courageous, sound in anticipation, and to have safe hands. After the match he said “I have not had such an easy game for seasons.” That, in itself, demonstrates how much pressure was enjoyed by Everton.
Everton Better Team.
They were the better team in approach and the Albion were penned in for long spells. Yet the finishing efforts of the Blues was below standard. Gillick missed three fines chances, but all the others were to blame. The forwards, discharged the hardest portion of their task –the approach –cleverly and delightfully, and yet failed at shooting. The Albion did not impress me as a team likely to lift the cup, but they were made to look poor in midfield because of the accuracy of Everton’s development. Britton and Mercer have never played better. Alive and alert in defence, they excelled in approach. Gee had his anxious moments for he seemed to be upset by the penalty award to the Albion. The penalty had a doubtful look, for Morton had secured the ball when Jackson tried to keep off Richardson and was pulled up. Shaw scored to equalise Gillick’s great goal early on. Then when Jackson, in trying to neutralise Gee’s error, passed the ball back stuck in the mud and Richardson was able to best Morton to it. Jackson was a real grafter with Cook playing more restrainedly but with equal effect. Geldard and Stevenson were the best forwards, though Gillick was fine in all but finishing. Cunliffe showed good half control, but Lawton had few chances to shine against the sound play of Sandford and then Robbins.
THE RETURN OF DEAN.
March 17, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Both Everton and Liverpool are making changes at centre forward and inside right for the matches on Saturday –Everton against Manchester City at Goodison Park. Dean who did not play against West Bromwich Albion last Saturday returns to the Everton team. Lawton moving from centre forward to inside right in place of Cunliffe. The Team is: - Morton: - Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
EVERTON TWO CHANGES.
March 17, 1937. Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton make two changes –one positional –for their Lancashire “Derby” game at Goodison Park against Manchester City on Saturday. Billy Dean, the captain, returns from his week’s rest to take over the leadership of the attack again, and Lawton moves backs to inside-right in place of Culliffe.
The Team is: - Morton: - Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
CAPS FOR EVERTONIANS
March 18, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Wales beat Ireland 4-1 at Wrexham, where 20,000 people gathered. Stevenson scored for Ireland, Coulter and Cook also played for Ireland.
MANCHESTER CITY’S MIND AT EVERTON WILL BE ON CHANMPIONSHIP MEDALS.
March 19, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
“We shan’t be long now.” That is the cry of the League footballer and the Cup remanants. Locally we have had a mixture of sensation, charm and surprise-failure when least expected. The card tomorrow continues the interest and judging by recent events it would seem Everton cannot engage in any game without being charming and a trifle starting in their spectacular moonds. It intrigues me to find one critic telling Britton to open out and not cling to the touchline, whereas I shall never forget the way he got the ball through to Geldard in inches of space by the touchline at West Brom. As the same critic never mentioned the star of the match –Adams in his venturesome and rollicking goalkeeping –I think we need not spend much time or thought upon the rest of the criticism. There had always been a leaning against Britton in international matches and trials, &c. When we played in town last season against foreign foes the same critic complained at half-time about Britton, forgetting he was outstanding at half-back and had stopped a goal, and finally was the key man for two other goals –not a bad day’s work for a supposed failure. Tomorrow at Everton we expect the fireworks, because Manchester City have ever been a hereditary foe, and their games home and away have been sparkling in every feature. After a dozy start Manchester City have come to their best and brightest. True they fell at the Lions’ Den (Millwall) in their Cup effort; but in that they were no better and no worse than Derby County Fulham, and Chelsea. In League matches one remembers their sweeping victory over Derby County-form of a character you cannot minimise. Manchester’s visits to this city have provided us with historic reference and memory. One does not forget their hurried entrance to the ground when a train broke down. The skip was being dragged in while players were undressing their headpieces. In the streets around Goodison Park. Everton scored through Tony Weldon. Macnhester City them remembered they were due t play football and they served up the hottest collection of quick-fire goals Everton had suffered for years. Then there was the Cup Final which Manchester have not even to this day forgotten from their “Pay this hack” records. The two clubs are beautifully balanced for a grand game. Everton having lost their home tag to Middlesbrough a truly good side, as has been shown by their appearance here by their wins at the best ground and by their League position will have lost the fetish of security of tenure at Goodison, and will be able to play a more natural game. If they play anything like the game they showed v. Albion with more definite work in the shooting department, there can be no doubt about Everton’s spoiling Manchester City a notion of winning the League they have a nice chance, and this could be the first milestone round their necks. The first appearance of Harry Morton, the former Villa goalkeeper, will be one of the most attractive terms in the agenda tomorrow. Morton has a fluent style, without being uncertain of his catch; his debut a week ago showed how valuable he will be to Everton. Tomorrow he will find warm welcome when he makes his bow to the people with whom he hopes to be to the end of his football chapter. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
EVERTON MATCH ARTISTRY AGAINST CITY’S SPEED.
March 19, 1937. The Evening Express.
Goodison Battle Of Lancs, Rivals
Championship Challengers.
By The Pilot.
Manchester City, Lancashire’s chief hope for the Football League championship pay their first visit to Merseyside this season when they oppose Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow. One of the most improved and attractive sides in the First Division, the City are making great efforts to prevent the championship going back to London. They stand fourth in the chart, just five points behind the leaders. They have made up tremendous leeway during the past two months, and apart from their surprising lapse against Millwall in the F.A. Cup, have been carrying all before him. Matches between these great Lancashire rivals always provide a keen and elevating struggle. It will be a case of the artistry of Everton being matched with the speed and virility of the City. Everton can win this game –if the forwards will show more snap in their finishing. The Blues could have won at West Bromwich last Saturday had they the ability to accept chances once they were earned. The return of Dean to centre-forward will be of material help. So far I think Lawton has revealed his best form at inside-right –the position he will occupy tomorrow. The real test will be between the Everton half-backs and the City’s fast moving electric forwards. The City forward line is one of the best in the land, for Tilson has come right back to his best form, and is not only holding the line together cleverly, but is showing the scoring ability. I do not think Tilson will “get much change” out of Gee, however, for the Everton pivot is playing brilliant football –better than at any time in his career. Everton should avenge their defeat at Maine-road. This will be the first time Morton, Everton’s new goalkeeper from Aston Villa, has played at Goodison Park for his new club. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Manchester City; Swift; Dale, Barkas; Percival, Marshall, Bray; Toseland, Herd, Tilson, Dorherty, Brook.
EVERTON GAME
March 20, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Two of Lancashire’s best teams, Everton and Manchester City, take the stage at Goodison Park, and I fancy the display will be one of the best of the season. Free from cup “worries,” the players can let themselves go and a match full of the best style of play may be expected. Dean returns to the Everton team, Lawton going to inside right. Morton’s first appearance at Goodison Park will be watched with instead. The former Aston Villa goalkeeper gave a fine display at West Bromwich last week. The kick-off is at 3.15, and the teams are: - Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Manchester City; Swift; Dale, Barkas; Percival, Marshall, Bray; Toseland, Herd, Tilson, Dorherty, Brook.
A DRAW AT TOP SPEED.
MARCH 20, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Players Shine At Goodison
Hectic Finish
By Bee.
Grand Football, shooting turf control of the game not good. Teams: - Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Manchester City: - Swift, goal; Dale and Barkas, backs; Percival, Marshall and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, Herd, Tilson, Dorherty, and Brook, forwards. Referee Mr. Argent. On Monday, at Goodison Park, 2-30 Mr. Wright centre forward of King’s school Chester will lead his team against Liverpool Colleague, in the Shield Competition (Senior) Wright has 61 goals to his credit in twenty matches. Everton and Manchester City, match and spectators, had the best of weather for the League game today. Dean came back, Lawton went right, and Villa’s Morton made his first home appearance. , receiving warm welcome from the big crowd. Amongst the visitors today was Sir Joseph who I understand has given lawfratish to the Everton officials to dine with him when Everton played Stoke in a few week’s time –a happy function led by a happy sportsman. Manchester City were in white jersey s and black pants, and the middle of the ground’ was in a worse colour; it was just mud soup. There was a brightness and sparkle in the early play that set the crowd singing. Gillick scored an offside goal. Dean appeared to be worried about the debatable point scored by Gillick and one of his headers like the left foot drive of Lawton, was very close. One of the real incidents of note was the flying trapeze act, where no trapeze appeared, of Eric Brook who caught with his head a ball that had seemed possible to a giant not a midget. The football served up by these two Lancashire clubs was sufficiently latriguling to make many people glad they forsook racing for football. A safety first measure by Jackson brought a hectic throw in by Brook and Herd failed by yards with his hook shot. After which one of those untidy and arguments football is suffering too much this season came to spoil the even tenor of the game. Tilson shot, and Britton, having crossed from right to left flank was able to breast the ball from the goal.
Penalty Decision Reversed.
The Everton players was duly thanked by his comrades for saving what nobody else could possibly save when the referee made the locals go into a state of horror by giving a penalty kick for alleged hands. One man who did not raise emphatic protests was Britton, but Dean Cook and others laid their objection, and the linesman was called in to lead his help. There was a prolonged conference on the touch line, and eventually the referee overruled a decision he had made at a point much nearer to the incident than that at which the linesman was so there was a corner kick instead of a spot kick. Everton were on the verge of three goals in three incidents. Britton centred a trifle too far for Dean and Gillick took on the headed task, Swift’s save being possible to him through his abnormal height. Mercer tried to score while Swift was scrambling back to his goal he having cleared by kicking away from the body of on of his defenders. The referee missed a flagrant handling case by Stevenson after which Gee a doubted a more than usual forward plan, and Lawton revealed that instantaneous shot which had made his famous in my view from the moment he arrived. Swift made the catch and Everton swept off again by their now famous right incline, Dean finding the ball drop at his back. Manchester showed their customary speed in flight and everyone appreciated the action of Tilson when he held off consideration of Morton’s fall, at the goalkeeper reaching out to the ball fall without releasing possession. This incident arose through Mercer being surprised by Toseland’s pace, Manchester City were on the trot, harassed and bewildered but any pass from Herd, any strength by Toseland meant trouble in the Everton camp, and Jackson dived to the ground to stop Toseland’s centre being a menace to Morton, who now judged a high ball better than any cocktail connoisseur of any acquaintance. Goalkeeper Swift had to withstand many rusting charges, and he was utterly out of alignments when Dean made his expert back-header towards the empty goal. The ball passed over the bar with Swifts grateful smile attached. Tilson shocked Cook, who was on the right wing and this incident led Tilson to claim a penalty kick, as Everton followed with some good fortune when Tilson was legged down in a manner all the Park goal spectators must have seen was a spot kick and nothing else. City could have taken this game into their own keeping without argument if Toseland, going on in spite of foolish cries of offside had centred promerly instead of curling the ball into Morton’s hands –this was a real let off. Lawton replied on behalf of the home side with a spectacular run and shot. Stevenson had one good shot saved and his second header went to the heavenly chorus, where so many high shots find a home. The linesman who had been consulted in the first penalty incident flagged Brook offside, instantly dropping his indicator for no apparent reason. Ted Sagar, the Everton goalkeeper attended Everton’s match, this being his first appearance since his cartilage operation. Everton had started the innings like giants, but City now taken the initiative. A Lawton free kick, and Dorherty trying to handle in the penalty area and failing together with “Field” Marshall, added interest and charm to the fast game.
Half-Time Everton 0, Manchester City 0
Herd continued City’s goalmouth blunders by shooting over from Tilson’s nudge forward, Dean replying on two occasions with a header a foot over the crossbar. Dean was using mashie nib lick passes while others were trying to plough through the mud. While the crowd were shouting “Get rid of it” Britton was working the ball around the touch line and getting his pass to make a possible bull ‘eyes for Mercer; fortunately Britton does not listen to spectators’ instructions. The home team’s forward line was out of joint through confusion arising on the left wing passes being delivered where a man had been and now was not. City’s backs were strong and not easily disturbed when making use of the ball instead of attempting long wide kicks. The goalkeepers were having a restful time, the defence prevailing. Brook had a poor day, yet sent the crowd into ecstasies by the use of the back-heel, after which Tilson seemed set for goal, Jackson being damaged on the grounds the bounding ball, however, rolled near to Morton, by which means the danger passed.
Stevenson Scores
Stevenson scored in one hour after every Everton man had gone on defence. Dean in desperation slammed the ball up the middle of the field, and Stevenson hindered by two opponents, pushed the ball into the empty net after having received it from a position which was in a perfect line with the Press Box and in many views was in an offside position. There was no appeal, and Everton now went on to show more confidence and cohesion, Swift making a grand save from one of Dean’s headers, and Morton following suit by taking a charge when he was on his goal line and holding the ball without crossing the line. Swift made a good catch from a surprise header from a corner kick, and they crowd, after having their hearts warmed by a goal, became very enthusiastic over a game that had touched high-class throughout, in spite of the absence of shooting. Swift look a “sniggler” from Geldard over the bar, and running out many yards cleared the corner kick which Stevenson returned without delay, the defence running back but being unable to connect with a ball which passed outside.
Percival Gets Through
City equalised at 75 minutes from a free kick which kick set the City supporters felling because they had a little from the referee. The free kick was taken by Percival and in the crush Tilson seemed to connect with the ball after the Everton goalkeeper had attempted to punch away and had helped the ball into the net. It counts as Percival’s goal. Toseland failed to take a second gift offered through Cook mistiming a clearance. The aqundest footballer on the field was Barkas, and City were an object lesson compared with their rivals in regard to methodical combination. In a battling finish Swift made an astonishing save and Stevenson was swept down by Dale without the customer spot. Final Everton 1, Manchester City 1.
MR. J.H. CALLEY
March 20, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Here is a gentleman with a firm opinion, which brooks of no half measures. Mr. Calley reckons to be one of the oldest supporters of Everton F.C, and he substantiates his statement as follows: “I have been an Everton supporters since 1878, I saw them play in Stanley Park, from there to Prior-road, and then I supported them at Anfield-road. I attended the first game at Goodison Park, and have vivid memories of the great players I have seen.” Mr Calley saw the first Cup Final at Wembley, Bolton v. West Ham, in 1923, when the crowd rushed the gates. He had a 2s ticket, but finished up in a 3d seat due to the anxiety of the crowd behind him to get into the ground. “Sandy Young was a brilliant centre forward,” says Mr. Calley, “but I have never seen the equal of Everton’s present leader, Dixie Dean. He is in my opinion the finest centre forward ever.” This True Blue, Evertonian is always to be found under the clock at Goodison, and his views and opinions must always command the attention they so richly merit, for it is the support of such men as Mr. Calley that has enabled Everton F.C., to progress as successfully through the years.
EVERTON 1 MANCHESTER CITY 1 (Game 1596 over-all)-(Div 1 1555)
March 22, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s Drawn Game
Penalty Kick Claims
Stevenson’s Goal.
By “Bee.”
Everton’s famous home record was bruised by the visit of Middlesbrough, and nearly came undone again through the visit of Manchester City, who have become famous by reason of the displays served up at this ground. In their latest meeting the display of both sides in a muddied middle portion of the field was really expert, and thrilling and the draw was perhaps a fitting conclusion to a hard feat and unusual game in which the referee was the main obstructionist. City claimed a penalty kick and were awarded one when Britton was alleged to have handled the ball. Britton did not appear to me to handle with intent, but the referee was so near he should not have considered any alteration. Inquires from the home side caused him to take the view of a linesman, and the spot kick did not eventuate. Later there was a definite tripping case in Everton’s defensive portion, and again the spot kick did not arrive. Finally Stevenson was brought down by Dale in a measure that earned a spot kick, and still there was no response from the referee.
“Smuggled” Equaliser.
Gillick scored in a minute or two, being adjudged offside. City did not claim Stevenson’s goal offside, but the Press box view was sure the goal was not right according to law. The City team had gone on the attack for a long spell, and every forward of the home lot went into the defence portion. Dean slung the ball up the field and Stevenson fastened on to it. He was hampered and goalkeeper Swift was out of goal, but the low shot he delivered went home. This was at the hour. City responded with might and main and much craft, t half-back, and full back, the result being a free kick which Percival took from a point near the touchline. Everton’s new goalkeeper, Morton, of Aston Villa, was making his first appearance at home, and he showed good judgement throughout till this incident came upon him, and now he appeared to be bothered by the attention of proximity of Tilson, Jackson and Gee. Whatever happened the ball slid into the back of the goal having been half patted by Morton. To the end there was brightness in the game, and Swift had to make a grand save to keep the game drawn. However, the main memory of the match was the surprising inability of Toseland to complete the easiest of chances. He had nothing to do but score. He could have walked the ball into the net. First he screwed the ball to Morton’s hands and late on his effort was of the paltriest character, a wide shot which must have pleased the 28,000 spectators present supporting Everton’s chances. City had the better balance and the more precise method. Their half-backs were extremely good, whereas Mercer was rather easily outwitted by the quick turn of the fast winger. Marshall, the veteran pivot, held Dean in his grip. Percival was strong and Bray without being showy was of commanding success behind the lot being Barkas, who was better in his distribution of the ball than any other member of the two teams –a great tribute to a full back! In most of their raids, City showed the better style and the more care over their passes. There would be rounds of combination in which no Everton man touched the ball as against five City members doing their task neatly and well. A point against the City was that their shooting was rare and poor. Herd made long shots, Doherty had some prime moments, but generally kept the ball too close to allow Brook to have his customary fling –always remembering of course , that Brooks was faced by that natural footballer, Britton and the sturdy young Jackson.
Left Wing Faults.
On the Everton side there was fault to find with the left wing pair. Stevenson not only scored, but did much work on other places than inside left, but the absence of positional consistency with Everton was rather marked, Gillick often having left the position to which the ball was put. Lawton was the quick, strong shooter, baulked by Swifts safely catch, and the young man failed to do much in the second half, probably through acting on the defence for a moment and getting Tilson’s boot on the leg. Geldard, started well, and finished, solo fashion not outstanding and the ball running badly for him. Still, in the conditions it was grand football, and it was a thousand pities a penalty award revoked and other missed in their entirety should mark a game that gave great delight and proved the City to be vastly entertaining if not sound near goal. Morton slipped up on one occasion in the heavy turf, and Tilson was sportingly did not preserve with any chance of a goal. Morton made some well timed catches and when the visitors scored he was hardly to blame, as the ball spun under his arm. The new man had quite an ovation from the crowd, who took exception to the referee playing under slight orange-throwing incidents once more at this ground.
Teams: - Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Manchester City: - Swift, goal; Dale and Barkas, backs; Percival, Marshall and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, Herd, Tilson, Dorherty, and Brook, forwards. Referee Mr. Argent.
SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
March 22, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 33)
Everton fully merited their draw at Bramell-Lane. They were the more polished side, but lacked the thrust of Sheffield United, who at one stage enjoyed a two-goal lead through Carter and Jones, but two goals from Coulter levelled matters. White kept a good goal and Jones was the better of the two good backs, while Bentham was an excellent half back. The visitors attacked played cleverly, but were rather indifferent finishers.
Everton “A” 1 South Liverpool Reserves 1
Liverpool County Combination.
At Bellefield, West Derby, Everton were the better side but they did not finish well. The only goal of the first half was scored by Moss after 30 minutes. In the second half South were mainly on the defensive, Gadd playing a good game at centre half. Greenwood bringing off some clever saves. Webster struck the crossbar, and Catterick (recommended by Gee) equalised with a splendidly good goal. King, Morris, Edwards, and Joyce were the pick of the home side, whilst Greenwood, Johnson, Gadd and Moss did well for the South.
MATCH OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
March 22, 1937. The Evening Express.
City Misses Save Everton
By The watcher.
Everton’s match with Manchester City at Goodison Park which was drawn 1-1, is a story of what might have been. If everything had worked out properly and according to plan, as seen from the Press Box, Manchester City would have beaten the Blues. Apart from disputed decisions, the City’s forwards, particularly Toseland and Tilson, had grit-edged scoring chances which were allowed to go abegging. On the other hand, Gillick had what I thought was a perfectly legitimate goal disallowed on offside grounds. Taking it all round, however, the City had enough of the play to have been well ahead at the interval. There was always plenty of “bite” in the game. City supplying most of it, and being the more dangerous side, as a team always will be when all five members of the attack played well forward. The Blues usually had only three forwards up-Geldard, Dean and Gillick –and not always three. On several occasions Geldard had only Dean to rely on for the short lob or the backward pass. Geldard was faster and more unorthodox than Gillick, and Lawton’s play was affected by a knock on the leg in the first half. Dean tried hard, but was usually well held by Marshall. Britton and Gee gave fine displays at half-back, but Mercer was not always sure against Toseland. The defence had a busy day. Morton’s handling generally was sure and confident.
EVERTON TRYING BUT TIRING
March 22, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Youth and Age Cripped In The Mud.
Bee’s Notes.
Let us crack some Easter eggs and extract there from the goodness. Manchester City played with such splendid result at Everton that they will be most welcome guests at the Anfield seat on Good Friday. Everton, unlike Christmas time, will spend Easter away on Friday at Manchester United’s ground, and next day at Portsmouth –not an enviable journey although the consolation is the meeting of very good football friends. For some years this column has pleaded that excuses after the match should be banned, the idea being that no matter what we thought a goal had gone to the books and could not be rubbed out by the largest eraser. Yet in the last few weeks there has come upon the matches I have seen quite a collection of arguments about rules and referee, indeed from the ‘Spurs’ cup-tie until now something has continued to arise to create argument. And on Saturday our limit was reached when everyone at the right hand side of the Everton ground, unless he was a blue-eyed boy, knew quite well that Stevenson’s pretty goal started from an offside position by about a yard. In view of the Press-box line on the position of the player and the ball, I have been searching certain well-known papers to see whether any doubt was thrown upon the legitimely of Stevenson’s goal. I am sorry to say that quite a lot of writing people have never mentioned the matter, and to me that suggests homely writing which is not fair to the game to those not at the match, and to the opposing side. Do not imagine that like to discount any goal scored by Everton or Liverpool, but if this goal had been scored against us I am afraid certain writers would have made a screed about it, and it is rather unsporting that because it favours one of our sides it is disallowed as of no consequence. If we expect fairness from other sides we must set them an equally sporting example. By the accident of ‘Flu and the flyers at Aintree, I was forced into the Everton-Manchester City match, and reckon I saw one of the best games any spectator could wish on the glue-pot. It is home in upon me that certain Everton players are just now trying and tiring. Dean, Gee, and Stevenson have had a very hard season, and in Lawton’s case, where two matches a week had been the trouble, he now got a nasty sock on the leg and could not repeat the triumph of his first half, in which the your boy had given the perfect pattern of snap shot such as I have named to you since the day he made his bow. It is not so much the force of shot which is good of the control of the height of the ball, as the speed at which he makes up his mind to shoot when one anticipates he about to get set.
Manchester City Could Be Champions.
With Arsenal and Charlton breaking down, Manchester City, with many games in hand, has still a good chance of being champions of the League. The team is beautifully blended, and Swift is becoming steadier in goal, while Barkas is just about the outstanding back of the season, and as a purveyor of the ball he has more accuracy than 60 per cent, of our forwards and half-backs. Barkas has brought into the City team a pass instead of a plunsel the result being good movement from the near to the front, and an inspiring use of the ball unsteady of the customary kick-away anywhere which curbs combination and pleases only those spectators who want footballers to “give it boot.” Doherty keeps disappointing me, although I can see much sharpness of football brain in his work-out. Tilson was closed down for the day, and Toseland and Brook, just pitched away the best possible chances seen on the ground this season. So Everton must be satisfied with a point especially when one remembers the referee’s proximity to the penalty incident, and the reversal of his own view when he consulted a linesman 30 yards away. The day that football authorities decide to make a referee consult both linesman over debated goals, football will lose those horrible looking harangues in which the little referee is surrounded by supposed lawful and orderly appellants clamouring a change of decision. All this, which is degrading and unsporting would be absent if there were a pre-arranged signal between a linesman and referee regarding the validity of a goal. The conference held upon the touchline by referee and linesman was not a helpful sight, and the linesman concerned was certainly not doing his work properly when marked absent from the home goal aforementioned. To be fair to Everton I cannot conclude this week’s survey without reference to the first “net,” made by Gillick, from a position one imagined could not be off-side. When referring to Britton not appealing against the penalty kick decision, it must not be thought that I was endeavouring to make him appear a guilty party. My idea was to show his good conduct badge. Actually, all the Everton players though the referee had signalled a corner kick, and when the referee was leaving the scenes after the incident had closed I noticed Britton point to his jersey as proof that he had not handled the ball. The game was in danger of being ruined by penalty and puerility on the part of the officials.
EVERTON’S LONG TRIP
March 23, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Travelling adds to the toll taken of the players’ staying power during these jumps from one match to another. I Notice, for instance, that Everton are due at Old Trafford on Friday, and before the return at Goodison Park on Monday, the Everton players are to make the long trip to Portsmouth.
Everton Sign A Centre Half.
Everton have signed as a professional W. Edwards, the Wigan player who assisted Bottling Wood F.C. He is a most promising exponent of centre half play, and as he stands 5ft 9 ½ ins, and weights over 12st, he is well fortified for the requirements of the position. Edwards has had several trials, and as other clubs, notably West Bromwich Albion, were desirous of recruiting the player, Everton stepped in.
CUNLIFFE AT CENTRE FORWARD
March 24, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
During the rush of Easter matches, directors have to marshal their resourceful and to provide for possible injuries, have capable reserve men ready to step in. The clubs with strong reserves therefore have a big pull. Everton, for instance, are playing Cunliffe at centre forward for the first of the holiday matches against Manchester United, at Old Trafford on Friday. Dean who played on Saturday standing down for this game. Lawton and Geldard are pairing off so well that there appears a desire that they should continue on the right wing, and the introduction of Cunliffe as leader is the only change. The team is: - Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Gillick. The Central League eleven to oppose Manchester United Reserves at Goodison Park on Friday, Kick-off 3-15 will be:- White; Jones (JE), Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Watson; Leyfield, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, Coulter.
EVERTON WILL RING THE CHANGES THIS EASTER
March 24, 1937. The Evening Express.
Easing Burden of Holiday Fixtures.
Cunliffe at centre-Forward on Friday.
By The Pilot.
This will be Everton’s ring-the-changes Easter. The directors, at their meeting last night, decided that, owing to the heavy Football League programme, players for certain positions should be given a rest for some of the games. For instance on Good Friday Everton are due to play Manchester United at Old Trafford. Skipper Dean is the player who stands down. His places will be taken by Jimmy Cunliffe, the inside right, ho three seasons ago, played many matches at centre-forward with success. This is the only change from the team which drew with Manchester City. Other players will be rested as the circumstances demand. Cunliffe as leader is rather an intriguing move, for centre-forward Lawton continues to play as an inside forward. I think it is a good move, for up to now, Lawton has shown his best form when playing at either inside right or inside left. Cunliffe is essentially an attacking forward. The team to oppose Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday will be chosen after the game at Old Trafford. The Everton “tourists” leave Liverpool on Friday morning, travel direct from Manchester to London after the match, move on to Portsmouth on Saturday morning; return to London the same evening, and then complete the tour with the home run on Sunday morning. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Gillick. Everton Reserves oppose Manchester United Reserves in a Central League match at Goodison Park on Friday afternoon. Everton Reserves; White; Jones (JE), Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Watson; Leyfield, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, Coulter.
CUNLIFFE LEADS EVERTON
March 24, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton are playing Cunliffe at centre forward for the first of the holiday matches against Manchester United, at Old Trafford on Friday. Dean who played on Saturday standing down for this game. Lawton and Geldard continue on the right wing and the introduction of Cunliffe as leader is the only change. The team is Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Gillick. Everton Reserves oppose Manchester United Reserves in a Central League match at Goodison Park on Friday, Kick-off 3-15, will be:- . Everton Reserves; White; Jones (JE), Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Watson; Leyfield, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, Coulter.
EVERTON FACE DESPERATE SIDE.
March 25, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
With Everton and the City in comfortable positions they are no doubt desirous of helping their respective townsmen, so that these meetings cut both ways as it were. Everton go to Old Trafford to face a desperate side, and if they win the Goodison Park team will enhance the prospects of Liverpool in their efforts to get out of danger. From past experience Everton an aware that sides fighting for their very existence, as it were are most difficult to overcome, and I am sure Everton will need all the skill they possess to hold their opponents. Special interest will centre in the Everton forward line with Cunliffe in the centre. Dean stands down for this match and Lawton retains the inside right berth. Everton; - Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Gillick. Manchester United: - Breen; Griffiths, Roughton; Brown, Winterbottom, Whalley; Cape, Gladwin, Mutch, Baird, Manley.
BLUES SHOULD GET AT LEAST 4 POINTS
March 25, 1937. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton should end a sequence of four games without a win in fact, I expect the Blues to pick up four points out of the six at stake during the holidays. If the Blues beat Manchester United they will record their third “double” of the season. In my opinion the deciding factor in the matches, both at Goodison Park and Old Trafford will be Everton’s half-back line. I do not think the United attackers will be able to overcome the Britton-Gee-Mercer trio –one of the best intermediary lines in the country. True that the Blues will be facing a desperate combination, in which further experience are being made. Mutch, the man Everton watched earlier in the season, will lead the attack. Everton have not played at Old Trafford in a first-class game since losing to West Bromwich in the F.A. Cup semi-final in 1931, but they should experience a “happy return.” I also think Everton with their splendid home record to encourage them, are capable of beating the United at Goodison Park on Monday. Sandwiched between these games is the hard task at Portsmouth. They tackle a Pompey who have recaptured their best form and who are not out of the championship race by any means.
. Everton; - Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Gillick. Manchester United: - Breen; Griffiths, Roughton; Brown, Winterbottom, Whalley; Cape, Gladwin, Mutch, Baird, Manley.
• League Match at Goodison Park, Easter Monday, March 29th Everton v Manchester United. Kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- 4d, Stands extra (including tax). Booked seats, Sharp’s Whitechapel.
• Centre League Match On Saturday March 27th Everton Reserves v. Manchester City Reserves, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands extra (including tax).
• Central League Match Good Friday Everton Reserves v. Manchester United Reserves, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. Stands extra (including Tax).
EVERTON’S IMPORTANT AND LONG JOURNEYS.
March 25, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton have a couple of journeys as a kick-off, and the first is convenient –v. Manchester United –the second to far-off Portsmouth. The introduction of Cunliffe at centre forward may brother those who do not like to think of centre forward Lawton moving to inside position and Cunliffe being moved nearer the middle of the goal. Yet I do not forget some of Cunliffe’s appearance as leader of the forward band, in which games he showed up better than he had shown at inside right. Cunliffe’s quick action and long stride can carry him far from the modern third back. The selection may prove a winning card, and thereby a great help to Liverpool’s chance of fighting against loss of membership. Everton have had some royal times at Portsmouth, and the games between the two have always been of a sporty and interesting kind. On Monday Everton come home to their people and play Manchester United –altogether a trio of really important matches. Team chosen; - Morton; Cook, Jackson; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Lawton, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Gillick.
The time the excursion train to the Manchester United station, on the occasion of the Manchester United-Everton match on Friday, leaves Central Station, Liverpool, is 1.55 and not 1.5, as stated in these notes on Tuesday.
MANCHESTER UNITED 2 EVERTON 1 (Game 1597 over-all)-(Div 1 1555)
March 27, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Lose In Snowstorm.
Trying Conditions At Old Trafford
By L.E.E.
No worse conditions could have been experienced than those in which Manchester United and Everton found themselves at Old Trafford, where victory went to the side desperately in need of points. The ground was half covered with snow-and where snow had lain on the remaining portions there was mud in plenty. As though this was not sufficient there was a heavy snow storm during the first half, when Everton faced the storm and a goal deficit. This came after 30 minutes when some indecision against a side that was as keen as mustard enabled Baird to nip through and beat Morton. There followed a second goal midway through the second half when Mutch a grand worker, if rather an over-elaborator, weaved this way and that before finally placing the ball high into the net. Manchester were worth their points, but they only took them after a battle against a stern defence, in which Morton took most of the honours. Notably in the first half he played with perfect anticipation and safely when mistakes through the slippery nature of both turf and ball could have arisen quite easily.
Difficult To Pass Ball.
As the game progressed so the snow gave way to heavier conditions in which it was difficult to pass the ball any distance along the ground. Until the winners second goal arrived there was no telling which way the honours would go, but Everton missed their way with some good chances, and in view of Manchester’s bulk of superiority in the first half, and their neatness to goals, it could not be argued that Everton deceived a better return for some “uncomfortable” work. On this form the winners may yet beat the bogey of relegation. There is no denying their spirit or the excellence of work of men like Whalley, Manley and Mutch. On consideration it was not difficult to see why Everton so rarely succeeded in attack. In addition to the natural difficulties of the day, the punch and experience of a man like Dean was not notably absent. One cannot help thinking that minus Dean Everton are a different side –and the opposition treat them with possibly less respect than when Dean is in the programme. Neither wing was exploited fully, but then Stevenson is a small man to retain his stamina on such a pitch, and Lawton had little chance to show his best work until late in the game, when a switch over of the ex-Burnley player and Cunliffe was made. Mercer was one of the few players who seemed to relish his work on the heavy ground.
Consolation Goal.
Britton, too, worked the ball well at close quarters and if Jackson and company were rather overweighed with work in the first half, when Manley had chances galore, the return of goals at the half-way stage showed little discredit on the Everton defence. Breen had few shots of note, and Stevenson’s half-volley which almost took the goalkeeper into the net when he got down to the stinging shot was one of the few occasions when Everton showed their wares. Gillick did a least get a consolation goal late in the game, when the referee Mr. E. D. Smith, wisely allowed the goal to count when a full back had handled the ball without being able to stop its progress into the net. Still, there was not sufficient finishing effort to cause the opposition much anxiety –a pity since it was not for the want of ingenuity in engineering attacks from the half-backs positions. In the conditions it was a splendidly fought match, with some good football from both sides at various times. To Manchester United it was a red-letter day and they greeted the 2-1 victory as real hope for the future. Teams: - Manchester United: - Breen, goal; Griffiths, and Roughton, backs; Brown, Winterbottom, and Whalley, half-backs; Cape, Gladwin, Mutch, Baird and Manley, forwards. Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Cook (captain), backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Cunliffe, Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee E.D. Smith, Maryport.
Dean is likely to be playing at Portsmouth today. Whether it will be at centre forward or inside forward is not yet decided.
EVERTON RESERVES 3 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 3
March 27, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 34)
Manchester United did well to force a draw in the Central League match at Goodison Park where the home side established a lead of three goals at the interval yet within three minutes of the resumption the United had drawn level. Coulter opened the score from a penalty, following an infringement against Laidman; Dickinson headed a second and before the interval had scored the third. On turning round, Lang scored for the United from a surprising angle a minute later Gardner went on to score while Everton were appealing that the ball had gone out of play, and straight from the centre, Gardiner went through to score the equaliser. Everton fought back hard for a deciding goal without the United defence held out well. Coulter and Dickinson were conspicuous for Everton, while Wrigglesworth was the outstanding forward for the visitors. Everton Reserves: - White, goal; Jones (JE) and Thomson, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Leyfield, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman and Coulter, forwards.
EVERTON SNATCH POINT IN LAST MINUTE
March 27, 1937. The Evening Express, Football Edition
Geldard’s Great Equaliser.
Strong Man Of Portsmouth
By The Pilot.
A last minute goal by Geldard gained Everton a point at Portsmouth. The game was drawn 2-2. Everton thoroughly deserved the point and were baulked of victory only by grand work by Strong, the Pompey goalkeeper. Britton who was doubtful up to the last minute, was given his A1 ticket by the doctor, and the only change was Lawton being left out –Cunliffe took over at inside right –and Dean resuming the leadership. The conditions were in direct contrast to yesterday’s at Old Trafford. Everton were represented at the Luton match yesterday, and also today, having resumed interest in Payne. Team: - Portsmouth; - Strong, goal; Morgan and Smith (W.), backs; Smith (A.), Salmond, and Pringle, half-backs; Worrell, Anderson, Weddle, Bageley, and Parker, forwards. Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. G Gould (London). The game opened with more mispasses than accurate transfers, but after Bageley had shown up a dangerous light Everton went away to snatch the lead in three minutes through Gillick. Dean square-passed the ball to the winger and in his effort to break through allowed the ball to run beyond him. Strong came out to cover, and Salmond and Morgan were also keen to lend a hand. Gillick, however, carried on and gently pushed the ball into the net with his right foot. Morton showed agility and perfect handling in saving from Weddle and Worrall. The game was not productive of high class football, but the change of conditions from the previous day were mainly responsible.
Nearly Another.
Everton nearly increased their lead with a mighty drive from Dean, which Strong saved with one hand. Then Stevenson made a welder drive from just outside the penalty area which Strong saved well at full length.
Everton On Top.
Everton were now on top and one fine forward movement saw each of the five play an important part in turn. Dean headed against the crossbar from a corner and then just failed to get in with a strong shot after good work by Gillick. After 20 minutes Portsmouth drew level, following a strong attack in which the ball was repeatedly put into the goal-mouth and pushed out again before Anderson, getting possession from a centre from the left, neatly put the ball into the net. An excellent movement led to Weddle turning the ball into the corner of the net, but in his enthusiasm he had moved to an offside position. Gillick did not realise this and ran half the length of the field to enter his protest against a goal that never was. The best move of the match came when after fine play on the left, Gillick turned back a short centre. Cunliffe cut in with a fine header, Pringle kicking out from the goal-line. Geldard returned the ball again to the goalmouth and this time Cunliffe’s header was stopped actually on the line by Strong, who fell full length to make a wonder save. Gillick ran half the length of the field in excellent style, beating three men but was grassed just inside the penalty area. Everton claimed a spot kick, but this was turned down.
Pompey Ahead.
Weddle put in fine work in attack, and near the interval snatched a leading goal in 44 minutes. This followed a corner taken by Parker. Morton came out and pushed the ball away but it went to Anderson, who tried a hook shot which was going wide of the mark. Weddle nipped in and headed it into the corner of the net. Everton were rather unfortunate to be in arrears at the interval.
Half-Time Portsmouth 2, Everton 1.
A succession of goalmouth thrills came in the second half and Dean adopted his famous back head pass for Stevenson to drive in just by the post, the ball being scrambled away by Strong. Parker put in some excellent work on Pompey’s let flank, and from his short centre Anderson headed in, Gee kicking the ball away s Morton went to ground. Following Mercer’s free kick Cunliffe shot through a bunch of players. The ball was travelling to the far corner of the net, but Strong flung himself out to make another excellent save. Everton had their chance to draw level when Dean nodded the ball down for the in-running Stevenson, but the Irishman pushed his shot yards off the mark. Everton pressed hard without bringing many shots to bear, before Britton swung round, and Strong had to fist away from under the bar from Dean. Morton pushed out a centre from the head of Worrall, and in the next three minutes Strong did sufficient work to ruin Everton’s chance of an equaliser. After progressive work by Britton, Cunliffe pushed the ball through Salmond’s legs, and Dean came through with a chashing shot which Strong held in masterly manner. Strong then dashed out to hold off Dean. Everton were having the better of matters territorially. Strong fisted away from Cunliffe and Geldard passed one inches past the post before Everton snatched the game out of the fire in the last minute. Geldard ran in and after good work by Mercer, sent in a low shot which seemed to strike Morgan’s body and turn into the net. Final Portsmouth 2, Everton 2.
LAST KICK GOAL FOR A DRAW.
March 27, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Dean’s Good Work For Everton.
Geldard’s Drive
By Buzz.
Team: - Portsmouth; - Strong, goal; Morgan and Smith (W.), backs; Smith (A.), Salmond, and Pringle, half-backs; Worrell, Anderson, Weddle, Bageley, and Parker, forwards. Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. G Gould (London). Everton continued their Easter tour at Portsmouth where the ground was as much unlike, yesterday’s as possible, Lawton was rested so that Cunliffe came in and although there was a doubt about Cliff Britton until a few minute before the match, when a doctor was consulted as to whether his injured rib would allow him to play, as was able to turn out against the Portsmouth side that had also had a long journey yesterday –from Grimsby Dean of course, was in his place at centre forward. In three minute Everton were a goal to the good. A stray ball came to the left, and Gillick with his usual intuition for such things, had taken up position properly to be able to beat the rather hesitant Strong and give the home hopes something to bite on. Everton on this dry ground were able to play more in their customary style and although Morton repeated yesterday’s performance with some sure handling in the first ten minutes, it was Strong who was the more likely to be beaten. For instance, Dean made one well placed, if not fearsome, drive which strong was glad to put over the bar, and when little Stevenson tried one of his long range surprise packets the ball carried so much pace the goalkeeper had to bring off a magnificent save to prevent his side becoming two down. Dean missed one choice offering from Gillick, but it was merely a question of timing his volley and as he had to reach for the ball, no one could blame him for not quite connecting. Meantime Jackson earned some derision from the crowd by his first-time clearance which, though they may not have always finished in play, nevertheless eased the defensive situation in one fell swoop. Gillick went to the line to make a square centre and Cunliffe header from this seemed a certainly until Pringle blocked it away to Geldard. Cunliffe once again headed in strongly but Strong fell on the ball on the line, and dented the opposition a goal for the second time in the space of a minute.
The Equaliser.
Twenty minutes’ play had gone by when Anderson and Morton met the ball as it came from the left, and the Portsmouth player just got there first to make the equalising goal. Morton followed this with a good punch away from the head of and when Weddle scored it was obviously offside position, afterwards Gillick not withstanding what everyone else realised, run to the referee to consult a linesman. There followed an incident between Weddle and Gee and the Everton player went to some plans to explain a grievance to the referee. It was not surprising that Morton almost found himself beaten by the bounce of the ball, after his experience in the match yesterday, and in addition to the liveliness of the ball he was facing a troublesome sun.
Gillick’s Run.
At this stage Gillick made a magnicent run, in which he was challenged twice, but somehow managed to keep his feet and keep possession. He was brought up by a tackle which seemed to merit the penalty kick, but in spite of appeals by Dean and others this was refused. Portsmouth had a wonderful chance to make it 2-1, when Parker won a clinch against Jackson, and cut in to offer a centre, but he put the ball over the heads of everybody, and Everton escaped. Cunliffe was injured when he was tackled in the act of shooting, but he was able to resume and the game at this stage certainly had some bite in it. Just on the interval Weddle headed a goal for Portsmouth, Morton having come out and failed to connect, the ball bobbing back into the centre where Weddle had little to do to nod it into the net.
Half-Time Portsmouth 2, Everton 1.
Early in the second half Dean made his characteristic downward pass with his head to Stevenson, who drove in a shot which Strong scrambled from one end of his goal to the other end, and which his managed to save on the line. A great movement by the Portsmouth left wing finished with Anderson heading just wide. There followed a dangerous hook from Worrall which was blocked away by Cook, and then a free kick taken by Mercer enabled Geldard to put Cunliffe in good position. For the third time, just when Cunliffe seemed a certain scorer. Strong made his save at the last moment. There was no denying the fact that Everton enjoyed chances, and another back-header by Dean to Stevenson was flashed wide of the post. Jackson was kept very busy but he performed splendidly, and although he was plainly feeling the effects of his injury yesterday, Britton played his part ideally, although his constructive ideas were not so renounced as usual. Passes to Dean were generally the high to be of real value, but Dean with two headers and a “dummy” which left the ball perfectly placed for any colleagues, did valuable work, to say nothing of a first-time drive which Strong patted down. Cunliffe was luckless once again with a long range drive which was tipped over the bar by Strong. Everton were inclined to fritter away openings through too many close passes, but Gillick, who nearly always made headway with the bright spot of the line. Jackson’s work was of a high standard, but Mercer was not putting the ball to good use. Right on the finish Dean put a pass over to Geldard, who delivered a deliberate shot which beat Strong as Stevenson ran in to make certain. This was literally the last kick of the match –there was not even time to re-centre the ball. Everton were worth their last second point. Final Portsmouth 2, Everton 2.
STUD MARKS
March 27, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• When Manchester United last visited Goodison Everton were struggling –vainly –to avoid relegation. Now it is a case of the Old Trafford brigade being in serious jeopardy.
• Everton in league games as one writes, has not had a half back goal all season. Nor had Manchester United, Huddersfield Town and Chelsea.
• With another close season over his head Tom Lawton should make a grand forward; is already approaching the excellent mark in the matter of craft and penetrative powers.
• Last season Everton finished up at 39 points and Liverpool with 38. Each should do rather better this season.
• Both Everton and Liverpool have called up 24 players for League team services.
• Everton’s full back Cook was an inside forward in his junior days. Notice his ability in carrying the ball well forward on occasion.
• Everton’s “Dusty” Miller has been placed on Burnley’s open-to-transfer list.
PORTSMOUTH 2 EVERTON 2 (Game 1598 over-all)-(Div 1 1556)
March 29, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Everton’s Late Equaliser.
Well-Earned Point at Portsmouth
When the final whistle sounded at Portsmouth, Worrall, who happened to be standing nearest the ball picked it up and lashed it away as though he had suffered a great disappointment. And no one would blame him for taking it out of the ball because Everton’s equalising goal, which meant a half share of the points came with literally the last kick of the match. There was no time to recentre. Dean had taken the ball from the left and slipped it across to Geldard, whose task was to make sure of his angle and then deliver a shot. It was a well-directed right-foot effort. And if it had not already beaten Strong, Stevenson was on the spot to make certain a goal. So ended Portsmouth’s outside chance in the championship race. Possibly they would be the first to have admitted themselves rather fortunate to win if this goal had not come; so both teams have consoling influences. Everton were worth their honours. Whether the goal came in the last moment or not, they played sufficiently well to earn something more than a long train journey home to complete their Easter tour. They were no less an effective side than Portsmouth for many reasons and though Dean found himself in the toils of a man he has said is the “best stopper” in the game, Salmond did not blot out the Everton leader to such an extent that Dean’s work was negligible. In a variety of ways Dean was of great value, and if Strong had not been so secure in his work in goal, Everton would be bailing an away win by this time.
Luckless Cunliffe.
Considering the ground was as firm as the previous day’s was sloppy, it was quite a good game. The ball bumped up for both sides and although it may not have been kept along the ground so much as usual when these sides meet there was plenty of bite in the play and many fine scoring efforts. The most luckless of all these were Cunliffe’s. Twice in a minute he headed in strongly and from such range that a goal seemed certain and when Strong was not there to make the save someone else was. Cunliffe was surely as unlucky as he had been ineffective on the Manchester United ground the day previously; Stevenson too, found Strong most aggravating. Gilfillan’s deputy seems to make a speciality of going down to the ball at the last second, and to the player who has shot it is a most tantalizing habit. Gillick’s goal, after three minutes, set the natives wondering. While they held a lead, Everton were on top, but once Anderson had made it 1-1 and Weddle had headed a leading goal, there were signs and portents that once again the record of an Everton away journey would yield nothing. Gillick had taken up position well for one, of those tray balls that are slung about at various times and thanks to Strong and two defenders imagining that their job was to take possession. Gillick caught out all three and slipped the ball into the net. The second half was a repetition of the first in many respects for Everton. Again they found Strong doing great work, and only when the result of the game was almost on the official register did Geldard and company manage to get their due reward.
Outstanding Features.
The feature of the match were Strong’s goalkeeping; that left wing work of the Portsmouth lank as a whole, Dean’s almost “old-time” busy-ness and Gillick’s go-head work on the left. Gillick was the most direct mover of the line and to tell the truth, although Everton gave the Portsmouth defence plenty of trouble the line as a whole did not move as freely as when at their best. Possibly this may have been due to half-back failings in production of the ball. Britton, who suffered two nasty knocks the day previous, had some raw deals in the match under notice, and was obviously handicapped, and Mercury try as he would, could not quite put the ball to his liking on the bone-hard ground. Weddle was well held by Gee when he was in the centre of the field, but this rather elusive and workmanlike centre drifted out from time to time to right or left and created difficulties in that way. Jackson’s quick recovery was notable, and if Everton could reproduce this hearty form at other grounds they would doubtless pick up points in a style that a usually associated with their matches at Goodison Park. Team: - Portsmouth; - Strong, goal; Morgan and Smith (W.), backs; Smith (A.), Salmond, and Pringle, half-backs; Worrell, Anderson, Weddle, Bageley, and Parker, forwards. Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. G Gould (London).
EVERTON RESERVES 3 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 1
MARCH 29, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 35)
Manchester City, at Goodison opened the score after 5 minutes. Hallmark netting. Bell equalised in 20 minutes, but Donnelly, for the visitors missed a penalty just before the interval. Leyfield hit the corner of the woodwork and Laidman and Bell both shot over from good positions. On turning round Dickinson gave Everton the lead, and Bell added a third goal. Had Everton finished better they could have won by a more pronounced margin. Coulter was neat and effective, while Jones (JE) and Thomson defended well. Everton Reserves: - White, goal; Jones (JE) and Thomson, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Leyfield, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman and Coulter, forwards.
EVERTON NEVER SAY DIE
March 29, 1937. Evening Express.
Fighting Spirit That Earned a Point.
By The Pilot.
Everton, thanks to their deserved draw at Portsmouth on Saturday, have now a great chance of topping their record of last season, when they secured 39 points. The Blues have obtained 35 points from 36 matches, and last season they secured 30 points from 42 games. The remaining six matches should provide sufficient points to beat the figures –especially if the Blues play as well as they did at Fratton Park. Had Everton not secured that thrilling last-minute goal through Geldard, they would have been marked down as an unfortunate side, for they had shown spirit and perseverance which has often been lacking in their away games. There was a general willingness to fight to the last ditch, and had it not been for the super play of Strong in the Portsmouth goal might have scored a “packet.” Strong gave one of the best displays of goalkeeping I have seen for a long time, and I hear he is being mentioned in connection with international honours. He would suit me.
Pompey Stars.
Strong and Salmond were the men who enabled Portsmouth to retain a point in a game which had its poor periods when the players found it difficult to control a lively ball on a hard ground after all the slush of recent weeks. I have seen the Everton attack play better as a combined force, but each of the five did well individually –and the pick were Gillick. It was the Scot’s best game since he has been playing outside left. He took the first goal in three minutes, and was always troubling the Pompey defence. The quick-raiding of Cunliffe, the trickiness of Stevenson, the pace of Geldard, and the sound persistence of Dean constituted highlights of Everton’s forward progression. Gee has a good day at centre-half against the roving robust Weddle, and Britton and Mercer crowned do-or-die defensive work with neat construction. Jackson and Cook gave sound covering to Morton who played with courage and keenness. His catching was perfect and he showed a keen sense of anticipation. Portsmouth were sorely disappointed in dropping a point, which may deprive them of the championship, but they agreed that Everton deserved their point Anderson and Weddle scored for Pompey.
EVERTON’S RICH POINT AT PORTSMOUTH
March 29, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
A Great Goalkeeper.
Bee’s Notes.
Who’d be a footballer at Easter? There may be some people who imagine they would like to travel here, there and everywhere in football’s name, but I am sure that if they experienced the task of a club at one of the busiest points of the football calendar, they would not be so keen (writes “Buzz).
Everton’s party had a particularly busy time, and after experience the snow and mud of Manchester they found, at Portsmouth a bone-hard playing pitch that one associates with end-of-season games. To the credit of both Portsmouth and their visitors the game was well worth seeing. Everton snatched a draw with the last kick of the match. No matter that they were goalless from the third minute to the ninetieth, they played their part well against a side which had more than a hint of championship hopes t the back of their minds. Gillick snapped up his early chance extremely well. But although his goal “counted” and Geldard’s last minute effort enabled Everton to make it 2-2, there were other occasions when Everton were within hall of goals, and were denied by the brilliance of Strong’s goalkeeping, or someone’s anticipatory deflection. Strong is a good goalkeeper. That goes without saying because he has kept the evergreen Gilfillan –the South’s counterpart of Anfield’s Elisha Scott –in the Reserves, and that is saying a great deal. Well as Salmond played against the energetic Dean, I don’t think he was so valuable to his side as the goalkeeper. And not only did Strong make saves, he made at such a late hour as to have Cunliffe, Stevenson and others scratching their heads and wondering whether angles were keeping watch over the man beneath the bar.
Never Faltered.
Cunliffe could be particularly annoyed because twice in a minute he headed in strongly and looked certain to score; yet his name was not on the register. At one time or other all the forwards were all to the firing line, but Strong never faltered. Strange as it seems Everton were not impressive in attack, though they played well and a point t such a venue is credit in itself for a splendid performance. The ball did not come to the forwards in the usual smooth style, possibly because Britton suffered two nasty knocks at Manchester, and a few others on this occasion to make him chary of hearty work. Mercer, too was not getting the ball to the man in front so well as usual but in point of defence both players did well. Jackson who faced a left wing which knew how to reach the objective by the correct methods had to fall back time and again in an effort to nip the movement at the second time of asking, but he played well. I thought, and Gee’s grip of Weddle was such that the Portsmouth “wanderer” used his characteristic swing to left and right wing to escape the attentions of his “marker” in the centre. Nothing was more thrilling than the long run made by Gillick when he took the ball from the half-way line right into the box despite three fierce tackles, the last of which started him and the ball, I believe Everton’s appeal for a penalty on this occasion was justified –but not by the referee, unfortunately.
DOUBLE FOR THE UNITED
March 29, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Manchester United’s Bid For Safety.
Lawton’s Goal
By Buzz.
Teams: - Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Lawton, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. Manchester United: - Breen, goal; Griffiths and Roughton, backs; Brown, Vose and Manley, half-backs; Bryant, Baird, Mutch, Ferrier, and Lang, forward. Referee Mr. E. D. Smith, Maryport. The notice board was more like a Grand National starter’s list. No fewer than six names needed to be altered on the programme. Gillick had tried one shot of little power, and Ferrier provided Morton with a catch high up against the angle before Everton got going. It was a slow start but Lawton’s glanced header to dean and Dean’s surprise shot helped to enliven things, so did Geldard’s when he cut in past Vose but was too hampered to do anything more useful than shoot across the goal face.
Anxiety Complex.
Bryant could do little right, and his side seemed to have an anxiety complex that made them 50 per cent less effective than when they beat Everton a few days ago. Breen’s handout of Geldard’s centre, and Stevenson’s strong shot which was deflected over the bar by a defender, showed that the wind was blowing in Everton’s direction. Lawton paved the way for a chance for Dean but the latter’s shot finished on the top portion of the double-decker. Gillick got a knock and hobbled to the touch line. He discarded his shin pad and pulled down his stocking –an unusual feature for a player in League football.
Two quick Goals.
Gillick returned in time to see Lang go to some pains to earn a corner, at the expense of Britton. It was a close in corner kick and Morton leapt high but failed to make a catch. No fewer than three United forwards bustled the ball over the line, and as Mutch was the most delighted and most expectant of congratulatory handshakes, he gets the credit for doing the good deed. It was a short-lived lead, Geldard’s corner kick in the next minute –the twenty-eight –started the downfall, and a sharp shot by Lawton made the scores level. Dean forced Breen to punch away to Gillick, and the Scot seemed a certain scorer until Griffiths kicked away to save the situation. Mutch almost got through the Everton defence, and stood alongside three defenders waiting for something to turn up without the ball coming out of the scrum, as it were Gillick cut in but after having made his opportunity fool-proof was slow to deliver his centre and the chance was sealed.
Lawton’s Move Fails.
When Lawton got full power behind a right foot shot through the ruck, Breen made a sure catch. Lawton’s goal, by the way, was his first for the senior side at Goodison. The young Burnley boy elected to finesse a free kick outside the penalty area, but his move failed. Little Mutch nearly proved Morton’s undoing with a simple sort of header from Bryant’s centre. Stevenson worked in from outside right, and the opposition were lucky to escape a penalty when he came to earth in a rather mysterious way.
Half-Time Everton 1, Manchester United 1.
Geldard started the second half with an electric run and centre for which Gillick was crowded out. When Lang centred, and a United forward shot and Mercer blocked away this effort there was an outburst of disproval when Mr. Smith pointed to the spot for a penalty award. The crowd behind the goal seemed adamant that there had been no infringement, but the decision stood and Bryant scored at 49 minutes. United had desperate luck with a header which grazed the top of the bar. Lawton hit the ball tremendously hard when taking a free kick, but the ball rose over the bar. Ferrier scored United third goal at 66 minutes through some laxity in the Everton defence, the ball being headed across to Ferrier, who headed in. Stevenson scored for Everton t sixty-eight minutes, to make the score 2-3 when Dean headed the ball across to him. Final Everton 2, Manchester United 3.
EVERTON 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (Game 1599 over-all)-(Div 1 1557)
March 30, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Second Home Defeat
Manchester United Surprise Everton.
By L.E.E
Everton were “doubled” by Manchester United at Goodison Park, and it did not go down well with a crowd which had come to see the lowly side beaten. It was a hard, rather than pleasant game, and Everton were loath to part with the two points at stake even though the opposition played hard for the honours and in the end, were worthy of them. Looking at the point of view of the winners one would find it hard to deny them the right to success especially as they were on foreign soil, and they had but one point to show for three months’ work on opposition grounds. It was a gallant victory in sense; yet one could not help feeling that the losers were the better equipped side, and that they had almost twice as many chances as their conquerors.
Fine Work Of Breen.
For the “discrepancy” in the score one needs to look-back to the fine work of Breen, in goal, and pay tribute to the way the gift offerings in attack were snapped up without fault. Bravely as Mutch played, he did not get nearly so many chances as some of the home forwards, and apart from the three occasions when Manchester had the ball in the net I can remember few others when they were likely to beat Morton. They scored first, after 27 minutes, when Mutch and two others’ bustled the ball through when Morton misfielded a corner kick, but that joy lived for but one minute, Lawton aided by Dean, getting the equaliser with a promptitude that seemed menacing. In the second half Bryant scored from the penalty spot, the award going for a contentious point when Mercer was alleged to have handled when United were making it particularly “hot” in front of the goalmouth. Penalty or not, according to your belief, the decision stood, and what is more, Bryant, ex-Wrexham made a success and a 2-1 lead at that stage. Everton fell further behind when Bryant and company slipped to the right and headed in to Ferrier a harmless looking free kick when they should have been challenged. Ferrier nodded a third goal, and Everton must have wondered how such a side could get so far on top when they had enjoyed so few chances. Stevenson lobbed the ball in to open up the game again, and although Everton went very near to making it 3-3 –notably when Breen had to make a low one-handed save when all was set for Dean to beat him –there was not much finality about the early promise of many Everton raids.
Morton Misses The Catch.
So, boiled down, Everton lost because Morton missed the catch of a corner kick and there was laxity when a free kick was taken. Manchester certainly made every chance tell, and for that reason they can hardly be denied the honours. I thought Jackson played his part well in the beaten side, with Britton in form with some notable work in the first half, and Dean getting through a lot of spade work without having much to show for it, Lawton started well, but rather faded out and was inclined to be that little bit slow on occasions though there was no denying the strength of his shooting when a clear chance presented itself, Geldard hugged the line to some purpose at times, but on many occasions he was crowded out. The winners best were Breen and Mutch, but stern endeavour on the part of all was the keystone of success when the play suggested that things would go the other way. I though Everton escaped a penalty when Mutch was uprooted well inside the area –in my view –and the referee gave a free kick two yards outside the box. And when Stevenson cut in and mysteriously came to earth there was more than a hint of a penalty in the offing, so the two cases were largely balanced and United go on their way with a great regard for Goodison Park and Everton and a chance to remain in the top class. Thus were six changes justified to the hilt! Team: - Portsmouth; - Strong, goal; Morgan and Smith (W.), backs; Smith (A.), Salmond, and Pringle, half-backs; Worrell, Anderson, Weddle, Bageley, and Parker, forwards. Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. G Gould (London).
MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 6 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 30, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 36)
Although Everton opened the score at Old Trafford with an excellent goal by Bell, they were no match for the quick-shooting Manchester forwards who have scored 17 goals during the holidays. Everton occasionally showed glimpses of combined forward play, but apart from Bell, who hit the United upright in the second half, the attack was well below the standard of the home side. The defence played well up to a point, but the open play and speed of Manchester’s wingers were too much for White and his colleagues.
EVERTON LACK COLLABORATION
March 30, 1937. The Evening Express.
Blues Upset By United’s Speedy Tackling
By The Pilot.
Manchester United have a fighting chance of escaping relegation to the Second Division following their 3-2 victory over Everton at Goodison Park yesterday. By the win they earned the distinction of being the second club to complete the “double” over the Blues. Thrills compensated in a large measure for the lack of high class football. Everton never reached the peak of their form. Their forwards did not operate effectively, and the defence was too readily drawn out of position –as in the case of United’s third goal, when three players were left unmarked. A Penalty to the United –Mutch and Lawton had scored in the first half –hen a certain scoring shot struck Mercer on the arm was the turning point. Bryant scored from this and Ferrier’s goal proceeded Stevenson’s goal for the Blues. Everton’s chief fault –despite the fact that they enjoyed three parts of the game territorially –was the inability to collaborate. They were upset by the speed of the United tackling. Morton was not blameless, and Jackson and Cook were often wide apart instead of adopting their usual keen covering. Britton was outstanding among the half-backs; in fact he had no superior on the field. His football contributions were a delight in a game which lacked the arts. Gillick and Lawton were the picks’ of an attack which rarely knitted together well. Everton’s reward for the Easter games is one point out of six.
EVERTON SHOCK NEIGHBOURS BY LOSING TO MANCHESTER UNITED
March 30,1937. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Credit Where It Is Due.
The position at the foot –or rather in the last half-dozen places –of the League. Division 1, is more involved than ever (write Buzz). For one thing Manchester United, by winning two matches against Everton over the holidays, have lifted themselves to a place where they need only carry on in such form to allow Scott Duncan a few “hurrahs,” long before the end of the season. Nowadays a point or two can cover a multitude of teams and sides which have sailed along apathetically now find the relegations making imperative for them to keep winning. Everton re safe as houses, but they naturally dislike the idea of Manchester United coming to Goodison to repeat the success of Middlesbrough, particularly as they lost to the same team on Good Friday, and Manchester City took full points against Liverpool. When a side like Everton has gone so far in the fixture list and has conceded only one match to opposition at Goodison, it comes as a shock to find the lowest of the low adding insult to injury. Few thought Manchester had much chance before the game started. The dismal record of one point in three months football at opposition grounds and six changes made the visiting side look a panic stricken organisation. Yet those changes were justified by the play, even if Everton contributed to their own downfall by two defensive slips which cost goals. Everton always promised to get goals –and obtained two. The winners rarely promised to get goals –and got three! That’s how goes and as the winners won in spite of everything they were full value for their “taking” On the play Everton were the better side –they moved with greater ease and greater confidence. But for Breen and his one-handed gave, low down, to a Dean shot which promised to being the scoring to 3-3. Everton would have been spared the indignity of defeat.
The Goals
The goals were remarkable. Morton’s mistake allowed three United forward, including Mutch, to take the first goal. Lawton’s sharp shot which equalised was the best of them all; Bryant’s penalty effort –them had been great discussion before the kick was taken –was ordinary. And Ferrier’s headed was repeated when Stevenson’s lob caught Breen all at sea. Doubtless there are many beliefs about the important penalty decision, and I am not attempting to justify the award nor to confirm it, because it was impossible to tell from my viewpoint whether Mercer handled. I can say this however, Manchester United were most unfortunate not to score, despite whatever offence had taken place in their onslaught at that particular time. In addition the referee Mr. Smith, of Maryport seemed to err when presenting Mutch with a free kick two yards outside the penalty area when the offence against him took place several yards inside and he wound up on the ground ten yards inside the penalty box. I thought Jackson, Britton, Dean and Gillick were Everton’s best. Some may quarrel with the distinction of Dean, but they may have lost sight of the spade work he out in, with little result. Dean may confine himself largely to headwork, but his headwork is valuable in a double sense, and while he is drawing the defence to himself opportunities occur in other quarters. Geldard’s penchant for hugging the line made his play spectacular at times, but often he was crowded out.
EVERTON CHANGES.
March 31, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
For their game with Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday, kick-off 3.15, the Everton team shows two changes from the side which lost to Manchester United at Goodison Park on Monday. One is at left half where Watson, the reserve player comes in for Mercer, and the other at inside right, where Cunliffe reappears to the exclusion of Lawton. The side is: Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. The central League side to travel to West Bromwich Albion will be King; Jones, Thomson; Bentham, White, Lindley, Arthur, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, Coulter.
WATSON’S HOME DEBUT FOR EVERTON
March 31, 1937. The Evening Express.
Half-Back Is Every Inch a Footballer.
By The Pilot.
A young player who, a few months ago, could have been transferred for £1,000, plays his first ever game at Goodison Park for Everton’s Football League side when he appears against Chelsea on Saturday. This is Gordon Watson, another product of the North-eastern “nursery” and a brilliant left half-back. He takes the place of Mercer, who is being rested. Watson joined Everton as long ago as January 7, 1933, for a long time he has been forced at act as deputy, first to Thomson and then to Mercer. It was not until this season that he made his Football League debut. He was then called on, at the last moment, to play against Brentford at Griffin Park. He did well and helped Everton to earn a point. Watson is of big build and is an exceptionally clever constructionist who makes a deceptive, gliding pass to his outside forward while moving the other way. He is a fine positional player, tackles well and uses the ball with the utmost discretion. To sum it up, Watson is every inch a footballer. Everton almost allowed Watson to go to Chesterfield early this season, but reconsidered their decision. Well, Watson is worth much more than the £1,000 the Blues would have received as transfer fee. Everton make one further change, Cunliffe returning to inside right in place of Lawton. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
Lindley and Arthur are given chances to “make good” in Everton’s Central League side to face West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Saturday. Lindley plays left half and Arthur outside right. Everton Reserves; King; Jones, Thomson; Bentham, White, Lindley; Arthur, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, Coulter.
WATSON’S RETURN TO EVERTON HALF-BACK LINE V CHELSEA
March 31, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton have brought back Watson the wing half-back, who made such a deep impression in his debut game at Brentford, the week after he had been angled by Chesterfield. What Chesterfield missed Chelsea will face and in Mercer a place Watson will be keenly watched because the Everton half-back line has been so good all season, and doubtless Mercer has been rested through over-work in recent days. Watson’s special pleasure is the pass forwards cry for. He is not very big, but his football skill in delivering the ball makes him a valuable link with his forward line. Cunliffe reappears to the exclusion of Lawton. The side is; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. The Central League side to travel to West Bromwich Albion will be King; Jones, Thomson; Bentham, White, Lindley; Arthur, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, Coulter.
March 1937