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Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday September 1 1906

EVERTON v  MIDDLESBROUGH
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday September 1 1906
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
EVERTON LOSE THE LEAD AT HALF-TIME
The long-looked for opening of the football season arrived to-day in a blaze of glorious sunshine, but for once in a way Old Sol was anathematised rather than blessed. The Evertonians, who were due at Ayresome Park, began the long and tedious journey to the North-East Coast yesterday afternoon. A halt for the night was made at sleepy old Darlington, and travelling was resumed this morning, Middlesbrough being reached about two o’clock. At this time the heat was really insufferable, and in the town speculation was rife as to whether play would be possible or not, Mr. John Lewis’s startling pronouncement, as to the powers of referees postponing matches being quoted on all sides. In conversation with the Everton players, our representative gathered that they were generally in favour of the start being delayed until the sun’s rays had lost at least some of their scorching power. The weather notwithstanding, the liveliest interest was evinced in the match, and half an hour before the appointed hour of starting there was every indication of a goodly gate. Both teams were reported fit and well, and the powerful forward line of the home side was expected to do great things. Everton, as has already been mentioned, relied upon precisely the same team that brought the English Cup to Liverpool from the Crystal Palace last season. The Middlesbrough ranks included the new-comers Campbell a left full back, and Shand, a right half-back, both of whom come from Inverness.
It was just before 3.15 when the opponents trotted into the sun-bathed arena and took up their positions in the following order;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Taylor (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Middlesbrough.- Williamson, goal; Ratcliffe and Campbell, backs; Shand, Aitken, and Barker, half-backs; Brawn, Bloomer, Common, Wilcox, and Thackeray, forwards.
The visitors were the first to appear, Jack Taylor heading his men on to the accompaniment of an encouraging cheer from the throats of fully 20,000 spectators. The homesters quickly followed, and preliminaries were speedily settled. The heat at this time was agreeably tempered by a refreshing breeze, and it was generally conceded that the conditions were not so bad after all. Common commenced the season by winning the toss, and he set Everton the task of facing the blazing son. Young started, and the visitors at once moved forward, but Sharp eventually sent the leather over the line. From the thrown in the leather was passed across to the Everton left, where it again went into touch. From this throw in the Evertonians made a determined onslaught on Williamson’s charge, but Radcliffe cleared very cleverly, and the home side got going on the right. Crelly, however, stopped Bloomer just in the nick of time, and play was at once transferred to the home quarters. Here the Middlesbroughforwards were for a time sorely taxed, their defence being none too sure. Eventually, however, they cleared their lines, and moved away in promising fashion, Barker spoiling the effort at the last moment by shooting wide. Both teams started at a brisk pace, and it was kept up splendidly. Everton were apparently determined to show the stuff they were made of they bothered the home defence a great deal, and they bothered the home defence for some time without success. At length Taylor passed out to Settle, who ran down and gave to Bolton. The latter tricked the back and put the ball to Young, who made no mistake, but ran through and netted the ball right out of Williamson’s reach. This success came after seven minutes’ play, and naturally, it acted as a stimulous to the visitors, who continued to attack strongly. Middlesbrough were not dismayed and a dash down the wing by Thackeray looked very ominous. He finished up by centreing finely, but Common with a magnificent opening, sent the ball flying yards wide of the mark. The pace was now hotter in a double sense than ever, and a neat movement by Settle and Hardman took the ball close to the home goal. Settle ran in and put the leather to Bolton, but the latter was offside when he banged the ball into the net. There was no doubt that up to this time the visitors were the cleverer side and when the home left wing pair moved up in the direction of the goalkeeper their combined effort was nullified by Shand shooting wide. It was not long before the visitors were again on the aggressive, and Young nipping in his best style beat Campbell, and shot strongly. A goal seemed certain, but Williamson, fortunately for Middlesbrough, was in the way, and intercepted the flight of the leather. The home forwards then got going, and a free kick against Makepeace gave them a distinct advantage, of which they took full value. Barker shot, and Scott fisted out strongly, but to the dismay of the Evertonians, the ball struck Balmer full in the stomach, and rebounded into the net. It was an extremely lucky goal for the home side and was received with frantic cheers. Poor Balmer was badly winded, and it was some moments before play could be resumed. Being once again on level terms, the struggle was resumed in greater fierceness than ever, Sharp on one occasion rushed down the wing, but he finished badly. Then the homesters took up the running, and after Scott had saved rather easily from Brawn he was called upon to deal with a long shot from Common. The Middlesbrough team were now showing much improved form, and a clever bit of work by the Everton left wing pair was smartly dealt with by Ratcliffe. The home forwards then swooped down in deadly fashion, and Thackeray centred finely from the touchline. Bloomer met the ball and succeeded in putting it into the net, but the referee, greatly to the anger of the crowd, ruled that it was no goal, apparently for the reason that the ball was out of play when Thackeray centred it. End-t0-end play ensued and there was very little to choose between the teams at this period. Hardman once ran down the wing on his own account, but was hampered by the attentions of Radcliffe, and eventually the ball was put behind. The Evertonians, however, persisted in their efforts to gain a lead, and Abbott lobbing the ball into the goalmouth there was a regular bombardment of Williamson’s charge, Campbell eventually cleared, and the Middlesbrough left wing moved off in a very dashing style. Thackeray easily ran round Balmer, and passing to Wilcox, the last named dashed along at top speed and scored with a magnificent shot, which Scott ran out to meet but missed. The home side were now tremendously jubilant, and for a time the Everton goal looked very like falling a third time. Both the backs seemed to temporarily lose their heads, and after Scott had saved from Wilcox Common hit the bar from short range. As the interval drew near both sides fought great efforts, but the visitors were obviously handicapped by the glare of the sun, and twice Hardman and Settle shot feebly, when they might have scored. At the other end Crelly cleared a long shot from Bloomer, and the next item of interest was a movement on the Everton right, but it came to nothing. Makepeace served up prettily to Bolton, and the latter passed across to Hardman, who sent in a glorious shot, which the home custodian fisted away cleverly. The visitors returned again on the left, but the ball went humbly over the line, and a few seconds later Young was robbed when close in. Bolton tried to make amends by sending in a swift ground shot, but Williamson got down to it just in time. Hardman then tried another shot which was charged down, and at the other end Thackerey sent outside from a pass by Brown.
Half-time score Middlesbrough 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
Considering the trying conditions, the first half had been splendidly contested, and Everton were rather unfortunate in being a goal behind. The players reappeared after a rather lengthy interval, necessitated no doubt by the ordeal brough which they had gone. The great crowd on its part took the heat with complacence as good humour, and encouraged both teams when they reappeared. The Middleborough forwards who now had their faces to the sun, at once moved towards Scott, and Bloomer shot, but it was a very ladylike effort, and occasioned no danger. Abbott broke up the next rush very smartly, and the Everton left got moving, but were stopped by Sand. Following upon this the home right wing looked dangerous, and Brown shot, but Scott was on the alert, an cleared. Hardman and Settle were then conspicuous with some beautiful dribbling, and the inside man looked very like scoring when Aitken cleared. The visitors, however, were most persistent, and the left wing were again very busy. Settle worked his way through and dodging Radcliffe passed the leather to Bolton, who neatly shot from close range, and then but Everton on level terms. This goal was received in silence, and the battle was resumed with grim determination on both sides. The Evertonians were now seeing the advantage of having the sun behind them, and odd shots were put in from Hardman, Young and Sharp in quick succession, only to be cleared by Williamson. The pace at this period began to fall off perceptible, but the game was full of incident, and Everton just missed obtaining a lead through a shot from Hardman that passed outside. A few moments later Taylor tried his luck with a long shot, but the ball went over the crossbar. A free kick to the home side put them on the aggressive, but Shand mulled a fine chance, and for some time afterwards play ruled in  midfield. The Middlesbrough men gained ground and Bloomer going through on his own account gave Scott a warm handful, which the Irishman dealt with in his most effective manner. A little later the home left wing made themselves conspicuous, but Abbott cleared and the centre of the field was again the scene of operations. The Evertonians were the next to advance in the person of Bolton, who raced away in capital style and hit the upright, the ball rebounding into the play. A breakaway by the home right have Brawn a nice opening but he passed rather feebly to Wilcox, who shot over the bar from close range. Then followed a bully in front of the Everton goal, but the danger was averted by Crelly. Makepeace once gave Sharp possession, but the latter was ruled offside when about to shoot. A minute later, however, the cricketer got going again, and Campbell only beat him at the expense of a corner, which came to nothing. Delay was caused by Settle being struck in the face by the ball, but the application of a wet sponge of which several of the players availed themselves amidst much laughter, quickly put him right. The closing stages of the game were fiercely contested.
Final Result.- Everton 2 goals, Middlesbrough 2 goals.
Last year-Middlesbrough nil, Everton nil

EVERTON v  PRESTON NORTH END
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday September 1 1906
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV 1
The season proper was inaugurated at Goodison Park this afternoon, when the Reserve strength encountered the Preston second string. The ground was in splendid condition and the weather semi-tropical when the players faced in the following order;-
Everton.- Sloan, goal; Hill and Stevenson, backs; Black, Chadwick (captain), and Donaldson, half-backs; Donnachie, Graham, Dorward, D. Wilson and Butler, forwards.
Preston.- Taylor, goal; Knight and Hale, backs; Cook, Daniel, and McCall, half-backs; Ashton, Roberts, Pearson, Dawson and Danson, forwards.
North End kicked off, and Stevenson checked a forward movement on the visitors’ right. Play hovered round the Blues’ citadel, and Butler was offside when he received an accurate pass. Hill and Stevenson got in each other’s way, and Pearson shot over from easy distance. Then the Blues advanced, and Donnachie out in a warm handful for Taylor to fist clear. After midfield play, Chadwick made a terrible hash of a favourable opening, and then Graham passed the leather forward for Dorward to put in a really brilliant attempt, which Taylor cleverly manipulated. The Blues’ forwards persisted and this time Butler did the trick with a beauty, which beat the Pearson custodian all the way. Play during the next few minutes favoured the Proud ‘Uns, and Preston just missed converting across from the left wing. Sloan next cleared a long ground shot from McCall. The subsequent play was distinctly favourable to the homesters, and on one occasion Dorward looked all over a scorer, but in attempting to dribble the leather into the goal he encountered Taylor, who dispossessed him. Donnachie got in a clever run and centre, which Wilson failed to turn to account. At this stage it was plainly obvious that the Blues were having by far the best of the argument, and Dorward was unfortunate in not getting through the Preston defence after a praiseworthy individual effort. Next followed a bully in the Preston goal, and Taylor fell with the ball beneath him, while he was surrounded by was surrounded by a cluster of opponents all eager to touch the leather into the net. The custodian, however, emerged triumphantly from the ordeal. During the next few minutes the Preston defence had a particularly anxious time. Each of the five Everton forwards made attempts to lower the proud ‘uns colours, and colours, and Taylor was lucky to escape defeat on more than one occasion. At the interval drew near the visitors made good efforts to draw level, and Danson put in a fine cross shot, which Ashton captured but Sloan anticipated the latter’s intentions, and stepping out nearly caught the ball. The interval arrived with the score;- Everton 1 goal, Preston nil.
Everton opened the second half in brisk fashion, and Dorward tried a run through on his own, but he was robbed when nearing the goal. Then the visitors got up steam, and Sloan was compelled to place behind from close range. Smart play on the home right forced McCall to kick out. Butler tried several long dropping shots but the range was too great, and Taylor had little trouble with them. Black just missed the mark with a hearer. Hesitancy on the part of Pearson left a golden chance for Preston, and then Johnson got in a fine drive, which, like several others, went abegging. After a glorious individual effort Butler just missed by inches. Donnachie and Wilson scored for Everton.
Final- Everton Res 3, Preston N.E Res 0

EVERTON S PROFITABLE JOURNEY.
Athletic News - Monday 03 September 1906
[By Vulcan.]
Considering the tremendous heat, the contest at Ayresome Park was as fine one as could be desired 20,000 people seeing an exhibition of football which, on the whole, was very little inferior to the best seen at Middleborough for several seasons. The Everton club was represented by its Cup eleven, and the only changes on the home side were Campbell, of Clacknacudden, full back, and Shand, Inverness, half back, and it was mainly through the failure of these two men that Everton succeeded in registering their goals.
A FAST GAME
Everyone expected a moderate game, but one and all were delightfully surprised at the fare served up. Both teams set about their work with a nippiness and dash that at once aroused the liveliest satisfaction, and but seven minutes had gone by when, as a result of a delightful combined movement, Young found himself in front goal. Campbell hesitated before tackling, and Young, taking full advantage of this, whipped in a pretty shot, and, to the dismay of the home team, Williamson was beaten at short range. This, the first goal to Everton in their visits to Teesside, put the home men fairly on their mettle, and at the end of eighteen minutes the equaliser came, but it was most unsatisfactory to the visitors by reason of the manner of it. Barker took a free kick, and so accurately did he place the leather that it looked like passing just under the cross-bar. Scott however, got his fist to it, only to have the mortification to see it hit Makepeace on the head and rebound out of his reach into the net. It can only be termed a lucky goal.
FUTILE SHOOTING
Everton retaliated in grand style, Barker playing a fine game and checkmating his opponents on many occasions by plucky and persistent tackling and useful kicking.  After each side had netted the ball to no effect, Bolton being off-side, and Bloomer having his negatived by reason of the ball being out before Thackerlay centred, Wilcox, by an effort of the very finest character, beat Balmer, and Scott, running out, the ex-Birmingham player tipped the ball round his opponents into the net.  Middlesbrough’s supporters were in high glee at this success, particularly as Wilcox had been so unlucky in his efforts for his side at the back end of last season.  Just before the interval Bloomer and Thackerlay in turn failed badly when well placed, the first-named’s failure being a very glaring one, and rather hard lines on him, as he had been doing brilliant work in the open.  Glad were the players when the interval arrived, and the referee gave them an extra few minutes, which was appreciated.
A SENSATIONAL RESTART
The re-opening was sensational, for Settle inside four minutes drove in a low shot which Williamson got down to and turned out of goal only to see Bolton nip in and whip it into the net.  Later the pace began to slacken, but incidents of an interesting and exciting character continued without any further scoring being done. Both teams were worth a point, and no one would begrudge either side what they got. In the mailer of defence Everton had a decided pull over the Borough. Balmer and Crelly have rarely done better work than they accomplished in this last half hour, when Middlesbrough were fighting' their hardest for the lead. The half backs were all good, with Taylor the pick, and Scott kept his charge will. Forward, Hardman and Young were in front of the others, both being very clever and fast. Sharp was very disappointing, whilst Settle was alternately fair to middling, with Bolton always a hard worker, but not so effective as usual, due, no doubt, to his partner’s palpable weakness.
BARKER BRILLIANT
For Middlesbrough Williamson, in goal, acquitted himself splendidly, his being masterly display. Ratcliffe was sorely handicapped in having a poor man in front of him. The ex-Derby man did very well indeed, particularly as he was not sure of his partner Campbell. This player at times did very creditable work, but will have to improve if he is to keep his place. But it was big trial for two players like Campbell and Shand to be pitted against the English Cup winners in their first League appearance. Aitken did much capital work, but Barker, the local lad, was the shining light in the Middlesbrough defence, his form In having great throughout. The whole of the Middlesbrough forwards were in tip top form, and their brilliant consented movements were a treat to witness. Balmer, Crelly, and Taylor never relaxed their vigilance, although Makepeace and Abbott were by no means idle, it was the trio named that chief credit is due for escaping defeat. Middlesbrough— Williamson; Radcliffe, Campbell; Shand, Aitken, barker; Brawn, Bloomer, Common, Wilcox, and Thackerlay.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W.), Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; P. Gardner, Leicester.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 PRESTON NORTH END 0
September 3, 1906. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination (Game 1)
The Everton Reserves team opened the season in fine style, and if they can maintain the form shown on Saturday against Preston North End they should considerably improve upon last season's record. Despite the great heat the players put any amount of energy into their work, and this combined with all-round cleverness, enabled them to secure a fairly easy victory by three goals to nil. With the new recruits turning out, there was a capital attendance at Goodison-park. Everton put on only one goal –though Butler –but the margin in the favour at their favour at the interval did not represent their superiority. Indeed, only the fine work of Taylor in the Preston goal kept out the home attackers, and McBride's understudy was frequently applauded for clever saving. Once he got the ball away with players on both sides piled on top of him. During the second half, Everton again held an advantage, and after the visitors had allowed one golden opportunity to pace unaccepted, both Donnachie and Wilson put on points. Everton thus winning by three clear goals. The winners gave a promising account of themselves in every department. Sloan in goal, had little to do, but was very safe, and with Hill and Stevenson formed an impregnable defence. The latter showed much promise, and in this player and Hill. Everton possess two capable young backs. The halves were a sound trio, while the forwards went for goal in good style. Dorward worked very hard, and was unfortunate in not getting at least one goal. D.Wilson and Butler formed the better wing, though at times Donnachie and Graham showed pretty combination. Their defence best represented Preston. Taylor gave a grand display, as he generally does at Goodison, and it was mainly due to his good work that Everton did not add a few more goals to their score. Everton: - Sloan, Hill, and Stevenson, backs, Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson half-backs, Donnachie, Dorward, Jones, D.Wilson, and Butler, forwards.

DISAPPEARING LIVERPOOL’ OLD ST PAULS
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 03 September 1906
St Paul's Church, St. Paul’s-square is situated off Oldhall-street. The family of More, or De La More, established themselves in the neighbourhood sometime in the thirteenth century. Sir John De la More occupied a dwelling on the east side of Oldhall-street in 1236. It stood a little to the north of Union-street and the mansion was then called
More Hall. The land east of Oldhall-street and north of Edmund-street belonged for many ages to the Mores. when their estates were broken up, about 1712 a considerable portion of the land in this locality was purchased by the Earles and laid out for building. To this circumstance Earle-street owes its name. Virginia-street, close at hand, is doubtless so called from the Virginia tobacco trade which has flourished in Liverpool from the seventeenth century. St Paul’s-square was laid out soon after 1760. The church was commenced in 1765, and completed in 1769, from the designs of Thomas Lightoller. For some reason or other (says Picton) this building seems to have been always under a cloud. A church of large dimensions and imposing appearance, and in the midst of a dense population, it has except for short intervals, few and far between been attended by the merest handful of a congregation. The causes of this would be an interesting subject of inquiry. The external appearance of this church is marred by the friable nature of the yellow sandstone of which it is built. It has been unfortunate, likewise in its critics. Whether misled by the name or not, it has been usual to suggest a resemblance to its magnificent namesake of the metropolis, and to condemn it as a paltry attempt to produce a model in miniature of its great prototype. Now in point of cat there is about as much resemblance between St. Paul’s of Liverpool and St. Paul’s of London as Fluellen discovered between Macedon and Mon mouth. There is a dome and cupola in each, and there begins and ends the likeness. Once getting rid of any foolish fancies of this kind, and examining the building on its own merits, we shall find much originality in the conception and some noble effects in the conception and some noble effects in the execution. The interior, with its circle of columns rising to the full height of the building, carrying what was originally a lofty dome, opening internally and lighted by eight circular windows in the vault, was decidedly the finest which the town could boast. The first incumbent of St. Paul’s was the Rev. John Henderson, who from 1752 to 1763 had been the minister of the Dissenting Chapel in Benn’s-garden. St. Paul’s square was during the latter part of the eighteenth and the early part of the nineteenth century the residence of many of the local aristocracy. The locality was quiet and suburban, and the houses large and comfortable. A few years ago the church had to be closed, frequent falls of the soft and perishing sandstone of which it is constructed having become a public danger. The edifice was fenced off, and part of the graveyard seated as a public garden. The vicar (the Rev. D.G. Fee Smith, of Waterloo) has continued to labour in the district but owing to warehouse extensions the settled population is steadily decreasing and as the remnant can find plenty of church accommodation in the adjoining parishes, no church rebuilding is contemplated. Though struck out of the recent Liverpool City Churches Demolition Bill, St. Paul’s will be demolished when the site can be sold, the patron of the living (Mr H Douglas Horsfall) having provisionally arranged to expend the purchase money on the erection of a church at Thornton, a growing district. So far, beyond an upset bid, understood to be £9,000, by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, no offer has been obtained though the site is of almost unique size and central.  It would enhance the salubrity of the neighbourhood if the old graveyard could be pre served as an open but its commercial value appears to be too great for the Parks and Gardens Committee to step in.
In a commodious house at the corner of St. Paul’s-square and Virgina-street was born in the year 1770 the Rev Leigh Richmond, rector of Turvey, Bedfordshire, the distinguished author of “The Dairyman’s Daughter.”
The architecture and appearance of St Paul's Church (persists Baines, in his history of the County Palatine), saving the dimensions, are the same as St. Paul's in London, with a bold Ionic portico to the west; and by means of some judicious alterations made in the interior in the year 1818, the congregation were enabled to hear the preacher with satisfaction, which was not formerly the case.
Captain John resided in a house in Edmund-street, which he took in 1756, and set apart a little room for study and prayer.  In April he printed his “Thoughts on Religious Associations,” and sent copies to every minister in Liverpool. Captain Newton's remarks on the African slave trade and his career are well known.  In the locality and streets adjacent to St. Paul’s-square there still exist many old houses. Lord Derby had a home at one time in the vicinity.

EVERTON OPEN WITH A DRAW
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 03 September 1906
The Everton Club have every reason to feel fully satisfied with their opening engagement of the season. It is quite true-and ought to be stated at the outset-that they were immeasurably superior to Middlesbrough; but the annexation of a point is something to be thankful for. Past records reveal the fact that the team which can consistently win even single points away from home is never far from the top of the League ladder when April comes round. So much has been written and said about Saturday’s terrifying heat that there is no reason to descant upon it here. It is sufficient to say that the sun beat down as fiercely at Ayresome Park as in other quarters of his Majesty’s tight little island. Yet the game was fought throughout at an astonishingly fast and furious pace, and the sweltering spectators, who mustered fully 20,070 strong, were rewarded with a really capital exposition of the code. As was generally anticipated, the Everton directors relied upon the same eleven that figured so successfully at the Palace last season, and it is gratifying to be able to state that they one and all played up to the fullest expectations. The Middlesbrough contingent were conspicuously weak at back, and it is evident even at this early stage of the season that their defence will need strengthened if they are to hold their own in a competition that promises to be keener and more strenuous than ever. Jack Taylor lost the toss, and Everton started with the blazing sun dead in their eyes. The effect of this was extremely trying, yet the footwork of the forwards was neater, cleverer, and surer than that of their opponents, and from the outset they made the running in most determined fashion. It was not long before this persistency met with its due reward, for the game was not ten minutes old before Sandy Young drew first blood with a well-judged shot. The three inside men were all concerned in the movement, and the centre, taking advantage of woeful hesitancy on the part of Campbell, had little difficulty in scoring.
This reverse stung the home team into redoubted activity, and for some time the pace, despite the broiling weather was astonishingly fast and exciting. Common and his colleagues exerted themselves finely, and a free kick against Everton led to the visitors being robbed of their lead. The goal came about in curious fashion, and was doubly annoying to the Evertonians. Barker took the kick and Scott meeting the ball, fisted it with great force right on to Balmer’s body. The leather doubled up the latter and rebounded into the net before Scott could recover from his astonishment. For the remaining portion of the first half play ruled pretty level, and a really brilliant bit of individual work terminated in Wilcox scoring Middlesbrough’s second goal. This shot might have been saved if Scott had not hesitated as to the precise course he should pursue. He ran out to meet the ball, but stopped half-way, and Wilcox in the twinkling of an eye, banged it into the net. Thus at the interval the home side were jubilant leaders by 2 goals to 1.
The second portion of the game served to show still further Everton’s superiority, and it was not long before Bolton, after some delightful passing on the part of the forwards, scored the equalising and last goal of the match. There was considerable pressure exerted on both sides before the close, but all to no purpose; and the panting and perspiring players were obviously thankful when the whistle finally sounded. As has already been indicated, the performance of the Evertonians left little to be desired. Young opened the season in a manner which his host of admirers will fervently hope may be sustained. He was fast, tricky and resourceful, and in combination with Settle and Bolton showed the spectators on many occasions how pretty and exhilarating scientific footwork may be. Harold Hardman, despite a very nasty knock in the first few minutes of the game-a Collison that caused him to spit blood-played a wholly admirable game, displaying all his characteristic fearlessness and dash. Sharp, on the other hand, was for the most part a passenger, and only occasionally put in one of his well-known sprints along the line. Taylor and Abbott played conspicuously clever football at half-back-the captain being as alert and watchful as ever- but Makepeace scarcely did himself justice. Both the backs showed confidence in their tackling. Balmer many times clearing his lines particularly well; and Scott if not always above reproach, did excellent work in goal. The Ireishman by the way, is not devoid of native humour. Prior to the game Trainer Elliott purchased ten white silk handkerchiefs to protect the necks of the other players, it being adjudged unnecessary to provide the goalkeeper with one. Scott’s query to this rather invidious distinction is well worth recording. “Be jabbers, does the sun not shine on me?”
Of the Middlesbrough men it is only necessary to say that their forward line will prove very dangerous as the season progresses, but the defence will have to be materially strengthened. Without Williamson, who is one of the most reliable custodians in the League, Ratcliffe and Campbell would have come off very badly on Saturday.

MIDDLESBROUGH v  EVERTON
Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Monday 03 September 1906
HONOURS DIVIDED AT AYRESOME PARK
A GRAND GAME
Middlesborough’s opening fixture was with Everton.  The visit of the English Cupholders was favourably regarded, and there was an eagerness on the part of the Teessiders' supporters to see how the new men acquitted themselves against what, taking last year's as a gauge, promised to be one of the strongest clubs in the league this season. Everton has for a considerable period occupied a prominent place in the football world, and yet, strange to say, the “Toffees “ had never scored a goal at Middlesbrough, and the only point they had secured up to Saturday afternoon was the result of a goal-less draw. At Goodison Park, however, Everton had fully held their own, winning on each occasion by a fair margin. The weather was tropical. It will be seen that Everton played their Cup team. The visitors were the first to enter the arena, and they were quickly followed by the Teesiders, headed by the captain, Alf Young. The homesters won the toss, and Everton kicked off towards the West end in the presence of20.000 spectators. The leathercame over to the right, and out of play. From a throw-in Middlesbrough raced away, but Crelly checked them, and returned well over the half line. Hardman and Settle were dangerous, but Barker nipper in and kicked out to save. Brawn and Bloomer did some neat work, but lost the ball, again Crelly stopped a movement and put into the home quarters. Shand relieved well. Middlesbrough broke away and Thackeray striking a player with the ball, it  rebounded smartly, and later it went wide. From a throw in, the visitors' forwards got going but only a bye resulted, the leather being sent too far forward for Bolton, who made a good but unsuccessful effort to reach it. Very even and interesting play followed, and then Young, receiving from Bolton, easily beat Campbell and scored a good goal after seven minutes’ play. Nothing daunted, the home team stuck to their work well, and Thackeray was responsible for smart tactics. He ran beautifully into the corner and centred superbly. Bloomer made an effort to get through, but failed. The ball went to Young, and the visiting captain shot hard past the post. Excitement ran high as the bell travelled rapidly and frequently from one end of the field to the other. Thackeray forced a corner, but the concession proved valueless.  Young was racing away finely, when he handled, and a free kick let Middlesbrough in again. Their stay in the visitors' territory, however, was of short duration. Another free kick for the Borough saw them forcing the game, but they were driven back. Settle gave to Bolton, who banged into the net, but he was palpably offside. Middlesbrough had another look in, but Balmer and Crelly defended grandly. From the goal kick, Everton ran down. Young easily beat Campbell, and looked all over a scorer. but Williamson saved rather luckily. Away cameMiddlesbrough with considerable dash. Barker took a free kick, and twisted the ball beautifully into the goalmouth. Scott ran out and fisted. The hall struck with great force against Balmer, and, knocking himout, the leather rebounded into the net, and the game was equalised, amid wild cheering, 20 minutes after the start. Play was suspended for a few minutes until Balmer recovered.  The homesters, cheered on by the crowd, which had now grown to 25,000, put in all they knew, and did most the pressing. A free kick gave Everton an opening on the right, but the ball went by. Aitken was responsible for clever work. and put forward, when Common, Bloomer. and Brawn made a delightful combined run. The last-named finely centred, but the ball was got well out of danger. At the other end, Ratcliffe stopped a run, and relieved well, and then away came the Tees-siders once more on the left. Getting well forward, they were awarded a throw-in. Thackeray received, and centred finely. Bloomer received, and shot into the net, but no score was allowed, the referee'simpresson being that the leather was out of play before it was centred. Play continuedfast and very exciting. Sharpekicked well up the field, and followed on, but the ball beat him, and went out of play just before he reached it. The homesters were now having to defend. Hardman was very dangerous, and, beating an opponent, shot hard from a difficult angle, the ball striking the outside of the net. Still pressing Hardman, Settle, and Young caused a deal of trouble. The last-named put behind. A moment or two later Williamson ran and kicked grandly away. Thackeray then beat Balmer and gave to Wilcox, who made a grand solo run. Scott came out to meet him, but the home inside left eluded him and out on the Borough’s second goal after 37 minutes’ play. The visitors kept up a warm attack, and Wilcox struck the bar with a terrific force. Thackeray and Bloomer also came very near scoring. Everton then pressed, and kept their opponents’ defence very busy. Some of the players were now feeling the terrific heat, but the game never slackened. Each goal was visited in turn. The Borough had rather the better of the exchanges. Through a miskick, the leather went out near the corner flag. A throw-in looked like being dangerous, Bolton headed by. Thackeray put right on to an opponent, and Bolton, receiving, got in a shot which Williamson stopped. Brawn made a fine run, and gave to Thackeray, who shot wide.
Interval; Middlesbrough 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
After an interval of a little over a quarter of an hour, play was resumed, and almost immediately Scott saved a weak shot from Bloomer. Common next gave to drawn, who sent beautifully into the goal mouth just as the whistle went for off-side. From the goal-kick, Settle raced away, and gave to Bolton, who was well up, and he dribbled through the goal, this equalising when the second half was barely five minutes old. A free kick for Middlesbrough was taken by Aitken, who sent over to Thackeray. The ball was returned back over to the right, and Shand, with a long shot, put wide. Everton then took up the running, and Hardman sent right into goal, when Williamson cleared from a crowd of players. A moment or two later the home custodian fisted out a free kick from Balmer, and he was again called upon when Hardman tested him with a hot shot. He cleared well, and Taylor returned over the bar. Play was rather quiet for a while but life was infused into the game by Bloomer dashing through and shooting with great force. Scott caught and threw away. At the other end, Bolton came very near scoring, the ball going right across the goalmouth. Again Middlesbrough pressed, and Brawn at close quarters gave to Wilcox, who with an overhead kick sent just over the bar. The Borough men swarmed round their opponents’ goal, but the defence prevailed. Everton broke away on the right, and Barker, in endeavouring to check the rush, fell over the ball, and gave a corner, of which nothing came. A corner for Everton was admirably placed. Williamson fisted out, and Makepeace returned just outside. With only a few minutes to play, the homesters buckled to with great determination, and Scott saved a splendid shot from Brawn. Final;- Middlesbrough 2 goals, Everton 2 goals.
Middlesbrough; Williamson, goal; Ratcliffe and Campbell, backs; Shand, Aitken, and Barker, half-backs; Brawn, Bloomer, Common, Wilcox, and Thackeray, forwards.
Everton; Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Taylor (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman, forwards.

THE “BOROUGH” START
North Star (Darlington) - Monday 03 September 1906
EVERTON DIVIDE POINTS
Hitherto Tees-siders have been able to boost that never once had Everton been able to score a goal when visiting Ironopolis. Indeed, they had not been able to secure the consolation of a single point. But on Saturday the Cupholders gained the honour of notching the first goal of the season at Ayresome Park, and in the end they took away another point to be company for that of last year. Therefore, it follows that whilst the Goodison Park brigade were able to open their season with an away point, the Borough, if they had not the unadulterated satisfaction of opening with victory at home, had at any rate the negative consolation of showing no loss of points as compared with last season. A curious feature of this meeting has not as yet been mentioned in print. It was Everton, it will be remembered, who by inflicting severe defeat upon Notts Forest, what time Middlesbrough were drawing at Blackburn and Bury were winning at Roker Park on that palpitating final Saturday of last season, enabled the Borough to hang on by a very slender thread to the premier division. Saturday was hardly a day for football. With the thermometer registering 130 degrees in the sun, and only a breath of air stirring, it was more a day for lazily lolling on the grass paying dozing attention to the doings of those energetic enough to handle bat and ball. But, notwithstanding, the 22 players who stepped on to the field at Middlesbrough, set about their task with earnest strenuousness and kept the pace wonderfully hot on a turf fast enough to put plenty of life into the ball, whilst a monster crowd of some 25,000 enthusiasts cheered and perspired, feebly fanning themselves in a vain endeavour to obtain a soothing coolness which was denied until after the consumption of unlimited quantities of iced drinks and the setting of the sun. It was a day of all days to test stamina, and it says much for the training of both elevens that they withstood the strain and finished at a warm pace and with warmer bodies, though showing nary a sign of dropping energies.
The game, or at least the main features which had to do with the result arrived at, may be somewhat briefly summarised. Fifteen minutes from the start, Everton, facing the sun, had the first goal up, Bolton, the ex-Novocastrians, placing across to Young, who, as usual, was bustling the backs, to score. Partly Campbell was to blame in that he held off the centre forward, when a tackle would have been of inestimable value. The home left was busy shortly after, and a splendid centre came from Jimmy Thackeray, but Bloomer and Common both shot wildly. Then Bolton was through at the other end from Settle’s pass, but off-side nullified the score. Directly afterwards Campbell was again responsible for letting Young through, Williamson saving just in time. It was an accident which gave Middlesbrough their first goal. Barker, taking a free kick, sent in a shot which Scott had to deal with. He fisted the ball, but it struck Balmer, knocking the breath out of his body, and rebounded into the net out of Scott’s reach. Not long after, Bloomer netted from a pass by Thackeray, but the referee decided that the ball was out of play when the left-winger touched it. Hardman missed a chance at close range, and five minutes before the interval, Wilcox made a smart run, beat Balmer and Scott, who ran out to him, and placing the leather neatly in the corner of the net, put the Northerners one up. A minute later, Wilcox hit the bar, and from the rebound Brawn hit the outside of the net. Four minutes after the second half had opened, the scores were again equalised by Bolton, and a quarter of an hour later, when play was taming down, Bloomer put an overhead shot over the bar. Another ten minutes saw Williamson fisting away twice in rapid succession, and the game closed with some pretty combination amongst the home forwards, a fine exhibition of defence by Balmer and Crelley, and some abortive attacks by the visiting forwards. And so it was that the result read;-
Middlesbrough 2, Everton 2.
A word or two as to individual performances. Tim Williamson, though often doing capital work, gave one an impression of nervousness and uneasiness. Ratcliffe and Campbell suffered by comparison with Crelly and Balmer. Ratcliffe was the better of the two, but both were indifferent, Campbell giving one goal away, and running very near to giving others. This new men has much to learn of the art and craft of full back play against League forwards. To some extent, Campbell was better placed than Ratcliffe, for in front of the ex-Derby man was the weakest player of the day-Shand. The less said of his display the better. Sam Aitken showed his possession of these terrier-like qualities which make him so powerful a factor in breaking up attacks, and Barker, though not brilliant, did quite enough to satisfy the critics that he will be useful. Thackeray and Wilcox were the hardest working and most effective wing, Brawn whose raking centres were seen at intervals, being handicapped by the fact that Bloomer was lackadaisical to a degree bordering on carelessness. Common was far too much given to roaming and “finicking” with the ball to be really effective, and we saw none of his shooting qualities exhibited. Amongst the Evertonians, the performances of Scott, Crelley, Balmer, Taylor, Sharp, Young, Settle and Hardman must have given entire satisfaction to their directors, whilst Bolton exhibited the qualities of a useful forward.

HONOUR FOR A FORMER LIVERPOOL SCHOOLMASTER
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 03 September 1906
Amongst the list of new magistrates approved of by the Governor-General of Australia, and published in the “Brisbane Telegraph,” we find the name of Mr. Charles S. Twemlow, head master of the State School, Lower Bundamba, Ipswich, Queensland. Mr. Twemlow, when he left England for Queensland 20 years ago, was the first head master of the Northcote-road Board School, Walton-on-the-hill, Liverpool and was well-known as one of the pioneers of the Everton Football Club, of which he was treasurer for several years. Mr. Twemlow is the eldest son of Mr. Jesse Twemlow for many years principal of the Pleasant street Council School, Mount-Pleasant, in this city.

SCRAPS ABOUT SPORT
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 03 September 1906
The Cupholders, although they failed to win, did the next best thing at Middlesbrough -shared the points. It is surprising to learn that previous to Saturday Everton had never scored a goal at the northern town, so that by scoring a couple of goals they established a record. On the day’s play the Blues were decidedly the cleverer lot, and with a little more luck they might have taken away both points.
The game was a decidedly interesting one, and the play at times was of a dashing description. The Everton team was always superior to the “star” Middlesbrough side, their forwards combing beautifully together, whilst the defence of Balmer, Crelley and Scott was all that could be desired. It is pleasing to note that Young was at his best, whilst Settle and Bolton also did well. Hardman sent in many fine centres, but Sharp was not seen to much advantage.
All things considered the Cupholders did excellently. On Saturday’s form Middlesbrough have not a great team. On paper they have a strong forward line, but they exhibited a sad lack of understanding. Bloomer did some smart things, but the most prominent wing was that formed by Thackeray and Wilcox. Williamson kept a grad goal but In Ratcliffe and Campbell- the latter a Scotch importation who was figuring in his first League match- the club does not appear to have secured fine backs who will shine against a powerful attack.
Everton play their first match at Goodison park this evening, when Manchester City will be the visitors. The kick-off is timed for 5.45. There is likely to be a few changes in the Everton team.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 September 1906
There were 20,000 thirsty-throated people at Ayresome-Park to see the cup-holders suffer the luck of scoring two on their own behalf and one on behalf of the Ironopolis team. I am not one to quibble over drawn games, and suggest that one side should have won because of certain incidents. However, I am justified in declaring that only fortune prevented Everton from winning. Young scored the first goal-a well judged effort-in connection with which the new Middlesbrough back is blamed for what many an admittedly first-class back would have done. A “free” against Makepeace was taken by Barker, and thumped out by Scott. The ball caught Balmer on the body and rebounded into the net. Wilcox also scored, and Bolton had only to put the ball in to equalise, the chief credit belonging to Settle. Hardman, despite a nasty knock in the first few minutes, played a wholly admirable game, displaying all his characteristic fearlessness and dash. Sharp, on the other hand, was for the most part a passenger, and only occasionally put in one of his well-known sprints along the line. Taylor and Abbott played conspicuously. Makepeace scarcely did himself justice in the town of his birth. Both the backs showed confidence in their tackling and Scott did excellent work in goal. Elliott purchased ten white silk handkerchiefs to protect the necks of all the players, thinking it unnecessary to provide the goalkeeper with one. Scott’s query to this rather invidious distinction is well worth recording. “Be jabers, does the sun not shine on me?” The Middlesbrough forward line will prove dangerous as the season progresses, but the defence will have to be materially strengthened.
Tonight the depleted Manchester City team meet Everton, starting at 5.45. The Blues will be represented as on Saturday, and the referee is Mr. F. Kirkham. A good crowd is sure to be in attendance to welcome the favourites.

EVERTON TEAM ALTERATION
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 September 1906
Hardman, having been kicked on Saturday and being unable to play tonight, George Wilson will figure at outside-left against Manchester City.

EVERTON 9 MANCHESTER CITY 1
September 4, 1906. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON ROUTED MANCHESTER CITY.
MANCHESTER City will long remember their engagement with Everton at Goodison-park in the season 1906-07. They came to play their League match last night, and in the presence of some 10,000 spectators were completely routed, as the final score, 9-1, indicates. This score constitutes a record for Everton in a League match, their previous best being 7-1 against Sunderland at Goodison-park. Sympathy was extended to the City by the misfortune which befel them on Saturday when five of their players were rendered hors de combat by the terrific heat. Thornley and Kelso, who were amongst the number, had not sufficiently recovered to be able to take part in the game, their places being taken by Fisher and Norgrove. Everton made two changes from the team, which made a draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday. Booth supplanting Makepeace at half-back, and G.Wilson operating in place of Hardman on the wing. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs Booth, Taylor (Captain) and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Bolton Young, Settle, and G. Wilson, forwards. Manchester City: - Davis, goal, Christie, and Norgrove, backs, Steel, Buchan, and Dorsett, half-backs, Stewart, Fisher, Grieve, Jones, and Conlin, forwards. Referee Fred Kirkham.
Taylor won the toss, and after some midfield play, the Everton left Wilson in particular, nicely dodged Stewart and Everton were given an opportunity. The City forwards came away and caused the home backs to be on the quivive, but Balmer cleared effectively. The visitors showed some promising work in the open, taking the ball down to the home end, while Balmer returned again, this leading to a corner for the Blues. From this Taylor scored the first goal about five minutes after the game had started. Some good work was put in by Wilson, who gave a pass to Bolton that player testing Davis with a good shot which was got away. The City made praiseworthy efforts, but they found the Everton defence too good. A promising move on the part of Stewart attracted attention. He ran down and placed the ball nicely to grieve, who, however, was robbed of it. Then Buchan, the centre half, got possession and sent in a hot shot, which only missed by inches. Stewart and Fisher combined well together on the right for the City, but were ineffective in the finish. An attack by the visitors looked dangerous for Everton, and the position was not improved through. Balmer missing his kick, the visitors having their first corner. The ball was got away safely, and play hovered in midfield a minute or two, when offside was given against Manchester. The next minute Everton were penalised for offside, and for a foul on the part of Settle. Manchester were given a free kick, after which Buchan made a further attempt at scoring, but his shot went wide. The play up to this stage was anything but exciting, but a few minutes later Young secured from a thrown-in and passed to Settle who netted the ball, thus increasing Everton's lead. Everton now pressed hard, and gave their opponents plenty to do. Only minutes or two more elapsed before Settle got possession from a pass by Young and banged the ball through, making Everton's third goal. Some good play on the part of Everton kept the visitors on the defensive, and there now came perhaps the warmest attack so far on the City goal. Wilson went down with the ball at his toes and managed to centre beautifully before Christie tackled him near the line. Davis caught the ball and saved, but hardly had he done so when Abbott scored the fourth goal from a smart centre by Jack Sharp. Shortly after Young gave to Settle, who missed the target rather badly. A corner fell to Everton, but was smartly got away. Then Everton got going again, and Bolton had an opening, but the shot went over. Immediately another corner accured to the Blues, and amidst a bunch of players in the goalmouth Young further increased Everton's lead with a neat shot, the game then standing 5-0. The visiting's were showing themselves many inferiors to the home brigade, both as regard's speed and resource generally. Bolton sent in a fast low shot, which Davis only managed to turn out by a great effort. At length the visitors had a look in at the other end, a circumstance which on account of its rarity was the subject of applause from the crowd. Nothing further occurred up to half-time, when the score was Everton 5, City nil. Upon the players entering the field for the second half the Manchester men received a rousing cheer, which for the first few minutes acted as a tonic to them. Everton not being allowed to leave their own half. Sharp, however, getting possession, raced along the line and put in a beautiful centre, which went begging. Everton were doing all the pressing, and Davis put in a couple of good saves. A pass from Young put Sharp in good position, but the “cricketer” shot wide. A moment later he made amends, forcing the Manchester custodian to fist out. Conlin and Dorsett were combining cleverly, and the latter had exceedingly hard lines, a shot of his, which beat Scott all the way just grazing the top of the crossbar. Sharp raced down, and when tackled passed to Young, who in turn put to Settle. The latter's shot was stopped by Davis, but Young, obtaining the leather, had no difficulty in increasing Everton's lead. The homesters, though having such a big lead, could not throw anything away, and on several occasions had it not been for sterling play on the part of Balmer the Mancunians looked like scoring. Abbott put in a hot shot, which struck one of the defenders, and Young reaching forward hooked the ball into the net. The visitors goal had a narrow escape a moment later, Young spoiling an opening by fouling the goalkeeper. From the ensuing free kick the representatives of Cottonopolis made a raid on the Everton goal. Grieve just topping the bar with a splendid shot. The Toffeeites were now somewhat relaxing their efforts and as a result, much of the interest went out of the game. The Spectators showed the utmost sympathy and enthusiasm over the Manchester team, and as a result of their support and the Everton players' apathy. Fisher cleverly beat the backs and had no difficulty in registering City's first goal. Spectators and players alike now seemed to regard the match as a hugh joke, and certainly there was nothing in the play to call for serious comment. The representatives of Toffee simply played with their opponents, and had they been so inclined could have put on goal after goal. Dorsett played a capital game on the visitors' side. Sharp tricked Norgrove and put in to Settle, who struck the upright, From the rebound Bolton tried a “pot” shot, which was successful. A moment later Sharp again centred and Young netted. Final score, Everton 9, Manchester City 1.

MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 8
September 4, 1906. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination (Game 2)
Played at Hyde-road last evening, in fine weather, before a fair attendance. In the first portion the city lost Dennison and Chalmers, who were off nearly all the half through injuries, but they managed to score through Baldwin. Cook equalising and at half-time the score was one goal each. In the second half the City were hopelessly outplayed. Everton putting on severe goals against one. Result Everton 8 City nil. Everton: - Sloan goal, Hill, and Stevenson backs Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson half-backs, Donnachie, Graham, Jones Cook, and Butler, forwards.

EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 04 September 1906
The inglorious display of the City against Woolwich on Saturday before their own supporters did not suggest a tough job for the Toffees last evening, at Goodison. The evening was fine, and 10,000 spectators turned up to witness the opening bout. Makepeace was absent, and Tom Booth was substituted. The teams appeared as follows;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Booth, Taylor (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and G. Wilson, forwards.
Manchester City.- Davis, goal; Christie and Norgrove, backs; Steel, Buchan, and Dorsett, half-back; Stewart, Fisher, Grieve, Jones, and Conlin, forwards.
Referee, Mr. Fred Kirkham.
Grieve opened the campaign and the City looked like intruding on the left, but Conlin ran the ball on to Balmer. Dorsett made a feeble effort to retrieve the position, and then Taylor headed an invasion of City territory, where interesting exchanges took place without any particularly dangerous move developing. Stewart and Fisher got away in style, and matters looked somewhat ominous for the Blues, but Crelly made a stubborn defence, and ultimately enabled his men to change the venue with success. The Blues worked with determination and keeping the leather well in, gradually forced back the Mancunian defence, until Taylor finding an opening, put the leather beyond Davis after eight minutes’ play. Next came a smart dash from G. Wilson, who successfully placed a discreet centre, which Sharp dealt with rather tamely, or another goal would surely have resulted. City now put on considerable pressure, and obtained a firm footing in home territory. Ultimately Buchan struck the angle of the posts with a glorious shot. Relief now came to the Blues, and once more G. Wilson was in evidence with a pretty run up his wing and a final “bar shaver.” After the City had forced a dangerous corner, which Settle intercepted, he and Young led a smart attack, which was ultimately checked when in full swing by Norgrove. The Mancunians were frequently dangerous in their breakaways, especially Conlin, but there was not a good understanding in the attack. Nevertheless, the home attack was troubled, and Crelly and Abbott were often at sea. Taylor was the mainstay of the defence, and the old warhorse had a very steadying influence. Satisfactory work by Crelly, Taylor and Abbott opened out a position for the Blues, but Young ultimately shot much too early. Manchester territory was not, however, evacuated, and Sharp and Bolton pestered the defence on their wing, and when the ball finally reached Settle he was practically unmarked, and beat Davis easily. Hardly had the cheering died away when the Blues dashed off again, and a few exchanges on their right resulted in a smart pass from Young to Settle. The little man was lying well up, and once more Davis had no chance of repelling his deadly shot. Everton were thus after half an hour’s work three goals in front. The fourth goal emanated from a brilliant sequence of Everton combination. Taylor provided Wilson, and the “Hearts mon” passed on to Young, who received in running and made a lovely effort. Sharp saved the leather from going out, and returned Abbott receiving and making one of his characteristic efforts, which proved successful. Very soon afterwards Bolton had a good chance of registering another as the result of Settle’s pass. Young, however, made amends a few seconds after by netting from Wilson’s corner kick. It was now quite evident that the City defence was feeble in the extreme, and the Glossop custodian is anything but an acquisition to the Manchester ranks. For fifteen minutes prior to the interval the home forwards simply played with the visitors and at the least three more goals should have been scored. Half-time; Everton 5 goals, Manchester City nil.
Resuming after the interval Young fed Bolton, who failed to get his side moving, as Jones nipped in smartly, and Balmer ultimately had to check the aggressive City left wing. Booth, with a long punt, gave Sharp and Bolton possession, but Davis cleared leisurely. Bolton and Young manipulated smartly, and Sharp only failed by a foot to convert with a rasping shot. Dorsett replied for the City with a brilliant effort, which just shaved the crossbar. At last the Blues broke through the City’s defence again, and clever work followed in front of Davis by Bolton, Sharp, Settle, and Young, the home centre having no difficulty in beating Davis from Settle’s clever pass. Christie and Norgrove seemed quite unable to cope with the subtle Everton combination. The Blues continued to have all the game, until Young did the hat trick by scoring the seventh goal with a rattling good shot. Even Conlin did little to justify his great reputation. The monotony was broken at last by a smart City advance, which quite took the home defence by surprise. Jones should have scored with a great shot, but the ball rebounded from the post. Luckily Fisher was in position, and was successful in lowering Scott’s colours. In the closing stages the crowd increased to 15,000. The light went very bad long before the finish. Two minutes from time Bolton scored the eight goal for Everton, and less than a minute after, from Sharp’s centre, Young headed in once more. To have thirteen goals scored against them in two matches discloses a deplorable state of affairs in the City ranks, and unless there is an amazing transformation in the near future nothing can save them from the Second Division. Result; Everton 9 goals, Manchester City 1 goal.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV 1
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 04 September 1906
MANCHESTER CITY v  EVERTON
At Hyde-road, last evening, in fine weather, before a fair attendance. In the first half the City lost Dennison and Chalmers, who were off nearly all the half, through injuries, but they managed to score through Baldwin. Cook equalised for Everton.
Half-time 1 goal each.
In the second half the City were hopelessly outplayed, and the result was;
Everton 3 goals, Manchester City 2 goals.

CRUSHING DEFEAT OF CITY
Manchester Evening News - Tuesday 04 September 1906
Even allowing for the enforced absence of Smith, Banks, and Thornley, the rout of the Manchester City players at Goodison Park last evening makes it very plain that every effort will have to be put forth to secure new players, especially backs, without delay. The difficulty of getting hold of the right men at this time of the season is recognised, but Mr. Newbould and his directors are not disposed to shirk their responsibility in the matter, and the search has already been entered upon. The exhibition given by the goalkeeper and the backs last evening was a deplorable one. Worse goalkeeping has rarely been seen in a first-class match, with the result that Everton are now able to boast of having made their record score in a League game, their previous best having been a seven goals to one victory over Sunderland on the same ground.
The Forwards Disheartened
The brief history of the game is that the forwards opened in promising style, and as a consequence City looked like holding their own, but when the defence showed an utter incapacity to cope with the Evertors forwards the whole of the visitors went to pieces, the forward, having little or no heart in their work. It was unfortunate for the visitors that they were unable to include Thornley who had not recovered from the effects of his collapse on Saturday, for Fisher, the ex-Brighton and Hove forward, who filled the vacancy, was but a poor partner for Stewart. The other alteration in the team, namely, the substitution of Norgrove for Kelso, did not tend to strengthen the back division, which was all at sea after the first 20 minutes. The first goal came from a corner after eight minutes, Booth shooting over the heads of a pack of players into the top of the net, but it was not until Settle bad put on two more goals in quick succession that the visitors' defence crumbled up in such an alarming fashion.
Poor Defensive Play.
The City half-backs were tricked with the greatest of ease, while the backs floundered about in the most helpless fashion. Davis was given little or no chance of saving four or five of the goals, but the others would have been kept out by a cooler and more capable custodian. Once or twice he caught the ball very cleverly, but for the most part his attempts to deal with shots were almost ludicrous. To such an extent was he demoralised that often when taking a goal kick he sent the ball along the ground straight to an opponent.  In this respect, however, he was not alone. Whether or not the City players were deceived by the blue jerseys Evertors wore—they themselves were wearing white—cannot be said, but the fact remains that with painful frequency both the backs and the half-backs sent the ball to an opponent instead of one of the City forwards. Moreover there was an entire absence of an understanding between the half-hacks and the forwards, so marked in the case of the Everton players.
The Lessen to be Learned.
The exhibition given by the visitors plainly showed that neither Norgrove nor Christie is capable of dealing with such clever forwards as Everton possess and that the half-back line wants re-arranging. The inclusion of Banks will do something towards strengthening it, while a trial might be given to Eadie at centre half, a position he filled very creditably when playing with Greenock Morton last season, Buchan being allowed to go on the wing. Grieve, who has not been well of late, showed up poorly, failing to keep his wings together, and he might with advantage be replaced by Thornley, whose place might be taken by Jones. Dorset, though a hard worker, is not a successful half-back, and he would be much more useful as Conlin's partner.

SCRAPS ABOUT SPORTS
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 04 September 1906
A most sensational victory was credited to Everton, who simply pulverised the depleted forces of the unfortunate Manchester City team. It is not very often that ten goals are registered in a match of First League class, but this is what happened last evening, Everton claiming nine of the points. This is certainly a record for Everton, the previous score being 7-1. As the score indicates, the play was all in favour of Everton, the City being quite unable to cope with the home forwards. The spectators were very much surprised at the visitors’ poor display, despite the fact that so many of the players suffered from the heat on Saturday. Only two of those players failed to turn out, however, but it became evident that comparatively few of the men were up to First League form. The City team will long remember their 1906-7 visit to Goodison-park.
While sympathy will ne extended to Manchester City in their misfortunes supporters of the Blues will be glad that advantage was taken of the opportunity to put a respectable appearance on the goal average. Everton’s goals now stand at 11 for and 3 against-not a bad start. Young was credited with four of the goals, whilst the others were registered by Settle (2), Abbott, Taylor and Bolton.
These is much to be done apparently before the present Manchester City team will shine with the radiance of their predecessors, but, bad as was the result of yesterday’s venture at Goodison-park, the club’s friends need not despair. A nine-goals-to-one beating will do more to shake the City players into their places than any fortuitous victory, and soon we may see amends made for yesterday’s bad fall.

 A CITY IN RUINS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 04 September 1906
EVERTON EARTHQUAKE LEADS TO MANY LOSSES IN GOALS
Bee
It was only a question of “How many?” The answer came from Everton last night, on their “welcome home.” It was a very decided answer, and the final bulletin made me “see things.” No drink had passed my lips; yet I distinctly “saw things,” and one of these things was pronouncedly before my eyes. It concerned Manchester City, and I saw the City in Division II of the Football League playing clubs of the Blackpool, Grimsby, Bradford, &c., type. A prophet ius not without honour save in his own country, so I do not anticipate honour. I refuse to be moved from my assertion that the City (now in ruins) will be on the lower ladder next season. It is a far cry to April, 1907; yet, who present could see a glimmer of hope for the Manchester men? It is the Slough of Despond they are sinking into, and the outlook for survival is blank. There is no one to help; players of ability are now loth to leave their present positions-even in the great cause of charity. It would, indeed, be a charity were four or five internationals to go out of their wat to aid the fallen, and, sinking their personal ambitions, play for the Hyde-road club. Internationals, and men of international calibre, are not on offer, and so the City must grovel in the mire. The £4 a week rule has sobered the football birds of passage, who were all too frequently removing their quarters, as though all the seats on which they sat were hot oven plates. As indicated previously, Everton had a nap hand, holding all the trumps. Young performed the “hat-trick” and totalled 4 by his own bat. Three goals in succession, even in a heavy scoring game, is a remarkable performance. John Sharp was the last Everton player to perform the “hat-trick.” You will remember that he managed this feat last season against Sheffield United, and Oliver the mercurial customer, who shot out in prominence and died away in as quick time as he was born to football fame, also put on three in succession-against Notts County. This is the official time table of the damage done.
5 minutes Taylor scored
24 minutes Settle scored
25 minutes Settle scored
30 minutes Abbott scored
40 minutes Young scored
60 minutes Young scored
70 minutes Young scored
78 minutes Bolton scored
85 minutes Young scored
City got an orphan goal as a solatium, and this came about as a surprise packet to the home defenders. It would have been rough luck on the City had Grieve’s shot, which hit the upright, not resulted beneficially, and when Fisher met the rebound and netted what joy could be seen in the visitors’ faces ever this reward! Davies, whom I saw at New Brighton in the close season-I believe he resides there-seems to have lost all the powers which he gained at Glossop. Is his power of custodianship over, awed by senior football? It is always a false policy to take a flying kick at an incoming shot when the laws allow him to pick up with his hands. Then the backs were weak, and Dorsett, the old Albion forward, was the best of the intermediate line, and repeatedly held up Sharp and Bolton, whilst he shot in with power at times, as did also Buchan who, though a worrier, could not hold Sandy Young. The Blues’ centre now in good health, is going to have a great season, I fancy. He is swinging out the ball more accurately and frequently than he formerly did, and he is without doubt making headway in double quick time as compared with last season. The City forwards were a straggling lot. As stated in this column many weeks ago. Conlin, the black-haired young outside left who came to the front with Bradford City, is missing the kindly attention and tuition of McMillan. It is not to be expected that Conlin is fed sufficiently when he has on his wing Lot Jones, an admirable player (who was once expected to join Everton), but one whose football is almost exclusively individual. Grieve is poor stuff. Stewart is extra good; he revels in beating an opponent in a fantastic manner; and Fisher, who last season helped Bristol City, and learned his football with Asbury Richmond, from which team Everton signed Bowser. The latter is being nursed; he is quite a young footballer, and if he can put on flesh will be of use later on.
Now all the Everton men were in class form, if we except the right wing, and, without being invidious, I will single out two players for well-merited praise. I refer to George Wilson and Tom Booth. The latter had been somewhat in the shade during the last season, and he himself has told me that he felt he had for a time lost the run of football through his injury, and hoped “to come again.” Judging by last night’s exhibition, Booth is rejuvenated. He played sterling football, and no one could lay a solitary error to him. George Wilson is a winsome footballer. His whole beating appeals to the football people. You can’t help but like him, and he and Hardman will present a problem to the directors that will keep them in discussion many hours in all-through the season. Wilson doesn’t crave after the corner flag, and he showed on one occasion last night a marvellous and philosophical conception of how to get out of a difficulty. He could not get in his centre, so he politely insisted on Christie presenting him with a corner. It was a choice piece of work. Then, to my mind, the greatest praise is due to him for introducing a manner of centreing which has over and over again been recommended in my notes. It is almost useless nowadays centreing accurately into the goalmouth; the custodian generally contrives to leave his wooden hut, and, stepping out a few paces, punch away, far better is it for the wing man to drive hard to the opposite inside player. My argument is this; The play being on the left, say, opposing half backs draw towards him, and the inside and outside right are almost in every case unguarded. Then, surely, it is policy to transfer the ball to the right wing? Wilson last night was repeatedly feeding the right, and that his co-forwards realised his moder of play, and adapted themselves to it, was shown on all occasions when he centred, because Young, Bolton, and Sharp were always waiting to the right of the goalkeeper. Therefore the three were at an excellent angle for shooting. How accurately he put the ball across, too! His talking of the corner kick was also accurate, and Young readily put on the finishing touch.

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL ASKED TO EXPLAIN
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 05 September 1906
The Football Association has asked for explanations from the Liverpool and Everton clubs with regard to holidays enjoyed by their players during the close season. Everton, it is understood, took the whole of their players and officials to London during the Derby week, while the Liverpool players were taken to Paris. The suggestion is that the payments made by the clubs for such purposes are infractions of the wage limit.
It is claimed that the clubs concerned have not broken any rules of the association by taking the players for an outing. Mr. Cuff secretary of the Everton Club, is of that opinion. He says that the directors have been in the habit of taking their players for a picnic each year, but in honour of the English Cup victory the outing was of a more elaborate character than usual.
The Liverpool directors, as is well known, have also for a number of years taken the players to see the Grand National or on some other excursion, so that there is nothing new in the players being entertained. At any rate, there was no intention of breaking the Football Association’s rule, and it is not considered likely that the authorities will do anything drastic in the matter.
Kitchen, the old Everton and now the West Ham goalkeeper, is in as good form as ever. Against Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday he gave one of his best displays under the crossbar, and in the match with Portsmouth on Monday he performed equally as well. There are very few better keepers in the south than the Hammers’ custodian, who also enjoys the reputation of having scored from several penalty kicks, a rare distinction for a goalkeeper.
There will be a match at Goodison-park on Saturday which ought to be well worth seeing, the Blues’ opponents being the famous North End team. Everton are not likely to have such an easy journey as they did on Monday, when the “firework display” was given. The game is likely to be hotly contested, and the margin between the teams at the finish ought not to be great. The home club is playing the same team as that which turned out in the opening match, namely, Scott; W. Balmer and Crelly; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman. G. Wilson and Tom Booth will be on reserve.

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUBS ON F.A. CARPET
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 September 1906
Teams for this week
Bee
The Football Association has asked for an explanation from the Liverpool and Everton clubs with regard to holidays enjoyed by their players during the close season. Everton took the whole of their players and officials to London during the Derby week, while the Liverpool players were taken over to Paris. The suggestion is that payments made by the clubs for such purposes are infractions of the wage limit. The F.A. are busy people. They do not miss a solitary opportunity of bringing clubs on their carpet. I am not certain of Liverpool, but I know that Everton annually arrange a picnic for their players, and this season it was apparently extended somewhat-naturally enough. Also that season’s success led the directors to decide to picnic the shareholders. Doubtless both clubs will have a satisfactory answer or argument. The Liverpool club entertain the Management Committee of the Football League on Monday next.
The following are teams chosen for this week so far. Everton v Preston at Goodison, kick-off 3.30- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, halves; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman, forwards. Mr. H. Pollitt of Manchester, is the referee. He is new to first-class refereeing, but has had much experience in Combination matches. If Hardman or Makepeace is too unwell to play (this is unlikely), then George Wilson or Tom Booth will play. There has been a record crush on the Everton season tickets. They have all been sold, and a fresh set are on order. On Monday many persons who went to purchase season tickets had for the time being to be content with a plain letter-card. Of course at the end of the week the new supply of season tickets will be ready, and the secretary hopes that all holders to whom an exchange of ticket is due will be at his office as long as possible before the kick-off on Saturday.
The ex-Everton custodian, Kitchen, is in as good form as ever. Against Tottenham he gave one of his best displays under the crossbar, and in the match with Portsmouth on Monday he performed equally as well. There are very few better keepers in the South than the Hammers’ custodian, who also enjoys the reputation of having scored from several penalty kicks-a rare distinction for a goalkeeper.

EVERTON v  PRESTON NORTH END
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 06 September 1906
For the match at Goodison Park on Saturday next the following have been selected to play for Everton;- Scott goal; W. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, halves; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman, forwards. Mr. H. Pollitt, of Manchester, is the referee. He is now to first-class refereeing, but has had much experience in Combination matches. If Hardman or Makepeace is too unwell to play (this is unlikely), then George Wilson or Tom Booth will play.
WIGAN SECURE A NEW PLAYER
The Wigan Town executive have secured the services of Stringfellow, Centre-half, formerly attacked to Everton, Portsmouth and Leeds City.
SAM McCLURE
Sam McClure the well-known half-back of the Blackburn Rovers who died on July 17 last, aged twenty-eight, intestate, left estate valued at £416 2s id, and administration thereof has been granted to his widow.

EVERTON DIRECTOR’S ACCIDENT
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 07 September 1906
About 3.10 yesterday afternoon Mr. D. Kirkwood, one of the Everton  football directors, was cycling along Priory-road, Anfield, when he had a nasty spill. Owing to the slippery state of the road the cycle skidded, and the rider was thrown off the machine under a pony attached to a cart. Fortunately for Mr. Kirkwood, he managed to escape by clinging to the shafts of the trap, turning a complete somersault. A little later Mr. Kirkwood was able to proceed on his journey.

EVERTON TEAM CHANGES
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 07 September 1906
At Goodison-park Everton receive a visit from Preston North End. These old rivals have given many fine exhibitions of the dribbling code at the park, and certainly an excellent match tomorrow can be looked forward to with Everton perhaps holding a slight advantage. Two important changes are announced in the Everton team from that originally selected. Makepeace and Jack Sharp are unable to turn out and their places will be filled by Tom Booth and Donnachie.
John Bell will turn out for the visitors, so that his many friends at Goodison-park will have another opportunity of seeing the player who once did so well for Everton. It is said that he is playing almost as well as ever.
Everton v Preston North End
At Goodison-ark; 3.30.
Everton.- Scott; W. Balmer, and Crelly; Booth, Taylor, and Abbott; Donnachie, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.
Everton Res v Preston North End Res
At Preston
Everton; Sloan; Hill and Stevenson; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson; ?, Graham, Dorward, D. Wilson, and Butler.

COMMENTS ON EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 September 1906
Bee
Locally we shall be concerned at Goodison, “concerned” because not for a moment can one anticipate an easy match where Preston North End are concerned, North End last season were four points behind Liverpool, and as their team of that period is holding all its former players now save in one instance (Lyon is lyon by awhile) the runners-up must be accounted of continued strength. It speaks ably of their power when stating that they lost fewer matches than any other side in the tourney of 1905-6. Eight times they were defeated, and they enjoyed an abnormal number of drawn issue-thirteen in all. They set the ball rolling in best style, and put paid to Birmingham’s account with 2 goals to nought. Jack Bell wears well. The old Everton man gives the younger members something to ponder over. He and Wilson got the goals on Saturday, and it behoves the Everton defenders to take every care, McBride will be in goal as usual, and that means much to North End despite what the Deepdale crowd said of him when Liverpool beat him with that second goal which meant the League trophy being deposited Anfield way. Tod’s appearance at back is accounted for by Derbyshire’s accident. But we have seen this Tod before. He is the man of all positions for the North End, and in many positions has he played at the two local grounds. The reward of his seven seasons’ work from Preston will be seen to-morrow for the North End Reserve-Everton Reserve receipts will be handed to him. Hartley, the ex-Atherton left half back, will again take the place of Lyon. He is a big fellow, and even if a little slow in his movements he often enough manages to “get there,” as the Americans have it. Rodway, the robust back; McLean, who, like his former clubmate, Dorsett has forsaken the outside berth of the forward line for the half back division, and Hunter-all Liverpool knows Hunter-Wilson, Smith, and Lockett, all these names are familiar and the faces known well; and, finally, there is Bond, of the bandbox type, and his presence at Goodison Park will accelerate the interest, John D. Taylor opened his season’s goal account in the corresponding match last year. This was the only goal registered, and in the return game Hardman got one past McBride, and Scott was once beaten, so that honours were even. Everton will have their work cut out to improve on their margin of the last meeting at Goodison, yet I fancy the Blues will, if encouraged by last Monday’s enjoyment and not made over-confident, win surely enough. Trainer Elliott, I believe, holds the opinion that the Blues did not extend themselves against the City, and that the total could have been enlarged to a dozen. I hope Everton will extend themselves, therefore, tomorrow, for then hardly a club could approach their form. When Mr. H. Pollitt brings out the ball, and is accompanied by Linesmen Graham and Lomax, there is certain to be a capital crowd present.
I learn that Mr. Dan Kirkwood, the Everton director, is quite well now, and that he has to thank his watch for saving him from broken ribs. It appears that when his bicycle skidded he was thrown under the horse, who kicked out, and fortunately smashed the watch and saved Mr. Kirkwood’s ribs.

NEW CENTRE HALF FOR WIGAN TOWN
September 8, 1906. Wigan Examiner
On Tuesday evening Wigan Town signed on a new centre-half in Stringfellow, a former captain of Leeds City, and who has figured with Everton and Portsmouth. Stringfellow has been selected to turn out with the Wiganest at springfield Park this Saturday when Wrexham Victoria will be visitors.

BANNISTER TO MANCHESTER CITY
September 8, 1906 Dundee Courier
Manchester City are scouring the country for players. They have been so far successful in their mission. Banister, a young centre forward from Everton has been signed.

JACK ROBERTSON ONE OF THE BEST
Aberdeen People's Journal-Saturday 8 September 1906
One of Scotland's greatest half-backs was “Jackie” Robertson, now playing Secretary for Chelsea. He used to play for Everton's Combination team, and from there went to Southampton, and then to Glasgow to play in an Anglo-Scots trial game. Herein he played a magnificent game at left-half, and was picked to play for Scotland against England. Here again he played a great game. Je signed for Glasgow Rangers the following season, and after being with them for about seven seasons, left to manage Chelsea, proving what a fine judge of a player he is by getting such a fine team together at the first attempt as was shown by their display in the Second League. “Jackie” was a fine half-back, a grand tackler, a beautiful placer of a ball, a fine shot –in fact, one of the finest halves of the last ten years.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 08 September 1906
At the Everton ground stalwart Lancashire foemen will contest before many thousands of enthusiasts. The Preston team is, with one exception (Hartley for Lyon), the same as lasts season, when they were second to Liverpool, four points behind. Tod’s appearance at back is accounted for by Derbyshire’s accident. Rodway, the robust back; McLean, who, like his former clubmate, Dorsett, has forsaken the outside berth of the forward line for the half-back division; and Hunter- all Liverpool knowns Hunter-Wilson, Smith, and Lockett, all these names are familiar and the faces known well; and, finally, there is Bond, on whom there is always a sharp lookout. Everton will have their work cut out to improve on their margin of the last meeting at Goodison, yet the Blues will, if encouraged by last Monday’s enjoyment and not made over-confident, win surely enough.
Everton v Preston North End
League match at Goodison Park; kick-off at 3.30
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Preston North End Reserve
Lancashire Combination match at Preston.
Everton.- Sloan, goal; Hill and Stevenson, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Donnachie, Graham, Dorward, D. Wilson, and Butler, forwards.

H. STRINGFELLOW FOR PRESTON
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 08 September 1906
H. Stringfellow, who has played with Southport Central, Everton, and Portsmouth, is the second player, and will take Hartley’s place against Everton to-day at left half-back.

FOOTBALLERS’ HOLIDAYS
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 08 September 1906
Something approaching a sensation was caused in the football world by the circulation of the report that the Association had asked for details concerning the trips which the Everton and Liverpool directorates gave to their players during the close season. It is common knowledge that all the leading clubs during the playing season are allowed to spend practically what they like on the special training of their men, and in this way very considerable sums of money are swallowed up. This expenditure, however, is unquestioned providing none of the £ s. d. finds its way into the pockets of the players, who are limited to £4 a week or £208 a year in all. But such things as a visit to the Derby and to gay Paris do not come into the category of " special training expenses," and as  the opinion of the powers that be was not asked for, none can reasonably object to the terms of the inquiry by the Association. It is not suggested that the demands of the governing body are in the nature of a censure ; so far as can be gathered information is only sought to ascertain whether the players who secured for the Everton and Liverpool clubs the honours of last season benefited financially. It must not be forgotten, however, that Everton did ask before the trip was mooted for permission to make their players a present to commemorate the gaining of the English Cup, and the Association refused, a decision all the more extraordinary because when Aston Villa gained the premier football honour they were allowed to give their players such valuable " trinkets " as pianos and gold watches. Whatever further action the Association may take, one thing is certain, viz, :—that the local club managers did nothing contrary to the spirit of the rules. It  would be as well if the governing body laid down some permanent regulation as to the latitude which football directors may take in such matters as those which are the- subject of the present inquiry,for it is not right that what is allowed a club one year should be denied to another the next.

EVERTON v.  PRESTON NORTH END
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 08 September 1906
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
HARDMAN SCORES FIRST FOR EVERTON
Twenty-five thousands spectators turned up at Goodison Park to support the Blues in giving Preston North End, their old-time adversities, a warm welcome. The weather was warm and sunny, without any of the tropical features of last Saturday. Everton were minus Crelly, Makepeace, and Sharp who were all hors de combat.
The teams turned out as follow;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; Hill and W. Balmer, backs; Booth, Taylor (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Donnachie, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Preston.- McBride, goal; Tod and Rodway, backs; McLean, Hunter and Stringfellow, half-backs; Bond, Wilson, Smith, Bell, and Lockett, forwards.
Referee, Mr. H. Pollitt.
Taylor beat Bell in tossing for choice of position, the result being that Smith kicked off for Preston with a bright sun in his eyes. Several half-hearted moves were made by either eleven before they fairly settled down, the first attack of any note coming from the North Enders. Smith, Bond, and Wilson had a hand in this game, and a faulty clearance by Booth nearly let them in again, Balmer just managing to foot the ball away. Everton replied on the left, Settle getting in some effective work, after which the ball was crossed to the right, and here Donnachie from a bot very difficult position, shot over the cross-bar. Taylor next headed the Everton van, and despite brave efforts Stringfellow and Hunter could not keep back the Everton tide. Young steadied himself within the penalty area for a shot, when Tod grassed him heavily, and Mr. Pollitt, without hesitation, awarded a penalty. Settle accepted the responsibility of shooting, but unluckily for the Blues the fickle leather rebounded off McBride, and though the Blues made frantic efforts to force the leather into the net nothing more serious than a corner resulted.
This caused proud Preston’s supporters some trepidation as the Blues made a big effort to regain the lapsed advantage, but the defence of the “proud’ uns” prevailed. After play in the centre the ball went out to Bond, who made a great race, but was pronounced offside. At the other end Hardman was spoiled by Tod when about to shoot, following which brilliant work came from Bond, Wilson and Smith, at the end of which the centre forward slipped clear through the backs Scott coming out and stopping his further progress. A foul cleared out the attacking party, and then in lovely style Henderson set the Everton front line going, a grand move being stopped by the referee for some informal to Hill checked a Preston move and sent on to Donnachie who plied Young with a long pass, the Everton centre nipping through the opposing backs and shooting strongly, bringing McBride to his knees, but the latter succeeded in keeping his charge intact. Jock Bell now proved that he has very tricky moves left as he ran clean through the Everton defence, only, however, at the finish to run the ball over the line when he had an exciting chance. After this the Blues went away prettily, and Booth essayed a really lovely shot which dropped the ball just under the bar, and McBride was puzzled, and fumbled and finally dropped the ball. Bolton dashed up a moment too late, as the Preston custodian just got the ball away in the nick of time. Everton still exerted much pressure and during an encounter with Settle. Rodway came to grief and was sufficiently damaged to take leave of absence. When the game had been in progress half an hour Bolton shot for goal, and then Hardman secured the leather and beat McBride, who, however, continued to struggle, and, along with other players made somewhat frantic protest, but the referee was evidently satisfied as to the legitimacy of the point, and without any hesitation allowed the goal. Later on Young was pulled up for offside when going rather nicely and this was followed by a couple of corners to Everton’s credit, but both proved barren. Abbott failed to improve on a centre from Donnachie and when Preston broke away Bond ran the ball out, following which Young was piped offside when he had no one but the goalkeeper to beat. A further effort came from Young, Bolton, and Donnachie the latter’s centre being beaten away. Hill, Abbott, and Hardman were then to the fore, the last named shooting over. The Everton defence fell to pieces, and Smith nearly scored Scott coming out with flying colours. Booth replied by shooting over the crossbar after good work by Young and Bolton. Just before half-time Scott saved from Bond, who had made a smart run.
Half-time score;- Everton 1 goal, Preston North End Nil.
McBRIDE’S BRILLIANT CUSTODIANSHIP
HIGHLY SCIENTIFIC DISPLAY
RODWAY RETIRES INJURED
HARDMAN’S LUCKY GOAL
SETTLE BREAKS A FINGER
SMART WIN FOR THE BLUES
After the interval Everton reappeared without Settle, and Preston were still minus Rodway. Young’s opening move did not lead to an Everton attack, but the North Enders also failed to improve their position, and Booth finally manoeuvred them out of the ball, and then a nice pass from Young resulted in Donnachie sending in a rasping shot, which forced McBride to concede a corner. Young was pretty free with his charges, and he evoked Mr. Pollitt’s ire, and a free kick was awarded Preston, but the same favour also fell to Everton, when Young, in making a brave effort, performed some acrobatic tricks. Hardman was next in trouble, and then free kicks came thick and fast, but they did neither side much good. Sandy screwed across, and Hardman took possession, but only to shoot wildly. The North Enders swooped down into Everton territory and for a moment Hill was tied in a knot. Booth came to the rescue, and when Hill was pressed again he cleared finely. Hill passed out to Donnachie, who was speeding along when he was tripped, and from the free kick Abbott headed over the crossbar. A well-meant effort then came from the visitors, but Booth and Abbott accounted for the attacking party, and when Donnachie got away he ran the ball on to the opposing backs. A further grand back came from the Prestonians, but when the forwards were closing in Scott ran out and cleared. This was followed by a free kick to Preston and this looked dangerous, but no harm befell the defending side. After a lengthy sequence of free kicks which evidently puzzled some of the players, Bolton was brought to grass without a whistle, and Hardman received when offside, Bell now displayed some masterly tactics, but he was not supported by his right, and Abbott broke up the attack in fine style. Taylor provided Hardman, but Young got offside in manoeuvring. The game degenerated somewhat for a few minutes and loose tactics prevailed, but this was soon followed by a really pretty bit between Donnachie and his partner, but was spoiled by Young lying offside in fact Sandy was frequently in difficulties on this point. It seemed now as though the defence prevailed on both sides, and the Everton attack was very imperfect without Settle. After a free kick taken by Abbott, Hardman got in a fine low shot, the first for some time. Bolton tested the Preston warden immediately after. A smart bit of work by Balmer checked the North End right wing, but a fine kick took the visitors into home territory, and they gained a corner on the left. From this Scott saved but the ball was afterwards sent skimming over the crossbar at a terrific pace. Everton broke away, and Hardman passed in to Young, who overran the ball. A foul against McLean gave the Evertonians no advantage, and the next moment a shot from Bond brought Scott to his knees. The Prestonians were busy in Everton’s quarter when a foul was given against Bond, and from the free kick Everton attacked vigorously, but were at last beaten off.
Final Result; Everton 1 goal, Preston North End Nil
Last season-Everton 1 Preston North End nil.

PRESTON RES v. EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 08 September 1906
Played at Deepdale before 6,000 spectators, for the benefit of Geo. Tod. Everton were the stronger side, and Butler, Cooke, and Graham tested Taylor with hot shots. After twenty minutes Pearson scored for Preston from a corner. Swan having thrown the ball round the post after being floored. Danson scored a second goal five minutes later. McMahon handed in the penalty area, and Dorward scored for Everton. The North End goal narrowly escaped from a shot by Wilson.
Half-time; Preston North End 2, Everton 1.

MIDDLESBROUGH 2 EVERTON 2
September 9, 1906. The Liverpool Courier.
CUPHOLDERS AT MIDDLESBROUGH.
A RECORD BUT HONOURS EASY.
If they did not commence the season with a victory, Everton accomplished something, which sets up a record as far as the clubs is corcerned. It is difficult to believe that the Cupholders had previously figured in four League game at Middlesbrough, without the solarium of a solitary goal. Yet such is the case. Moreover, it was only last season that they had ever obtained a point at tees-side, and this was due to the ability of the defence in frustrating the efforts of the home forwards. On Saturday Everton had the satisfaction of claiming couple of goals, but unfortunately for them, they allowed their opponents a similar privilege. At the same time in the first fixture on the card it is not at all a bad beginning to obtain a point away from home. There is no doubt either that in thus sharing the honours the Cupholders were not favoured by fortune. Indeed they were admittedly the cleverer team, and with anything like luck might easily have taken away both points, in which ease even Middlesbrough enthusiasts could scarcely have grumbled.
FIRST GOAL FROM YOUNG.
Middlesbrough was attached like all other football centres by the heat wave, and under such trying conditions, it is impossible to treat in all seriousness the performance of the respective sides. The mavel was that they managed to stay the full ninety minutes and to gave what under the conditions must be described as a most interesting and at times dashing exhibition. Although the Yorkshire club contains as many stars in the front line, it was apparent quite early in the game that the Everton were the superior combination in method and in judgement. The inside visiting forwards quickly got to work, and after a lapse of seven minutes Young made capital use of weakness on the part of Middlesbrough's new left-back. Campbell, and with a characteristic effort obtained Everton's first goal on Middlesbrough territory, that excellent custodian. Williamson being absolutely nonplussed. For some time after this the visiting attack were seen to great advantage, and the equalising goal came as a surprise to the 20,000 spectators. From a free kick Barker sent the ball well into the goalmouth. Scott punched it away, but unfortunately for Everton it struck Balmer in the stomach, and rebounded slowly over the line into goal. Even with this stroke of “bad luck” the Cupholders more than held their own until Wilcox unexpectedly got through all opposition and found himself with no one in front of him but Scott. That custodian hesitated a second or so too long before making up the mind, and although he ran out to meet, the ball Wilcox was too quick for him and easily placed Middlesbrough ahead. Thus it was that at the interval Everton were in a minority of two goals to one- a position, which by no means show the general run of the game.
THE SECOND HALF.
After a longer interval than is generally allowed the visiting team acquitted themselves in admirable style. As the result of beautiful work on the part of the left wing, Settle afforded a chance to Bolton, which this smart forward coolly turned to account. It was not at all surprising that in the latest stages of the game, the terrific heat told its tale upon both sets of players. For the most part play was confined to midfield, but there were a few occasions when strenuous efforts were made to secure the winning point. Bolton had very hard luck with a rattling shot, which struck the upright, when Williamson was completely beaten. Makepeace also missed by inches. Still the Middlesbrough forwards were not inactive, and it was largely owing to a splendid save by Scott that a last vigorous attempt by Brawn was nullified. It was quite a relief to both players and spectators when the whistle blew with the result –a draw of two goals each.
CONCERNING THE PLAYERS.
Despite the unnatural conditions, the Cupholders gave a most satisfactory exhibition, although of course mistakes were numerous. Scott in goal failed on all occasions to exercise the judgement expected from an international of his prominence, but it has to be remembered that when he was beaten he had to face a brilliant sun. Balmer and Crelly reached a creditable standard of excellence, while Abbott and Taylor were always sufficiently resourceful in coping with the attack of the Middlesbrough cracks. Makepeace was, for him, out of the picture, but this may be accounted for by the fact that a weak ankle was troubling him. Sharp for a wonder, was the least effective of the forward line. Hardman put in many excellent centres, and his work was all the more excellent centres, and his work was all the more praiseworthy, inasmuch as early in the game he received an injury in the chest, which caused him considerable pain. Young, Settle, and Bolton all acquitted themselves admirably and displayed the points of inside play to a nicety. On Saturday's form Middlesbrough have not a great team. On paper they have a strong forward line, but they exhibited a sad lack of understanding. Bloomer did some things, but the most prominent wing was that formed by Thackeray and Wilcox. Williamson kept a grand goal, but in Ratcliffe and Campbell –the latter a Scotch importation who was figuring in his first League match –the club does not appear to have secured fine backs who will shine against a powerful attack. Teams: - Middlesbrough: - Williamson, goal, Ratcliffe, and Campbell, backs, Strand, Aitken and Barker, half-backs, Brawn, Bloomer, Common, Wilcox, and Thackay, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goals, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs Makepeace Taylor (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.

PRESTON’S FIRST POINTS
Athletic News - Monday 10 September 1906
In their first two matches Preston North End Reserve played very moderately, but on Saturday in the return game with Everton they put up a splendid fight, and won by three goals to one.  The goals for North End were scored by Pearson, Danson, and Dawson, while Dorward scored for Everton with a penalty kick.  North end play was the brightest and best they have shown so far.  McMahon, a Scottish junior, playing full-back, performed excellently, and if light, he is clever and plucky.  Cook also played strongly.  The proceeds of the match are for Tod’s benefit, and as over 5,000 people were present the result will be very satisfactory. 

EVERTON'SADVANCES
Athletic News - Monday 10 September 1906
The Everton team created a new record on Monday last when they defeated the unfortunate Manchester City eleven by 9 goals to 1.  They had previously scored seven and even eight goals in a match, but never before had they gained nine in a League fixture.  Young was responsible for four of these, and the clever centre-forward has certainly made a brilliant start this season. Last year's his efforts were of a spasmodic character, though brilliantly concluded when he obtained the only goal of the final tie at Crystal Palace.  But his play in the three matches already decided during this month has been incisive and full of energy, and besides keeping his wings judiciously employed.  Young, as his record shows, has been very busy near goal.  The regrettable injury to Settle will keep this clever player out of the field for some time, as the break is a complicated one. 

PRESTON UNLUCKY AT LIVERPOOL
Athletic News - Monday 10 September 1906
By Reynard
Preston North End have not won a League game at Goodison Park since 1897, and if they have had many similar experiences to those on Saturday I can well understand that they feel a little depressed about their engagements with Everton.  They were beaten by a goal to none, but fully deserved a point, as the run of the play would have been better represented by a goalless draw.  The game was not productive of much science, and, considering the calibre of the teams at variance, the afternoon's sport was disappointing. Probably the fact that each team lost a man before the interval had something to do with the frequent break-down of combination, while another disturbing factor was the referee.  Mr. Pollitt has yet to become famous, and on Saturday’s form I am afraid will be a long time about it.  He gave one the impression that the home team always secured the benefit of any doubt, and when Everton were awarded the goal that won the match it was the opinion of many that the ball was not put over the line.  My point of vantage was every bit as good as Mr.Politt's, and I certainty sympathized with Preston.
OLD CLUBMATES AS RIVALS CAPTAINS
There were about 25,000 spectators present when the two Johns, Taylor and Bell, old club mates and now rivals captains, decided the choice of ends.  The advantage fell to Everton, who were able to play with the sun at their backs.  Quite early several fouls occurred, but not one caused any serious danger, and it was not until there had been a lot of throwing-in on Preston's right wing that either goalkeeper had cause for anxiety.  Hunter stopped the Everton front line, and set his own forwards going, with the result that Bond was well within the danger zone when he sent the ball on to Balmer, who rejoiced in the right winger's slip.   Nearly eight minutes had gone when Everton swamped into the Preston penalty area, and a lively scrimmage was in progress when a penalty kick was awarded against Tod, who was decidedly indignant about the decision.  Settle was responsible for the kick, but when h shot low to the right McBride jumped across and cleared at the expense of a corner, which came to nothing.  After this there was signs of temper among the players, and the irritation was not allayed by the frequency with which Mr. Pollitt chose to caution various individuals.  This kind of thing can be carried too far, and I was surprised that a goal many of the spectators seemed to rejoice in it; indeed some of them shouted as loudly for men to be sent off as about anything else during the afternoon
THE WINNING GOAL
The home goal had a narrow escape from Bond, who was quick enough to leave colleagues and foes behind.  Hill, however, made tracks from the left, and Scott sought an earlier acquaintance by coming forward than would have been the case had he remained under the bar.  The consequences were disappointing for Bond, who proved unequal to dealing with frontal and flank attacks delivered together.  At the other end Young managed to make a cross-shot, but it was not good enough to beat McBride, who, however, was all but beaten by a splendid long shot from Booth.  The ball was under the bar when McBride jumped up and intercepted it.  He fell awkwardly with the ball close in front and Bolton rapidly drawing near.  It was a near thing, but the goalkeeper was first, and the finishing touch to a really fine save was applied.   It was not long after this that the important event of the afternoon occurred.  It was from a free kick that Everton obtained a foothold at close quarters.  Hardman was the first to shoot, and in the referee's opinion nothing more was necessary, for he immediately pointed to the centre.  The ball, however, was met very soon after it left Hardman's foot, and as the Evertonians continued to shoot and the Prestonians to repel it was evident that the ideal existed even among the players that the ball had not been over the line.  I have already said that I was not in agreement with the referee.
TWO ACCIDENTS
It was in the first half that Everton were deprived of the services of Settle, who had the misfortune to break a finger on the right hand.  Matters were equalized when Rodway, the Preston back, fell so awkwardly as to injure both knees, and when the teams renewed hostilities after an interval of a quarter of an hour it was only a ten a-side contest.  The second half was a ragged affair, and Everton were lucky to escape having a penalty kick against them, for within almost as many minutes three free kicks were awarded Preston, two practically on the all-important line, and the other only a couple of yards away.  In this half Lockett was Tod's partner.  Donnachie often got the better of him, and it was on that wing that Everton gave the most trouble.  In shooting, however, they were deficient; the shots were either so crooked that they went very wide, or so straight that McBride was able to regard his task with a light heart.  Preston, too, were inaccurate, and with free kicks for fouls and off-side rather numerous, there was not much real interest in the play, and neither side could claim any superiority. 
THE PLAYERS REVIEWED
Both Scott and McBride did well, but the Preston man being provided with more chances than the other custodian, was the brighter star.  Tod was the best back on the field, and the half-backs on each side were good without being brilliant, Stringfellow, Preston’s latest acquisition and an old Evertonian, creating a favourable impression.  Of the forwards, Young was Everton’s best, while on the other side Bond and Wilson were the most prominent.  Bond was responsible for what seem to be the most brilliant effort made by any forward.  It was in the first half, and with remarkable cleverness he dribbled into the centre and tricked several opponents.  He seemed to be going right through the defence, and he was close to goal when the ball went too far for Bond to complete the effort.  Smith was lying handy, but he shot straight at Scott, and as he did during nearly all the ninety minutes, disappointed his club’s supporters.  Still he was only one of about fifteen men who failed to show up top form.  Everton; Scott; Hill, Balmer; Booth, Taylor (captain), Abbott; Donnachie, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Preston North End; McBride; Tod, Rodway; Mclean, Hunter, Stringfellow; Bond, Wilson, Smith, Bell, and Lockett.  Referee; Mr. H. Pollitt, Manchester. 

EVERTON 1 PRESTON NORTH END 0
September 10, 1906. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON DEFEAT NORTH END.
TWO PLAYERS INJURED.
SETTLE PENALTY MISSED
History repeated itself at Goodison-park on Saturday Everton triumphed over Preston North End by a goal to nothing. Indeed it is remarkable that this should have been the third season in possession that Everton have beaten the old rivals by the odd goal. As a matter of fact, not since 1897 have the Preston team been successful in a League match on Everton's enclosure. However, this may been there is no gainsaying the fact that North End are a popular team in the City. Upwards of 25,000 people witnessed the game on Saturday, and although it was characterised by some unnecessary shady tactics, it provided an interesting and exciting ninety minutes play. For the greater part of the match each side was deprived through injuries of the services of a player. Settle had the misfortune to break a finger while Rodway in failing damaged his knees so badly so badly that he, too, had to leave the field. Fortunately, from the point of view of the spectators, neither team resorted to the one-back game, nor regarding the play as a whole the result was a fair reflex of the merits of the contestants.
INJURIES AND FOUL.
Taylor beat his former comrade, John Bell in the spin of the coin, and this enabled the Evertonians to start with a brilliant sun behind them. Right from the commencement the pace was fast and well sustained. Early on Everton had a fine opportunity of opening the scoring, seeing that they were awarded a penalty kick , for a foul on Young. Settle who took the kick, drove the ball straight at McBride who cleverly succeeded in averting disaster. It was immediately after this that Settle had perforce to retire, but the conditions were quickly equalised when Rodway in charging Donnachie, missed his man, and hurt his knee. Lockett fell back, and although the forward line were somewhat upset there was no appreciable difference in the strenoueness with which the game was fought. Hardman had the satisfaction of scoring a goal for his side, and although McBridge protested there was no doubt about the legitimacy of the point. As will be gathered, this was the deciding goal. At the same time both goalkeepers had some capital shots to save, and both acquitted themselves in masterly fashion. The second half in particular, was to a great extent spoiled by the frequency with which the referee had to pull up the players for unfair tactics. North End in this respect were the greater offenders, and although, perhaps naturally, some of the Everton players retaliated, it is a pity that a team like North End should cause the referee such trouble in carrying out his duties.
THE PLAYERS.
The absence of such players, as Sharp, Makepeace, and Crelly was not felt to any great extent, each of the reserves rendering admirable service. Hill, although beaten occasional, pleased by reason of his prompt recovery, Booth played quite in his old form being the best half-back on the field, and Donnachie was an efficient substitute for Sharp. He undoubtedly is a tricky outside right, and with a little more speed would be one of the best men in the country in that position. Scott in goal was full or resource, and gave the impression that he could deal comfortably with all sorts of shots that might be sent into him. Balmer was as usual safe both in his kicking and tackling, but neither Taylor nor Abbott was seen to the best advantage. Young was the pick of the forwards, Hardman after Settle departure, being somewhat at seas. For North End, McBride was the outstanding figure. Rodway did some good work prior to his injury, and afterwards Todd and Lockett defended splendidly. The halves were rather too vigorous in their methods and as for the forwards Bond, except now and again was too well watched to become dangerous. The veteran John bell put in some masterful touches, but he cannot go the pace like he used to do. However, is still a capable skipper and it force to be reckoned with on the football field. Teams: - Everton: - Scott goal, Hill, and W.Balmer, backs, Booth, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Donnachie, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Preston North End: - McBride, goal, Todd, and Rodway, backs, McLean, Hunter, and Stringfellow, half-backs, Bond, Wilson, Smith, J Bell (Captain), and Lockett, forwards. Referee H.Pollitt.

PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
September 10, 1906. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination (Game 3)
Everton and Preston North End have soon concluded their season's fixture, with the result that they finish all square, so far as points are concerned. Everton have a slight advantage, having won the game at Goodison by three clear goals and lost the return match h at Deepdale on Saturday by three goals to one.' It was rather curious that each club made two changes from the side that met on the previous Saturday. Everton had to find substitutes for Hill and Donnachie, who were called upon to assist the League team, while Preston had a couple of new players in McMahon and Bond, the latter a young brother of the international outside-right. It was a hard fought game from first to last. Preston commenced so well that they put on a couple of goals in the opening half through Pearson and Dawson, and this early lead in the end brought about their success. Dorward got a goal for Everton from a penalty, and only splendid goalkeeping by Taylor prevented an equaliser. For some time it looked any odds that Everton would draw level, but then Danson got another goal for Proud “Uns” and this decided the issue. Taylor kept goal finely for the winners while Sloan, the Everton custodian, as defended well. The home side had an advantage at back, and their sound defence enabled them to pull through. Among the visiting forwards, Cook Dorward, and Wilson, were the fore, while Dawson, and Preston were conspicuous among the Preston forwards, who went for goal in fine style. The match was set apart for the benefit of Todd and about 6,000 people were present. Everton: - Slaon, Strettell, and Stevenson backs Black, Chadwick and Donaldson half-backs, Graham, Dorward, Cooke, Wilson, and Butler, forwards.

DISAPPEARING OLD LIVERPOOL-WOLSTENHOLME-SQUARE
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 10 September 1906
Recent years have witnessed a great change in the bottom end of Duke-street and some of the streets immediately adjoining. Many of the old mansions, which have for years been used as business premises, have been pulled down, and modern warehouses erected in their place. The lower end of Duke street was formerly, in many respects, one of the most noteworthy of the city’s thorough-fares. For nearly a century it was the favourite residence of the higher class of merchants. It had its origin early in the eighteen century. Richard Watt, whop resided in Gradwell-street (Wolstenholme-square, which is behind Duke-street) in 1790-6, was the purchaser of the Speke estate formerly the demesne of the Norris family, and it still remains in the Watt family. The ladies’ Walk, consisting of an avenue of tress, extending to the corner of Colquitt-street. It was also called the Duke-street Walk, and formed a beautiful and much frequented promenade. It was in its full beauty about the year 1769, soon after which it began to be trenched upon for building. At first, however, the houses were not built to face Duke-street. The fronts were set to Wolstenholme-square, considered the more fashionable locality, the gardens behind extending back to Duke-street Walk. Almost every merchants had his country house at his back door. Henry-street was lined with offices belonging to the merchants who resided in front. The grandfather of Mrs. Hemans, M. Benedict Paul Wagner, was for many years the Venetian Republic’s Consul in Liverpool. He belonged to the firm of Feher and Wager, a German house established in Liverpool in 1753. M. Faher’s retirement led to the firm becoming Wagner and Bush, M. Wagner residing at No.9, Wolstenholme-square, with an office behind fronting Duke-street. Two unmarried daughters of M. Wagner, Elizabeth and Ann, continued to reside in Wolstenholme-square until their death. The last survivor, Miss Ann, died in 1852, having lived in the same house about seventy-five years. Gradwell-street and Wolstenholme square, according to Picton, were originally laid out for first-class residences. The land belonged to the Wolstenholme family, after whom both the street and square were first named. This square displayed the first attempt at an enclosed garden, though this was not done until many years after the square was formed. The quaint oval enclosure, with its shrubs and verdure, presented a little oasis in the midst of the desert of warehouses and workshops, and it was to be regretted that public convenience required its removal. The houses on the west side had gardens behind, abutting upon the Ladies’ Walk in Duke-street. By the time the square had been half completed fashion began to change. Duke-street presented more attractions. The demands of commerce required smaller houses and drew up from Hanover-street applicants for manufactories and cooperages, which occupied the vacant spaces and left the square a half completed, fossilised remnant of the olden time. Many of the old houses in Wolstenholme-square, Gradwell-street, and the lower end of Duke-street, with their curious fireplaces and Dutch illustrated tiles, have disappeared. A few of the old houses, however, still remain, but there can be no doubt that, judging from the rate of recent improvements, this remnant of old Liverpool will soon be a thing of the past.

EVERTON’S GOOD VICTORY- SETTLE’S MISHAP
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 10 September 1906
Accident happen to the best regulated concerns with more or less deplorable consequences. On Saturday, at Goodison Park, Everton lost Settle, and Preston Rodway, very early in the proceedings, so that the game was contested on both sides with ten men. As a matter of equity no doubt it was quite satisfactory, but, at the same time, a distinct misfortune for the spectators. First League football is nowadays a highly developed, scientific game in which individual brilliance, though materially assisting, is not a dominant factor in the scheme. In a given number of games the most perfect combination and execution must show the best results. It follows, then, that the more perfect the combination of an eleven the more seriously it is thrown out of gear by the absence of one of its component parts. Football is a game for eleven men and, in contests of the highest class, the necessity of operating with only ten men more or less dislocates the entire machinery and this prevents a perfect exhibition. Of course, we have seen many game won by ten men against eleven, but the comparison is intended to be made between two elevens of nearly equal merit. If Everton and North End had played their full complement the scoring might not have differed, but the spectators would have witnessed a battle of football giants and a game of perfect quality, because both teams have all the attributes, both scientific and skilful, which have been instrumental in developing the game to its present perfection. In the opening stages both sides displayed consummate skill in every department, and the crowd settled down in confident anticipation of a brilliant encounter. The forward combination was admirable, and apparently a shade more powerful than the half-back division, which met their attacks with superb resource. It appeared that the ultimate issue would depend on the reliability of the backs and the custodians. Hill who was operating in place of the absent Crelly, was the first to blunder and give Jack Bell an opportunity of proving that his feet retain their cleverness and his brain its cunning. Abbott neutralised Hill’s fault, and indeed throughout the encounter gave of his very best quality. The footwork of the Prestonians was a treat, and their vigorous methods kept Balmer busy, whilst Hill retrieved his character by resolute tackling. The game was yet young when Settle, Bolton, and Donnachie made the first serious Everton incursion. Young joined the trio, and the penalty area was held by the Blue’s front rank. Against such admirable manoeuvring Tod could only respond by grassing Young heavily. The penalty kick proved anything but a blessing for Everton, as McBride saved brilliantly and, in the melee which followed, Settle had his finger fractured. Coming events cast their shadow before, and this was only the first item in a regrettable sequence of rough incidents which subsequently marred the game and gave Mr. Pollitt cause for uneasiness. Both sides proved clever, more so than judicious as several good openings missed fire. Rodway in resisting a very hot attack was badly knocked about, and so he retired, and the teams were equal in misfortune as Lockett had to fill up the gap and so weaken his front rank. The game did not immediately degenerate, and both sets of forwards strove gallantly to obtain the much-desired lead. All that could be done by four forwards was done on both sides. The Blues were usually more persistent in maintaining their attacks, but it was only by a slice of pure good luck that they succeeded in beating McBride, who seemed to be endowed with the proverbial nine lives. During a ding-dong attack from the Everton right Bolton shot hard at McBride; the Preston warden repelled valiantly, only to be immediately assailed by a tremendous drive from Hardman. Momentarily mistaking his bearings, McBride stepped back under the bar, and thus the ball, though  cleared, was on appeal adjudged by Mr. Pollitt to have been inside goal. McBride had been so full of resource and so dexterous in his clearances that the manner of his defeat was distinctly galling. Preston took their reverse very bad-humouredly, and from this point the game deteriorated more and more in quality and spirit. It did not lack spasmodic brilliance or sensationalism, but on both sides the forwards had reached the end of their resource, and found themselves unequal to the half-back force opposing them. Everton missed Settle sadly, and Young’s efforts were abortive without the little man to supplement them. Bolton was in great form, but Donnachie’s methods are not Sharp’s and the right wing suffered from an excess of subtlety. The forwards ultimately lost interest in their work, recognising, no doubt, its incompleteness, for what can four forwards do against such a superb trio of halves as both Everton and Preston possess. Up to a certain point the struggle ‘twixt halves and forwards was earnest enough, and the work of the front rank, though decidedly imperfect, was marked by great determination; but the struggle could only end up as it did.  Bond did not improve his reputation in any way, Mr. Pollitt having to caution him no less than three times. Of all the players, Tom Booth showed most improved form, and reminded everyone of his palmiest days. W. Balmer defended Scott zealously when that worthy was not ably looking after things himself. Hill opened weakly, but improved as the game progressed, and probably, at his best, he is not far behind Crelly. Hardman was the lucky winner of the match, and the amateur, although without a partner, performed splendidly, and gave the right wing many an opportune pass. Booth put in a couple of capital shots, and looks like rivalling Abbott at random sharpshooting.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 10 September 1906
Whatever fate may have in store for the Cup holders, Everton after the second Saturday of the season have the honour of figuring at the head of the League table. Newcastle United, the runners up for the Cup, have secured the same number of points, but Everton claim pride of place on account of a superior goal average.
The game at Goodison-park was of a vigorous and exciting character, but it was unfortunate that there should be so much shady work. There was a great number of fouls, and the players seemed to get out of hand altogether. For the greater part of the match each side was deprived through injuries of the services of a player. Settle had the misfortunate to break a finger, while Rodway in falling damaged his knees so badly that he, too, had to leave the field. Fortunately from the point of view of the spectators neither team resorted to the one-back game, and regarding the play as a whole the result was a fair reflex of the merits of the contestants.
It is a remarkable fact that this is the third season in succession that the Blues have triumphed over North End by the odd goal. This plainly shows that there is not much between the teams. There is no doubt that the Prestonians are still very popular in this city, as quite 25,000 spectators turned out to witness the match, but it must be said the visitors spoiled their reputation somewhat on Saturday by unfair tactics.
The second half, in particular, was to a great extent spoiled by the frequent with which the referee had to pull up the players for unfair play. North End in this respect were the greater offenders, and although, perhaps naturally, some of the Everton players retaliated, it is a pity that a team like North End should cause the referee such trouble in carrying out his duties. The “reserves” who deputised for Sharp, Crelly, and Makepeace did excellently, indeed the absence of the regular men was hardly felt. Hill was very ably at back. Although he was beaten occasionally he quickly recovered, and altogether he greatly pleased the spectators. Tom Booth seems to be returning to hid old form, and on Saturday was absolutely the best half on the field, whilst Donnachie, who played vice Sharp, was a decided success, and it is evident that Everton will be well served in future at outside right, whether it be Sharp or Donnachie who holds the position.
Donnachie is very tricky indeed, the only thing against him, perhaps, being that he is slightly lacking in speed. It is exceedingly satisfactory to see the Everton team altogether showing such good form, and especially when it is noticed that there are capable reserve men who can fill positions, when required, with every confidence and success. McBride stood out by himself on the North End side, and but for him Everton’s victory might have been more pronounced. The old Everton player, John Bell, put in some masterful touches, but, of course, he cannot go the pace as of yore. He is still a force to be reckoned with, however.

SCRATCH-AS-SCRATCH-CAN STYES SEEN AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 10 September 1906
Bee
Last season Preston North End were known to have a set of half backs whose fame as tacklers was out shadowed by their “fame” as men who were not above doing an unfair action to an opponent. I myself heard a picture postcard seller at Deepdale offer for sale “P.C.’s showing Preston’s dirty half backs.” When a man can make such a statement on the ground, and before the supporters of the accused players, there must be some truth in the allegation; if it were not so, you can depend upon it that purveyor of postcards would have been sent home with eyes as black as the knickers the North End players wear. On Saturday we only saw one goal scored at Goodison, but we saw a penalty missed, a terrible amount of dirty work, and a shocking exposition of football. the whistle which Mr. Pollitt had to blow so frequently, was often enough followed by a caution. Herein lies my only complaint against this young referee. He issued cautions ad lib., until the players must have formed the impression. “If I do something he will but caution me.” His refereeing was good, taken from a technical point. He made an error or two, certainly. Show me the man who doesn’t. Despite the uncomplimentary remarks made in some quarters, I prophesy that this new referee will be among the most-sought after whistle blowers in a few years’ time. He follows the game closely, has a grip of the laws, is quick in his decisions, and must come to the front. Had I been in his boots I fancy I would have sent Bond off the field. He had cautioned this perdurable creature once before, if not twice, and when he saw him kick savagely an opponent he should have made up his mind that Bond’s presence on the field constituted a danger to life and limb. Bond is a magnificent footballer. I went to see nothing better from a forward than the way he simply forced his way through four Everton men as he did in the first half. It was a marvel of persistency, coupled with brilliant football touches, and he deserved a better reward than being baulked by Scott and Hill. However, my admiration of a man freezes considerably when he shows samples of his wrath. Balmer played scrupulously against the little flier, and I think it was Balmer’s continuous success that rankled Bond’s temperament. Balmer has rarely played more reliable football. There were others of the teams who misbehaved themselves. McLean for the second time in my view, put on a fiendish smile and put his hand up to his nose. It is a contemptible action and it does not improve his visage, which ordinarily does not appeal to anyone as- “sweet” shall we say. All the blame was not on the one side. I saw Donnachie rap an opponent’s ankles nastily, and with no cause. Donnachie played fairly well. I would like to see him control this sudden outbreak of temper and get up speed when travelling towards goal. It was unfortunate for him that Bolton was not in his usual form, for it meant fewer chances for the outside wing man. Rodway was a sterling back until he attempted to foul Donnachie. He fell heavily through the Scotchman gliding past him and twisted both his knees. He left the field for the rest of the game; and a curious accident caused Settle to retire and both the players mentioned will be kept from playing for many weeks. Settle was nearing goal when McBride punted out, and the ball just caught one of Settle’s fingers of the left hand, and a doctor found that the finger had received a compound fracture. Settle had just prior to his accident been entrusted with a penalty kick, which he shot at McBride. It was indeed a near effort to score, but as the Blues won through a much disputed goal from Hardman we will say no more of Settle as a penalty taker. Walter Abbott and Tom Booth are in especially good form; the latter’s shot at long range nigh knocked McBride into the net. The shot and save were distinctly meritorious. The game was to sum up not football; it was exhibition of all that is worst in connection with the grand game. Fortunately there are few matches which are so barren of good football.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 11 September 1906
Settle, who had the misfortune to break a finger on Saturday in Everton’s match with Preston, is getting on very nicely.

FOOTBALL MEMS
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 12 September 1906
On Saturday next Everton are called upon to face their opponents of the English Cup final, as the encounter is to take place at Newcastle it will be admitted that the Blues have one of the stiffest engagements of the season on hand, especially when the United are playing in such fine form at present. The match is bound to create more than ordinary excitement, and it will be interesting to see how the “final” form works out.
The Everton team will undergo some important changes for this match. Owing to an injury Settle will of course, be unable to turn out, whilst H.P. Hardman will also stand down. Under these circumstances the brothers Wilson will do duty on the left wing, Sharp will resume at outside right, and Makepeace turns out vice Booth. The team, therefore will be; Scott; W. Balmer and Crelly; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson.

FOOTBALL NEWS
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 13 September 1906
The team to represent Newcastle against Everton on Saturday differs in two respects from that which defeated Birmingham last week. Soye takes Appleyard’s place at centre forward, the last-named having been hurt, whilst McWilliam resumes at left half vice Kirkaldy. The kick-off is at three o’clock.
Newcastle; Lawrence; McCombie and Carr; Gardner, Veitch, and McWilliam; Rutherford, Howie, Soye, Brown, and Gosnell.
The Everton players will journey to Newcastle tomorrow, leaving Exchange Station at 2.55. the return journey will be made via Carlisle, which will enable them to reach Liverpool several hours earlier than if they travelled direct from Newcastle.

TEAMS AND CHANGES
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 14 September 1906
Newcastle United against Everton in “cup final anew” at St. James’s Park will include Soye for Appleyard at centre forward, the last-named having hurst his knee on Saturday, whilst McWilliam resumes at left half vice Kirkaldy. The kick-off is fixed for three o’clock.
Newcastle;- Lawrence; McCombie and Carr; Gardner, Veitch, and McWilliam; Rutherford, Howie, Soye, Brown, and Gosnell.

FOOTBALL NEWS
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 14 September 1906
Perhaps the most attractive fixture of the day will be that at Newcastle, where Everton and the United will fight their English cup battle over again. The teams have undergone some changes since that historic occasion, but nevertheless there is bound to be a battle royal, and the Newcastle men will put in all they know to avenge the cup defeat. Everton, as a rule are not very successful at Newcastle-few teams are-but the Blues intend to make a bold bid tomorrow to gain at least one point.
It will be interesting to see how the Wilsons perform on the left wing. If they do better than Settle and Hardman the Everton directors will then be in the happy position; but, on the other hand, the powers that be will be in a quandary as to which pair to play when all four are fit. However, it remains to be seen how the Wilsons play together.

FOOTBALL PROSPECTS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 15 September 1906
Everton cannot yet lay claim to a single victory over United at St. James’s the best performances they have so far accomplished there being draws of 2-2 and 1-1 in 1898-9 and 1901-2 respectively. There is a great similarity in the play of the Newcastle and Everton combinations, and as the style of play adopted by both sides is of a scientific nature, this “classic” is eagerly looked forward to by the followers of the game in the North. In the current League tourney Everton and Newcastle have led off in an auspicious manner, and the pair, by having apexed five points out of a possible six, are placed second and third respectively in the League table; Villa being leaders with a point more and a game more played. The record of the Magpies is somewhat enhanced by their having placed three foreign points to their credit in two out games, whilst Everton, in the only way game they have played this season, carried away a point from Teeside as a result of a 2-goal draw.
The Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs have been approached by Mr. P. Nelson Cook with a view to their forming a baseball club.
Everton v Newcastle United
League match at St. James’s Park, Newcastle; 3.30
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Old Xaverians
Friendly match at Goodison Park; kick-off at 3.30
Everton.- Depledge, goal; Strettle, and Stevenson, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Dorward, Cook, Jones, Thomas, and Butler, forwards.
Old Xaverians.- Davies, goal; Beard and Keating, backs; Rothwell, McEntegart, and Healy, half-backs; J. McKenna, Pratt, Hilburn, Aaron, and Hall, forwards.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 September 1906

THE GREAT SCOTLAND-ROAD FIRE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 September 1906
The scene of last night’s disastrous conflagration was visited by crowds of people this morning, when the ravages of the fire were only too plainly visible. The northerly portion of the building presented a complete wreck, and on the Bevington-hill side a portion of the wall was all that was left of the original structure.
Throughout the night and until well on in the morning the fire police were busily occupied in directing jets of water on incipient outbreaks, and later on the Salvage Corps got to work with their steam pump with the object of drawing off the water which had drained into the cellars. Meanwhile other hands were employed in pulling down bricks and stonework, which seemed likely to collapse, this being particularly the case with respect to the Bevington hill wall, which was not too well supported.
Mr. Goldstraw, the Corporation buildings surveyor was however, in attendance, and made every provision to ensure both the stability of the wall and the safely of the public.
During the morning Mr. George King C.C., head of the firm of King and Heywood, arrived on the scene, and was obviously much distressed as the extent of the damage was brought home to him.
PREVIOUS DISASTROUS FIRE
This is not the first conflagration of which Messrs King and Heywood have been the victims, although on the previous occasion the old building, which the firm has recently vacated was involved and then the fire had fatal results. The circumstances of the outbreak were exceedingly sensational. Shortly before five o’clock on the morning of Tuesday, November 2, 1886 the police discovered flames coming from the premises of King and Heywood, 129 to 145, Scotland road. One of the doors was burst open by a police-office, who succeeded in getting the inmates to the number of about forty, out of the place. After all the inmates were supposed to have escaped, Mrs. King, clad in her nightdress, was discovered at a first floor widow over a portion of the shop which was in flames. She was rescued from her dangerous position by a policeman, who pluckily climbed up the ironwork attached to the outside window-blinds. Less fortunate was Mr. Henry Bunt-Mrs King’s brother, and the junior partner of the firm-who some time after the fire had been raging was discovered on the premises, badly burnt. He had endeavoured to rescue his sister, but was overcome by the smoke and the fire, and eventually died. At the inquest which was subsequently held efforts were made to ascertain the cause of the fire, but no information to this effect could be obtained. It was, however, elicited that on the night in question a festive function, attended by the shop assistants and some friends was held on the premises and was continued until about two o’clock in the morning. Mr. George King the head of the firm was absent in London at the time of the outbreak.
ESTIMATES OF THE DAMAGE
The fire is said to be one of the most extensive and destructive ever know in Liverpool. The damage done is not officially stated, but it is put at a very high figure, somewhere between £40,000 to £60,000. This of course, must be more or less in the nature of a surmise. It is presumed that the outbreak originated in a fusing of some electrical apparatus but it was stated that no one can up to now say what was the exact cause.

EVERTON RESERVES 8 OLD XAVERIANS 0
September 15 1907. The Liverpool Football Echo
Liverpool's premier amateur organization opposed Everton Combination at Goodison Park, this afternoon in a friendly combat. The teams faced each other as follows : - Everton : - Depledge, goal, Strettall, and W. Stevenson backs, Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson halfbacks, Dorward, Cook, T.Jones, Thomas, and Butler, forwards. Old Xaverians: - Davies, goal, Board and Keating backs Healy, McEntegact, and Rothwest, half-backs, McKenna, Aaron, Kilburn, Pratt, and Hall, forwards. The Old “Uns” commenced operations, and the first forward movement came from Dorward, who was well served by Cooke, the former putting in a shot, which Davies cleared. McKenna and Aaron failed to make the best use of a good position and at the other end both Jones and Thomas were guilty of mulling when in favorably placed. During the next few minutes play was contested in neutral terrority and there was much kicking to little purpose on the part of the visitors. Then came a glorious chance for the Old Un' to notch the initial point which was wretchedly used. McKenna forced a good position off Stevenson, and Healy glided the sphere across the Everton goalmouth, only to see Kilburn and Pratt completely miss the ball, and to place it past the post' from a ridiculously easy position. Cooke and Jones made a good effort to open Everton's account, but the visitors' defence successfully defended Jones attend. Shortly afterwards however, the ex-Prescot youth got in a fine straight drive, which Davies well saved but he was handsomely beaten a moment later by Cooke. Hall just missed the mark, with a screw shot. Thomas headed over from a smart centre by the home right winger. Then Jones beat Davies all the way from a nice pass by Cooke. Thomas, Butler, and Jones were all concerned in a movement, which only failed by the narrow margin. Jones taking advantage of slackness to the visitors defence slipped away and added a third goal for the Blues. Half-time Everton 3 goals Old Xaverians nil. After the interval the visitors were completely out-played, and Jones (3), Jones and Cook scored for Everton. Final Everton 8, Old Xaverians nil.

EVERTON v.  NEWCASTLE UNITED
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 September 1906
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
THE INTERVAL ARRIVES WITH A CLEAN SHEET
Although the present season is in its infancy, so to speak, a more attractive match than that at Newcastle this afternoon could not well be imagined. The battle royal between the Evertonians, and their powerful Northern opponents at the Crystal Palace last season is well remembered, and today the Newcastle team were terribly anxious to wipe out their defeat in the English Cup final. As will be readily gathered the meeting was anticipated with extraordinary keenness on Tyneside, and in athletic circles both last night and to-day, little else was talked of. The Everton players travelled to Newcastle via Carlisle yesterday afternoon, and this morning they breakfasted late and remained indoors until ready for the fray. The weather, though rather sharp, was agreeably fine, and a couple of hours before the start a great crowd began to gather at St. James’s Park. There were several important changes in the composition of the Everton eleven. Sharp and Makepeace after their temporary absentee, both reappeared in the team, while the left wing comprised the brothers Wilson, David (the elder brother) coming in to take Settle’s place.
There were alterations also in the home eleven. Appleyard, who was injured at Birmingham was perforce an absentee and Orr was again away. The United directors entrusted the centre forward position to Seyer, who comes from Southampton, and who made his debut in First League Football to-day. Brown, who performed so ably last week again figured at inside left and prompt to time the men lined out as follows;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Taylor (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson, forwards.
Newcastle United.- Lawrence, goal; McCombie and Carr, backs; Gardner, Veitch, and McWilliam, half-backs; Rutherford, Howie, Seyer, Brown, and Gosnell, forwards.
Referee. Mr. J.T. Ibbotson.
The sunshine was brilliant and the attendance fully 40,000 when the rival captains tossed for choice of goals. The whole spectacle was most inspiriting and proved conclusively the great hold which the game has in the North. Since the alterations on the Town Moor the turf has been improved greatly and it looked in perfect condition when the exciting contest was begun. Jack Taylor won the toss, and the home side started towards the far goal, there being little advantage in either wind or sun. United from the start went off at a tremendous pace and Veitch serving up to the left wing, the ball was kept bobbing in front of the Everton goal for several seconds. Seyer and Howie had shots charged down and it was a relief that Abbott cleared his lines. The visitors’ left wing immediately got going in promising fashion, and George Wilson looked very like getting through when McCombie kicked into touch. From the throw-in there was a brisk struggle in front of Lawrence but Carr cleared, and United returned with renewed vigour to the attack. Their forwards were splendidly smart on the ball, and after the Everton halves had been well beaten Gosnell put in a perfect oblique shot which Scott just scraped out of the net, throwing himself prone on the ground in order to effect the clearance. Newcastle were now pressing in the most formidable manner, and for a time the Everton backs were subjected to a terrific onslaught. Rutherford sent in a long dropping shot, which Scott caught in his arms, and a moment later Balmer was lucky in charging down a raking effort from Seyer. The Evertonians at length pulled themselves together somewhat and an advance was made on the right but Sharp was ruled offside when within shooting distance. Again he tried to get away on his own account, but he slipped at the last moment and Carr was enabled to clear easily. It was not long before the home forwards were busy again before Scott, but Crelly cleared with a timely punt, and the next movement of important was a race down the wing by George Wilson, was put in a fine shot, which Lawrence cleared just as he was about to be changed by Young. The game was now more even in character, and the visitors were having as much of the play as their opponents, but their final shooting lacked fire by Young on two occasion ought to have taken passes but he was too slow. United on the other hand continued to worry the Everton defence and a fine bit of work on the right ended in Howie shooting strongly but Makepeace saved a few second later Brown put in a swift ground shot and Scott had all his work cut out to save the situation. He did so, however, and George Wilson then got going. He swung the had across and Sharp running in, shot splendidly. Lawrence however, just managed to divert the ball and Wilson shooting again, the home custodian saved at the expense of a corner. The kick was capitally placed and Lawrence had to concede a second corner in order to save his charge. Another tremendous struggle in front of the home goal ensued but the danger was eventually cleared and once more the United assumed the aggressive, Rutherford after good work by the halves, outing in a beauty, which Scott dealt with smartly Sharp was then conspicuous with a fine individual effort, which was well saved, and returning to the attack he put in another centre, which Bolton converted but the latter was obviously offside, and the referee disallowed any claim for a goal. The pace hitherto had been exceptionally fast but it slowed off a bit now. Everton nevertheless kept pegging away, and for a considerable period the home defence was kept exceptionally busy. McWilliam was the first to give relief, and Gosnell and Brown advanced in workmanlike order. They were temporary checked by Makepeace but coming out again Gosnell looked all over a scorer when Crelly rushed across and punted clear. United, however, at once returned on the right and Rutherford finished with a magnificent effort, which nearly swept Scott off his feet. The Irishman, however, threw clear, and the visitors in turn took up the attack. The whole front line was conceived in a forward movement but there was again too much dallying in front of goal, and on two occasions the home backs were showed to clear very easily. The game was now rather more straggling in character but the home right eventually moved along with clocklike precision and Crelly had to kick out of play in order to check Rutherford. The next concerted attack on the part of the magpies was very cleverly dealt with by Taylor and Crelly, the Everton captain often tricking Seyer, serving up to his forwards with rare cleverness. George Wilson got possession, and McCombie falling down the Everton left winger had an open goal before him, when he shot right at Lawrence, who brought off a smart save. The visitors, however, still pass attention to the home goal, and the siege was finally raised by Makepeace shooting wide. As half-time drew near the home forwards exerted tremendous pressure and a foul against Abbott let them in dangerous, but Crelly averted danger and Everton progressed on the right. Young, however, came under the notice of the referee as the result of a rough up with McCombie and United gaining ground on the left Makepeace only saved the situation by granting a corner. This was well placed and Howie shot in strongly, but the ball passed just outside the upright. Following this Gosnell centred splendidly, but Rutherford overbalanced himself when about to shoot, and a fine opening was lost. A breakaway by the Wilson caused anxiety which was intensified when Young got his toes to the ball and shot, but the leather went just wide of the mark. Play was transferred to the centre and the battle was raging here when half time come.
Half-time score Newcastle United Nil, Everton Nil.
KEEN CONTESTS
McWILLIAM SCORES FOR NEWCASTLE
A SMART VICTORY FOR UNITED
There were fully 7,000 spectators present when the game was recommenced. The Evertonians now had the sun in their faces. They at once got down, and McCombie cleared. Again United attacked strongly, but their centre-forward put the ball over the line. Shortly after the right wing were extremely dangerous, but again the ball went out of play. Then Everton were penalised for a foul throw-in and from the ensuing free kick Gardner lobbed the ball right into the goalmouth, but Scott managed to fist clear. Clever work by both halves was then seen, and Young passing out to Bolton, the latter was about top shoot when he was pulled up for being offside. The home forwards continued to press, and Balmer conceded a corner, which was only cleared after great excitement. Play was now rather slower, but good work by the Everton right wing was only spoilt through the ball going out of play. Young on one occasion tried a shot on his own account, but it was splendidly saved by Veitch. Following upon this Taylor did excellent work in keeping the homesters at bay, while Crelly headed clear from Howie. Another corner to the United followed, but Rutherford sent the ball wide. The game continued fast and exciting, each side attacking in turn. As the game professed Everton made desperate efforts to obtain a lead, and Sharp and Young were especially prominent in trying to beat Lawrence. The home custodian however was up to the top of his form and cleared brilliantly several times. The Newcastle defence generally was particularly sound. At length the homesters got away, and following from a free kick McQuillan scored with a fine shot that appeared to have Scott absolutely no chance. This success naturally sent the home spectators almost frantic with delight, and the scene was one to be remembered. In spite of this reverse Everton played up with rare pluck, and several times they came within an ace of putting themselves on level terms with their opponents. McCombie and Carr, however, stuck manfully to their guns, and, aided by the half-backs they managed to keep the Evertonians at bay. As the game drew to a close the excitement became tremendous and when Sharp on one occasion ran through his field the home supporters were obviously nervous. Lawrence however, succeeded in clearing, and though the Evertonians kept up the pressure right to the finish they were unable to make up the leeway, and one of the finest games seen at Newcastle for a long time past ended in victory for the home side by 1 goal to nil. It was altogether a magnificent exhibition of classy and clever football, and although beaten Everton were by no means disgraced.
Final Result.- Newcastle United 1 goal, Everton Nil
Last season-Newcastle 4, Everton 2

EVERTON COMBINATION v. OLD XAVERIANS
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 15 September 1906
Liverpool’s premier amateur organisation opposed Everton Combination at Goodison Park, this afternoon in friendly combat. The teams faced each other as follows.-
Everton.- Depledge, goal, Strettell and Stevenson, backs; Black (Captain), and Donaldson, half-backs; Dorward, Cooke, Jones, Thomas, and Butler, forwards.
Old Xaverians.- Davies, goal; Beard and Keating, backs; McEntegart, and Rothwell half-backs; McKenna, Aaron, Kilburn, Pratt, and Hall, forwards.
The “Old Uns” commenced operations, and the first forward movement came from Dorward who was well served by Cooke the former putting in a shot which Davies cleared McKenna and Aaron faced to make the best use of a good position and at the other end both Jones and Thomas were guilty of laxity when favourably placed. During the next few minutes play was neutral territory and there was much kicking to little purpose of the part of the visitors. Then came a glorious chance for the Old Un’s to notch the initial point which was wretchedly used McKenna forced a good position off Stevenson and Healy guided the sphere across the Everton goal mouth, only to see Kilburn and Pratt completely miss the ball, and Hall to place it past the post from anddesirously easy position. Cooke and Jones made a good effort to open Everton’s account, but the visitors defence successfully hampered Jones. Shortly afterwards, however, the ex-Prescot youth got in a fine straight drive, which Davies well saved, but he was handsomely beaten a moment later by Cooke. The play all round was of a listless character. Hall just missed the mark with a screw shot Thomas headed over from a smart centre by the home right wingers. Then Jones beat Davies all the way from a timely pass by Cooke, Thomas, Butler and Jones were all concerned in a concerted movement which only failed by the barest margin. Jones taking advantage of a slickness in the visitors defence, slipped away and added a third goal for the Blues.
Half-time Everton 3 goals Old Xaverians Nil.
After the interval the visitors were completely out-played and Thomas (3), Jones and Cook scored for Everton. Final.- Everton 8, Old Xaverians nil

CUP FINAL REVERSED
Athletic News - Monday 17 September 1906
Everton rarely show to advantage at Newcastle, and seldom have they brought points away from the United's ground.  The Tynesiders, doubtless, would feel a certain amount of satisfaction in avenging the defeat of last April by precisely the same score, but Everton's reverse by such a narrow margin is by no means a discreditable performance, for the Northerners are in rare form. There will only one change in the team to face Notts County this evening. Settle, of course, cannot play, and Hardman it far from well; in fact, he has not recovered from injury sustained on the opening day of the season. Booth introduced, give Makepeace chance of resting, and the brother? Wilson will constitute the left wing. 

CUPHOLDERS BEATEN AT NEWCASTLE
Athletic News - Monday 17 September 1906
By Northumbrian
Newcastle United avenged their defeat in the English Cup final last April at St. James’s Park on Saturday, when they achieved a brilliant triumph over Everton by an odd goal—the margin that decided the issue in favour of the Lancastrians at the Crystal Palace. Divorced from all the glamour of their previous meeting at Sydenham, the Novcoastrians, as well as the Cup-holders, entered the lists as cool, scientific exponents of Association football, and their masterly performance stood out in striking contract to their impotent display at the Palace. The enthusiasm of Northern footballers seems to have increased tenfold during the current campaign, as witness the presence of  40,000 people at St. James's on Saturday. In two home matches the treasury of the United has been replenished to the extent of nearly £3,000, and it is no wonder that they can well afford to spend a few hundred pounds in acquiring first-class talent Like Finlay Speedie, of Glasgow Rangers, whose capture on Friday created no little sensation on both sides of the border.  Two change were made in the Tynesiders’ eleven that so cleverly banqueted Birmingham.  Will Appleyard, who was severely injured about the knees at Birmingham, stood down in favour of Soye, the ex-Southampton player, whilst McWilliams having quite recovered from a nasal wound, resumed his position at left half.  Soya had on his left brown, who signal his debut for the "Magpies" by performing the hat-trick against Birmingham and that sequent their admirers anticipated that the ex-Sotonian would constitute a valuable and aggressive unit in the Tynesiders combination.  The Everton combination embraced Hugh Bolton, transferred from Newcastle United last season, and David G. Wilson, a smart left wing secured from Hearts of Midiothian. 
A CRACKING PACE
A westerly wind swept across the field, so that Everton gained no material advantage when they won the toss and elected to defend the Leazes Park goal.  Both teams started off with such reputed gladiators right at the top of their form, and all their efforts glowing with heroic ardour the game was crowded with excitement and interesting incident.  Rarely have I seen forty-five minutes’ football that sparkled with so much brilliant and strenuous footwork.  Newcastle United at once invaded the Cupholder’s lines by their marked superiority in concerted movements, in which Howe and McWilliam maneuvered the ball with consummate skill, but overelaboration allowed the opposing backs to prevent any dangerous marksmanship.  Soye and Brown early came into prominence for a dashing effort, and, when Gosnell drove the ball with lightning force at twenty-yard range, Scott was well beaten.  However, the foot of the upright diverted the flight of the ball.  The United forwards largely monopolized play with their artistic footwork, which was invariably finished with a vigour and dash that promised a score.  Rutherford stretched himself out for a lengthy dribble on the touchline and tested Scott with a capital shot.  Subsequently both Brown and Gosnell stood out prominently, and the former made a terrific shot at short range, after the ball had been judiciously placed to him by Howie.  For twenty-five minutes prior to the interval Everton stoutly challenged the Tynesiders, both in point of speed and skill.  The forwards and half-backs operated more stylished and effectively together, and Sharp, at each essay at goal, aimed with unerring accuracy; indeed, twice it was really miraculous how Lawrence gathered his lightning volleys.  Young and G. Wilson also creditably emulated the example of Sharp but their shots were always safely negotiated by Lawrence.
A MARKED DETERIORATION
The second half bore no comparison whatever to the preceding play, but during the progress of some loose, fluctuating exchanges the Tynesiders always held the upper hand, and deserved the maximum points earned by a capital goal scored by McWilliam with a low shot that flew into the net whilst Scott was, I thought unsighted.  Newcastle United were, naturally, jubilant at their triumph, and this, the third successive League victory over Everton, demonstrated that the Lancashirians were somewhat lucky to capture the English Cup last April.  Soye was zealous enough as the pivot of United’s vanguard, but lacked ability to hold the ball, and was not successful in his marksmanship.  Rutherford and Gosnell were the pick of a fast, progressive forward line that was splendidly supported by McWilliam, Veitch, and Gardner the former being the shining star of the team for his striking versatility and iniquitousness.  Both Carr and McCombie tackled and kicked with fine judgement and power, though McCombie once or twice was a trifle charlady.  Lawrence won fresh honours by his superb defence.  When they settled down, Young and his colleagues exhibited admirable form.  Sharp filled the eye most by his pretty dribbling and shooting, and the Wilsons shaped uncommonly well in dribbling, but either utilized shooting opportunities profitably.  Abbott was the strongest of a useful half-back line, and Balmer and Crelley, if somewhat uncertain in kicking, tackled fearlessly and always had a capable custodian behind them in Scott.  Newcastle United;- Lawrence; McCombie, Carr; Gardner, Veitch, McWilliam; Rutherford, Howie, Soye, Brown and Gosnell.  Everton; Scott; Balmer, Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor (captain), Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson.  Referee; Mr. J.T. Ibbotson, Derby. 

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 EVERTON 0
September 17, 1906. The Liverpool Courier
GREAT GAME AT NEWCASTLE.
CUP FINAL REVERSED .
Everton again failed on Saturday, as on eight previous occasions, to register their first League success at Newcastle. They were only beaten by the odd goal, but it sufficed to give Newcastle United a couple of points, which, under the circumstances, were exceptionally welcome. There is no need to recall the incidents of that memorable English Cup-tie Final at the Crystal Palace. Sufficient is it to mention that on that occasion Everton achieved the height of their ambition in winning the greatly coveted trophy at the expense of the more fancied Newcastle organisation –it was curiously enough, by a goal to nil –has rankled in the minds, not only of players, but of the thousands of loyal supporters which the famous club on the banks of the Tyne fortunately has at command. What more natural, therefore than that Everton's League visit was eagerly anticipated. Revenge was dearly wanted, and to cut a long story short Newcastle gained their heart's desire by exactly the same score that proved their undoing at Sydenham. Apart from the issue of the game, the home club directors can rejoice in a magnificent “gate” of anything about 50,000 people, and the spectators will be able to bear in mind an intensely interesting game played under most perfect conditions as regards the weather and on a patch which could not possibly have been improved.
A GRAND FIRST HALF.
Indeed, it is only on rare occasions that such delightful football is witnessed in League warfare, as was the case on Saturday, especially in the first half hour of the game. It was a real treat to the vast assemblage who, to their credit be it said, warmly recognised the niceties of play, exhibited by both sides. The Crystal Palace display was absolutely ragged compared with that served up by practically the same sides on Saturday. True, Everton had a new left wing in the brothers Wilson, and Newcastle tried in their forward line Brown, and another centre forward, Soye late of Southampton, but, to all intents and purpose it was the cup final over again. And what a terrific pace at which the game started. The footwork, too, was tricky' clever, and scientific to a degree –full of neat touches, -delightful low passing, brilliant shooting, and goalkeeper of absolutely the highest quality. For some time United were undoubtedly the more successful manipulators, and it was during this anxious period for Everton that Scott showed a resourcefulness in goal which imparted just that requisite degree of confidence to his colleagues. Appreciating that the goalkeeper was safe as a rock the visiting attack gave of their best. The halfbacks placed the ball with unerring accuracy, and the forwards, though naturally mistakes were made harassed the Newcastle defenders with the delightful pertinacity. Lawrence however, like his vis-à-vis, could do nothing wrong. He performed like the great goalkeeper that he is, though on one occasion, after McCombie by slipping had left the younger Wilson with a clear course, he was distinctly lucky in diverting the ball to the outside of the post. At half-time neither side had scored, but the absence of goals, in no way detracted from a first half full of life, and incident and sterling play.
THE WINNING GOAL.
The second portion of the game failed to reach the high standards of the opening half. Doubtless the pace had told its tale, and the game was somewhat ragged, but only in comparison with the earlier movements. There was the same determination and plenty of fine work, but it was not of the same order. For some time Newcasrle unquestionably could claim the advantage, but the Everton defenders were untiring in their efforts. It looked as if after all neither defence would be beaten when only twenty minutes remained with the score sheet clean. Then, however, came the deciding goal quite unexpectedly from the foot of McWilliams, United had been attacking on the right wing without their movements being suggestive of danger. A throw in was awarded them well up the field. The ball went out to alert McWilliam, who, seizing the opportunity in a twinkling rounded one or two of his opponents and from the twenty yards range flashed in a shot which just touched Balmer in its progress and found a resting place in the net, with Scott unsighted. This proved to be the deciding goal, though in the last minute of the game a second's hesitation on the part of Sharp lost Everton a glorious chance of dividing the spoils.
THE PLAYERS.
It was a magnificent contest, in which the victors were little if anything, superior to the losers. There were, of course mistakes on both sides, but in such a strenuous trail of strength –fought out too without anything approaching ill feeling –these may well be forgiven. As already indicated both Scott and Lawrence in goal distinguished themselves. The Everton backs -W.Balmer and Crelly – were more reliable than the Newcastle pair McCombie and Carr, but the half backs were after all the shining lights. While McWilliam was the pick of the United trio. Abbott was the most prominent on the losing side, with Taylor a good second. Soye Newcastle's new centre forward, did not create a very favorable impression, but the wingmen were full of resource. George Wilson overshadowed his elder brother, many of whose passes were ill-timed, and with Bolton not attaining his usual standards, a good deal of work fell upon Sharp, and Young. Altogether, even with two points dropped, Everton have no reason to be disappointed with the result of their first appearance this season at St.Jame's park.
Teams: - Newcastle United: - Lawrence, goals, McCombie, and Carr, backs, Gardner, Vietch (Captain), and McWilliam, half-backs, Rutherford, Howie Soye, Brown, and Gasnall, forwards. Everton: - Scott goal W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs Sharp, Bolton, Young, D.Wilson, and G. Wilson. Forwards. Referee J.T. Robinson.

NEWCASTLE UNITED v EVERTON
Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Monday 17 September 1906
A BRILLIANT EXHIBITION
Last season’s English Cup finalists met at St. James’s Park, Newcastle, on Saturday afternoon, and the match attracted over 37,000 spectators. Whereas the play at the Crystal Palace in April never rose above the moderate, Saturday’s match was a brilliant exhibition of football, and worth travelling miles to see. The play was fast and full of interest in the first half, and though the pace palpably slacked in the last 45 minutes, there was nevertheless, something in the play that kept one interested Newcastle reversed the cup-tie result, but there was really little to choose between the teams. Both were brilliant in attack and defence, only Newcastle’s aggressive movements were invariably more concerted than those of their opponents, and for this reason they deserved to win. There was little fault to find with Newcastle’s attacks, for they were opposed to a sterling defence, but they were a little below their usual standard. Soye filled Appleyard’s place as well as anyone else might have done, but he did not give his wings so many chances, nor bustle the backs as the ex-Grimsby man does. Appleyard may not be what some term a polished player, but there is always a spice of danger in his movements, and his real worth is never realised until he is absent from the team. Conspicuous in the game were the performances of Scott and Lawrence. They saved their sides repeatedly. The former was well covered by his backs, who rarely made mistakes; but Lawrence as on occasions left with very difficult tasks on hand, when McCombie and Carr were beaten. The Newcastle halves were both sound and sparkling in their play, and more than once when Lawrence looked likely to be beaten Veitch and Gardner came to his rescue. McWilliam was always clever and his goal was a really fine one. On account of an injury to Settle, sustained in a match at Preston, and the absence of the amateur Hardman, the brothers Wilson late of the Hearts of Midlothian club, were called upon. George is a Scottish international, and of fine build, and they rather strengthened the team than otherwise, though they will do better when their comrades learn their style of play. Though Sharp has been conspicuous in the cricket field this summer, he did not seem at all fit. The Everton halves were good, and as already intimated the backs were in excellent shape. Newcastle’s advantage lay in combination.
The home men at the outset established such a hot pace, and worked the ball so cleverly, that for a moment or two the Everton defence became flurried, but they quickly settled down, and right up to the finish of the first half the contest for supremacy was of the keenest, Newcastle’s attack was beaten off, and when Everton dashed down by the aid of the brothers Wilson, Gardner checked their advance, and then Carr stopped Bolton and Sharp. Newcastle’s movements were more finished than those of Everton’s and, when they next attacked, enthusiasm was aroused as the ball went from player to player in front of goal. It was a critical moment, and the Everton men, clever as they were in defence, looked like being beaten when the ball came out to Gosnell. The latter shot well, but the ball struck the upright. Newcastle’s play was satisfactory, but at this early stage it was apparent that the Everton men would take some beating. Rutherford managed to get in a centre, but Scott saved from Soye. The next noteworthy incidents were attempts to score by Sharp and D. Wilson, and Lawrence had to concede a corner. Another followed, and as this was cleared, it was seen that the Newcastle defence was also sound. Excitement ran high as the players dashed from end to end, and both Scott and Lawrence had to save, the latter from a smart shot by Sharp. It was a great game. Everton looked like opening the score, as once the ball struck D. Wilson by accident and was going straight for goal. Lawrence stepped it, but in any case Wilson was off-side. Then a moment of two later Rutherford tried a shot, but Scott again saved. Both teams played capital football, and there was little to choose between them. It was a pleasure to follow the game. Once there was an anxious moment for the Tynesiders when McCombie, in tackling G. Wilson, fell and left the international with only Lawrence to beat. In such instances the man in possession of the ball is always hampered when the goalkeeper advances to meet him. This Lawrence did, and, to the relief of everyone, he stopped the ball when Wilson shot, and Veitch kicked away- a very narrow escape for Newcastle. The game was contested fairly and in good temper, but once Young lost his head, and the referee cautioned him. Before half-time Newcastle pressed hard, and Gosnell forced a corner, but Soye shot over. Thus at half-time there was no score.
The second half opened quieter, and up to the close of the game the pace was never so fast as in the first forty-five minutes. Still the play was good. United were the aggressors, but the Everton defence was still steady. Newcastle could not break through, and Everton experienced the same difficulty when they attacked. Once G. Wilson looked like opening the score when McCombie fell and he beat Veitch, but he finished a fine piece of work by shooting badly. Sharp sprinted well, and placed to the centre, but Gardner kicked away. For a few moments Newcastle fell away, and the advantage in attack lay with Everton. As a rule the Newcastle backs were all there, and when mistakes were made Lawrence was always capable of covering them. Newcastle rallied again, and pressed, but could not beat Scott. The home men kept at work in game fashion, and after the second half was twenty-five minutes old McWilliam received from Rutherford and beat Scott with a fine shot-one of his best efforts. A storm of applause greeted his goal, and he deserved it. In response Everton made a valiant effort, but the home defence was still too much for them. Newcastle tried hard to increase their score, and once Soye might have done so, but he dallied, and when the ball came to Rutherford he was declared off-side. Everton made repeated efforts to draw level, and the equaliser once looked imminent when Sharp and Bolton dashed away. Both McCombie and Carr fell, but once again Gardner was in evidence. Newcastle had another try before the close, and Soye shot into the net, but he was off-side.
Final;- Newcastle United 1 goal, Everton nil.
Newcastle United; Lawrence, goal; McCombie and Carr, backs; Gardner, Veitch, and McWilliam, half-backs; Rutherford, Howie, Soye, Brown, and Gosnell, forwards.
Everton.- Scott, goal; Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Taylor (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson, forwards.
Referee; Mr. T. Ibbotson.

EVERTON JUST LOSE AT NEWCASTLE
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 17 September 1906
The meeting of the English Cup finalists at St. James’s Park, Newcastle on Saturday produced a splendid game and attracted a magnificent attendance. Whatever may be the conditions in other parts of the country there is no gainsaying the fact that Association football continues to flourish like a green bay tree on the banks of the Tyne. Spacious as in the new enclosure, it is by no means too large for the demands which certainly will be made upon it during the progress of the season. Those who were present on Saturday were rewarded by seeing two really “tip-top” teams struggling for mastery, and the first half produced football that was worth many miles’ travelling to see. In the second portion there was something of a falling away, and though it was in this period that the only goal was scored, the first half was undoubtedly the better. The composition of the Everton ranks was rendered unusually interesting by reason of the fact that the brothers Wilson formed the left wing, while in the United front line a Southampton youth-Soye-made his debut, Appleyard was undeniably missed, and had he been the pivot, it is more than likely that the score against the visitors would have been greater. This, however, is more speculation, and as it was, the solitary goal notched was sufficient to credit the delighted Newcastle people with a couple of points.
From the kick-off the home side went away at a terrific pace, and it was at once evident that both elevens intended putting in all they knew. Both the wings closed round Scott, and in the first few minutes Gosnell struck the upright with a rasping shot. For a time, indeed, the Everton backs appeared to be staggered, but Taylor coming to their assistance, they quickly rallied, and Everton carried way into home territory. Here the shooting was not nearly so quick as that United, and it is doubtless due to this that victory eventually rested with the “magpies.”
On crossing over the game, as already indicated, became much looser, but the pace showed little diminution, both lines of forwards attacking and receding in turn. At length the turning point of the game arrived, for, following closely upon a throw-in, the ball was swung across to McWilliam, who directed it with terrific force into the net. Scott seemed to be unlighted, for the ball kept low all the way, and he could not be blamed for permitting it to pass him. After this the Novocastrians were kept principally upon the defensive, their opponents making desperate efforts to draw level. In this they almost succeeded on at least two occasions when Lawrence kept out splendid shots from Sandy Young and Sharp. Towards the close there was a tendency to rush matters; but the United were not to be shaken, and at the end of ninety minutes’ strenuous endeavour they retired victors. It is agreeable to be able to say that the Goodison Park brigade throughout played really first-class football. the forwards, it is true, might have shown more combination, but their work, nevertheless, was exceedingly pretty to watch. Supporters of the club were naturally most anxious to see how the brothers Wilson would acquit themselves, and they were not disappointed-particularly as regards the outside man. There can be no question that George Wilson is a wing player of conspicuous ability. He centred accurately and often, and though he missed one glorious opening, his other work made amends. D. Wilson did not appear top quite fall into line, but it is obvious that he is a useful man. On the other wing Sharp and Bolton put in some remarkably clever foot-work, and the cricketer was distinctly unlucky in not scoring in the last few minutes of the match. Sharp is always a showy player, and on this occasion he combined the ornamental with the useful. Bolton, before his old clubmates, was on his best behaviour, and was frequently applauded for neat passing. Young, so far this season, has shown consistently good form, and on Saturday he not only kept his wings together, but tried his level best to catch Lawrence napping. That he did not succeed in this was not his fault. Taylor was really the best of the half-backs, though it is only fair to Makepeace- who reappeared after the rest- and Abbott to say that they were very skilful in checking two remarkably fast and dangerous wings. The full backs were occasionally rather shaky, but when the difficulty of their task is taken into consideration they are entitled to praise. Scott, as we have already said, had apparently no chance with the ball that beat him; while per contra he kept out a dozen shots that might have beaten a less vigilant custodian. Coupled with their happy financial position Newcastle United are possessed of a team that should go far this season. Taken all round, their forward work was more effective than that of Everton. Gosnell, Howie, and Rutherford did grand services for their side, and were splendidly served by Veitch and McWilliam. Both McCombie and Carr played up to their reputation, and Lawrence was no less alert than his Celtic vis-à-vis. 

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 17 September 1906
It is rather curious that both the League champions and the cup holders should be beaten on the same day, and that the cup final form should be reversed by exactly the same score. Newcastle thus gained their hearts’ desire by revenging themselves for their defeat at the Palace. Apart from the issue of the game, the home club directors can rejoice in a magnificent “gate” of anything about 50,000 people and the spectators will be able to bear in mind an intensely interesting game, played under most perfect conditions as regards the weather, and on a patch which could not possibly have bene improved. Indeed it is only on rare occasions that such delightful football is witnessed in League warfare as was the case on Saturday, especially in the first half-hour of the game. It was a real treat to the vast assemblage who, to their credit be it said warmly recognised the niceties of play exhibited by both sides. The Crystal Palace display was absolutely ragged compared with that served up by practically the same sides on Saturday. And what a terrific pace at which the game started! The footwork, too, was tricky, clever, and scientific to a degree-full of neat touches, delightful low passing, brilliant shooting, and goalkeeping of absolutely the highest quality.
For some time United were undoubtedly the more successful manipulators, and it was during this anxious period for Everton that Scott showed a resourcefulness in goal which imparted just that requisite degree of confidence to his colleagues.  Appreciating that the goalkeeper was safe as a rock, the visiting attack gave of their best. The half backs placed the ball with unerring accuracy, and the forwards, though naturally mistakes were made, harassed the Newcastle defenders with delightful pertinacity. Lawrence, however, like his vis-à-vis, could do nothing wrong. He performed like the great goalkeeper that he is, though on one occasion, after McCombie by slipping had left the younger Wilson with a clear course, he was distinctly lucky in diverting the ball to the outside of the post.
It was a magnificent contest, in which the victors were little, if anything, superior to the losers. There were, of course, mistakes on both sides, but in such a strenuous trial of strength-fought out too without anything approaching ill-feeling-these may well be forgiven. As already indicated, both Scott and Lawrence in goal distinguished themselves. The Everton backs-W. Balmer and Crelly-were more reliable than the Newcastle pair, McCombie and Carr, but the half backs were, after all, the shinning lights. While McWilliam was the pick of the United trio, Abbott was the most prominent on the losing side, with Taylor a good second.
Geo. Wilson overshadowed his elder brother, many of whose passes were ill-timed; and with Bolton not attaining his usual standard, a good deal of work fell upon Sharp and Young. Altogether, even with two points dropped, Everton have no reason to be disappointed with the result of their first appearance this season at St. James’s-park.

EVERTON v  NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 17 September 1906
LEAGUE MATCH AT GOODISON PARK
Everton were again at home this afternoon in a League match. Their visitors were Notts County, who in the corresponding match last season were badly beaten by six goals to two. So far this season the County have not shown any great scoring abilities; indeed it was only in their third engagement, last Saturday, that they obtained their first goal. Everton, on the other hand, have more goals to their credit than any other club in the League, thanks to the nine goals which they secured last Monday against Manchester City. Everton made only one change from the side which, although defeated, exhibited such fine football at Newcastle, this being the substitution of Tom Booth for Makepeace.
Notts County had two changes, Green playing centre forward for Poppitt, and Chalmers at centre half for Mainman. Everton lost the toss, and Young kicked off before 6,000 spectators. The County at the outset forced play, but Scott cleared without difficult. Iremonger cleared a grand centre from G. Wilson. Everton were having the best of the game, but Bolton and Sharp spoiled most movements by getting offside. Notts forwards showed clever football, but their shooting was wild. Following a free-kick Tarplin scored for Notts after ten minutes play. Notts for a time had all the play, then Iremonger fisted out a beauty from G. Wilson. Everton come again, and Young shot straight at Iremonger, who was kept busy. Three corners to Everton. Notts goal was bombarded, but no equalising goal.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Monday 17 September 1906
Everton were not downcast, for they raided Lawrence, who, from two different sources, I learn, is in better form than ever he has been. He kept out two cross shots from Young and Sharp remarkably. It was in regard to the combination of the forwards that there was a complaint. The Wilson wing performed creditably and George centred and shot often and accurately. One glorious miss, however, is to be chronicled against the extreme winger. Sharp did not over-elaborate, yet he showed the Newcastle crowd some very pretty touches, which were not only fanciful but effective. I am glad to learn that he is returning to his old-time form. Each of the half backs played with zeal, and the backs were occasionally shaky, but recovered apparently lost situations. Scott was Scott- ‘nuff sed. Newcastle are a great side-the greatest, I think, in the country. All their men, if we except Seye, the recruit who appeared for Appleyard, played up to the form we know they are capable of. It was an exhibition worthy of the two teams, and I trust, when Newcastle come down to Goodison, we shall see a repetition of the form displayed on Saturday.
For to-night Everton, at home to Notts County, when they beat 6-2 last season, will rely on Booth for Makepeace. This is the only change from Saturday, as the other men are all well. Mr. A.J. Barker is the referee, and the linesmen are Messrs Sykes and Churnside. The latter is deputy for another Mr. Sykes.
Everton.- Scott, goal; Balmer and Crelley, backs; Booth, Taylor, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson and G. Wilson, forwards.

EVERTON 2 NOTTS COUNTY 2
September 18, 1906. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton met Notts County in a League match at Goodison-park yesterday afternoon, there being about 10,000 spectators. There was one change from the side, which lost at Newcastle, Booth taking the place of Makepeace, while Notts made two alterations. Green coming in as centre forward in place of Poppitt, while Chalmers figured at centre half vice Mainman, who was injured on Saturday. The teams were - Everton: - Scott goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly backs Booth Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson, forwards. Notts County: - Iremonger, goal, Jones, and Montgomery backs, Emberton, Chalmers, and Craythorne, half-backs Dean Humphreys, Green, Tarplin, and Gee, forwards. Referee Mr. A. J. Barker. Everton having lost the toss, Young kicked off and Notts were the first to get away, Balmer kicking out from Dean. From the throw-in the County came along again, and Scott was forced to handle twice. Abbott brought relief and the Wilson getting possession, Bolton should have scored. Not to be denied the “Blues” attacked earnestly, but Bolton being offside spoiled a promising move. The Wilsons were showing good form, and in a concerted movement with Young looked like scoring, when Sharp was given offside. Balmer badly miskicked and Scott cleverly saved a corner. So far Notts were having quite as much of the game as Everton. A foul against Green was got rid of, and Green-obtaining possession tricked Balmer and then tamely put behind. Taylor fouled Green, and from the free kick the latter player parted to Tarplin who netted with a splendid shot, which struck the underpart of the crossbar. Jones, the North full back, tested Scott with a long shot but eventually from Young's pass G.Wilson tricked two opponents and finished with a perfect centre. Iremonger, however, was not be caught napping and cleared a performance he was called upon to repeat twice in succession a few moments later. G. Wilson gained a corner, and from that Iremonger granted another corner. Yet a third fell to the home side, who now began to show their true form, bombarding the County goal for some time, Young got through in good style, but his final shot went well over the bar. Bolton was proving himself the weak spot in the Everton forward line, his attempts at passes to Sharp being very poor. Crelly was applauded for some clever tackling, and putting the ball to G. Wilson that player raced along and had hard lines with a magnificent shot, which grazed the upright. Gee looked like getting through when given offside, and immediately afterwards Scott had to fist out. Chalmers fouled Young in the penalty area, and Abbott taking the penalty kick equalised with a shot quite out of Iremonger's reach. After a series of throws in Notts attacked strongly, and Dean, with an open goal, missed badly. Balmer cleared when a goal seemed certain and then Young struck the upright with Iremonger at the other side of the goal. However, he soon improved upon this, for Sharp centering he cleverly gave Everton the lead. Right from the kick off the County made for the Everton goal, and from a melee in the goalmouth Humphreys scored while Scott was on the ground. Dean centring, Gee headed outside when he had only Scott in front of him. Half-time Everton 2, Notts County 2.

The first item of interest upon the resumption was a dash by Young and a clever long shot by Balmer. Bolton once again badly missed while Balmer on two occasions miskicked, Scott having to come out to clear. From a foul Everton were going for goal when Young used unnecessary roughness towards Jones. Young again fouled Montgomery, but the free kick brought the County no relief, G. Wilson and Taylor having shots at goal. D. Wilson, and Young nearly got through, and Jones luckily charged down a terrific shot from G. WILSON. Bolton once more was to blamed, when Taylor had put him in a scoring position. Everton were having much the better of the game, but from a corner, Notts came near scoring. Scott having all his work cut out to save. Young was trying hard, and at one time after beating three opponents he was unlucky in having his shot charged down. Scott saved cleverly, and Young when getting through was fouled, the referee at this period finding himself in bad graces of the crowd for some of his decisions. To the finish play for the most part was greatly in favour of Everton, who however, could not make no impression on the Notts defence, and the match ended in a division of the points. Final Everton 2, Notts County 2 goals each. The game was in striking contrast to that in which Everton participated at Newcastle last Saturday. There was a plenitude of vigour, but as an exhibition of Association football it left much to be desired. Still Notts County enjoy the satisfaction of having played four matches without sustaining defeat.

A POINT FROM EVERTON
Nottingham Journal - Tuesday 18 September 1906
DASHING DISPLAY BY NOTTS. AT GOODISON PARK.
FORWARDS FIND THEIR FORM.
“BLUES” SAVED BY A PENALTY.
(Special to the “Express.”)
The Notts. team are running strongly for the title of champion drawists of the First Division. They have taken part in four matches and split points in them all. Last evening on the Goodison- road Ground, Liverpool, they were entertained by Everton in the presence about 6.000 people; and after a hard struggle with the English Cupholders finished up on even terms with them, each side scoring a couple of goals.
Teams
Notts: A. Iremonger, goal; Jones and Montgomery, backs; Emberton. Chalmers, and Craythorne, half becks: Dean and Humphreys, right wing; Green, centre; Tarplin and Gee, left wing.
Everton: Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Booth, Taylor (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp and Bolton, right wing; Young, centre; D.Wilson and G. Wilson, left wing. Referee: Mr. J. Mason, of Burslem.
From the kick-off Notts. showed they were in form. Gee and Tarplin both manipulated cleverly, causing Everton uneasiness. The danger to Notts, first came from Everton's left, G. Wilson centring perfectly. Jones responded with an admirable clearance.
Both the County wings showed effective combination, Everton’s defence early on banging out signals of distress. Green became very dangerous after a dashing run. Dean receiving, but he shot wildly under pressure.
Notts, should have opened their account here; but continued attacking effectively, and a free kick followed. It was cleverly placed by Montgomery to  TARPLIN, who scored after ten minutes. Notts., playing with great dash, deserved this success. The reverse stimulated Everton, who, attacking strenuously, forced three successive corners, but Montgomery and Jones were unbeatable, and covered admirably.  Everton’s passing was erratic, the right wing bring particularly weak. The halves continually broke up, the home attacks judicious tackling. After nearly equalised Chalmers unfortunately brought Young down in the fatal area. Iremonger made a great effort to keep out Abbott's shot, but the ball entered the corner of the net. Hard lines for the “magpies,” who were clearly the superior team.
Notts, responded bravely, both wings playing BEAUTIFUL FOOTBALL, and flurried Everton's defence considerably. Gee, Tarplin, and Humphreys were all unlucky not to regain the lead. Young, Everton’s best forward, playing received from a throw-in by Booth and ran through the Notts, defence, and finally beat Iremonger cleverly. A fine individual effort. Notts., however, were most unlucky to behind at this point, but they responded with a dashing combined attack. Gee and Tarplin effected a breach in Everton's defence, drawing off both backs very cleverly, after which the ball was smartly crossed to Humphreys, Scott having no chance whatever of saving hie shot. The County well deserved to get on equal terms again,Everton’s defence bring beaten at all points. The home attack had also been ineffective owing to erratic shooting and poor combination. Two goalshad been scored by each at the interval, but Notts wereMUCH SUPERIOR in every department. There was no further scoring in the second half, which was fought out vigorously Gee, Tarplin, and Humphreys being frequently prominent without registering. The Notts, attack was vigorous and methodical all through, and made Everton’s defence look very rocky. Scott, however, kept goal finely.
The Notts, defence was always confident, Jones and Montgomery preventing anything like effective combination by the Everton front rank, the home right being especially feeble. The half-back lines were somewhat equal merit, but the vigorous methods of the Notts, front rank fairly ran the home halves off their feet. Notts, were always the BETTER-BALANCED TEAM, all their attacks being much better planned and finished than those of the “blues,” who, however, showed spasmodic brilliance. Notts, claimed a penalty kick unsuccessfully, the ball being fisted down. They fully deserved to share the points, and with little more luck would assuredly have returned victorious.  Chalmers, Montgomery, and Jones each deserve the greatest credit. The Everton crowd took the result good-humouredly, evidently having thoroughly enjoyed the hard-fought game. Notts, were without Mainman, for whom Chalmers deputised, and Booth took the place of Makepeace in the Everton team. Result; Notts County 2 Everton 2

EVERTON v.  NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 18 September 1906
Everton entertained Notts County at Goodison Park last evening, and the Lacemen upheld their reputation for upsetting calculations by sharing the points with their hosts. The Blues gave a far from satisfactory display, and it may lead to some rearrangement of the team, which was as follows;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Booth, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott, halves; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson, forwards.
Notts County.- Iremonger, goal; Jones and Montgomery, backs; Emberton, Chalmers, and Gravthorne, halves; Dean, Humphreys, Green, Tarplin and Gee, forwards.
Mr. J. Mason started the men at five o’clock, when 4,000 people would be present, but the crowd increased considerably before the game was over. The County were early aggressive, but the Blues’ back division were quite equal to the occasion. The Wilson wing next showed up with pretty work, and “G” got in a lovely centre, which Jones dealt with expertly. The County from invaded Everton territory several times without proving dangerous. Neither did the Blues’ attack appear too keen, and Young was well watched. Green and Dean worked well together, but the centre was too well looked after to get in a shot, and Green finally shot wildly under pressure. The County men would not be denied, however, and they obtained a firm footing in Everton’s ground, where a free kick further improved the situation for them. Montgomery placed the ball nicely to Tarplin, and in a trice the leather was beyond Scott in the net after only ten minutes’ play. This was nasty reverse for the Blues, but the Lacemen fully deserved the goal as a reward for their energy and persistency. The Blues lost little time in bucking up, and a well-sustained attack brought three abortive corners. Young weas very prominent in leading the attack, but his shots, when well directed, lacked steam, and those which ahd sting behind them were erratic. But Sandy seemed determined to get the equaliser. Most of the home work was done by the left wing, and Sharp did very little to supplement Bolton’s efforts. Brother G. Wilson looked like putting Everton on equal terms, as he wound up a fine run with a capital shot which sent the ball curling a foot outside the posts. The Blues put in a lot of good work, but it proved ineffective owing to over-anxiety. Bolton had a specially fine chance once, but over-ran the ball. The County defenders occasionally overdid it in charging, and Chalmers brought Young down in the penalty area. Abbott took the kick, and despite a fine effort of Iremonger’s to save, placed the ball clean in the corner of the net. The equaliser stimulated the visitors immensely, and both their wings attacked fiercely, and certainly flurried the home defence severely. During this attack Notts were unlucky not to regain the lead. There could be not denying the fact that the Notts attack was much more dangerous than that of the home side, and time after time Balmer and Crelly were fairly driven into the goalmouth. It was a wonder disaster did not come sooner. Young and G. Wilson were the only forwards on the home side who did themselves justice. “Sandy’s” pertinacity was most refreshing, though “Monty” and Jones paid him too close attention. At last Young took advantage of a throw-in by Booth, and threading his way clean through the Lacemen he beat the Notts custodian very smartly at the finish. Resuming the game was contested with great vigour, and in less than a minute Gee and Tarplin had succeeded in effecting an ugly breach, and the ball was crossed to Humphreys, who gave Scott no chance whatever. The goal; resulted from resolute attack, and Everton’s defence did not show up at all well. Interval score;- Everton 2 goals, Notts County 2
Resuming, the Blues put more vim into their work, and the Notts defence was subjected to keen pressure. Finally a corner came, and Iremonger fisted out vigorously. Everton kept it up, and both “Monty” and Jones were kept busy. The Blues continued to monopolise the attack, but the line did not act harmoniously, and much good work was wasted. In fact, their combination was very far from perfect. Notts now advanced strongly up the centre, and Scott had to deal with a hot one from Green. After a long punt from Balmer, Young essayed to go through on his own, but was checked after making good progress by Montgomery. Sharp, after a laborious effort, forced a corner, but took the kick wretchedly. After this the visitors livened up considerably, Tarplin and Ge manipulating the leather very prettily, without, however, making a serious breach in Everton’s defence. The Blues now showed a glimpse of their very best form, Bolton, Young, and Sharp all making great efforts to find an opening. The Blues attacked en bloc, and the fall of the Notts citadel seemed imminent, but the County defence came out victorious from the hottest bombardment during the match. During the last quarter of an hour the Blues quite over-powered their opponents but in  their over-anxiety to obtain the lead they sacrificed their combination, and were at times very erratic in their finishing touches. The game was contested with great courage and determination on both sides, but both of the Notts backs failed to give any chance away, and when the whistle announced a cessation of hostilities the visitors retired with a well-earned point.
Result;- Everton 2 goals, Notts County 2.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 18 September 1906
Things not going too well for our local teams just now. The Mersey clubs failed to gain a single point on Saturday, and last evening Everton could not do better than draw with Notts County. This sort of thing will not do. Everton supporters were looking forward to the Blues gaining a couple of points last evening, but they were doomed to disappointment, and had to be satisfied with a division of the spoils. The game was a striking contrast to that in which Everton participated at Newcastle. On Saturday the Cup finalists gave one of the finest exhibitions of the dribbling code seen for a long time, but that at Goodison-park last evening was characterised by vigour and scrambling play rather than a scientific exhibition of Association football.
By the way, Notts County are putting up a remarkable record in their opening games. Up to the present they have played four matches, each one of which has ended in a division of the points. In their first two games they failed to find the net at all, whilst in each of the other two encounters the score was 2-2. There was plenty of excitement in the first half for the 10,000 spectators who were present for if the play was not up to a high standard, the goals obtained all came in this half, and in fairly quick succession. When Tamplin gave Notts the lead things looked black for Everton, but later Abbott equalised from a penalty, given for a foul on Young, and it seemed as if this would be the score at the interval. Then a change occurred in Everton’s favour, Young, after striking the upright, converting a centre from Sharp in fine style. The spectators were on good terms with themselves at this second success, but immediately after the kick-off Humphreys put Notts on level terms once more.
The second half was not as interesting as the opening portion, the play being of a very scrambling character. It was marvellous, however, that the Notts goal did not fall again, for Everton pressed continuously near the finish, but failed to beat Iremonger. The Blues could do anything but score. The referee found himself in the bad graces of the crowd owing to some of his off-side decisions.
On the whole, however, the visitors deserved the point they gained. Their defence was very reliable, Jones especially being prominent and mainly owing to the backs efforts Iremonger was not severely tested. Everton showed signs of weakness at certain points. The right wing was off colour, Bolton not being in his usual form, and, of course, this prevented Sharp from being prominent. The left wing did well, however, the younger Wilson especially doing good work. He played in delightfully tricky fashion. The Everton defence was right enough, but Tom Booth did not reproduce his early form.

FOOTBALL FAILURES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 18 September 1906
Bee
Brief space is here my portion and brief humour is due to Everton for failing to beat Notts County. The County have an eleven to be seriously reckoned with, and it strikes me that we have under-estimated their skill became they have generally figured near the foot of the ladder. They were good value for the point they took from the Cupholders. These home failures of our Liverpool clubs have so far been too numerous to be pleasant. Notts are fond of draws, as the following results of their matches will show.-
Notts County (a) 2 Everton 2
Notts County (h) 2 Stoke 2
Notts County (a) 0 Manchester United 0
Notts County (h) 0 Bolton Wanderers 0
They promise to outrun Preston’s total of games, which in the lasts season were left even. The home team started in a vigorous manner, but several promising movements were spoiled by infringements of the off-side rule. In turn, Notts pressed, but their forwards shot badly. Tarplin succeeded in scoring for them, with a high, hot one, which struck under the crossbar. From a penalty kick, Young being fouled, Abbott equalised. This is the second occasion that a penalty has been awarded the Blues when Makepeace has been absent. Later, Young put Everton in front, but Humphreys made the game level within a minute, and at the interval each side had two goals to its credit. Everton pressed heavily on resuming, and Balmer was unlucky in not scoring with a superb shot. The Everton shooting was rather erratic, and the County defence was not severely taxed. At length Notts broke away, and they made a most strenuous appeal for hands against one of the Everton backs. Fortunately (because although I could not see the offence, a friend tells me it was an offence) for Everton the referee and linesmen did not see anything improper. There came corner after corner, and a tremendous onslaught on Iremonger. ‘Twas too late; the defence held good. Bolton was totally off his game, and the result was that Sharp was made to look incapable. Young did many good things, and the three most prominent men on the field were G. Wilson, Balmer, and Abbott. Both presented a great stumbling-block to the opposition. Taking the first-named, one could not help marvelling at the accuracy of his centres. To tell the truth, I believe that “Smiler” does not know his own strength in booting the ball across. On one occasion he shot with the power of a gun, and the ball swerved just a few inches wide. His brother affectionately fed him, and took raps on the ankles and legs philosophically. David is a rare grafter, and the pair dovetail their movements so nicely that combination is indeed strength in their case. Abbott has seldom played better, nor yet Balmer. General Cromje’s nephew, who knows something about defence, was present in the directors box, and on the other side of the ground James Settle, with arm in a sling was present. He looked in the pink, but of course will be out of the team for some weeks hence.
“L.G. Roose,” about whom I wrote just a year ago, was present at Goodison yesterday and gave an exhibition of cheat-shooting, teeth-tugging and chair-chairing. He was attired in Newcastle United’s colours. He is not allowed to display his prowess at Trent Bridge, but travels to all other grounds in the country, and occasionally appears on the music-hall.
W. McLaughlin, who left Everton for Plymouth Argyle at the end of last season, has got off the mark smartly. He scored with a pretty shot from outside left in the first match, and, having started well, should finish the season with credit. Mr. Arthur Tracy, a friend of mine, who is now at Plymouth, tells me that on his first visit to Home Park he was pleased with its countrified situation, and also the manner in which the stands were fixed. “I hastily scanned the men in the hope of seeing old-time friends, and there sure enough was McLaughlin. Then the touches of the Bury Thorpe and the side-foot taps of the old Villa man Steve Smith and the sprightliness of J. W. Sutcliffe were pleasing to watch. It was a very poor apology for the delicious Goodison roar which announced McLaughlin’s and Argle’s opening goal. The enthusiasm over it would compare only with that accorded to one of Billy Balmer’s “roosts’ I can picture the dirt-begrimed engineers, artisans, clerks, and other products of commerce eagerly scanning your notes and prospects.

“PADDY’S MARKET” IN LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Evening Express, Wednesday, September 19, 1906
PROGRESS OF SCOTLAND ROAD IMPROVEMENT
The improvement of the Bevington-hill end of Scotland-road, which has been so much required for very many years owing to, the growth of the city in a northern direction, and the consequent congestion of traffic in that thoroughfare, has now been almost completed, but unfortunately the great fire which occurred on Friday night at the premises of Messrs. King and Heywood, which formed the northern extremity of the improvement, has, for the present, spoiled the general effect which would have been apparent when, early in October, the formal opening of St. Martin's Market takes place. For some years the old market had been better known in distant parts of the world than in Liverpool, as it was the rendezvous of Lascars, Chinamen, negroes, and other foreign seamen trading into Liverpool, who had heard of "Paddy's market " as an emporium for second-hand clothing. It superseded the older "Paddy's Market," which long existed in a street off Marybone. Although great improvements have been carried out, so far as the front of the market in Scotland-road is concerned this feature will still remain, and the back portion of the premises in Bevington-bush will, as in the past, remain an old clothes mart, but a desirable improvement will be made in the removal of the shops and stalls, where formerly meat, pork, vegetables and" other articles of' food were exposed for sale in close proximity to articles of clothing, which, perhaps, were not always immune from microbes, or from associations of an equally undesirable character. The old front of the market has been taken down, and a new frontage made 13 feet 6in, further back, this land being added to the street, which is now 60 feet wide, giving ample room for a double- line of car metals. On the ground floor of this new portion are seven handsome shops' facing Scotland-road, completely cut away from the market, and above them is a spacious hall, available for political meetings, concerts, dances, and other similar gatherings, giving accommodation for 1,000 persons, there being seating for 600 in the body of the hall and 300 in the gallery, and standing room for 100 or more if necessary. There are also dressing and retiring rooms for the artistes and speakers, cloak-rooms, and other conveniences, making the new hall quite up to date in every respect. The length of the hall is 80 feet by 54 feet, exclusive of the stage. There are two staircases to each part of the hall, so that every precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of the public, and the building throughout is lighted by electricity. The style of the new building is what may be termed modern classic. The front is faced with Darley Dale and Grinshill stone and red dressed bricks, and, with the other adjoining works undertaken by the Corporation, presents a very effective appearance. The cost of the St. Martin's Market part of the Scotland-road improvement has been £16,168, and the work has been carried out under the supervision of the city surveyor by Messrs. Thornton and Sons, Wellington-road.
FOOTBALL NEWS
The team to represent Everton against Aston Villa at Goodison-park on Saturday will not be chosen till to-morrow (Thursday).

EVERTON v.  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 20 September 1906
Aston Villa have selected the strongest team they have yet put into the field to meet Everton on Saturday. Garratty will play for the first time this season, and the selected eleven is George; Spencer and Miles; Greenhalgh, Boden, Codling; Hall, Garratty, Hampton, Bache, and Walters.
The Everton team will be the same as last week namely; Scott; W. Balmer and Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G, Wilson.

BEE’S NOTEBOOK
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 20 September 1906
The Everton team to meet Aston Villa has not yet been chosen. The reserve team against Accrington is;- Sloan; Hill and Stevenson; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson; Donnachie, Graham, Jones, Cooke, and Butler.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 21 September 1906
The Everton directors met yesterday and chose their eleven to contest with the Aston Villa team, which annual contest always draws an enormous crowd to Goodison  Park. The selected men were;- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, halves; Sharp, Bolton, Young, and the brothers Wilsons forward.
Aston Villa have selected the strongest team they have yet put into the field to meet Everton. Garrity will play for the first time this season, and the selected eleven is;- George, goal; Spencer and Miles, backs; Greenhalgh, Boden, and Codling, halves; Hall, Garratty, Hampton, Bache, and Walters, forwards.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 21 September 1906
The tit-bit of the football programme tomorrow is undoubtedly the meeting of Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison-park. The visit of the famous Clarets is always welcomed in this district, as spectators can invariably’ depend on witnessing a good game. Everton and Aston Villa have given some of the finest exhibitions of the dribbling code ever seen, and it is expected that to-morrow another of those classy exhibitions will be witnessed. Everton will have the same team as last week, whilst the Villa will put their strongest eleven in the field.

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL PROSPECTS AGAINST BRUMS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 September 1906
HARDMAN OR WILSON?
Tomorrow the Evertonians will look for a redemption from their favourites. Everton are favoured with a home engagement with Aston Villa. I say “favoured” advisedly, because, much as all dislike the mightiness with which the Villa-dom is carried on, one cannot blind oneself to the club’s glorious career, and ask, “When will their glory fade?” Personally, I cannot account for the Villa’s successes so far. They are at the top of the League now, yet I fail to see why Everton should not lower their colours. The Aston Villa club has a very long list of antiquated and juvenile players; yet, as far as I can see, there are more than two better constituted teams. In goal George is again on sentry. He has put on a lot of weight in recent years, and a low shot troubles him severely. Spencer and Miles are stumbling blocks. The latter, who is an old clubmate, has returned to the field after a long absence through blood poisoning. The halves are a mixed lot. Boden and Codling are from the South, and Greenhalgh is the man who had a bother with Bolton Wanderers; and among the forwards, the announcement that Garratty will play with Hall on the right is the most astounding. It is his first appearance, and he displaces Matthews, whose selection together with other selections, have been the subject of much adverse comment in the Midlands. Garratty’s presence will tend to make the attacking line heavier; the former forwards that have done duty have been noticeable for their slight build. Hall is in reality an outside left. He has now figured in all positions in the line except centre, where the merry Hampton continues to hold his own. I am rather curious to see how the centre and Balmer fare. Last season, when Everton pulled the corresponding match out of the fire by 4-2 (Villa led by 2-1 when Hampton scored), Hampton did not shine; but having heard much about this hustler, the great assembly which is sure to congregate at Goodison will hope to see him in his true form. Bache has returned to his former style of football which made him famous. This is what Mr. McGregor has written of the team and this fleet-footed forward;- “Although the Villa won in such decisive fashion last week, I warn supporters of the club not to jump to the conclusion that their favourites have yet proved themselves a championship team. But I admit they display symptoms of developing into such a combination. Villa have extracted four more, points this season than in the corresponding games twelve months ago. The rejuvenation of Bache is the most striking phase of the general improvement of the Villa. He gave a perfect exposition of how a forward ought to play against Birmingham. In the past Bache has given brilliant displays but they have frequently been smirched by selfishness. On Saturday there was not a suspicion of this cardinal football fault. He and Walters possessed an absolute understanding that seemed to have anticipated and arranged for every fluctuation of the game, and, what is of more importance, the passing and repassing, as is so often the case, was not carried to excess. Bache did not confine his attentions to his immediate neighbours. When opportunity offered he swung the ball out to the right. This the left wing were at once attractive and efficient.”
The Everton directors were, I believe, in a quandary when meeting to select their representatives. They appear to have been quite settled in the apportioning of places to all places except on the left wing. Here is a difficulty which must pretty continually occur to them, and no one can envy them. It is a toss-up which is preferable- Harold Hardman or George Wilson. There are arguments in favour of each, and it is a pity both cannot play regularly. The Wilsons were eventually chosen, and Makepeace returns to the half-back line to meet the Bache and Walters wing. The kick-off is at 3.30 again; the referee is Mr. J.W. Bailey, of Leicester, and the linesmen Messrs Wildman and Lathwaite.
Mr. A. Milward, who will referee the match between Birmingham and Liverpool at Coventry-road, is the old Kidderminster and Worcestershire cricket professional.
Everton v Aston Villa
League match at Goodison Park; Kick-off at 3.30
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelly, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson, forwards.
Villa.- George, goal; Spencer, and Miles, backs; Greenhalgh, Boden, and Coding, half-backs; Hall, Garrity, Hampton, Bache, and Walters, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Accrington Stanley
Lancashire Combination match at Accrington; train from Exchange 12.35; kick-off 3.30
Everton.- Sloan, goal; Hill and Stevenson, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Donnachie, Graham, Jones, Cooke, and Butler, forwards.

TODAY’S PROSPECTS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 22 September 1906
Today the Liverpool team are in contest with Birmingham representatives. Everton, ever since they helped to make the 96 final famous, have with Aston Villa, been recognised as among the most popular teams in the country, and the annual fixture at Goodison Park is always attended by a large crowd of Liverpool people and also Birmingham visitors, and to-day, when Taylor and Spencer lead their men on to the Park enclosure, many thousands will be present in the expectation of a class game. Last season, when Everton pulled the corresponding match out of the fire by 4-2 (Villa led by 2-1 when Hampton scored), Hampton did not shine; but having heard much about this hustler, spectators hope to see him in his true form. Bache has returned to his former style of football which made him famous. This is what Mr. McGregor has written of the team and this fleet-footed forward;-
“The rejuvenation of Bache is the most striking phase of the general improvement of the Villa. He gave a perfect exposition of how a forward ought to play against Birmingham. In the past Bache has given brilliant displays, but they have frequently been smirched by selfishness. On Saturday there was not a suspicion of this cardinal football fault. He and Walters possessed an absolute understanding that seemed to have anticipated and arranged for every fluctuation of the game, and, what is of more importance, the passing and repassing, as is so often the case, was not carried to excess. Bache did not confine his attentions to his immediate neighbours.”
The Everton directors were in a quandary with regard to the left wing, a difficulty which must pretty continually occur to them, and no one can envy them. It is hard to say which is preferable -Harold Hardman or George Wilson. There are arguments in favour of each, and it is a pity both cannot play regularly. The Wilsons were eventually chosen, and Makepeace returns to the half-back line to meet the Bache and Walters wing. The kick-off is at 3.30 again; the referee is Mr. J.W. Bailey, of Leicester, and the linesmen Messrs Wildman and Lathwaite.
Everton v Aston Villa
League match at Goodison Park; kick-off at 3.30
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson, forwards.
Villa.- George, goal; Spencer and Miles, backs; Greenhalgh, Boden, and Codling, half-backs; Hall, Garratty, Hampton, Bache, and Walters, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Accrington Stanley
Lancashire Combination match at Accrington; train from Exchange, 12.35; Kick-off 3.30.
Everton.- Sloan, goal; Hill and Stevenson, backs; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson, half-backs; Donnachie, Graham, Jones, Cooke, and Butler, forwards.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY v.  EVERTON
Haslingden Gazette - Saturday 22 September 1906
Drastic and much-needed changes have been made in the Stanley team to meet Everton this afternoon at Moorhead Park. The half-back line will present a complete change, Fred Walmsley, the local amateur having been called in. He will appear at centre, and Brindle has been transferred to his proper position on the left. It is expected that Walmsley will give the team that stability which was lamentably lacking last Saturday. The greatest changes, however, have been made in the forward line. As was only to be expected, McGuigan has been dropped and Sheridan takes his place at centre. Bradwood will partner Hudson, and Stott has displaced Gregory as Garside’s partner. These changes are bound to meet with approval, and I am confident that the team will give a better account of itself to-day than it has for the two previous Saturdays. Appended is the full team;- Turner; Carter and Hampson; Wilson, Walmsley, and Brindle; Hudson, Brandwood, Sheridan, Stott and Garside.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 22 September 1906

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 22 September 1906
LEAGUE DIVISION 1
By Telephone
HAMPTON SCORES FOR THE VILLA
THE BLUES ONE DOWE AT HALF-TIME
Aston Villa, who visited the Blues to-day, are at present head of the League, and a well-fought game was anticipated. The teams faced as follows;-
Everton.- Scott, goal; W. Balmer and Crelley, backs; Makepeace, Taylor (captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, and G. Wilson, forwards.
Villa.- George, goal; Spencer and Miles, backs; Greenhalgh, Boden, and Codling, half-backs; Hall, Garratty, Hampton, Bache, and Walters, forwards.
Referee.- Mr. W. Bailey
The game was started before 35,000 spectators in fine weather.
No sooner had Hampton started the game than the Villa became busy on their left wing, where, however, Makepeace got the better of Walters, and the ball was then crossed to the Brothers Wilson, after which Young continued the move, but was brought down when he was working for shooting position. A run along the Villa left was spoiled through the ball being kicked out, and then a general assault was made by the home forwards, Sharp shooting across the goal mouth. From a free kick to Everton the ball was sent behind the goal, and shortly afterwards Abbott gave the leather to Young, who headed by the side of the Villa goal. The visitors then paid a visit to Everton territory, but an infringement of the offside rule spoiled their chances. Next came a fine advance down his wing by Walters but in “attempting a back-heeler” he lost possession to Harry Makepeace, and the half managed to initiate an intrusion into Villa quarters, where, however, Miles changed the venue with a strong kick. Soon after the Villa sailed down in force and Scott only just succeeded in getting in a lovely shot from Walters over the bar. From the corner Sharp and Bolton made play smartly only to find Milnes on the alert, and the Villa back checked the Blues in determined fashion. Everton made play along their left, and Young made a great effort to score, but failed. To show the persistency of the Everton attack they gained three corners in succession. G. Wilson gained the first one, and a second followed one of Abbott’s drive. After the ball had been cleared Crelly sent in a grand long shot which George saved, and then the homesters took up the attack on the right, the third corner following a shot from Makepeace. The next five minutes’ play was rather more even. The next noteworthy feature was a shot from the half way by Balmer the ball topping the crossbar. The Villa went down strongly, and Crelly miskicked, the result being that Balmer was compelled to concede a corner, but the Everton goal escaped capture. A free kick to the Blues was not turned to much advantage, chiefly owing to the Villans pertinacity. The Blues stuck to their work, and Crelly’ prevented any loss of ground, but the result of the pressure was that Young worked the leather behind. The goal kick led up to a determined attack by hall and Garrity, but Crelly though ultimately beaten, hindered the wing from really breaking through until Abbott robbed Garrity cleverly. This was followed by another visit on the other wing, but Walters ran the ball over. Soon after G. Wilson cleverly worked a corner off Spencer. Hall received the ball from the centre and raced along his wing, getting in his centre correctly, and Hampton at once dashed forward and shot, but weas whistled off-side, Scott saving all the same. The Villa were now having more than their share of the game, and after effective work by the left wing Bache sent the ball by the side of the post. Hall followed with a shot from near the corner but this Scott saved, and then the Villa fairly bustled the home defence. Boden putting in a straight drive, which only just missed the mark. Everton had no time to recover before the Villa right made a further incursion. Hall, Garratty, and Hampton passing correctly and at the end of the move Hampton scored with a glorious shot after the game was exactly half an hour old. Blues lost little time in going out for an equaliser and Sharp put in a long centre which George came out of his den to deal with. The Villa forwards were attacking with remarkable cleverness and they adopted the short passing game to perfection, but though hard pressed the Blues’ defence pulled itself together just in time to avert a second disaster. At last the home lot took up the attack seriously but though Young got passes from both wings he was usually sandwiched smartly by the Villa backs. A rather pretty pass went from G. Wilson to Young, who came to grass when he was on the point of shooting, and then Bolton skied the ball over the crossbar. Hall forced a corner off Abbott but the Villa gained nothing further. Good work by the Everton right gave the ball to Young, who was fouled and after the free kick had been twice taken, Sharp missed. Everton gained a barren corner, and George subsequently saved twice, but the Evertonians were foiled in every effort to score.
Half-time score; Aston Villa 1 Everton Nil.
GREAT CROWD AND SPLENDID GAME
VILLA’S MAGNIFICENT FORWARD WORK
YOUNG WELL WATCHED
EVERTON’S VIGOROUS ATTACK
VILLA’S SUCCESSFUL DEFENCE
EXCITING INCIDENTS
VILLA VICTORIOUS
Restarting, the Blues attacked on the right, but Bodley neutralised after a throw in. another move followed in favour of Everton, but nothing came of a centre by Makepeace. Then Hampton was disabled by a nasty kick from Balmer, but he soon recovered. Abbott manipulated the ball wonderfully when he was on the gras, but it did not stop the Villians from encroaching on both right and left. They were effectually held until Taylor fouled Bache, and from the kick a corner followed. It was well placed in the goalmouth, but the Blues could not improve on the position. A free kick led up to attacks from the Villa on right and left, but Taylor finely cleared a smart centre from Walters, and the Blues took root in the Villa ground, becoming really dangerous. Long passing took the Villa into Everton territory, where a free kick relieved the pressure, and Everton returned and forced a corner on the right. This was the occasion of a terrific struggle in the Villa goalmouth, Abbott and Bolton vainly endeavouring to score. The Villa broke away, and Walters took the ball well on to the Everton goal-line. Here Balmer and Makepeace endeavoured to work round and check but only succeeded in putting the ball back to Walters, who at once got in his centre, and Garratty scored. At the other end Everton worked splendidly to reduce the margin against them, but the luck was against Bolton when he put in a rattling good shot. This second reverse seemed to have settled the chances of the Blues completely, but they played up with commendable spirt, and a pretty attack in line resulted in G. Wilson receiving across from Sharp. The outside man should have tried a shot, but he passed on to his brother Dave, who made a really grand effort, the ball travelling very swiftly, and just skimming the bar. The Blues held on to Birmingham territory, but the forwards were well held at every point, until the ball came back to Abbott, and the half back netted for Everton with one of his terrific shots. Splendid passing by the Villa front rank took them into Everton territory once more, and Walters had Balmer fairly beaten when Makepeace came to the rescue. Some remarkably clever checks by Boden were then made, who was ever on the move, and sending out long passes to his wings, but eventually Makepeace succeeded in serving Bolton and then some good short passing was seen between Sharp and his partner, at the end of which the cricketer went very near the mark. Bolton followed with a good attempt and at the other end Bache netted the ball, but was offside. Sharp made a good run, and then put the ball across the goal mouth. Young and Spencer each missing, and this left G. Wilson with the chance of a lifetime, but he only succeeded in banging the ball back across the mouth of the goal, and it passed obliquely over the goal line. A corner for the Villa Makepeace cleared, Young and Abbott missed Sharp’s centre.
Final Result.- Aston Villa 2, Everton 1 goal
Last season-Everton 4, Aston Villa 2

ACCRINGTON STANLEY v  EVERTON
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 22 September 1906
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV 1
Everton won the toss, and scored after two minutes’ play, Graham giving the home custodian no chance. Everton repeatedly attacked and Black had hard lines with a magnificent shot. Butler was noticeable for a fine run and shot. Jones neatly added a second from a centre by Graham. Stanley infused more vigour into the play, and Sheridan beat Sloane with a splendid shot. Everton played far smarter football than Stanley. Half-time.- Everton 2 goals, Accrington Stanley 1.

CUP HOLDERS VANAUISHED AT GOODISON PARK
Sports Argus - Saturday 22 September 1906
GRAND PERFORMANCE
By “Argus Junior.”
Today, Birmingham is pitted against Liverpool in the football arena, and while the Coventry-road men had the advantage of a home engagement, Aston Villa had a far harder task to undertake in visiting Goodison Park and opposing the strong Everton team. Everton have been doing very well this season, but the directors had considerable difficulty in choosing to-day’s team. Settle, old but invaluable, has a fractured finger, and the experiment was tried of putting the two Wilsons-brothers from the Heart of Midlothian-on the left wing. Harry Makepeace returned to the team and Booth was left out, but this rather tended to strengthen the team than otherwise. On the Villa side it was evidently considered that the defence was as strong as possible, and the only change was in the forward rank, where Garratty displaced Matthews at inside right. Garratty may have had his day, but at any rate he has also had experience, and no doubt the directors though that judgement, born of such, was a valuable adjunct in such an important match. The teams were;-
Everton; Scott; W. Balmer, Crelly; Makepeace, Taylor (captain), Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson, G. Wilson.
Aston Villa; George; Spences, Miles; Greenhalgh, Boden, Codling; Hall, Garratty, Hampton, Bache, Walters.  Referee; Mr. J.W. Bailey, Leicester.
The turf was in excellent conditions, and there was very little wind, and it was rather brighter than either in the day. When the game commenced, before fully 30,000 spectators the Villa wore their thin red shirts, so that the battle was between the Reds and Blues.  Taylor won the toss and the Villa kicked off with what little wind there was in their favour, but with the light in their faces. Everton showed early promise, but their attack was repulsed. Again they attacked, but the Villa gave them little opportunity until G. Wilson, beating Spencer, a roar of excitement went forth. But the ball was sent across the goal mouth. Young headed outside, and then play was transferred to the other end. The ball was sent back again in the Villa quarters, but Spencer relieved with a good kick, and Balmer neatly pulled up Codling when he was well on the run. Walters was responsible for some pretty play, but in the end Makepeace was too good for him, and the Villa were again placed on the defensive. They, however, got nicely up at last and Walters shooting. Balmer headed against the crossbar in an attempt to save-a near thing for Everton. The Villa were now getting more into their stride. Bache forced a corner, which was nicely played, but it availed the Villa nothing, for the ball was got away. From a free-kick Balmer sent the ball well in, but Greenhalgh, skilfully tackling several players saved the Villa from danger. The Villa got well in, and Hampton sent in a shot which Scott fell to the ground to save- a wasted effort, for the Villa man was pulled up at the same time for off-side; a doubtful decision. Shortly afterwards Walters sent the ball whizzling over the crossbar and the Villa attacked vigorously. A smart bit of work by Bache, Hampton, and Garratty appeared full of promise but Balmer broke up the attack. The home side were now pressing severely, and the visitors’ defence was well tested, but they offered a stubborn resistance. At last Young beat the backs and sent in a shot which had not enough sting in it, however, and George had little difficulty in saving from a free kick against the Villa just outside the penalty area. Sharp secured the ball, but he banged it vigorously against the side net. Everton made a vigorous effort towards the end of the half to get upon equal terms with the Villa, but were unsuccessful, George on one occasion rushing out like a giant and fisting the ball out from among a ruck of players.
Half-time Villa 1 Everton 0
Early in the second half, which started before 40,000 spectators, Hampton was again in the wars, having been bowled over by Balmer, and there was again a stoppage in the game of a rather more lengthy character than the first. The game was being fiercely contested, and though the Villa were having rather the better of matters they had to fight hard for every inch of ground gained, and even then they found themselves opposed by a strong wall of defence. A corner gave then some hope, but the ball was adroitly got away by the Everton men, and G. Wilson dashing to the other end, passed to Young, who scent the ball wide. Spencer was deservedly applauded for some smart work, and after the ball had been in the neighbourhood of the home goal Sharp got nicely up on the right, but ran the ball over the line. The Villa defence had an exciting few minutes, but George saved the situation, and the Villa worked their way up on the right, but Crelley relieved with a big kick. They were back again very promptly, and some smart play resulted in the ball going to Garratty, who scored a second goal for the Villa, as the result as fifty-seven minutes’ play. From the kick-off the home side initiated a spirited attack, and George was called upon to save a not very difficult shot. Following this cheers were called for Aston. The visiting goal was in peril for a time and George fisted out. Danger was not averted, however, and there were cries of “Oh!” as D. Wilson sent in a terrific shot over the crossbar-a disappointment to the Everton supporters. Their time came, however, shortly afterwards. There was a free kick against the Villa, and the ball was nicely placed. George should have left it to the backs to clear, but he took too much risk, and running out left an open goal, which Abbott promptly took advantage of by putting the ball into the net, and giving the home side a goal at the end of sixty-five minutes’ play. This put heart into the Everton team, who now played up vigorously. It seemed quite likely that their determination would be rewarded, for they were playing very fine football, and were combining beautifully. G. Wilson had a fine opening, for George had again rushed out just before the ball was passed to him. But the Everton man sent the ball right across goal-mouth- the miss of the match! The game maintained its exciting character to the finish, each side fighting gallantly. Both goals were vigorously assaulted. Villa stayed the better, and were clearly masters when the whistle went.  Result-Aston Villa 2 Everton 1
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
There was a good contingent of Villa supporters present, as was evident from the fact that the Villa war cry went up from a substantial crowd in one corner of the ground at half-time. To these the Villa’s position was a cause for jubilation. At the start the Villa appeared to be a little slow, and certainly did not inspire confidence.
The Villa backs were not so reliable as the home backs, for though Spencer showed an aptitude for taking the ball at the right time, he was scarcely faultless.
It was a splendid shot of Balmer’s that so nearly scored from beyond the half-way line. Towards the end the Everton men showed a distinct falling off, and the home backs were disappointing after their fine display earlier in the game.
The Villa had quite got into their stride and it seemed pretty plain that if only they kept pegging at it they must inevitably score, and score they did. Hampton’s shot which gave them the lead being a magnificent one, and well worked for.
After this the Villa were distinctly the better side. Their forwards were nippy. In the second half the Villa were playing very near the top of their form, and Garratty goal was well earned. The game was contested in a spirited manner, and during the second half it was evident that the visitors were not to have it quite all their own way. It was George’s fault that Abbott scored for Everton. They might of course, have scored all the same in the end, for the Villa were in grave peril; but he showed a lack of judgement in running out at that moment. During the last portion of the last half the Everton men were playing smartly, and an equalising goal was being eagerly looked forward to by the spectators, who were on the tiptoe of excitement. G. Wilson should have certainly scored when he had the chance. In the end, however, the Villa gained a striking triumph, on which should again instal them strong favourites in the country.

EVERTON 1 ASTON VILLA 2
September 24, 1906. The Liverpool Courier.
THE VILLA'S TRIUMPH.
EVERTON FAIL TO SATISEY.
Everton disappointed a crowd of about 35,000 people at Goodison-park' on Saturday when they had to acknowledge a two goals to one defeat by Aston Villa. The form exhibited on the Monday afternoon game with Notts County when the points were divided was not calculated to impress their supporters with a feeling of confidence in the side. At the same time there was the usual hope that when the Villa were met they would rise to the occasion and gave a display quite up to the high reputation which they have so long held in the football world. The conditions too, were altogether favourable for a fine exhibition of the Association game. There was a big crowd to spur on the players to their efforts, the weather was delightful, and the turf in as perfect a state as could be desired. Nevertheless Everton failed, and moreover, no one could begrudge the Villa their victory. This is only the fifth occasion upon which the famous Aston Villa has achieved success in League warfare with Everton in this city, and doubtless the triumph would be all the most welcome to then seeing that many well-known faces' were absent from the team which, with the exception of George, discarded the claret and light blue jerseys in favour of red.
FEATURES OF THE GAME.
Each club made one change from the sides, which represented them in their proceeding games. Makepeace came in again for Booth, while Garratty had his first chance of the season for Villa as inside right. Incidentally be it mentioned that he may be said to have justified his inclusion, inasmuch as to him belonged the honour of registering the second goal, which gave his side the victory. Everton started off in a fashion which raised great hopes of success, and if only quite early on a terrific shot from Sharp' had entered the net instead of grazing the post, there might have been a different story to tell. But this and other good efforts went astray, and the Villa finding their feet, the Everton defence had a bewilding few minutes. This culminated after play had been in progress rather less than half an hour, in Hampton scoring a lovely goal, the outcome of a delightful concerted attack in which Boden rendered his forwards excellent assistance at the critical moment. It was not at all pleasant to the Evertonians, who, despite energetic attempts, were still in a minority at the interval. Still, one remembered how the Blues have so often indulged in brilliant second half expositions, and so the crowd kept on wishing for the best. This time the Evertonians were unable to make much impression on the Villians, and when Garratty put on a second goal chiefly through a mistaken on the part of Makepeace, it was all up, as the popular saying goes, “bar the shouting” Everton, to their credit be it said, struck to their work, and great was the cheering when following a free kick, Abbott with his head directed the ball into the net. George having left his goal in a vain effort to obviate disaster. The Blues were not yet done with, and Sharp, after a grand run, gave G. Wilson the chance of a lifetime, which to the chargin of the spectators, he threw away in reckless style. Thus Everton dropped a couple of points.
HOW THEY LOST.
Faulty forward play was undoubtedly the reason of Everton's downfall. There was a want of balance and incisiveness in their methods. Yet they had more chances of scoring than the Villa, and it was tantalising to see fine opportunities thrown away time after time especially after one or other of the line had put in capital work. How the younger Wilson failed to equalise passes one's understanding. Still, he was not the only sinner. Bolton is not yet the Bolton of last season, and Young slipped about too much to be effective as a centre forward. Sharp was the best of the quintette. The brothers Wilson do not constitute a wing of the class of Settle and Hardman. On the halves, Makepeace was not in his happiest vain, although he put in some clever touches, but generally speaking, little fault could be found with the defence. On the Villa side, Walters and Bache formed the more effective wing. Boden and Greenhalgh were a tower of strength in the half-back line, and Howard Spencer still shows all his old judgement and resource. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Bolton, Young, D. Wilson. And G. Wilson, forwards. Aston Villa: - George, goal, Spencer, and Miles, backs, Greenhalgh, Boden, and Codling, half-backs, hall, Garratty, Hampton, Bache, and Walters, forwards. Referee W. Bailey.

THE VILLANS’ QUALITY
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 24 September 1906
He must be a poor sportsman who on Saturday witnessed the game between the Blues and the Villans and yet would not admit that the best team won. However carefully the game is dissected, it must only emphasise the fact that Aston Villa is at present a really clever, well-balanced team, which is extremely likely to occupy a very prominent position throughout the season. No doubt it is a serious matter for Everton to lose two points at home, but, poor consolation though it be, they surely lost them on their merits, or rather through the merit of their visitors. If the Goodison Park crowd must suffer the sting of witnessing the defeat of their colours they have quite enough sporting instinct to appreciate a slashing good game, such as delighted everyone on Saturday.
EVERTON’S EFFORTS
The Blues have the reputation of being classy in their forward work, though sometimes supine when they should show abundant vitality. Seldom have they put forth more effort to win a game than on Saturday,  but alas! though of energy there was plenty, the class was sadly lacking. After allowing full credit for the ability of the Birmingham defence, it must be candidly admitted that the home attack was always mediocre. Young was brimful of effort, but it was misdirected effort. His wings plied him with work as if he were a veritable Hercules, and Sandy responded gamely with unflagging courage. But what is a poor centre forward to do if his wings keep passing to him in the most difficult imaginable, and when a trio of opponents are dancing attendance.
EVERTON’S LEFT WING
The most severe critics of Harold Hardman will find it difficult to deny that he has speed, courage, and resource, but they attach great weight to the fact that Nature has been somewhat stingy in dealing out to him avoirdupois. But what about little Jimmy Settle, for by the same token he is lacking in inches? It has been common talk how tremendously lucky the Goodisonians were in having such high-class reserves as the Wilsons, who have been acting on the left wing. Well, the spectators have had a fair chance of judging the capacity of the brothers, and a good many of them have formed the opinion that the sooner the amateur and the football wizard resume operations the better. The newcomers had two difficult reputations to play up to, and it is very questionable whether any length of time will assist them in reaching the class of the absentees.
ABOUT THE RIGHT WING
So far this season Jack Sharp has not given by any means of his best, and it is probable that he will not be ripe until later on. Bolton somehow seems to have lost his subtleness. He and Settle were the master minds of the attack, the chief feature of which was subtlety. But where is that perfect understanding now? It is that Bolton is pining for the absent one, or is there an occult affinity between them which will be restored when Settle reappears? With regard to Sandy Young, he’s all right, and it is a thousand pities his wings are not showing a tithe of his eagerness and determination.
THE VILLANS’ ATTACK
Yes; the Villans’ attack is superb, and on Saturday it was in this department that they were palpably superior. Crelly and Balmer were continually in Queer-street, and Balmer was several times distinctly shaky. The Villans employed the short passing methods a great deal, and the understanding between the wing men was so perfect that their attack was harassing in the extreme to the home backs, who never seemed at ease, Balmer and Crelly were everlastingly chasing the Villans’ advancing line, and never seemed quite sure where the leather would be passed to next. The difference between the attitude of the two sets of backs was quite remarkable. Spencer and Miles seemed to have the Everton methods, or want of method, summed up exactly, and they waited calmy for the injudicious invaders, or else effectually prevented Young making use of any centres. So accurate was the judgment of the Villa janitor that their herculean custodian usually cleared at his leisure, and had not to deal with one really difficult shot, though several shots had him well beaten had they but had the right direction.
EVERTON’S ILL-LUCK
Although at no point of the game did the Blues look like winning, they might, had fortune favoured them, have shared the points, as the Villans had the second goal presented to them as the result of faulty defence, in which Balmer and Makepeace were the guilty parties. Walters carried the ball prettily up his wing, slipping Makepeace on the way. Almost on the goal-line Balmer joined in, and, wishing to avoid a corner, the Everton men tried to manoeuvre Walters out of the ball, which in the skirmishing came back to him, and the Villain centred very neatly to Garratty, who was lying almost in the goalmouth and beat Scott with ease.
CHANCES MISSED AND TAKEN
The Blues appeared to miss many favourable opportunities, but the real reason was the tenacity and soundness of the Villa defence. The most palpable miss, however, meant the loss of a point to the Blues. Sharp’s best effort of the match culminated in a perfect opening for G. Wilson at short range, but his marksmanship proved terribly disappointing. In contradistinction to Wilson’s failure may be quoted the perfect effort of Hampton, which completely baffled Scott, and was a fine example of brilliant shooting.

ASTON VILLA FINE PERFORMANCE
Birmingham Daily Post - Monday 24 September 1906
As elsewhere, Aston Villa proved a strong attraction at Goodison Park, and 35,000 to 40,000 people who patronised the game had excellent fare provided. There was another change on the visiting side, Garratty resuming his old position at inside right. With Settle nursing a broken finger, Everton played the brothers Wilson, who hail from the Hearts of Midlothian, on the left wing. Better conditions for football could not have been desired. The slight wind blowing did not effect the play of either side, and the sun broke through the hazy clouds at intervals only. Both teams were warmly greeted, and from the hearty manner in which George was cheered upon taking up his position in goal it was evident there was a large sprinkling of Villa supporters amongst the crowd. Everton first threatened danger, Sharp being in possession of the ball a dozen yards or so only from George, and with no other player to interfere with the accuracy of his aim, there was a shout of disappointment when he shot yards wide of the goal. It was not long before the home side were again attacking, the brisk pace set by the forwards keeping the Villa defenders busy, and after George had been called upon, offside against Sharp gave the Villa breathing space. Hampton opened up an attack on the Everton goal, and passing smartly to Walters, the latter lost his chance by attempting to back-heel the ball to Bache instead of running into goal. A keen tussle between Sharp and Miles, in which both showed clean and clever tactics, brought forth a hearty round of cheering, following which Balmer headed a centre from the Villa left wing straight into the hands of his own goalkeeper, who just managed to slip the ball over the bar. This was a narrow escape for Everton. The pace was kept up splendidly, and as the Villa warmed to their work it became almost a battle of giants for every player on the field threw himself heart and soul into the game. Hall tried to score through a crowd of opponents after some capital work on his wing, and in reply Balmer tried a shot from near the half-way line, which skimmed the Villa goal-bar. This the struggle went on, until at length Hampton finished up a series of clever passes between the forwards in front of goal by beating Scott with a fine shot. This success was beautifully conceived, Hampton’s judgment in allowing the ball to pass to Garratty in the first place being thoroughly sound, seeing that he himself was “marked.” This was the only goal obtained in the first half, and the Villa thoroughly deserved this by reason of their superior smartness and precision round the posts. When Garratty scored the second point from a centre of Walter’s by gently tapping the ball into the net the game appeared to be as good as won, but Everton made a wonderful rally, and with a quarter of an hour to go, Abbott having already scored for his side, anything might have happened. A slight misunderstanding between George and Miles had allowed Abbott to dash up when the Villa goal was crowded, and withy George unable to reach the ball through the press, Everton were credited with a somewhat lucky point. The home players strove with desperate energy in the closing stages, but they were met just as resolutely, for there could be no mistaking the earnestness with which every man on the Villa side worked. It was a hard, ding-dong fight up to the very last minute, and when the Villa retired victors by two to one they were heartily cheered by the crowd. Throughout the game, indeed, the spectators were most impartial, Howard Spencer being a prime favourite. That the best team won will not for a moment be denied. As a side they were not quite so sturdy, perhaps and they were certainly no faster with the ball, Sharp in this respect being the outstanding figure. Where the Villa showed a marked superiority, however, was in strenuousness and cohesion, and it is no flattery to the Villa men to say that a better team of workers has never, probably, gone on the field in Villa jerseys. With the understanding between the men becoming more complete, this earnestness at endeavour is bound to tell its tale. The short and long passing, admirably mixed, puzzled the opposing defence, and when not in possession of the ball themselves the Villa men were quickly alongside their opponents. Every player on the side deserves a share of the prises for obtaining no notable a victory, and the only note of perusal reference that need be appended is to say that Garratty strengthened the right wing by his experience and judicious feeling. With the defence sound, the attack sprightly and unselfish, the Villa’s movement always commanded attention. There was little wrong with the Everton defence, but the forwards were not quite the class we are accustomed to see wearing the Everton colours. Young made a poor pivot, neglecting his wings glorious. Sharp and G. Wilson, the extreme wingers, were the best forwards while Bolton was only a shade better than D. Wilson who was very disappointing. Taylor gave Hampton little latitude, and the Villa centre forward must already he suffering from a few bruises. Makepeace was the most affective of the halves and Balmer the better of the backs. Scott had no chance with the scoring shots.

ALL-CONQUERING VILLA
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 24 September 1906
TWO VALUABLE POINTS FROM CUP-HOLDERS
EVERTON 1 ASTON VILLA 2
By “Astonian.”
Aston Villa are pleasing their supporters. Though quite in keeping with their present triumphant career a win at Goodison Park is yet another feather in the cap of the Villa. As in the case of visits to Sunderland the Villa have found it hard to obtain points out of Everton at home. The clubs have faced one another at Liverpool in nineteen League matches. Out of these Everton have won thirteen, there was one draw, and on Saturday the Villa obtained their fifth win on foreign soil against their doughty opponents. The Villa won as the result of good play; their victory was no easy one but it was none the less deserved. There was a considerable continent of Villa supporters at the ground, and these cheered the men from Aston on to victory. But cheers not only came from the boys who have travelled from Birmingham, the Everton spectators are good sportsmen and are ready to appreciate good play when they see it, whether it be for or against their favourite team.
VILLA START SLOWLY
A singular feature of the game was that though the Villa gained so striking a triumph, they were distinctly disappointing at first. They were a terribly long while getting into their stride and one would have had no hesitation in naming the winning team. It would not have been the Villa. All at once they pulled themselves together and though Everton gave them a good game, from this time forward it was seen that the Villa were the better team. True, with a little luck Everton might have equalised, but both winners and losers have the satisfaction of knowing that the better side won. There was plenty of excitement all through the game. In the early stages it seemed more than probable that Everton would open the scoring; in fact very few in a crowd which numbered nearly 40,000 spectators expected otherwise. The crowd roared, as football crowds do roar, when it seems likely that the play will end in some good result, but the roars faded away when, by the stubborn defence offered to the home forwards, the Everton men found “their currents turn awry and lose the name of action.” When the Villa did really start to play there was a determination about their movements which boded ill for the other side. Hampton was a conspicuous figure in the front line, and he was admirably supported by the others. Walters also giving an excellent display.
HAMPTON’S BEAUTIFUL GOAL
In the excitement of the moment Balmer very nearly let his own side down, for in trying to save a shot from Walters he headed against the crossbar. It seemed as though something must come from the Villa’s persistent attacks, for there was real grit about the men, who appeared to be most determined and resolute. Hampton’s goal, which came at the end of thirty minutes’ play, was a magnificent one. When he met the ball he was running across the field parallel with the goal, but he made a prompt right turn and the ball was in the net before one could say Jack Robinson. Needless to say the Vilal men were delighted at this success and wrung Hampton’s hand heartily. For they had worked for success and obtained it. Towards the end of the half Everton made a vigorous attempt to equalise but all to no purpose. The second half opened with rosy prospects for the Villa, for though George had been kept fairly busy he had no particularly hot shots to stop.
GARRATTY SIGNALISES HIS RETURN
In the first half Hampton had met with a slight mishaps and early in the second half there was a delay through Hampton being again injured. The Villa centre-forward had been playing fine football, and the spectators cheered loudly when it was found that he was able to resume; his loss at this moment would have been a serious blow to the Villa. There was joy in the Villa camp when Garratty justified his inclusion in the team by improving the Villa lead. The home supporters were disappointed when a terrific shot from D. Wilson went whizzling over the crossbar, but groans gave place to cheers when a minute or two later Abbott put the ball into the net. This success on the part of Everton followed a free kick in their favour resulting in the ball going well in. George did a very risky thing in running out when he should have left the backs to clear, and Abbott put the ball promptly into the net when there was no one there to stop it. Two-one!
With a quarter of an hour to play Everton still had a chance to equalise, and in expectation of this event the spectators were worked up to a high pitch of excitement. For a short period the game was full of possibilities. There was at least one brilliant forward movement on the part of the Everton men, the ball passing from one to the other with delightful precision. G. Wilson ought certainly to have scored, for George had again left the goal, and a well-directed shot must have succeeded. The Everton supporters were on the point of cheering, but there went forth an “Oh!” of disappointment, for Wilson sent the ball right across the goalmouth. After this the Villa little anxiety; they were easily better than their opponents and achieved one of their most notable victories. The game was a particularly attractive one, the visitors playing very near the top of their form. The inclusion of Garratty in the team was a wise move on the part of the Villa selection committee, for no one works harder and more intelligently. Miles was steady and ready; Spencer had regained something like his old form.
STAR OF THE HALVES
Greenhalgh was the star of the Villa halves and the Everton team have a high opinion of his tackling and dodging abilities; at times his play was of the brilliant order, and he was rarely or ever at fault. The visiting forwards were a good, even lot. All did their share of the work, and to no one more than another can credit be accorded for the goals obtained; the actual scorers were prompt, swift, and sure. The forward play of the home side, though admirable at times, was on the whole rather disappointing. One would have expected something better from a team enjoying such a reputation as the English Cup holders possess. The half-back line was the strength of the team. The backs proved a sturdy pair at first, but after a time the Villa forwards did not find them such terrible obstacles after all. Balmer’s big kicks were really very fine though, and he very nearly scored with a huge effort from beyond the half-way mark, which was a long way from being spent as it passed over the crossbar. Scott played well, and George was great at fisting out. He could not control the desire to be in the midst of the fight, and previous successes in getting the ball away encouraged him to run dangerous risks.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 24 September 1906
The first of the annual contests with the Midland clubs has ended disastrously for our premier teams, and Everton and Liverpool are still in the bad graces of their supporters. There will certainly have to be an improvement if Everton and Liverpool are to do anything like as well as they did last season. Three points out of three matches played at Goodison-park is not at all satisfactory from an Everton point of view.
On Saturday it was hoped the Blues would improve on their Notts County form, but they failed, and disappointed the greater part of the 35,000 people who were present at the match. They had just as much of the game as the winners, but chances of scoring were simply thrown away. It must be admitted, however, that the Villa gained their points by really good play. This is the fifth occasion the famous clarets have been successful at Goodison-park. Faulty forward play was undoubtedly the reason of Everton’s downfall. There was a want of balance and incisiveness in their methods. Yet they had more chances of scoring than had the Villa, and it was tantalising to see fine opportunities thrown away time after time, especially after one or other of the line had put in capital work. How the younger Wilson failed to equalise passes one’s understanding. Still, he was not the only sinner. Bolton is not yet the Bolton of last season, and Young slipped about too much to be effective as a centre forward. Sharp was the best of the quintette.
The brothers Wilson do not constitute a wing of the class of Settle and Hardman. Of the halves, Makepeace was not in his happiest vein, although he put in some clever touches; but generally speaking, little fault could be found with the defence. On the Villa side, Walters and Bache formed the more effective wing, Boden and Greenhalgh were a tower of strength in the half-back line, and Howard Spencer still shows all this old judgement and resource.
A Birmingham critic writing about the Everton-Villa game says;- It was a hard, ding-dong fight up to the very last minute, and when the Villa retired victors by two to one they were heartily cheered by the crowd. Throughout the game, indeed, the spectators were most impartial, Howard Spencer being a prime favourite. That the best team won will not be for a moment denied. As a side they were not quite so sturdy, perhaps, and they were certainly no faster with the ball, Sharp in this respect being the outstanding figure. Where the Villa showed a marked superiority, however, was in strenuousness and cohesion, and it is no flattery to the Villa men to say that a better team of workers has never, probably, gone on the field in Villa jerseys. With understanding between the men becoming more complete, this earnestness of endeavour is bound to tell its tale. The short and long passing, admirably mixed, puzzled the opposing defence, and when not in possession of the ball themselves the Villa men were quickly alongside their opponents. The spectators at Everton cheered the clever work that led up to Aston Villa’s first goal on Saturday, and so appreciative were they that the storm of applause burst out again spontaneously as the players lined up in the centre of the field. This is a compliment of the sportsmen who visit Goodison-park.

“A TALE OF TWO CITIES”
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 September 1906
BOTH LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUBS BEATEN AGAIN
Bee
After our reading of the tale we see end. For the second week in succession the Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs bearing badly their illustrious titles (the one “League Champions,” the other “F.A. Cup-holders”) were left empty-handed on Saturday. Birmingham proved its superiority over the Mersey city representatives by the same margins in each case, namely, 2-1, and in each instance the victors gained the laurels by reason of match-winning forwards, who forsook pattern-cutting for practical nippy, quickly-engineered movements with a final shot. For ten minutes Everton gave the Goodison crowd glimpses of the form they can display if they “feel a-that-ways.” The Villa defence could not find their feet in this period, and it was then that the Blues should have forced their attack to advantage. That they had on early misfortune cannot be ignored entirely. Everybody knows the value of an early and opening goal, and had that cross ground shot which Sharp drove in been at a trifle narrower angle George would have picked the ball from the back of the network, for he was all through the movement beaten palpably. As it was, the ball out the toe of the upright, and travelled over the line-outside. Then came a change more than startling and more than sudden. It was instantaneous, and, even admitting that the first half provided us with an excellent exhibition of that which is brightest and best in football art, I don’t think I ever saw the Everton forwards demonstrate their lack of judgment. In turn each of the forwards showed himself capable of beating one of the members of the opposition. Yet, with the exception of the extreme wingmen, there was no method in their ambition to reach the goalmouth and its precincts. They were slow and cumbersome, and as for combined movements there were none, and Young and Bolton clung to the ball. I hope the man will take a lesson from their adversaries, and that Young’s is only a temporary lapse of form. The centre was quite off his game, and floundered and fell like a veritable novices. Bolton somewhat improved his Notts County form. It was only a slight improvement, and with John Sharp in his best form it was a pity the inside man did not attend to the cricketer’s wants. Last week there were many people who alleged that the Scotchman starved Sharp abominably. In consequence I arranged with my deputy to keep an account of the passes received by Sharp from his right-wing partner. The figures were surprising. Only five times did Sharp receive a pass from Bolton. Yet Sharp was the one man of the five in form. It’s worth pondering over. Does a footballer use his judgement? Having found themselves incapable of doing anything of value, and having seen Sharp sprint and centre in deadly fashion why did they not work the outside right instead of plodding along and working the left wing almost to death? The line, as a line was completely out of gear. The Wilsons played fairly well- no quite so well as we expected them to do, but certainly without discredit. The younger brother missed a glorious chance on one occasion. He was not the only sinner in this respect. Abbott was the best of the half-backs, Taylor being flurried and not scrupulous now and again, while the match will ever be remembered as that in which Harry Makepeace made an irretrievable blunder. He dribbled within five yards of Scott, was robbed and the outcome of it all was that Garratty added one to Hampton’s beautiful, effort, which came about by one of the prettiest movements one could wish to see. Codling and Bache were initiators of the idea, and the ball was transferred from foot to foot with unerring accuracy, and always on the ground. The Everton halves attempted too much. It was not necessary for them to pass and repass between their three selves. Their duty was neglected; they should have given the ball to the best-placed wing man, who could then have made ground apace. The backs and goalkeeper were in capital trim, and Balmer must have sighed thankfully as he saw the Celt jump up and save the ball that flew from Balmer’s head.
Villa have a match-winning forward line. Business-like and bustling are their movements, and they have adopted another new style-that of back-heeling. Of course, back heeling is old; but as practised frequently by those Reds-(Villa have worn these jersey three times this season)-it is a new style, and certainly it got more than one forward out of a tangle on Saturday. The quintet played well, and were backed up by a trio of halves whose characteristics are indomitable pluck and much vim. The backs are a grand pain and the goalkeeper lately a venturesome spirit, who will give goals away again if he runs out so far. Miles headed out once when on the goalmouth, and the goal that Abbott did score was netted when George had run out wide and stumbled against and knocked down Miles. Certainly the great match of next Saturday presents now a bigger puzzle than ever it did.

BEE’S NOTEBOOK
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 25 September 1906
CORRESPONDENTS SUGGESTS CHANGES IN LOCAL TEAMS
The meeting of Everton and Liverpool at Anfield is the topic of the week. The way sensible arrangement by which the home side will fill the big stand is already being largely enjoyed. Tickets alone will gain admission to this stand, and these (at 3s and 1s 6d) have been selling excellently. As will be men from our advertising columns they are to be obtained in the centre of the city. Extra special endeavours are being pout forth to make the Oakfield-road bank more accommodating. The huge wall of earth has been termed “Spion Kop,” and no doubt this name will always be used in future inst referring to this “spot.”
Liverpool sports people are never found lacking where charity and honour are they causes proclaimed. A short life in the Mersey city has proved this assertion to me, and I claim to have been engaged directly or indirectly with a number of movements which come under the heading of charity or honour.
Did not the football people of this city subscribe well over £130 to the sufferers by the reason of the tug disaster? This is only one of the numerous cases of ready aid, and for honours cause it is only necessary to recollect the response to appeals for the benefiters by benefit matches, and the support which led to a young fellow gaining the Royal Humans Society’s medal. Then all charity is honour. I make a very special appeal to Liverpool sportsmen -none other than the sportsman should read these lines. The appeal concerns a worthy warrior who has given the local football crowds of his very best, and has delayed his benefit with characteristic generosity so that other players might have their harvest first, and I should say that Dunlop has lost slightly by this “putting off” because, instead of his club being at the top of its form it is preforming most moderately. Many people have expressed a desire to contribute to a fund for Dunlop’s benefit, and so I will start at once. Contributions, however, small, will be acknowledged in this column from time to time. I have some 6d 1s and 2s tickets for sale for the match, which is on October 13.
Two Saturdays and not a point! No wonder letters from club members are being sent me numerously. One of the Blues well-wishers writes in this strain;- Your columns lately have been much taken up with criticism of the Liverpool team. Surely this week one has a right to note the failings of the Blues. Anyone who has seen the games played at home this year must be convinced of the feebleness of the inside forwards. Bolton has been completely off his game, and I would humbly suggest that it is now time to give a trial to Graham, who has been playing so well with the reserves. The loss of Settle has caused a great weakness on the left wing; but do you really think that G. Wilson is a better man than Hardman? I should like to see the following team given a trial until Settle is able to resume;- Scott; Balmer and Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor and Abbott; Sharp, Graham, Young, Cooke, and Hardman. D. Wilson is clearly not class enough for an eleven with the reputation of Everton. He seems to have no idea of slinging the ball over to the right wing. There were countless occasions on Saturday on which a judicious pass to Sharp would have been far better than keeping the ball close. Whenever the cricketer was given the ball he almost invariably put across a good centre, which was unaccountably missed by the inside man. Finally, I don’t think Hardman would have missed the chance of a lifetime given to G. Wilson. For these reasons I for one would much prefer to see Cooke and Hardman operating on the left wing next Saturday.”

ROYAL VISIT
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 26 September 1906
The keenest interest us being evinced by the citizens of Liverpool in to-morrow’s Royal visit, and the various functions in which her Royal Highness, Princess Louise, and her husband, the Duke of Argyll, together with the Earl and Countess of Derby, will take part. The unveiling of the fine statue in St. George’s crescent, in memory of Queen Victoria will, of course, rank as the principal event of the day’s programme, and this will be attended by a large gathering, including the Lord Major and Lady Mayoress (Alderman and Mrs. Ball), the members of the Executive Committee, who have had the scheme in hand, and members of the City Council. All that is required to make the ceremony a success is a fine day, and so far there seems every prospect that it will be thus favoured.

PLAY HARDMAN AND G. WILSON ON THE LEFT AGAINST THE REDS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 26 September 1906
Bee
Everton are training enthusiastically for Saturday’s great match. The team has not yet been chosen, but it can be stated without fear of contradiction that Settle will be unable to turn out, and I fancy it will be three weeks or more ere he is well enough to take the field again. However, good news comes from Blackpool that Hardman is fit for the fray and yearning to play. In a contest of the character of the “local Derby day” I should say it is wise to play members of mental balance. Some of the changes suggested by my correspondents this week have been arrived at without a thought to the excessive excitement which is bound to permeate their air of Anfield. I am not disposed in my summing up of these letters to concur with the alterations. Young should not be moved in my opinion, because he has played but one bad game in five, and we all know he keeps a little bit of good stuff up his sleeve for Raisbeck’s especial benefit; neither should Bolton, after his slight improvement of Saturday. The left is the trouble and I would solve it this wise; Play hardman at the outside left, and George Wilson as his partner. The wing would then be composed of weight on the one hand, and speed and indomitable pluck on the other hand, and I feel that this partnership would give the left half a bust time. There is a great diversity of opinion as to the exact circumstances which led up to the Villa’s second goal on Saturday. I am informed by those who were nearest the scene of the “blunder,” that Makepeace kicked the ball just over the goalline, thus giving a corner, but he quickly hooked the ball back into the field of play, and Walters obtaining, he centred for Garratty to score. The other idea that Makepeace, after robbing Walters, put the ball across the goal to Garratty is not correct.

LIVERPOOL; ITS CASTLE AND FREEMAN
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 27 September 1906
THE VICTORIA MEMORIAL’S SIGNIFICANCE
By William Joseph Yeoman
The site of the long-delayed memorial in Liverpool to England’s great Queen is unique in more ways than one.  It could not have been more happily chosen from a spectacular standpoint. The statue will occupy the position of inter-section of four of the principal streets, and command alike the attention of townsfolk and strangers. Although Victoria requites no monument, stored or otherwise, to perpetuate her memory, the tribute is significant, effective, and pleasing.  The fitness of the archaeological associations of the situation is also great. “What nonsense,” some people will remark.  “Liverpool may be a great seaport, a not inconsiderable city, but the place is quite modern for all that.  It’s history is off to-day and yesterday- not much further back. It has no past, glorious or inglorious! A fishing hamlet not long ago, a dreary salt marsh, a desolate swamp, with no record- good or bad! The taunt is an unpleasant one, if true, but can it be substantiated? Much of our nomenclature ius suggestive. The five Calder stones carry us back to the Stone Period, long centuries before the Celts appeared. Appellations of Cymric origin, such as Tew Brook, are not uncommon. In the sixth century our own race- the Anglo-Saxon-occupied the district and erected tumuli to their head men on Brownlow-hill and Low-hill. Three hundred years later they were supplanted by the Danes, who fixed their seat of justice at Thingwall, a few miles from Liverpool.
Our noble river, the Mersey, is mentioned in 1004, when Ethelred was king, and it may very reasonably be conjectured that the origin of its name is connected with the Kingdon of Mercia, which it bounded on the north. In the eleventh century, Smithdown-lane (Smethes Dune-lane) is referred to in Doomsday Book.
In 1207 King John became possessed of Liverpool and granted a charter to the town. Few other places in the kingdom have so ancient a record, nor, indeed, so munificent a one. For this charter granted liberties and free customs to all who should take burgages-i.e., dwelling-houses, in the town of Liverpul. Perhaps our registered chronological date extends even further back. For we are informed that quite recently two older charters have bene discovered, and that the earlier of these, though undated, was probably executed about 1192 or 1193.
Liverpool Castle was built by King John. Blome says that it was erected under the monarch’s personal supervision during his stay here whilst waiting for a favourable wind to carry him to Ireland. This is likely enough, though there does not seem to be any definite evidence of the visit. The Victoria Memorial will be erected where the Castle first rose 700 years ago. It was a structure covering a space of more than fifty square yards within the walls. A deep moat of ten yards in width ran outside. The building consisted of four round Norman towers joined by curtain walls with battlements, and contained a well, an audience chamber, and various other apartments and offices. At a later date, three more bastions were added, so that the fortress must have been of some consequence in  medieval times. The front of the building faced Castle-street then a road five yards wide. The fosse on this side of the Castle ran under the present site of the North and South Wales Bank, and the entrance gate-outside of which, of course, lay the drawbridge-was flanked by two embattled towers. On the west side of the Castle a subterranean passage was cut through the solid rock, under the bed of the present James-street, down to the water’s edge, to form a line of retreat in times of danger. Portions of this passage remain intact to-day.
In 1215 Liverpool Castle -was provisioned to withstand the attacks of the whose bold front ultimately led to the signing of Magna Charta. Edward II stayed here in 1323, and Wilham III garrisoned the castle on his way to Ireland in 1690. Shakespeare's brave John o Gaunt, time-honoured Lancaster, was patron of the Castle, and the ancestors of the Sefton family have been constables of the fortress custodians of its fortunes. Indeed, from 1446 the office descended from father to son in this ancient Liverpool house.
The Castle was besieged three times In 1643 Lord Molyneuxgarrisoned Liverpool for the Royalists, but Colonel Assheton assaulted and captured the fortress, took 300 prisoners and ten guns, and killed eighty of the defenders. In 1644 (June 16th) the fortunes of war were reversed, for the redoubtable Prince Rupert, assisted by Caryl, Lord Molyneux, stormed the town, and the Castle was surrendered to the Royalists again. It is said that the Prince induced his opponents to yield up the fortress on a promise of quarter, and that he treacherously slew them after they had laid down their arms. However this may be, the parliamentary leaders had a speedy vengeance, for Liverpool was besieged a third time on the 20th August following. After holding out until the 4th November, the Royalists capitulated, in the meantime having endured many hardships, and been on the point of starvation through lack of food. Sir John Meldrum was Cromwell’s victorious General on this occasion, and his captives included two colonels, two lieutenant-colonels, three majors fourteen captains, and a large quantity of ordnance, arms, and ammunition. But evil days were upon the brave old structure, and in 1659 an order was mace for its destruction. The restoration of Charles II however, stayed the work of demolition for a time, and it was not until 1726 that the hoary walls finally disappeared. Thus for more than 500 years the stout citadel withstood the stress  of storm and food and the assaults of men, only to succumb at length beneath the pressure of civil circumstances and the demands of an increasing commerce.
Until nearly the end of the eighteenth century bull-baiting was regularly indulged in by the townspeople upon part of the land where the Castle had previously stood. But although witches were severely punished, and women were publicly ducked in a pond not far away, this form of amusement was both sanctioned and encouraged. A pillory and stocks were for a long period conspicuous objects to the passers-by, and hither also the market was removed from the north-end of Castle-street, and called the Stocks Market from the association. A very interesting memento of a custom prevalent in connection with the old market still remains intact in Castle-street, and it is hoped it may be preserved as carefully in the future as heretofore. Ten yards out from the north-easterly point of Parr’s Bank a circular, roughly-hewn blue stone indicates one of the bounds of the ancient Liverpool fairs. Between this point and Stanley-street lay the Liverpool Alsatia or sanctuary. For a  period of ten days before the fair-time and during and for ten days after no persons could be taken for debt if he were coming to market. The munificent character of King John’s charter to Liverpool has been alluded to. This has a most important bearing on the history of freemen of our city. Under it all who occupied burgages were granted liberties and free customs. In other words, they became freemen. Henry III., in 1229, granted a fresh charter, which created a mercatorial guild to the burgesses then in possession of houses and their heirs and no person who did not belong to this guild could transact business in the borough without the consent of the same burgesses. This was hampering trade with a vengeance in favour of private prerogative. Any fresh comers to the town were obliged to pay heavy fines to be admitted to the guild ere they could follow their occupations.
It was not until the time of Henry VIII that these privileges of the old burgage tenants were abolished. Down to the year 1760 the right to trade in Liverpool by settlers there could only be obtained by purchase. After this date the restriction was removed, and any stranger might come to the town and follow his business, subject only to the payment of town dues. If a man wished to become a freeman and be exempt from these town dues, he could purchase this immunity on payment of a fine. This, however, did not work satisfactorily, and the right to the degree of a freeman by purchase was abolished. Since the end of the eighteenth century the prerogative has signified an honourable distinction merely, and is conferred on those whom the community wishes to invest with the highest dignity in its power. The memory of ancient landmarks and archaic structure should be perpetuated if possible. An inscription on the base of the Victoria Memorial having reference to its erection on the former site of Liverpool castle would enhance the value and interest of the monument in the eyes of many persons, and strangers would feel our city to be endowed with a historic consequence in some respects which few people imagine her to possess.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 27 September 1906
The first of the season’s local “Derby days” on Saturday promises to attract quite as much interest as any of the previous league battles which have been fought between Everton and Liverpool. In fact there will be additional excitement over this encounter, as the elevens meet as holders of the highest honours of the football world.
True, our local champions have met on a previous occasion since they won the English Cup and League championship respectively, but that was not a league match. It will be remembered that the occasion referred to was the final of the Liverpool Cup at Goodisonpark, and that the Reds win by two goals to nil. League warfare, however, is different, and the supporters of the “Reds” and “Blues” will be anxious to see how their favourites fare in the first league meeting on Saturday. The game is bound to be keenly contested right to the finish, especially as both teams are badly in need of points. Neither side has shown their very best form so far this season, but it is expected that the players will put in all they know on this occasion to gain victory for their club. Whether both points will got to Everton or Liverpool, or that they will be divided, one is not prepared to say, in fact the match, on paper, looks a very open affair when one considers the form displayed recently by the elevens. One thing is certain, we shall have the pleasure of the Mersey city gaining points whatever happens-an event which has not occurred for two weeks in succession.
The new enclosure of the Liverpool Club will have a real test of its holding capacity on Saturday, and it is probable that every inch of space will be occupied. The stands’ tickets are in great demand, and a large number have already been disposed of, so that those who desire a comfortable place should lose no time in securing tickets, which can be had from Messrs. Suggs, Sharp and Bullock.
The Liverpool directors are making a couple of changes in their team from last Saturday-a step which was not altogether unexpected. Parry has been given a rest, and his place will be taken by Robinson, whilst Parkinson will resume at inside right. Raybould owing to domestic trouble is not yet able to resume, and therefore Carlin will partner Cox. The team is as follows;-
Hardy; Saul and Dunlop; Robinson, Raisbeck, and Bradley; Goddard, Parkinson, Hewitt, Carlin, and Cox.
Ince Settle was injured the front line of the Everton team seems to have been disorganised, and now the Everton directors are going to try a new experiment. H.P. Hardman will be able to resume at outside left, G. Wilson. The latter is such a good player that one expects him to adapt himself to the inside position to the advantage of his side. Everton team;- Scott; Balmer and Crelly; Makepeace, Taylor and Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, G. Wilson, H.P Hardman.

THE CHOSEN 22
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 September 1906
LIVERPOOL AND EVERTON CLUBS MAKE CHANGES
Bee
A large number of team-makers have written me on the Everton and Liverpool teams, and especially interesting were the epistles from “A Workingman and Lover of Sport,” who winds up by wishing good luck to Everton, and also to Liverpool (“Echo”) and “A Suggester” and “Liverpudlian.” But it is not necessary now to publish these letters, as the teams of the respective clubs were chosen last night, and they pas out as follows;-
Liverpool.- Hardy; Saul and Dunlop; Robinson, Raisbeck, and Bradley; Goddard, Parkinson, Hewitt, Carlin, and Cox.
Everton.- Scott; W. Balmer and Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, G. Wilson, and H.P. Hardman. Reserve Cooke.
These, to my mind, are admirable selections, and I am to note that Everton are giving a trial to the left wing which was suggested in these columns yesterday. The other portion of the team, as expected, is the same as that which was beaten by Aston Villa.
Liverpool are resting Parry, who has unfortunately lost his form. It is a great pity that he has, so far, been unable to show that skill of which everyone knows him capable. Still, a rest will do him good, and I doubt not that in a week or so he will return, fit and well, and give glimpses of his Welsh international form. The directors have chosen Robinson to fill his boots, and from the way Robinson performed in this position as Preston last year, I think there will be no cause for fear with regard to the position of right half.

THE GREAT MATCH
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 28 September 1906
MANY CHANGES FOR THE FOOTBALL “DERBY”
Owing to the failure of the two Liverpool football clubs, it was quite expected that there would be changes in the constitution of the teams. The expectation has been fulfilled, and the following are the elevens chosen to battle in the great match at Anfield on Saturday;-
Liverpool.- Hardy; Saul and Dunlop; Robinson, Raisbeck, and Bradley; Goddard, Parkinson, Hewitt, Carlin, and Cox.
Everton.- Scott; W. Balmer and Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, G. Wilson, and H.P. Hardman. Reserve Cooke.
Liverpool are resting Parry, who has unfortunately lost his form. It is a great pity that he has, so far been unable to show that skill of which everyone knows him capable. Still, the rest will do him good. The directors have chosen Robinson to fill his boots. Parkinson, who is now completely recovered from the kick he received in the Stoke match, will act as Goddard’s partner, and with Carlin again appearing instead of Raybould, whose cosmetic trouble has not been righted, the attacking line should prove a fast one. West is deputised by Saul.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 28 September 1906
Apart from the great local battle which is take place at Anfield to-morrow, there are to several very attractive fixtures to be delayed. Space is very limited to-day however, these notes must be cut short. With regard to the local Derby there is nothing to the particulars which appeared in is column yesterday. There is not likely be any changes from the teams already announced. Intending spectators are reminded to get to the ground as early as possible. There is to be the usual big crowd to see the match of the day, and the gates will be opened at 1.30 and the kick off is at 3.30, so there is a solid two hours to allow spectators to get in.
Liverpool v Everton
League match at Anfield, 3.30
Liverpool; Hardy; Saul and Dunlop; Robinson, Raisbeck, and Bradley; Goddard, Parkinson, Hewitt, Carlin, and Cox.
Everton; Scott; Balmer and Crelly; Makepeace, Taylor and Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, G. Wilson, and H.P. Hardman.
Everton Reserve v Stalybridge Rovers
At Goodison-park; 3.30
Everton; Sloan; Hill and Stevenson; Black, Chadwick, and Donaldson; Donnachie, Graham, Jones, Thomas and Butler.

CHANCES OF THE LIVERPOOL AND EVERTON CLUBS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 September 1906
Bee
SURPRISING DILLY ALLEGATION
Full forty thousand people will probably be at Anfield to-morrow. It all depends upon the weather. If it is fine not one of the forty thousand will be absent, and it will have to be a torrential downpour, I opine, to prevent a record crowd putting in an appearance. Everton disciples who have longed to witness the encounters between Reds and Blues have in former years had to be content with either an impeded view or with catch-words exclaimed by those in front who could view the struggle of the Titans. And then there was always a risk attached, two in fact; first, he might scurry across the park, and, when, having in breathless haste, buried to the turnstiles, his eyes meet the unusual notice for a football ground; “Full,” or, as Harry Lauder puts it, “Aw fu.” The second and greater risk, that of meeting with accident, was the most weighty with all visitors. Thanks to the broad, forceful policy adopted by the go-ahead directors, the danger in past; visitors to Anfield, whether on the giddy heights of Spion Kop, or on the lowland terraces, where one can see players’ foot movements so perfectly, can be sure that they are safe. Then 40,000 people will take a few hours to pass through the numerous turnstiles, so the idea of being too late does not enter intending spectators’ minds. Anfield will surprise all who are on their first visit there. And coming to the result, will there be a surprise here, too? Whichever side wins we shall feel grateful that the fixture card fixer, Mr. Fletcher, has drawn the two local football organisations in combat on this coming Saturday. He has by so doing prevented the record run of six points being lost by each of the city’s representatives in three weeks. With the high titles bestowed upon them by reason of the memorable season 1905-6 there would have been consternation previously unknown if the teams had each been defeated on the 22nd. However, that cannot be. We bless you, Mr. Fletcher, for your foresight.
Mr. Alfred Green, the gentleman who referred the Liverpool and Sunderland match earlier in the season, is again visiting Anfield, and will take charge of the players. He knows something of the practical side of football, does Mr. Green, and of its management too, for he does good work for West Bromwich Albion, who, I am sorry to note, have dropped Dilly, the ex-Everton player. In plain language (and the directors have not minced matters, having publicly told it abroad), Dilly was considered to be lazy, and they decided to leave him out awhile. It will be a matter worthy of notice if there is occasion to throw down the ball in the great match.
There is no reason to refer to results of past matches between the two clubs, but it may be useful to point out that Everton have nearly always had the upper hand, and one Liverpool official said on the occasion of the last League beating. “Pon my word, if you were to dress a team of schoolboys up in blue jerseys and white knickers, and called them Everton, they could whack Liverpool.” Last season Everton won at Goodison by four goals two, and draw at Anfield on Good Friday, the scores being one each, and the Reds drawing level by the aid of a penalty. There is little fresh to report from headquarters. The tickets are going like wild-fire, says Mr. Watson, and I would remind ticket-holders and shareholders that they must be in their places by 3.15.
The Everton men have been to Freshfield and other outlying districts for walks, and are reported in the best of health.
There was a rumour spread in the North-end last night that Graham would play in the forward line. This is untrue. I am asked to state that fifteen minutes scores of the match at Anfield will be posted at Goodison.

FIRST OF THE TWO “DERBIES” PLAYED TODAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 29 September 1906
All football talk has centred itself upon the Red-jerseyed and Blue-clad men who bear the illustrious titles of League Champions and Cup-holders respectively. Had these teams been placed right at the foot of the Football league ladder last Saturday and each had not won a solitary match during the present tournament, there would have been no perceptible difference. The Evertonian would have been as sanguine as the staunchest Liverpolitan that his favourites would win in the first of the annual contests between Everton and Liverpool. With Anfield now capable of holding 40,000 spectators, it is expected that to-day the real holding capacity will be put top a thorough test.
The following are the teams
Liverpool; Hardy; Saul and Dunlop; Robinson, Raisbeck, and Bradley; Goddard, Parkinson, Hewitt, Carlin, and Cox.
Everton; Scott; Balmer and Crelly; Makepeace, Taylor and Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, G. Wilson, and H.P. Hardman.
The selection of the teams has been a matter which has been discussed fully by probably all the 40,000 people who will visit Anfield, and the general consensus of opinion is favourable to the choice made, though there are those who are anticipating that G. Wilson and Hardman is an experimental wing which will not work. That remains to be seen. Certain it is that excitement will run riot.
There is no reason to refer to results of past matches between the two clubs, but it may be useful to point out that Everton have nearly always had the upper hand, and one Liverpool official said on the occasion of the last League beating.  “’ Pon my word, if you were to dress a team of schoolboys up in blue jerseys and white knickers, and called them Everton, they could whack Liverpool.” Last season Everton won at Goodison by four goals two, and draw at Anfield on Good Friday, the scores being one each, and the Reds drawing level by the aid of a penalty. There is little fresh to report from headquarters. The tickets are going like wild-fire, says Mr. Watson, and I would remind ticket-holders and shareholders that they must be in their places by 3.15.
The Everton men have been to Freshfield and other outlying districts for walks, and are reported in the best of health.
There has been a suggestion that Graham would play in the forward line. This is untrue. 

LIVERPOOL v  EVERTON
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 29 September 1906
GREAT LEAGUE GAME AT ANFIELD
By Telephone
LIVERPOOL OPEN THE SCORE
Delightful weather ushered in the Liverpool football “Derby Day” assuring an immense assembly at the new Anfield ground. No other events come near the annual meetings of the “Reds and Blues” for intensity of interest, and just now, when both clubs need points sadly. To-day’s struggle looked certain to be of a most stubborn character. The fight favoured the Reds in that it took place on their own ground or plateau, as it is really is; but this was not really much advantage. Settle was still unable to assist his side, and so G. Wilson partnered Hardman at inside left. The Reds had to make a great change of the right, from which West and Parry were missing. Robinson occupied the right half-back position, and Saul was Dunlop’s colleague. Mr. A. Green was in charge, and the teams were made up as follow;-
Hardy, goal, Saul, and Dunlop, backs, Robinson, Raisbeck (Captain), and Bradley, half-backs, Goddard, Parkinson, Hewitt, Carlin, and Cox forwards.
Everton: - Scott goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Bolton, Young, G. Wilson, and Hardman, forwards.
Before the start every available seat appeared to be occupied, and this probably represented 40,000 spectators. When Hewitt kicked off the sun shone brightly in the faces of his comrades, and after a number of exchanges in midfield Goddard commenced a move on the Liverpool right, only to be foiled by Abbott, and G. Wilson crossed the line again. Hardman endeavoured to continue the move, but Young put on the finishing touch, sending the ball behind Everton came on again very quickly and two centres came from Hardman one of which was captured by Bolton. Hardy getting rid of the pressure at the expense of a corner. This having been cleared, Taylor drove the ball back for goal, and shortly afterwards heavy Everton pressure on the right produced a further corner, but this likewise was unproductive. After this stiff attack by the “Blues” the Anfield supporters breathed more freely when Parkinson and Goddard made off in pretty style, but Hewitt found the pace too hot to take a pass, and on the other wing Cox was too closely attended their ground tenaciously until a free kick enabled Sharp to make some headway, and the ball then travelled across to Hardman, from whose pass Young placed behind Raisbeck put “Parky” in possession from Bradley’s throw-in, and he, with Hewitt made play, and the Anfield centre favoured Goddard with a pretty pass. The outside man returned to the centre, when Jock Taylor nipped in and cleared in timely fashion. An attack by the Liverpool right was somewhat easily beaten out by Crelly, and just easily Hewitt obtained possession and proceeded to amble back towards the Everton goal, but so deliberate was he in his movements that Taylor nipped up and robbed him. Then the Everton left made ground, and although Bradley checked the forward move. Hardman got in a pretty shot by the side of the goal, and a few moments later several centres from Hardman were not turned to account. Finally the home forwards broke away, the ball being crossed from left to right, Parkinson coming in at the finish and hitting the crossbar with a lovely shot. Hewitt made headway, but was promptly sandwiched by three opponents, and then Robinson got into a favourable position and shot into Scott’s hands. Then followed a pretty move along the Everton front, but Sharp missed a throw in, and from this the Blues attacked with great vim, and the Anfield defence was cleverly drawn off, when Hardman nipped in and had Hardy well beaten with a smart shot, when Dunlop dropped from the clouds and cleared the leather out of the goalmouth when a score seemed inevitable. Immediately afterwards Sharp, obtaining possession, rushed clean up to Hardy on his own, only to find the home custodian his master. Thus had the Anfield goal two narrow escapes in as many minutes and it was obvious that the Blues’ attack was extremely compact and dangerous. Hardman and Bolton presented Young with a fine opening, the Everton centre making a good run, but was somewhat weak when he came to shoot, and Hardy had no difficulty in clearing. Dunlop beat off the Everton right, but the attack was taken up by the centre Young missing by inches. In staving off a Liverpool rush Crelly in heading the ball, injured his face, and the game was stopped for a few moments. After resuming a fine move came from Raisbeck, Hewitt, Goodard, and Robinson, the last-named endeavouring to beat Scott, but without success. The Evertonians returned the compliment on the right and left but do as they would, the Liverpool defence was so keen that a decent opening never presented itself. Play from a free kick led to disaster for the Blues, who had the considerably the best of it. While they were hesitating Raisbeck sent the leather over to Cox, and before the Blues could pull themselves properly together the Reds were lined up in front of Scott, who Parkinson beat with a magnificent fine straight drive. The reverse stimulated the Liverpudlians rather than the Blues and the Anfielders were several times really dangerous and seemed intent on increasing the lead. On one occasion a lovely centre from Goddard was quite missed by the inside men and another good chance was lost. Dunlop’s tactics with Sharp were not praiseworthy and the Anfield back was evidently afraid of his speedy opponent. After a lot further work Sharp missed his kick when fairly placed, and just afterwards Abbott drove the ball over the crossbar. Bolton and Hardman each worked tremendously hard for an opening, and then Makepeace ran through and missed. Cox forced a corner off Makepeace, which proved barren. A free kick against Robinson was well placed in the goal mouth, Bradley clearing. A penalty was given against Robinson, this being taken by Abbott and grandly saved at cost of a corner, this being near half time.
Half-time score.- Liverpool 1 goal Everton Nil.
ANFIELD GROUND PACKED
A VERY FINE GAME
EVERTON ATTACK BRISKY
LIVERPOOL RESPOND
HARDY’S BRILLIANT PENALTY SAVE
A GOOD WIN FOR EVERTON
Raisbeck and Dunlop were respectable immediately after the restart for an invasion of Everton territory, and Robinson made a bold shot for goal when Hardman carried the ball over the goal line down his way. This was followed by a tussle between Raisbeck and Sharp from whence the Anfielder avenged successfully. But Sharp came again soon after and a feeble clearance by Robinson resulted in Sandy saving a shot which was a little wide of the mark. On the other wing Hardman forced a corner. Dunlop then placed to Cox, and a pretty bout followed across the Everton goal during which “Parky failed to take a pass in attempting a header, which must have scored. Transgressions of the offside rules spoiled a Liverpool forward movement, but Raisbeck headed the ball back, and shortly afterwards Carlin was making a hold run for goal when he was brought down, and Hewitt, continuing the move, he was hustled off the ball. Parkinson missed two delightful chances of scoring, and then the Reds were forced back, a stoppage then being made owing to Carlin injuring his knee. Following a foul against Robinson the Liverpool goal had a narrow escape. A grand passing move by the Anfielders carried them into Everton territory, but again Parkinson was at fault, and Crelley put his side on the run. At last came the equaliser. Sharp obtaining, made play down his wing, with Donnachie lying off him afraid to tackle. Saul was also outside Dunlop. Neither of the Anfield backs made his attempt to dispossess the cricketer, who passed in to Bolton, and he nipped the leather across to Young. Just at the psychological moment, and the Everton centre netted the leather very neatly giving the Reds’ custodian no chance whatever. Of course the equaliser evoked tremendous cheering, and was well deserved. On restarting Sharp slipped his field, and, beating Saul, looked like testing Hardy successfully, but Saul came again and robbed the cricket cleverly from behind. After good work on the right Goddard dropped the ball at corner, Scott saving. Liverpool gained a corner, in answer to which Scott again saved, and Bolton sent the ball away. The Reds came back again and forced a further corner, but this gave the defenders little trouble, and Young was soon going off a tremendous pace to the other end, but Hardman tripped him up, and a desperate bully followed in front of goal, the ball going out to Hardman, who shot over the bar. Excellent work followed in front of the Everton goal, in which Goddard, Carlin, Cox, and Hewitt were all busily engaged. At the finish Carlin gave Scott a rousing handful which the Everton keeper got rid of to his own satisfaction. The Blues got the lead as the result of a brilliant piece of work. Hardman beat Dunlop on his wing, and then swung the ball out to Young, who raced along and scored cleverly. This was satisfactory, as “Sandy” looked like scoring previously when Raisbeck brought the Evertonian down deliberately. After this some feeling was shown on both sides and the Liverpool man made desperate efforts to regain their position but the friction increased, and malpractices were obvious. Sharp made a capital run, and passing back to Bolton, raced clean round Dunlop, and finally centred, but Young had fouled someone, and though Hardman joined in effort advantageously. The whistle put an end to operations. Everton were now clearly the aggressors, and the Reds offered a very disorganised opposition.
Final Result; Everton 2 goals, Liverpool 1 goal
last season-Liverpool 1, Everton 1

BY A BIASED ANFIELDER
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 29 September 1906
It is a great and notable occasion, gentlemen. One which will linger in the memory as long as reason retains its seat, so to speak. Let me, therefore, open with a little lyrical tribute, a la Campbell- the poet, not the player;-
  Of Anfield in the North
Sing the glorious day’s renown
  When to football fierce came forth
  All the might of Watson’s Crown,
  And their legs upon the turf lightly ran
  Oh, what shouting from the stand!
 Oh, what clappings of the hand!
 As the Captain of the band
     Led them on!
Mr. Raisbeck, sir, I look towards you, and likewise bows. The hopes of thousands are centred in you and your men. The kindly sun is piercing a circumambient atmosphere of tobacco smoke when the game is set in progress. Competent judges say there are more than 35,000 people present. This may be so or not, but the packed enclosure makes a sight for the gods. Probably those on high Olympus are looking down benignly-those on earth are certainly gazing with all the eyes they possess. Liverpool appear seven minutes before time and Everton follow. The greeting of the crowd in each case is, shall I say it, rather lukewarm.  The home captain-unhappy augury- loses the toss, and before time Hewitt sets the ball in motion against the sun.
There are the usual opening exchanges and then the Anfielders make ground on the right. The sun is in their eyes, and they are beaten back. Luck again is against them.
Everton, on the other hand, make a bold bid for the lead, and Young should have scored but Hardy shows that he has fully returned to form and clears beautifully.
The Anfielders take up the running through Goddard, who swings the ball across to Carlin, but the Liverpool man’s shot is well dealt with by Scott, and a subsequent shot by Parkinson goes all wrong. Still the Anfielders are having full measure of the play, and another sprint by Goddard sends the home supporters wild with delight. He centres well, but Hewitt misses the pass, and a fine opportunity is lost.
Egged on by partisanship of the most pronounced style, the players fail by very reason of their anxiety to score. Thus Parkinson, with a plain goal before him, shoots over the bar, and a moment later light haired Robinson from long range, gives Scott a warm handful. Fast as it was from the commencement the pace is now absolutely lightning-like, and one is racked by a rapid series of alternating emotions. The Reds progress through Cox, but the worthy Abbott stands in the way.
Then the Blues advance through Sharp, who tests Hardy with a grounder as swift as his own bowling. The Chesterfield lad, however, clears cleverly, and eventually Hardman puts the ball outside. Thus far honours are even. Home supporters are well content, and think the Reds are quite as good as their visitors. The ball flies from end to end with almost bewildering velocity, but a temporary lull is afforded when the Everton captain gets his pants ripped open. He rushes to a convenient corner, and assimilates another pair coram populo, amid the tittering of the men and the blushes of the ladies. Gladiators in the old days were not encumbered with trousers. The game is resumed, and Liverpool show at length stern determination t set a lead. The forwards break away like bounds from the leash, and amid a hurricane of cheers Parkinson bangs the ball into the net just out of Scott’s reach. Now we are, for a time, at least, top sawyers. Therefore, let the welkin ring. It does; and the few adventurous spirits perched on the roof of the Anfield-road stand shale visibly in the atmospheric disturbance.
Liverpool are tasting the sweets of triumph, and the excitement is simply indescribable as Goddard, Hewitt, and Carlin in turn try to emulate Parkinson. Everton, however, rally, and twice Jack Sharp is checked by the grey-haired Dunlop, who is manoeuvring with philosophic phlegin within his own lines.
The work of wandering a little away from home quarters is left to Saul, who shows us a fine turn of speed and a positive genius for recovery. So the battle progresses.
Both custodians are tested, and the keenness of the players is patent to the meanest intelligence. A few seconds before the interval Robinson appears to handle the ball within that dread area known as the penalty. Referee Green grants Evertonian appeal, and amid the silence that can be felt Abbott comes forward to take the kick. He shoots well and truly, but the ball, going high, is just reached by Hardy, who effects a splendid save. Half-time is here, and for once in a way the Anfielders are masters of the situation.
During the adjournment the packed crowd actually finds itself able to unbend-and thanks the directors that they shut the gates so soon.
Everton resume hostilities with a “do or die’ air, and they come very near the former in the first few minutes. Twice the Anfield goal is in jeopardy, and it is only Raisbeck’s rare judgement that keeps Everton out. Referee Green makes a questionable decision, and the crowd’s knowledge of the laws of the code is shown by the chorus of “Ohs” which greet it. Cox and Carlin are conspicuous, and Balmer has all his work cut out, Scott twice leaving his goal in risky fashion in order to clear the Everton lines.
The game goes on with undiminished fire, and it is pleasant to notice that fouls are few and far between. The opposing colours mingle in confused masses, but they manage to extricate themselves without violence. Meanwhile the Blues are most persistent, and at length Sharp, Bolton, and Young work so harmoniously together that the centre is able to nip in and equalise. There is no need to say how this was received. The crowd surged in alternating delight and rage. Only the paid performers were outwardly calm. The battle rages with terrific fury, and it looks as though last year’s result would be repeated, when, lo and behold, the Blues put themselves in order, and Raisbeck let Young in to score. The shouting shows that there are as many Evertonians present as home supporters.

THROUGH BLUE SPECTACLES
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 29 September 1906
Mine is a biased view. I am a partisan, and am writing of the great contest from an Everton point of view. Still my first wish is that the best team may win.
‘Twas warm. Very nice, though. It’s a whole bunch of grapes to a banana skin that a record crowd congregated, “Spion Kop” was a sight for ye worthies who say football fervour is on the wane. Raisbeck was first out. Taylor and his men were beaten by a length. Neither side received the thundering applause as expected. Was it that both clubs had lost a trifle of our affection by their previous failures?
There were 35,000 spectators present. I counted ‘em, and didn’t fail to note the few mad heads who climbed the girders and seated themselves on the roofing. This is something the directors should stop.
  “Sandy scored a goal.” No cheers, no loss of life or hats. It was only a practice shot. Still it was too good for Scott.  “Taylor’s won the toss.” That was the first good news.
Is George Wilson too slow for inside left? It was an early impression. Raisbeck robbed him. Hardman’s reappearance was gratifying. He was all life, and fairly made Robbie sweat. There was the same burst off as last week by the Blues. But would they shut like a knife again? There was no time to discuss what might be. So, centring our eyes on the Blues, we see in turn Young, Bolton, and Taylor cause the Reds to “look slippy.” The  worthy warrior, Jack, already showed signs of battle. His pants were torn down. Still, they were not sufficiently torn to shock one’s modesty. Hewitt robbed the Everton captain and then rested on his oars. Result- Hewitt slackens and Taylor’s tit-for-tat is hailed with extreme delight. “Own back” I think is the term.
By Jove, there’s a narrow  squeak! I was just about to state that the Reds’ front line was faster than ours by yards, when Parkinson got in a stringer. It was a rare hard try. Then the cry of “penalty” against Abbott. What nonsense! Good, honest, shoulder-to-shoulder charging has not been barred yet, surely.
Two of the narrowest escapes imaginable came now. Hardman ran in unhampered and got too much angle on the ball. A melee, a groan, and when I awoke it was to be told that Saul had cleared. Capital man Saul! Sharp was practically idle. Dunlop made an error, and Sharp took advantage of it, Young missed by inches; so did G. Wilson. Hardman again acted the barber; shaved again. Liverpool were jolly lucky here; yet I must propose a vote of censure on Hardy. He saved most finely. Draw the curtain a moment while Taylor changes his knicks and Crelley comes round from a bang in the face. A goal, and we are not the getters. Are we downhearted? Not a bit of it. Twice no, no!
Had we had the least luck we should have been leading 2-1. Still, Parkinson scored a beautiful goal. We Evertonians can appreciate good goals- even when they are against us. Wally Abbott was at this time the best half back on the field. Hardy was well beaten when he skimmed the bar with a rare express. Half-time is on us, and Robinson fouls the ball. Penalty! Abbott take it! Hardy saves! Tut, tut! Everton could do anything but score. One down, and forty-five minutes to play. We shall see.
Our forward line showed a lacking quality in the first few minutes. They lacked combination. They did a lot of smart things individually. Of what avail was it when there was not a semblance of an idea of following up the effort and making a concerted movement? True, Saul was playing a cute game at back. Nevertheless Young was decidedly off his game till this time, and his failure to swing the ball out was only equalled by the inability of Wilson to adapt himself to the new position allotted him.
What openings Hardman and Sharp had they made themselves and I contend that Bolton was not providing Sharp as an inside man should do.
Goal! Equaliser! Hurrah! A beautiful movement on the right was perfectly carried out. It was the first time the Blues attackers had got going, and Young put on the finishing touch. Good old Sandy-even though you has been weak previously. A goal covers a multitude of errors of judgement. More to come! Dunlop dribbles. What right has he to do it? Hardman enjoyed his lack of judgement, got the ball from him, and transferred to Young. An oblique shot all along the turf left Hardy helpless. It was a great goal!

EVERTON v  STALYBRIDGE ROVERS
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 29 September 1906
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV 1
At Goodison this afternoon. Everton played the usual Combination eleven, with Donnachie at outside right and Jones in the centre. The visitors were strongly represented. The start was delayed twelve minutes, owing to the late arrive of the referee. The visitors commenced operations and right from the start Everton led the attack, which was repulsed. Then Stevenson successfully stayed the visitors left wing, and a fine sequence of passing between Thomas, Graham, and Jones, resulted in the latter notching the first point for the Blues, shortly after the start. The Rovers front rank next took up the attack in brisk fashion, and Stevenson was again prominent with several fine clearances, whilst at the other end Graham shot on the spur of the moment, the leather going behind. The next few minutes was a most exciting scene in the visitors’ goalmouth, which, however, brought no tangible result to the Blues. Butler attempted to run the ball into the net, but the leather was successfully blocked, and then Donaldson, hit the bar with a rasping shot, while the incident terminated by the Stalybridge custodian saving Thomas’s attempt, all from very short range. Following this the Blues goal had a narrow escape from capture. Hill missed a clearance and Black was also at fault, but when Roberts attempted to centre his effort was stopped by Black, who this conceded a corner. At the other end Graham drew a bow at a venture and succeeded in beating Swann from fully twenty yards range.  A feature of the Everton attack was the number of beautiful and accurate centres put in by Donnachie, all of which were well attended to by his colleagues, but, generally speaking, the Rovers’ defence was fortunate in escaping defeat. Several times the leather was either fisted, headed or scooped from under the bar. Roberts put in a glorious centre, which McCarthy headed wide. Hill was loudly applauded for a clever clearance, during which he easily beat half a dozen opponents. Half-time-Everton 2 goals, Stalybridge Rovers Nil.

 

DERBY DAY AT LIVERPOOL.
Empire News & The Umpire - Sunday 30 September 1906
Everton in Great Form.
WINNERS' FORWARDS BRILLIANT.
By C.E Sutcliffe
There are quite a lot of half-timers or short-timers about football. Some are fine weather followers, others only turn out to encourage a winning team—encouragement which is largely unnecessary, and therefore wasted; others need a magnetic attraction to draw them out, but a typical tip-top tussle like Liverpool v Everton touches the weak spot of all with a spark of interest in the play for miles around the venue of the game. So yesterday they were there —they signifying everybody who was anybody from anywhere about, and there signifying Anfield Park, the home of the Liverpool club. I Presume I am right in styling the Anfield-road ground a Park, for Liverpool people have made a fashionable ground, and are well entitled to use a fashionable name.
But yesterday's game was one twixt giants. The three great trophies of English football,viz, the League Cup, the PFA. Cup, and the Sheriff of London Shield, are somewhere in the keeping of these famous warriors. If their deeds of valour have to meet with reward this season they can only hope to hold fast the good things they have, or exchange trophies which would be no robbery, but under the turn-and-turn-about notion, quite an acceptable arrangement to the followers of blue and red alike.
Unfortunately neither team at full strength. West. Parry, and Raybould were notable absentee from the ranks of the home team, whilst Settle was not fit to turn out, G. Wilson understudying. Although the ground appeared far from, full, the gates were closed long before the time of the kick-off, but the numbers would probably constitute a record for the club, if the cash did not pan out to abnormal figures.
The opening stages of the game wean all that could be desired. The spectator who wanted anything better and keener than the football of the first half-hour would want the moon, and cry because he could not have it. Parkinson and Hardman, for their respective sides, jumped into form immediately, and it was not long before Hardman furnished Bolton with a chance of the free-and-easy order, but his effort was slack, and Hardy placed safely round the post, though lying down full length. For a time Everton were the stronger, but no real danger came to either goal until, from a centre by Cox,tipped on to Goddard, Everton's goal was threatened, whilst immediatelyafter Carlin tried for all he wasno need for years. Sharp and Bolton tried the tip-and-go business, and Bradley was compelled to keep a sharp look-out, but Dunlop is a fine last line of defence to be behind one, so that the Everton right could not promulgate their desires.
Scott, too, had to keep awake, for Goddard plied his usual trade of supplying the inside men with fine dropping centres. Yet the finest chance came to Young again from Hardman’s centre, but Saul playing well, and whatever his reputation before yesterday, he richly enhanced it, kicking and tackling in perfect and fearless fashion, whilst on one occasion a drive of his hit Robinson on the head, and knocked him clean off his pins.
A little fouling was then noticeable, Taylor leading the way, but it was fouling without feeling. Still it led the way to the most favourable opportunity to open the scoring that Liverpool had. Parkinson was the lucky opportunist, but shooting too high he proved himself no opportunist at all, so we still waited for the goal that came not. But it was a moving game, full of restless energy. It was try, try, try, all the time, but daring defiance was met by ready defence, Hewitt finding the two Everton backs an irresistible moving force. Then we had Wilson and hardman on the warpath, keen for scalps, and a demon shot by the scampering amateur was fortunately saved by Dunlop, with Hardy figuratively speaking, miles away.
“What luck!” cried Everton. But luck is not the monopoly of any club, and Everton’s day will come, but it was not on tap yesterday, or they would certainly have scored from a semi-Rugby scrimmage, in which Saul materially helped Hardy to dispose of the uninvited presence of Hardman and Wilson. Young was not great as a marksman, for fine passing by hardman and Bolton gave the centre favourable facilities, but though he tried hard to miss Hardy, he did the exact opposite of what he intended, and that’s not the way to score goals. Still, well led by Sharp, the Liverpool goal was kept under pressure hot and keen, with Liverpool’s attack resting. All things come to those who wait, and Parkinson, seeing a remote chance, cork-screwed his way through the Everton backs, jumped away from them, shot with might and main, and Scott was beaten. No blame to him. Time, 30 minutes.
From the kick-off Everton dumped in all the energy they could, but Saul and Raisbeck easily cleared all danger, and although Young took up a fine position frequently, his finishes were faulty. So Makepeace worked through and tried to score, but he was no more fortunate than the rest. The first half was destined to finish in dramatic fashion. A penalty kick was given against Robinson for handling within the dreaded rectangle, but from Abbott’s effort Hardy put over the bar, and the teams retired for rest and rubbing with the Reds leading 1-0.
But there are two halves to every game, and starting a goal behind, it was in the second portion that Everton showed their superiority and gained the mastery; it was in the second half that Young sailed away oh, so merrily and remedied his weakness of the first half, and by his truer marksmanship twice beat Liverpool’s hardy goalkeeper it was in the second half that Everton revived the good opinion which last year Cup performances merited, so that at full time there was a consensus of opinion and a frank confession by Liverpool’s warmest supporters that the best team had won. The honours of the second half and of the day went to the more pressing team, for as time wore on the Liverpool men were worn down and almost worn out, so that for the last half-hour Liverpool was, generally speaking, overplayed. Their defence, however, stuck it valiantly, but except for a few minutes, when the shole 22 played like demons, the Liverpool attack was weak and disconnected. Except for Parkinson, who was always plodding and pushful, the forwards were to reserved and easy going, Cox in particular failing to make a splash. On the other side, Hardman and Sharp, well fed by Wilson and Bolton, and vigorously led by Young, were tricky and lively and aggressive. After twenty minutes’ play in the second half Sharp made tracks up the right, crossed the ball to the left, where Young, by some instinctive power, had set himself as lord-in-waiting, and sent the ball well into the net, but far out of the reach of Hardy.
Then Liverpool came again, Scott effecting a glorious save from a corner, whilst Taylor nearly got through his own goal, to be followed immediately by a ready save on the part of Scott from Carlin. Everton’s second goal was another fine effort by Young, very similar in execution to his first, except that he owed the privilege of scoring to Hardold Hardman. Hardy could make nothing of the shot, so Everton led 2-1.
Then we had the fight of the demons, the ball bobbing about in Everton’s goal mouth, claims for a goal and a penalty both negatived, and Saul displaying his temper towards Young. With intensified feeling we had much fun, several Liverpool players, in seeking to influence the referee to award something or another, literally dancing round him.
But no; and Liverpool’s heart was broken. They fell away, died away, a defeated team, whilst the Everton forwards, ably sustained by the rest of the team, walked all over Liverpool, but did no further damage. Yes, Everton’s luck had come; they went home well satisfied, but they got no more than their deserve. They had not a weak spot in the team, and at times the forwards, attained the zenith of brilliance. Of course, you do not expect too much of the starry business in football games between local rivals, but Hardman was simply divine, whilst in the second half Young was almost perfect at centre. As a line the visiting forwards were bad to hold, and it was due to rare goalkeeping by hardy and a clever display by Saul, who in my judgement was the superior of Dunlop, that the debit against Liverpool was not larger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1906