The probability of the League cup coming to Liverpool this season is dwindling down to a possibility. Everton cannot afford to lose a single point in matches played at home, and here’s one gone when least expected. The question of the championship is certainly interesting at present, and if the kind of weather we have no keeps on the issue will be doubtful. One can understand the men not moving with that freedom which we should like to see when the ground is as adamant and as slippery as glass, but when the other side seem to go all right it certainly will not pay to be too careful. This was the case on Saturday, and the point lost may not be regained in time. The Cup ties will hold possession for the next three weeks, and the always uncertain result of an English Cup competition will have some assistance from the state of the grounds unless a thaw sets in, Everton tackle Southport Central at Southport, and though they have posted the match with St. Mirren as between the Paisley club and the League team, I rather fancy it will fall to the lot of the Combination eleven to settle the matter. Everton have a hankering after the English Cup, and they are not likely to throw a chance away by playing the reserve team. Besides, the League team received a shanking at the hands of Blackpool in the Lancashire competition, and as Blackpool have not shown any decided superiority over the Southport club I fail to see the force of any argument in favour of the Combination team doing duty. No; the best team at command will be despatched to Southport for Saturday next.

SOUTHPORT CENTRAL 0 EVERTON 3

February 4 1895. The Liverpool mercury

This tie was played on the ground of the Souithport Central, which looked in splendid condition, it having been swept of all snow. The field of play was also level, with a plentiful crop of short grass. Bright weather prevailed, the sun shinning at the time off starting, but there was some wind, which blew from goal to goal. The attendance was a good one for Southport, and numbered about 5,000. Teams: – Everton: – Williams, goal, Kelso, and Parry backs, Boyle (captain), Holt, and Stewart, halfbacks, Reay, McInnes, Hartley, Chadwick, and Bell forwards. Southport Central: – Gee, goal, Smith, and Mclean (d), backs, McLaren (c), Fryer, and Tattersall, halfbacks, Whittaker, Hollows, Halsall, Bryce, and Hastings, forwards. Referee Mr.A.Cooper linesman Messrs, J.Cooper, and J.Eccleston. Everton played against the wind, but with their backs to the sun, and had the best of some midfield play. Reay sending over the line from long range. Parry checked the home right wing, but the left men returned, when Bryce shot, but Williams ran out and cleared. The Central, from hands against Bell pressed on both wings. Everton gained relief on Hasting shooting Badly and attacked on the left, when Smith made a good save. Boyle put in a timely kick on. Hassell starting a run, and Everton went back to goal, but Chadwick shot wide. Kelso headed away danger, and a corner fell to Everton, taken by Reay, when Gee saved. Play livened up now, and amidst some excitement Bryce shot splendidly, though just a little too wide. Williams stopped one with his foot, and then Everton got into a better swing. After Reay had put into the net irregularly, the ball was worked down the field nicely, and Bell running on, shot accurately and scored the initial goal 15 minutes from the start. Bell next drove across beautifully, but Reay missed the pass. Everton were difficult to dislodge at this period and from a corner, bell beat Gee for the second time. A spurt by the Central was ropped, smartly and the visitors indulged in more shooting. McInnes went yards out of the right direction, but Hartley made a good bid hitting the bar. A diversion, was then made as though Parry checked Halsall called up on Williams Hasting mealy lifting over the crossbar. A fine movement by Hartley and McInnes followed, culminating in the latter shooting low and hard, and in Gee clearing at the expense of a corner. Bryce got winded, but was all right in a minute, and helped in bringing some pressure upon the Everton defenders, who readily checked. Holt was very busy, and from one of the touches the visiting forwards were on the attack again, when Chadwick landed the ball on to the top of the net a faulty shot ensuing from Bell. A couple of corner kicks were conceded the Central the outcome of which, was in Hollow’s heading outside. The home team quickly returned from a pass by the right wing, Hasting was not far off scoring with his head. Owing to some interference with a linesman by the spectators, the referee cautioned them to bemore sportsmanlike. After this incident Everton got well away, but Bell went behind with the strong shot. The Southport men were not at all a beaten team, and made a severe attack on Williams charge upon Hasting running down smartly, the ball bobbed about, and after being repulsed with difficulty twice, glance outside off Whittaker foot. Leading up to the interval Everton pressed, and McInnes Bell and Holt each shot, but Smith stooped from the two first named, whilst the goalkeeper attend to the long aim by Holt, and the whistle sounded for halftime with the score- Everton 2 goals, Southport Central nil.
The first item on resuming was in Halsall shooting outside, and Everton, but offside took up this play and hands spoiled two separate movements. Chadwick had a running aim, which forced a corner, nullified by D.McLaren. The ball was appentaly taken up by Hartley, Chadwick, and Bell in particular, and invariably driven out. Stewart came on for some employment however, by Whittaker and Hollows. He came off best as a rule, but once he was beaten, a corner brings conceded. Play was promptly removed to the other end, where Bell but in very hard, and Gee saved with his fist. A tussle ensued, but McInnes made bad use of a splendid opening by putting wide, though close on goal. Hasting forced his way pass first Boyle, and them Kelso, and centred grandly, Parry cleared but the Central were soon back again, Bryce shot too high. At length Reay scored a heading goal put the goal was disallowed. At length Hasting broke away, when Boyle kicked out. Bell next sent in two string shots, but it was of no avail. Everton, tried another hot attack with the same barrier reself, the Central falling smartly back on their goal and intercepting all their shots. Chadwick then shot, only to find gee ready with his hands. Halsall next beat Holt, and the sequal was in Bryce and halsall each shooting well. parry saving by kicking out. Time was now running short, and it seemed as though the home team would hold out, but just on the finish, Reay centrel to Hartley, who headed into goal, Gee played the ball, but it went to Bell, who made a quick return shot, which went into the net, and so Everton won by 3 goals to nil.

EVERTON REVIEW

February 4 1895. The Liverpool Mercury

Everton put two teams in the field on Saturday, and opinion were divided as to which, was the better combination. Anyhow those left at home at Goodison Park were clever enough to defeat Paisley St Mirren, who stand fourth in the Scottish League, by five goals to one whereas the other eleven players could but beat Southport Central by three goals to nil. The doubt victory satisfactory, but no one who say the game at Southport came away well pleased. The win was decisive certainly; but the play of the Everton team was not great-that is, it rather shattered than created confidence in the team’s ability to face with ‘’credit and renown” the various important tests which, loom up before them-the remaining League matches, and the English Cup and Lancashire Cup competitions. The forward department of the team must occasion much concerns to the executive, who have to render, if possible a good account of their stewardship, when the day of reckoning comes round, or they will have to retire for others. It may seen little paradoxical to blame the officials for the failure of the team, but still the burden is theirs. Their selection of Saturday was an enigma. It is true that the play of the Sheffield United match was bad and a remedy had to be found-some Jonah had to be thrown overboard. But the directors apparently erred in over-zeal. They offered up not one sacrifice, but two. In the action they have inflicted an injustice, and damaged their reputation for tact, Now Everton did not score the number of goals they ought to have done against Sheffield United. That is conceded unanimously. But why was it ? Primarily, because Storrier was more vigorous than skilful, and that Geary was irriated, and thus rendered erratic. Well, these two players had thus forfeited their right to be re selected at least for a time, and it was only proper that a change should be made. Holt, recovered from a sore throat naturally returned to the place he had filled so frequently, and well, and then came the difficulty as to who should go centre forward. Hartley or Milward. The forwards was chosen despite his poor play against Sheffield Wednesday on New Year’s Day, and Milward the hero of Everton’s greatest win this season-over Aston Villa-superseded. There with Latta still incapacitated the outside rightwing position was in the market,” and again Milward’s achievement in that position against Aston Villa were ignored and Reay who had been on the injured list, substituted Reay is a good promising player, and would be a terror had he as much pluck as he has speed and command of the ball but he has not the claim that Milward has, whose record this season, shunted and shifted about as he has been for the few great matches, he has played in, will bear comparison with any of his more well favoured colleagues, and if we are correct in our memory, he played the most conspicuous part in effecting drawn games at a severe much, with Sunderland and Sheffield United at Goodison Park. It cannot be said that Milward had played badly-it is more the other way, and even if he had not done well, it could scarely be suprising seeing that he is in a different position every other match. No, Milward, has not forfeited his title to comsideration, and many will think with us and he that an injustice has been done. He is aggrieved naturally so, and has been driven once more to ask for his papers feeling sure that he could readily find employers who would be more appreciative. The matter will be fully gone into. No doubt, at the next meeting of the directors, for if Everton are to enter the semi final of the Lancashire Cup Competition, they must needs beat the Bolton Wanderers again at Pike’s lane, and to do so they will want a team at once fearless skilful, and enthusiastic features that were too much absent on Saturday; and above all, Milward should find a place among the forwards. Of the play against Southport Central, it went assistual of late, on the old lines of Everton having the bulk of the attack and in the forwards making indifferent use of their chances. Bell alone played up to his reputation; but Reay injured leg bothered him in the second half, and this caused some disorganisation. The other parts of the team were all right and how well did the halfbacks, and backs play is proved by the fact that Williams was only called upon once in the second half. Southport Central defended courageously, and stopped the attackers time innumerable. It may not have been done in a skilful manner, but they got the ball diverted, and by the activity of Gee Smith, and D.McLean, in particular, the scoring was kept down to respectable dimensions. The forwards were speedy, Hasting especially so, but there was not much combination on though Halsall scored several tomes off Holt at centre whilst their shooting was poor, the passing at close quarters being badly taken, the players suffering from excitement. Supporters of Everton and all whom it may concern are reminded that next Thursday the annual theatentical gala takes place at Goodison park, and given fine weather a wealth of fun will be detailed to no doubt an immense crowd. The proceeds are for the hospital. Entertainment and charity are thus the incentives.

EVERTON WIN AT SOUTHPORT

The Athletic News- Monday, February 4, 1895

By the Loiterer

A party of some 400 strong left Liverpool to view this match at Southport, for the Central had choice of ground, and wisely decided to utilise it. On the face of it, the match looked a certainly for Everton, but these events are apt to be upset, especially when connected with the English Cup. Moreover, the Southport Committee held out a good bait for extra exertion in the shape of a handsome bonus to the players in the event of them winning, or even drawing with their doughty opponents. The snow in the Southport streets was tick, but thanks to an energetic committee the ground itself was all right- in fact, splendid. The Everton team was only selected at the last moment, and was considered the best at command. Southport had also a representative eleven up, the players being- Southport Central; J. gee, goal; Thos Smith and D. McLaren, backs; C. McLaren, Fryers, and J. Tattersall, half-backs; F. Whittaker, C. Hallows, L. Halsall, J. Bryce, and W. Hastings, forwards. Everton; Williams, goal; Kelso, and Parry, backs; Boyle, Holt and Stewart, half-backs; Reay, McInnes, Hartley, Chadwick, and Bell, forwards. Referee, Mr. A. Cooper, Carlisle. Linesmen, Messrs J. Cooper and Walsh, Blackburn. There would be about 6,000 people, in addition to the small boys, present, and they were well pleased at the show their favourites made at the start. The small boys were quite demonstrative, and made some noise over it too. There was not a great deal in the play either way, Everton perhaps doing the most pressing, though the Southport forwards made several dangerous movements, but were held in check by Parry and Kelso. On the other hand, the Everton forwards did not find such a stubborn defence, and when Bell put on the first point after some 15 minutes’ play the event threw a damper on the noisy boys. There was nothing brilliant about the shot, and I think Gee ought to have kept it out. Immediately after Bell took advantage of a slackness in the Southport defence, and chipped in with another goal. Somehow the Southport men would play to the right, and this was their weak spot, for Whittaker was too slow, and chances were often thrown away. However, he put in a nice shot eventually, and Halsall had a good chance of distinguishing himself, but failed. This item was the forerunner of serious work in front of the Everton goal, for the Southport forwards at this period were pressing strongly, and Williams had all his work cut to stave off a shot by Halsall. The attacks of the Southport men grew more frequent, and Stewart in attempting to clear nearly kicked through his own goal. The play again took an ordinary turn, and was chiefly in midfield, the home lot tackling the Everton forwards in a most plucky manner, and their goal had some narrow squeaks. Everton did not deserve more than a two goals lead at the interval. The second half was just as well contested as the first, though the Southport defenders had more work to do. They stuck to their guns well, and the half backs were often too good for the Everton forwards. Fryers was a champion in the centre, and he stood no nonsense. He was very successful, and cute player as Chadwick is, he had nothing to throw away. The bulk of the work was done by the Everton left, and though Bell often got away, the Southport men were there at the finish, and time after time cleared his centres. The Southport forwards did not make as good use of the ball as previously, but on several occasions they got away only to lose their heads when it came to shooting. Hastings and Bryce were the shinning lights, Hallows also doing well, but his work was thrown away by the weakness of Whittaker. The central kept the Everton men out until the last minute, when Gee placed a shot from the right on to Bell’s toes and the ball went bang onto the net. Everton thus winning by three goals to none. The game was splendidly contested, and the Southport men are to be congratulated on their share of the afternoon’s work. They are a good team, the defence especially being stubborn. Gee did very well, whilst Smith and D. McLaren kicked and tackled in a way which made scoring a difficult matter. The half-backs, however, deserve the most credit for breaking up the combination of the Everton forwards, and all the three stuck well to their work. Fryers was a champion, and throughout the afternoon he had the best of the deal with his opponents. C. McLaren and Tattersall quite held their own, and the three not only played a good game, but their movements were of a higher grade than is usually found in such teams. The forwards combined well, and in Halsall they have a very tricky and clever centre forward. The only man who played an indifferent game was the outside right, and he often spoiled the good work of the others. He had a capital man with him, and had Whitaker only shaped at all the Southport forwards would have made a better impression all round. Hastings and Bryce had very little to do, but made good use of all that came their way. The Everton forwards gave another disappointing show, for though they pressed most of the second half the attempts at goal were not of the best. Of course, there were several near things, but the principal cause of failure were the good defensive tactics adopted by their opponents, who never flinched at tackling them. In the open they had the best of the exchanges and so had the halves, Holt as usual being good. Parry and Kelso were all right, and Williams kept out two or three good shots.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES

The Athletic News- Monday, February 4, 1895

The support given to football in Southport does not come up to the expectations of the Southport Central’s committee, but the number present on Saturday proves that it has progressed wonderfully since I first knew the game there. I remember being present at a Lancashire Cup-tie on a field not far from the present one, and the total gate after paying expenses reached the sum of 4d., and we spent it. That good all-round sportsman, Mr. W. Gardner, appears to be a favourite with the players and spectators; and well he might be. When in Liverpool Mr. Gardner supported the Bootle, Everton, Liverpool, and the Caledonian Clubs, and I can hear of his generosity to the Central Club.
The St. Mirren’s club from paisley were beaten by the Everton Combination team by the substantial majority of five goals to one. No matter what club they tackle in place of their seniors, the Combination team always uphold the honours of the club. The game was not an enjoyable one, as the weather played havoc with the ground, and the players only moved gingerly about.

SOUTHPORT CENTRAL v.  EVERTON

The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, February 4, 1895

THE ENGLISH CUP (First Round)

This tie was decided at Southport. The Southport executive had made every effort to ensure a match coming off, the ground being cleared of snow, and though hard underneath, it appeared in good condition. The home side placed their strongest tea, in the field; whilst with the exception of Milward, Everton had a representative eleven. Hartley appearing in the centre position and Reay at outside right. Footboards had been erected all around the enclosure for the comfort of spectators. A crowded excursion left Liverpool soon after one o’clock. The weather fortunately kept fine, and a powerful sun shone forth as the teams appeared. There would be some 7,000 spectators when Halsall kicked off, Everton having won the toss, the sun favouring them. Though they had a slight wind to contend against Everton were soon on the aggressive, and after several pretty movements in midfield the ball was sent across to Reay, who sent outside from a long shot. From a throw-in Everton became aggressive, Bell shooting in finely, but D. McLaren saved well. Hasting and Bryce got away on the left, the outside man shooting in grandly; but Williams was not to be beaten, and easily cleared. The Central were playing well together, and for a while they kept the visitors defending, Halsall and Hastings both showing up well in the attack. Kelso and Parry, however, were perfectly safe, and cleared on two occasions splendidly. The pressure was at length brought to a close by Hastings shooting over. Holt, Boyle, and Stewart then became busy, their united efforts culminating in a strong attack by Everton. Bell shot in well, but Smith was to the fore, and kicked grandly up the field. Fryers placed the home side on the attack, and the Southport men caused some uneasiness in the Everton camp, but Kelso relieved the danger, Holt supplementing this with a fine movement, which resulted in a corner to the visitors. Smith however, got the ball awa, after which the home left got away splendidly, Bryce shooting in, the attempt narrowly missing, Everton then began to take matters more seriously, and Reay came into possession on the right, scoring a goal, just as the ball was passing into the net the whistle sounded for offside. A legitimate score soon came, however, the visiting left getting down, and after a lot of exchanges in front Bell easily beat Gee after fifteen minutes’ play. This reverse did not at all discourage the Southport men, and they made an incursion into the visitors; quarters, without however, becoming dangerous. Everton now played up, and had much the best of the play, Chadwick sending across and Reay just missing. Everton were soon rewarded, however, Bell scoring from a corner, this second success coming after eighteen minutes’ play. The game was spiritedly contested after this, and whilst Everton continued to assert their undoubted superiority the Central never lost heart, and were frequently on the aggressive. Hartley struck the crossbar with a terrific shot, following which Smith served his forwards well. Halsall and Hollows combing well, but they more than met their match in parry, who was playing a splendid game. Midfield play was the order for some time, after which Halsall shot in Parry checking, Williams soon after saving splendidly from the home centre. McInnes and Hartley ran down smartly, the former’s shot being frustrated by McLaren, from whose kick Halsall got possession, and some effective passing was shown by the home forwards, Holt and Boyle each in turn being passed, but Kelso came to the rescue and averted disaster to his side. Everton quickly recovered themselves and were soon again busy in front of Gee, Chadwick shooting on to the top of the net, whilst a moment later Bell only just missed the desired mark. It was apparent that Southport were not by any means done with, and they kept up their attack to some purpose, compelling the visitors to concede a couple of corners. Both were well placed, and it took the combined efforts of the Everton defence to get the ball away. Hollows headed over the line, but following the goal kick the sand-grounders made a determined attack, which almost resulted in a score, Hasting missing by the merest shave. Bryce also had hard lines. At length, the prolonged attack on the Everton goal was brought to a close, the visitors, well served by Stewart, getting in close proximity to Gee. Holt centre well, but no one was up to take his pass. The central again made a strong attack and they deserve the highest praise for the manner in which they struck to their opponents. Bryce first shot in, Williams clearing splendidly. Hastings got hold, almost did the trick the ball crossing the goal, enabling Parry to effect a clearance. The Central still continued to hold the upper hand, the Everton defence being tested to the utmost the goal having several very narrow escapes. Luckily, however, both Parry and Kelso were in fine form and frustrated every effort to penetrate their charge. Everton now began to press vigorously, Bell sending in a smart shot, when Smith saved cleverly. Holt then had a shot, but Gee saved grandly, Everton leading at the interval by 2 goals to nil. Everton restarted operations, and Southport at once asserted themselves, Whittaker shooting over. From the goal kick the home team were again busy, Bryce trying a futile shot, Kelso sending the ball down the field. After a short time Everton invaded their opponents’ quarters, Bell centring to Hartley, who was pulled up for offside. A free kick for hands gave the Centralians a chance, but Parry prevented their accepting it by dashing in and removing play well up the field. Chadwick secured and dashed off, sending in, and just as McInnes was about to shoot he fell and handled the ball. Following the free kick Chadwick forced a corner, but this came to nothing, play following in midfield. Stewart was penalised for fouling, but this advantage availed Southport nothing and Chadwick ran the ball down, falling however in his well-meant efforts to increase the score. Parry took a free
Kick conceded to the visitors to the visitors, sending into goal, an excellent chance presenting itself, but though Hartley, Chadwick and McInnes each tried hard to lower the Southport colours, the goal was too well packed to find an opening. Southport then raced off on the right. C. McLaren serving his forwards well, but all to no purpose, and Everton were quickly again in front of Gee, Bell put in a grand shot, which gee magnificently cleared, soon after which McInnes with the goal practically at his mercy, shot very wide. Another brief visit was paid to Williams’s end without any danger being threatened to the visitors’ citadel. Following this Southport made a sudden burst away, the left particularly showing fine tactics Hastings shot in, and a goal seemed certain, but Hollows unfortunately slipped as he was preparing to shoot, Stewart cleared, and Everton were again on the attack, Smith, however, defending grandly. Everton claimed a goal for the custodian carrying the ball over the line. The referee, however, ruled against them, and after a further abortive attack by Everton, Southport made another sudden burst, Boyle giving a corner, this being ultimately sent behind, and from the ensuing free kick the home side attacked, Bryce sending in a magnificent oblique hot, which missed by about a foot. In the very last-minute Bell put on the third goal for Everton, who thus entered the next round by 3 goals to nil. Teams;- Everton; R. Williams, goal; Kelso and Parry, backs; Boyle, Holt, and Stewart, half-backs; Reay, McInnes, Hartley, Chadwick, and Bell, forwards. Southport Central- Gee, goal; D. McLaren and Smith, backs; Tattersall, Fryers, and C. McLaren, half backs; Hastings, Bryce, Halsall, Hollows, and Whittaker, forwards.

FOOTBALL NOTES

The Liverpool Daily Post -Saturday, February 9, 1895

There is not much doubts in the minds of people as to which of the two teams that were representing Everton last Saturday secured the higher honours-the one which defeated Southport Central or the heroes of the game at Goodison Park with the Paisley club, St. Mirrens. As regards the matches, of course the Cup tie at Southport was by far the most important game, but if they had been playing a “friendly” only with the Sandgrounders the Everton committee would undoubtedly have sent their reserve team to do battle for them, and there is very little doubt but what the Combination eleven would have won handsomely, as they did against the Scotch club on Saturday, but being a Cup tie the committee wanted to make doubly sure, and therefore sent their best team. It took the latter all their time, however, to gather their plums, little as they were, for a 3 goals to none victory by the Everton League team against Southport Central is certainly no great achievement. The Everton team was powerful enough to record a much more brilliant victory; but why was Milward ignored by the committee? His displays in some recent games should be respected, and we are not surprised that through the caprice of certain officials he is getting somewhat disgusted. Of the play against Southport it went as has been noticed on many occasions of late, on the style of Everton having considerably the most of the attack but the front division utterly failed to make the most of their chances. Bell was the only one who seemed to get along smoothly, whilst Chadwick was the best of the remainder. McInnes did not shine as well as usual, missing two or three apparent certainties, whilst Hartley was not a success at centre. There was some excuse for Reay, whose injured leg seriously hampered him, particularly in the second half, and thus the general combination suffered. The half backs at times were rather loose, but both Kelso and Parry were in fine trim, relieving Williams of any amount of work, and he was only called upon about thrice during the ninety minutes. The Southport defence was simply superb, gee being in splendid form; whilst for small men both Smith and D. McLaren did wonderfully well. The attacking of the home men was generally done in sudden bursts, never long sustained, and in these forward rushes Hastings and Bryce were particularly smart, Halsall also being frequently conspicuous. The halves were a hard-working trio, the centre man being the pick. Something has gone wrong with the Everton men lately, that is certain. They can play well enough for anything we will admit up to a certain point, but beyond that they lose themselves. A team that can play like Everton should be able to score goals in a much greater proportion than they do. That they do not is sufficient to show all is not as square as should be. We do not mean to insinuate that the men don’t strive to do their duty, but that they lack the precision in their play which at one time characterised them a fault, we should think, which can and ought to be got over. We are not going to rail at the committee for not playing Milward last week. That player may have had reasons for taking what is commonly known as “the hump” in having to stand down in favour of Hartley; for all we can say no one can assert that Milward has not done well for Everton in his more recent games. He has and he deserves credit for it; but on the other hand Hartley has always been recognised as a centre forward, and therefore it should not have given offence to Milward that he was not selected. It was a near thing, however, Hartley, we believe, being chosen by a majority of one. It was childish on the part of Milward to ask for his papers because he was not played, and probably he had no intention of taking them if they had been offered. Both he and Hartley are down for playing today against Bolton Wanderers in the Lancashire Cup tie, Milward occupying Latta’s place at outside right.
The inclemency of the weather played the deuce with the theatrical football show, and we expect it will be one of the worst on record so far as receipts are concerned. The programme was spun out inordinately long, and the principal event- the football farce-suffered in consequence. It was brought on far too late in the day, and another year the Sports Committee will have to improve on this. It would have been much better and less tiring if several of the items had gone on concurrently. The schoolboys’ match was very interesting, the youngsters showing that they had been thoroughly well trained and coached up to their work. The theatrical ladies and gentlemen who took part in the show deserve thanks for their services as it required a lot of enthusiasm to brave the Arctic cold felt on Thursday.
Today’s teams
Everton play Bolton Wanderers at Bolton today, in the second round of the Lancashire Cup, kick-off at 2.45 when the following will represent.
Everton.- R. Williams, goal; Kelso and Parry, backs; Boyle, Holt, and Stewart, half backs; Milward, McInnes, Hartley, Chadwick, and Bell, forwards.
The Everton Combination team will be engaged at Goodison Park in a friendly encounter with Dresden United (kick-off 3.30), the following eleven having been chosen;-
Everton; Cain, goal; Boylan, and Arridge, backs; Walker, Storrier, and Elliott, half-backs; McDonald, Clark, W. Williams, McMillan, and Handford, forwards.
A WARNING TO SPECTATORS
The following is a copy of a warning issued by the Football Association and ordered to be posted on the grounds of all affiliated clubs;-
The Football Association.- Caution
Spectators and players are requested to assist in keeping order at all matches on the ground, and to prevent any demonstration of feeling against the referee, the visiting team, or any player. The consequences attending any misconduct of this kind may result in the closing of the ground for football. Such a course would not only entail great monetary loss, but would being considerable disgrace to the club. Betting is strictly prohibited. Spectators are expected to observe the rules and regulations with reference to conduct, and the police are instructed to maintain order. Any spectator guilty of misconduct or breach of rules and regulations is liable to be expelled from the ground by the police. (Signed) Kinnaird, president; J.C. Clegg, chairman; C.W. Alcock, secretary. The Football Association, 61 Chancery-lane, London, W.C. January 1895.

It was a pity the weather on Thursday was not more favourably for the Everton and Aston Villa match. The Everton Committee don’t often go in for sensational advertising -they have no need- but the match was truly described on their posters as “The Fight for the League Championship.” The issue meant a lot to either club, for a win to Aston Villa would put them well in the running, whilst a victory for Everton further enhanced their prospects of champions for the season. The crowd was fine and large, and the incidents during the game were so numerous and exciting that the heavy downpour failed to damp the spirits of those who failed to obtain shelter, and what a turn up was the result of the game! Here we had Everton playing with a dash that I have not seen excelled, and seldom equalled from them, and they not only scored three goals, but had nearly all the play in the first half. True we had several bursts away by the Villa and they were generally too dangerous to be pleasant to the home supporters, but as a team the visitors were completely outplayed. The second half opened all right, too, for Bell put on what I thought a suspicious sort of goal; but all the same it counted, and then the “Villans” showed their teeth. With the Everton and Sunderland match still vividly in my mind, I thought this was going to be a kind of second edition, but with the boot on the other leg. The forwards, who had hitherto done little, now put in grand work, the running and passing being so skilfully combined as to completely upset the Everton top defence, notwithstanding that first bell and then Milward fell back to assist. One goal was popped through, then a second, and finally a third, but the last one was not allowed to count. This was a sore point with the Birmingham people, and, so far as I could see, the goal seemed right enough, but Mr. Gilbert said no. before the finish Geary had an opening, but the gruelling he had to get into position took all the strength out of him, and the final verdict, as everybody knows, was Everton, four; Aston Villa two. Each side were evidently impressed with the important of the two points that would result from a win, and, whilst admiring the pluck of the visitors, at the finish I think Everton on the day’s play were the better team. The forwards worked the ball well, the passing being splendid and good use made of it. The half backs were a great assistance to them, and no fault could be found with the backs in the early part of the game, but, with the Villa forwards at their best, both Parry and Kelso were in dire straits and the worst of it was the absence of anything like cohesion between them, with the result that when one was beaten the attackers had full scope. There is no doubt it was a trying time, for hitherto Reynolds and Cowan were the only defenders who had shone, but now all the lot vied with each other for distinction, and the game presented all the elements of a transformation scene. After the exciting time we had to Thursday, it is just as well we have a quiet match for Saturday.
Evidently the Everton committee do not view the tie with Southport Central as a serious bout, for they advertised for a match with the League team at Goodison Park. I think I am correct in stating that no inducement has been offered the Southport club to have the tie played at Goodison Park, as the directors think the Cup tie terms are quite sufficient in this case, without extending them to a guarantee of any sum. As to the game itself, there will have to be no such thing as underrating the “Sandgrounders,” for their position in the Lancashire League is sufficient evidence that they are no means opponents, and on their own soil (or sand), backed up as they will be by an enthusiastic band of followers, I consider them a dangerous lot to trifle with.