EVERTON 1 ASTON VILLA 2 (Game554)
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.