EVERTON 4 ASTON VILLA 2 (Game 534)
January 29, 1906. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON’S BRILLIANT DISPLAY.
After a series of very disappointing exhibitions, Everton on Saturday returned to their old form, and greatly pleased their enthusiastic supporters by the brilliant game which they played against Aston Villa. Everton since the League was formed, Everton and the Villa have been stalwarts in the matter of the finer points of the Association game. However, badly either
team might have been going, they have invariably risen to the occasion when in quest of the League points or cup-tie honours. Who will forget that ever memorable final at the Crystal Palace when the Villa triumphed over the “Blues” after admittedly one of the most delightful and scientific display of the Association football? Saturday’s game by no means reached this high standard, but for all that it was a perfect treat to the spectators, who to the number of 30,000 assembled to do honours to Booth and Taylor, who were enjoying a well-deserved benefit.
A FAST GAME.
With the conditions altogether favourable, everything pointed to a keenly contested trial of strength. There were those who imagined that with neither team at full strength the quality of the play for an Everton v Villa match would suffer. Notwithstanding the fact that the Villa had nothing like their full cup team, the reserve did exceptionally well, and it was only after a galliant struggle that the Birmingham players succumbed by 4 goals to 2. From the outset it was evident that a rattling pace would be sustained, and the Everton front line went off with rare dash, and in less than six minutes Settle delighted the crowd with a long shot that had Gooch in difficulties, and found the net. This was just the encouragement, which the Everton vanguard required, and the manner in which they bombarded the goal was worthy of all praise. Equally meritorious were the efforts at this trying period of the Villa defence. Gradually the visiting forwards pulled themselves together, and from a pass by Garrett Matthews scored a splendid equalising point.
FOUR GOALS IN THE SECOND HALF.
Crossing over on level terms, the issue was still pretty open. Everton however, were not long in asserting themselves and from a second corner Taylor put the finishing touch for a characteristic centre from Settle. It was on the fitness of things that one of the boncciared should give his side the lead, but for all that the credit of the goal largely rested with Settle. Not many minutes elapsed before Sharp was responsible for a third goal. At this stage Everton’s victory appeared assured but, taking advantage of a slight misunderstanding between Balmer and Makepeace, Hampton reduced the lead. This again placed the Evertonians on their mettle, and right gallantly did they respond, the honour falling to Sharp of securing a fourth point. Interest was maintained until the whistle blew, but no other goal were forthcoming, and Everton were left victors in an extremely interesting and satisfactory encounter.
GOOD PARTNER FOR SHARP.
As will be gathered the Everton side were in much better trim than has been the case for some time past. They were not like the same team that have
given much recent lifeless display. In all departments there was proficiency shown that the well wishes of the club would dearly like to see distained. The forwards imparted any amount of dash into their work, and gave one the impression that they had fully make up their minds to leave nothing undone whereby to secure success. Young was the weakest of the quintet, but even he was much effective than he has been of late. Both wings were conspicuous, but the most satisfactory feature was the successful manner in which Bolton’ the recruit from Newcastle, partnered Sharp. Although on the small side he showed all the coolness and resource of a skilled player and if Saturday’s form may be taken as a sample of his ability, then Everton assuredly have at last found a suitable partner for Sharp. The half-backs division, though without Booth and Abbott, were effective throughout. Makepeace was not in his usual position still the exhibition, especially. In the second half was a treat to witness. Black was always in evidence, and as for Taylor, the veteran left no loophole for adverse criticism. Hill and Balmer were sound defenders but Scott had few demands made upon him, and for the Villa they were best served in defence. Spencer in particular playing a grand game. Cooch in goal was an excellent understudy to George. Teams: – Everton: – Scott, goal, Hill, and W.Balmer, backs, Black, Taylor (Captain), and Makepeace half-backs, Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Aston Villa: – Cooch, goal, Spencer, and Harris, backs Pearson, Wilkes and Garraty, half-backs, Matthews, Hampton Bache, and Hall, forwards. Referee Mr. Whittaker.