Match Report – 01/09/1917

EVERTON AND SOUTHPORT CENTRAL FORM
September 1, 1917, The Liverpool Football Echo
Bee’s Special
Everton are blessed with a good stock of players of first class ability, led off in their opening game –a very attractive affair, with their neighbours from Southport –with a bright prospect of victory. The team sheet given below shows strength of the rival sides, and it will be conceded that both sides on paper look well.
Footballer out of Action
Rigby, of Southport Central and formerly of Everton is in hospital in France. He has a leg injury.
Plan Of Action
Everton; Mitchell, goal; Thompson (captain) and Robinson, backs; Grenyer, Wareing and Fleetwood, half-backs; Donnachie, Clennell, Gault, Jefferis, and Murray, forwards. Southport Central;- Capper, goal; Dorward and Pte Hemsley, backs; J. Wright, Claridge, and Segt Abram, half-backs; Roger, Caulfield, Fay, Lt Tom, and Scholfield, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Twist, of Preston. Keeping the ball on the ground and passing neatly Everton started in nice fashion, Clennell being the mainspring of the opening attack, aided by a feint by Donnachie. Clennell was wide with a scorer shot, as was Gault a moment later, but we hadn’t long to wait for the first goal register of the season. Clennell was the scorer and the process was taken almost as a matter of course. Play had taken the ball to the home right in spite of the dour efforts of little Caulfield. Gault broke away and centred to the goalmouth where Clennell was stationed. If Capper had left his goal the score would probably have been prevented and similarly if Toms had steadied himself before shooting when he broke away Mitchell would have been tested.
Two Goals in Quick Succession
Up to the moment it had been all Everton, Southport’s defence being taxed. It was not until Jefferis had scored that Southport woke out of their sleeping draught. The goal scored by Jefferis was a gem, and delighted the crowd, which by the way, had a large percentage of soldiers wounded and otherwise. The skilful inside-right drove in a fast shot by a left-footed drive, and the ball caught the underneath portion of the cross-bar and curled into goal. Four minutes later Clennell tried a longish shot, which had Capper beaten, but the South Liverpool goalkeeper was slow in getting to the ball. Perhaps the glare of the sunshine was troubling him. Southport Central were out mancurved again and again and for a long time their relief was a breakaway by Abrams who showed poor judgment in a pass forward. Gault tried to join the scorers list and shot, a tendency to selfishness by making an angular shot and hitting the rigging what time his comrades were waiting a gentle tap. Capper got down to a low shot by Jefferis, after which there was a dull period, the only feature being sound defence by Thompson who was assisted fairly well by the new boy who by the way is a double of Thompson, except in height. If he turns out half as good as the Everton captain he will do very well thank you. In an endeavour to improve their play Southport swapped positions between Wright and Hemsley . There certainly was an improvement as a consequence as the full back position was certainly reliable. It was quite refreshing to see Hooper receive the ball and make good use of it, for he had little chance prior to the point. He beat Robinson, and Grenyer and centred a nice ball, only to find no one up to take the chance. Enthusiasm was put into the dull proceedings by an admirable save on the part of Capper at point-blank range. Right on time Donnachie scored a perfect goal with an oblique shot. It was a goal on his own and his close dribbling and delightful control of the ball gained rounds of applause.
Half-time; Everton 4, Southport Central 0
Under Cover
The value of Everton’s stand accommodation was shown today. The club is blest with more covered accommodation than ninety nine out of a hundred clubs, and today’s gate looked smaller than it was as a consequence of the spectators “hiding” themselves under cover.
Collecting For Hero’s Widow
The Bell Fund got a lift today at the football match, the railway organizers having been granted permission by Everton to take up a collection for this most deserving fund. A letter in the “Echo” suggesting that a collection should be taken was considered favourably by the Walton board. I hope the collection will yield a good sum.
Second Half
Everton faced the glare of the sunshine in this half, and therefore one looked to Southport to test Mitchell who had parried but one shot in the first half. The restart was sensational. Abrams putting the ball forward to Hooper, who scored quite easily. It was a triumphant of tactics Southport in the interval having rearranged their side; Hooper went to centre forward, Hemsley to outside right, Claridge to right half, and Fay to centre half. The reverse netted Everton and Gault was unlucky in being injured when he had made a goal pretty certain. He had to be attended to and when he resumed he limped badly. Capper show in daring saves, although he was not quick in clearing the ball. If the three big experienced men can keep clear of injuries they must from the backbone of the side. A surprising feature of the day was the absence of electrifying runs by young Schofield, who started last season so brilliantly and faded away. He must have heard what I said, for at this moment he made a splendid solo run.
Goal-scorers
Clennell scored for Everton after five minutes
Jefferis scored a second after thirteen minutes
Clennell scored a third after seventeen minutes
Donnachie scored a fourth after 44 minutes
Hooper scored for Southport after forty-six minutes

EVERTON’S FINE START.
Liverpool Daily Post – Monday 03 September 1917
The choice of Southport Central for the opening game Goodison was a good one because of the local rivalry that exists between the sides. So far the play was concerned, however. Southport put up a very weak display, and with Everton in excellent form, the visitors were easily beaten. There was only one short period of the game when Southport looked like making a fight of it, but, after starting the scoring in the second half, they were quickly subdued, and Everton again dominated the game. The game was really too one-sided to be always interesting, although it served to show the cleverness of the Everton side. Everton’s strength lay in their formidable half-back line, and it was Fleetwood, Wareing, and Grenyer that made the Southport forwards look so ordinary. The goals were scored in the following order:— Clennell, 5 minutes; Jefferis, 13 minutes; Clennell 17 minutes; Donnachie, 44 minutes; Hooper 46 minutes; Gault, 63 minutes; and Clennell, 80 minutes. On Saturday’s showing Everton should do well in the competition, and even allowing for the weakness of the opposition, it would be difficult to suggest a weak spot in the side. Robinson, who partnered Thompson, was reliable enough, although he had not the easy confidence of colleague. Mitchell did his small amount of work in convincing fashion, and the half-back line the strongest part of the side. In the forwards, Clennell was as vigorous usual, and Donnachie and Jefferis made openings that were highly profitable. The Southport side was reshuffled twice, but to little advantage. Toms had two distinct chances, and little more steadiness in front of goal might easily have altered the score. Capper made several brilliant saves, but his handling was not always clean, while Abrams and Fay worker hard against heavy odds. Result;— Everton, 6 goals; Southport Central, 1 goal.

PENNY APIECE
September 3, 1917. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes
Seven goals at Everton, my sirs, and two of them very special goals –goals that will be remembered by the 8,000 spectators present. Donnachie with a dodging, feinting run, beat four opponents and in spite of that fact, hardly moved move than half a dozen paces – evidence of ball-control. What? –finally crowning his effort with a brilliant drive crosswise out of Capper’s reach. Jefferis, too, got a peach with a left footed hook, and Clennell with three, and Gault and Hooper with one, completed the penny per goal idea. There’s no doubt about it –Everton, on paper and on form, are on the top rung. Their half-back line, well-knit, well-built, and experienced, makes certain the backbone of the side. Add, then reliable backs –young Robinson is a double of Thompson even to the bowed legs and the sandy hair –sharp-shooting forwards who are not afraid to swing the leg, and a goalkeeper of merit, and you find a side that is at once the envy of most cities. Everton will go far.
A Word For Capper
Southport played right into the hands, and but for Capper’s brilliance the Central side would have been bemoaning the hoisting of double figures Capper doesn’t know the art of picking up and clearing in one and the game action but he is a sound and not showy goalkeeper, and many times he saved hot shots. South Liverpool start next Saturday and I guess they would find it difficult to find his equal. What a mine of players the club has been for senior organizations! Capper had to work out his own salvation until Dossey Wright returned to his old place at full back. Hemsley having proved “unplaceable.” It was good to see Southport were not content to rest on their formation after the interval. Still they left themselves three goals in 7 minutes and there was never any goals for them. With arranged force Southport fared well, and Hooper made a good half and it is pretty evident that the central will after this week, fortunate a serviceable side. Young Schofield disappoints me; I had looked to him for much. Caulfield too, didn’t play half the game he showed here last time he paid us a visit. Clarridge is a worker, Dorward good, and Toms with a restraining influence near goal, would improve out of all recognition. He’s too earnest and anxious to get many goals. The lesson of the game is; Get to work early, Southport, and don’t be downhearted, your side should beat more than beats you.

THE BLUES EXCEL THEMSELVES
September 3, 1917. The Evening Express
By CRL
Six-one, grumbled am unsatisfied Everton supporters after the match, it should have been 10-1. And who present at Goodison Park on Saturday would disagree with the greedy one? Taken as a whole the game may yet prove to be the most one-sided affair seemed during the season. Beyond a few spasmodic raids play was rarely absent from the visitors half. Toms initiated a couple of them. He is of a type that can go well for goal, and then curl up within a sight of the net. The Southport team generally gave the impression of lack of condition. Abrams a stalwart last season noticeable found the pace too hot and eased up in the latter stages. Field changes were numerous. First J. Wright crossed from right half to the left back position displacing Hemsley and after the interval there was further shuffling in the forward line. Fay returned to his accustomed position of centre half, Hooper moving to the centre, and Claridge displaced Hemsley who made another step forward to outside right. The substitution scheme made little difference. True, an orphan point was credited to Hooper, but it was largely helped by a miskick by Thompson. With a couple of necessary changes and given a few more games, Southport should posses a presentable team. They were best served on Saturday by Caulfield, Fay, Schofield, and Hooper.
Some Praise
Everton gave a sound display. There was not a weak link –if one takes the game as a reliable test. Jefferis pleased all, and given exemption from injury than is a big season in front of the dainty inside right. He and Gault have brought the exchange position move to a fine art, and it ought to bear fruitful results, for the score sheet. Clennell collected a trio in best style, and has started early to excel the 37 notches of a season ago. Donnachie’s goal was the best of the bunch. The outside left squirmed round three defenders and found himself at a very narrow angle, but he accurately placed a beautiful oblique shot. Further back, the newcomer, Robinson showed distinct signs of promise. A little tendency to rashness will no doubt be sobered by a continued partnership with Thompson.

SOUTHPORT’S TEAM. ‘
Liverpool Echo – Wednesday 05 September 1917
SEVERAL CHANGES FOR RETURN MATCH AGAINST EVERTON.
There will be several changes in the Southport team to meet Everton in the return match at Southport on Saturday. Corporal Claridge and Pte Hemsley have been placed on reserve, and J.H. Wright will take the place of the latter as left full back, a position he occupied during the latter portion of the game at Goodison.  In Wright’s place at left half back, Sergt, Rigsby will operate; Fay will replace Claridge as centre half; Lieut Toms will be at centre forward instead of inside left, and Scholfield’s new partner on the left wing will be A. Brodie, formerly of South Shields and Newcastle United Reserve.  W. Hewitt, South Liverpool, is also on the reserve.  Team; Capper; Dorward, J.H. Wright; Sergt Rigsby, Fay, Sergt Abrams; Corpl Hooper, Caulfield, Liuet Toms, Brodie and Scholfield. 

EVERTON, BEWARE
September 7, 1917. The Liverpool Echo
Southport’s ground isn’t like Everton’s. therefore beware a pitfall. Moreover, Southport have considerably strengthened their side by putting the hefty and lusty Lieuteant Toms at centre forward and Fay at centre half. This means that the middle piece will be strong. “Dossey” Wright and Dorward being the backs and Capper in goal. The Unchanged Everton side can win if they can settle down and in this direction we look to the steadying influence of Fleetwood, Wareing and Grenyer. Look to your “Football Echo” for the full report as usual. Teams; Mitchell; Thompson, Robinson; Grenyer, Wareing, Fleetwood; Donnachie, Clennell, Gault, Jefferis, Murray. Southport Central; Capper; Dorward, J.H. Wright; Sgt Rigby, Fay, Sgt Abrams; Schofield, Brodie, Lieut Toms, Caulfields, Hooper.
• Air-Mechanic Maconnachie played left half for West Ham on Saturday
• A contemporary states that Everton have secured a player named Gouldson from Birkenhead Comets. He ought to be a “star” ought’s he?