Match By Match Reports

30^th September 1959

Preliminary Round – Home to Rhyl

Won 5-2

Scorers – John Bentley (3), Alan Tyrer, Dave Boner

The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express Preview

EVERTON YOUTH GAME TONIGHT
Wednesday September 30, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Cup Tie Against Rhyl
By Michael Charters
Everton Youth team play Rhyl in the preliminary round of the F.A. Youth cup at Goodison Park tonight (7 p.m) the winners meeting the holders Blackburn Rovers in the first round away on October 12. This match will give Everton supporters opportunity of seeing the youthful talent on the club’s books and there are many playing tonight of whom Manager John Carey has great hopes for the future.  Only one of Everton’s team –goalkeeper Griffiths – will move out of the age limit this season and several of these bright youngsters are only 15. The team are; Everton Youth; Griffths; Gannon, Green; Jarvis, Watson, Sharples; Boner, Tyer, Bentley, Merton, Edmondson. Griffiths will be remembered by those who saw Everton’s public trial for his brilliance as second half deputy to Jimmy O’Neill; Watson and Green are former Welsh schoolboys internationals, Merton the forward star of last season’s Liverpool City boys team and Bentley is the former Liverpool Collegiate boy. Sharples, Boner, Tyrer and Edmondson have all played in the Central League team. Sharples being an English schoolboy international last season. The Rhyl team contents two boys who have sign amateur forms for Everton this season –Phil Edwards ad Barry Rees, both former Welsh schoolboys international, Everton have given permission for Rhyl to play them in this competition.

Match Report from Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON’S YOUTH CUP WIN
October 1, 1959 The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Youth 5 Rhyl Youth 2
Everton youth scored a convincing victory over Rhyl youth in the Football Youth Challenge Cup, preliminary round at Goodison Park last evening.  Centre Forward Bentley soon scored for the home side, and Tyrer added a second goal, after ten minutes.  Staricker, however reduced the lead, then Watson, Everton’s centre-half missed a penalty and half-time arrived with Everton leading 2-1.  Edwards equalized for the visitors with a nice header, but Bentley, with a glorious header, restored Everton’s lead, and outside right Bowen scored from an acute angle.  Despite brilliant goalkeeping by Davies, Rhyl were unable to prevent Bentley heading another goal for the home side, who were worthy winners of a very cleanly fought game. 

12^th October 1959

13th October 1959

1^st Round – Away at Blackburn Rovers

Drew 2-2

Scorers – George Morton, Alan Tyrer

EVERTON FACE HOLDERS
Tuesday, October 13, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Everton and Liverpool have youth club matches this week, Everton’s tonight against Blackburn Rovers holders of the F.A Youth Cup and Liverpool’s at Anfield tomorrow against Bradford City (3-15).  Liverpool swamped Chester 12-1 in the preliminary rounds of the competition.  Manager John Carey is lucky to have such a fine coach as Leslie Shannon to help him nurse his youngsters of whom Griffiths the former Mold Grammer Schoolboy in goal, and Sharples from Birkenhead have outstanding opportunity to make a hit.  Everton have combed North Wales thoroughly and Green (left-back) and half-backs Jarvis and Watson are all from the area.  The Everton team for tonight’s I;- Griffiths; Gannon, Green; Jarvis, Watson, Sharples; Boner, Tyrer, Bentley, Morton, Edmondson. 
Hickson Leads Rhyl!
Rhyl’s first big floodlight match of the season kicks off at 7-30 p.m tomorrow hen Manchester United are the visitors.  The match was arranged following the transfer of Rhyl’s left winger, Ken McDowell, to United three weeks ago for £1,000 and providing he is fit to play McDowell will be on the left wing against his old club.  Dave Hickson the Everton centre-forward will lead the Rhyl attack, which comprise four guest players and one regular Rhyl forward.  Welsh international Royston Vernon will be at inside-left with former United star now Chester manager, Stan Pearson occupying the other inside berth.  Former Rhyl player Denis Wilson now a first teamer with Stoke City will be at right back and Wrexham winger Grenville Jones on the right wing. 

FINE FIGHT BY EVERTON DEFENCE
Wednesday, October 14, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post
Youth Cup-Tie
Blackburn Rovers Youth 2, Everton Youth 2
By David Horridge.
The Everton Youth team earned a replay with Blackburn Rovers (Holders) when they drew their First Round F.A. Youth Cup-tie at Ewood Park, last night.  While Everton were on the receiving end for most of the game so well did Everton defence fight that it would have been a pity if they had been on the losing side.  Rovers began as if they meant to sweep the board but after seven minutes Everton broke away on the right wing through Boner who squared the ball across to Bentley who transferred it to Edmondson.  The left winger pushed the ball back into the goalmouth where Morton flicked it in.  The home team took up the attack again, but after 14 minutes Boner again made a forty-yard dash up the wing and again put the ball to Bentley.  The centre-forward passed back to Tyrer on the edge of the penalty area and he promptly banged the ball into the net.  This spurred the home team to still greater efforts and the visiting defence took a terrific pounding.  Some of their tackling was not to the likely of the 10,100 crowd, but the defenders saw to it that goalkeeper Griffiths was not as troubled as he should have been. 
In Trouble
Everton held their lead until the interval but to minutes after this Mulvey reduced the arrears when he scored from 12 yards.  Everton were now really in trouble and after 60 minutes Bradshaw headed the equalizer.  After the great work of the Everton defence this was something of a tragedy for Griffiths.  Moulding took a corner on the right and Bradshaw’s header pitched just in front of Griffiths but as the goalkeeper went to gather it the greasy ball bounced and twisted over his shoulder.  Strangely enough after this Everton enjoyed their best spell of the game.  Boner (twice) and Edmundson going near, but this spell did not last long and the Rovers were soon hammering away again at the Everton defence.  In the final minute Jervis nearly put Blackburn in front with a header which shaved the cross bar.  Teams.- Blackburn Rovers; Linacre; Sandford; England, Haynes, Slater; Moulding, Bradshaw, Jervis, Mulvey, Ratcliffe.  Everton; Griffiths; Gannon, Green; Jarvis, Watson. Sharples; Boner, Tyrer, Bentley, Morton, Edmoundson. 

EVERTON YOUTHS GET CUP REPLAY AT BLACKBURN
Wednesday, October 14, 1959.The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By David Horridge
Before the start of last night’s first round Youth Cup match at Ewood Park Everton’s chief scout, Harry Cooke told me he reckoned the club’s present team was probably the best they had for a number of years.  By earning a replay with Blackburn Rovers, who won the trophy last season, it looks as though he might be right.  Some people may argue that the score 2-2 was not a true reflection of a match in which Blackburn had far more of the play territorially but the courageous display of the Everton defence warranted their not being on the losing side.  The Rovers attack included four of last season’s successful team but such was the covering of the Everton defence that they kept the goalkeeper Griffiths work down to a minimum.  Some of the Everton tackling was not to the liking of the crowd, but the greasy turf tended to make some clashes appears worse than they were. 
Lucky Equaliser.
There is no doubt that these conditions were the reason for Blackburn’s equalizing goal after 60 minutes.  When inside-right Bradshaw headed a right wing corner forward goal there seemed little danger with Griffiths and his full-backs guarding the line the ball pitched just in front of the goalkeeper but as he bent to pick it up it “broke” in the manner of cricket ball and slipped over his left shoulder into the net.  This was terrible luck for Griffiths for he had played well.  Blackburn began as if they meant to better the 14 Manchester United had scored against Morecambe the previous night and almost straight from the kick-off Everton left-back Green had to dash across to kick the ball off ex-Liverpool schoolboy Jervis toe.  Then David Boner took a hand.  In the seventh minute the little outsider-right collected a ball on the half-way line, beat two defenders and from the goal line squared the ball into the middle.  Centre forward Bentley helping it across to Edmondson and when the left-winger centred it George Morton flicked in into the net.  Seven minutes later Boner as if the show his first effort was no “fluke” repeated the act.  He made-another 40-yards in dribble down the touchline and again pushed the ball back to Bentley.  Unable to try a shot himself the centre forward feed it up for Tyrer and from the edge of the penalty area he swept it into the net.  In less than a quarter of an hour the visitors were two up from the only real attacks they had made.  From then until the 47th minute Everton were really up against it, and it is great reflection on the defensive covering that Griffiths was not called upon more often than he was although he made one damage drive at a forward’s feet to save a certain score. 
Jarvis Great
The brains behind Rovers attack belonged to inside-left Mulvey but great as he was he was no better than Everton’s right half, Alan Jarvis.  In addition to marking Mulvey he found time to prompt his own right wing as witness Boner’s two runs.  Two minutes after the restart Blackburn made it 2-1 when right-winger Moulding cut in.  It appeared the chance had gone when Jervis missed the pass but Mulvey was backing up and scored from the edge of the area.  Thirteen minutes later came Bradshaw equalizer.  Strangely enough it was immediately followed this that Everton were at their best.  Boner (twice) and Bentley went near and Morton had a grand volley well saved.  Rovers seemed to have run themselves out at this stage but they disproved that by again pounding the Everton defence in the closing minutes and the match ended with Jarvis rocketing a header inches over the bar.  This Everton side s not so well balanced as it might be.  There is room for improvement in more than one position, but I doubt there is any side in the competition with a better pair of wing halves than Sharples and Jarvis.  Much has been said about written about Sharples and he lived up to his reputation last night but Jarvis was every bit as good.  He had a magnificent match and when you consider that Rovers right half Mike England who has played for their first team, looked no better, you can gauge Jarvis’s play. 
No Panic
The backs Gannon and Green and centre half Watson while looking a little shaky under the extreme pressure they had to face, never shirked a tackle and made no serious mistakes that I can recall.  After the great first-half Boner found little opportunity to shine later on but with Tyrer, formed Everton’s most dangerous wing.  Centre-forward Bentley was often ploughing a lone furrow and when the left wing of Morton and Edmondson realized their chance of adding to the goal tally were limited they gave much useful was stance in defence.  Les Shannon who looks after the boys and afterwards that he was well satisfied with the result.  He had every reason to be.  While the 10,100 crowd must have been disappointed at their side only drawing they had their money worth in excitement and if the replay reaches the same standard it well be well worth seeing. 

YOUTH CUP REPLAY NEXT WEDNESDAY
Wednesday October 14, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Labone Injury Progressing
By Leslie Edwards
The Blackburn Rovers v. Everton Youth Cup tie will be replayed at Goodison Park next Wednesday (7 pm.) There were 10,000 spectators at Blackburn to see the teams draw 2-2) and as Blackburn held the trophy, it is likely that this figure will be far exceeded when the sides meet a second time.  Everton will not choose their side against West Ham until later in the week.  Brian Labone out of the team through injury, is progressing quite well. 

YOUTH CUP IS MOVING UP TO BIG TIME
Saturday, October 17, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Alex Parker Comments
A Competition fast gaining in popularity in the F.A. Youth Challenge Cup, especially since it has been proved by Blackburn Rovers that clubs other than Manchester United can win it.  Since the start of the season we at Goodison Park have been confident that our own youth team would give a good account of itself this season, and by getting a draw at Blackburn last Tuesday the boys look like proving us right.  When we heard that they were away to the Cup holders in the first round we know that their showing there would give an indication of just how good they are.  Now we know.  The Rovers included five of last season’s team including Mike England, who has had experience of First Division football.  The Everton boys are nearly all 16 and 17, with inside left George Morton the former Liverpool Schoolboy star the baby of the side at 15.  They include former English, Scottish and Welsh schoolboy internationals and are looked after by Les Shannon the former Liverpool and Burnley player.  Most mornings Les can be seen at Bellefield with the boys, rehearsing moves and trying out rushes for corners and free-kicks.  Last Tuesday’s result must have left him in no doubt that his efforts have all been worthwhile although the keenness showed by his pupils must ease his job considerably.   Goalkeeper Graham Griffiths left-back, Colin Green, right half, Alan Jarvis and centre-half John Watson are Welsh, with Griffiths the veteran of the side at 17.  Wee Davey Boner, at outside-right is the Scottish representative and Mike Gannon, George Sharples, Alan Tyrer, John Bentley, George Morton, and Barry Edmondson are from Merseyside.  Centre-forward John Bentley is an ex-Collegate boy like Brian Labone.  In the preliminary round against Rhly, he scored with two headers with I doubt will be bettered at Goodison this season.  One was from the edge of the penalty area.  It was unlucky for George Sharples that the match at Blackburn should fell on the same night as the England team was due to meet Sunderland for he had to forego an international appearance but I think that the part he played in forcing that draw would more than compensate him.  Anyway, he’s almost certain to get his place in the England side later in the season. 
No Easy Game

There were over 10,000 at Blackburn but I expect nearly twice that number at Goodison on Wednesday.  I hear the Rovers received plenty of vocal encouragement.  I’ve mentioned before just how important this cheering can be, so I’m appealing to you now to give the boys all you’ve got.  Make no mistake it will be no easy match, for Blackburn are a good side but so are Everton.  Along with the rest of the Everton staff I’ll be there cheering for them, and I expect them to pull it off.  At Leeds last week I renewed acquaintance with three old friend.  Before the game I met former Army colleague in Sergeant Laird, of the Royal Scotts Fusiliers.  He tried to train the battalion team.  His cousin David Laird, plays inside-forward for St. Mirren and met with an unfortunate accident last week when he broke an ankle.  The Sergeant was on leave and decided to call at Elland Road to see if ex-Fusilier Parker was behaving himself.  As we got  draw I don’t think I let him down.  I also met two ex-Falkirk colleagues n John McCole and Willie Sinclair.  Sinclair is on Huddersfield Town’s books and called to our hotel in Huddersfield where we had lunch.  McCole as you probably know, was recently transferred from Bradford City and he tells me he is settling down well.  He’s popping goals in regularly, as he should be happy.  We lost the corresponding match last season due to a goal y Alan Shackleton and although he didn’t get his name on the score sheet this time he had his hand in a couple of our goals.  Another old friend I met this week was ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Younger.  You may remember that he organized game with the TV soccer stars a few months ago.  Well, the show Biz X1 are coming back next month and Tommy Younger has again been asked to help, hence his visit.  He tells me that he is quite happy at Falkirk although he misses many of the friends he made on Merseyside.  In the first article I wrote for the Football Echo on my return from Cyprus nearly twelve months ago, I mentioned the name of an Army team colleague, West Ham’s Johnny Smith.  I wrote at the time of “his strong penetrative play” Those were my exact words.  Well apparently the English selectors have also noted “his strong, penetrative play” for they named him as reserve for today’s international.  Anybody want to buy a selector?   I have given another selection of letters this week.  I am unable to include them all, but in addition to those printed here I would like to thank John Malakas, of the M.M. Maiatian, Patrick Hogan of Carlington, Co Louth Ireland, and Gunner Dave Crabb, 127 Battery, R.A Hong Kong.  If you do wish to contact me you can do so by writing to me c/o the Sports Department Liverpool Echo, Victoria Street, Liverpool 1.

21^st October 1959

1^st Round Replay at Home to Blackburn Rovers

Won 1-0

Scorer – John Bentley

Match Preview from The Liverpool Echo

21ST OCTOBER 1959

YOUTH CUP DRAW

If Everton Youth beat Blackburn Rovers at Goodison this evening in their F.A. Youth Cup replay they will visit the winners of the Bury - Manchester City tie in the second round. The teams drew 4-4 at Maine Road and replay at Bury next Tuesday.

Liverpool, who beat Bradford City in the first round, meet Preston North End at Anfield. These games have to be completed by November 21.

For to-night’s match Blackburn have made six changes compared with last week, three of them positional.

BLACKBURN ROVERS. - Linacre, Carrigan, Swanton; England, Haynes, Wolfe; Ratcliffe, Bradshaw, Jervis, Holden, Mulvey.

18^th November 1959

2^nd Round – Away at Manchester City

Lost 0-2