Home Programme - Everton v. Stoke, 2 November 1889

Everton v. Stoke 2 Nov 89 2

This was an exciting match for home fans as Everton defeated Stoke 8-0 with Fred Geary (3), Alec Brady (2), and Alex Latta (2) scoring the goals for Everton.  The players' positions are shown in the centre pages of the programme.


Centre forward Geary had recently been transferred in from Notts Rangers.  Geary went on to make two appearances for England, scoring a hat trick on his debut against Ireland in 1890.


Latta, who generally played outside right, transferred from Dunbarton in 1889.  He made two appearances for Scotland, scoring 2 goals against Wales in 1888.  Both Geary and Latta were transferred to Liverpool FC in 1895. 


Inside forward Brady joined Everton from Sunderland in 1889, but moved to Celtic in 1890.  He played in The Wednesday side which won the F.A. Cup in 1896.


In the Victorian era many early football programmes like this one, consisted of one sheet of A4 size paper folded in half.  The front cover, shown below, featured the teams in the fixture, the date and kick off
time.  The rest of the cover was advertising.


Local interest, not just in watching football but in playing is evident from the advertisements for football boots and goods.  Nicholson's Leather Warehouse offer to repair the pigs' bladders which were used inside the leather cases of footballs. 


It is believed that the M. Higgins of the "Zoological" Vaults in West Derby Road is the former Everton player, Mike Higgins, who scored the first goal at Anfield.

Everton Stoke programme 2 Nov 89