A Week in History: 1-7 March

What happened in Everton's history this week?

1 March 1980 - Dixie Dean sadly passes away, just minutes after watching the Merseyside derby at Goodison. See The Dixie Dean Story exhibition here.

2 March 1889 - Everton host the England v Ireland match at Anfield. England won 6-1. There was growing concern about Everton's tenancy at Anfield in 1889, but the FA's decision to award them the international ensured the Club remained at Anfield at least until 1892. Learn more about the 1892 Anfield Split here.


3 March 1902 - Everton wing half, Walter Abbott, is awarded his only England cap for the 0-0 draw against Wales at Wrexham. Abbott joined Everton in 1899 from Small Heath and made almost 300 appearances before he left for Burnely in 1908. See all Walter Abbott memorabilia here.

3 March 1937 - Everton defeat Leeds United 7-1 at Goodison Park with Dixie Dean and Alex Stevenson both scoring twice. Other goals came from Albert Geldard, Torry Gillick and Tommy Lawton. Read the match programme here.


4 March 1893 - Everton draw 2-2 against Preston North End in FA Cup semi-final at Bramall Lane. This was Everton's first FA Cup semi-final and was against one of the top teams in the country. Goals from Edgar Chadwick and Gordon ensured a replay at Ewood Park. See the match programme from the 3rd Replay!

6 March 1985 - Andy Gray scores hat-trick against Fortuna Sittard in 3rd Round of European Cup-Winners' Cup. Fortuna Sittard had already defeated KB Copenhagen and Wisla Krakow in previous rounds, so arrived for the 3rd Round 1st leg in confident mood. A Goodison crowd of 25,782 witnessed one of Andy Gray's finest Everton performances, scoring all three in a 3-0 win and almost certain qualification for the semi-finals. Read the match programme here.

7 March 1891 - Charlie Parry becomes the first Everton player to be selected for Wales. Parry was selected for the match against England, which Wales lost 4-1. The Everton selectors spotted Parry playing junior football in Wales. He made his Everton debut in the opening game of the 1889-90 season, scoring from his position of wing half. See detailed 1890/91 Everton team photo, showing Parry. 

7 March 1942 - Wolves defeat Everton 11-1 in the Football League North, 2nd Championship. But for the fact that the regional war Leagues are considered unofficial, this would have been Everton's worst ever defeat.