February 6, 1893
This friendly was played at Anfield on Saturday, in the presence of only about 1,000 spectators, the smallness of the number being due to the greater attraction of the English Cup-ties in the immediate neighborhood. Both teams were strongly represented, Alf Underwood and Andrew Hannah being the only absentees.
Liverpool: Sydney Ross, Matt McQueen, Duncan McLean, John McCartney, Joe McQue, James McBride, Thomas Wyllie, Jock Smith, John Miller, Malcolm McVean, Hugh McQueen.
Stoke: William Rowley, Tommy Clare, George Bateman, David Christie, Jack Proctor, David Brodie; William Naughton, William Dickson, Charles Baker, Ted Evans, Joe Schofield.
Miller kicked off, and, after a few exchanges, Naughton and Dickson made headway on the Stoke right, and, the home backs bungling. Naughton was enabled to score a rather easy shot within three minutes. This un-looked-for reverse appeared rather to nettle he home team, as they lived up considerably, and a judicious pass by Miller to McQueen, who in turn centred accurately, was the means of menacing danger to Rowley, but the international took matters very coolly, and cleared easily.
Dickson was making off at top speed when McBride interposed and robbed him in a magnificent manner, putting in to the goal mouth so that Miller was given a chance to equalise, which he took full advantage of. Up to half-time the game was earnestly contested, Liverpool having slightly the most of the play; Wyllie and McQue putting in two capital shots for them, while Brodie and Schofield were very near doing the trick for Stoke.
In the second half, Stoke increased the place, and rapid sprints by Schofield and Naughton were a source of danger to Ross, but the home custodian was in good form, and it was only when hampered by his own side and opposing forwards that Baker was allowed to secure a second point for Stoke with a high shot. Just on time Smith and Miller made brilliant individual efforts to score, and Rowley was decidedly lucky in dealing with a header from Smith. Immediately afterwards the whistle was blown, and Stoke were victorious by 2 goals to 1.
(Source: Liverpool Mercury: February 6, 1893)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 