February 6, 1893
Liverpool had a “class” organisation to meet on Saturday – the now famous Stoke team – whose prowess in the League game this season has been so pronounced. Liverpool had only been defeated by a goal in the previous game at Stoke, and were determined to wipe that score off, but they again failed narrowly.
There was nothing to choose between the teams on the day’s play – in fact, during the first half Liverpool at times held a distinct advantage, and it was only clever – it might be said fortunate – goalkeeping that kept the homesters from equalising in the last few minutes. The homesters played well in the field, but were slow in their dodging and parting; and it is also noticeable that the forwards have contracted a bad habit of lying back too much among the halves, who, it can certainly be remarked, are efficient enough to manage their own work.
Matt McQueen was an improvement on Andrew Hannah, while James McBride was the most brilliant among six good half-backs. Jock Smith and Thomas Wyllie combined well, while Hugh McQueen centred accurately but with too much force.
On the Stoke side Tommy Clare stood prominently above all others – indeed, he was the best player on the field, his tremendous kicking giving relief times without number. The visiting halves were clever without being brilliant, and are honest workers. While their forwards are a good lot, who know how to make the best of an opportunity. The two wing men are speedy, and capital shots, and are well fed by the inside players.
Darwen’s vaguely worded protest against the Lancashire Cup was unconditionally withdrawn on Friday evening last by the former.
Liverpool also will be grateful to Southport Central for cleverly beating Bury on Saturday, and thus greatly improving Liverpool’s chance of becoming Lancashire League champions.
(Source: Liverpool Mercury: February 6, 1893)
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"Play Up, Liverpool" 