April 5, 1893
This fixture, which on paper promised to be an interesting game, took place at Anfield last evening. Only a moderate attendance assembled, and owing to the indisposition of the home team to play the legitimate football, a very tame game resulted. The Cliftonville included a couple of internationals, Clugston and Stanfield, and to their credit, they may be said to have shown better form than their companions.
Liverpool at the commencement held complete away, and the game had not long progressed when Hugh McQueen, with a capital side shot, had put the homesters in front. Shortly afterwards John Miller threaded his way through the opposing defence, and obtained a second point; and although he and the other forwards were complete masters of the game, yet, by descending to gallery play, they were not able to increase their score by half time, although Clugston had stopped several stinging shots in praiseworthy style.
Upon turning round the visitors played somewhat better, showing much more dash and cohesion, and Matt McQueen, in goal, on one occasion had to be remarkably smart to stave off disaster from a good attempt by Stanfield. Brilliant play by James McBride then led up an attack upon the visiting goal, and John Miller again got through in imitable style, and added a third point for Liverpool.
Then followed a period of even play, Williamson and Stanfield both having shots at Matt McQueen; while Malcolm McVean also sent in a stinger, which was nicely got away, but the left wing of Cliftonville, getting off with a nice run, sent across to Stanfield, and that individual scored for his side.
Liverpool then threw off their lethargy, and made matters warm for Clugston, who, playing in splendid form, was only beaten once again, Jock Smith being the executant in this instance, and when the final whistle blew the score read – Liverpool, 4; Cliftonville, 1.
(Liverpool Mercury: April 5, 1893)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 