September 18, 1893
Consistent Liverpool deserve every praise for the undoubtedly clever victory over Ardwick on Saturday. The home team, for various reasons, underwent material alteration, as Frank Dyer, Bob Milarvie, Hugh Morris, and William Hopkins were absent, but the new players gave such an excellent account of themselves that the verdict amongst the spectators was that it had been the best match there for some time. In fact, a local evening contemporary said, “The alteration up to this point certainly appeared to be for the better, as the substitutes were playing a far better game than any that has been witnessed on the Ardwick ground this season.”
The above remark show that both sides must have exhibited grand form, and therefore Liverpool’s victory in all the more gratifying. Those who mainly acquitted to this desirable end were, without question, the defence, William McOwen, in particular, being remarkably clean and well-timed in his clearances.
As usual, the two backs were always there or thereabouts, Duncan McLean’s heavy kicking and Andrew Hannah’s judgment at crucial times being greatly admired and acknowledged by the onlookers. The three halves did not do themselves justice during the first half, but decidedly improved later on, James McBride and Joe McQue shining as of yore. John McCartney has not quite regained last season’s form yet, being rather too bulky, but that is a matter easily repaired.
Among the forwards there is still want of proper understanding necessary to carry the club to greater triumphs. There is much individualism shown, and it must be patent to every one of the forwards that so much finessing and proneness to individual efforts will not create the same havoc amongst their opponents as well-sustained, concerted, action. Remedy this fault, and improve the shooting, which all must admit requires improving, and the team will carry off the majority of its games with ease. James Stott and Hugh McQueen were the best pair, though Matt McQueen and Malcolm McVean worked very hard throughout, while Patrick Gordon militated against his own success by repeatedly taking the ball into the corner, only to find himself hustled or the leather placed harmlessly over the goal line.
Chief among the homesters were William Douglas (goal), David Robson, whose grand display at back was continuously cheered; Daniel Whittle, E. Regan, and Harry Middleton, half-backs, and Walter Bowman and James Yates, forwards. In fact the whole of the team played with dash and cleverness, but the most dangerous was Bowman.
An unlooked for incident occurred after the match. Several actions of the players, and decisions of the referee (Mr F. Norris) not meeting with the approval of the crowd, a portion of the latter assaulted the team as they left the ground, the police having to stand by the wagonette when the team were leaving the hotel to enter the vehicle. Liverpool visit Manchester again on Wednesday to play the return engagement with Newton Heath, whom they defeated a fortnight ago.
(Source: Liverpool Mercury: September 18, 1893)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 