January 8, 1894
Match: Benefit Match, for the William McGregor Fund, at Anfield.
Liverpool – Burnley 2-0 (1-0).
Attendance: 300.
Referee: Mr. John James Bentley.
Liverpool (2-3-5): William McOwen; John McCartney, Duncan McLean (C); Matt McQueen, Joe McQue, James McBride; Patrick Gordon, Douglas Dick, David Henderson, James Stott, Hugh McQueen.
Burnley (2-3-5): Jack Hillman; Tom Nicol, Sandy Lang; George King, Jimmy Crabtree, Archie Livingstone; Arthur Brady, Peter Turnbull, Jock Espie, Walter Place jun., Jimmy Hill.
The goals: 1-0 Gordon, 2-0 Henderson.
** Other match reports say the match was played over 2 x 35 minutes.
Owing to the Arctic-like conditions under which this game was played the spectators did, not reach anything like a respectable number. Hannah again stood out of the Liverpool team, whilst Bowes was the only absentee on the Burnley side.
McLean was fortunate enough to win the toss, and elected to play with a slight wind in his team’s favour. Espie started on behalf of the visitors, but the ball was pounced upon by Stott, who forced his way through the rack and gave to the right wing, they running down towards Hillman, but their final aim was misdirected, a goal kick only resulting.
McQue met the kick out, and, nicely placing in, a rush by Dick and Henderson caused Hillman to use his fists to clear. Burnley then replied with some excellent combination, and carried the game into Liverpool territory, but owing to want of nerve and determination lost many a good opportunity.
Midfield play next ensued, Liverpool having slightly the better of the argument, but it was not till Dick broke away that a real change came about, Henderson, although given a splendid opening by the right winger, failing to utilise the chance, fumbling rather awkwardly till Nicol removed the danger with a huge kick.
Liverpool, however, came again, and, the left wing giving to Henderson, that player shot in, Dick rushing up and completing the effort, but the referee gave the point offside. A heavy lunge by Crabtree at length let Burnley in, and Hill and Place worked the ball nicely up to the Liverpool goal, but failed in a miserable manner at the final pinch.
Again the home team rushed the ball to the visitors’ end, and from a cross by McQueen, Gordon obtained possession and scored a grand goal. Stott immediately headed over the bar, and then Turnbull missed a golden opportunity given by his partner. Burnley then held command of the game for a spell, but as all their attacks lacked sting they met with the usual result, failure. A splendid dash by Henderson at the last moment earned a well-merited corner, which, however, was neatly closed by Hill, this bringing about half-time.
Upon resuming, the Burnley team commenced in an earnest manner, but so good was the half-back play of the Liverpool team that the visitors were sent to the right-about, and a sprint by Gordon caused Hillman to handle. Espie, Place, and Hill replied with a speedy concerted movement, in which McCartney showed to advantage in defeating the intentions of the Burnley men.
McBride was then fouled, but nothing came of it till the Burnley left wing came cantering down the left wing, and from their pass Turnbull brought out McOwen with a spanking shot, but the Liverpool man was not to be caught napping, and removed the danger magnificently. Liverpool then endeavoured to break through the Burnley defence, but were only partially successful, Crabtree being a great stumbling block.
Before long the home side got well into the Burnley quarters, and Henderson, taking full advantage of an accurate pass, put on a second point for Liverpool. After this both sides warmed to their work, Burnley striving to score, while the homesters were content to keep the visitors at bay. As time drew near Liverpool came with a great rush, and it looked as though they would increase their score, but the game finished as above, Liverpool being returned winners by 2 goals to nil.
(Liverpool Mercury, 09-01-1894)
Other match reports:
Burnley Express, January 10 – 1894.
X
Jack Hillman, Burnley F.C. (Lancashire Evening Post: December 3, 1898).
X
Archie Livingstone, Burnley F.C. (Lancashire Evening Post: December 17, 1898).
X
Jimmy Crabtree, Burnley (Lloyd’s Weekly News: February 3, 1895):
X
