January 15, 1894
The severity of the weather last Monday completely ruined the “gate” at Anfield of the Liverpool and Burnley match, besides having a discouraging effect upon the teams.
Playing to empty benches, however laudable the object may be for which the match is arranged, is not very inspiring, and due credit must be meted out to both clubs for the interesting game they served up.
As a real test of relative merits it was not an indicator, but this much could be noticed, that the Liverpool defence seem quite at home when coping with the attack of a first-class club.
When Burnley visit Liverpool to play off their Palatine League match, the home player may be assured that they will not again win unless they strain every nerve – the forwards particularly requiring to be duly alive to their proper duties.
The charming spring-like weather of Saturday drew a very large crowd, and this despite the unfortunate position occupied by Rotherham Town in the Second League. The Liverpool team, as usual, opened in a forcible manner, and were not long in obtaining their customary two goals, after which the play slackened down, and often became monotonous, although the home team were generally the aggressors.
When Wharton’s clever defence had again been beaten a larger amount of vigour and dexterity was infused into the play, and the latter stages were really interesting. Rotherham have a notoriety as being “stayers,” and they abundantly proved it on Saturday. Their play all round improved as the game went on, and the only goal they obtained was without doubt a clever piece of work.
The home team excelled in every department, and but for a little lethargy would deserve nothing but praise. The combination among the forwards, however, was not up to the standard by any means, and this is to be regretted, as it was their final run previous to the important cup tie next Saturday at Blackburn.
Unfortunately it appears likely that neither Stott nor McVean will be able to take their places in the team then, owing to indisposition, and as these two men when fit are the best inside players, or “backers up” to use a Scotch phrase, that the club possesses, the Rovers’ chances are made somewhat brighter by this piece of ill luck which has just occurred. The match is being widely discussed, and as this will be Liverpool’s first visit to Ewood Park much curiosity will no doubt be-evinced.
Not to be behind when charity is the object, the committee of the Liverpool Club have held two or three meetings to discuss what form their annual charity fete shall take, and have at length decided to hold a “football carnival” some-time in February, of which particulars and details will be given later on.
(Source: Liverpool Mercury: January 15, 1894)
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"Play Up, Liverpool" 