February 11, 1895
As was generally anticipated, Liverpool proved too good for Blackburn Rovers in the Lancashire Cup competition, thus amply avenging their defeat last season. A splendid crowd assembled, and lavishly applauded every good bit of play on either side, but no doubt owing to the “bone” in the turf the game was not so good as expected.
The Rovers’ play for the nonce was never in evidence, their general style on Saturday instead being a very near approach to that usually attributed to Burnley. Fouls were the order of the day, and by far the greater portion of them were given against the Rovers’ teams.
By adopting the swinging go-ahead game, were the Blackburn halves kicked almost as strongly as their full backs, the visitors more than monopolised their share of the general play, but weak shooting and misuse of corners and other small advantages ruined the chances of winning on the part of the “Blue and Whites.”
On the contrary, the success of Liverpool can be put down to pure determination and timely acceptance of the opportunities which came their way. Certainly the forwards shone to much greater advantage when competing against Burnley and Nottingham Forest so far as combination goes, but they were equally as good on Saturday, when vigour and grit were required.
To Jimmy Ross, as the principal attack, and Matt McQueen, the chief of the defence, must be awarded the premier honours. Never in the history of those two players have they displayed greater brilliance or judgment, and not one of their fellow-clubmates will begrudge them the favours bestowed.
John Curran again excelled himself for consummate judgment, while Duncan McLean was ever to the fore when hard work was required. John McCartney tarnished his exhibition by a distinct leaning and wish to emulate some of the tricks of his opponents, and consequently was frequently beaten in the struggle for the ball. Joe McQue was perfectly at home in his position, and happy in the extreme in his checking and passing. John McLean set himself the task of attending to Patrick Gordon, and so well did he accomplish this that that player soon lost his temper, being one of those individuals, who ruffle up at the slightest check, and twice in quick succession he was under the bann of the referee.
Malcolm McVean, Harry Bradshaw and Davie Hannah each strove hard, and were particularly successful when playing in the open. John Drummond, on the other hand, had a day off, and only now and then gave glimpses of the good work he performed at Barnsley.
In Tom Brandon and John Murray the Rovers possess two might backs, and they are without a parallel in any other League team at present. Jimmy Forrest, the evergreen, whose re-instatement to first-class football is one of the items of the year, played a thoroughly honest, hard-working game, but George Anderson and Thomas Cleghorn were to prone to shady work. The forwards, while individually clever, did not combine as the Rovers of old, but trusted too much for a long pass and quick dash to bring off the desideratum.
George Anderson, Blackburn Rovers (Lloyd’s Weekly News: March 3, 1895):
Davie Hannah was, unfortunately, rather severely injured in the small of the back, and will not play for some time.
(Liverpool Mercury: February 11, 1895)
Davie Hannah, back injury.
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"Play Up, Liverpool" 