December 26, 1895
These clubs met in a friendly warfare at Bolton yesterday. Neither side was at its full strength, the respective names being: –
Bolton Wanderers: John Sutcliffe, Bob Davies, Ned Hamilton, Alex Paton, Jimmy McGeachan, Fred Scothbrook, Stewart, Jimmy Cassidy, John Gunn, Alex Gillies, Willie McReddie.
Liverpool: Harry Storer, Archie Goldie, Billy Dunlop, John McCartney, Bill Keech, John McLean, Malcolm McVean, Jimmy Ross, Robert John Lewis, Davie Hannah, Benjamin Bull.
A high wind completely ruined the play, while the adamant character of the ground also made the efforts of the respective players appear to be at time of the most futile description. The home team had the benefit of the gale during the first half, and generally had the major portion of the play. Cassidy, McReddie, and McGeachan driving in shots which a less capable custodian than Storer would have failed to hold.
The mixed Liverpool forwards did not shape at all well at first, and upon Ross and McVean fell the brunt of the attack. Lewis, the soldier centre, got through once, but was fouled when near goal. Up to half-time the Wanderers pressed hard, but the good defenders of the Liverpool backs, Dunlop in particular, kept them out, and nothing was scored.
The second half was of a much more even character, in fact, the visitors had rather the best of matters, but Sutcliffe saved brilliantly two or three times when apparently beaten, and a tough fight ended in a pointless draw.
The new men tried by Liverpool were fairly successful. In Storer the Anfield committee have secured a first-class player, and can safely leave the last charge in his hands. Lewis, at centre, did very well at times, his “following up” being a special feature; while Bull, although handicapped by new boots, was a veritable sticker throughout. The gate was of a most satisfactory kind, there being over 4,000 spectators.
(Source: Liverpool Mercury: December 26, 1895)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 