Monday, October 5 – 1896
Never in the history of local football has such a widespread feeling of intense interest been aroused as was engendered by the meeting of Liverpool’s premier organisations in their stern struggle for temporary supremacy a feeling which, awakened it the season’s inception acquired a substantial stimulator from each club’s weekly contest, and reached its climax amidst surroundings which, worthily befitted the occasion.
At an early hour the streets tending towards the scene of combat presented an animated appearance, and at the time appointed for the commencement of hostilities draw near the through fares simply swarmed with pedestrians and vehicles traffic to such an unusual extent that even the most casual observer must have in larded some extraordinary event.
Despite the specious accommodation provided at the well-appointed Goodison Park enclosure, hundreds of would be spectators had perforce to return unable to gain admission, which amongst those fortunate to enter there were hundreds more who would only hear how the game progressed.
The ground was in beautiful condition, having undergone a special preparation for the great event, and perfection seemed to have been attained in this respect.
The weary hour of waiting prior to the commencement of the match were entertained in a pleasant manner by listening to the music of the band belonging to the Beacon-lane orphanage, the boys afterwards witnessing the contest from the press enclosure.
It was under conditions of this nature that Stewart led his men to the field amidst ringing cheers, which increased in intensity when Ross followed with his brightly-attired warriors.
What a magnificent slight presented itself when the silent hush which immediately preceded the initial propulsion from the foot of Allan pervaded the huge assemblage. The faces of the vast concourse were fixed on the little band of men surrounding the leather sphere and the game had not been in progress very long ere the partisans of each side were afforded much food for cogitation.
The Evertonians commenced in dashing style, the forwards and halves appearing to reach the highest point of excellence straight away from the kick off, and Storer was early in evidence in repelling a hot shot from Stewart.
The Everton players were full of spirit and confidence, and the movements were characteristic by that degree of precision which let all ideas of nervousness entirely unwarranted.
Their passing was as near perfections as possible and they made for goal in the most approved style.
On the other hand, Liverpool players – forwards halves, and backs were completely at sea, and were utterly unable to do anything worthy of their reputation.
The forwards were slow and devoid of combination, and when opportunity did arise they were at a loss how to utilise it, whilst their passing often lost ground then gained it, and the Everton halves found it a matter of little difficulty to keep their forwards well employed.
Two goals to nil in the first quarter of an hour was somewhat of a staggerer for the Anfield partisan, but this result indicated truly the aspect of the game up to this point for Everton were playing their best game whilst Liverpool were showing their worst form.
It was scarcely to be expected that Liverpool would continue their tantalising methods of dallying with the ball although out the game, and towards the end of the first half they gave a glimpse of what they were going to do in the second portion.
Their wing men were furnished with chances, after being dreadfully neglected in the early stages of the contest, and the backs steadying themselves, showed a little of their real merit.
Still, in looking at the first half alone, it must be candidly admitted that there was only one team in it and that not Liverpool. The latter was simply left standing by the fleet footed Evertonians and even the most railed Liverpudlians must have felt astounded at his team’s display.
Whether it was nervousness or inferiority certain it is that never were they so completely bottled up as in the first 40 minutes of the first half of Saturday’s game.
The question agitating the onlookers on resuming, was whether the improved form of the visitors would be substantiated in the latter half, or was their expiring effort in the first portion, but a mere flash in the pan.
It is, therefore from a Liverpool point of view, a real pleasure to be able to record that the former of these anticipations were most successfully relived, and it was almost impossible to recognise the men who had done so poorly in the previous half.
They threw off their listlessness and both the defence and attack were more in accordance with their best radiations.
When at length Ross, after a magnificent individual sprint through the backs, decreased the margin by one goal, with a grand shot, it was felt that it was but a just reward for their improved efforts.
To face a deficit of two goals in any contest is a heavy task, and in a game in which local rivalry is so largely developed a debit balance at this nature has an important influences on the result.
Looked at in the light that Liverpool players deserve great praise for their pluck and determination, and they had chances in the second half that might easily have made the game a draw under circumstances of a less exciting nature.
Everton had another spell of attacking, and were aided by numerous fouls, but the opposing defence was impenetrable, and Liverpool took up the running to the finish, but were unable to obtain an equaliser, despite their desperate endeavours.
Although defeated they retrieved their reputation in the second half, in no half-hearted fashion, and one cannot help wondering what would have resulted had they shown anything approaching their true form in the first portion.
Everton played the correct game-one which was bound to bring goals – though their second score was almost presented to them, and should have been easily cleared.
Considering the excitement amongst players and spectators alike, the game was a most interesting one, fast and open, and the result proves that there is little to choose between the teams when seen at their best.
Everton had a big pull in the first half, whilst Liverpool had the advantage of the second, but the former utilised their chances successfully whilst the latter were less fortunate.
The winners however, enlisted to their victory, whilst the result should give a fillip to the return at Anfield next month, if such an impulse be at all necessary.
(Liverpool Mercury, 05-10-1896)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 