November 3, 1897
Padiham journeyed to Liverpool, on Saturday, to see what they could do on the Anfield ground with the team they met on September 1st, and so grandly defeated. They took the team with them which defeated Fleetwood last Saturday, but no-one expected that they would be again able to win. It was, however, the foremost thing from the minds of either the team or the visiting supporters that Padiham would come away with a defeat of seven goals to nil. But such was the case. It should be remembered, however, that every man of the Liverpool team is a tried and trained player, and they are not working lads as are the Padiham team. The surprise is that Padiham were able to win so comfortably at home.
The visiting team was: Ramsbottom, Tattersall, General Stevenson, Thompson, Holden, Waters, Jackson, Dewhurst, Howarth, Heaton, Sutcliffe. Leonard had the luck to win the toss and Liverpool kicked off. It appeared as if Padiham were about to score early on, for, by a bit of nice play they got into a good position, and shot, but the shot just shaved the post. Liverpool were not long in retaliating, and would have scored had not Ramsbottom been on the lookout. The Padiham goal-keeper aroused much enthusiasm by the way he kept goal. The game was fairly even in the first half, and Padiham made some beautiful runs but they lacked the finish that characterised the home team’s play.
Liverpool made the best of their opportunities, and scored through Joe Lumsden and Fred Geary, whilst Padiham could not get the ball into the net. Half-time: Liverpool, 2, Padiham, 0.
On resuming, Liverpool put on pressure and quickly added five more goals, through McCartney, Patrick Finnerhan, and Geary. Do as they would, the Padiham team could not get past the home defence, and the game ended 7-0 in Liverpool’s favour. Towards the close of the match, Jackson, the Padiham right forward, who had played a capital game all through, was injured, and had to be carried off the field.
(Source: Burnley Gazette: November 3, 1897)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 