December 4, 1897
Match: Lancashire Cup, First Round, at Hyde Road, kick off: 14:30.
Manchester City – Liverpool 3-1 (2-1).
Attendance: 4,000; gate receipt: £130.
Referee: Mr. Brodie.
Manchester City (2-3-5): Charles Williams, Thomas Read, Dick Ray, Bobby Moffatt, William Smith, William Holmes, Billy Meredith, James Whitehead, William Gillespie, Fred Williams, Patrick Leonard.
Liverpool (2-3-5): Harry Storer, Archie Goldie, Billy Dunlop, John McCartney (C), Joe McQue, Thomas Cleghorn, Robert Marshall, Andy McCowie, Harry Bradshaw, Frank Becton, Joe Lumsden.
The goals: 0-1 Marshall, 1-1 Gillespie, 2-1 Gillespie (pen.), 3-1 Gillespie.
These teams met on the Hyde-road Ground before 4,000 spectators. The weather was wretched, and the greater part of the second half was fought out in semi-darkness. (Liverpool Mercury, 06-12-1897)
1st Half:
** The City started downhill, and nearly scored in the first minute from a corner, and later Storer saved finely from a bully close in.
** Liverpool gained a corner, but the home forwards were quickly round Storer again, though offside by Williams spoiled grand passing movement.
** GOAL: Eventually Bradshaw broke away and sent across the goal-mouth, McCowie missing a fine chance, but Marshall obtained, and running in scored the first goal.
** DISALLOWED GOAL: Becton was prominent with some clever foot work, and a fast shot just missed the mark; but the Cits were more dangerous, and Gillespie headed through from Whitehead’s centre, but was adjudged offside.
** GOAL: The Liverpool defence was kept busy, several hot shots being sent in, and after severe pressure, Meredith screwed in beautifully from the corner, and Gillespie headed a magnificent goal.
** Encouraged by this success the City were again on the attack, Liverpool only breaking away occasionally, and rarely becoming dangerous.
** GOAL, PENALTY: From another fine movement on the home right Whitehead raced close in, but was deliberately fouled by McQue, and the referee awarding a penalty kick. Gillespie banged through the second goal. At half-time the home team led by 2 goals to 1.
2nd Half:
** Soon after resuming Bradshaw sent in a terrific shot, which was beautifully saved by Williams, who injured himself in the attempt, and had to be carried off.
** A moment later McCowie missed the easiest possible chance of equalising by shooting over when placed right in front.
** Cits, with only ten men played in determined fashion, and rapidly regained the ascendency.
** Liverpool mulled several chances of equalising, and then Williams returned, following which Leonard and Williams got through, and Storer saved splendidly from the pair.
** GOAL: Again attacking, Meredith sent in another fine shot, and Storer in clearing fell, with the result that both Gillespie and Williams raced up, and the former had no difficulty in putting on the third point.
** The home team continued to have all the play, though on one occasion Bradshaw beat all opposition except Williams, who ran out and took the ball from his toes – a really fine save.
** At the other end Williams shot over, when only a couple of yards from Storer.
(Liverpool Mercury: December 6, 1897)
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Harry Storer, Liverpool (Lloyd’s Weekly News: December 1, 1895):
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"Play Up, Liverpool" 