April 27, 1903
Before Liverpool entertained the English Cup winners on Saturday they were ninth on the League list, but by a victory of 2-0 they are now sixth, and have yet another match to play, that at Wolverhampton, so that, after all, their position in the final table may be more satisfactory than at one time appeared likely, and, at any rate, they have the bulge on their rivals which no doubt will be some consolation for disappointed hopes.
Certainly in the game under notice the team gave a very good account of themselves, but when it is taken into account that following their Cup victory Bury had already during the week played a couple of League matches, the fact takes some of the gilt off the edge of the Liverpool victory.
Still it was deserved, and, contrary to my anticipations, the game was quite value for the admission money, and as some 10,000 paid, the day was very satisfactory from all points of view on the Liverpool side. Doubtless Bury, and not the home team, were the attraction, for the attendance was certainly above an ordinary last Saturday nothing-at-stake standard.
Raybould’s match
For a long time there was very little to choose between the teams, both goalkeepers being well tested, and it appeared very probable that half-time would find the clubs in the same condition as at the start. However, with ten minutes to spare, Raybould got working on the left side of the field, and though the back was hustling him all the time he got in the first goal of the match. He put through again directly afterwards, but was so palpably off-side that the Bury defenders made no attempt to stop him, not a very wise movement,
Sam Raybould.
The Liverpool centre-forward was also responsible for the other goal of the game, as after twenty-five minutes of the second half had gone he again bustled the Bury backs and defeated Monteith. He thus maintained his reputation as a goal scorer. No one else found the net by any means during the afternoon, so that he took all the honours in this direction.
Liverpool were quite entitled to their victory, for though their opponents stuck up well they showed evidence of their recent hard work as the play progressed. Still it was a good honest game, much ahead in interest of many other League matches I have seen this season.
Experiments
The composition of either side differed from the elevens usually turned out, and even from those advertised in the official programme. Owing to Billy Dunlop being off, Raisbeck was placed full back, Glover crossing over, Livingston fell centre half, and Dicky Morris, the Welsh international was introduced at inside right. The side could not have suffered in consequence, for Raisbeck was all that could be desired, and Livingston was as good a half back as there was on the field, while Morris proved an admirable partner for Goddard. He was very clever on the ball, his passes were usually well times, and he shot capitally.
George Livingston
Platt in goal struck me as being a first-class keeper, both saving well and clearing well. Goldie was a good second to Livingston, his motto being effect rather than show. Raybould plays a centre forward game of his own – lies well up and scores goals – not a bad idea. Morris and Chadwick were capable inside men, and of the two outsiders Goddard struck me as being the more useful to his side than Cox.
There was not that solidity in the Bury back men as I have seen of them this season. There was a lack of understanding between the backs and Monteith and McEwan in the first half made several mis-kicks. Both goals might have been prevented had the Bury defenders been up to standard, though the half-backs were free from blame.
There were two changes forward. Booth came in as centre and Tom Gray figured in the outside right. Neither were stars, though Booth showed good tactics occasionally. Leeming was about the best of the attackers, but Plant got very tired towards the end.
Teams:
Liverpool: Peter Platt, Alex Raisbeck, John Glover, Richard Morris, Maurice Parry, George Livingston, William Goldie, Arthur Goddard, Richard Morris, Sam Raybould, Edgar Chadwick, John Cox.
Bury: Hugh Monteith, Jimmy Lindsay, Jimmy “Punch” McEwen, John Johnston, Frank Thorpe, George Ross, Tom Gray, Willie Wood, George Booth, Joe Leeming, Jack Plant.
Referee: Mr. Fred Kirkham, Preston.
(Source: Athletic News: April 27, 1903)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 