September 24, 1904
The Livers must have done something to annoy the critics. Perhaps it is losing those two points against Chesterfield and against Glossop. Whatever it is, their play against Bradford City has been severely criticised. I should have thought a clever win by four goals to one, he biggest in the Division would be satisfactory, yet it is not so. Apparently Liverpool will have to win by a dozen goals every time, or the insatiable ones will, like Oliver Twist ask for more.
But really I must for once disagree with the critics, including my own colleague. I think Liverpool are coming along every match, and if they score against West Bromwich will only work out in the same ratio as between Glossop and Bradford City, they will do thundering well. Yes, the Livers are improving, and it does not do to swop horses in crossing a stream. Changes are advisable in all departments, but few seem to agree as to who should be dropped, and who substituted.
With the exceptions of the first ten minutes, the home eleven played good football. In that ten minutes the Tykes set such a pace that they ran themselves off their feet. But they gave the spectators a rare fight. Not only did they gallop themselves to a standstill, but they ran round the “Reds” and made them look almost like schoolboys. The goal came through a free kick against David Murray, which was well placed, and headed through by John Beckram. James Hughes intercepting Ned Doig, or I believe the left-hander would have saved.
When the home did steady themselves and take up the running they never relaxed. Richard Morris scored, and then Maurice Parry, and the forward had one disallowed. In the second half they were easily the best team, and John Cox added two.
I believe the total would have been augmented had not Robert Robinson been roughly charged, so that he was obliged to leave the field. He came back but the cohesion had gone, and the individual attempts were non-successful. Billy Wilson cut his head in the contact with Robinson, but the fault was his own, and I have seen a man penalised for much gentler work.
Coming to the individuals, I grant that Sam Raybould might have shot better, but apart from that fault he did well. He bustled the backs, and his passes were a real treat. Cox simply scintillated with brilliance. I am told he wishes to play centre. Why, I know not. He is a typical winger when he likes, as he did on Saturday. Morris is his best partner, but Robinson is bound to score goals.
At half, Hughes was distinctly weak, and here, the Committee have, I understand, made a change, Tom Chorlton coming in. The Accrington lad showed up well in the practice matches and he was a clinking player in the Lancashire Combination games. Alex Raisbeck was quieter than usual, but Parry, after a weak opening very strongly. Murray and Billy Dunlop were sound, and, of course Doig did his little best. Although he had not much to do.
Bradford City have a good goalkeeper, and like all the custodians we have seen at Anfield, got plenty of opportunities of showing his metal. Otherwise the team was but mediocre, and neither individually nor collectively compared with their powerful opponents. Whether successful or not at Lincoln today, I am confident in the future of the Livers, providing those in command do not get panic stricken through a multitude of councilors.
(Everton and Liverpool Match Programme, 24-09-1904)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 