December 3, 1904
Match: Lancashire Combination, at Anfield.
Liverpool Reserves – Preston North End Reserves 4-1 (2-1).
Liverpool Reserves (2-3-5): Peter Platt, Alf West, John McAdam, Tom Chorlton, George Latham, James Hughes, Ellis Dudley, Richard Morris, John Carlin, Joe Hewitt, James Garside.
Preston North End (2-3-5): Herbert Taylor, Jack Warner, Richard Orrell, Harry Butterworth, George Tod, Dimmock, Tom Rodger, Davie Maher, John Catterall, Danny McKie, Wilkinson.
The goals: 0-1 McKie, 1-1 Hewitt, 2-1 Morris, 3-1 Carlin, 4-1 Hewitt.
At Anfield, in fine weather, before a poor crowd. Preston won the toss, and Carlin started for Liverpool. Taylor saved grandly from Garside in the first minute, but play settled down afterwards, and there was nothing to choose between the teams. Maher shot over the Liverpool goal and later Platt swept the ball from McKie’s feet. Dudley and Morris made a great attempt to open the game score, but failed and subsequently Preston assumed the aggressive, and had the best of the play. Eventually, after a long spell of attack, McKie scored from short range, Platt having no chance.
Liverpool improved after this, but Taylor kept goal in brilliant fashion. Liverpool pressed continuously, and the Preston goal had some narrow escapes. Taylor saved several hard shots, one from Garside close in exciting applause. North End now lost Orrell, who retired injured, but despite this they defended well. Just on the interval, however, Morris beat Taylor at close quarters, the custodian having no earthly chance of saving.
Half-time – Liverpool Reserves 2, North End Reserves 1.
Resuming after the interval, play was stiffly fought and rough tactics were developed. Orrell resumed in the half, and with their full complement Preston played a strong game. Liverpool, however, were dangerous in front of goal, and Carlin increased their total to three, while ten minutes later Hewitt added another. Taylor was not to blame, however, and continued to keep goal well. Towards the end play was exciting though rough and dirty, Orrell offending frequently. Carlin was carried off injured, but Liverpool still kept up the pressure. Nothing further was done, Liverpool winning easily.
Result – Liverpool 4, Preston 1.
(Lancashire Evening News, 03-12-1904)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 