December 15, 1906
Liverpool’s experiences in the far west.
The prospect seemed pleasing for Liverpool at Bristol when the interval reading favoured the Anfielders by a goal, but personally one was not too confident even then, remembering what a strong-finishing side at the City as a rule.
Take the City’s three preceding games. They held their own at Preston in the second half, put in their winning work against Newcastle after the interval, and scored two goals to one at Aston in the second 45.
But Liverpool had something else to battle with – Dame Fortune; for the fickle one elected to frown on the Reds and save her smiles for the Everton Blues. Derby lost James Ransford, and Liverpool lost Robert Robinson when leading 1-0. My humble opinion is that Robinson’s breakdown change the whole trend of events.
It paved the way to City’s equalising and leading goals. And then Percy Saul – in the old sweet (?) way – must needs fatally falter once again to allow the Westerners a clinching third goal. Since his introduction to the team at Birmingham three months ago, Saul has figured in 12 consecutive matches, and yet with marked regularity he seems guilty of these errors of judgment. It is time the ex-Plymouth man were settling down into a genuinely solid defender.
Sam Hardy and Tom Chorlton worked hard and well, as did the halves. George Latham, as I feared, at last finds himself on the losing side in League battle.
The forwards were naturally upset with Robinson’s departure, yet prior to this the bustle of the home defenders cheated them out of numerous anticipated tricks. Arthur Goddard was in like case to Jack Sharp, and Sam Raybould found himself opposed and worried by the Jack Holt of modern days. Nor did Joe Hewitt satisfy – as many had hoped for, whilst the heavy going acted untoward upon William Macpherson – him of the slender frame.
Robinson was Liverpool’s most active and successful forward up to the time of his accident, and Robinson it was who notched the Reds’ only goal. His unfortunate visitation came most inopportunely, for Robbie could least of all be spared.
(Cricket and Football Field: December 15, 1906)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 