January 26, 1907
Double figures at Roker.
Liverpool had a remarkable experience at Sunderland. The half-time announcement showing the Anfielders leading 4-1 gave delight, but open-mouthed wonderment became visible when the 5-5 final was duly recorded. Naturally this led up to a conflict of feeling. After going for five League matches without a goal, it was, indeed, surprising (as ut was cheering), to find the register moving up “five” in one afternoon.
But what had the defence been doing?
Had Sam Hardy been incapacitated? Had William Dunlop broken down, or what?
“Two penalty goals.”
Ah, this throws a little light on that second half story. “Appointed referee did not appear – couldn’t be seen for fog.”
“The emergency referee failed to give satisfaction.” Did a John Lewis ever give unalloyed satisfaction (pleasing both parties) in a drawn game?”
“Billy Hogg, one of Sunderland’s forwards, figured as linesman.”
Oh, I say, emergency linesmen must be growing desperately scarce – and what of the neutral lineman rule? I can just imagine, too, how Hogg would revel in getting some of his own back – if there is anything really owing – from Liverpool’s back, William Dunlop! William had better reciprocate, and go on the line – when Sunderland next visit Anfield.
Despite all the foregoing, I haven’t heard yet that Liverpool have reported either linesman or referee, but have merely stated the facts as they found them to the League.
Parkinson, Dunlop, and Cox in form again.
Coming to actual details, Liverpool played splendid football to the interval, when the issue looked certain. But Liverpool have often flattered to deceive this season, and Sunderland got the two next goals; Liverpool responded with a fifth; and finally the Wearsiders netted two other points.
I am told there was a grave doubt about the legitimacy of two if not three goals which accrued to Sunderland, but it certainly looked as though the Liverpool defenders had been lulled into a feeling of false security, following their big first-half lead.
I confess to a dislike for the Reds’ two penalty infringements. They don’t look well in the League champions’ ledger. Seven penalties have been given against Liverpool this season. No other club has such a long list of fines.
Sam Hardy for once was caught napping, but Billy Dunlop was the most wide-awake back on view. Ernie Rhodes admittedly knows his way about – with penalties!
Forward, Liverpool gave a fine exposition. John Cox was the Cox of 1904 – the old pace and centring power were in evidence. This was glorious news. Arthur Goddard also played excellently.
As for Jack Parkinson, he quite carried the natives – also the goals – by storm, and during the week all kinds of nice things have been said about him. Parkinson have been something of a puzzle since the day of his severe injury at Woolwich 18 months ago. Even that broken wrist proved so difficult to sum up that it was perforce twice re-broken. Eventually he finished up like a lion last April, scoring well in almost every match, and thus great things were expected for 1906-7.
Alas! He was again damaged in his first match. He returned a month later with the team very much under a cloud, and was dropped after two trying encounters v Everton and Woolwich. Re-appearing in the Lancashire Cup-ties, Parkinson showed disappointing form and judgment.
It comes, therefore, as an agreeable surprise to find his re-introduction to the team attend with all the old fire and success. He had three goals at Roker.
His admirers can do with “encore” turns to the end of the season. Parkinson is a capital centre when he blends the combination with the individual game.
(Source: Cricket and Football Field: January 26, 1907)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 