April 25, 1908
During recent years the Anfielders have monopolised the above handsome local trophy at the expense of their Everton rivals, and no matter how indifferently they may have been performing in other respects, they have almost invariably risen to the occasion in this local fight. However, their run of success came to an abrupt conclusion on Thursday last, when the Blues prevailed over their opponents by two clear goals.
There was no score before the interval, but afterwards Tim Coleman and George Couper beat Sam Hardy, the goal gained by the latter coming a few second before the final whistle blew. That Everton deserved to win, there could be no two diverse opinion upon.
A few comments.
Utterly ineffective was the Liverpool front rank, and when Joe Hewitt failed to scored immediately after the change of ends, though he was almost under the bar, the climax of erratic shooting was reached. A goal should have been a certainty, but all that Hewitt did was by some marvellous means to loft the ball over the cross-bar.
Jack Parkinson was a complete failure, and he seems to have forgotten all idea of playing football in an intelligent fashion. Time and again the ball was placed to him, but he persistently blundered with it, and the solitary fact remains that on his present form he is not worthy a further trial with the premier eleven.
None of the others did much, and Liverpool can attribute their downfall to their usual failing, dilatory and indecisive footwork amongst the forwards. The half-backs were not a strong trip, and they frequently fed the Everton front line, while the defence of Tom Chorlton was far from reassuring after the first half-hour.
Everton were the more dangerous team, and Coleman was the pick of their forwards. He furnished Joe Donnachie with some delightful passes, but the latter, as usual, was too tired to trouble with then. Had Jack Sharp been figuring on the extreme right, the Reds would have been hopelessly beaten on goal average.
Couper shaped well in the centre, while every man in the rear ranks performed most ably, Jock Maconnachie is coming on apace, and the perseverance of the directors seems like being rewarded in the near future. Jack Taylor, at half-back, was a fine artist, and it is really wonderful how he maintains his form.
Everton were full value for their success, and we compliment them upon winning the Cup, and the players upon securing the handsome gold medals offered by the Liverpool Association.
After the match was over, a select gathering congregated on the board room usually held sacred gathering of the directors. Eventually the Everton players put in an appearance, and the trophy was handed over to Taylor by Mrs. Macfie.
Medals were also presented by the wife of the gallant Colonel of the Scottish local force to the various players. Taylor suitably acknowledged the gift, and subsequently a vote of thanks to Colonel MacFie was proposed by Mr. John McKenna (Liverpool), and seconded by Mr. William Clayton (Everton), in a felicitous manner. The Colonel replied in a few well-chosen sentences, and another annual function was brought to a most successful issue. But we are pleased to learn, from a few hints thrown out by Mr. McKenna, that another year the match will be decided during September. This should certainly be determined upon.
(Joint Everton and Liverpool Match Programme, 25-04-1908)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 