September 16, 1908
Despite the inclement weather yesterday afternoon, there was a large “gate” at Nelson, when Liverpool Reserves made their appearance. Both clubs were well represented, though Simpson was unable to appear owing to illness.
The teams were: –
Nelson: Hirst, F. Hood, Hugh Rimmer, Atherton, J. Martin, Ernest Bradshaw, John Gow, Martin Becton, Sam Orrell, John Catterall, William Short.
Liverpool Reserves: Donald Sloan, Tom Rogers, Billy Dunlop, George Latham, Ernest Peake, Sam Hignett, Harry Grantham, Bertram Goode, Fred Smith, Sam Bowyer, Mike Griffin.
The referee was Mr. J.P. Ball, of Southport.
Liverpool at once took advantage of a mis-kick by Hood, and Smith shot low and hard, but Hirst gathered the ball and gave a corner. From this a stiff struggle ensued, and Bowyer, while Hirst was out of his goal, put in a splendid screw shot which made Liverpool a goal up in the first two minutes.
A moment later the Nelson goal another escape, but Bradshaw came to the rescue and made a fine clearance. Liverpool had far more of the attack, Nelson being unable to do anything against Liverpool’s powerful defence. Eventually Nelson improved, and a beautiful pass by Short nearly led to the downfall of the visitors’ goal, Orrell just missing by inches. A grand run and centre by Gow was all but converted by Short, who crashed into the post in endeavouring to get to the ball.
Liverpool found Hirst plenty to do, and one save by him from Bowyer, in which he threw himself full length, fully deserved the applause it received. Another bad slip by Hood let in Griffin, who ran along the line and centred, Smith applying his head to the ball and giving Hirst no chance.
At half-time Liverpool led by 2-0.
Seedhillites’ sorry show.
Early in the second half Short centred a ball across to Gow, who gave Becton an opening, but the latter shot badly. The game was stopped for a time owing to an injury to Griffin, who eventually had to be carried off. Atherton, who collided with Griffin, had also to temporarily to leave the field.
Nelson shaped badly in front of goal. Griffin, who had sustained a severe cut over the eye, returned to the field with his head in bandages. Liverpool were far and away the better side, and twice in quick succession Hirst saved his side grandly. Nelson had a rare chance of reducing Liverpool’s lead, Orrell, after Dunlop had missed his kick, missing an open goal.
The referee was subjected to much criticism, and he ordered a spectator to leave the field. Just before the close Nelson livened up somewhat, and Liverpool on three occasions were lucky to keep their goal intact. Nelson retired defeated by 2-0. The home side played a poor game and seldom had a look in.
Hood was weak at back, and Orrell a failure at centre-forward. The other forwards only shaped moderately. But for Hirst’s grand display in goal Nelson would have fared rather badly.
Peake played a magnificent game for Liverpool, who had also a sound pair of backs. Their forwards did some smart things.
(Burnley Express: September 16, 1908)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 