September 21, 1908
It fell to Liverpool’s lot to afford Bolton’s Reserve team their first brace of points at the fifth time of asking. Naturally the win was very welcome, but apart from the matter of points it was generally conceded by the gate of over 3,000 on Saturday that the display was the most polished they have given since the curtain was rung up.
The Wanderers were on top practically throughout, and had it not been for the splendid and pluckily-sustained defence set up by the Merseysiders rearguard the home men’s contribution to their goal average would have been heavier.
Dai Davies was so far recovered from the injury he received in one of the practice games that he was able to take his accustomed place between the posts, and though he was not given a great deal of anxiety, what share he did take in the honours of the day was merited. Slater again turned out at right back, and E. Whiteside, the Lytham lad, took up the centre forward position. On the extreme left Fairley, the latest Scotch recruit, should have appeared, but his place was filled at the last moment by Craven, another strange to Burnden habitués.
Play was interesting, though for the most part one-sided. Donald Sloan had a number of difficult situations to deal with and kept an excellent guard, and shots from Marsh and Lockett narrowly missed their mark. Only once or twice in this half did the visitors break away, and when they got within shooting distance their aim was unsatisfactory.
The first goal came almost on the interval, when J. Whiteside opened out the game, and Marsh taking up the pass, pushed on to E. Whiteside, who had no difficulty in beating Sloan.
Liverpool freshened considerably after the change, and there was more determination in their movements, and more sting in their firing. Davies was always cool, and his old-time saves were repeatedly cheered. It was a mystery how Lockett and Marsh missed a second goal early on, for the former was practically in the goalmouth with the ball on his toe, Sloan rushed in and saved miraculously.
Lockett was responsible for Bolton’s second goal almost on time, receiving a deft pass from Marsh, and the Wanderers’ were therefore victors by 2-0. They thoroughly deserved the victory for their forward line gave a sparkling display. Marsh worked untiringly and was the means of gaining both goals. Whiteside was a bustling centre, and Lockett gave him excellent support. The wing men were both good, and Barber was the pick of the halves. The defence was sound.
The Bolton team was: –
Dai Davies, Jack Slater, Jack Feebury, Tom Wolstenholme, Peter Drinkwater, Tommy Barber, Jimmy Whiteside, Sam Marsh, Ernie Whiteside, Harry Lockett, Richard Craven.
(Bolton Evening News: September 21, 1908)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 