September 16, 1912
After being beaten in five consecutive League games at Valley Parade by Liverpool, the Paraders conquered the Anfielders on Saturday in a very decisive fashion, before a crowd of over 20,000 spectators.
There was no question as to which was the better side, and although Liverpool fought strenuously and with considerable merit, they caught the home team at the top of their form.
In the game at Villa Park, on the previous Saturday, the City forward made a poor show, but the same quintet lost no time in redeeming their reputation.
Indeed, there would have been a much heavier score had not the Liverpool rearguard proved exceptionally strong.
Early scoring.
The game was practically won and lost in the first quarter of an hour. Three minutes from the start Dickie Bond forced a corner kick, and sent the ball over to the left, where Peter Logan received it. The latter returned it to the front of goal, and it went from Jimmy Speirs to Harold Walden, who scored with a magnificent shot, although literally surrounded by opponents.
This put confidence into the home team, and twelve minutes later victory was in sight. Bond and Speirs maneuvered brilliantly, and the right winger centred from near the flag. Speirs met the ball about a yard or so from the goal line, and although the acute angle made his effort difficult, he skillfully hooked the ball into the far side of the net.
There was no more scoring but plenty of shooting at both ends of the field. Archie Devine got in one terrific drive, and the ball knocked Robert Pursell over like a nine-pin. Happily he was only dazed, and soon recovered.
Features of the play.
City were strong fore and aft. Mark Mellors had a popular reception on his return to the team, and he justified it by giving a faultless display.
Bob Campbell kicked with great power, and Bert Gane although unorthodox at times, was fearless and reliable. A feature of the game was the consistently good performance of George Robinson at right half, and the effective tackling of Bob Torrance.
Jimmy McDonald was methodical and useful to his forwards, but he got hurt in the second half, and had to go outside left. The forwards played a fast open game, and were always quick on the ball. Bond and Speirs had a perfect understanding, and, although this wing was rather more prominent than the other Devine and Logan were well in the picture.
Walden was always enterprising and eager for a run through, but was very closely watched.
Liverpool’s best forward was William Lacey at outside left, but the strongest part of the team was the rearguard – Kenneth Campbell, Ephraim Longworth and Robert Pursell. The visiting forwards lacked finish.
(Source: Leeds Mercury: September 16, 1912)
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