February 14, 1916
The delightful uncertainty which attaches to football was reflected in the game between Liverpool and Southport Central on the latter’s ground on Saturday. It was altogether a curious and complex contest – a mixture of rather crude football, vigerous attack and counter-attack, some splendid individual play, and last, though by no means least, a fruitful crop of goals.
The Anfielders began so badly that for the first twenty minutes of the game they were practically out of the hunt. Then they suddenly rallied, pulled their ragged ranks together; and eventually romped home the easiest of winners by the handsome margin of 5 goals to 2. Perhaps the dominant note of the contest was the strenuousness, and if the general play was never over scientific, it was always episodic and interesting.
A troublesome wind contributed in some degree to the erratic movements of both sides, though the Southport players showed considerably command of the ball, and it was mainly at close range that they failed, in the first portion of the game, to beat their opponents.
The first goal came from the foot of the forceful Jimmy Fay, who netted the leather from a well-placed corner. This opening score was followed by a second point notched with a fast shot from Stringfellow. Singularly enough, this second success marked the turning of the tide, for Liverpool buckled to in businesslike fashion and replied with no fewer than three goals before the interval came.
Watson led the way with a close range attempt, and the Metcalf, wriggling through, put the Anfielders on level terms. There was a fast and furious struggle for mastery before half time sounded, and it was won by Watson, who gave Liverpool the lead with another excellent effort. In the second period Liverpool showed their true form and clinched the argument with two more goals. Both were score by Pagnam. The first was a dour and determined individual effort, the second was gained from a penalty, after the Liverpool centre had been tripped in the prohibited area by Holbem.
Liverpool: Kenneth Campbell, Ephraim Longworth, Sam Speakman, John Bamber, Arthur Goddard, Donald Mackinlay, Ernest Pinkney, Wilfred Watson, Fred Pagnam, Arthur Metcalf, Tommy Cunliffe.
(Liverpool Echo: February 14, 1916)
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"Play Up, Liverpool" 