December 27, 1916
Yesterday’s football was somewhat notable. Liverpool sustained their first defeat of the season at home, and Southport, near and dear neighbours, were their conquerors. Southport were just worth their victory in a game that had many thrills, and showed the 16,000 spectators a lot of good goalkeeping by Wright of Southport, who was the busiest man on the field save the referee.
Only a goal was scored. At the fifty third minute Schofield took up the good work of Abrams, and after a dodging run shot crosswise beyond Kenneth Campbell, who in the game was not often called upon, but in the first half had to bestir himself when Lol Abram was anywhere near range. Southport scored their point what time Jimmy Fay, the able centre half, was being attended to for injuries, and when Fay came back Southport fell away a trifle in their forward work, Billy Caulfield notably so, and Liverpool made a dashing bid for a draw.
The exchanges were most thrilling, and Wright, albeit he was attended by sound backs, stood alone between Liverpool and a drawn game. Once he carried the ball beyond the limit of steps allowed, and when the Southport men made a defence of the goal a Liverpool player hit the crossbar – a lucky escape for the visitors, who, however, merited victory if only for their dogged defence against a crossgrained attack that went heartily into the work.
Liverpool suffered through having to play an unknown half back, and the forward line was jumbled. Cunliffe showed to advantage at inside left, and his partner, a boy named Billy Murphy (St. Helens product), made many promising runs and centres, and there are hopes that he will be a strong member of the side ere long. However, at the moment it were better to hold up one’s judgment, as the half back opposed to him was quite poor.
(Liverpool Echo: December 27, 1916)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 