April 9, 1917
It was something of a novelty for Liverpool and Everton to meet on two successive days. That the game were popular was demonstrated by the fact that something like 40,000 spectators witnessed the contests.
Saturday’s game belonged to the subsidiary competition and resulted in an easy victory for Everton. On the run of the play Everton were justly entitled to the honours, although it was late in the game before their superiority took tangible form.
At the outset the Everton forwards displayed such vim and vigour that it would have occasioned no surprise had they made the issue safe in the first fifteen minutes. The Liverpool defence, however, parried the dash of their opponents so successfully that the most Everton got for their labour was five corners taken in almost as many minutes.
The work of the Everton forwards in midfield was excellent, but when they came to grips with the defence there was something lacking. At the same time, the Liverpool backs played a storming game and praise must be given for their clever work.
Everton’s goal were scored in the following order: Ernie Gault, 50 minutes; Joe Donnachie, 80 minutes, Gault, 87 minutes; and Joe Clennell, 89 minutes.
The game was divided into various stages: first there was the vigorous rush of the Everton forwards, then a quiet period into which much clever work was crammed, and finally a goal-scoring rally by the Everton forwards.
Everton were better than the Anfielders in all departments except the defence. Ephraim Longworth and Tommy Lucas did excellent work, and Tommy Cunliffe was easily the best of the forwards.
Everton’s work was more accurate, the outstanding players being Alan Grenyer, Tom Fleetwood, Joe Donnachie and Stephen Murray.
Result: Everton 4, Liverpool, nil.
(Liverpool Daily Post: April 9, 1917)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 