May 10, 1919
Match: Benefit for the Footballers’ War Fund, at Anfield.
Liverpool – Manchester United 4-0 (1-0).
Attendance: 10,000; gate receipts: £300.
Referee: Mr. J.O. Forshaw (Birkenhead)
Liverpool (2-3-5): William Scott, Ephraim Longworth, Donald Mackinlay, John Bamber, Walter Wadsworth, William “Wullie” Paterson, Harold Wadsworth, Charles Hafekost, John Miller, Harry Chambers, Albert Pearson.
Manchester United (2-3-5): Jack Mew, Jack Silcock, Sam Cookson, Tommy Meehan, Clarrie Hilditch, David Ellis, Sam Hodgkiss, Jones, Jimmy Hodge, George Albinson, James Robinson.
The goals: 1-0 Miller, 2-0 Miller, 3-0 Bamber, 4-0 Chambers.
Triumphant return.
A happy reunion at Anfield.
In aid of the National Footballers’ War Fund the first of two fixtures arranged between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield attracted 10,000 spectators, who paid £300 at the receipt of custom.
Liverpool included two of their pre-war players, Hafekost and Chambers, at inside right and left respectively with beneficial results, for both provided some skilful footwork, and kept their partners moving in lively fashion.
Another newcomer in Paterson at left half-back also performed most creditably, his placing to the men in front of him being accurately executed. In fact the three were undoubted successes, and are certain to be heard of when next season starts.
Liverpool had matters all their own way, though Miller was the solitary goal-getter of the first half. Afterwards he added a second point, and then Mew, in clearing sent the ball against Bamber, of whom it rebounded into the net. Chambers gained a fourth near the finish, and the United were beaten quite as decisively as the final figures indicate.
Paterson’s success.
The right wing was seen to great advantage, for Hafekost kept H. Wadsworth employed with delightful forward passes, and the latter responded with refreshing alacrity. Chambers controlled the ball skilfully, and the front line extended the United defence.
Paterson shaped so convincingly that Mackinlay, who had moved to left full-back was not missed. He kept the ball low and distributed his devours in a manner that compelled his forwards to play. So effective were the half-backs as a body that the men in their rear were rarely in difficulties.
The United attack was ragged and indecisive. There was little method in their advances and no fire in their final efforts. They could not compare with their rear-guard, upon whom was thrown an excessive strain.
Mew was responsible for several grand saves, whilst Silcock at full-back, and the zealous striving of the half-backs kept the defeat down to a reasonable limit.
(Source: Athletic News: May 12, 1919)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 