March 1, 1940
Everton and Liverpool, already engaged to meet in one cup semi-final, have a great chance tomorrow of coming together in a cup-final. Both will be on cup duty tomorrow in an interesting day of soccer embracing various cup matches, Regional games, “friendly” games, and the Football League v All-British Red Cross match at Bradford.
The Liverpool Senior Cup is the competition directly affecting Merseyside, and the two First Division clubs stand out as favourites against their Third Division rivals. Liverpool will oppose Southport at Anfield, and Everton cross the Mersey once again to face Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.
There is always a special appeal about a cup match, and I expect to see a big improvement in the attendances which, so far as Merseyside is concerned, have been rather disappointing. Scotland completes the first round of her knock-out-competition, and once again they should have big attendance north of the Tweed.
Welcome to Balmer.
The Kopites at Anfield will have a warm welcome for Jack Balmer, the international inside left, who comes in against Southport.
Balmer has not had a serious game since December. He was ill in hospital for some time, but made an excellent recovery. He should have played at Port Vale a week ago, but at the last minute could not get away.
I am glad he is able to get this game in for e is due to play for the Football League against the British Army at Anfield the following week.
Southport will be making their first visit of the season to a Liverpool ground, and it will be interesting to see how a North West Regional side fares against a Western Regional team.
In the North West Region Southport have earned seven points out of 24. They play attractive football, however, although I do not think their defence will be strong enough to hold up Liverpool’s scintillating forwards.
The Liverpool attack is a really potent force. They were brilliant at Port Vale last Saturday, and I think they can make sure tomorrow of the Reds entering the last stage of the cup competition.
Liverpool will be without Matt Busby and Arthur Riley. They, like Ted Sagar of Everton, will be playing in the representative game at Bradford. Eastham comes in at right half, while Mansley continues in goal. Berry Nieuwenhuys, recovering from influenza, will be absent and so Liddell appears in his real position – outside right.
The game begins at 3.0 p.m.
It will be a big day for Tom Bush. He will be married prior to the cup-tie. Congratulations to this wholehearted player.
Liverpool: Eric Mansley, Tommy Cooper, Bernard Ramsden, Stan Eastham, Tom Bush, Jimmy McInnes, Billy Liddell, Phil Taylor, Willie Fagan, Jack Balmer, Herman Van Den Berg.
(Evening Express: March 1, 1940)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 