June 3, 1941
Merseyside’s football finale, for season 1940-41 – staged at Goodison Park yesterday, where Everton beat Liverpool 3-1 – was marred by an unfortunate accident. Before the game, I had a chat with Alf Hanson, the Chelsea and former Liverpool outside-left, who was turning out for the Reds as a “guest” player and he assured me everything in the garden was lovely. He hastened away to strip.
An hour later Alf was being carried off the field on a stretcher. Dr. Davies, the Everton Doctor, rushed from the directors box to attend to Hanson, and found Alf had sustained a lateral dislocation of the left knee. The player was hurried away to Walton Hospital, where he will remain for some days. It was bad luck. Alf had been given a warm welcome back, and once again in the red jersey he became a menace to the Blues.
It was his fast low centre which Tommy Jones turned into his own goal to give Liverpool the lead in 30 minutes. Later on young Kenneth Seddon, the Reds right back was sent to the dressing-room by another simple accident. Seddon and Billy Cook went to head away at the same time. Their heads collided and Seddon had to have stitches in a wound on his forehead.
Everton’s win was their fourth at the expense of Liverpool this season, and it means that for the second war season the Blues finish up leaders among the Merseyside clubs.
The Reds go to Preston North End on Saturday for their final test, but they cannot now hope to overtake the Goodison club. One would not have suspected by yesterday’s game that it was an end of the season one. It had all the fire and earnestness one usually expects from the Blues –Red meeting.
I came away with the fixed conclusion that both clubs have prospected well during these war days. They have a fine array of young talent. It augurs well for the future. Ray Lambert, Eddie Spicer, Stan Palk, and Kenneth Seddon of Liverpool, and Maurice Hill, Owen and Jack Lyon, of Everton definitely are stars in the making.
Of course, Billy Liddell and Cyril Done were always taking the eye, but curiously enough I think this was the first time that neither had scored in a game in which both have participated. Liddell was consistently good, and Done in opinion, goes on improving. Lambert was, however, Liverpool’s outstanding player. He never put a foot wrong and remember he was up against Wally Boyes. Spicer was deviously artistic.
Jack Lyon again took my eye in the Everton ranks. The lad simply cannot miss. Owen made Lyon a diligent partner, and behind them was the improving and industrious Hill. Just a word to Sid Simmons and Palk a couple of promising inside forwards. Greater speed in parting with the ball will prove a valuable attribute.
Liverpool were more trustful side in the opening half, when the Blues were more methodical then menacing. Boyes turned the tide with two snap goals, and then George Jackson cracked home a beauty from centre forward to make his “bag” against the Reds this season into a nap hand.
(Evening Express: June 3, 1941)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 