December 15, 1941
Liverpool F.C. are clinging tenaciously to their slight championship chances, and this despite the fact that not since the war have they had the advantage of using all their “regulars” in any one match. Their latest win, against Tranmere, was anticipated, and home and away fixtures against Stoke may produce the points which will enable them to stay a hot pace to the end.
Tranmere lost 7-2. There was a point early in the match when anyone would have laid long odds against that result, but once Tranmere’s fire spluttered out the verdict was always in Liverpool’s keeping. In the circumstances Tranmere did well. They were minus Llew Ashcroft and other, and Liverpool were stronger than they have been for some weeks. It was while Tranmere were putting up a grand non-stop exhibition that H. Bell nodded the first goal of the day. Others might have followed and the match might have gone on different lines, but Carney hooked the equaliser soon afterwards and McIntosh scored twice and Dorsett once before the interval. Afterwards McIntosh, Carney, and Dorset got further goals, and Cooper scored for Tranmere.
Most notable figures in a match that kept an interest maintained were Kaye, Lambert and Owen. Never before has Kaye played so brilliantly, and with promise of being a half-back to compare with the best in the game. Owen completed a good double against Liddell and scarcely put a foot wrong from start to finish.
Lambert’s defensive work was strong and sure, and the Tranmere left wing was the only one which threatened danger. Little Cooper showed good ideas and was capable of carrying them through, and Bell, at centre forward, did sufficient to justify one in considering him live and resourceful. Once again Dorsett took unkindly to the centre forward position. Carney, an amateur, with some classic professional touches, made the best run of the day and only just failed to complete it with a goal.
Result: Liverpool 7, Tranmere Rovers 2.
Liverpool. – Alf Hobson, Roy Guttridge, Ray Lambert, Phil Taylor, Dennis Cooke, Harry Kaye, Billy Liddell, Len Carney, Dick Dorsett, Jack Balmer, Jimmy McIntosh.
Tranmere Rovers: Percy Lovett, Alan Wishart, Arthur Owen, Ted Anderson, Walter Price, Bill Gibbons, Benny Jones, Ronnie Hodgson, Bunny Bell, Matt McPeake, Joe Cooper.
Referee: Mr. J. Phillips, of Liverpool.
(Liverpool Daily Post: December 15, 1941)
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 