May 18, 1942
Liverpool players say they would not mind playing all their matches at Deepdale, and I’m not surprised, for they have won all three games played at Preston this season. Their latest success was obtained against a side which had 70 per cent of the game, yet were unable to score a single goal.
Preston North End, still one of the most attractive football teams in the country, have often suffered this experience, mainly because they would not shoot after they had made the opening by masterly football. They were not guilty of this on Saturday, for their shooting was par excellence. Well, how was it that they lost? Alf Hobson was the answer.
The Liverpool goalkeeper was in brilliant form. I have never seen him play better. When I tell you that he saved a dozen shots which could have beaten him had he not been inspired, you can imagine the manner of his work.
I thoroughly enjoyed the North End’s attractive play, but I was also thrilled at Liverpool’s fighting spirit. Don’t forget they had been hammered for half an hour, and had few chances of hitting back so well knit was the North End defence, but they suddenly broke away on the right and Jack Balmer got the opening goal.
This had a heartening effect on Liverpool, and when Billy Liddell got a second most of the lustre went out of Preston. It was a grand victory, and the young boys of the Liverpool team showed up well, especially Billy Liddell, Harry Kaye and Fred Haycock.
Before the match it had been arranged that should Fred Finney find Jimmy Dougal to big a handicap he should change places with Harry Kaye. It was Dougal who changed positions – he went outside right.
(Source: Liverpool Echo: May 18, 1942)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 