October 1, 1943
Liverpool, away to Bury, will have to put up a better show than last week to ensure victory, and I think we can rely on them to do it. Saturday was one of those off-days which even the best side has now and again.
Liverpool have delivered the goods in such sparkling fashion for the past year or more that we have got into the habit of expecting the same standard every time. A mediocre performance now and again serves to remind us they are but human.
And don’t forget most players these days come to the match straight from Service duties or from work – and often have a tiring journey, sometimes stood up most of the way, which isn’t the ideal preparation for ninety minutes concentrated endeavour.
Considering all the handicaps – not forgetting lack of training – war-time football reaches an amazing standard. Liverpool will probably field the same side as did duty at Anfield, though there is a possibility Nieuwenhuys and Fagan may be available, in which case changes will be made in attack.
The defence stands firm, and looks sound enough, by recent form, to prevent Bury springing a surprise.
Liverpool: Alf Hobson, Jack Westby, Jeff Gulliver, Harry Kaye, Laurie Hughes, Jack Pilling; forwards from Jack Campbell, Berry Nieuwenhuys, Jack Balmer, Arthur Shepherd, Willie Fagan, Cyril Done, Alf Hanson.
(Source: Liverpool Echo: October 1, 1943; via http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) © 2018 Findmypast Newspaper Archive Limited
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