January 29, 1944
Key note: “A penalty in 65 minutes enabled Liverpool to smash Everton’s 100 percent cup record at Goodison Park, today. Everton fought back after being two goals down to draw level. Liverpool won 3-2. Mercer appeared at left-half – his England position – instead of at outside-right, where Wyles continued. Jack Jones was at left-back, Greenhalgh still being unfit. Liverpool waited until ten minutes before the kick-off before deciding on their team – waiting in the hope that Fagan would arrive. He did not, so Welsh led the attack, with Done at inside left and Balmer and Nieuwenhuys linking up on the right as in pre-war days. Behind them was Matt Busby making his first appearance for the club for two years and being made captain for the day. Busby was given a grand reception when he took the field.” (Evening Express: January 29, 1944)
Match: League War Cup, Qualifying Round, at Goodison Park, kick-off: 15:00.
Everton – Liverpool 2-3 (2-2).
Attendance: 45,820.
Referee: Mr. W.F. Nixon (Manchester); linesmen: Messrs. J.H. Clayton and J.B. Collinson.
Everton (2-3-5): George Burnett, George Jackson, Jack Jones, Jackie Grant, Tommy Jones (C), Joe Mercer, Cec Wyles, Eddie Wainwright, Tommy Lawton, Alex Stevenson, Jimmy McIntosh (Preston North End).
Liverpool (2-3-5): Alf Hobson, Jack Westby, Jeff Gulliver (Reading), Matt Busby (C), Laurie Hughes, Jack Pilling, Berry Nieuwenhuys, Jack Balmer, Don Welsh (Charlton Athletic), Cyril Done, Billy Liddell.
The goals: 0-1 Nieuwenhuys (5 min.), 0-2 Welsh (15 min.), 1-2 Wyles (21 min.), 2-2 Lawton (42 min.), 2-3 Welsh (penalty, 66 min.).
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 