March 30, 1946
Liverpool, beaten by Middlesbrough at Anfield, last week, came to Ayrsome Park to-day eager for revenge, scored after four minutes, and again after 19 minutes play.
Middlesbrough: Norman Malan, Dick Robinson, George Hardwick, Harry Bell, John Douglas, Jim McCabe, Johnny Spuhler, Eddie Murphy, Micky Fenton, George Dews, Watson.
Liverpool: Charles Ashcroft, Jim Harley, Bernard Ramsden, Ray Lambert, Laurie Hughes, Bob Paisley, Berry Nieuwenhuys, Jack Balmer, Cyril Done, Willie Fagan, Bob Priday.
A shock for ‘Boro came in the fourth minute when Liverpool opened the scoring, Balmer had swung the ball over towards the left wing where Robinson, intercepting the long sweeping pass headed down to Done who out in a first time shot. When Liverpool again took the initiative Robinson put into touch, whereupon Paisley sent in a long throw almost to the goalmouth. Douglas cleared but Liverpool came back and again Done, who was originally a full-back scored. Liverpool next added to their score when form almost midfield Nieuwenhuys swept the ball towards the penalty area when Balmer dashed in to put on his side’s third goal. Three minutes later Done completed his hat-trick. With Halam showing hesitancy in coming out he had the easiest of chances to drive the ball into the net.
Half-time: Liverpool, four goals; Middlesbrough, nil.
Malan showed improvement, twice palming away shots by Done and consolation for the Borough came in the 68th minute when Harley turned a centre from Spuhler into Liverpool’s goal.
(Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle: March 30, 1946)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 