August 20, 1951
Key note: “So often do young players fail to live up to early promise that one hesitates to be too optimistic on the basis of a solitary performance, no matter how encouraging, but even with this reservation it looks as though Liverpool have found a fine prospect in Brian Smith, 23-years-old centre half, who was formerly with Stalybridge Celtic and Hyde United. Smith, engaged as a personnel officer with a large Manchester firm, was the outstanding Liverpool player in last night’s Central League game against Sheffield United, won by the visitors by a goal three minutes from the end. Of commanding height, with a trim mustache like George Hardwikc’s, Smith played as coolly and confidently as a veteran, nearly always in the right spot at the right time, and invariably making his clearances the possible foundation for a counter-attack. There was no aimless booting of the ball from him. McCurley, Williams, and J.T. Smith shaped fairly well in the attack, and Dumbell has promise enough to be worth persevering with.” (Liverpool Echo: August 21, 1951)
Match: Central League, at Anfield, kick-off: 18:30.
Liverpool Reserves – Sheffield United Reserves 0-1 (0-0).
Liverpool (2-3-5): Cyril Sidlow, George Withworth, Ray Lambert, Denis Stacey, Brian Smith, William Arthur Dumbell, Jimmy Gee, Jack Smith, Kevin McCurley, Robert Williams, Jack Haigh.
Sheffield United (2-3-5):
The goal: 0-1 ? (87 min.).
XX
