August 19, 1978
Key note: “A familiar pattern was unveiled for the opening of the season at Anfield this afternoon. Quite simply, it was all-out attack by Liverpool, all-out defence by their opponents … and it produced rather an undistinguished match. It was like carnival time at Anfield, with the ground looking in superb order; the gates closed half an hour before kick-off; a presentation to Bob Paisley of his gallon of Scotch, and an inscribed silver salver for retaining the European Cup. All this on the best day of the summer – a touch of irony from the weatherman at the opening of the football season.” (Liverpool Echo: August 19, 1978)
Match: Football League, First Division, at Anfield, kick-off: 15:00.
Liverpool – Queens Park Rangers 2-1 (1-1).
Attendance: 50,793.
Referee: Mr. C.N. Seel.
Liverpool (4-4-2): Ray Clemence, Phil Neal, Phil Thompson, Emlyn Hughes, Alan Kennedy, Jimmy Case, Terry McDermott, Graeme Souness, Ray Kennedy, Steve Heighway, Kenny Dalglish.
Substitute: David Fairclough (not used).
Queens Park Rangers (4-4-2): Phil Parkes, Dave Clement, Ian Gillard, John Hollins, Ernie Howe, Donald Shanks, Martyn Busby, Gerry Francis, Peter Eastoe, Stan Bowles, Paul McGee.
Substitute: Glenn Roeder (not used).
The goals: 1-0 Dalglish (27 min., assist: A. Kennedy), 1-1 McGee (29 min.), 2-1 Heighway (76 min., assist: McDermott).
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 