2-GOAL MARGIN AT SOUTHPORT

There were 9,000 spectators at Haig Avenue, Southport, today, for Liverpool’s return visit to Southport. Balmer resumed for Liverpool at outside right.

SOUTHPORT: Holdcroft; Tennant, Kirby; Johnson, Blood, Flack; Rawlings, Mutch, Coates, Banks, Butler.

LIVERPOOL: Hobson; Seddon, Gulliver; Kaye, Hughes, Pilling; Balmer, Beattie, Done, Welsh, Campbell.

Referee: Mr. G. Twist (Westhoughton)

A brisk pace was set by Liverpool, who advanced when Gulliver ran the ball to the halfway line to set Campbell on the move. The winger made a prompt centre, but Blood beat Done for possession, and the ball went over to the right.

Here, Rawlings trapped the ball and beat Gulliver before turning the ball over to Banks, who made his debut for Southport, and this player headed slightly wide.

So fast was the pace that each side had a couple of corners in the first five minutes, but the goals were not in danger by the returns, so well-positioned were the defences.

Once Done was sent through by a long pass, but he got too far forward, and a good chance was lost through offside. Clever footwork by Welsh produced an exciting moment in the home goalmouth when this player presented Campbell with a chance from close in. His shot, however, was well stopped by Holdcroft.

BIG KICK

A kick that covered half the length of the field by Seddon found Holdcroft, who did well to clear when harassed by Done.

For the first time, each goalkeeper had a serious shot to save. Welsh gave a neat pass to Beattie, who shot hard, and Blood, in attempting to clear, turned the ball towards goal for Holdcroft to make a wonderful save.

At the other end, Rawlings cut in when Liverpool’s defence hesitated to deliver a terrific drive that Hobson pulled down brilliantly by the side of the post.

There was a slight stoppage for Seddon and Kaye to receive attention when hurt during a tackle. Liverpool appeared well placed for opening their account when Done burst through and shot, but Holdcroft fell on the ball to smother it before clearing.

Southport also had a chance when Rawlings centred, but Bankes missed the ball right in front of goal.In half an hour, Liverpool scored. The visitors’ left wing made play and upset the balance of the home defence, and Welsh slipped through to put in a shot. Holdcroft ran out of goal to meet the ball, but he could not hold it, and it just passed over the line.

A corner to Liverpool produced a second goal three minutes later when Done, who had worked to the left, met a return to crash the ball through.

In 38 minutes, Southport pulled a goal back when Kaye handled in the penalty area and Flack converted.

Southport found a new lease of life after this and penned Liverpool in their own half for several minutes, during which Hobson made splendid saves from Bankes and Butler.

Liverpool reorganised their attack in the hope of finding more striking power, and Beattie, now inside left, came near with a shot that twisted over the home bar.

Half-time: Southport 1, Liverpool 2.

Hobson was soon in action in the second half, saving from Rawlings, who had cut in from the right. This was a prelude to many Southport attacks, which worked the ball to the Liverpool goalmouth, but could not beat Hobson, who saved from all angles and positions.

Liverpool served up disappointing football this half, and it was rare that the ball was out of their half.

Once Done, however, broke away and narrowly missed the Southport goal with a high twisting shot.

Liverpool’s defence, though greatly overworked, never tired.

Hobson’s best save was from Butler, whose close-range shot was brilliantly caught at the angle of the goal. It was a change to see Liverpool sweep down on the right, allowing Balmer to deliver a magnificent drive that was well held by Holdcroft.

Balmer scored a third goal for Liverpool in 77 minutes.

Final: Southport 1, Liverpool 3.