Match Report – 08/02/1918

EASY ON PAPER FOR LIVERPOOL

Liverpool Echo: February 8, 1918

The man who made up the fixture list for the Lancashire League kept Liverpool and Stoke till precious near the end of the season. That fact has led to a stringing-out of the interest, for Liverpool and Stoke are running “neck and neck,” and Liverpool must be looking for someone to knock a corner off Stoke’s record, for then the engagements between the leaders would probably lead to a victory to Liverpool on goal average.

Latterly Stoke have been leaving their goals till late on, and tomorrow at Old Trafford they will be hard pressed to win. Liverpool playing steadily throughout, should beat Southport, although the Central side has been shuffled since last week.

Liverpool. – A.N. Other, Ephraim Longworth, Billy Jenkinson, John Bamber, Walter Wadsworth, Donald Mackinlay, Robert Waine, Arthur Metcalf, Tommy Bennett, Harry Lewis, George Schofield.

Southport Central. – Thomas Capper, Tom Dorward, Smith, Lol Abram, Jimmy Fay, Bert Rigby, Billy Caulfield, Hilton, Crossley, Burke, Rimmer.

Referee: Mr. Arthur Pellowe.

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LEAGUE LEADERS GAIN THEIR 18TH SUCCESS

Lancashire Evening Post, February 9, 1918

At Ash Lane, in rough, rainy weather, and before a small attendance. Both sides were strongly represented. Teams: –
Southport Central: Thomas Capper, Tom Dorward, Smith, Joe Rimmer, Jimmy Fay, Lol Abram, Bert Rigby, Burke, Hilton, Billy Caulfield, Crossley.

Liverpool: Kenneth Campbell, Ephraim Longworth, Billy Jenkinson, John Bamber, Walter Wadsworth, Donald Mackinlay, Robert Waine, Arthur Metcalf, Tommy Bennett, Harry Lewis, George Schofield.

Referee: Mr. A Pellowe, Oldham.

The start was delayed in consequence of the wretched weather. When the conditions improved Hilton started against half a gale. The home team, however, were the first to become dangerous, Jenkinson changing the venue with a strong kick. Liverpool got to the other end, where Bennett was given offside. A moment later the same player shot over the bar when well placed.

The visitors forced a corner which was cleared, and the Southport men again had a turn in attack, Fay being prominent with some good work. Wadsworth clearing when hard pressed. Fay left the field injured, but returned after a short absence, and shortly afterwards Lewis retired hurt.

Southport were playing a great game against the wind, and Liverpool were by no means having all their own way. Doward stopped several strong rushes, and Smith was applauded for a brilliant piece of defensive work. Lewis returned, and signalled his reappearance by a dashing run.

The visitors received great assistance from the wind, but the Sandgrounders defended stubbornly. Lewis shot wildly over the bar, and the pressure on the Southport goal was relieved. A heavy storm broke and greatly interfered with the play, which was of an interesting character considering the conditions.

Half-time: Southport Central 0, Liverpool 0.

After the interval Southport broke away, and Hilton shot over the bar. Liverpool attacked, and Bennett scored after receiving a pass from Waine.

The Central then had a turn on the aggressive, but Logworth sent them back. The game proceeded in ding-dong fashion, each end being visited in turn. Schofield, after a brilliant burst, over-ran the ball. Southport were awarded a free kick for a foul on Abram. Southport attacked, and Campbell was called upon to save his charge on many occasions. Abram played a fine defensive game, and several times broke up the Liverpool forwards.

Liverpool made a burst and Lewis scored their second point, Bennett a little later adding the third. Burke scored for Southport a few minutes before the finish.

Result: Liverpool 3, Southport 1.

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LIVERPOOL WELL IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE

Liverpool Echo: February 11, 1918

Central made a plucky attempt to stave off double defeat at the hands of the powerful Anfielders. And for the first half, in the face of a full gale, they succeeded in preventing the Liverpool forwards from getting through. In the second period, however, when the wind, curiously enough, had abated much of its tempestuous violence, Tommy Bennett and company gave practical proof of their superiority by netting three times.

Bennett took up the thread of his goal-getting narrative by notching the first after an exciting struggle before Thomas Capper’s charge, and Harry Lewis followed suit with a second one which quite deceived the home custodian. The third was the result of well-nigh perfect football of a well-ordered and properly-combined character, Bennett’s final effort being in the colloquialism of the code, “a beauty.” Just on time Southport rallied valiantly, and Burke reduced the lead with a desperate effort.

Among the spectators was Jack Kirwan, the former Southport, Everton, Tottenham and Chelsea forward. Since he gave up leather-chasing he has been coaching others in the art at Berlin, Dublin, Budapest, and Amsterdam. He was on the continent in pursuit of his calling when war was declared, but managed to get to England in safety. At present he is domiciled in London, but for the sake of his wife and children he is anxious to live a quieter life.

Harry Lewis, it may be mentioned, was damaged through collision with the stalwart Tom Dorward, and subsequently had to be medically attended two stitches being put into his chin