The followers of the Anfield club were again entertained by a club from the other side of the border, and a big crowd put in an appearance on the Oakfield Road enclosure on Saturday to welcome a long looked for return visit of the well-known West of Glasgow club, the Partick Thistle. The visitors when full teamed play a fine game, and although they were short-handed through the absence of Paul (centre forward), Everton had to play hard to prevent themselves from being outwitted. Hendry, of the Glasgow Rangers, was heartily welcomed by the home supporters. Geary made his first appearance for Everton after the injury to his head in the trial match at Nottingham. Clark kicked-off against the wind and hill, and after a big kick had taken the visitors to the home quarters. Weir sent neatly to Latta, but the latter overran the ball, and a screw shot by Chadwick was allowed to go over the line. The Thistle sprinted along the right, but Parry pulled them up finely, and giving to Milward, a corner was forced from McCulloch, which, being well placed by Chadwick, enabled Latta to open the scoring by heading the first point for Everton ten minutes from the start. Although Everton seemed to be taking things easy, the visiting custodian had plenty to do, and it was not long until Geary, from a pass by Brady who, with Chadwick, was playing a grand game, with a low, swift shot, notched a second goal for his side. Hendry now showed some of his well-known defending tactics, and was the means of nullifying some well-directed shots. At last “Lewis” did a fine sprint along the visitors’ right, but failed at the crucial point. However, coming again, he centred accurately to Stewart, who scored for Partick, a performance which was duly recognised by the 9,000 spectators. Geary returned immediately, and beat the Thistle custodian with an offside goal. Continuing to have all the play, Everton found themselves at the interval leading by 5 goals to 1. Restarting, Everton again got prominent, and McCorkindale had to keep his wits about him in negotiating the determined attacks of the home van. Everton were now caught napping, and the visitors trundling neatly down, McLeod added a second point for his side with a splendid shot which gave Cox no chance. Not satisfied with this fluke, the homesters went to work with greater vigour, and McCorkindale saved excellently. Latta now waded through, and, giving Hendry the slip, screwed across the goal mouth, but as no one was up the chance was thrown away. The visitors retaliated, and had a fruitless corner. The play now became more even, the “Scotties” if anything having the best of it. Parry tackled his opponents rather cleverly, and Milward sent outside. Coming again, however, the homesters showed up to perfection, but Hendry eased, and Cox had to make another good save from the Thistle centre forward. Latta again baulked Hendry, but McCorkindale went to the rescue, and Cox had to strike out from Stewart, when Latta, getting possession and wading through, caused the Scotch custodian to handle. The home right winger wet it, and soon gave his side a farther lead with the sixth goal. The game continued to be anything but a good exposition, and before the conclusion Geary was badly pulled up by Freebairn, just as he was racing along, and before the free-kick was disposed of Brady – who by the way was throughout the game very unlucky with his finishes – headed slightly wide over the bar, a good pass by Geary being also missed, which brought a fine game to a conclusion with the following result: – Everton, 6 goals; Partick Thistle, 2.
Liverpool Mercury, Monday, 28th April, 1890
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