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Ref H Williams
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City Corrigan, Book, Connor, Doyle, Booth, Towers, Summerbee, Donachie, Young, Lee, Mellor- sub Jeffries(32)
Everton West, Scott, K Newton, H Newton, Kenyon, Darracott, Royle, Kenny, Johnson, Hurst, Whittle, – sub Lyons(65)
Malcolm Allison’s first game in charge won’t be remembered as a classic. Both sides failing to bring their ‘A’ game.
City were clearly missing the injured Colin Bell and Wyn Davies, and to add to their woes, Dave Connor had to leave the field on the half hour with a suspected broken ankle.
The result hinged on two penalty decisions, both made in The Blues’ favour. What seemed like an innocuous challenge on Neil Young by Roger Kenyon in the Toffee’s 18 yard box, was deemed a foul by referee, Mr Williams and from the resultant spot-kick Francis Lee smashed it home.
Everton had a more legitimate claim for a penalty when Whittle appeared to have been chopped down in the box by Tommy Booth, however in this instance Mr Williams waved away the Scousers’ penalty claims.
Whilst bereft of skill, the game was full of physicality and some bad challenges and Darracott and Lyons were booked for their continuous foul play.
