No. 38 – The 1899 Title Decider
Aston Villa and Liverpool battled it out for the Division 1 Championship during the 1898/99 season. Fortunately for the neutrals and supporters, Liverpool and Aston Villa faced each other on the final day of the season at Villa Park, and whoever won the game would be crowned Champions.
Both teams had 43 points but Liverpool had to win as Villa had edged the goalscoring average.
On 29th of April, 1899, over 41,350 supporters watched on as Villa hit five goals past goalkeeper Bill Perkins in the first half leaving the Liverpool players and supporters who had travelled to Villa Park shocked.
With such high hopes before the game, Liverpool’s title dream had collapsed all within the first 45 minutes of the match. Liverpool lost 5-0 and ended the season with a respectful 2nd place finish. Liverpool had never been closer to the title, but would have to wait another two years before the League title mission was accomplished.
The Liverpool team that day included Bill Perkins in goal, Archie Goldie at right back, Billy Dunlop at left back, Raby Howell, a young 21 year old Alex Raisbeck and Charlie Wilson at center back, at right wing was Jack Cox, left wing was Tom Robertson while the midfield and strikers included John Walker, Hugh Morgan and Tom Robertson!
Liverpools Team : Bill Perkins, Archie Goldie, Billy Dunlop, Raby Howell, Alex Raisbeck, Charlie Wilson, Jack Cox, John Walker, George Allan, Hugh Morgan, Tom Robertson.
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