Saturday Evening Pink 78/79: Andy the King of Merseyside as Everton halt Liverpool in their tracks

BY STEVE MITCHELL

KING IS THE HERO AS EVERTON END LIVERPOOL’S UNBEATEN RUN:

Andy King is the toast of Goodison Park this evening after scoring the only goal in this afternoon’s Merseyside derby ending Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the campaign. His 58^th minute wonder strike in front of over 53,000 spectators gave the Toffees their first win in this fixture since 1971 and closed the gap at the top of the first division table to just two points.

Everton boss Gordon Lee replaced the unlucky Mick Lyons with Roger Kenyon and he was involved in the first major incident of the match when he conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position. Kenny Dalglish took the set-piece quickly and goalkeeper George Wood, who was being watched by Scotland boss Jock Stein, pushed the ball to safety from the advancing David Johnson.

Martin Dobson had the home side’s best effort in the early exchanges but produced a poor shot after good work from Mike Pejic. England striker Bob Latchford came closer when his diving header just went wide. Winger Dave Thomas was causing concern in the Liverpool back-line as Everton took the upper hand and Latchford had another good opportunity but fluffed his lines, shooting straight at Ray Clemence.

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As passions started running high, Jimmy Case was booked for the visitors as Dobson combined with Mickey Walsh to almost put Everton ahead as a frantic first-half came to an end. The second-half continued in the same vain as the home side continued to pressure their neighbours from across Stanley Park. Then, on 58 minutes, came the key moment in the match; Pejic launched the ball forward and Dobson cushioned a header back into the path of King who smashed the ball past the helpless Clemence. Goodison Park erupted as the Toffees scored only their second goal in 14 league games against their city rivals.

Liverpool were stunned into action and they thought they had levelled just a few minutes later when Alan Kennedy’s deflected shot was turned in by Johnson only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. As the game entered the final 20 minutes, Liverpool had three successive chances foiled by Wood who was in inspired form. Everton almost doubled their lead on 73 minutes but Alan Hansen cleared off the line from a shot by Thomas.

As the Gwladys Street End prayed for the full-time whistle, Liverpool continued to throw everything at the home side but were unable to breach an Everton back-line led superbly by Kenyon. After the match goalscorer King stated that it had been “An absolute dream” to score the winner and his manager Gordon Lee declared that his team had been “outstanding”.

WEEK 12 ROUND-UP:

Nottingham Forest failed to capitalise on Liverpool’s slip up as they were held to a goalless draw at Southampton. Brian Clough’s men now prepare for their European Cup second-leg tie against AEK Athens at the City Ground on Wednesday.

West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Maine Road; Mick Channon and Asa Hartford were on target for the hosts, Cyrille Regis and Bryan Robson replying for Albion.

Manchester United are up to sixth after a 4-2 win at Molineux against Wolves. Two goals from Jimmy Greenhoff and one apiece for brother Brian and Joe Jordan erased the memory of last week’s shock home defeat to Bristol City. Kenny Hibbitt and Steve Daley scored for Wolves who sit second bottom.

Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Bristol City at Ashton Gate keeps the Gunners in seventh. A brace from Liam Brady and another from his Republic of Ireland team-mate Frank Stapleton secured the points for Terry Neil’s men. David Rodgers got City’s consolation. Coventry City are back on track after last week’s hammering at The Hawthorns; Gordon Milne’s men beat Birmingham City 2-1 thanks to a double from Tommy Hutchinson. Recent arrival Don Givens was on target for the basement boys.

Tottenham Hotspur took advantage of Aston Villa’s Friday night home defeat by Middlesbrough to leapfrog them in the table following a 2-0 win over Bolton at White Hart Lane. Goals in each half from Colin Lee and John Pratt proved decisive.

Leeds United had a great day in front of their home fans comprehensively beating Derby County 4-0. The West Yorkshire side were 3 up at the break thanks to goals from Bryan Flynn, Paul Hart and Ray Hankin. John Hawley added a fourth after the interval to leave Tommy Docherty’s side dangerously close to the relegation zone.

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Ipswich Town beat Queens Park Rangers at Portman Road thanks to goals from Eric Gates and Paul Mariner; England midfielder Gerry Francis grabbing Rangers’ consolation. Finally, there was six-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Norwich City. Ken Swain, Clive Walker and Gary Stanley were on target for the home side, Martin Peters (2) and John Ryan replying for The Canaries.

FIRST DIVISION RESULTS – SATURDAY OCTOBER 28:

Aston Villa 0-2 Middlesbrough (Burns, Cochrane) – match played Friday October 27

Bristol City 1-3 Arsenal (Rodgers; Brady 2, 1 pen, Stapleton)

Chelsea 3-3 Norwich City (Swain, Walker, Stanley pen; Peters 2, Ryan)

Coventry City 2-1 Birmingham City (Hutchinson 2; Givens)

Everton 1-0 Liverpool (King)

Ipswich Town 2-1 Q.P.R. (Gates, Mariner; Francis)

Leeds United 4-0 Derby County (Flynn, Hart, Hankin, Hawley)

Manchester City 2-2 W.B.A. (Channon, Hartford; Regis, Robson)

Southampton 0-0 Nottingham Forest

Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Bolton Wanderers (Lee, Pratt) (FULL MATCH PROGRAMME BELOW)