1980 to 1983

This is nearly as good as a team photo, memories of a great day in our history. Its 14th February 1981 and South's manager Russ Perkins receives his award for January at Runcorn FC, after a good run of results. On the photo with Russ is David Bingley from sponsors Mackenzie. Russ got the award at Canal St home of the champions to be and local rivals. South fans hoped the awards curse would not strike and see us lose on Russ' big day. It seemed likely as The Linnets had not lost at home that season. In an incredible game with penalties saved, controversy and goals, South edged it 3 -2. Neil Wood held his nerve to smash home two penalties for us, Mark Carter "Spike" scored a superb winner, that still lingers in the memory for those there, rounding ex South Peter Eales in the Linnets goal. A Great day & a well deserved award for Russ. Sadly for South, Russ moved in March to Witton Albion and we appointed ex Marine man Phil Smith to take the helm.

South defeated Kirkby Town, Tranmere Rovers & Prescot Cables to reach the final which Liverpool FC hosted at Anfield (South's third ever visit to the home of the Reds). Having taken an early lead through Mark Carter, goals from Kevin Sheedy, Ronnie Whelan & Mick Halsall saw the young Reds side take the cup with a 3 -1 victory. We would go on to win the trophy three times in the 1980's before our loss of semi pro status in 1991.

Our team that night was     

Back Row : Mike Ryman (Res Team Manager), Paul Gregory, Roy Smith, John Bendon, Alan Robinson, Lenny Williams, Niel Wood, Phil Smith (Manager), Mal Keenan (physio).

Front Row: Jim Thornton, Tony O'Boyle, Mark Carter, Mark Gledhill, Jay McComb, Paul Bretherton.

South v Mossley NPL 7th November 1981

South lost 4-1 at Seel Park and played in our sky blue change strip.

Mark "spike" Carter scored our consolation goal

In the previous midweek he had played for the NPL representative side at Gainsborough Trinity - a rare accolade for a South player in the early 1980's and one fully deserved by Spike.

SOUTH LIVERPOOL FC

Back Row (l-r) Ken Crisp, Carl Mavers, Roy Smith, Brian Parkinson, John Smith, Robbie Brunt, Lenny Williams, Steve Hipwell.

Front Row (l-r) Richie Bassey, Neil Wood, John Peacock, Paul Dickman, Mark Carter, Tony O'Boyle.

photo from Hyder Jawad collection

Picture taken from magazine, but still worth including until we get a better copy.. This was from 1st May 1982, prior to our final home game of season at Holly Park in Northern Premier League . We beat Goole Town 3 - 1, Jim Thornton scored two, John Smith scored an absolute cracking volley from 25 yards to seal the win. The attendance was just 94! Phil Smith had just been named NPL Manager of Month for April, hence the photo. 

Team with full names:
Back Row (l-r) Peter Curtis (trainer - as injury had stopped him from playing), Tony O'Boyle, Phil McFerran, John Peacock, Ken Crisp, Alan Robinson, Tim Murphy, John Smith, Carl Mavers, Paul Dickman, Brian Parkinson (Asst Manager), Jimmy Coffey (Reserve Team Manager)

Front Row (l-r) Steve Jennings, Mark Carter, Jim Thornton, Phil Smith (Manager), Paul Barr, Lol Kirkwood, Dave Perry.