Liverpool FC had a remarkable month in February 1974, as they won four out of five games in all competitions, keeping their hopes alive for the First Division title and the FA Cup. It was also the last full month of Bill Shankly’s legendary reign as manager, as he would announce his shock retirement in July. Here is a look back at how Shankly’s Reds performed in February 1974, as part of our series to mark the 50th anniversary of his final season.
Late winners at Anfield
Liverpool started the month with two home games in the league, against Norwich City and Coventry City. Both were tight and tense affairs, and both were decided by late goals from substitutes. Against Norwich, Peter Cormack came off the bench to head in the winner in the 90th minute, sending the Kop into ecstasy. Against Coventry, Alec Lindsay scored a penalty and Kevin Keegan added another goal to secure a 2-1 victory, on a night when only 21,656 fans turned up at Anfield, the lowest attendance since 1962. Liverpool showed their resilience and determination to grind out these wins, keeping the pressure on league leaders Leeds United.
FA Cup progress against Ipswich
Liverpool’s next game was a fifth-round FA Cup tie against Ipswich Town, managed by the future England boss Bobby Robson. The Reds were dominant and confident, winning 2-0 with goals from Brian Hall and Keegan. The Guardian praised Liverpool’s performance as ‘positive’ and ‘controlling’, and noted that they had ‘the invincible look’. Liverpool had reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 1965, and were on course to end their nine-year trophy drought.
Goalless draw at Newcastle
Liverpool’s only away game in February was a trip to St. James’ Park, where they faced Newcastle United. The Reds created plenty of chances, but were unable to convert any of them, as they were frustrated by the Magpies’ goalkeeper Willie McFaul and the woodwork. Alan Waddle, a 19-year-old cousin of future England star Chris Waddle, missed a golden opportunity to score his first goal for Liverpool, as he shot wide from close range. The game ended 0-0, and Liverpool dropped two valuable points in the title race. Shankly, however, remained optimistic, saying ‘no-one dare suggest we have given away our title yet’.
Boersma’s strike sinks Southampton
Liverpool’s final game of the month was another home fixture, this time against Southampton. The Reds struggled to break down the Saints’ defence, and had to wait until the 77th minute to find the net. Phil Boersma, another substitute, pounced on a cross from Lindsay and stabbed the ball past the keeper. It was enough to give Liverpool a 1-0 win, and to reduce the gap to Leeds to seven points, with a game in hand. Leeds had surprisingly drawn at home to Leicester City, giving Liverpool a glimmer of hope in the title chase.
The table and the fixtures
At the end of February 1974, Liverpool were second in the First Division, with 46 points from 28 games. Leeds were top, with 53 points from 29 games. Derby County were third, with 40 points from 28 games. Liverpool had scored 47 goals and conceded 19, giving them the best goal difference in the league. Leeds had scored 57 and conceded 24, while Derby had scored 48 and conceded 35.
Liverpool had nine league games left to play, four at home and five away. Their remaining fixtures were:
- March 2: Leicester City (A)
- March 9: Arsenal (H)
- March 16: Leeds United (H)
- March 23: Manchester City (A)
- March 30: Burnley (H)
- April 6: Tottenham Hotspur (A)
- April 13: Chelsea (A)
- April 20: Stoke City (H)
- April 27: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Liverpool also had the FA Cup quarter-final against Bristol City on March 2, and the UEFA Cup quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt on March 6 and 20.
The verdict
Liverpool had a successful and unbeaten month in February 1974, winning four games and drawing one. They showed their character and quality, scoring late goals, keeping clean sheets, and overcoming tough opponents. They also advanced to the latter stages of the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup, giving themselves a chance of a historic treble. It was a fitting way for Shankly to spend his last full month as manager, as he prepared to bid farewell to the club he had transformed.