Derby defeat for Reds legends

Stuart Barlow's first-half goal was enough to give the Blues a victory, despite the Reds dominating possession throughout.

However, with all proceeds raised going towards local charities Radio City's Cash For Kids and the Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as the Everton Former Players Foundation, the result mattered little as the two teams united for good causes.

The Reds legends included some of the most iconic names in the club's illustrious history as the likes of Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, John Aldridge, John Barnes, Alan Kennedy and Phil Neal turned back the clock to don the famous jersey and do battle with the old enemy once more under the tutelage of gaffer for the night Jan Molby.

They were joined by boxing brothers the Smiths, MP Steve Rotheram and Peter Hooton.

Howard Kendall was the man tasked with managing the Blues, who had ex-Toffees stars such as Barlow, Graham Stuart, Iain Jenkins, Joe Royle, Steve Simonsen and Joe Parkinson, who were supplemented by politician Andy Burnham and former Barcelona star Eusabio Sacristan.

There was certainly a slow-paced opening to the contest, but the passion emanating from Goodison's Main Stand was typically fervent for derby day.

Everton had the first opportunity, with Michael Thomas's mis-control of a long ball forward allowing Graham Stuart a clear run on goal, but goalkeeper Eric Nixon was able to repel at close quarters.

They didn't have to wait long for the opener, however, with Stuart Barlow converting having bamboozled his way past Thomas inside the box.

Liverpool almost fired an instant riposte, but Aldridge headed Jason McAteer's centre straight into the hands of Simonsen.

The visitors were bossing possession, and after John Durnin saw a strong penalty appeal waved away, Rush should have perhaps done better when sent into space inside the box, but his cross was too high for Fowler and Aldridge in the centre.

Aldridge then struck straight at Simonsen and McAteer lashed wildly over as Liverpool threatened an equaliser - though they should have been punished when Stuart somehow contrived to sky wildly over when unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box.

Bury striker and LFC TV regular Ryan Lowe was introduced as a half-time substitute for the Reds as they endeavoured to turn possession into goals, but Barlow should have doubled Everton's advantage when he went clear on Nixon's goal from Iron's ball over the top only to clip wide.

But Lowe thought he had claimed the goal he has dreamed about since childhood when he met McAteer's cross with a powerful downward header from yards out, only to see the sprawling Simonsen turn it around the base of the post.

It was Durnin's turn to go close next, though his strike was blocked after he'd successfully swapped passes with boxer Callum Smith, before Simonsen denied Lowe again moments later.

With time ticking away, Fowler's turn and shot from the edge of box almost resulted in a leveller but the ball shaved the outside of the upright and Everton were able to clinch the win.