FeatureWhen Liverpool and Everton contested the Floodlit Challenge Cup

In October 1957, to commemorate the installation of floodlights at Anfield and Goodison Park, both clubs agreed to meet in a two-legged tie, with the Liverpool County FA donating a prize to the winners in celebration of its 75th anniversary.

At a time when the city’s two clubs were a division apart, for supporters starved of their annual derby fix it was a welcome addition to the calendar.

Goodison hosted the inaugural game, and it went to form. First Division Everton ran out 2-0 winners before surviving a 3-2 defeat in the Anfield return to clinch an aggregate victory.

The matches proved so popular that a decision was taken to make it an annual event and that’s when this new trophy – the Floodlit Challenge Cup – was commissioned.

Despite the glorified friendly status of the competition, both sides usually fielded close to full-strength teams and, with local pride at stake, the games were fiercely contested.

In 1958-59 Liverpool upset the odds, succeeding 2-1 at home and 3-2 away, then repeated that success the following season, winning 3-0 across the park before a 2-0 loss in front of the Kop.

The fourth and final instalment of the series spanned two campaigns, and the holders were victorious for a third time, a 3-1 home win coming 12 months prior to completing the job by drawing 2-2 at Goodison.

With the Reds soon to reclaim their top-flight status and resume league combat with the Blues, the lights then went out on the Floodlit Challenge Cup forever.

As the only winners, it remained in Liverpool’s possession and can be found on display in the Executive Lounge of Anfield’s Main Stand.

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