Liverpool won 2–1 at Goodison Park on 1 March 1980, taking two points towards the defence of their league title. The derby also brought a loss which reached far beyond the result: Dixie Dean died after suffering a heart attack while watching the match.
The teams had begun the afternoon at opposite ends of the First Division, Liverpool first and Everton nineteenth. David Johnson put the visitors ahead after 19 minutes, and Phil Neal converted a penalty after 31 to establish a 2–0 half-time lead.
Everton lost Geoff Nulty to injury following a tackle by Jimmy Case in the second half. Nulty was replaced by Peter Eastoe around the hour; the damage would ultimately end his playing career. Eastoe reduced the deficit after 73 minutes, but Everton could not recover the second goal. Liverpool finished the day still top, while their neighbours remained nineteenth.
Dean had attended a lunch with Bill Shankly before the game to mark the launch of the clubs' annuals. Journalist John Keith, whose guests they were, later recalled Shankly paying tribute to Dean before the three travelled to Goodison. Fellow reporter Eric Brown also recalled learning of Dean's collapse while covering the match.
Sources
- LFChistory — Everton v Liverpool, 1 March 1980
- Everton Results — Everton v Liverpool, 1 March 1980
- St Helens Town — Geoff Nulty, player hall of fame
- EFC Statto — Everton transfers, 1980–81, including Nulty's retirement
- This Is Anfield — John Keith's recollections, including the day Dean died
- Sports Journalists' Association — Eric Brown recalls covering the derby