Liverpool took a 3–1 lead over Everton in the Football League Super Cup final before 20,660 spectators at Anfield on 16 September 1986. Ian Rush scored twice, with Steve McMahon's header restoring Liverpool's advantage after Kevin Sheedy had equalised.
The competition belonged to the previous season. It had been introduced for the six English clubs denied their places in Europe in 1985–86 following the ban imposed after Heysel. The final, played over two legs, had been held over until the following campaign. By September it carried Screen Sport sponsorship.
Rush put Liverpool ahead after six minutes, but Sheedy levelled with a direct free-kick around the half-hour. Everton then lost their scorer, Warren Aspinall replacing him shortly before the interval. The teams went in level at 1–1.
Liverpool regained the lead after 56 minutes when McMahon headed in Kenny Dalglish's corner. Rush added the third nine minutes later, giving Everton a two-goal deficit to overcome at Goodison Park on 30 September.