Anyone who got a penalty against Clyde wasn't too optimistic as Donnelly faced 21 spot-kicks in their goal and saved 19! Donnelly was Liverpool's second-choice goalkeeper during the 1896/97 season. Harry Storer played in the first 19 games from August up to and including Christmas Day 1896 until he got injured. Donnelly did so well in his absence that when Storer got fit in January he was loaned mid-season to Hibernian. The club's main goalkeeper, McColl, was out injured and Liverpool helped the Scottish side out of their troubles. Donnelly took over on Boxing Day at Burnley and conceded 16 goals in eight matches until Storer returned from Scotland.