 He made 14 First Division appearances for Liverpool during the 1897–98 season, scoring five times, including two against Stoke at Anfield on 9 October 1897.Numerous changes were made to the club's forward-line during that season and Cunliffe only featured three times during the second half of the season.He also played in four FA Cup ties for Liverpool, scoring the winner in their 2–1 second round replay with Newton Heath on 16 February 1898.