 He made his debut on 27 August 1921 at Roker Park, but finished on the losing side as Sunderland beat Liverpool 3–0.Hopkin had to wait until 3 March 1923 for his debut goal, when he scored in the 49th minute of Liverpool's 3–0 home win against Bolton Wanderers.The goal will always be remembered in Anfield folklore as it was followed by a fire in the Kemlyn Road stand.