Christmas came early for The Non-League Reds, as they just about managed to come out on top against local rivals Litherland REMYCA, thanks to a late Elliot Taylor winner. With one game already called off due to high-winds recently, it felt like this one could have gone the same way if someone had decided to give the storm a name and place a weather warning on the area. However, the game did go ahead and it was a credit to both sides that they kept going in gale force winds right until the final whistle.
It was the visitors who created the first chance on 8 minutes, when Durnell forced Parkinson to tip the ball over for a corner. It was becoming increasingly difficult for AFC to clear the ball, as it held up in the wind and REMY weren't finding it easy either, as a lot of balls were overhit with the wind behind them. The visitors went close again on 12 minutes, as a headed effort from a corner went narrowly over the bar. The game was understandably very scrappy with few chances, but just before the break Durnell had a shot from inside the box, brilliantly saved and held by Parkinson.
AFC had the advantage of the wind behind them after the restart but soon found out that it was still difficult to play any quality possession football in the conditions. They did however start to create chances of their own as the half progressed. Just after the hour mark, McLoughlin was forced into a fine save from a Joel Skillen effort. On 68 minutes, Elliot Taylor chased a long clearance and did well to hold off the defender before lobbing the advancing keeper, only to see the shot come back out after hitting the underside of the crossbar. Just four minutes later Taylor hit the bar again, this time with a headed effort, from a great corner from Caleb Jones. Skillen went close with another effort, as the home side began to dominate the chances but couldn't find the crucial finish. REMY started to look more of a threat as the game drifted into 5 minutes of added time and it began to look like if anyone was going to snatch the points, it would be the visitors.
As the game entered the final minute of added time, Joe Cunningham delivered a great cross from deep on AFC's right. It looked as though the wind would force the ball to go harmlessly out for another goal kick, however, Joel Skillen had other ideas and showed great determination to somehow get to the ball and knock it back across the six-yard box for Elliot Taylor to nod it over the line. Taylor set off on his acrobatic celebrations as the AFC supporters behind the goal showed their delight. A draw may have been a fairer outcome given the conditions both teams had to endure, but AFC did create the better chances and were more than happy to take the 3 points at the death.
The Non-League Reds have another local battle when they travel to a much improving Burscough side on Boxing Day. Kick off is 3pm and all support would be greatly appreciated for what is sure to be a tough game. In the meantime, everyone at AFC Liverpool would like to wish you a very happy Christmas. Have a great time and take care.
FINAL SCORE - AFC Liverpool 1 v 0 Litherland REMYCA
LINE UP - 1. Parkinson 2. Wright-Ocana 3. Giblin 4. Moorcroft (c) 5. Sudworth 6. Fisher-Jones 7. Jones 8. Brown 9. Taylor 10. Beckett 11. Lancaster
Subs Used - Rooney, Cunningham, Skillen, Porter
(Pics courtesy of Paul Moran & Billy Stirrup)
Comments