Irlam came into this match on an unbeaten run that stretched all the way back to November last year and they started the game very much on the front foot, as you might expect for a team on such a run. The home side looked to play the ball over to John Johnstone on the right wing each time they gained possession and he was a constant threat throughout the contest. Irlam had the first real chance of the game, when Parkinson got fingertips to a Johnstone strike from the angle of the box. They eventually capitalised on their positive start on 15 minutes when a cross from the left found Declan Daniels, who controlled it well and rounded Parkinson to finish.
The Non-League Reds struggled to create much during this period of the game, as Irlam were very well organised at the back and dealt with any long balls very easily. For all their domination in terms of possession and approach play, the home side didn't create many more good chances to extend their lead, as the AFC defence did well to deal with the threat. On 28 minutes, Elliot Taylor forced a good save from the home keeper. Moments later AFC were denied an equaliser when the keeper came for a cross from Liam Paton, dropped it and Bobby Murphy knocked it in. Unfortunately, the referee somehow believed the keeper was fouled by Murphy and ruled it out. Caleb Jones then went close with a free-kick as the half drew to a close.
AFC started the 2nd half like they meant business and it took just 4 minutes to draw level, when Matty Brown turned the ball in following good work by Cameron Rooney and Caleb Jones. It was now the away side who were looking the more threatening and on 55 minutes, Taylor was again denied by the feet of the keeper, having been played in by Matty Brown. On their next attack moments later, Sudworth had an effort cleared off the line, as AFC chased a winner. For all AFC's good work, it was the home side who retook the lead on 73 minutes when a cross from Johnstone was turned home by Anton Smith, who had come on as a substitute only a couple of minutes earlier. An 78th minute free-kick by Jones was met at the back post by Bobby Murphy, but the keeper made an excellent save to keep Irlam's lead. Jules Flanagan came on to make his debut for AFC and put in a good performance as the game reached its final stages. Irlam forced a Parkinson save in the 85th minute and a minute later Daniels was put through and as he approached the penalty area he appeared to be fouled by the AFC keeper. However, much to everyone's surprise, the assistant flagged for a foul the other way, adjudging the Irlam striker to have dived into Parkinson.
So overall, AFC can feel a little hard done to, that they came away with nothing from the game. They battled well and created some good chances as the game went on. Next Saturday The Non-League Reds are at home against a Prestwich Heys side who find themselves nearer the wrong end of the table, but have recently turned their form around. Kick-off is 3pm, at the Marine Travel Arena and all support would be greatly appreciated.
FINAL SCORE - Irlam 2 v 1 AFC Liverpool
LINE UP - 1. Parkinson 2. Fisher-Jones 3. Giblin 4. Brown 5. Sudworth 6. Murphy 7. Jones 8. Rooney 9. Taylor 10. Paton 11. Moorcroft (c)
Subs Used - Cunningham, Wright-Ocana, Flanagan
(Photo Courtesy of Dave Williams)
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