The Non-League Reds suffered their second 1-2 defeat on the road in a matter of days, as top of the table Ramsbottom United, did just enough to take the points. The home side got off to the perfect start when Harvey Hayhurst finished off a good move to give them the lead on 2 minutes. The League leaders looked like they may score at will at this point, as their direct, physical style of play created a number of chances. They were unlucky in the 10th minute, when the ball came crashing back off the crossbar from a point blank header.
AFC found their feet from this point and started to create some good possession of their own, and they were now dealing better with Rammy's direct approach. Ramsbottom hit the post direct from a free-kick and they continued to look dangerous, particularly from corners. However, in the 28th minute, The Reds cleared a corner and Caleb Jones found Dan Mahafy breaking from midfield. He crossed to Tom Beckett who finished well to level the scores. From this point on it was a much more even contest.
After the break, it was AFC who looked the more threatening, as they played the ball around well and worked hard to close their opponents down, when out of possession. Tom Beckett went close on 52 minutes with a curling effort that went narrowly over and Caleb Jones also went close with a free-kick. Elliot Taylor was a constant threat to the Ramsbottom defence but just couldn't find that finishing touch. The home side were largely restricted to long range efforts that went wide or straight at Parkinson.
It looked like AFC might have found a winner when Tom Beckett unleashed a powerful drive, which stung the hands of United's keeper in the 75th minute. However, 5 minutes later and against the run of play, Ramsbottom sealed the win when Hayhurst chipped what looked like a harmless effort into the box but it ended up finding the back of the net via the far post. The Reds couldn't find an equaliser in the remaining time and sadly had to leave with only plaudits rather than points, after what had been a battling display.
The Non-League Reds now turn their attention to the Isuzu FA Vase and away trip to Winsford United. This will be another stern test for the Team, as Winsford are on a fantastic run of form at the moment.
Final Score - Ramsbottom United 2 v 1 AFC Liverpool
Team - 1. Parkinson 2. Cunningham 3. Giblin 4. Moorcroft (c) 5. Sudworth
6. Fisher-Jones 7. C. Jones 8. Mahaffy 9. Taylor 10. Brown 11. Beckett
Subs Used - Byron, Bavelock, Cummins, Skillen, Williams
(Pics courtesy of Billy Stirrup)
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