REMY Run Out Winners Against Reds.

Quality finishing was the big difference between the two sides in this closely contested local derby, as The Non-League Reds suffered their third successive defeat, with Litherland REMYCA running out 3-1 victors.

As is sadly becoming the norm, AFC conceded a goal in the early stages of the game, when Corness struck from the edge of the box into the top right hand corner of the AFC net, in the 4th minute. Adam Sudworth, returning from injury was then shown a yellow card for a foul on Hammill, as AFC struggled to get a foothold in the game. Not many chances were created, as both sides struggled to maintain possession on a very bobbly surface. The home side had another chance from Corness but he shot wide when put through. Joel Skillen made a good run down the right for AFC on 28mins but lost possession just as he was threatening inside the box. A minute later Monthe had a shot for The REMY that went a couple of yards wide, but it was all a bit untidy from both sides. That said, the home side should have doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time, when McVeigh hit an effort over the bar from 7 yards out.

AFC started the 2nd half much more positively and played the ball around well despite the deteriorating conditions. On 54 minutes, Matty Brown picked the ball up just inside his own half and set off through a number of challenges towards the opposition goal. As he got to the edge of the box, he managed to pass the ball through to Tom Beckett, who rounded the keeper well to equalise. This led to a period of domination for AFC as they looked much more assured. However, they almost got caught on the break on the hour mark, when Parkinson saved well from Hammill who had broke free. Skillen went close but shot straight at The REMY keeper in the 63rd minute and suddenly it was all AFC.

Unfortunately, The Non-League Reds hadn't heeded the previous warnings about being hit on the break and on 74 minutes, when an AFC right-wing attack broke down, brilliant work from Bhatti on The REMY left found James Hammill, who kept his cool to round Parkinson and restore the home side's lead. In the 83rd minute it was Corness's turn to break free from the AFC defence, he played it to Hammill who fired high into the net to make the game safe and seal the three points. So a disappointing end to a game that AFC worked hard to get back into but The REMY showed some great resilience and quality finishing to deservedly take the points.

The Non-League Reds have another tough away fixture this coming weekend at Stockport Town. Kick-off is 3pm and any travelling support would be greatly appreciated as ever.

UTNLR

FINAL SCORE: Litherland REMYCA 3 v 1 AFC Liverpool

LINE-UP: 1. Parkinson 2. Fisher-Jones 3. Giblin 4. Moorcroft (c) 5. Sudworth 6. Murphy

7. Skillen 8. Mahaffy 9. Taylor 10. Brown 11. Beckett

Subs Used: Lancaster, Cunningham, Wright-Ocana