The Non-League Reds suffered a 1-3 home defeat against a very strong Padiham side, that came into the match 2nd place in the current form table having been unbeaten in the League for their last 9 games.
The last thing AFC needed to do was give the visitors a helping hand but unfortunately they did just that on 4 minutes, when keeper Dave Parkinson couldn't get the ball out of his feet quickly enough to clear and Tyler James pounced to knock the ball into the empty net. Things got worse on 13 minutes when the AFC defence failed to react to a headed flick on and allowed James to poke the ball home again for his and Padiham's 2nd goal. With the home side somewhat reeling at this stage, Parkinson was forced to make a couple of fine saves, as the visitors tried to put the game to bed in the first half. AFC finally came to life and started to knock the ball about with a bit more conviction and they hit the woodwork from a Caleb Jones corner. Despite increased possession, the home side failed to create any clear chances. However, as the half drew to a close Elliot Taylor had the ball in the net but the referee harshly adjudged that he had fouled the defender in doing so and awarded a free-kick.
AFC started the 2nd half brightly but Padiham were a constant threat on the break, with their direct approach aiming to find the quality they possess going forward. Just before the hour mark Louie Lancaster received the ball 30 yards from goal and decided his best option was to unleash an effort on goal. The ball rifled past the keeper and suddenly AFC were back in the game. It was a great strike from Lancaster and his 2nd goal in as many matches. The home side had a good spell after this and Taylor went close with an effort and then the keeper was forced to save from a 75th minute strike. Any hopes of an AFC comeback were dispelled three minutes later when Padiham played the ball across the six-yard box, it was knocked out by Parkinson but ended up at the feet of Briggs, who hit the ball high into the net. Padiham looked the more likely to add to their tally in the remainder of the game and although AFC had a stonewall penalty turned down when Jones was felled in the box, it was Parkinson who was forced into another fine save to deny the visitors a 4th goal. So a disappointing result but Padiham are a strong side who must be in with an outside chance of being in the play-off picture come the end of the season.
The Non-League Reds now have a home game on Wednesday evening against Cheadle Town. Kick off is 7:45pm and all support would be really appreciated.
FINAL SCORE - AFC Liverpool 1 v 3 Padiham
LINE UP - 1. Parkinson 2. Wright-Ocana 3. Fisher-Jones 4. Moorcroft (c) 5. Sudworth 6. Brown 7. Jones 8. Mahaffy 9. Taylor 10. Giblin 11. Lancaster
Subs Used - Cunningham, Rooney, Beckett, Williams, Cummins
(Photo courtesy of Billy Stirrup)
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