AFC Liverpool coach Jay McShane says ‘no pressure’ on Vase clash

By Lucy King

AFC Liverpool coach Jay McShane said there should be no pressure on his side ahead of their FA Vase match against Barnoldswick Town.

The Non-League Reds have been on a poor run of form recently, losing four out of their last six matches.

But McShane insists that there have been promising signs in their performances.

He said: “The lads know that there is no pressure on cup games, and it does bring a welcome distraction to the league position even though we know we have to get back to winning ways in the league after Saturday.

“We have had four losses over the past six games but in that time, we have had some good performances even in defeat.”

AFC Liverpool player, Joel Skillen. Picture by Grace Johnson

The loses include a 4-0 defeat away to Padiham last Tuesday.

But McShane could see positives.

He said: “The loss on Tuesday wasn’t good, but it was against top of the league, who are there for a reason.

“They have only dropped five points in the first three games which is good going.

“The lads have been training on Thursday to work on the game plan for Saturday’s FA Vase game against Barnoldswick who play very similarly to Padiham.”

AFC Liverpool player Harry Wright-Ocana. Picture by Grace Johnson

Barnoldswick have struggled in their last two matches – they lost 3-0 against AFC Blackpool, and suffered a 3-1 defeat to Ramsbottom United earlier this week.

Additionally, this week AFC announced the re-signing of Andrew Starkey from Pilkington FC.

The manager reflected on the players previous year in the team.

He said: “Having Andrew back in the squad after his year stint at Pilkington is brilliant for us.

“Andrew came to us two years ago and settled into our team really well.

“He brings a lot of energy on the pitch as well as drive, commitment and having a fantastic attitude to improving.

“Andrew is a popular lad and has known a lot of the lads after the past few years through college football.”

The centre midfielder didn’t wait around to get stuck back in again as he started for AFC on Tuesday.

Feature Image By Grace Johnson