AFC Liverpool grab a last-minute point in a 2-2 draw against Charnock Richard at Mossie Park.

By Grace Johnson

AFC Liverpool grabbed a last-minute goal against Charnock Richard to draw 2-2 in the NWCFL on Tuesday night.

This is the Reds’ first point since September across in the Northwest Counties Premier Division.

It was also their first game without first-team coach Carl Lancaster, who announced his departure last Sunday.

The hosts were the dominant side throughout most of the 90 minutes, with their first coming from Jordan Darr in the 23rd minute. 

Nathan Nickeas played Darr in, as he raced through and beat keeper Ben Barnes as he placed it bottom right.

Darr got his brace less than ten minutes after his first goal, as he sent Barnes the wrong way for the second time. 

Captain Owen Fisher-Jones received the first card of the game shortly after, as he clattered into Matt Westwell in the 35th minute. 

The non-League Reds had a chance to get one back before half-time through defender Deacon Smalley down the right. His cross found Elliot Taylor and Caleb Jones in Charnock’s box, but both failed to capitalise on the chance. 

After halftime, the hosts continued to maintain possession and had their first chance of the second half in the 47th minute. 

Goalscorer, Darr, played a perfect cross to Marcus Haydock to make it three, but the number two struck it first time, and it went over the bar. 

AFC’s Elliot Taylor got one back for the away side in the 54th minute after a strike from the left-hand side. 

Elliot Taylor for AFC Liverpool

The number nine hit it first time into the bottom right corner past Charnock’s Ryan Hamer.

In the last 30 minutes, AFC picked up the intensity as they fought for the equaliser before the final whistle. However, the Greens were still persistent in pressing Phil Stafford’s side for their third to see out the game.

Basit Yusuff displayed some great ball control as he danced his way through AFC’s midfield to make a cross into the Red’s box. His effort was quickly shut down by Barnes as he came off his line to intercept the chance.

Into added time, AFC received a corner, and their last attempt for an equaliser. Deacon Smalley swung his cross into find keeper Barnes waiting in the box.

His flick on reached Mark Madden, who fired it with his left foot into the net to get AFC a point in the Northwest Counties.

Mark Madden scoring his first goal for The Reds since his return this season

Captain Owen Fisher-Jones said, "It was a critical point for us to show that we can match the higher teams in the league."

"Getting the draw being 2-0 down to go get the equaliser in the last-minute shows real character from the lads.

"We need to now take that second-half performance into another tough game on Saturday."

This weekend The Non-League Reds make the trip to Chadderton for another tough away trip. Then next Tuesday evening we are back at home for the local derby against South Liverpool. That game at the Berry Street Garage Stadium kicks off at 7:45 and all support will be greatly appreciated.

FINAL SCORE - Charnock Richard 2 v 2 AFC Liverpool 3

LINE-UP - 1. Barnes 2. Smalley 3. Giblin 4. Brown 5. Fisher-Jones (c) 6. Hinnigan 7. Jones 8. Starkey 9. Taylor 10. Madden 11. Davies

Subs used - Rooney, Lancaster, Foy

See Match Day Album Here: https://afcliverpool.smugmug.com/AFCLiverpool20252026/Charnock-Richard-FC-a-D-2-2/i-8645mkM