AFC Win Festive Derby Day
- daveinnelli
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The Non-League Reds got an important three points, thanks to a 3-1 success over local rivals Litherland Remyca. With both sets of players still likely feeling the effects of the festive period, they did well to serve up an entertaining game with lots of chances at either end.
AFC started brightly and Elliot Taylor was denied on 3 minutes when the keeper bravely closed him down. Trepasso-Tully forced a good save from Ben Barnes, as the left winger continued to look threatening for the home side. Caleb Jones fired an effort towards goal but it was deflected wide, as the game continued to go from end to end.
The corner was delivered and after initially looking like it was cleared, good work by Owen Fisher-Jones found Dan Mahaffy free inside the area. He took a touch and then shot into the corner of the net to give AFC a 13th minute lead.
On 15 minutes, Caleb Jones had an effort from distance that went well wide. Caleb went through again moments later, but again was off target. Cameron Rooney had a shot at the end of a fine AFC move but the attempt just lacked enough power to trouble the home keeper.
Litherland began to get on top and created a number of half-chances. They thought they had a penalty when Rogers was felled in the box, however, the assistant's flag was raised to say he was in offside position prior to being fouled. The home side looked the more likely to score the next goal in the latter stages of the first half, but just lacked that killer instinct when a half-chance came their way.
Just when it felt like AFC were trying to hold on for the half-time whistle, they won themselves a free-kick halfway into their opponents half. Caleb Jones hit it towards the back post, where Jack Hinnigan rose well to head it back across the area for Elliot Taylor to nod home for his 26th goal of the season and give the visitors a two goal lead at the break.
The home side started the 2nd half pretty much how they played towards the end of the first period. They created a number of really good chances that left the home bench wondering how they hadn't at least got themselves back into the game.
AFC looked liked they had weathered the storm and eventually began to create chances of their own. Elliot Taylor was denied by McLoughlin in the home goal, when he was put through just after the hour mark. Caleb Jones then forced a save from the keeper and Liam Paton's rebound was blocked.
On 75 minutes, a harmless looking cross was launched towards the back post by Caleb Jones. However, the keeper came to collect but dropped the ball and Liam Paton was the first to react, finishing from a tight angle to seal the victory.
To their credit the home side responded almost immediately and got the goal their performance had deserved, when substitute Alfie Cox finished well with a right foot volley.
AFC had a number of chances to extend their lead, with McLoughlin having to make a few fine saves. A brilliant run by Joel Skillen finished with a goal line clearance to deny what would have been a special individual goal. The final whistle went and AFC had another three important points as they try to move away from the wrong end of the table.
The Non-League Reds next fixture is a home tie against Stockport Town, who are a very well organised team, having another decent season. The game will take place on Saturday 3rd January, 3pm kick-off. Please get down and give some much needed support to the lads.
FINAL SCORE - Litherland Remyca 1 v 3 AFC Liverpool
LINE-UP - 1. Barnes 2. Shelley 3. Giblin 4. Rooney 5. Fisher-Jones (c) 6. Hinnigan
7. Rooney 8. Mahaffy 9. Taylor 10. Skillen 11. Paton
Subs used - Taylor, Farrington,
Photos courtesy of Dave Williams
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