Beckett Stoops to Conquer

A late header from Tom Beckett gave The Non-League Reds a deserved 2-1 home victory against local rivals Burscough on Saturday afternoon. For once, the match kicked off in glorious sunshine, in what promised to be an attacking and very competitive match.

Adam Moorcroft headed over from a Caleb Jones corner kick for AFC in the 6th minute and Matty Hamilton fired well over from outside the box for the visitors, as the game started evenly.

However, it wasn't too long before AFC broke the deadlock. Elliot Taylor fed Caleb Jones on the right. He ran into the area and twisted and turned before delivering a perfect cross to Nathan Giblin, who managed to hit a beautiful side-footed volley into the top corner to give the home side a 14th minute lead.

Nathan side foots a volley home to give AFC the lead

Despite all of the attacking options on the pitch and the intent from both sides, there were very few chances created. However, the visitors were given the chance to level things on 34 minutes, when following good work down their left hand side, they were correctly awarded a penalty. Ben Barnes saved the spot kick from Ste Rigby but the ball came back to the taker who side footed home.

Ben makes a great penalty save but the rebound was scored

Nathan Giblin had another effort on target as the half drew to a close, but it lacked the pace to test the keeper and the teams went in level at the break.

Ben Barnes was called in to action in the opening minutes of the 2nd half, making a fine diving save low to his left from a good effort by Burscough's Josh Gregory. On 55 minutes, it was the turn of the visiting keeper to make a fine save from a Caleb Jones strike, as both sides pressed looking for the lead.

Owen in the thick of the action as usual

The keeper had to palm away another Caleb Jones effort just after the hour mark, as AFC started to look the more likely to get their noses in front. With it starting to look likely that it would finish level, AFC won a free-kick just to the right of the penalty area. Caleb Jones swung it in and substitute Tom Beckett, who had made a fine run into the area, crouched low to head it home to give his side an 87th minute lead.

Tom stoops to power home the winner

It was a great moment for Tom, who had only recently returned to the side after a long-term injury and his celebration with the fans was understandable given the efforts he had put in to get himself fit again.

A great finish and celebrations to match

Overall, it was a fine display from back to front, with the AFC defence dealing brilliantly with most of the threats they faced, the midfield pressing well to win back possession and the forwards creating and closing down when required.

The Non-League Reds are on the road this Tuesday evening, as we make the trip to an in form Prestwich Heys side. Kick-off is 7:45pm and any travelling support will be greatly appreciated.

FINAL SCORE - AFC Liverpool 2 v 1 Burscough

LINE-UP - 1. Barnes 2. Wright-Ocana 3. Fisher-Jones 4. Moorcroft (c) 5. Brown 6. Hinnigan

7. C. Jones 8. Rooney 9. Taylor 10. Starkey 11. Giblin

Subs used - Beckett, Gerrard, A. McShane

Photos courtesy of Dave Williams & Billy Stirrup