The Non-League Reds fell to defeat for the 2nd match in succession, as they went down 1-3 at Longridge Town. Both sides started brightly with good spells of possession. Longridge looking well drilled at the back and playing some good stuff going forward. That said, The Reds looked comfortable and were unlucky not to take the lead when Caleb Jones hit the post from a 25 yard free kick. A few minutes later, Moorcroft hit a side footed shot from the edge of the box, which was saved comfortably by the keeper. However, after a brief spell of attacking, Longridge took the lead when the ball was played across the area for ex AFC player Jordan Dainty to finish at the back post. At this point The home side looked the more threatening, as they tried to press home their advantage. AFC were struggling to maintain possession and despite another close effort from distance by Jones, it was McGovern in the AFC goal who was the busier of the two keepers and he made a great save just before half time, from a shot just inside the area that looked destined for the back of the net.
The 2nd half started quite evenly but it was AFC who drew level on 57 minutes, when a corner was knocked backed into the path of Adam Sudworth to hit home, for his 2nd goal in as many matches. The Reds looked comfortable at this point and were knocking the ball around well, but as Longridge began to get more of a grip on the game again, they managed to retake the lead in the 75th minute, when at the end of a good move, Roberts finished well at the near post. The Reds almost levelled again as Caleb Jones rifled a shot against the crossbar, but Longridge made sure of the points in the 85th minute when Liam Atkinson finished well after a good run into the box. They came close to adding another in the closing moments as they also hit the bar, but the result was already assured and The Reds had to make the long trip home without anything to show for their efforts.
It was a better performance from AFC, who were perhaps unlucky to come away with nothing. There was also a great first start for the 1st Team from Reece Williams who gave everything on the night.
So The Non-League Reds move on to Saturday's visit to Selby Town, for the next round of The Isuzu FA Vase. Lets hope for a good day out for everyone and a good performance from the lads.
Final Score - Longridge Town 3 v 1 AFC Liverpool
Team - 1. McGovern 2. Fisher-Jones 3. Williams 4. Moorcroft (c) 5. Sudworth
6. Murphy 7. C. Jones 8. Brown 9. Taylor 10. Byron 11. Flight
Subs Used - Skillen, Lightfoot, Bavelock, McDonald
(Pics courtesy of Billy Stirrup)
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