Freddy Gives AFC FA Cup Nightmares

Match Report by Grace Johnson

Two 2nd half goals from Witton Albion's Freddy Garbutt, helped deny The Non-League Reds a place in the next round of the FA Cup, as the team from the division above ran out comfortable 4-1 winners, at the U-Lock It Stadium.

Despite the final score, AFC Liverpool started brightly and took the lead instantly after kick-off. In only the 2nd minute, Liam Paton countered down the right and crossed, with skipper Adam Moorcroft waiting at the far post, placing his header in the back of the net, out of the reach of Witton keeper, Cameron Terry.

Adam Moorcroft heads home to give AFC the lead

The skipper almost made it two, when he fired a left footed effort over the bar from inside the box. However, the home side grew into the game and Witton’s equaliser came in the 26th minute of the first half. With AFC Liverpool leaving space gaping down the left, the home side's Billy Jones capitalised on the error and took the ball past Harry Wright-Ocana and fired home to make it level.

AFC failed to learn from their mistakes, and five minutes before the break, left winger Jones caused more issues for the Reds, as his cross met Joe Duckworth who finished to make the score 2-1 to the home side at halftime.  

After the break, Witton continued their dominance and got their third goal minutes after play resumed. Witton again crossed from the left and found Freddy Garbutt, who saw the Reds’ vulnerability and seized the opportunity to further their lead through a header. AFC almost responded immediately, when Elliot Taylor struck the crossbar with a good effort from inside the box.

The hosts had a chance to increase their lead further when AFC’s Dan Mahaffy made a last ditch tackle in the box, which resulted in a penalty to The Albs. Duckworth stepped up and struck it well, but Parkinson saved brilliantly as he pushed it out for a corner.

Dave Parkinson with a great penalty save

With half an hour to go, Garbutt got his 2nd and Witton's 4th, through a defensive error by The Non-League Reds. A short back pass by Nathan Giblin was intercepted by the number ten, who went round David Parkinson for an open goal.

Determined to stay in the game, The Reds added some fresh legs throughout the 2nd half, with Joel Skillen, Louie Lancaster, Cam Rooney, Michael Jamieson and Paddy Davies joining proceedings. However, it was Witton who continued to press and only a fantastic goal line clearance from Jamieson stopped them adding another.

AFC frustrations grew in the closing stages, as they picked up a few yellow cards, including manager Phil Stafford. The game came to a close and The Non-League Reds left Cheshire with a 4-1 defeat, alongside leaving the FA Cup. This result means that The Reds have lost their last three games across all competitions.

AFC's next fixture is away at Pilkington this Bank Holiday Monday (25th), in the North West County Premier Division. Kick off is at 3pm and all support would be greatly appreciated, for what's sure to be a keenly contested affair.

FINAL SCORE - Witton Albion 4 v 1 AFC Liverpool

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

7. Jones 8. Mahaffy 9. Taylor 10. Brown 11. Paton

Subs Used - Skillen, Lancaster, Rooney, Jamieson, Davies

Attendance - 300

Pics courtesy of Dave Williams www.afcliverpool.smugmug.com