It's a Very Good Friday As AFC Reach Macron Cup Final

An excellent performance and three goals, gave The Non-League Reds their 5th straight win and secured a place in the final of the Macron Cup.

In front of a good, loud crowd, AFC started brightly and Joel Skillen had the first effort of the game in the 4th minute. He was well wide with his shot but it was definitely a sign of better things to come.

Nelson, who are enjoying a fine season and are likely to join AFC in the Premier Division next year, had good spells of possession and always looked threatening going forward, as well as from set pieces.

However, it was AFC who struck first in the 19th minute. Matty Brown won possession and ran forward into the visitor's half. He played the ball to the left, where Joel Skillen took it in his stride and finished well past the advancing keeper.

Joel gets the opener

Doherty fired over for the visitors on the half hour mark and their skipper, Billy Preistley headed an effort wide five minutes later, as they continued to press looking for an equaliser. Just when it looked like AFC would be going in ahead at the break, Jack Doherty pounced to level in the final minute of the half. AFC went straight up the other end and forced a good save by Chris Thompson, from another Joel Skillen effort.

Despite their disappointment, AFC came out positively in the 2nd half and always looked the more likely to take the lead. It was the visitor's keeper who was called into action again in the 50th minute, making a fine block from a Matty Brown effort.

AFC's pressure eventually told, when a Caleb Jones cross was played back into the area and flicked on by Matty Brown. The effort produced the save of the match, but sadly for Nelson it was made by their right-back, who was shown a red card and a penalty awarded.

Elliot Taylor stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty, to give his side a 79th minute lead.

Joel Skillen almost increased the advantage a few minutes later, with an curling effort that would have put the game beyond doubt. That honour fell to substitute Tom Beckett who replaced Joel heading into added time.

Elliot Taylor used his strength to retain possession after latching on to a long clearance. He continued his run into the Nelson penalty area and under extreme pressure, he managed to stay upright long enough to square the ball back to Tom Beckett. Tom took a touch before firing home and sending AFC through to the Final. The final whistle blew and the celebrations commenced.

It was another great battling performance from AFC and the reward is a place in the Macron Cup Final, against West Didsbury & Chorlton. The tie is due to be played on 4th May at Accrington Stanley FC. Full details will be shared closer to the time.

A special mention to everyone who turned up and gave fantastic support, adding to a great occasion.

The Non-League Reds are back in action at the Berry Street Garage Stadium on Easter Monday, when local rivals Litherland Remyca will be the visitors. It's sure to be an exciting game as the visitors look to continue their good form in the fight to avoid finishing in the relegation zone. Kick-off is 3pm and all support would be greatly appreciated.

FINAL SCORE - AFC Liverpool 3 v 1 Nelson

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

7. C. Jones 8. Mahaffy 9. Taylor 10. Rooney 11. Skillen

Subs used - Smalley, Moorcroft, Beckett, A. McShane

Photos courtesy of Dave Williams & Billy Stirrup