Joel's Goal Secures The Points

A goal in either half was enough to give The Non-League Reds all three points and a fourth consecutive win, after a good test against a strong Euxton Villa side.

AFC had already beaten the visitors on two occasions this season; once in the away League fixture and also in the Macron Cup Quarter-Final. It was clear from the first whistle that they were determined not to let it happen a third time.

The visitors had much the better of the first period, although most of their most dangerous efforts cam from well rehearsed corners, from which they threatened to take the lead with each delivery. One effort bounced off the top of the crossbar and Dave Parkinson also had to make a sharp save down to his right.

AFC never really had any quality spells of possession and had failed to create a clear chance. That was until the 45th minute, when having successfully defended another Euxton attack, the ball fell to Caleb Jones. He played a lovely long pass to Elliot Taylor, who managed to hold off the defender and finish well from the edge of the box to give his side the lead and notch his 40th goal of the season.

More pressure for the AFC defence to deal with

Stern words at the break had the desired effect and AFC came out with much more energy in the 2nd period.

Both sides were fighting hard to find the next goal. as the game went from end to end. However, it was AFC that doubled the lead after a fine move in the 70th minute. Jack Hinnigan switched the play from left to right with a fine pass to Harry Wright-Ocana. He played the ball forward to Caleb Jones and continued his run forward. Caleb found Deacon Smalley who fed a great pass to Wright-Ocana. Harry did well to stay on his feet and managed to pick out Joel Skillen in the area and Joel finished superbly to make it two.

Another fine display from Joel, topped off with a goal

That was good enough to seal the points and continue AFC's fine run of form. Attention now turns to Macron Cup Semi-Final action on Good Friday. The Non-League Reds face a very strong Nelson side, who are likely to join us in the Premier Division next season. Kick-off is 3pm and all support would be greatly appreciated.

FINAL SCORE - AFC Liverpool 2 v 0 Euxton Villa

LINE-UP - 1. Parkinson 2. Jamieson 3. Giblin 4. Brown 5. Fisher-Jones (c) 6. Hinnigan

7. C. Jones 8. Starkey 9. Taylor 10. Smalley 11. Skillen

Subs used - Rooney, Wright-Ocana, A. McShane

Photos courtesy of Dave Williams & Billy Stirrup