Points Shared at Burscough

It was honours even in the midweek clash at the Community Ground, as The Non-League Reds fought back against Burscough. Prior to the match there was an impeccably observed minutes silence to mark the 1st anniversary of the tragic events that took place in Southport last year.

The game itself started at a good pace, with both sides seemingly intent on attacking. However, it took until the 15th minute for the first meaningful effort, as Joel Skillen went close with his effort. Caleb Jones then shot into the grateful hands of Barnes in the Burscough goal. On 23 minutes it was the home side who broke the deadlock, when the ball was played across the edge of the box by Laird and, despite being off balance, Tom Peterson rifled the ball into the bottom corner. Peterson could have added a 2nd on 28 minutes but couldn't quite lob the ball over Parkinson when presented with the opportunity to do so.

This setback didn't deter the visitors, as Caleb Jones threatened continuously down the right. On the half hour mark, he cut in on his left foot and shot narrowly over the bar. Joel Skillen headed straight at the keeper from another Caleb cross and then Owen Fisher-Jones had a header cleared by Rigby, a yard from the goal line, as the half drew to a close.

Burscough had the better of the early 2nd half exchanges and could have scored in the opening minute, when Laird went close after good work from Cushion. AFC began to get increasingly frustrated at some of the official's decision and this came to a head 10 minutes into the half when Caleb Jones was sinbinned for dissent. The Non-League Reds responded well though and managed to get through the period they were a man down pretty much unscathed. Jones picked up where he left off, causing a constant threat down the right. Laird went close again in the 75th minute, shooting just wide.

As we entered the 82nd minute, AFC won a corner which was taken from the right by Caleb Jones. Matty Brown rose above everyone and crashed a header off the bar. Dan Mahaffy headed the rebound back towards the goal, only for Ben Barnes to make a fine save. However, the ball fell into the path of Elliot Taylor and he smashed it home to open his account for the season and level the scores.

The Equaliser - Matty Brown crashes a header against the bar, Dan Mahaffy forces a save and Elliot Taylor scores the rebound

As the game moved in to added time, AFC won themselves another corner which Matty Brown met well but his effort was blocked. Ex-AFC midfielder Brad Shearwood could have given his side the win with the last kick of the game, but he fired over the bar from near the penalty spot.

This weekend is FA Cup weekend and our Extra-Preliminary Round tie is a visit to Abbey Hey. It will be exactly a year to the day that the two sides met at the same stage of the competition. The Non-League Reds ran out 2-1 winners last year, thanks to goals from Caleb Jones and Brad Sherwood, but it is Abbey Hey who have the home advantage this time. It's sure to be a great game and all support will be greatly appreciated. If you can't make the trip, then be sure to tune in to our live commentary.

FINAL SCORE - Burscough 1 v 1 AFC Liverpool

LINE UP - 1. Parkinson 2. Williams 3. Giblin 4. Brown 5. Fisher-Jones (c) 6. Rooney 7. Jones

8. Mahaffy 9. Taylor 10. Skillen 11. Paton

Subs Used - Blankendal, Lancaster, A. McShane

Attendance - 170

Pics courtesy of Paul Moran and Billy Stirrup