Reds Blown Away at Atherton

Storm Amy did her best to get this game cancelled but fine work by the home grounds staff meant the the game could go ahead. However, by the end of the contest, there were more storm clouds gathering around AFC Liverpool's league campaign, as another defeat left them in 23rd place with 7 points from 12 games.

The game started quite evenly, as both sides tried to get to grips with the difficult conditions. Harvey Sample thought he'd given the home side the lead but assistant flagged for offside. Harry Wright-Ocana narrowly missed the target from just out side the area and Elliot Taylor forced a decent stop from the Atherton keeper. Ben Barnes had to make a good save from Jack Hinnigan, as the AFC defender almost deflected a cross past his own keeper.

Any hopes of going in level at half-time disappeared on 45 minutes, when Owen Green placed a deft volley into the far corner with the inside of his right foot.

A good finish from Green gives Atherton the lead

Both sides came out for the 2nd half but only one really got going. Atherton pressed hard looking for a 2nd and they didn't have to wait too long. Chadwick and Bacon combined well down the right flank, before the cross fell to the feet of leading scorer Romano, who blasted home. If it wasn't already, the contest was ended on 65 minutes when Ben Barnes saved well from a Lenehan effort, only for the rebound to fall to Sample to knock into the empty net.

At this stage the fear was that the home side would run away with the game, but to their credit AFC did up their levels. However, they did so without really threatening the opposition goal, as they were restricted to just a few long range efforts. Atherton LR never created many more clear chances themselves but they managed the remainder of the game well, to run out comfortable 3-0 winners.

The Non-League Reds now turn their attention to Cup action and a home tie against Runcorn Town in the Liverpool Senior Cup. The game will take place on Tuesday evening at the Berry Street Garage Stadium, with a 7:45pm kick-off. Please get down to support the lads if you can.

FINAL SCORE - Atherton LR 3 v 0 AFC Liverpool

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

7. Jones 8. Brown 9. Taylor 10. Madden 11. Parón

Subs used - Rooney, Lancaster, Skillen, Davies, Smalley

Photos courtesy of Dave Williams