Reds Crack in Vase Defeat

A Gareth Hill goal for Barnoldswick Town was enough to end AFC Liverpool's interest in this season's FA Vase. A mixture of injuries, unavailability and players being cup-tied, meant it was always going to be a big test on the visit to The Silentnight Stadium.

AFC had a great chance very early in the game when Liam Paton was played through, but unfortunately his first touch took it just too wide of the keeper and the chance was gone. The home side then began to get on top and dominated possession, forcing a succession of corners but never really threatening the goal. On 13 minutes Ben Barnes had to make a smart save from a shot hit from the edge of the box. Barnes then had a much easier save to make from a Lewis Farmer long-range effort.

On 21 minutes, Louie Lancaster found Elliot Taylor, who cut inside and unleased a fine effort that look destined for the corner of the net, only for Latham in the Barnoldswick goal, dived well to his left to tip it round the post. The home side responded immediately and Unwin struck the post with a good effort from just outside the box. Joel Skillen went on a strong run in the 34th minute but sent his effort well wide and the half came to a goalless end without any other chances to speak of.

Joel Skillen causing problems for the home side with another good performance

After the restart, it was quite even with both sides sharing possession but the home side looking slightly more threatening going forward. Both defensive units looked quite comfortable in what they were being asked to do during this period. On the hour mark, Elliot Taylor made a great run into the area and went down under a challenge from the chasing defender, only for the referee to turn away the penalty appeals and caution the Red's striker!

This decision seemed to put AFC off their stride for a period and Barnoldswick began to get on top. On 70 minutes the home side broke the deadlock. Substitute Hasler-Cregg hit a shot that struck Barnes's right hand post but fell nicely for Hill to tap home. As the half progressed there was very little threat from AFC going forward, with the quality of passing in the opposition half leaving a lot to be desired. Liam Paton did manage to test the home keeper with a strong shot but it was tipped over the bar for a corner.

As the game went into the last 10 minutes, Hill fired just wide for Barnoldswick. Paton fired wide again a moment later as AFC finally injected a bit of quality into their attacking play. Unfortunately it was all a bit too late and AFC exited the FA Vase.

Ben Barnes pushes away a Barnoldswick effort

Midweek action this week sees us travel to Mossie Park, home of Charnock Richard. Kick-off is 7:45pm and all support would be greatly appreciated. For those of you who can't make the trip, we will try our best to bring you live commentary from the game.

FINAL SCORE - Barnoldswick 1 v 0 AFC Liverpool

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

7. Smalley 8. Rooney 9. Taylor 10. Skillen 11. Paton

Subs used - Davies, Blankendal

Photos courtesy of Dave Williams