With so many players and members of the respective management teams having previous affiliations with the opposing club, this game was always likely to be a cagey affair. The first half wasn't the most exciting of watches, if the truth be told but there were still some efforts of note. Ex-Red, Alex McDonald curled an effort wide on 11 minutes and Gabe Ellis forced a fine save from Parkinson 2 minutes later. The next period of the game was contested mainly in the midfield area, as a good battle ensued between more ex-Reds, Howell and Starkey and current Reds, Moorcroft and Mahafy. Caleb Jones had a left-footed effort saved on 35 minutes and on 38, Beigen had a good chance but shot straight at Parkinson. That was the end of an average first half and the teams went in level.
The game burst into life five minutes into the 2nd half, when a fine pass from midfield found Gabe Ellis on the left. He ran into the area and finished well to give Pilkington the lead. The effort almost turned in to one of those crazy moments when people were asking if the ball had actually gone in or not, as it bounced straight back out off the wheel of the goal frame. After a quick discussion from the officials, the goal was correctly given.
The goal seemed to breathe new life into AFC, as the home side failed to press home their advantage. On 56 minutes, Caleb Jones hit a trademark free-kick that glanced off the crossbar. Owen Fisher-Jones, making a fine run into the penalty area on 70 minutes was brought down. The referee pointed to the spot and Elliot Taylor stepped up to slot home. AFC looked the more likely to take the lead at this point and five minutes later, a long ball was headed down well by Adam Moorcroft, into the path of Taylor, who struck it well to hammer home his and AFC's 2nd goal of the game.
Pilkington should have drawn level in the final minute of the ninety, as substitute Batterton was denied by Parkinson. The final whistle went and AFC had edged a tight game and earned another 3 points on the road.
The Non-League Reds travel to Runcorn Town on Monday night, as they begin their Liverpool Senior Cup campaign. Although Runcorn haven't had the best of starts to the season, recent performances have seen an upturn in form and this is bound to be a stern test for AFC. It should be a great game and all support would be greatly appreciated.
Kick-off is 7:45pm.
UTNLR
Final Score - Pilkington 1 v 2 AFC Liverpool
Team - 1. Parkinson 2. Bavelock 3. Giblin 4. Mahaffy 5. Fisher-Jones
6. Murphy 7. C. Jones 8. Brown 9. Moorcroft (c) 10. Beckett 11. Taylor
Subs Used - Byron, Lancaster, Skillen, Williams, Cummins
(Pics courtesy of Billy Stirrup)
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