Run Comes to an End at Prestwich

Photo courtesy of @BethanyyyLee on ‘’X’

The Non-League Reds tasted defeat for the first time in a dozen games, against a very good Prestwich Heys side.

Three 1st half goals and a fourth early in the 2nd half, ensured that AFC couldn’t win for the 3rd time on the road in less than a week.

With the squad already stretched to it’s limits, a slow start was the last thing AFC needed. However, it only took the hosts 8 minutes to take the lead, when Findlow fired a well struck shot past Ben Barnes.

AFC looked leggy and couldn't match the pace being set by their opponents. Just when it looked like they might get in at half-time with just the one goal deficit and have a chance to re-group, two goals in as many minutes effectively took the match away from them.

Firstly, the Prestwich skipper, Badrock, was allowed to head home unopposed from a 45th minute free-kick and then two minutes into added time, Bracken found the back of the net, when the ball dropped to him following another set piece.

Unfortunately, the harsh words during the break, failed to have the required response, as three minutes into the 2nd half, the hosts had a 4th goal. This time it was the excellent Appleton who got in behind the AFC defence, before slotting home.

The fear at this point was that it could become an absolute hiding. However, to their credit, AFC showed some fighting spirit and could have had a few goals themselves. Kyle Haslam in the home goal, showing why he was awarded Goalkeeper of the Month prior to kick-off, with a number of quality saves to deny Elliot Taylor, Michael Jamieson, Jesse Gerrard and Joel Skillen. Even when the keeper was beaten, Bracken was there to head another Michael Jamieson effort off the line.

At the end of the game though, Prestwich were very worthy winners and showed why they had also been on an excellent run of form recently.

The Non-League Reds finish their League campaign this Saturday, when the visitors to the Berry Street Garage Stadium are Pilkington. The visitors need at least a point to secure their place in next year's Premier Division, so it's sure to be a decent contest. Kick-off is 3pm and all support will be greatly appreciated.

You can also secure your tickets for the Macron Cup Final and book your coach travel (if required), as tickets for both will be on sale after the game.

FINAL SCORE - Prestwich Heys 4 v 0 AFC Liverpool

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

7. Rooney 8. Starkey 9. Taylor 10. Skillen 11. Gerrard

Subs used - A. McShane