AFC Liverpool kicked off the league season in style with a 5-0 victory over Lancashire opponents Darwen FC.

In an historic day for our new club, the weather was the only disappointment in a thrilling win.

Martin Smeaton opened the scoring for the Reds on 20 minutes after some clever interplay. Darwen also put it into the net but the goal was disallowed for a foul on keeper Paul Willis.

It was 1-0 at the break, but in true Liverpool style, the reds turned it on when kicking towards the Kop end.

Two minutes into the second half Thurston was brought down by the Darwen keeper inside the area. Thurston took the penalty himself and converted comfortably. Shortly afterwards he was on the scoresheet once again to make it three.

The reds had scores of chances. Kevin Poole came close, and Thurston almost bagged a hattrick with a fantastic glancing header that only just crept wide.

It was Wignall who put AFC Liverpool 4-0 up, before substitute James Croxton bagged the fifth.

Team Lineup:

1 Paul Willis
2 Andy Barlow
3 Martin Crowder
4 Mark Bloxham
5 Jay Chandler
6 James Dever (c)
7 Ryan Wignall
8 Ian Johnson
9 Martin Smeaton
10 Dean Thurston
11 Andy McCoy

12 Craig Cushion
GK Terry McCormick
14 James Croxton
15 Kevin Poole
16 Ian Sheridan

Photos:

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