Despite taking a two goal lead, AFC Liverpool’s final pre-season game ended in defeat.

A strong opening twenty five minutes gave the Reds a thoroughly deserved lead. Danny McGahon could have broken the deadlock within the first five minutes, latching onto a defensive error but the keeper was equal to his effort. Less than ten minutes later though, the Reds did take the lead when Steve Jones headed home Clayton’s free kick. Two minutes later, Steve Edwards doubled the Reds’ lead, taking full advantage of the Druids’ keeper spilling Darren Torpey’s cross.
The hosts dragged themselves back into the game as AFC Liverpool were slow to react to a short free kick and then compounded the error by not closing down, allowing for a fine strike from the edge of the area. Shortly after a spectacular bicycle kick from the edge of the area almost brought about an equaliser and then Michael Christopher had to be on fine form to keep intact the Reds’ lead at the break.
Two minutes into the second half, the Druids keeper pulled off a fine save to deny Jones his second goal of the game. A host of substitutions followed as Paul Moore gave his full squad a run out, which meant that the Reds found it hard to keep any fluidity and the hosts were able to wrestle control of the game.
They were handed the chance of an equaliser with the referee awarding them a contestable penalty which was gratefully accepted and put away with precision into the bottom corner, just beyond the reach of Christopher.
Clayton came close to restoring the lead, firing a twenty five yard direct free kick just wide of the upright but it was Cefn Druids who scored two late goals to win the match.

Photo courtesy of Dave Williams.